Picture Book Girl

My New Picture Book "Balloon Trees" will be released in 2013

2012-02-07T19:37:00.001-08:00

It's official, the contract has been signed and the illustrator has been chosen. My new picture book, Balloon Trees will be published in Spring 2013 by Sylvan Dell Publishing and will be illustrated by artist, Laurie Allen Klien.

Sylvan Dell publishes award-winning picture books that integrate Science, Math, and Geography. Each book is offered in hardcover and paperback plus read-aloud ebooks with Spanish. All books also come with tons of learning material in the back of the book with even more available online.

I'll keep you posted as news regarding this title develops, but in the meantime please check out Sylvan Dell's other great books already in print.

Discussion Guide for Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors

2012-01-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

PIRATE NAP: A Book of Colors

Written by Danna Smith and Illustrated by Valeria Petrone

Teacher’s Guide created by Cassandra Reigel Whetstone

Story Summary

Two boys turn everyday items into colorful treasure before sailing off to nap time.

Danna Smith writes from her home in Northern California where she lives with her husband and two children. Learn more about her at http://www.dannasmithbooks.com.

Valeria Petrone lives and illustrates from her home in Italy. You can learn more about her at www.valeriapetrone.com.

Discussion Questions: Before, During, and After Reading

1. Do these boys look like they are ready to take a nap? What do you predict this story will be about? (before reading)

2. What sorts of things do these pirates do for fun? What does “Pirates plunder” mean? (pages 4-5)

3. What might they find under their couch? What do you think they would find if they searched under your couch? (pages 8-9)

4. What kind of treasure will they discover in the trunk? (page 18-19)

5. What sorts of dreams do you think the kids are having? What about the puppy? (after reading)

Shared Reading (Color Cards)

Materials: One square of construction paper per student, using white, yellow, red, green, brown, orange, purple, black, and blue, (e.g. if there are 27 students in the class three will get white, three yellow, etc.)

Directions: Preschool After reading PIRATE NAP, pass out one square of construction paper to each student. Tell students that when you reach their color in the book they should stand, hold up their color square, and call out its name. Read through the book a second time with students joining in the name the colors. K-2 Students Follow the activity for preschool students but have them spell out the color words when they stand up.

Response to Story: Color Scavenger Hunt (Colors, Writing)

Preschool-Grade 2

Materials: Board or Chart Paper; blank paper for each student; crayons in white, yellow, red, green, brown, orange, purple, black, and blue.

Directions:

1. Say, “We are going to go on a scavenger hunt for colorful treasures.” Ask students to help you remember the name of the colors used in PIRATE NAP and record the names of the colors on the board or chart paper.

2. Give each student a piece of paper and set of crayons.

3. Tell students that they need to find one item in the classroom for each color. Preschoolers-and early kindergarteners should draw a picture of the object using the matching crayon. Students who are ready for writing in kindergarten, and students in grades 1-2 should write the name of the colored object, using the matching crayon.

4. Ask students to walk around the classroom searching for objects of each color. Have students return to their seats to record each object found. Note: If students have a hard time finding any colors invite them to look through picture books for the missing colors.

Closure: Invite volunteers to read their lists to the class.

Color Survey (Graphing, Feelings)

Materials: Chart Paper; markers; pieces of construction paper or color cards in yellow, red, green, orange, purple and blue; board or overhead projector

Preparation: Create a chart with six columns. Label each column with one of the colors from above.

Directions:

1. Tell students that colors can affect our feelings. Say, “Sometimes colors can make us feel calm or happy and sometimes they might make us feel angry or sad.”

2. Tell students that you are going to show them different colors. Ask them not to use any words but to think about how they feel when they look at the color. Remind students that there is no right or wrong way to feel about a color and that each person gets to have their own feelings about each color.

3. Show students the colors one at a time.

4. Draw a happy face, sad face, and a straight face on the board. Ask students to come up to the chart record the feeling/face that reflects their feelings about each color under its column on the chart.

Closure: Have students state or write summary statements about the graph. Ask, “Which colors made the most people feel happy? What about sad? Were there any colors that didn’t make people feel either happy or sad?”

Finding Treasure (Art)

Materials: One paper plate or piece of cardboard per student; tempura paints; glue; permanent marker; a variety of recycled materials such as paper tubes, lids, cartons, fruit baskets, buttons, egg cartons, etc.; glitter glue (optional)

Directions:

1. Tell students that they are going to create a pirate treasure. Give students a paper plate or piece of cardboard. Have them label it on the bottom with their name.

2. Put out recycled materials on a table, (or put at a center.)

3. Ask students to use at least four different items and glue to construct a pirate treasure.

4. When treasure is dry, have them use one color of tempura paint to paint their treasure. Invite students to use glitter glue if available.

5. Ask students to name their treasure and write it on their object with the permanent marker.

Closure: Display the treasures around the room. Preschool and kindergarten teachers might consider using the treasures carefully in small or large group color sorting activities.

Dos En El Zoologico/Two at the Zoo: Bilingual board book now available

2011-11-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

It's release day for Dos En El Zoologico, the bilingual board book edition of picture book, Two at the Zoo! A raring-to-go boy and his grandfather put on their new hats and set off on a counting adventure at the zoo, where they see eagles, lizards, wart hogs, and other colorful zoo friends. Bilingual text is set in two colors for easy reading . This sturdy board book is written in both Spanish and English and the small size (around 4 X 4) is perfect for the littlest of hands. It makes a great stocking stuffer or combine Dos En El Zoologico/Two at the Zoo with a soft toy animal for a unique baby shower gift! Click here for more details.

Join me for a book event in Stockton, CA on September 24, 2011

2011-09-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Please join me at Family Fun Day at the Park - Literacy and Book Fair this Saturday, September 24, 2011. I will be reading and signing my picture books, PIRATE NAP and TWO AT THE ZOO. Readings will be at 11:30 AM and again at 2:00 PM. Book signings all day from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. You will find me at King Author's Court. Admission is free to the public. Come out for a full day of fun and educational activities for the entire family. More info at: http://www.visitstockton.org/events-calendar/The-Record-s-Family-Day-at-the-Park
When:	Saturday, September 24, 2011, 11:30 AM
Where:	University Park, California Street and Magnolia , Stockton, United States 95202

Arr! Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19

2011-09-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day! Celebrate the day with your little buccaneers and a pirate book!

Title: Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors
Author: Danna Smith
Illustrator: Valeria Petrone
Publisher: Clarion Books

Two boys use their imaginations to turn everyday objects, from a white bandanna to yellow coins to a red blanket, into colorful pirate treasure as they prepare for nap time. With a bouncy rhymed text and fun illustrations, this charming book teaches little ones their colors while making a great read-aloud. even the youngest readers and listeners will want to be a part of the fun as they get ready to sail off to sleep!

What better place for nap time than a grand pirate ship on the high seas?

BOOK TRAILER: PIRATE NAP

2011-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

School Library Journal reviews Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors

2011-08-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, blow me down! Another great review of Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors. This makes three terrific reviews...I am truly rich! Available on September 5th or Pre-order it now.

PIRATE NAP: A BOOK OF COLORS
Smith, Danna, illus. by Valeria Petrone$14.99 (32 p.) ISBN 978-0-547-57531-5
(REINFORCED LIBRARY BINDING, CLARION)

Clever rhyming text in “pirate speak” and colorful, digital gouache illustrations in muted tones create a standout concept book. Two young brothers, sometimes with a little sister in tow, explore the house, finding treasures in everyday objects. Mom tries to corral them to settle down: “Time for a nap, rowdy crew./Mighty pirates need sleep too/Captain sneers. ‘’Tis a trap!/Pirates never, ever nap!’” Providing a strong story arc that children will relate to, the boys continue their adventure until the inevitable happens. The eight basic colors are introduced in the humorous text and in the imaginative pictures. For example, the youngsters discover coins underneath the cushions of the couch. “YELLOW treasures buried deep/Lucky pirates./Loot to keep!” In the basement, imagination takes them through expansive land to a mountain–a large stack of folded laundry with a red blanket for the summit. The facial expressions and body language of this duo are spot-on as they hop, jump, or dance, and the featured colors pop off the page. Children will pore over the small and large details in the artwork. This title inspires creative play, and is likely to be a treasure for years to come.–Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ

Kirkus Reviews Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors

2011-08-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Kirkus is known to be the toughest book critics of all, so I'm very pleased to share their terrific review of PIRATE NAP... in stores on September 5, 2011 and available for pre-order now.

'Tis a cheerful afternoon on Spyglass Street, with swords flashing and pirates plundering-until Mom interrupts the fun.

"Time for a nap, rowdy crew. / Mighty pirates need sleep too." But the two little buccaneers don't agree. A mutiny is staged (or temper tantrum—rebellion takes all forms), and the Captain defiantly cries, "'Tis a trap! / Pirates never, ever nap!" The two boys set off running through the house, searching for treasure along the way. Yellow coins are found buried in the couch, a brown wooden chest is discovered in the attic and sparkling orange beads are hidden in the closet. But avast, every adventure must come to an end. The tired pirates find their ship (the bed), stow their treasure, lift the anchor (a green boot) and sail off to sleep. Smith and Petrone pair once again (Two at the Zoo, 2009) for another lively concept-book creation. With staccato sentences and a snappy scansion that never wastes a syllable, it is impossible to deny the energy found in these two imaginative little boys. Petrone's unmuddled palette and stretchy, loose-limbed characters add even more bounce to the romp.

Arr—pirates may not surrender without a fight, but even the rowdiest readers will have to concede the inevitability of naptime. (Picture book. 2-6)

-Kirkus Reviews

In Picture Books We Trust: New York Times Scroll

2011-04-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

The New York Times recently printed an article marginalizing picture books saying, "Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children." This article disturbed many but one local California school did something about it. In protest, they wrote a letter (a scroll really) over three hundred students, parents and teachers signed it then sent it off to the New York Times to declare their love of picture books.To read the article the New York Times printed about the scroll they received from this passionate school click here.

California Readers author interview

2011-03-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

I was recently interviewed for the California Readers Organization. View it here and while you are at it check out the interviews of other authors and illlustrators living in California.

HMH Books Dispatches Send-a-Story Line

2011-01-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

I came across this article at Publishers Weekly and thought I'd share it with you. I love this idea!

Just pick a book. Sign it. Seal it. Send it. A child gets a new picture book in the mail for about the cost of a disposable greeting card.

Read all about it here: HMH Books Dispatches Send-a-Story Line

New Picture Book Cover Sneak Peek: "Pirate Nap"

2010-12-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

My new picture book Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors will be out in September 2011 but I'm giving you a sneak peek at the cover and jacket flap text here:

"Afternoon on Spyglass Street, pirates fighting in bare feet."

"Time for a nap, rowdy crew. Mighty pirates need sleep too."

From a white bandana to yellow coins to a red blanket, two boys use their imaginations to turn everyday household objects into colorful pirate treasure as they prepare for nap time. Even the youngest readers and listeners will want to chime in as they get ready to sail off to sleep!

Illustrator Valeria Petrone did a fabulous job with her colorful, lively illustrations making this book a perfect companion to Two at the Zoo: A Counting Book (notice it's the same little boy).

Spanish Bilingual Board Book edition of "Two at the Zoo" Coming Soon!

2010-12-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will be releasing a Spanish bilingual board book edition of my picture book "Two at the Zoo: A Counting Book!"

The translation has already been done and has been made to keep the rhyme. The smaller board book format will be great for the littlest hands.

"DOS EN EL ZOOL'OGICO Un libro para contar" will be in available November 14, 2011!

Take reading a picture book to a whole new level with these fun activities

2010-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Make the most of your children's picture book experience by combining fun activities with the reading of picture book Two at the Zoo by Danna Smith.

A discussion guide (which includes discussion questions, reading, counting, writing and art activities) was professionally created to work with Two at the Zoo. A range of activities are included for children ages 2 to 6. Great for home or in the classroom. Click here to get your free copy.

Finger Puppets to accompany picture book "Two at the Zoo"

2010-05-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

A wonderful, crafty friend of mine has made finger puppets to go with my picture book Two at the Zoo. They are darling! A great way to make the picture book experience even more fun and interactive. If you'd like to make some finger puppets to go with your copy of Two at the Zoo, visit this craft blog . A great gift idea!

Celebrate Children's Book Week 2010

2010-04-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Get ready for the 91st annual Children's Book Week May 10-16th. It's a nationwide celebration of children's books and the love of reading. I'm kicking off the celebration with a selection of some of my favorite picture books.

FLIP, FLAP FLY: A Book for Babies Everywhere by Phylis Root, Illustrated by David Walker.

A snappy, happy rhyming picture book with pauses and page turns that make a this a fun book to read aloud. The book starts with a mother bird teaching her baby to fly. "In the blue, blue sky, where the wind blows Whish/"Look!" cheeps the baby bird"/"I see a...(page turn)/ "Fish." The book goes on following the pattern with other animals and has a circular, satisfying ending. Your little one will want to read this book again and again.

LEAVES by David Ezra Stein. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, A baby Bear is surprised to find the autumn leaves falling from the trees. "Are you okay?" he asks. At first he tries to catch the falling leaves and put them back on the branches (he pokes leaves onto the bare branches). "but it was not the same." So, tired, he fills a hole with fallen leaves and hibernates. He wakes up in spring to find tiny new buds unfolding on the bare arms of the trees. "Welcome! he cries." "And he thought the leaves welcomed him." A quick and satisfying read.

THE QUIET BOOK by Deborah Underwood Illustrated by Renata Liwska. A New York Times Bestselling book and an Amazon Book of the month pick for April 2010. This book deserves all the attention it's getting - It's truly a gem. The book starts out with "There are many kinds of quiet" and goes on to note all the peaceful kinds of quiet there are throughout the day. From the "first one awake quiet" to the "coloring in the lines quiet" to the "Right before you yell "surprise" quiet." The soft illustrations of the animals (rabbit, bear, owl, etc) give this book a cozy, quiet feel.

THE ROBOT AND THE BLUEBIRD by David Lucus. In this picture book written in prose, a broken down, broken hearted robot ends up on the junk heap. After trying to talk to the other scrapped machines in the heap, to no avail, a bluebird lands on him. The bluebird is going south for the winter and convinces the robot to come with her. Along the way they become friends and he shelters her from the cold along the way. In the end, the robot's energy wears down and has to stay put. The bluebird finds a perfect place for her nest...inside this lovable, rusty robot, near his broken heart. I was surprised to find that some reviewers found this book "almost too sweet." I found it charming - and there is always a place in a child's heart for a sweet story.

Watch the book trailer

2010-04-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

A new picture book is in the works

2010-03-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that Clarion books has acquired another of my picture book manuscripts! Treasure Nap is a color concept book and will be a companion book to picture book Two at the Zoo. It will be illustrated by Valeria Petrone, the same fabulous artist who illustrated Two at the Zoo. We are in the contract stage so it's too soon to know plans of a release date but I'm so happy to have a new book in the works and will post updates as I receive them. Cheers!

Celebrating Student Authors

2010-03-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

On March 17th, we held the second annual Author's Writing Contest at River Oaks Elementary School. The contest honors students for their ability to write a short story or a picture book. Students grades three through six were invited to participate in the contest.

Linda Joy Singleton, author of the Seer Series, and I judged the stories. One hundred and five entries were submitted and the stories were about a variety of topics, from fat leprechauns, Pearl Harbor and even an adventurous rolling eyeball!

In the picture above, first place picture book winners for 3rd - 6th grades are shown. From left to right: Brittney Thompson, Viviana Cuevas, me, Alyssa Lindsey and Hunter Franklin.

At the awards assembly, Linda and I spoke about becoming writers and following our dreams. We shared stories with the students that we wrote at their age and I told the students that I understood how hard it is to start with a blank page, bring a story from inside you and put it down on paper for someone you don't know to read and judge! It's a scary thing, even for adults so I am so very proud of all of them!

After the awards assembly, all participants celebrated at a reception in the library, with book signings, writing talk and snacks.

Kudos to River Oaks Librarian, Jennifer Collier, and the River Oaks Elementary School administration for their hard work in helping us bring this opportunity to the students.

Write on!

Two at the Zoo is a Raising Readers Board Book

2010-03-03T09:20:00.001-08:00

Happy news! Two at the Zoo has been made into a special edition board book for the Raising Readers organization. Raising Readers is about helping children to enjoy reading and language by exposing them to colorful, wonderful books. They provide a beautiful new book each time a child goes in for a well child checkup with their doctor.

"Reading aloud to children, even from infancy, helps their small brains grow and develop and starts them on the path to literacy and good health".

This year, over 12,000 special edition board books of Two at the Zoo will be distributed. I am honored that Two at the Zoo has been chosen to be a part of this program.

This year, Raising Readers is celebrating their 10Th anniversary and have given 1,410,129 books to date.

Cosmo Smith R.I.P

2010-02-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

February 12th was a sad day for us. It was the day our little Cosmo went to doggy heaven. He was ten years old and a big, lovable part of our family. He is missed terribly. In remembrance of "Cossy" I am including a poem my son wrote when he was 12 years old and Cosmo was just a puppy.

ODE TO COSMO

His eyes staring, brown
His floppy ears, waving
In the wind
Black as the night sky.
His tail wagging
As he runs
Tripping, clumsily over his feet
Rolling in the green grass.
Fetching the ball.
His warm wet tongue
Licking my face
His cold nose
Touching my forehead

by Boston P.

What my four year old readers and I have in common

2010-01-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

I've often wondered why I choose to write picture books for children. For me, I think it comes down to influence and memories.

Many people have influenced my passion to write including my mother who encouraged me when I showed an interest in writing at an early age, a grandmother who wrote beautiful poetry when she could find the time while raising her eleven children, a sister who is a songwriter and an uncle who took the time to be silly with me and make up rhymes on the spot, teaching me rhythm and meter in the process.

It's important for me to know my readers and relate to them. My children are grown and with the exception of appearances and readings,I don't have access to little minds on a daily basis but what I do have is a good memory. OK, I honestly can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but my long term memory is still in tact. From as far back as age four I remember things that happened and the little details... the emotions I felt, how things smelled, the colors, the sounds, what people wore and so on. It's no doubt that this connection to my childhood helps me write for children. Besides, in someways, I really haven't grown up. In fact, I've decided to list some of the things I have in common with my four year old readers:

1) We have great imaginations.
2) We love animals.
3) We find joy in the little things. A crunchy leaf. A snowflake.
4) We are picky eaters.
5) We cut the crust off our bread (yes, I still do)
6) We run outside when it rains while others are running inside for cover.
7) We like to go barefoot.
8) We play in the dirt (I find it in my garden).
9) We make things with paints, colored pencils and scissors.
10)We love picture books...those neat little packages of art and text that we can open again and again!

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap!

Howl-O-Ween at the Zoo!

2009-11-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

It's not everyday you get to read to Michael Jackson, a geisha girl and Iron Man but that's just what I did at Micke Grove Zoo's Howl-O-Ween event.

Children entered the zoo decked out in their Halloween costumes ready for a day of tricks and treats. There was a parade, a pumpkin carving contest, games, and story time of course. I read my picture book Two at the Zoo and the goblins helped me count the colorful animals in the book. There were some very good, not to mention, very LOUD counters in the group! What fun!

Great Picture Books for Grandparent's Day

2009-09-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Don't forget Grandparent's Day on September 13th! Grandparents play such an important role in children's lives and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than curling up on grandma's and grandpa's lap with a great picture book!

Here are a few of my favorites books for Grandparent's Day:

THE HELLO, GOODBYE, WINDOW by Norton Juster and Chris Raschka.

The window in Nanna and Poppy's kitchen is no ordinary window–it is the place where love and magic happens. It's where the girl and her doting grandparents watch stars, play games, and, most importantly, say hello and goodbye.

ME WITH YOU by Kristy Dempsey and Christopher Denise

From tea time to game time, singing or swinging, in the good times and even the grumpy ones, a granddaughter knows her grandpa is always wonderfully himself, and she is wonderfully herself, and together they are unbeatable! A pair beyond compare, a rare and special two!
With simple rhymes and delightfully charming illustrations, Me with You is the perfect book to remind young readers how unique they and their grandparents truly are.

TWO AT THE ZOO, by Danna Smith and Valeria Petrone.

Counting is always more fun when Grandpa helps! From one black bear to ten hairy warthogs, the young narrator and his grandpa count their way through a colorful and sometimes unusual zoo, encountering a wide assortment of friendly animals along the way. There are lions, zebras, and penguins, of course, but also chameleons and eagles . . . and even tarantulas! Playful, quirky illustrations put the loving relationship between the youthful grandfather and the grandson on proud display, while an upbeat, rhymed text full of sparkling verb sounds invites even the youngest readers and listeners to participate.

"Two at the Zoo" is a Baby Buzz Pick!

2009-08-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Each month parent educators choose a quality book to suggest for children birth to 3 years of age and then a review of the book is featured in the second weekend issue of The Missourian.

Parent educators use grant money from WINGS (Washington's Investement in Great Schools) to purchase copies of each month's Baby Buzz Pick to use in their home visits with parents and children.

It makes this picture book girl proud to know that parents, educators, teachers and children are enjoying Two at the Zoo!

A Woman of Many Hats

2009-07-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't been the most active blogger lately. I've been wearing many hats as of late and have had difficulty finding time to blog. What hats you ask?

THE MOM HAT: My daughter is on break from school so I've been spending some time with her. We've been shopping, going to lunch, and just hanging out. I've also been running her back and forth to swim practice and spending weekends at swim meets. She's a fast little fish! She starts high school at the end of July. I also have a son in college who is busy with work and school but I try to spend time with him when I get the chance.

THE WIFE HAT: Of course I like to spend time with my hubby. In the summer we join others in the evenings and golf as a big group. It's lots of fun. We get to catch up with old friends and meet new friends. We've taken a few long weekends to the coast which is always fun and we love driving in the foothills near our house and taking nature walks.

THE PUBLICITY HAT : Publishers do a lot to get the word out about a new book but it is also up to the author and illustrator to spread the word. I've had some great events lately and I've been setting up some more speaking and reading dates. You can read about my upcoming events on my website http://www.dannasmithbooks.com/. If you live in Northern California, pack up the kids and visit me at one of my stops. I'd love to met you! I've also been working on several Power Point presentations. I'm updating one of my school talks as well as writing a new presentation for a library event in August. I'm so pleased with the reception my newest picture book, Two at the Zoo, has been receiving!

THE ARTIST HAT: I've always liked to draw but I have never painted so I signed up for a watercolor painting class. My friend signed up too. Our first class was last week. The teacher told us to work from our imaginations and wash the page with colors then sit back and let the painting tell us what it wants to be. My painting told me it wanted to be a forest in the fall with a little cabin next to a lake. It's funny but you can actually see a hint of a picture and then you just have to develop around it. It's easier said than done but I think I am really going to enjoy this class. I also like crafts and am always making something crafty in my studio.

THE WRITER HAT: I'm currently working on four picture books at the same time. I find working on many manuscripts at a time works well for me. If I get hung up on a verse or an idea with one manuscript, I can just flip over to another manuscript and keep on working. It's my way of avoiding writer's block. I was working on five manuscripts but I'm happy to say I've finished one and I'm please with the results. It is now in my agent's hands and my fingers are crossed she finds it worth shopping around to editors. If everyone out there who reads this crosses their fingers then my chances of selling it go way up...right? Oh, if it were that easy!

THE GARDNER HAT: I've been working in my yard like crazy. I now have my little oasis in the back yard in tip-top shape. It's a relaxing, tranquil place to nap...er I mean read a book.

So that's my life in hats.

Oh, I can't forget the HOUSEKEEPING HAT but I'm seriously thinking about throwing that ratty old hat in the trash :)

There's a hairy tarantula in the bookstore!

2009-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning a group of children joined me for story time at Barnes & Noble in Stockton, California. We were celebrating the release of my new picture book Two at the Zoo but this was no ordinary story time...

After reading my book to the children, "Hello, spiders in your crate. Very scary... We count 8," Arlene from Micke Grove Zoo brought out a special animal guest....A hairy tarantula! Some young readers took a look up close while others viewed from a distance. Everyone had a wild time!

Of course I couldn't let the day pass without holding the tarantula. In this picture I am showing the spider to Nikoli, my book's biggest fan! Later, I signed lots of books. Part of the proceeds from sales went to Micke Grove Zoo's EdZooCational Foundation!

If you missed this event, I will be at Micke Grove Zoo in Lodi, CA on May 9th from 10am - 3pm for their annual Migration Celebration .There will be exciting animals, bird demonstrations, themed arts and crafts, zoo keeper talks, and you can get an autographed copy of Two at the Zoo for your little animal lover to take home! Later gator...

Writing Contest for Students at River Oaks Elementary fun for all!

2009-04-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

On Friday I had a wonderful time at an assembly at River Oaks Elementary School in Galt, California. Middle Grade author Linda Joy Singleton and I judged River Oaks first annual Author's Writing contest! Linda started these contests 18 years ago and I joined her five years ago as the picture book judge. This was River Oaks first contest but many schools have made this contest an annual event that the students look forward to each year. This is a a picture of just some of the wonderful picture books the kids wrote and illustrated. They got their very own bound book to create and I was amazed at the talent in these young writers! I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet authors when I was young and wanted to be a writer. I am happy I can be there for these young writers.

Look at all these medals! At the assembly, we spoke to the entire school about our lives as writers when we were young and now that we are grown up and published. The students also learned about the rejection that goes with the business and learned how we kept going and followed our dreams.

After the students of the winning entries were awarded their medals, we celebrated the creativity of all the students who entered the contest with a big reception in the library. We had snacks and I got to meet all 128 authors! I answer questions and signed my books and bookmarks. It was great fun for all of us! River Oaks went out of their way to welcome Linda and I and librarian Jennifer Collier was absolutely amazing, she organized the whole thing and did a fabulous job! Having picture books published and available for children to read is always great but actually seeing the children who read my books and making a difference in their lives, even for one day, is absolutely the cream on top!

MotherReader's Secret

2009-03-12T10:18:00.001-07:00

MotherReader blogs "picture books rule" (I couldn't agree more!) and she has a secret on great read-aloud success. Read her very insightful (and funny) take on the subject here :
http://www.motherreader.com/2009/03/reading-aloud-picture-books-rule.html

I SURVIVED ASILOMAR!

2009-03-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

I feel I should be wearing an "I Survived Asilomar" T-shirt or something. I recently returned from our annual writing conference at Asilomar near Monterey, CA. After three jam-packed days, I am on sensory overload but inspired! Driving down with my friends and writers, Linda Joy Singleton, Verla Kay, and Linda Whalen, the party started before we even got there. We stopped at our usual spot along the way, Casa de Fruita, had lunch and bought at least 100 pounds of fudge in Casa de Sweets!

We arrived at the Asilomar conference just in time to say "hello" to the ocean and register. Then we dove right into a weekend of learning from some of the best editors, authors, illustrators and agents (well, my agent is the best but you get the picture). It was great to reconnect with so many wonderful children's writers and illustrators and I got to meet new friends as well. The weather was warm and the conference grounds were beautiful. The deer greeted us each morning outside our room balconies.

I think the highlight of my time at Asilomar was eating dinner with and hearing stories of Ted and Besty Lewin's adventures around the world. Ted and Besty Lewin are husband and wife and are talented authors and illustrators, each with a very different style. Some of you may know of the books "Click Clack Moo, Cow's that Type" and "Duck for President", that would be Betsy's art work, she's fabulous! All the speakers gave informative and inspiring talks. I bought many books from fellow writers and conference speakers including "Dead Girl Dancing" the second book in YA trilogy by Linda Joy Singleton (great books!), Jim Averbeck's beautifully written picture book, "In a Blue Room", and Verla Kay's rhyming non-fiction picture book "Rough, Tough, Charley", among others.

The conference ended with our "touchy-feely"commitment ceremony where we all gather in a circle, hold hands, and toss our commitment cards into a roaring fire (we previously wrote our commitments out on a note card) so our goals and dreams can be sent into the universe...hey, don't laugh, this is a great ritual:) One I understand, was started by some of the very first SCBWI Asilomar conference goers over twenty years ago, including the very successful children's author/illustrator Patricia Polacco.

I had a good time but it was great to come home to my family. Of course, I came back inspired to write! Many thanks to my husband who is always supportive and who held down the fort for three days.

"WRITING IS A SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM OF SCHIZOPHRENIA" AND OTHER WRITING QUOTES

2009-02-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of my favorite writing quotes which I've collected on bits and scraps of paper over the years. I'm happy to have them all in one place and thought I'd share them with you...Enjoy!

"Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia" - E.L. Doctorow

"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein" - Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip" - Elmore Leonard

"Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very;" your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be" -Mark Twain

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass" - Anton Chekhov

"Easy reading is damn hard writing" - Nathaniel Hawthorne

"If you want to make a song more hummy add a few tiddely poms" - Winne the Pooh

"A metaphor is like a simile" - unknown

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug" - Mark Twain

"I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork"- Peter DeVries

"You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke" - Arthur Polotnik

"It's not plagiarism - I'm recycling words, as any good environmentally conscious writer would do" - Uniek Swain

"I even shower with my pen, in case any ideas drip out of the waterhead" -Graycie Harmon

"I do not like to write. I like to have written" -Gloria Steinem

And my all time favorite quote (because it is so me)......

"I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning and took out a comma...In the afternoon- well, I put it back again" - Oscar Wilde

"TWO AT THE ZOO" IN PARENTING MAGAZINE!

2009-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a great week! On Monday, my new picture book, Two at the Zoo was released! Yea, it's finally in stores! And today, I got word that a review of Two at the Zoo is in the March issue of Parenting Magazine: The Early Years! The magazine praises it as "A wild way to help younger kids learn their numbers." I must say, the people at Parenting magazine are pretty smart :)

If you have the magazine, check it out...if not here's a link:
http://www.parenting.com/gear-gallery/Gear/14-Great-DVDs-CDs-and-Books/9/

KIRKUS REVIEWS "TWO AT THE ZOO"

2009-01-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

What did Kirkus have to say about Two at the Zoo?
Here are a few snippets of the review:

"Smith’s picture-book is a whirlwind trip to the zoo with a small boy and his grandpa."

"Petrone’s digital gouache illustrations milk facial expressions for all they’re worth"

"there are many elements that make it a great read-aloud for library groups."

I'm happy for the great review and hope parents, teachers and children will enjoy it!

ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN A FREE PICTURE BOOK!

2009-01-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my latest contest winner, Lily O from Auburn, WA! Lily won a signed copy of my picture book, A Brave Spaceboy!

Go to my website (http://www.dannasmithbooks.com/) and enter for your chance to win. This quarter, I'll be giving away a signed copy of my brand-new picture book Two at the Zoo! The winner will be announced on or around March 30, 2009. Good Luck!

AUTHORS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

2009-01-15T11:30:00.001-08:00

When I was in grade school reading my favorite books, I didn't know authors were real people. In my young mind, authors were mystical creatures who I would never, ever, meet. When I visit schools, kids get to see that authors are just regular people who happen to love books and writing. Ironically, on a recent school visit, as students were filing into the auditorium to hear me speak, a student looked over at me and shouted to his friend, "Hey, she looks like a real person!"

JOY IN MY MAILBOX

2009-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Over the years I've found many things in my mailbox, rejection letters, magazines, bills...but today I found joy in my mailbox!

It was my first copy of my picture book Two at the Zoo. Yes, I had seen galleys and rough sketches from illustrator Valeria Petrone, but after years of work and waiting there is something joyful about holding the actual book in my hands! It's a colorful counting concept book and I'm counting the days (just 32) for it's release!