On the Shelf by Tara Michener: Why Am I Here? A Child's Book About Purpose

 

Kids are often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “What will you accomplish?” is essentially the theme of this typical question. I hear this and think that it is interesting that kids are asked what they will do so often but not always given the opportunity to talk about what they love. What about, “What makes you happy?” or “What is your purpose?” They are often asked about the future but not always given the chance to talk about what they are up to now and how that adds to our world.

 

I loved Naomi V. Dunsen-White's book, Why Am I Here? A Child's Book About Purpose (ill. by Megan Rizzo; Naomi Books, LLC, 2021), which was awarded a place on the Pre-K–4^th grade 2021 Best of the Best Booklist of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. This book sets the stage for kids to embrace their imagination and to love the process of discovery.

 

My personal little kid focus group consists of my eight-year-old, Cannon. As soon as Cannon saw the lovely cover, he said, “Is that for me?” with glee and anticipation. We try not to judge books by their covers in my home, but Cannon loved it from the moment that he saw it.

 

The book's energy suggests it is okay to sit and think about you. It is okay to let your imagination run free. I dreaded the times as a child (and as a grownup) when I was scolded for having creativity and imagination and thoughts considering my purpose or changing the world.

 

I am grateful that Naomi gives the reader the opportunity to go beyond what is basic and to take it to the next level. Kids are not just encouraged to have a career, although that is in there too. I would say that it is more than that, though. Kids are asked to consider the concept of supporting others, loving others, being united, and so much more. This book takes that question of "What will you be when you grow up?" to a more tangible, introspective, and vital place.

 

Although this book is not at all about fitting in...it might fit in really nicely on your bookshelf.   

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener. 

The View from the Other Side of the Desk: What I Learned as Editor of The Mitten Blog by Kristin Bartley Lenz

 

During my tenure as editor of The Mitten Blog, I read hundreds of submissions. The blog team is all volunteer, but we represent our SCBWI professional organization and our Michigan chapter specifically, and we take our jobs seriously. Sarah LoCascio is the new editor (Yay, Sarah!), but I’m stopping by to share a peek behind the editor’s desk, so you can put your best foot forward when submitting your work — whether it’s to a blog, magazine, book publisher, or literary agent.

In many ways, our SCBWI-MI blog is a training ground for our community. We’re all learning together. 

Here are my Dos and Don’ts based on my experience with real-life examples. 

Do: Read and follow the submission guidelines.

Yes, this should be obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many writers do not take the time to do this. You’ll often find a wealth of information on submission pages, such as wish lists, links to editor interviews, and how-to articles. It was always very clear to me when someone had read our guidelines, and I thanked them for sending me such a professional package. 

Let’s break down some of the steps.

• Don’t send a post/article/story that’s way over the recommended word count and say, “Please feel free to cut.” For The Mitten Blog, the recommended word count is 400-600 words, but we’re flexible if a writer needs more space. If your post is 750 words, no problem. If your post is 2000 words, a discussion is needed.

Trust me, you do not want the editor to cut your words. Cutting writing is not like snipping paper with scissors. It’s a time-consuming, thoughtful process that often involves rewriting along with the cutting. Do the work, and your writing skills will grow. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Some writers asked me for guidance when their word count was very high. I was often able to see areas that were repetitive, but other times the writing was strong and the content engrossing. In those cases, it made sense to publish the extra-long post, but other times we chose to break it up into two parts or even a series of posts, such as our seven-day MFA series. Working together in this way is what makes being an editor fun!

Do: Query with a specific idea.

For me, the hardest part of being an editor was coming up with fresh content. I always appreciated when someone reached out with a specific idea or several ideas. Again, this kind of collaboration is fun.

• Don’t query and offer to write “anything you’d like!” 

• Don’t query without first reading the publication to see what topics have recently been covered.

• Don’t send a press release for your book or event. Press releases and even artwork sometimes showed up in my inbox with no explanation. I’m happy for you, and of course I enjoy looking at the art, but what exactly would you like the editor to do with this information? 

Do: Have an author photo ready. 

It doesn’t need to be a professional photo, but it should be clear and appropriate for the publication or related to your bio. Some publications only want a head shot. Others allow a variety of informal poses including pets or scenic backgrounds. 

• Don’t send a busy photo with strangers’ faces in the background.

• Don’t send a family photo and ask the editor to crop it for you.

• Don’t send a selfie taken in a bathroom with your reflection in the mirror. Save those shots for your personal social media accounts!

Do: Be prepared to revise. 

I often received polished blog posts that needed no editing, but just as often, posts benefited from a small amount of revision. I tried to be careful not to interfere with the writer’s voice, and instead asked questions to guide their own revising.

Here’s an example: 

Kris Munroe submitted a book review of Wild Words: Rituals, Routines and Rhythms for Braving the Writer’s Path by Nicole Gulotta. Her blog post was well-written and informative and would have been fine published as is. But I was especially intrigued by the author’s suggestion to choose a “word of the year.” I asked Kris if she had chosen her own word, and if she’d be comfortable sharing. Her word was uncomfortable, and she added an additional paragraph to explain her choice. This extra bit of personal information elevated her writing and made it more meaningful. See for yourself: https://scbwimithemitten.blogspot.com/2020/12/wild-words-book-review-by-kris-munroe.html

(If you’re intrigued, Kris’s 2021 word was honor, and she chose celebrate for 2022. What about you?)

Are you feeling more prepared to submit your best writing? I hope so! You can start right now by reading The Mitten Blog submission guidelines. Editor Sarah LoCascio is looking forward to hearing from you.

I'll be cheering beside you in the query trenches!

Kristin Bartley Lenz

Kristin Bartley Lenz was The Mitten Blog Co-Editor from 2014-2021. Her debut young adult novel, The Art of Holding On and Letting Go, was a Helen Sheehan YA Book Prize winner, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and a Great Lakes Great Books Award honor book. Her fiction, poetry, essays, and articles have been published by The New York Times, Writer's Digest, Hunger Mountain, Great Lakes Review, The ALAN Review, Literary Mama, Women On Writing, the SCBWI Bulletin, and more. She also writes freelance for Detroit area nonprofits and teaches creative writing for teens and adults.

Book Birthday Blog with Dori Durbin

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators. 

 

 Congratulations to Dori Durbin on the release of Little Cat and Dog's Birthday Bake: A Recipe for Caring

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I had just been to a school visit for my second picture book, Little Cat Feels Left Out. The second-grade kids gave me ideas for the next books and a few classrooms asked, “Why don’t you have any chapter books yet?”  I took the ideas home and started brainstorming a list of what activities some second and third graders might wish they could do themselves.  How did those activities relate to my super independent Little Cat character? I came up with a long list, but I personally loved the idea of trying to bake a cake . . . even though most of my cakes were (and still are) flawed in some way! There was always great joy in creating and giving someone an edible gift. Since this was my first chapter book, I followed Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson series as a model text. I also found I had to really dig into the emotional pieces . . .  Why didn’t Little Cat want help? Why was Dog so greedy? Would these characters readily take advice? It was great fun!

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I’m really hoping readers take away Little Cat and Dog’s own epiphanies:
    •    It’s okay to ask for help.
    •    Being independent is good, but being a good friend is better.
    •    Kindness and caring don't need to be perfect.

What inspires you to write?

My writing brain wants to create through pictures first. I love to draw– and have illustrated all my books. So, when I see people interacting, asking questions, or emotionally connecting, my brain hones in and starts to create stories about what could be happening. It’s like I’m looking for the story to the pictures I see! This past October, I put on a parenting conference, “Little Kids, Big Feelings” based off emotional situations I saw in the schools…the conference made me even more aware that there are so many books that could be written!  I really feel like today’s busy parents need better ways to emotionally connect with their young kids… and as writers, we can serve as an approachable vehicle to get those conversations going! 

The Little Kids, Big Feelings Conference

What's next for you?

More chapter books! More illustrating! And possibly another parenting conference! I have so many ideas . . . if only I had more time!

What are your marketing plans for your book?

My book marketing plans so far include free Ebooks days (Jan 19-21), my amazing Launch Group, a Launch Party, Amazon ads, Influencer Reviews, Interviews, and (hopefully) lots of classroom visits! Oh! And overwhelming excitement for the future!

A little bit about the book . . .

Today is Dog's birthday! So, what could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, Dog's best friend, Little Cat forgot to get Dog's Birthday gift. And Dog's own greediness might make him miss his birthday party all together! Filled with humorous twists and gut-exploding fun, join an energetic and excited Dog as he learns that there's more to friendship than just food. And when Little Cat tries to bake a cake for the very first time, she finds that she can't do it all on her own. Will Dog's greediness ruin his party? Can Little Cat bake the perfect cake at the last minute? Readers explore themes of friendship, independence, gratefulness, and will experience moments of spontaneous chuckling.

A little bit about the author . . .

Dori Durbin grew up most of her life in a small town in Michigan.  After earning a BA in English and a secondary teaching certification, Dori taught high and middle school English and Science classes for ten years. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Human Services specializing in Schools & Communities.

After an illness, she switched gears and began her career as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She also began to pursue her passion of being an artist and author. She currently still lives in Michigan with her amazingly smart and talented family: husband, son, daughter, three pleasantly pampered indoor cats, and her old Great Dane. She has written three books in her Little Cat Feelings Series: Little Cat Needs Space, Little Cat Feels Left Out, and Little Cat & Dog's Birthday Bake: A Recipe for Caring.

https://www.doridurbin.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1090977115006009/ 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20306534.Dori_Durbin 

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Lisa Wheeler

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators.

 

Congratulations to Lisa Wheeler on the release of My First Dino-Baseball and My First Dino-Soccer

 

How did you come up with the idea for your books?

The idea for My First Dino-Baseball and My First Dino-Soccer began the same day as the world turned upside-down. I was supposed to have a school visit followed by a meeting with Carol Hinz, my editor from Carolrhoda, that day. But it was the first week that Covid-19 impacted the US. The night before my school got cancelled and our meeting turned into a phone call.

Carol said that they had been trying to think how my Dino-Sport and Dino-Holiday book series could be turned into board books. I assured her that I had an idea. I spent that weekend working on a Power Point presentation. Using original art from Dino-Hockey, I wrote a version for the very young. I sent it to her to present to the team. I was elated that they loved my idea and asked for more books. These first two books will be released on February 1st, nearly two years after I made that Power Point.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your books?

I love how board books help little ones connect with books and reading. They're great because they are nearly indestructible. Little hands can share the joy of sports and reading with the grown-ups in their life. It's a win-win!

What inspires you to write?

Simply everything. I've been a working writer nearly 25 years. I've been inspired by dreams, by things I see, by things I overhear. I get ideas while walking, cleaning, and working out. My most recent idea came after reading a cousin's Facebook post! 

What was the most difficult part of writing the books?

Keeping it tight and keeping things moving. The books are very short, so using active verbs is key. I also have to look at the art in the original books (Dino-Baseball and Dino-Soccer) for moments that can be highlighted in the My First versions of the books.

What are your marketing plans for the books?

This part is difficult for me. Since the books are for babies and toddlers, marketing must be done to parents. While I love sharing books with kids, appealing to adults is a little more difficult for me. I'll use social media, of course, but I'd love suggestions!

 A little bit about the books . . .

My First Dino-Baseball and My First Dino-Soccer are smaller more streamlined version of the original Dino-Sport titles. Written for babies and toddlers, it is a first introduction to each sport. 

A little bit about the author . . .

Lisa Wheeler is the award-winning author of over 50 children’s books including Someone Builds the Dream, People Don't Bite People, and the popular Dino-Sports series.  The Christmas Boot was the SCBWI 2017 SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner for Picture Book Text. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum was the 2017 Michigan Reads! One Book, One State Children’s Book recipient. Her awards include The Michigan Mitten, Texas Bluebonnet, and the Theodore Geisel Honor given by the American Library Association. Lisa shares her Michigan home with one husband, one dog, and an assortment of anthropomorphic characters. Check out Lisa’s website at:  https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/

 

 

Black History: A Celebration of Americans by Tara Michener

February is Black History Month! This tradition began in 1926 in America it was started as Negro History Week and was founded by Carter G. Woodson. The week developed into a month long recognition and in 1976 it was reinvented as Black History Month. This is a time to focus on the contributions, inventions, and efforts that have been lead by people of African-American Descent. Black Americans have contributed in great ways to our world but unfortunately because of historical and traumatic obstacles like slavery, Jim Crow, and other oppressive measures, many people have not been acknowledged for their work or they have had others take credit for it. As authors and illustrators, how can we make a difference in 2022? We can collectively make a difference by reading books by Black writers and illustrators and buying them for educators, students, and families. We can donate these works to local libraries and organizations to make sure that they get more eyes on them to be seen and more ears on them to be heard. It is a great idea to think of Black authors and illustrators when seeking out author visit rosters and making sure that paid events are offered to those that are highlighting diversity in kid lit. Take a survey of your personal library...do you have children's books that have Black people as main characters? If so...add to those or review them...if not get started diversifying your collections. What creative ways can you make sure that this segment of Americans is highlighted and featured in your daily life? What more would you like to learn? What more would you like to do? Share it with us! We can inspire each other as we continue to be inspired by Black Americans from our past, present and those who we write and draw for...the future. 

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener. 

Writer Spotlight: Three Members "Speak" Sign Language

Writers Come to American Sign Language In Different  Ways, But Find it Boosts their Communication Skills Visually

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our quarterly Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, meet three SCBWI-MI members who know and use (in varying degrees) American Sign Language (ASL).

Melissa Bailey

How were you introduced to sign language? Why did you take it up? Where did you learn it? Do you use ASL on a regular basis?

I learned sign language about 15 years ago – a deaf friend taught me. While I did take an ASL class, I was mostly taught by the deaf. Since moving to be closer to family, now I mostly use ASL when I get together with deaf friends, so not much in the past two years!

Do you ever dream in ASL?

Yes! All the time, even though it’s been a while since I’ve been immersed in the community. ASL wormed its way into my heart and synapses and didn’t let go.

My daughter learned some sign language. She told me it’s a combination of painting a picture and directing a stage play. How might you describe ASL in action?

It’s very much like charades, but with grammar and vocabulary and structure—just as with any other language. Communication in ASL isn’t just with the hands; it’s been said that 80% is facial expressions. When chatting with a deaf person, you look in their eyes. You catch what they’re signing in the periphery of your vision; your focus is on their face and expressions. It’s a rich language based on concepts, not words, and is incomparable in conveying emotions and ideas.

The comparison to painting a picture is apt. ASL is structured very much like the process of drawing a picture. For example, in English, we would say, “The cat sat in the tree.” If you were to draw that, you draw the tree first, then place the cat in it. ASL grammar is exactly the same; you would sign ‘tree cat sit’. Actually, if I were signing it, I’d sign ‘tree’, then ‘cat’, then use a classifier to show the cat running up the tree and sitting in it (acting out the action like charades). I could also use expressions and body language to communicate the cat’s emotions or whether this scene is humorous, safe, mysterious, dangerous…

(A classifier is a hand shape that is used to represent something else. For example, the ‘number one’ handshape is often used to represent a person, and how you move the ‘person’ describes or communicates what they’re doing. They could be walking, running away, meeting another ‘person’, etc. – all depending on how you move that classifier.)

As a children’s book creator, does ASL ever work its way into your stories?

One of Melissa's covers

All the time! Not often directly with a deaf character or describing/illustrating the language, but indirectly it has influenced and affected every book I've worked on. Especially illustrating – I really focus on expression, emotion, and storytelling, and sign language is to thank for that.

 

 

Was there a moment when sign language was especially helpful to you?

So many moments! One moment was when our family went to Europe – being in Poland and Hungary, not knowing the language and needing to order food or get directions. Knowing ASL helped me communicate with acting and gestures, and we had a great time!

Another of Melissa's Covers

This isn’t a ‘moment’, per se, but the biggest help that learning sign language has given me is in personal growth. Learning a new language, and a new culture, has allowed me to see the world from others’ point of view and lived experiences. And I’ve also gained lifelong friends I never would have made if I hadn’t learned sign language.

Who inspired you to love books and writing?

I have always loved books and stories. My mom is a reader and made sure that plenty of books were available, but she didn’t push my sister and me to read. She said I’d spend hours looking at books (I remember laying on the floor, poring over illustrations by Beatrix Potter and Eloise Wilkins). According to Mom, I asked her to read to me so much that when I showed an interest in learning how to read, she taught me so that I could read on my own (and maybe give her some free time?). So though the love of books and writing has always been there, all thanks goes to my mom for encouraging us to be creative and promoting literacy (both my sister and I learned to read well before kindergarten).

And yet a third book cover

What is your Work In Progress? What are you working on now? 

It Starts with Hello with Lisa Wheeler

You’ve read about our new Outreach program, It Starts with Hello, in Carrie’s and Jodi’s monthly newsletters. Here it is! We kick-off the program with a post written by Lisa Wheeler. Our plan is to post these shared memories monthly throughout 2022, so please send me your submissions, 300 words or less, at: ohaginib@gmail.com.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading these mini-essays from your SCBWI-MI friends and may it inspire you to reach out to others in our organization. From “It Started. . . “ to “It Starts. . .”—we can continue to build and strengthen our relationships today through social media and online connections. We need each other’s support and encouragement more than ever!

Thank you, Lisa, for being the first to submit your Hello story! Each time I read it, it feels like a warm fuzzy! (Yes, going retro on you, but it fits!)

Stay tuned for our next Hello and the story behind the story!

--Isabel Estrada O’Hagin, SCBWI-MI Outreach Coordinator

 

It Started with Hello

Lisa Wheeler

Back in the summer of 1997--when dinosaurs roamed the earth--I went online. The first thing I did was look for My People. Typing the words 'children's writers' into the search engine brought forth a beautiful yellow message board (Anyone remember those?) for children's authors and illustrators. I started reading and fell down the rabbit hole. I was closer than ever to finding My People.

A week later, a message on the board said something like: If you live in SE Michigan you are invited to the SCBWI Schmooze!

I wrote to the poster immediately.

What's SCBWI?

What's a schmooze?

Can I come if I haven't sold a book yet?

The answers came back swiftly and that Sunday, I drove to the house of our very own Kathie Allen in Beverly Hills, MI. I walked in the door and knew, without a doubt, I had found them--My People!

We all spoke the same language--children's books! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Rhonda Gowler Green gave a talk where she shared her first two books. I appreciated learning that it takes time and that I was on the right track.

That week, I joined SCBWI and learned more in 6 months than I had on my own in 3 years.

So to all of you newbies who are reading this, "Hello! Come on in and meet Your People!"

Submitted by Lisa Wheeler

You can follow Lisa online at:

Instagram: @littlelisais6

Twitter: @lisawheelerbook

Facebook: Lisa Wheeler Children's Books