Monday, August 30, 2010

Virtual Interview on Sept. 3

Join me on Friday Sept. 3, 2010 from 7-8pm MST for my interview on Voices of Reality Talk Show. Learn about my Medieval Writing Workshops for Kids. Sign in early and get a screen name to chat live.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Here is the fourth review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees.

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery
Ages: 0-Adult

Good Luck reading this picture book with dry eyes!!

Nubs tells the story of the friendship between an Iraqi homeless dog and U.S. Major Brian Dennis. Abused and abandoned, the dog Major Dennis named Nubs was the leader of his own pack of soldiers, many of them puppies. Befriended by Major Dennis, Nubs leads readers on his miraculous journey that ended in San Diego, CA.

Heart-wrenching are the scenes of Nubs running to catch up with Major Dennis’ departed Humvee and team. Heart-warming is the bond that immediately developed and continued between Major Dennis and Nubs. A sure reminder that little kindnesses are rewarded.

An added extra are the journal pages and pictures of Major Brian Dennis.


A brief explanation: I put the age level of zero on a lot of books because most are suitable for reading out loud to young people and that includes babies. If we don’t read to them from day 1, then we are depriving them of the enjoyment of words.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Live Internet Interview

Mark your calendar and tune in Monday August 9, 2010 at 6:30pm MDT for my internet interview on the Voices of Reality Kids show. We will be talking about my Medieval writing workshops for kids and, of course, "Guinevere." If you can't make it, look for it in the Archives. The show is hosted by Denver child actor Jonah Lujan.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Here is the third review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees. The age range: 0-adult.


14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.

Memories of this event came back to me as I read. The story of the Maasai’s gift to the American people after 9/11 is not only beautiful, it is as Kimeli says for “all the little children who read this book. You are the peace the world has been waiting for. May you grow to be compassionate diplomats.”

Even the youngest will be enthralled with the generous gift of life from the Maasai people. It is a simple story of hope and compassion that brought tears to my eyes as I read.

Illustrator Thomas Gonzalez brings the Maasai people, the cows, and the country of Kenya to life on the pages of 14 Cows for America with his rich colors and detailed drawings.

14 Cows for America inspires hope when the reader realizes that the Maasai’s gift was not just 14 Cows, but life.

Read 14 Cows for America on your own or with your family and marvel at the Maasai's generosity. Visit the 14 Cows website to learn more about this story.