Beatrice Reviewed on Pirate Tree

Beatrice's Dream was reviewed on Pirate Tree

Check it out: http://www.thepiratetree.com/2012/03/08/beatrices-dream-a-story-of-kibera-slum/

And make sure you check back at this site regularly for reviews and good news. Thank you Nancy Bo Flood!

Beatrice Inspires

"Picture me" a photo workshop for adolescent girls in Nairobi Kenya starts with my book Beatrice's Dream.

Photographer Wendy Stone who did the photographs for Beatrice's Dream, helps you girls use their photographs to tell their own stories.

See more at Wendy's blog:

http://wendystonephotography.blogspot.com/

It is exciting and gratifying to see one of your books go places you never expected. Maybe more dreams will come true.

Photos by Wendy Stone

Beatrice's Dream chosen by USBBY for 2012 outstanding international book list

Beatrice does it again with another nice recognition. Check out Beatrie's Dream and others on the 2012 USBBY site here

USBBY Outstanding International Books 2012 - News from the Fenn ...

http://fennlibrary.edublogs.org/2012/02/06/usbby-outstanding-international-books-2012/

And for more about USBBY and the Outstanding International Books list go to:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/articles/collectiondevelopment/893227-343/all_together_now_usbbys_outstanding.html.csp

Why I Write: to connect with one reader

One Great Teacher Doing Great Things.

It is more and more difficult with the publishing world in the state it is today to find the courage to write and the faith that your book will find a home in a publishing house that will bring it out to readers who might read and relate to your book.

Then you get a letter like this and you know you cannot stop writing. Thanks Laurel for the work you do and for sharing.

Hello Karen,

My name is Laurel Conran. I am an ESOL Teacher. Recently, our community received many refugees from Burma. I orchestrated many programs for teachers, parents and community members to help teach the refugee families English. My passion is writing a children's book about my experiences. As I was looking for children's books for my refugee students to relate to, I found your books and teacher resources! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! My favorite book is, "My Name is Sangoal.

May I share a story with you?

Today, I had a wonderful opportunity to read to a 2nd grade class. I co-teach the social studies class with the classroom teacher, I have many of my refugee students in her class. I am trying to teach the English speaking children HOW to help the refugees speak English and assimilate into their new country and school. I read your book, "My Name is Sangoal." I had the students find Sudan on the map. Next, I had students define "immigrant." One student said they saw a similar word to "migrate." Next, I asked students what they thought was an "immigrant." Responses varied, "a person living in Antartica, a person that is not supposed to be there or live there, etc..."

After discussing the correct definition, I introduced the word, "refugee." Again, a student saw the word similar to "refuse!" We discussed the meaning. I read the book with the students. They were very attentive. We stopped every 2-3 pages for a comprehension check...and to share Sangoal's feelings and how the children began to feel for Sangoal, not having any friends and no one being able to pronounce his name. The class felt sad for Sangoal and could relate to his feelings. some of the students became teary-eyed, especially my refugees and immigrants as they were making personal connections to the story. As a class the students came up with ways to help Sangoal feel more comfortable at his new school.

How did you ever come up with , Sangoal drawing pictures to help the classmates say his name??? That was ingenious and it was the class' favorite part!. The students applauded and said this was the best book they've ever read!!!

Thank you so much for sharing that story...it touched their young lives and mine!!! It was hard to read without tearing up!

I am writing and editing my first book about my experiences teaching refugees. I read in your bio that you were part of a writing club. I like that idea. I will look for one. This book is important for me to write. Need to get the message across to teachers and children how they can help!

Recently, I was interviewed by the Washington Post and VOA about the program I wrote, ""English Speaking Partners." Click below for my story!

VOA (Voice of America)YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v297k9p5Aoo

VOA (Voice of America) aired around the world:
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Immigrants-Learn-English-With-Their-Children-137753103.html

WASHPOST Article: Teaching Burmese Chin Refugees
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/for-burmese-refugees-english-lessons-at-work-build-school-ties/2011/06/23/AGPnxOsH_story.html


Thanks so much for reading my long email! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

--
Laurel Conran

If you have not read the book:

My Name is Sangoel
Sangoel is a refugee. Leaving behind his homeland of Sudan, where his father died in the war, he has little to call his own other than his name, a Dinka name handed down, proudly from his father and grandfather before him. When Sangoel and his mother and sister are resettled in America, things are supposed to be better but life in their new home is strange and lonely. The refugee camp seems better than this place where no one can pronounce his name and some even make jokes about it. Sangoel quietly endures the homesickness and ignores his mother’s suggestion that he might want to take an American name. He finally comes up with and ingenious solution to this problem and in the process begins to make friends and perhaps feel a little at home. Co-authored with Khadra Mohammed and Illustrated by Catherine Stock in bright detailed scenes this is a poignant story of identity and belonging that will help young readers understand the plight of many children around the world as well as in their own neighborhoods.

Great School, Great Idea!

Sangoel is still making friends and readers everywhere:

Dear Ms. Williams,

I'm writing to let you know that Oakridge Elementary School selected My Name is Sangoel to kick off its new school wide reading project--Mosaic. We are an international neighborhood school located in Arlington, VA and our 660 students come from more than 30 countries. The themes identified in your book were a perfect fit for the mission of the project, which uses literature to teach targeted reading strategies while exposing students to different cultures. Today, more than 700 students, teachers and staff read your book and everyone was mesmerized. Many of students have come to Arlington from different countries and have encountered obstacles similar to Sangoel's. As such, the students easily connected with the book and its themes, which resonated through our school. To learn more about Oakridge's Mosaic project, please see our website at http://www.apsva.us/Page/6203.

Thank you, and we're looking forward to your next publication.

A Beach Tail Now a Recorded Book

A Beach Tail is now available on Recorded books performed by Dion Graham. Unabridged with a second track included with page turn signals.

Check it out on line or from:

Recorded Books

270 Skipjack Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

1-800-638-1304

One Thing I'm good At on E-books

I have a sony Reader. My husband gave it to me for Christmas two years ago. He has many books on that reader. I have not even opened it yet. This is in part due to the fact that I love books, real books made out of paper, the ones where you turn pages. I have piles of them unread at my bedside, on the coffee table, at my desk so that is another reason I have not turned on the reader. I need to read those books first.

But now I have have a book on e-books. Will e-books bring Julie and Bean back to life? Does this mean I can drag out the manuscript for the sequel to this book and complete it? Will schools invite me to speak because one of my YA books is back in print (sort of). Who will have access to this book now? Only those with enough cash to buy a reader? There are some opportunities out there and I guess I had better get used to them. On the other hand does this mean that now the author must write the book PUBLISH IT herself and promote it too? And will she be paid? It remains to be seen how the dust will settle after this shake up in the publishing world. For now I guess I can celebrate entering this new phase of publishing. But I will still read that stack of books at my bedside before I open my reader unless it is to download ONE THING I'M GOOD AT. :-).

Enlarge Image One Thing I'm Good At By Karen Lynn Williams On Sale: 1/4/2011 Formats: eBook Single-Click Shopping: See More Retailers Book Description Nothing seems to be going right for Julie Dorinsky. Her best friend, Abby is hanging with the gifted crowd, while Julie's struggling to keep up in school. She can't even read the notes Abby passes her in class. It seems as if everybody, from her snooty older sister, Alexia, to her baby brother, Bean, is smarter than she is. There must by one thing she's good at. In One Thing I'm Good At, Karen Lynn Williams has created a warm and winning portrait of a young girl discovering her hidden talents.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Julie Dorinsky believes she is "a dumb kid who couldn't do anything right." In fact, little seems to be going right for this fourth-grader. A shaky speller and slow reader, she's afraid to show her parents her stack of "poor work" school papers and she is losing her best friend to the class snob. Things are equally rocky on the home front. Julie's father is recovering from a heart attack, so her mother has taken a secretarial job and often seems "tired or upset or busy." Once Julie's confidante, her older sister, Alexia, is now dismissive and condescending ("You are so stupid!... You can't even take a phone message!" she screams when Julie takes down a caller's name and number incorrectly). At times, the girl's ineptitude is overblown, and most readers will quickly pick up on the ways Julie positively influences her bright and likable four-year-old brother. She patiently teaches him to write his name, make a kite and dial 911. When their father passes out and the boy phones in a life-saving call for help, it becomes clear to everyone--especially Julie--that the one thing she is good at is teaching. Williams (Galimoto) delivers an encouraging message for any middle-grader short on confidence and self-esteem. Ages 8-up. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Fourth-grader Julie thinks of herself as a real loser. She has trouble reading and she can't spell. She has "poor work" papers that need a parent's signature, but she doesn't want to upset her father, who has recently had a heart attack. She finds herself leading a life of lies, pretending that she's capable of reading difficult books, saying that she has finished her homework, and telling her sister that their father has already seen the test she failed. Then her teacher assigns an essay on "One Thing I'm Good At." Julie is discouraged, believing there is nothing she excels in, but when her father passes out, her four-year-old brother credits Julie with having previously taught him to call 911. She begins to feel better about herself, knowing that what she did helped to save her father's life. Williams has created a cast of realistic characters that includes a crabby teenager, a frustrated substitute, and a teacher's pet. A satisfying story with an important message about self-image.
Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

One Of A Kind New Book for Writers, Students, Teachers, Readers

I am honored to part of this project along with many talented writers. I have two essays in this unique new book.

See the blog and check out the facebook page. Check back here for updates.

http://manygenres.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Many-Genres-One-Craft/141606902563200

"MANY GENRES ONE CRAFT is a brilliant and insightful must-have book for any writer, from newbie to working pro. Highly recommended!"
--Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of THE KING OF PLAGUES and PATIENT ZERO

"Finally! A book on writing category fiction, presented by those who do it every day. Choose a genre and jump right in."
--Mike Resnick, Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author

"MANY GENRES has everything you need to write and sell the book of your dreams. It is jam-packed with practical information, clear examples and brilliant insights, all delivered with clarity and wit. Skip the writers’ conference and read this gem from the masters of genre fiction!"
--Suzanne Forster, New York Times bestselling author

MANY GENRES, ONE CRAFT: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction (Headline Books, 2011)is an amazing anthology of instructional articles for fiction writers looking for advice on how to improve their writing and better navigate the mass market for genre novels.

Beatrice's Dream Finally Out!!!!

After several setbacks due to changes in the publishing industry and then riots in Kenya, Beatrice's Dream, a Story of Kibera Slum is a reality, at least book-wise.

This is a photo essay picture book which I wrote while visiting Nairobi on a school visit. I had the opportunity to work with photographer Wendy Stone and was able to spend time in Kibera slum, one of the largest slums in the world. There I met Beatrice, followed her through the day at school and after, and learned of her fears and hopes and dreams.

Find out more about this book at my website : www.karenlynnwilliams.com. Check out the book page and the teacher guide to lean more about Beatrice, the book and how it came to be.

Meet Beatrice and learn more about Kibera.

Four Feet Two Sandals Nominated!

NEWS

February 1, 2011
The California Young Reader Medal is proud to announce the NOMINEES for the 2011-2012 California Young Reader Medals. Printer-Friendly Version


August 1, 2010
2010-2011 RESOURCE GUIDE

2010-2011 OFFICIAL BALLOT

The California Young Reader Medal program encourages recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Since its inception in 1974, millions of California children have nominated, read, and voted for the winners of the California Young Reader Medal.

Young people suggest the names of favorite books for nomination, or teachers and librarians note repeatedly read or requested titles, and these are submitted to the California Young Reader Medal Committee. Members of the committee read the suggested books, discuss their merits and appeal to children, and then decide upon a well-balanced list of nominees.

The CYRM logo was created by artist Kathleen Womble at the request of Becca Watchman, one of the founders of the California Young Reader Medals Both women were employed by the Lucia Mar Unified School District in Arroyo Grande, California.



2010-2011 Nominees


Printer-Friendly Version of 2010-2011 Nominees (.pdf)





Sponsorship
The CYRM program is sponsored by four statewide organizations committed to books and reading:

California Association of Teachers of English (CATE)
California Library Association (CLA)
California Reading Association (CRA)
California School Library Association (CSLA)
A committee of representatives from each organization coordinates CYRM activities at the state level. The committee develops a promotional packet about the program and provides all the materials needed for participation. These materials include the ballots, nomination forms, and nominee lists.

Nomination and Voting
To be considered for nomination, a book must be an original work of fiction published within the last four years by a living author. Recommendations for nomination are due each year by April 1 for consideration as a nominee the following year. It is a two-year cycle from the time of nomination by students to the presentation of the California Young Reader Medal to the winning authors (and illustrators in the Primary and Picture Books for Older Readers categories).

Books are nominated for the medal in five categories:

Primary (Grades K - 3)
Intermediate (Grades 3 - 6)
Middle School/junior High (Grades 6 - 9)
Young Adult (Grades 9 - 12)
Picture Books for Older Readers (4th Grade and up)
Students may read and vote for books in any and all categories, but they must read all the books nominated in a category to be eligible to vote. Students read the nominated books from July through March and vote for their favorite. Teachers and librarians introduce the nominees to students, often in exciting and innovative ways. They provide ballots for the students, compile vote totals, and submit results to the CYRM committee.

All CYRM ballots must be postmarked by April 1 of each year.



Award Winners and Ceremonies
The authors (and illustrators in the Primary and Picture Books for Older Readers categories) of the winning books receive their California Young Reader Medal awards at special ceremonies held annually at the state conferences of each sponsoring organization. Local students are selected to present the CYRM bronze medals to the winners.

2010-2011 Ceremonies:

CATE:
February 2011 (Young Adult)
CLA:
November 12-15, 2010 - Sacramento (Primary)
CRA:
November 15-16, 2010 - Riverside (Middle School and Picture Books for Older Readers)
CSLA:
November 12-15, 2010 - Sacramento (Intermediate)




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Updated 1/31/11
Webmaster

Beach Tail recognized again!

A Beach Tail has been selected for the 2011 Texas 2x2 list!

2011 Texas 2 x 2 Reading List

Welcome! The 2X2 Committee‘s charge is to produce a list of 20 recommended books for children, age two to grade two. You can help with our statewide promotion of the reading list by introducing it in the following locations: • Public libraries • School libraries • Primary care facilities • Day care centers • Early childhood centers • Hospitals • Women, Infant and Children (WIC) sites • Health Department Clinics • Head Start locations.

The master list books, all recommended by one or more reviewing sources, should be evaluated in terms of each library’s selection policy. It is not mandatory that a school or public library purchase all titles listed.

Williams, Karen Lynn. A Beach Tail. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Boyds Mills Press.

ISBN-13: 978-1-59-078712-0. $17.95. Ages 4-8. When his father tells him not to leave the lion he is drawing on the beach, a little boy starts making a very, very long tail – and a trail to follow back.

AND if you want to see what Aidan who is 7 has to say about this adventure in a book check out:http://www.patzietlowmiller.com

And check it out! Gregory and his lion's tail go on TV in connecticut!

http://authorkatiedavis.blogspot.com/2011/01/teaching-independence-through-books.html

Going stir crazy in the snow? Find the perfect drawing stick and make your own animal in the snow or practice writing your name. Pretend you are at the beach! Bring a blanket. Have a snow picnic.

A beach tail is my most recent book(Although Beatrice's Dream will be out this month) So while you wait for Beatrice, check out my first book, Galimoto published in 1990. Still going strong in paper back. But if you want a hardcover copy signed by the author, I have five hundred copies sitting in my attic. I am hoping they do not fall through the ceiling!

See where Galimotos can take you! Watch this video. Not such a stretch from wire toys to giant animals made of PCV pipe that roam the beaches of Holland. What a Beach Tail this is! I love the possibilities and the connections! Watch this video, read Galimoto and see what you can build.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSKyHmjyrkA&feature=emailGalimoto

And that termite mound that Kondi visits when he is looking for wire? In When AFrica Was Home, Peter uses these giant structures like a gym set. See how clever those insects are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNwpbNm7gKU&feature=channel

Still stir crazy with snow? Build a termite mound out of snow. Climb up it. Slide down it. Live inside it. Think termite mound to igloo.

PS. Still winter crazy? Forget about that Ground hog and celebrate the year of the Rabbit! Happy Chinese New Year. Make a cupcake to celebrate. See what we had for dessert when a neighbor had a Chinese New year Party this week.

Try this or build a snow rabbit. OR draw one in the snow.

I am on my way to Taiwan where my grandson Ethan is celebrating the New Year now. Can't wait. I will read him all my books even though he is only 6 months old.

Beatrice's Dream Pub Date in February

Just got my first copy of BEATRICE'S DREAM in the mail yesterday. It has been a long time coming. I worked on this book while I was in Kenya in 2003 with photographer Wendy Stone. I spent a week following Beatrice around the huge slum, Kibera. This is where she lives, goes to school and visits with her friends. But Beatrice has a dream and this lovely quiet girl is a young woman now on her way to making the dream come true.

Many thanks to Wendy who made this book happen and to Beatrice who shared her life. See Wendy's website, http://www.wendystone.com/ and watch my website, www.karenlynnwilliams.com and this blog for updates on Beatrice and more about the book with teacher guides to come.

A Beach Tail from the Mesa

I am struck by the similarities this photo taken on the beach has to the Mesa, my new home.

And here is another great review for A Beach Tail.  From Libraryvoice.org.  I love that this review mentions they way Floyd captures the beach sand feel through out the book...you can feel the texture.

Book Review: A BEACH TAIL

A Beach Tail written by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Boyds Mills Press, 2010

Recommended for ages 3 to 5

Gregory and his dad are spending the day at the beach together.  Swish-swoosh, up lap the waves onto the sand.  Gregory draws a Sandy Lion, with a full mane, four chubby legs, a happy face.   His father gently reminds him of the beach rules; “Don’t go in the water and don’t leave Sandy.”  On the pages that follow, Greg draws in Sandy’s tail which leads him down the beach, past a purple jellyfish, a sandcastle, a horseshoe crab, and other amazing discoveries on the sand.  While getting further and further away from his father under the blue umbrella, Greg never goes in the water and the growing, twisting, curving tail ensures that he never leaves Sandy.

Cooper’s art is gorgeous.  Using pastels in beachy taupes, browns, soft purples and blues, he creates a textured effect that defines both the setting and the main character.  In this way, the environment and the boy are visually united.  Greg and his surroundings are rendered in a subtle soft-focus, which when combined with Cooper’s ability to create a breathtaking balance of shadow and light, lends the overall experience an almost tactile, sensual quality.

There is a double-page spread that features Greg leaning down to inspect a new creature.  His face tilts up to look toward the viewer.  Sunlight reflects off of the top of his head and is captured twinkling on grains of sand stuck to the side of his chin.  There is a slight blending between the borders of Greg and the sand around him, which reminded me of Peter McCarty’s luminous Hondo and Fabian books.

I loved how child-focus the story and art remained throughout A Beach Tail.  I know a mom who was initially concerned about a young child being portrayed as straying so far from his parent (and so close to the dangerous ocean.)  As a parent, that must be an unsettling, even terrifying, feeling.  For the child reader, however, this bit of brief independence and even slight mischievousness (Greg definitely knew he was pushing the limits of his father’s second rule) is where adventure happens.  It is only by breaking away from his dad that Greg can indulge his curiosity and discover remarkable creatures and objects on the beach.  And yet, he is still tied to the security of his father through Sandy’s tail.

This perfectly balanced depiction of independence and safety is exactly what so many preschoolers and kindergartner’s crave.  They want to be a big kid and have adventures.  But, it is still important to know that their grownup will be there at the end of the day to welcome them home and keep them safe.

Beach Tail gets Caldecott Hype!!!!

Check out this site.    Like they say a long shot but nice to dream....  Keeps a writer going to know that the work is being recognized.  I imagine it is great for the illustrator too.  I was delighted from the beginning of this project to know Floyd would be the illustrator.  My book When Africa Was Home was one of his early works.  Here is a shout out to Floyd and A Beach Tail.

http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1999 

Hey! What's that on Your Shirt???

My Name is Sangoel inspires students at one of my recent school visits.

And what would you share?  See how Four Feet, Two Sandals also inspired these students.

And Galimoto reaches new heights of creativity!

A Beach Tail Compared to Crockett Johnson!

See review below:

A BEACH TAIL by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2010

Fans of Crockett Johnson’s classic, Harold and the Purple Crayon, will find some of the same endearing exploratory themes in this realistic story of a young boy with a stick who takes a linear journey into the unknown and back. When Gregory draws a lion in the sand at the beach, his father gives him permission to play, but he cannot go in the water and he cannot leave the lion. Gregory draws the lion’s tail longer and longer, until he realizes he has strayed far from his father’s umbrella. He follows the tail back to where he started and where his father has been watching all along. This story will capture the imagination of young children longing to explore on their own. Gregory’s mild anxiety when he realizes he has strayed too far is resolved by his own resourcefulness, an ending young readers will find safe and satisfying. The close-up illustrations of Gregory carry readers along as if they are at his side, and the sandy appearance of the drawings reflects the beach setting perfectly. This is a reassuring tale of adventure. Recommended. Jennifer MacKay, Senior Content Editor, American Book Publishing. Salt Lake City, UT 

Another Star!

See this review in School Library Journal.  http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

A BEACH TAIL DOES IT AGAIN!!!!

SEE EARLIER STAR IN KIRKUS.

*A BEACH TAIL by Karen Lynn Williams      Starred Review

A charming tale of creativity and discovery. When Gregory draws a lion in

the sand, his father suggests that it needs a tail and a name. As the child

begins making a tail with a stick, Dad reminds him, “Don’t go into the

water, and don’t leave Sandy.” Although Gregory does not go into the water,

his interpretation of not leaving Sandy is highly suspect. As he continues

to draw the tail, it leads him a long way down the beach. Gregory winds it

around a purple jellyfish, a sandcastle, a horseshoe crab, and more, until

he reaches a jetty. He turns around and has lost sight of Dad, but

fortunately is clever enough to follow the tail back past his landmarks,

until he finds part of Sandy, whose body has been washed away. Greorgy is

happy and relieved to see his father sitting under the blue umbrella on the

dolphin towel. The pastel illustrations use a soft, muted palette and have

a grainy, beachlike feel to them. Cooper does an outstanding job of using

perspective to underscore the immensity of the beach and sea. Gregory’s

facial expressions are full of wonder and curiosity as he finds small

discoveries during this adventure. A wonderful summer tale to share

one-on-one or with a group.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library,

Montrose, NY