Tales from the Rushmore Kid

John Green - Blast from the Past Interview

  Printz Award Winner, John  Green. 

When and why did you start writing for children?

I didn't start writing for teens until I was about a year out of college and living in Chicago. I was working at the book review journal "Booklist," and I was reading a lot of YA novels.

The Little Shepherd's Christmas - Carol Heyer - book launch info

My good buddy, award winning author/illustrator Carol Heyer, wrote and illustrated a wonderful Christmas story, out just in time for the holidays. Here is the book launch info. If you are in the area go to the launch and support your local independent book seller.

THE LITTLE SHEPHERD'S CHRISTMAS

December 3rd
,11:00 - 1:00

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm

93 East Daily Drive  Camarillo, CA 93010-6332
(805) 482-1384

What a great gift this is from Ideal Books. Here is a summary of The Little Shepherd's Christmas.

This is Reuel's big chance to prove that he can tend sheep just as well as his older brothers. All he has to do is keep a watchful eye on his little flock. But distracted by his brothers' teasing, he looks away just long enough for a little lamb to wander. Following a frantic search, Reuel finds his missing charge . . . and also finds himself in the midst of the biggest announcement ever made. The Christ Child has been born, and Reuel is one of the first chosen to hear the news! After racing through the streets of Bethlehem, his misstep becomes a blessing when he encounters the Baby who will one day become the Shepherd of Men.

Mary Ann Fraser - Illustration Tip of the Day

My good buddy, illustrator/author Mary Ann Fraser, is one busy and prolific girl, with over 60 books to her credit. I tracked down Mary Ann to give us an Illustration Tip of the Day.

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Visual Arts Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I admit it, I’m envious of both the talent and the opportunities available for picture book illustrators and author/illustrators. What fun it would be to create something visual, in the moment, for a group of spell-bound students-- and inspire them to create artwork of their own!

In these days of budget cuts for schools, the arts often get short shrift. But most states have academic standards in the arts that educators must address. What better person to help them do so than a real live illustrator?!

Bruce Coville - Writing Tip of the Day

I love Bruce Coville. I have heard him speak at many SCBWI events over the years.  He is funny, enertaining and generous. After giving the Keynote at last summer's SCBWI conference, I jumped him in the lobby and asked for a writing tip. He graciously agreed. I give you the wonderful Bruce Coville.

 

Alexis O'Neill - Writing Tip of the Day

My good buddy, author Alexis O'Neill, is not only a great writer, she has an amazing blog, School Visits Experts, where she writes about everything you need to know about school visits, from great openings to how to choose a volunteer. Today Alexis gives us an interesting Writing Tip of the Day.

A Nugget from The Artist’s Way - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the bookshelf of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I remember a minister friend once asking me what I wanted out of life. I answered without hesitation. “I want to be a co-creator with God of something beautiful.” I didn’t make the connection at the time, but several years earlier I had read The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron (Putnam 1992), in which the creative process is described as “forging a creative alliance, artist-to-artist, with the Great Creator.”