July 24th, KKCO News 11, Today, Summer Reads Series

     TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT WITH THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER AND GOOD LUCK.  BOTH BOOKS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY IN AUGUST.

     In my house of educators, summer is a time of grand plans and adventures often buffered with a great deal of resting.  We look for a balance which is about as easy to make happen as winning the lottery. It's July 24th and the retail "back to school" chant has begun.  My goal was to create great lists for parents to have for summer reading.  Although I have created them in my mind and on my legal pad, I have not got it translated into this website.  Perhaps this was a long term goal that was pretending to be just a short term summer goal.  Stay tuned.

     Today on KKCO, I shared about books and needs for young children, ages 2-6.  Children are always developing on multiple levels.  But, this time frame in particular is the ground floor or foundation for self esteem.  I recently visited a writer and colleague who is know as the "queen" of play.  A retired, child psychologist that focused on early years and play, Leah Kunkle Acus is such an inspiration and expert.  We talked a great deal about helping adults to understand the role of play and correlation with the development of self esteem. When I came home from our visit, there in my book pile sat the perfect fit with this conversation I had and today's book talk.

Cindy Moo by Lori Mortensen, Illustrated by Jeff Mack

     Award winning author, Lori Mortensen has taken a classic children's nursery rhyme to the next level, CINDY MOO, a positive, fun children's picture book where a spunky cow does not buy into what the herd believes.  Cindy Moo believes.  She believes in herself.  Can a cow jump over the moon?  Cindy thinks she can.  Illustrator, Jeff Mack helps to lift the text into a magical, night time adventure with his use of strong shapes, vibrant colors, and moonlit, cuddly, cow images.  You can check out their book trailer to this positively, wonderful book for little ones of all ages at Book Trailer, CINDY MOO.

     I rate this a 4 apple book, a good to very good, summer or anytime read.  Lori has created a strong voice in her character Cindy Moo who can do anything she sets her mind out to do.

    CINDY MOO  is 32 page picture book for young children, toddler to early elementary ages.  This book would be appealing to both genders. 

    The themes in this book are barnyard fun, "I Can Do It.", positive thinking, creative thinking, and self esteem.

    You can learn more about Lori and where to buy her book at: Lori's Website

     This book is published by Harper Collins Children's Books. You can find this book through your local independent bookstore.  In Grand Junction, our independent bookstore is GRAND VALLEY BOOKS.  Or you can find it at Harper Collins, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

SHOW ME HOW! by Vivian Kirkfield

     The beginning of  author, Vivian Kirkfield's book SHOW ME HOW!, she includes the following poem, IF I HAD A CHILD TO RAISE OVER AGAIN by Diana Loomans.  This poem is about the building of self esteem in childhood and the power of play and love.  It is the perfect entry into the amazing resource guide for parents SHOW ME HOW!  Vivian has created a volume of work laid out in themed based chapters with an average of 15 picture books per chapter that help address the chapter's theme.  The picture books Vivian shares are a diverse mix of old classics and current books. After  a description of each book, Vivian gives a Positive Parental Participation Note to help parents and caregivers understand the the importance of the concept or idea brought through the picture book. This is done in a very professional, caring, non preachy way.   Each book is paired with a craft activity and a cooking activity.  The activities and books are meant to be used by caregivers, parents, and teachers working with young ones.  

I rate this a 4 apple book, a good to very good, parental/caregiver resource.  Vivian's expertise as an educator and parent speaker makes this book a wonderful resource.

    SHOW ME HOW! is 220 pages and for adults looking for books and activities that support building a strong self esteem in early childhood.  

    The themes addressed in this book are I can do it, I'm special, I love you and you love me, I am really mad right now, I'm a friend, and I like myself.

    You can learn more about Vivian and where to buy her book at: Vivian's Website

     This book is Indy published by MoneyPenny Press, Ltd . You can find this book through Amazon and Vivian's website.

July 12th, KKCO, Summer Reads Series,

     Welcome back to my summer reads series at Book Wisdom by Diane.  The country has been heated up with above normal temperatures.  Fireworks that linger into late July and early August have been silenced.  Mid summer has turned the corner like the shallow, brown, Colorado River that slowly slips southwest.  What's normal this summer?  Children visiting relatives and relatives coming to visit is a theme among families regardless of weather.  Summer is a time of visits both planned and unplanned. It brings with it positive and negative emotions.


     This morning on KKCO, News 11, Morning Show with Terri Chappel, I talked about two middle grade novels. I chose two very different books with commonalities. One book has been out for a short time and is written by a  California educator who is relatively new in the children's publishing.  The second is a tried and true, novel written by a very well-known New Zealand, author.

     I will be giving a copy of a book so leave a comment related to this blog.  Better yet, don't miss out and sign up for email updates!  You will be entered every month as a subscriber. The winner will be picked on July 23rd.  Check the bottom of the blog to see the winners name.  If you are the winner, please email me if I do not have your contact information.

      Virginia Kamhi is a master teacher in in Southern California who has taught grades K -4 in both bilingual and English only classes. CALLING HIM DAD, THE SUMMER MY FATHER APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE is a 174 page middle grade novel and her first novel. The illustrations are by Florence Ko. Virginia's teaching experience has given her the knowledge and understanding how to create an authentic ten year old character.  Fourth grade has ended and a young, smart Latina learns the father she never knew has made plans with her mother for Brianna to spend summer vacation getting to know her father.  This unplanned summer visit takes the reader through the viewpoint of an unsuspecting girl as she goes through the ups and downs of getting to know her father and a different way of living.  The twists and turns of the story line create suspense as Brianna works through situations she had never imagined.  Virginia's real life experiences with her students and their lives solidify this storyline.

     I rate this a 4 apple book, a good to very good, summer read.  Virginia's real life experiences with her students comes through her polished, strong voice.

    Calling Him Dad is 174 pages and for middle grade readers.  This book would be most appealing to girls although the theme applies to both genders.

    The themes in this book are family issues, summer vacation and visits, unexpected family changes, and adjusting to change.

    You can learn more about Virginia and where to buy her book at: Virginia's website.

     This book is Indy published by WPR Books, Carlsbad, Ca. The publisher is dedicated to accurate portrayal of Latinos in the US.  You can find this book through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and WPR.  

     I had a magical time meeting New Zealand, author, Joy Cowley last summer at the Highlight's Foundation Children's Writers and Illustrators Workshop in Chautauqua, New York.  Her speeches, invocations, workshops, and her availability to talk to novice writers allowed me to experience something a writer often only dreams of.  To make it even more relevant, the editor of her book, CHICKEN FEATHERS, Patricia Lee Gauch read from the book.  CHICKEN FEATHERS is illustrated by David Elliot and is a 149 page middle grade novel.  Life is about to change for for young Josh Miller.  A new sibling on the way, a strict grandma coming to take care of the house, a pet chicken, and a fox set the stage for an unforgettable story and lovable characters in this summertime read.  Joy is a master story teller both verbally and with written language.  She has more than 600 titles published.

    I rate this book a 5 apple book, an outstanding, cream of the crop, summer read. Joy's story telling ability parallels E.B. White in Charlotte's Web.


     CHICKEN FEATHERS is for middle graders of both genders. It is meant to be read alone or aloud.

     The themes in this book are changing families, pets, and growing up.

    You can learn more about Joy and books and where to buy them
at: Joy's Website

     This book is published by Philomel Books of Penguin Young Readers. Your local book store can order this book for you. On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition, it can be found online.

JUNE 19th, KKCO, Summer Reads Series, Patriotism and the 4th of July

     Welcome to the second post for my summer reads series.  In the United States, despite our religious, cultural, social, or political differences, we come together and celebrate one holiday.  It happens every year on the fourth day of our seventh month of the year.  Ask someone why we celebrate on the 4th of July, and most people will know it is the celebration of America's birth as a nation, our independence. 


      In this segment, I am sharing two different children's books that are new and written by well known authors in the children's publishing industry.  One is a colorful, lyrical picture book about the many traditions and ways our cultures celebrate our nations birth.  The second is a powerful non-fiction book focused on an important American hero and patriot.


     I will be having a giving book give away so leave a comment related to this blog.  Better yet, don't miss out and sign up for email updates!  You will be entered every month as a subscriber. The winner will be picked on July 11th.  Check the bottom of the blog to see the winners name.  If you are the winner, please email me if I do not have your contact information.


     This morning I was excited to share these two different books on KKCO.  Somehow the universe conspired with me to have both of these books available to share at the same time and on short notice.  Both of these authors are highly respected in the children's publishing industry and as an educator and a writer/illustrator, I scrutinize over books that are sent to me or recommended to me.  Like the Star Spangled Banner giving me goose bumps, FREDERICK DOUGLASS FOR KIDS, and RED, WHITE, AND BOOM! both stirred something deep down inside me.  I had to give them both my highest rating. 

     Nancy I Sanders, best selling and award winning author of more than 80 books, has created another masterpiece helping children and adults to understand the importance of our African American history.   FREDERICK DOUGLASS FOR KIDS: HIS LIFE AND TIMES with 21 Activities is 144 pages that follows Frederick's footsteps from birth into slavery to his becoming an advisor to Abraham Lincoln.  Children will learn how he escaped slavery, helped others to freedom, and became an author, editor, orator, and civil rights leader.  This book is beautifully designed with photographs, quotes, history, and children's activities.

     I rate this a 5 apple book, outstanding, cream of the crop.  Nancy has made this a complete picture of Frederick's life with her research, chapter titles, text, and photos.

    FREDERICK DOUGLASS FOR KIDS: HIS LIFE AND TIMES with 21 Activities is for school age children, both genders who can read at the upper elementary level. It is geared toward upper elementary and middle school students.

    The themes in this book are American history, the abolition of slavery, African American patriots, and freedom.  

    You can learn more about Nancy and her award winning books and where to buy them at: Nancy's Web Site

     You can find this book through the publisher, Chicago Review Press.  Your local book store can also order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found in museum stores and online.

     Award winning author, Lee Wardlaw has written another book with a bang. RED,WHITE, AND BOOM! explodes with sparkling and colorful words that roll right off your tongue. Textural and colorful collage illustration by Huy Voun Lee lifts and heightens the fun, descriptive, lyrical, text to create a memorable book that belongs in libraries; public, personal, and classroom. RED WHITE AND BOOM! is sure to become a tradition in the celebration of our nation's independence!

I rate this a 5 apple book, outstanding, cream of the crop.  Lee's ability to write short rhyming books that stand-out matched with the perfect illustrations that conveys the celebration and community is outstanding.


     RED, WHITE, AND BOOM! is for children ages 2-7. It is meant to be read aloud and over and over again.

     The themes in this book are the Independence Day, celebration, and community.

    You can learn more about Lee and her award winning books and where to buy them
at: Lee's Web Site

     This book is published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Your local book store can order this book for you. On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition, it can be found online and in bookstore chains.

May 15, 2012, KKCO, NEWS 11 Today Recommendations

     Summer is just around the bend.  When I think of summer, I think of adventures, including adventures in reading.  Summer adventures and reading are like hearing the Star Spangled Banner and attending a baseball game at Suplizio Field, you can't have one without the other.
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     Before I go any further, I would like to invite viewers and readers to leave a comment about reading or the books or authors that I am sharing today.  Better yet, sign up and follow this blog.  When you do either, I will put your name into a random drawing for one of the three books that I talked about today.  I will announce the winner on May 31st on this same blog.

     Today, I shared three different books with similar themes for different age levels.  They are books about adventure, learning, and all ask questions.  These books are great for interaction with multiple readers creating discussion and further questions to explore!  These are great summer reads to add to your list.

WHAT DOES THE WIND SAY?  by Wendi Silvano

     A former educator, Wendi Silvano writes strong picture books from the understanding of where the child resides, developmentally speaking.  In WHAT DOES THE WIND SAY?,  Wendi mimics the age group the story is written for, inquisitive toddlers and preschoolers.  This playful lyrical story asks questions about the simple things children wonder about.  Wendi has created a book that supports child and a reader interaction with the potential of perhaps posing additional questions with fun answers.  The whimsical and colorful illustrations by illustrator, Joan Delehanty, marry the words to bring about emotional responses like "ah" and "oh" satisfying everyone.

I rate this a 4 apple book, good to very good.  

What Does the Wind Say? from Northword Press is for preschoolers and toddlers, both genders. 

     The themes of exploration and wonderment and questioning are what this book is about.

You can learnt more about Wendi,  her books and where to buy them at : Wendi's Website

You can find this through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  Your local book store can also order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books.

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FANTASTIC FLIGHT by Barbara Bockman

"What fantastic thing will we do tomorrow?"  This line is a great lead-in to looking for summer adventures including adventures in reading. Author, Barbara Bockman understands the theme of homesickness and how to avoid being hijacked by it when it comes to school age kids.   Often, summers include extended stays with relatives who may live up the road or across the country.  They even include relatives coming to a child's house for extended stays.  FANTASTIC FLIGHT is a book that parents, grandparents, and children can relate to.  Everyone gets homesick at some time or another.  Jessica is spending a whole week at her grandparents, and she is homesick.  Fantastic Flight takes you into a world of a fantasy adventure that brings in some unlikely characters. It is illustrated by Jack Foster.

I would rate this a 4 apple book minus a few bites out of 1 apple.  This book is good.   I think the story is well written but found the digital art did not enhance the story and made the fluid characters feel emotionally flat.  The manuscript for this book being placed in a sixteen page format restricted the story.  Both of my concerns were editing choices by the publisher.

    Fantastic Flight from Guardian Angel Publishing is for age 4 -8 and lends to having adult/child interaction.

     The theme of homesickness and adventure are what the book is about.

You can learn more about Barbara and her books and where to buy them at: Barbara's Website or Guardian Angel Publishing.  Your local book store can also order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books.

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HERBY'S SECRET FORMULA by Sue C. Hughey

     Herby has taken on a big problem and created a little problem in doing so.  Local author/illustrator, Sue C. Hughey knows boys and knows them well. HERBY'S SECRET FORMULA  is action a packed middle grade adventure  that is full of twists with cliff-hanging chapters  and has Sue's readers on the edge of their seats, refusing to put the book down, and cheering Herby on!  My nine year old nephew, James left me a voicemail after receiving a copy for his birthday.  He said, "Aunt Diane, Thank you for the book.  I couldn't stop reading it!"  I won't spoil this story for anyone.  It ends with the question, "What if?"  Sue tells me the sequel is well underway and due out this year.

This book is 4 juicy apples, very good.  It is well written and humorous.  There is a solid knowledge of the age of the character displayed in the character and his development, including a great depiction of children who at that age that are focused on nature, science, and saving the world.  I love this age!

     Herby's Secret Formula from Associated Arts Publisher is a middle grade novel of 220 pages broken into 21 chapters.  It is a high interest book for boys, and tom-boys and girls who love the outdoors and science.  It would make a great family read-aloud, especially around the campfire!

     Some of the themes are family, friendship, doing what is "right", making choices that may compromise your parent's beliefs, and survival.

You can learnt more about Sue and her books and where to buy them at her website: Sue's Website.

This book is available through the author, Grand Valley Books in Grand Junction, and Amazon.