Donna Marie's Blog

Calling All Poetry Lovers!

2012-05-23T22:28:37Z

If you're in the CT area on June 6, 2012, join me as I read from my "Poetry for Tough Times" trilogy, followed by an open mike and book signing.

CLICK here for details.

Meet Hazel Mitchell!

2012-02-27T02:57:48Z

Leave a comment here by March 1 for your chance to win a copy of the book!

HIDDEN NEW JERSEY by Linda J. Barth, illustrated by Hazel Mitchell, is packed with fun facts about New Jersey. On each page you'll learn a dozen or so interesting things about the Garden State. Did you know that the first professional basketball game and first baseball game with modern rules were played in NJ? Or that it has a science facility where horses run on a treadmill for exercise? Or that lava from a prehistoric volcano formed the ridges of the Watchung Mountains? Learn which famous people are associated with NJ, why it's called "the garden state," the reason for the boardwalk, the wildlife abundant there, and much more!

Admittedly, the rhyming verse on each spread is a bit off and the rhythm is not consistent. The same stanza is used twice about the shore when I think a second could have been easily written, especially with so many marvelous details at hand. The facts, too, should have been verified. For example, one page states that NJ is home to seven lighthouses and another page claims eight. Still, I think it reveals a fascinating history overall.

What really brings this book to life are the illustrations. Colorful and eye-catching, they invite young (and old!) readers to explore the pages again and again. There is just the right blend of images and white space, so the reader has plenty to see and learn without the book seeming too "busy." An added bonus is the "search & seek" feature. Each spread shows an average of five objects to find—and don't forget to look for the bumblebee throughout!

Because I enjoyed the illustrations so much, I invited Hazel Mitchell to answer a few questions. Presenting...

TEN MUST-KNOWS ABOUT HAZEL!

1. What is your favorite children's book of all time? Elidor by Alan Garner. He is a British author who writes fantasy novels and I remember reading this when I was about 10. It was my first real experience with contemporary fantasy and I love it still.

2. What is your favorite YA or adult book? Jane Eyre. Again this was the first real "adult" book and as soon as I finished it I started again. It's still a great escape.

3. If you could be any book character, who would you be and why? Lucy in Chronicles of Narnia. Lucy was one of the first characters I really identified with as a young reader. She is curious, adventurous, and fearless. I always looked into wardrobes from then on.

4. When did you know you wanted to be an illustrator? Since I realized that people could actually do it as a job. Just took me a long time to work out how I could do it as a job!

5. What/when/where was your first published piece? In the school magazine in about 1977. I was the art director. It was a cartoon of a mouse.

6. What is your favorite part of your job? least? Favorite—initial idea. The spark is the most exciting part, the visualization and roughing out. After that it's hard work! Least—erasing/clean-up.

7. What one piece of advice would you give those considering this field? Patience. The publishing industry works slowly.

8. What are your dreams for the future? A Caldecott! Okay, that's the top of the pile. Meanwhile I will be happy to publish something I have written and illustrated. Oh, and a movie premiere in Leicester Square Odeon, London.

9. What three things do you most like to do when you are not working? Being by or on the sea, traveling, eating great food.

10. Describe Hazel in one word. Impatient!

To check out HIDDEN NEW JERSEY and Hazel Mitchell's other books, go to hazelmitchell.com. To learn more about author Linda J. Barth and her tireless efforts to protect the environment, go to www.lindajbarth.com.

And, remember, leave a comment by March 1, 2012 to have a chance at winning your own copy of HIDDEN NEW JERSEY!

Poetry Contest Winner!

2012-02-14T22:23:50Z

CONGRATS to the winner of the Watertown High School Poetry Contest!

DEADLINE---------x

by Hailey Chamberlin

HeadacheHandsShakingEyesSquinting_

_FrustratedFingertipsUncertainOfTheFinishLine_

_StrugglingToPourOutWhat'sAlreadyBeenDrained_

_Rules—TheseRulesAreFarFromWorthListeningTo_

_Stop. WritingReadingThinking._

_Time—TheySayTimeIs Everything..._

_TimedAssignments,TimedActivities,TimedClasses,_

_ButTimeToMyself...nosuchmeaning_

_TimeToCalmDown...UnheardOf_

_TimeToBeStressFree...NO_

_THIS.IS.YOUR.FAULT._

_HeadPoundingEyesStrained_HandsSpittingOutMeaninglessWords_

_WordsIDon'tEvenLike, WordsIHaveBeenTaught_

_ToUseAndReuse—OverAndOverLikeAnOldTatteredDishTowel_

–STOP!–

IsWhatIWantToHear, ButGoIsTheOpposite_

_ThereforeIAmDestinedToDoSo_

_goGoGO...FINISHmustFINISH_

_TeethChatteringLipsQuiveringMindBlowingUP_

_LastPunctuationCompletes the line_Period. X

I sit back and try to summon the courage to admire

But I don't care, for there is no energy to care, there is no reason to care.

Nothing matters...people, places, things, feelings, ME–

Doesn't matter.

Now Time...time matters.

Time is the only thing on my mind,

But I ask myself, "Is this worth my insanity?"

"This piece of paper with meaningless words?"...NO–

But I can't tell them, nothing matters to them,

Nothing but this insanity-driving deadline------x

Help for Caregivers

2011-12-09T22:34:57Z

Now through January 2012, learn the story behind Cancer, A Caregiver's View at http://www.karencote.tv/writers-pen-for-charity-lounge.

Review of FREDDIE RAMOS ZOOMS TO THE RESCUE

2011-12-04T23:53:03Z

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue (by Jacqueline Jules, art by Miguel Benitez) is a delightful beginning reader chapter book. What kid doesn't want to feel like a hero? With his purple-power sneakers and his new silver goggles, Freddie is ready to take on any challenge, including something "easy" (like finding out why a squirrel is in school) to the heart-thumping train rescue when a tree falls on the tracks. There is just enough excitement to keep readers turning the page without scaring them, an important feature of this age-appropriate book (best for six- to ten-year-olds).

I did encounter a few minor issues with the story. First, Freddie is able to sneak away from the teachers in order to do his detective work. This is plausible during recess when things are a bit chaotic. However, when he doesn't make it from math class to music, I wonder why the teacher and other students don't notice. Also, language for any book, but particularly for an early reader, is crucial. At one point, Freddie is stuck "in" his desk. He should have been stuck "at" his desk (unless he had been physically trapped).

Aside from those little things, the story is sweet yet adventurous at the same time, and will certainly hold a child's attention. The text and illustrations (black-and-white drawings with a graphic-novel feel) work well together and will motivate a child to continue reading. I'm sure readers will look forward to other Zapato Power adventures! For more about the author, go to www.jacquelinejules.com.

Review of TRIPLICITY/PAPER COVERS ROCK

2011-09-21T22:23:07Z

An interesting concept—a poetry flipbook! We have the work of Kristen McHenry on one side in TRIPLICITY and Chella Courington's PAPER COVERS ROCK on the other.

The "poems in three" by McHenry have some merit. There were poems and stanzas and even just some phrases that caught my eye. "Spock: A Romance in Quotes" was original, and I particularly liked "Too Many Buddhas." However, Courington's work was too dark for me. While many poems were refreshingly honest, at times it felt that images were included for the shock value only without regard to literary worthiness. If a publisher wishes to combine two voices, there must be more than an arbitrary reason to connect and collect them within a single volume.

Aesthetically, the inside margin is narrow and bothersome. For an ironic example, see "Slit." The leading is also slightly off as not all the titles line up quite right. I received an ARC, so perhaps these minor problems were fixed before the print run.

I wish Indigo Ink Press well. They are innovative and have the potential to stay strong in this volatile market. To do so, though, they must be willing to make some difficult decisions as they evaluate the work they are accepting.

My reservations and hesitations aside, if you would like to read something different in poetry, this is a book for you.

To learn more, go to www.IndigoInkPress.org

Review of HOW MEN PRAY

2011-08-16T17:55:34Z

Memories weave in and out of the poems in How Men Pray. There is some element of that, I suppose, in all poetry, but Philip F. Deaver's honest work brings with it a healing touch. One poem recalls his dad "the year before the wreck" and another his mother, whose "house smelled of starch and soap and food," enjoying a meal at Shoney's with only weeks to live. On one level, Deaver accepts the reality of pain, but also questions its purpose. How does the past affect our present, our future, ourselves, our children? What do old typewriters and club houses, lifting "whole worlds upwards" and crosses in sugar have to do with truth? Let's fly with Deaver, "high enough to see the blur of childhood," yet not forget we are also the ones "looking up, squinting hard" as we find meaning in these poems and beyond.

For more, go to Anhinga Press or the Web site of Philip F. Deaver.

Review of MERCI, MISTER DASH!

2011-08-07T22:54:17Z

Mister Dash, a sophisticated, dapper-dressing dog, likes his quiet routine with Madame Croissant. Monday through Saturday, he is the epitome of manners. But on Sundays, Daphne visits. Daphne is Madame Croissant's granddaughter and she is far from quiet. She is unpredictable, messy, spontaneous...Mister Dash has no use for these qualities. So when Daphne finds herself in trouble, will he be able to set aside his perfect manners to help her? Merci Mister Dash by Monica Kulling (2011 Tundra Books) is a not-to-be-missed read-aloud with expressive illustrations by Esperanca Melo. For more, visit Monica Kulling's Web site.

Review of PLEASE USE THIS FOR CHILDREN

2011-07-27T18:35:05Z

Who has the nerve to write “Please use this for children, and not for war and guns” on her tax return? Poet and pacifist Cynthia Gustavson. Beginning with “Where Artists Come From” until the final poem, Gustavson has a way of igniting sparks with readers. She is honest and fearless (as in “The Boom Site”), knows how to arrange the words to form images (“…syllables singing into history’s ear…”), and requires that we think about our circumstances, about our reactions to whatever is thrown our way (for example, intimately understanding that “…not being moved requires great mobility..."). Please Use This for Children and Not for War and Guns is worth a poetic read. Check out the book on the Blooming Twig Web site.

TOO-TALL TINA at the Summer Beat

2011-07-07T18:43:07Z

Every Weds. in July continuing through Aug. 3, 2011, children's authors will join Watertown (CT) Library's Summer Beat reading program. I'll be there on July 27 to read and sign TOO-TALL TINA. All presentations begin at 10:30 a.m. and are best for children 2 to 12. If you're in the CT area, bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors...

Click HERE for more info.

Review of ONE FINE TRADE

2011-07-05T21:44:11Z

One Fine Trade, based on a folk song and retold by Bobbi Miller and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand, starts out with a daughter’s simple wish. Through whimsical twists and hilarious detours, this tale turns out to be anything but simple! A repeated pattern will engage children while the unexpected will make them cheer for the quirky characters. The illustrations are funny, bright, and clever—a perfect match for this fanciful story. Join Georgy Piney Woods (“a fine peddler, the finest who ever lived!”) as he sets out on a quest to make “one fine trade” for his daughter Georgianne. For more, visit the sites of Bobbi Miller, Will Hillenbrand, or Holiday House.

Review of HIDDEN

2011-06-26T01:57:34Z

During a morning of thunderstorms, I sat down to read a few pages of a novel by Printz Honor Book author, Helen Frost. I didn’t put down Hidden (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011) until I had finished. In two distinct poetic voices, the author explores the eternal themes of friendship, forgiveness, and family. Darra and Wren meet in person for the first time at age fourteen, but their story begins six years before that. As layers of emotion are peeled back and strata of truth revealed, the girls (and reader) discover that we never really know what it is like to be in someone else’s place. Middle grade, young adult, and adults will all find a treasure here (and be sure to read “Diving Deeper: Notes on Form” at the end). For more about Helen and her books, visit her site. Highly recommended.

Review of DAVY CROCKETT GETS HITCHED

2011-06-21T19:33:22Z

Davy Crockett Gets Hitched (Holiday House, 2009) is a delightful folktale retold by Bobbi Miller and illustrated by Megan Lloyd. It’s full of marvelous images (“The moon was so full of itself, it was skipping across the sky in time to the tune”), words and phrases that bring the frontier alive (sit a spell, vittles, bodacious), and enough exaggeration to make a reader hoot and holler! When in “sashayed the splendiferous Miss Sally Ann” to dance with Davy as three fiddlers “plink, plink, plink,” things get even more hilarious. Does Davy stand a chance at winning her hand with “handsome and the not-so-handsome boys” vying for her attention? Best for ages three to ten, though all ages will love the rhythm of the language and the spirited illustrations. You can find out more at Bobbi Miller’s Web site, Megan Lloyd’s site, or Holiday House.

Cancer, A Caregiver's View

2011-05-12T23:51:00Z

Are you caring for someone seriously ill or do you know someone who is? Give this unique book of poetry as a gift of support and encouragement to yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Go to Avalon Press to order.

Spring Poetry Sale!

2011-05-12T23:44:00Z

Spring is a fabulous time to break out the poetry! Buy one book and get the second at a discount. Go to Avalon Press to find out more.

Poetry Contest Winner

2011-04-13T02:39:00Z

What a winter it was in New England! But poetry has a way of making things better. Congratulations to all the local high school students who entered the CT Winter 2010–11 poetry contest. The winning poem is featured below.

WINTER

by Zoe Kelly

we've all seen it come and go,

pretty little flakes flickering in the darkness

making ghosts out of you and me

and as the night embraces us

we gaze at those far-off stars,

overwhelmed by the beauty

that perfection has not overlooked

and, turning to you, i smile,

because the brash cold

has little effect on our glow

and the wind piercing my spine

can't whisk me away,

not while I'm in your grasp,

just as the numbness in my fingers

slowly melts to warmth in yours;

i think, my dear, we're fooling this winter—

the poor, faceless months that put up a fight,

but you and me, we're gonna stick around,

we'll see those first spring blossoms

so ditch the weathered gloves,

don your florals and brights:

what we have will set the world alight.

Book Launch: Cancer, A Caregiver's View

2011-03-16T00:47:00Z

Join us for a poetry reading/signing and music from special guest Gordon Titcomb.

WHEN? April 17, 2011

TIME? 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

PLACE? Hickory Stick Bookshop

WHERE? 2 Green Hill Rd., Washington, CT 06794

CLICK HERE to download a flyer.

Life Is Good Award

2011-02-14T17:33:00Z

My friend and fellow blogger, Barbara Ehrentreu, sent me the Life is Good award. I am to answer ten questions and send this to others. My answers are below, but I am going to count on readers to pass the award and questions along to YOUR favorite bloggers.

1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you are not anonymous, do you wish that you had started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now?

I am happy to blog under my real name and let people get to know me a bit. Hopefully, this will lead them to check out some of my books.

2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side.

It is hard to choose an incident that does NOT show my stubborn side.

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?

I see someone growing older. Sometimes I accept this gracefully and gratefully. At other times, I look at the person in the mirror and say, "Get out of here, you old lady!"

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

Iced tea. Lemon. No sugar. (I also enjoy sweet vodka iced tea on a really hot day.)

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Read. Crochet. Walk. In the summer, I love sitting on the beach, staring at the water, writing, napping.

6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it?

I want to continue guiding my children. They are my most important "accomplishments." I also want my husband to feel my love for him each and every day. And, I would be tickled pink to publish poetry for the rest of my life.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?

We moved around a LOT when I was a kid, so I was shy, shy, shy. But, I loved to read and write, so I worked hard and got good grades.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?

I see and hear the doctor telling my husband he felt a mass in his stomach. We both had an immediate, sinking feeling that it was cancer. It was and it was a long struggle, but he beat it!

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events?

I share quite a bit. But, of course, the really personal stuff only my family knows. In this world of social media, we should consider what should be public knowledge before we post. Once on the Internet, it is in cyberspace forever.

10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?

Read a book. That's the shy and personal side of me coming through, but there it is! I like quiet. I like getting lost in another world. I like the satisfaction of discovering brilliant writing. If I can have some of that silence and am able to surrender to a book for a part of each day, it is then easier for me to be social and reach out to others. Just the way I am, I suppose.

Review of LITTLE PRINCES

2011-01-29T15:08:00Z

Little Princes (William Morrow, 2011) is about Conor Grennan (the author) and his three-month volunteer job at a children’s home in Nepal. Turned out to be a little longer than three months…

It’s a refreshing story of someone who admits his ignorance—about children, Nepali customs, the challenges faced by that society, and the reasons behind difficult choices. But Conor learns. He grows as a person. He admits mistakes and begins again. And throughout it all, he has one goal: to help innocent children who cannot help themselves.

It’s a heartwarming, truly touching story. I highly recommend it. As a bonus, part of the proceeds from the sale of the book go toward helping reunite children with their families and stopping the outrageous act of child trafficking.

Spam Ban

2011-01-29T15:01:00Z

I have been inundated with spam lately that is "cleverly" disguised as a "comment" with links back to sales sites. Please know that this blog is moderated. Spam is forbidden and does not make it to the page. Bad spammers. Bad, bad spammers.