 “I hate writing. I love having written.”- Dorothy Parker. Writing is a strange thing. It seems, even those who make a career out of it don’t like--or at least have a love-hate relationship with it. Yet, it is a vital part of life. Whether we are writing an email, a professional journal, a speech, or a social media response, the ability to express ourselves through the written word is something each and every person will need at some point. So, how can we shift our feelings towards the written art? The first step is to understand it. The Writing Struggle
Even using a keyboard requires practice and fine motor skills. If a child cannot physically get what is in their head onto paper, they will quickly become frustrated and possibly give up on writing. This frustration can later manifest as a dislike of writing in adulthood. Cognitively, writers need to be able to think both creatively and logically, understand the research process, know how to build an effective argument or craft a story that pulls on heartstrings. You must think of an idea, and then you must communicate that idea in an effective way that makes sense to others and fulfills your purpose.  Emotionally, writers must be vulnerable as well as resilient, tapping into their own feelings and experiences while also pushing through the creative dry spells that inevitably arise. Not to mention learning to accept constructive criticism. Finally, anyone who wants to write must understand the stylistic rules of the English language. Where do commas go? When should you use passive voice? What is a plot? Not only do these rules help make papers and stories stronger, they act as a common shared language that helps us communicate within our culture. Written English has some strange rules that often frustrate even the most willing of writers. Further complicating matters is the fact that we rarely speak the way we write. Bridging that gap can be a struggle. A strong writer needs to be able to execute each of these three skills together with enough ease and fluidity to not hinder the ideas which he or she wishes to communicate. If just one piece is out of place, the writer will struggle and may give up writing as hopeless. Is it any wonder that, while 81% of adults express a desire to write a book one day, few ever do? Building a Love of WritingSo, what can be done? Is writing simply too complex for the average person to master? Absolutely not! With a reframing of what writing is and a new approach to the skill, just about anyone can become a competent writer and approach the page without fear. Building a love of writing requires 3 key steps:
Understanding WritingThe first step is to understand exactly what writing is. Helping writers of all ages understand the 3-part nature of writing can help narrow down the issue and assure the writer that they are not necessarily a bad writer, they may just need to work on sharpening one section of the writing triangle.  When you begin to feel frustrated with writing, pause and try to pin down the issue. Is your brain thinking faster than you can type? Try speech-to-text software. Do you have a lot of great ideas, but are struggling to get everything in a logical order? Try writing your ideas on index cards that can be easily manipulated and moved around. By identifying exactly what part of the writing triangle you’re struggling with, you can address the problem more efficiently, while also recognizing you aren’t a bad writer--you’re just struggling with one small aspect of the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from others, as well. Sometimes we get so close to our own writing, we miss the forest for the trees. A little perspective can be a big help. When it comes to grammar, there’s no shame in using resources! The goal of grammar is communication, not proving how many rules you’ve memorized or how many words you can spell. Use the spell check, use the thesaurus, use Grammarly, and any other resource you can get your hands on! Embrace the JourneyAs we previously discussed, writing is a skill, which means it improves with time and practice. You might not be good right away, and that is ok! Making mistakes and even doing things poorly at first is all part of the process. Have you ever heard a child practicing an instrument? Unless they are a prodigy, you probably found yourself wincing more than once--and yet you likely found them with a big grin on their face. Children don’t mind as much that they aren’t good right away because that’s most of their life up to that point. From learning to walk to learning the violin, childhood is all about trying and failing and trying again until you get it right. Embrace your inner child and give yourself permission to be terrible.  Along with being a complex skill, writing is a process and a journey. A written piece is less like a table being built of wood and more like one being carved out of stone and lovingly polished to perfection. Learn the phases of the writing process and get comfortable in the beginning stages of exploration. Find the fun in discovering what you’re trying to communicate. Rather than always craning your neck towards the final product, take a step back once in a while and appreciate your writing for where it is. You might just discover it’s taking you somewhere completely unexpected. Write Frequently and Meaningfully.Too often, children are only asked to write compositions for school. While this type of writing is important, it can sometimes feel disconnected from everyday life. This feeling can project into adulthood. Rather than placing the focus on writing, place it instead on communication. The better you can write, the easier you will be able to communicate your very important ideas--how exciting! Whenever possible, children should be given writing assignments that are meaningful to them. The same is true for adults--especially those just starting out. Write often and in different styles. Write a review of a favorite product, write an opinion on the best movie out this year, write a journal entry on what the day has been like, write song lyrics. The more you write, the more you will build both your mental and physical muscles. Frequent writing about topics of interest also helps to destigmatize writing and make it more comfortable and familiar. Final TipsLet Your Mind Play Although writers claim they love to write, they are also the first to admit that it is HARD! But it’s important that you don’t lose the joy of it. If you feel yourself getting bogged down or discouraged with a project, set it aside for a while and do some writing that is just plain FUN. Freewrite, write a new episode of your favorite sitcom, write a ridiculous letter to a friend, or anything that just comes easily. Remind yourself why you love the written word and remind yourself that you are capable of producing something new and creative. Not all writing has to be a New York Times Bestseller.  READ to Write Finally, one of the best ways to become a competent writer who is excited about their craft is to read often. The more we are exposed to good writing, the more we will internalize the flow and structure of written communication. Reading literature that excites and interests you will also help inspire your own works. So if you’re looking for an excuse to step away from your manuscript and curl up on the couch with a good book, this is it! *** Studies show 81% of adults say they want to write a novel one day, yet so few ever take steps to accomplish this goal. And it’s no wonder. Writing is difficult, and a bit of an enigma. To be a writer requires creativity, but also logic and order. It requires vulnerability, but also resilience. It is a skill of the mind, but also the body. It is spontaneous, but also disciplined. It can be painfully hard at times, but also euphorically satisfying. It can be difficult, but it is not impossible. If you are part of that 81% that has always wanted to write, our advice is to go for it!! If you fail the first time, go for it again. And again and again and again until you get it right. Because the world deserves to hear your story, and you deserve to tell it.
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*Originally posted 11/23/16* “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” ― Frederick Douglass As an exercise, pause right now and think about everything you’ve done today that required reading. Did check your email when you woke up? What about locate the correct aisle in the grocery store? Find the right exit on your way to work? What about simply scrolling through your Facebook feed? Everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, navigating, and even taking in entertainment are made possible largely as a result of the ability to read, yet it is a skill we often take for granted.  As Frederick Douglass stated, reading is the path to freedom. Through reading and writing, we can learn and compare ideas. We are able to communicate our own thoughts, discover the thoughts of others, encounter new customs, and try new things. Reading teaches us about people and places beyond the scope of our own experiences and builds vital skills such as empathy and concentration. Reading organizes and streamlines our lives; As a result of reading, we can decipher directions to put together furniture and read the instructions of our prescriptions. Reading allows us to make informed choices, to learn new skills, and keep in touch with loved ones. Plus, it’s fun. Unfortunately, 1 in 7 people worldwide are cut off from these privileges because they cannot read or write. This number does not even include those living in a country in which they do not speak the language. Not only does this mean that those who cannot read are not able to do or benefit from all of the above activities, it also means they cannot inform themselves on important topics, often putting them at the mercy of those with more education. The true cost of illiteracy is staggering. Those who cannot read or write will have difficulty finding employment, which means they will likely struggle with finances, finding adequate healthcare, and a host of other necessities. According to an article by Central Georgia Tech College, low literacy in adulthood can be connected to almost every socio-economic issue in the United States:
Voting, getting a driver’s license, or finding a good doctor all become difficult, if not impossible tasks without the ability to read and comprehend. All because of one small skill that most of us use every day without thinking. THANKFULLY, there are those out there who are doing something to solve this problem. Individuals and organizations throughout the world have dedicated themselves to the mission of ending illiteracy and instilling mastery and a love of reading in both young and old. There are a multitude of ways that you can join in these efforts. We have outlined a few of the larger organizations that are leading this mission below if you would like to join in their work. However, you can help improve literacy without ever spending a penny or even leaving your own city! Here’s how: 1. Read out loud: Studies show that being read to is one of the single greatest ways to build vocabulary, comprehension, and a positive association with reading. If you have someone in your life who cannot read, whether it is a child or adult, read to them. Read books, read signs, read cereal boxes, read everything! Make it a habit and demonstrate that reading isn’t a chore; it is a gateway to new worlds, skills, thoughts, and dreams.  2. Talk about what you’ve read: Just as important as the ability to read is the ability to comprehend what has been read. When you read with someone, carry it beyond the page. Restate the story in your own words and ask others to do the same. Ask questions such as: What are the motives of the characters? What would happen if the story where to continue or if a plot point were to change? What were the themes and messages to the story? Not only do these actions build comprehension skills, they build social skills such as empathy, listening, and the ability to respectfully discuss ideas. 3. Volunteer: Whether you like working with children or adults, there is sure to be an opportunity to help build literacy in your community. Check out your local Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, library, shelters, and centers for English Language Learners. Many of these organizations are in need of people to read, tutor, or even teach courses. 4. Donate: There are a multitude of organizations that collect and donate books to families in need. Organizations could include your local schools, libraries, shelters, Little Free Libraries, and hospitals. You could even leave a few books with a kind note attached for someone to find in a park! If you would rather join in with already-established organizations, here are a few that are working hard each day to build literacy around the globe: World Literacy Foundation- The World Literacy Foundation is working in partnership with 3,920 groups internationally across 25 countries, including Australia, UK, USA, and others in Africa and Latin America, with one common goal: to eradicate illiteracy in our lifetime. Through literacy, they aim to reduce poverty, improve health, increase employment and educational prospects, and see lives changed forever. Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy-The mission of the Barbara Bush Foundation is to advocate for and establish literacy as a value in every home. Over the past 25 years, the Barbara Bush Foundation has sponsored 1,500 family literacy programs in 50 states for both children and adults by partnering with a network of high-performing local family literacy programs across the nation. Book Aid- This organization is on a mission to ensure everyone has access to books that will enrich their lives and to support an environment in which "reading for pleasure, study and lifelong learning can flourish". In addition to donating books to people around the globe, Book Aid runs programs that give teachers and librarians skills to support and grow the readers and reading resources in their communities. Reading Is Fundamental- Reading is Fundamental is the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to childhood literacy. Through literacy programs and book donations, RIF connects emerging readers, teachers, and parents with the resources they need to create a culture of literacy. These are just a few of the many literacy programs for children and adults across the nation with which you can get involved. To find a program operating near you, click on the organization links above. The ability to read and write can, quite literally, change someone’s life. It is knowledge, freedom, and joy. Now go read a book, because you can!!
In the series' first installment, This is A. Blob, we learn that A. Blob may be a bully, but there just might be something more beneath the surface. In the follow-up book, A. Blob is back to its bullying ways--until one brave girl takes a stand! In A. Blob on a Bus, readers learn that one small voice can make a BIG change! The ending leaves us wondering: just what IS under A. Blob's purple slime, and will an upstander's actions cause A. Blob to abandon its bullying ways for good? A. Blob on a Bus empowers children to take a stand for what is right and displays the power of kindness in bringing bullying to an end.
A book with such an important message deserves an amazing birthday party--and that means CAKE! Slime cake, of course. If you want to make your own A. Blob slime cake to celebrate A. Blob on Bus's one year anniversary, keep reading!
Edible Slime Frosting
If you try out these recipes, let us know in the comments! If you haven't had a chance to read A. Blob on a Bus, or This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, you can pick your copy up in our shop today!  Happy Book Birthday A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos!
 Just about 1 year ago, we packed our things in a virtual tour bus and hit the digital road to spread the word that book #2 in The Blob Series was about to hit the shelves! As we anticipate the celebration of the anniversary of A. Blob on Bus's release, we thought it would be the perfect time to crack open the photo album and revisit the blog tour fun that helped launch this picture book into the world. This picture book and its partner book in The Blob Series, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, use vibrant illustrations and clever rhyme to help children learn about bullying, empathy, and standing up for what is right from an early age. If you haven't picked up a copy for yourself, visit our shop to round out your bookshelf. Mom Read It- Book Review Hi, all! Happy to be a stop on this fun book tour about a bully, a blob (one and the same), and a bus...The artwork reminds me of Nick Jr.-like characters; a realistic cartoony feel. Characters are diverse, with large, expressive eyes. Blob’s eyes are just as expressive, on eye stalks at the top of his head, letting readers know that there’s more than just what’s on the surface. The A. Blob books are a nice addition to your anti-bullying bookshelf, adding a thoughtful look at a bully’s internal motivation while encouraging kids to stand up for themselves and others. Display and read with Kathryn Otoshi’s books, particularly One. ...Read More Library Lady's Kid Lit- Author Interview Thank you L. A. Kefalos for joining us today. It is always fun to get to know the author behind a book. Where did the inspiration for this story come from? Well, A. Blob on a Bus is the second book of a three-part series. It all started with This is A. Blob, which is about a playground bully. Sadly, it was inspired by the news I was reading of children committing suicide as a result of being bullied at school. I wanted to write a picture book because I thought it was important to start a discussion with kids at an early age. A discussion about the effect their actions, both good and bad, have on others. Because it was a picture book, I knew that it needed to be a series to allow me to tell A. Blob’s story. I am hoping those who read the books will be less likely to pick on others and more likely to have their schoolmate’s back. Obviously, I don’t think my book can accomplish this completely on its own. It is just one line in an enormous conversation. But I think my books are a great vehicle to start the conversation. ...Read More Dream Reader Kids- Book Giveaway (deadline passed) Going back to school can be a big transition, with lots of changes. Thanks to books like A. Blob on a Bus, there can be open communication between adults and children. This book uses a purple blob, to tackle the topic of bullying. There is also a huge bonus included with this book, especially for teachers. On the @laughing_leopard_press website, there are discussion guides, for different age levels and even a craft idea. In this story, Alexandra takes a stand against the bully. “It reaches for a long black strand when brave Alexandra takes a stand.”
*** Check in tomorrow for a sweet surprise in celebration of the 1 year anniversary of A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos!!
Maybe it’s the slow pace of the sticky days or the calmness of the cooler nights that makes summertime and books go together like peanut butter and jelly. Hot temperatures evoke memories of flashlights scanning pages in tents and long afternoons seeking shady places to devour another chapter. Today, we thought we would combine these two symbols of summer to bring you the ultimate summer moment. If you live for those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, then grab your library card and tie on your apron as we take you through some classic summertime books and their perfect summer food/beverage pairings. All recipes are linked. Books for AdultsThe Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald“Men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”
The story’s title character, Jay Gatsby, is well known for his dazzling, over-the-top parties that drip in diamonds and luxury. And what food better embodies the decadence of West Egg than champagne? That’s why we thought these champagne cupcakes would be perfect to pair with the dazzling decadence of The Great Gatsby.  Champagne cupcakes- recipe and photo via Life, Love, and Sugar blog.
“Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.” 
"You is kind, you is smart, you is important."
While the book looks at many serious topics, it’s not without its light moments. If you’ve read The Help, or watched the popular 2011 film based on the novel, you know the deeper meaning behind the word “pie”. Being set in the South, there are probably an infinite number of dishes that would work well with this book, but none quite so as iconic as Minny’s chocolate pie.  Easy Chocolate Pie recipe and image via Belly Full blog
Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo“ You can always trust a dog that likes peanut butter.”  Because of Winn Dixie shares the sweet story of a young girl and her summer in a new town. Early on, the main character, Opal, adopts a scruffy dog who wrecked the local grocery store. Despite the mess he made, Opal sees something special in the dog, who she names Winn Dixie after the store in which she met him. This is a theme carried throughout the story as Opal meets more of the town locals. From a mean next door neighbor girl to a recovering alcoholic, Opal discovers that the people around her might have darkness in their past, but each one has a story and is special and valuable in their own way.
“Maybe being happy isn't having everything in your life to be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things; making those count for more than the bad stuff.”
When we think of summer and being a teenager, pizza just seems like the perfect fit! We decided to pair this series with a sourdough pizza. Why sourdough? Well, if you’ve ever baked with sourdough, you know you need a starter. This can be made by you, or, more often, people will get some from a friend. Starter must be continually “fed”, so if you don’t share it, you end up throwing extra away. A sourdough pizza perfectly combines the connected friendships of Brashares’s series with the fun food of teenagedom.
“Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.”  What would it be like to live forever? Natalie Babbitt’s novel asks this age-old question and explores the topic through the eyes of young Winnifred Foster. Winnie’s life is regimented, regular, and, to her, suffocating--especially at the height of summer, when this book takes place. When she meets the Tucks, she is challenged to view the world around her--and even life itself--differently.
Just Grandma and Me, by Mercer Mayer This cute picture book follows Little Critter and his grandma to the beach where Little Critter gets into all kinds of beach fun and mischief. The story celebrates some of the special parts of the beach such as swimming, digging in the sand, and finding sea shells. To go along with this book, we suggest a beach boardwalk staple--the hot dog! The How Sweet Eats blog shares how to spice up your average hot dog and create a fun hot dog bar!  Hot Dog Bar image and recipes via How Sweet Eats blog
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 Tom Brenner’s picture book is a celebration of all things summer, from the sound of the lawnmower to the cold drip from an ice cream cone. Since the book ends with the characters camping, we paired this book with a summer and camping classic, the s’more. If you aren't a camper, try these oven-baked s'mores from Butter With a Side of Bread. |  Oven baked s'mores recipe and image via Butter With a Side of Bread blog |
Come On, Rain Written by Karen Hesse & illustrated by Jon J Muth
 | This is a sweet story that perfectly captures that height-of-the-summer feeling of time slowing down. Through captivating illustrations and artistic wording, the author manages to make readers feel like they are right there with the main characters, waiting, waiting, waiting on the rain. As you flip the pages, it’s easy to feel the sticky air, the hot pavement, and the elation that comes with that first, glorious drop. |
For this story, we thought it would be appropriate to pair a snack that resembled that beautiful, long hoped for rain. This cute treat that uses blueberries for raindrops and whipped cream for clouds will make both kids and parents happy.
Recipe and image via Hart to Hart Tot School blog
A. Blob on A Bus and This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
As a bonus, we're throwing in a sweet treat to pair with our own Blob Series books, This is A. Blob, and A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos. The books show that there is often more to someone--even a bully--than meets the eye...much like a chocolate covered pretzel!
As children make these treats shaped like A. Blob, they will discuss why some people bully others and what they can do to help.
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We chose some classics that are set in the summertime, but we’d love to hear some of your favorite summer reads! What books would you like us to find a food pairing for? Let us know in the comments!
 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
The history of summer reading programs is long, reaching back more than 100 years. As far back as the late 1800s, librarians realized that children had less access to reading materials in the summer months and, more concerning to them at the time, the few books they were reading were often of poor quality. Today, nearly every library in the nation offers some sort of summer reading program that encourages a love of reading and incentivizes turning the pages.
Children selecting their books at the East Ham Public Library, 21 April 1934
There’s good reason for this too! In addition to combating what’s known as the Summer Slide (a phenomenon where children often lose skills in reading and math over the summer, sometimes as much as 30%), summer reading programs have been shown to encourage parents to be involved with their children’s reading, advance reading skills, and improve attitudes towards reading. With all of these positive benefits, it may be surprising to learn that summer reading programs have been under scrutiny since the day they were started. Not only do librarians and educators disagree on how such programs should be run, some disagree on whether or not summer reading programs should be run at all.
The Early Days
In their earliest incarnations, summer reading programs were little more than small reading clubs. Librarians selected titles, usually 10 or so, they felt children should read and gave a certificate to each child who read every book on the list. Such clubs were restricted to older children, aged 10-18. Over the next 20 years, book reports and required recitations were added to the list of activities needed to earn a certificate.
It wasn’t long before criticism of the summer reading clubs popped up. In the 1920s, some became concerned that the programs promoted rewards more than reading and stifled a love of reading for its own sake. Speaking out for the growing concern, one librarian offered this question in a summer reading editorial: “What does it profit them if they read many books and love none?”.
For the Joy of Reading
The goal of cultivating a love of reading, in addition to aptitude, began to catch on in the 1930s. While the practice was not widespread, several libraries began to allow children to select their own reading materials. Fun themes and activities such as end of summer picnics were built into programs and, in an effort to lessen competition, rewards began to be given based on personal effort and quality of books reported, rather than quantity. Another change of note is the age of program participants, which expanded to include students as young as 1st grade in some areas.
Taking Sides
The1940s were an interesting time for summer reading programs. Not only did their spread widen, so did opinions about how they should be run. In an issue of Library Journal, two librarians offered conflicting opinions. The first stated the many values of summer reading programs, including heading off summer reading loss--one of the first mentions of something like the “Summer Slide”.
A second librarian, Pauline Ames, offered a different perspective. Not only did she feel that current summer reading programs were of poor quality and took valuable time away from the librarians’ other responsibilities, she believed they primarily rewarded good readers, who were already reading, and punished slow readers, who were already struggling. As the years went on, a middle ground was struck between these two sides. By the 1950s, libraries began to partner more closely with schools and educators to help leverage summer reading programs to boost reading skills over the summer. More room for choice in book selection also became the norm throughout the country and essay and recitation requirements fell more and more to the wayside.
Fun for All
The late 70s are well known as a time when old ways were thrown off and the world of summer reading programs was no different. Along with allowing more personal choice and widening participation ages, many libraries began to weave other activities into their summer reading programs in an effort to extend learning and take stories off the pages. Puppet shows, craft hours, and group story times are just a few examples of how librarians worked to draw reading into the everyday lives of their young patrons.
What was the response? Participation numbers leaped from 50% to 76%! In an attempt to shift focus to an enjoyment of reading, rather than competition, some libraries moved away from certificates and began entering anyone who participated in the program into weekly drawings. This is a system that continues to be followed in many libraries today.
What was the response? Participation numbers leaped from 50% to 76%! In an attempt to shift focus to an enjoyment of reading, rather than competition, some libraries moved away from certificates and began entering anyone who participated in the program into weekly drawings. This is a system that continues to be followed in many libraries today.
The Digital Age
As computers and the internet became increasingly accessible, more information than ever before was placed at the fingertips of individuals. However, the question on the minds of educators, librarians, and parents was: “Will children stop reading books?”. As libraries planned for their summer reading programs in the 90s, they decided to embrace, rather than fight, the digital wave sweeping across the nation. The first shift came in the recording process. For the first time, program participants could log their reading hours on library computers, saving librarians countless hours of sorting paperwork and freeing up more time for valuable interaction with patrons.
Teaching with Games trial Bedminster Down School using Roller Coaster Tycoon 3
Libraries were also able to develop websites for their programs, which helped to spread awareness and increase participation. Several websites also included book-related games and links to websites that complemented the program themes. Today, most libraries continue to embrace technology, allowing patrons to read digital books and even audiobooks for credit in the programs.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes in summer reading programs over the last 100 years is not their structure, reward system, or even activities. It is their inclusivity. The first recorded summer reading program spanned a small 9 year range. Today, most libraries open their programs to all ages, 0-100+! Parents may read to their non reading children to earn them credits in the program and parents themselves may participate. While some may argue that the focus on improving children’s reading has been lost, others could counter that it has simply been extended. After all, who has fewer opportunities or motivation to read than a busy working parent?
The Great Debate Continues?
Will the debate as to how to properly run a summer reading program ever end? Not likely. Articles continue to be written each year on the validity of summer reading programs, the pros and cons of reward systems, and whether or not the focus should be the joy of reading or the skill of reading. Though this adds friction to the library world, the positive side is that this friction spurs librarians and educators to continue working together to make reading programs the best they can possibly be.
After more than 100 years, through great social, political, and technological change, summer reading programs have endured and continue to encourage individuals of all ages, reading abilities, income levels, and interests to fall in love with book in every state in the nation and we, for one, think that is something to celebrate!
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Does your local library have a summer reading program? Have you noticed it change over the years, or has your location done something particularly unique? Share your stories in the comments!
Sources
https://ils.unc.edu/MSpapers/2977.pdf
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/evaluating-summer-reading-programs-suggested-improvements/
https://ils.unc.edu/MSpapers/2977.pdf
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/evaluating-summer-reading-programs-suggested-improvements/
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 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
Think of your favorite book. Do you know who published it? Probably not, because as a reader, it doesn’t really matter to you.
When it comes to books, publishing is probably the aspect most veiled in mystery. Through school visits, meet-and-greets, social media, and even book jackets, readers have the opportunity to peek into the worlds of writing and illustrating. Even a reluctant reader knows a little about how a book is written, but how a manuscript goes from author to reader is much less known, even to writers.
This isn’t a problem for the average bibliophile, but when that reader turns writer, a lack of knowledge can lead to bad deals and disappointment. To help you avoid these downfalls, we’ve compiled a list of a few misconceptions new authors often face when they first start out in the publishing world.
This isn’t a problem for the average bibliophile, but when that reader turns writer, a lack of knowledge can lead to bad deals and disappointment. To help you avoid these downfalls, we’ve compiled a list of a few misconceptions new authors often face when they first start out in the publishing world.
1. The Publisher Handles All Marketing
You just snagged your first book deal-woohoo! Now you can just sit back, relax, and watch your book soar to the top of the sales chart, right? Wrong! Whether you are published by a small, independent publisher, or you have a deal with one of the Big 5, you are expected to be actively engaged in marketing your book. The smaller the publishing house, the larger your responsibility is likely to be.
Why is this the case? While, yes, it is your book that’s selling, it is also YOU. As the creator of the book, you have insight and interest that no one else can--or should try to--replicate. Readers want to know what inspired your character choices, how you came to become a writer, and what you have planned next for their favorite characters. You offer a heart to the story that can’t be mimicked by a marketing professional. Many authors struggle with feeling “gross” or mercenary selling their books, but remember, marketing is just a fancy word for connecting. If you don’t let readers know about your book, they will never get to enjoy it. And isn’t that the whole point?
Why is this the case? While, yes, it is your book that’s selling, it is also YOU. As the creator of the book, you have insight and interest that no one else can--or should try to--replicate. Readers want to know what inspired your character choices, how you came to become a writer, and what you have planned next for their favorite characters. You offer a heart to the story that can’t be mimicked by a marketing professional. Many authors struggle with feeling “gross” or mercenary selling their books, but remember, marketing is just a fancy word for connecting. If you don’t let readers know about your book, they will never get to enjoy it. And isn’t that the whole point?
2. Your Book Will Sell Millions
Many new authors believe that once their book is picked up by a publisher, they will soon be rolling in the royalty checks as their novel flies off the shelf. The reality is that very few books sell millions or make their writer’s wealthy. According to Publisher's Weekly, The average U.S. book sells an average of 3,000 copies over its lifetime.
A publisher can put your book out in the world, but they can’t make people buy it. Even when readers do love your book, it is up against strong and numerous competitors, fighting print, ebook, and audio, not to mention other viers for attention, such as Netflix and Hulu.
This can sound negative, but don’t lose heart. The beauty of the modern age is that there is more than one way to make a living off of writing. Consider blogs, guest articles, selling merchandise related to your book, speaking at events and conferences, or conducting school visits. These are all ways to connect with and build your audience, exercise your writing and communicating skills, and make a little extra cash along the way. Additionally, each book that you sell becomes one more coin in the bank of your brand and your recognizability. The next book you publish will likely have greater traction because readers have already purchased and loved your first book.
3. Your Next Book Will be Picked Up
In the world of publishing, you have to earn each book. Just because a publisher purchased your last title, does not mean they will publish your next. The truth is, publishing is a business and that business must cater to its target audience. Maybe your last picture book on tigers flew off the shelves, but this year tigers are out and your follow-up isn’t projected to do well. The publisher can’t risk a loss, and so they decide to pass. It’s all about finding a fit and a partnership that works well for everyone. You haven’t changed, but the book being sold--the product--has. New product equals new audience equals new consideration by the publisher.
4. If Your Book is Selected by a Publisher, No Changes Need Made
Yes, we know you have written draft after draft, edited, rewritten, and tweaked until your manuscript is perfect, but that by no means signifies it is done being changed. Once a company picks up a book, the hands that touch it go up exponentially. Editors will suggest character changes, plot shifts, not to mention title changes-yes, the author doesn’t always get to title the book! Your book might be your baby, but it is also a product, and that product must be perfectly packaged to sell.
5. It is a Quick Process
See above. There are a lot of people your book must pass through before it hits shelves. Once the manuscript has been finalized, the illustrator must be chosen, illustrations agreed upon, fonts selected, and a cover made. And that’s just the production of the book itself. Then there is a marketing plan to be set, publicity shots, tour schedules, pre-release reviews to be gathered, and more. In reality, most books take around 2 years to reach bookstores.
6. You Get to Choose Your Illustrator
 | This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of writing a children’s book. While an author may get some say, it is usually the publisher who matches illustrators to picture books. There are many different reasons for this, but, for the most part, it comes down to experience and knowledge of the industry. Publishers know what sells and what is popular. They have seen which illustrations work best with which titles and they are applying that knowledge to your book. |
| A closely tied misconception is that publishers want picture book authors to submit manuscripts with illustrations. While there are always exceptions, typically (and especially when the author is brand new and unknown), the publisher wants a clean manuscript. Why? A book passes through many hands before arriving on shelves (again, see above!). From submission to publication, edits will be made, titles changed, characters added and subtracted, and more. To have to redo illustrations to match these changes is an unnecessary step and the hesitance to lose beloved drawings can even make needed changes to manuscripts that much more difficult. |  |
7. If You’re Good, You’ll be Discovered
“If you write it, they will come”
Sadly, this does not apply in the publishing world. While there are one or two stories of authors getting discovered online or a publisher happening to pick up a book by an unknown, love it, and get it to the top of the best seller’s list, these stories are one in a trillion. Publishing is a business and publishers want to make sure their money is invested wisely. They don’t just want to make sure your book is good, they want to know that you are nice to work with, willing to put in marketing effort, and able to build positive relationships with stakeholders and readers. The more a publisher trusts you, or the person pitching your book, such as an agent, the better your chances are for being picked up.
Sadly, this does not apply in the publishing world. While there are one or two stories of authors getting discovered online or a publisher happening to pick up a book by an unknown, love it, and get it to the top of the best seller’s list, these stories are one in a trillion. Publishing is a business and publishers want to make sure their money is invested wisely. They don’t just want to make sure your book is good, they want to know that you are nice to work with, willing to put in marketing effort, and able to build positive relationships with stakeholders and readers. The more a publisher trusts you, or the person pitching your book, such as an agent, the better your chances are for being picked up.
If you want a publisher to notice your book, you have to get in front of them. This can mean pursuing an agent who can help connect you to a publishing house, mailing in queries, or establishing yourself in the industry by attending conferences and participating in conversations. Do you have to have connections to get published? No. But it helps. A miner is much more likely to discover a gem sitting in front of them than buried in the dirt!
***
The world of publishing is one that most readers know little about, yet it is a vital cog in the wheel that brings to life what we all love--books! In today’s easy-access universe, anyone can write a book and send it out to the world. As a result, some view the publishing industry as a money-hungry vestige of days gone by; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
While getting your book out through a publisher might mean longer timelines and the relinquishing of some control, it also means a lot of smart people doing their best to make your book the best it can be.
Going through a publishing house, whether traditional or independent, isn’t for everyone and, like all paths, it has its pros and cons. The important thing is to walk in with your eyes wide open so you can make the best decision possible for your book and get it into the hands of those that will cherish it.
 |  |  |
 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
Readers’ Theater--What is it, and why is it important?
Readers’ Theater is a learning strategy that gained popularity in the classroom during the 1990s (though dramatizing stories has been around since long before then!). This strategy helps bring books to life while also developing reading fluency, public speaking skills, confidence, teamwork, and more.
Cara Bafile writes in a Reading Rockets article on the topic, “Its goal is to enhance students’ reading skills and confidence by having them practice reading with a purpose. Readers’ Theater gives students a real reason to read aloud.”
Because it is read out loud, Readers’ Theater can help students cultivate a whole host of skills that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom. Performing a script connects the way a word is read on the page to the way it is pronounced--a skill that even some adults struggle with! As they perform the play, students practice reading with expression, attaching meaning to words and phrases, and they learn how to work with their classmates to bring the story to life.
An added benefit is the opportunity for imaginative play. Readers’ Theater scripts are just one interpretation of a story. Once they get the hang of performing written scripts, students can be challenged to try writing their own scripts! Not only does this further build creativity and important literacy skills, it aids educators in assessing students' reading comprehension and discovering what lessons stick out to them as important.
From a social-emotional perspective, Readers’ Theater can help students empathize with the characters in the story and pick up on more subtle character traits and emotions.
Starting Readers’ Theater
So how do you dive into Readers’ Theater? While you can certainly adapt books into scripts for your classroom yourself, there are hundreds of free script adaptations of your favorite stories already available. Begin with a story your students are already familiar with and have a close connection to and search for a script that is at their reading level.
| Allow plenty of practice time and assure students they do not need to memorize their scripts. In fact, they shouldn’t as reading is the primary goal of the exercise. In this Reading Rockets article, children's literature consultant, Judy Freeman, recommends performing the script at least twice. "The first time, the children will be struggling with words and their meanings, and with making sense of the play. The second time, they'll be able to focus on enjoying the performance and their parts in it.” |  Photo by: Senior Airman Christopher ToonReleased | VIRIN: 120305-F-GE400-054.JPG |
Some groups find it easier to begin with props, others find that their students put more effort into their performance when the aid of a set and props are not available.
And that's it! Readers' Theater is simple, effective, and easy to adapt for any age.
And that's it! Readers' Theater is simple, effective, and easy to adapt for any age.
For more tips on starting your own Readers’ Theater, visit these resources:
Try It!
To kick off your Readers’ Theater journey, we've created a script adapted from L.A. Kefalos’s picture book, This is A. Blob. Click below to download your free copy.
If you perform this readers’ theater, let us know in the comments. We’d love to see your interpretation!
*While this script is written for 5 students, it can easily be adapted for fewer numbers. The 2 narrators can be condensed to one and additional characters can be either condensed or multiple characters can be read by one student.
For more reading strategies and in-class social-emotional activities, check out these blogs:
 |  |  |
 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
You’ve written a book--congratulations! However, as any seasoned author will tell you, writing is only the beginning of the journey.
Next comes the vital job of letting people know your book exists--and this can be no small task. In a world where anyone and everyone can publish a book at any time, new authors have more noise to cut through now than ever before.
But you're in luck-- the digital world that creates so much noise also makes it easier than ever for authors to share their stories and connect with potential readers. Social media, email lists, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and more open direct lines of communication that could only be dreamed of less than two decades ago.
But you're in luck-- the digital world that creates so much noise also makes it easier than ever for authors to share their stories and connect with potential readers. Social media, email lists, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and more open direct lines of communication that could only be dreamed of less than two decades ago.
When authors hear the word “marketing”, they often think “money”. Advertising and promotion certainly can come with high price tags, but this doesn’t need to be the case. Though a spot on the Times Square marquee will probably always cost a pretty penny, there are plenty of wonderful, high quality resources that can help first-time (or experienced!) authors create beautiful marketing materials for absolutely free.
Today we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite FREE tools that will help you take on marketing with ease.
Canva
Canva is a one stop shop for your design needs. Not only does it offer simple social media optimized templates, free photos, illustrations, and custom-sized templates, users can upload their own photos, artwork, and logos for completely personalized designs. A paid subscription will open additional fonts and features, but is in no way necessary to use the platform successfully.
If you are part of a team, Canva has a feature which allows others to join a project to edit, share, or comment. Since everything is saved online, you’ll never have to worry about leaving your computer at home. All designs can be accessed anywhere an internet connection is available.
Designs can be downloaded as pdfs, jpgs, or pngs. Whether you need to design brochures, promotional bookmarks, blog feature photos, or even book covers, Canva is a tool that can help you get the job done.
Designs can be downloaded as pdfs, jpgs, or pngs. Whether you need to design brochures, promotional bookmarks, blog feature photos, or even book covers, Canva is a tool that can help you get the job done.
Pixlr
While Canva is a fantastic tool, it can’t always do the heavy lifting when it comes to graphic design. Unless you spring for a paid subscription, Canva does not allow background removal and no version allows layering, color changing, or general photo editing.
Professionals use programs such as Photoshop for these tasks, but as a new author with no aspirations in graphic design, paying $100+/year for a professional photo editing program may not be practical. Enter: Pixlr. Pixlr is an online photo editor that offers many Photoshop-like features for free. As with Canva, you can pay a small fee to receive extra features, but it is not necessary to create a beautiful product.
Pixlr X
You might have thought photoshop/photoshop-like products were only for photographers, but today these programs are now used to bend text, create new fonts, paint images, merge graphics, and more to create everything from social media banners to commercial-quality advertisements.
Two free programs are currently available on Pixlr: Pixlr X and Pixlr E. The key difference is ease of use. Pixlr X was designed specifically with beginners in mind. It has fewer tools and they are easy for new users. Pixlr E is for more advanced users. This option offers more features, but has a stronger learning curve. Fear not: Pixlr offers text and video tutorials for both programs, and you won’t find it difficult to track down user-uploaded tutorials, as well.
Pixlr E
With Pixlr, upload your own photos, pull from Pixlr’s collection of stock photos, or design something completely new. The finished product can be downloaded in a variety of formats including jpg, png, and pxd.
Stock Photos
Sometimes you don’t have the time--or the budget-- to take or make all the great photos you need. While they can be overused and abused, a good stock photo used properly can take a piece to the next level without breaking the bank. If you’ve been grabbing your stock photos off of Google images, this section is for you.
| There are a few issues with pulling stock photos from Google images. First, and perhaps, most important, you may be grabbing images under copyright. While Google does have a filter to help prevent this, it isn’t foolproof and sometimes a photo labeled free use really isn’t. Additionally, anyone who has ever used Google’s filter can also attest that the pickings are slim. While we’d all like to believe that Google knows all, often the search engine only shows a limited number of free-to-use photos that are actually available. Pixaby, Pexels, and Unsplash are all excellent alternatives to a Google image search. These websites are treasure troves of free, high quality stock photos. All you do is type what you’re looking for into the search bar and hit ‘enter’. |    |
The name and links of the photographers are usually given if you want to give them credit or reach out to them for paid images or work in the future, but all photos are free to use and edit. All 3 sites are relatively equal in quality, but vary in selection, so if you can’t find what you need on one site, another just might have it.
Social Media Management Tool
When you are managing multiple social media sites and posting multiple times each week, a social media management tool is the superhero you never knew you needed. Instead of spending hours each day posting, you can spend one day putting together a week’s worth of posts that will go up automatically throughout the week. Not only does this free you up to work on other things, it helps to ensure you never forget to post. This is especially helpful on important occasions such as book launches and publicity dates.
Many of these schedulers also allow you to see and respond to comments, likes, and other notifications from the platform. Rather than bouncing from site to site, everything can be easily accessed from one location.
One scheduling website we love is Hootsuite. Hootsuite’s free option allows you to manage 3 social profiles and schedule 30 messages per month. Upgraded plans have additional features such as unlimited scheduling, additional users, analytics, multiple users, exportable reports, and more. While these tools are helpful, they are not needed for the person just starting out.
Another benefit to Hootsuite is that it plays well with multiple social platforms, including:
- Facebook groups
- Facebook pages
- LinkedIn profiles
- LinkedIn pages (Basic Reports on Enterprise & Pro plan only)
- YouTube
- Pinterest (publishing only)
It will also work with a few lesser known 3rd party apps.
A final small, but welcome, benefit is the ability to shorten urls within the publishing tool. This adds a nice, clean look to your posts. A downside to be aware of: Facebook does not allow you to tag people through the Hootsuite publisher. If you want to create a tagged post, you will have to do so through Facebook’s scheduling tool.
Other tools with free options: ContentCal, Buffer, SocialOopmph, Zoho
This blog does a good job comparing some of the most popular tools.
***
We hope you find these tools helpful! If we missed one of your favorites, please feel free to share it in the comments! Embarking on your first marketing journey can be daunting, but rest assured that, with a little help and the right tools, you can take the next step in your writing journey and connect with readers eager to hear your story.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and all opinions are our own. We were not paid or reimbursed in any way for writing about these companies. These are simply organizations and tools we found helpful over the years.
Did you like this post? Then you're going to love these!
| |  |  |
  | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
Monday kicked off a big week with people from all over the Nation coming together to observe Random Acts of Kindness Week and Engineers Week. For the next 7 days, people will be leaving kind notes for one another, practicing their coding, paying for the person behind them in line, and building Rube Goldberg devices in celebration.
With one of our own authors, L.A. Kefalos, being both a full time engineer and writer of 2 picture books that champion kindness, we wanted to join in on the fun and bring you a new picture book extension craft that builds kindness while sparking interest in the S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) fields.
The inspiration for this activity comes from the blog, Engineering Emily, which is run by Emily, an engineer/stay-at-home-mom/blogger. Her site is chock-full of fun S.T.E.A.M. activities for children, life insights, and interviews with inspiring women engineers (including L.A. Kefalos!). Head over to her blog to view her original craft, which she used to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
This twist on Emily’s activity extends the lessons found in L.A.’s picture books. As children mix ingredients and observe the chemical reactions, they will learn that there is often more to someone than meets the eye and, with kindness and empathy, we can melt away a hard exterior to reveal (and help!) the true person underneath.
Read the instructions below to make your own Melting A. Blob craft!
What You’ll Need
|  |
To Create A. Blob
- Mix the water, baking soda, and food coloring together to form a soft dough. If your dough begins to crumble, simply add more water.
- Make a small “pancake” with about 1.5 Tbs of dough.
- Write your message on a small strip of paper and roll into a small scroll (see lesson below for message ideas).
- Place the message onto the pancake of dough and mold the dough around your message.
- Add more dough and mold into the shape of A. Blob.
- Place your blobs on the cookie sheet and let sit until dry.
 |  |  |  |
*Note* These take about 8 hours to fully dry. If you plan to have your students make their own blobs, allow 2 days to complete the activity. If you plan to pre-make the blobs, do so the night before.
Please also note that the food coloring WILL slightly stain your hands when you form the blobs. If this is a problem, we suggest grabbing some plastic gloves and your hands will be stain free!
Please also note that the food coloring WILL slightly stain your hands when you form the blobs. If this is a problem, we suggest grabbing some plastic gloves and your hands will be stain free!
The Lesson
| Begin by reading This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos. Before starting, ask the students to make predictions about A. Blob. What do they think A. Blob will be like? Why? Ask this same question halfway through the story. |  |
After reading the book, ask the students what they learned about A. Blob. Were their assumptions correct? Explain that we can’t see inside people. We never know exactly what they are going through or experiencing. Go over some of the reasons why people bully others:
While these issues don’t make it ok to bully others, understanding them can help us find positive solutions to the bullying. For example, if A. Blob hurts others because it is afraid it will be rejected for looking different, being mean and hurtful in return will only make the situation worse.
- They want to feel powerful
- Fear of rejection
- They have been bullied themselves
While these issues don’t make it ok to bully others, understanding them can help us find positive solutions to the bullying. For example, if A. Blob hurts others because it is afraid it will be rejected for looking different, being mean and hurtful in return will only make the situation worse.
 A. Blob takes a swing at children on the playground in "This is A. Blob". |  A. Blob finds itself alone in "This is A. Blob" |
After this talk, pull out A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos and have students make new predictions:
- How will A. Blob will behave on a bus?
- Will its loneliness cause it to change its behaviors?
Refer back to the first book when we were able to see what A. Blob was like in public and in private. How does it help to learn why someone behaves the way they do? What benefits come from viewing life through someone else's eyes? What happens in the story when the children choose to do this? Point out that it wasn’t until the other students stood up to A. Blob and ALSO exhibited empathy and kindness that A. Blob’s slimy exterior began to “melt”.
 The children face off with A. Blob in "A. Blob on a Bus". |  Something strange is happening to A. Blob in "A. Blob on a Bus"! |
Ask the students to describe how they feel when someone is mean to them. Do they get tense? Maybe shaky? Do their thoughts begin to run around and make it hard to focus? Next, ask the students to remember something kind someone said or did for them. Choose one or two students to share their stories.
How did those kind words or actions make your students feel? Often, the answer is easy to see as a smile blooms across the students’ faces as they recall the memory. Just like A. Blob “melts” in the story after the students try to look through A. Blob’s eyes, we tend to soften and relax when someone is kind to us. That is the power of kindness!
Challenge students to search for what is underneath the exterior of their classmates. Encourage them to be friendly and kind and get to know one another. Soon, the kindness will melt hard exteriors and bring out the best in everyone!
The Activity
Explain to students that they will be doing an activity to help them better understand the lessons they just discussed.
Bring out your bowls of vinegar (placed on your tray) and your baking soda blobs. Explain that the blobs of baking soda represent A. Blob. The exterior is hard to represent A.Blob’s hard attitudes and mean behavior. The vinegar represents empathy and kindness.
Choose one student to place A. Blob in a bowl of kindness (vinegar). After the blob stops fizzing, ask students to see what was buried inside the blob.
 |  |
There are many options for what to hide inside A. Blob. In this activity, we decided to hide personality traits that can be brought out with kindness, such as friendliness or humor, along with some issues that sometimes contribute to a person acting like a bully, such as a difficult home life or abuse. Our goal is help children understand that we never know what someone is dealing with and that kindness can help us understand why someone behaves the way they do and even melt away a hard exterior to reveal a friend.
If there is time, give each student their own A. Blob, plate, and cup of vinegar. After revealing the message inside, have them write a reflection on what the message says and why it is important.
Extensions
An alternative way to utilize this activity is to let the students predict what they think is under the goo at the end of A. Blob on a Bus and hide their predictions inside their own blobs. Have students write a short explanation of their predictions. Let blobs dry overnight. The next day, drop them in vinegar and have a few students share why they wrote their prediction.
Another way to extend the learning is to make bath bombs instead of baking soda/vinegar balls. Hide a kind message or a cute trinket inside and give the bath bombs away as a random act of kindness!
The Science
Finally, here is the science behind the fizzy blobs. The bubbles and fizz are actually the result of a chemical reaction called an acid-base reaction, the baking soda being the base and the vinegar being the acid. When the two ingredients are mixed, hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. This forms sodium acetate, which is a salt, along with carbonic acid. This acid quickly decomposes into water and carbon dioxide, a gas. This gas rises to the top of the mixture, causing the fizzy bubbles kids just love!
The chemical reaction that occurs is written as:
(sodium bicarbonate/baking soda) NaHCO3(s) + ( dilute acetic acid/vinegar) CH3COOH(l) -> (Sodium acetate) CH3COONa(aq) + (water) H2O(l) + (carbon dioxide) CO2(g)
***
We hope you enjoy this extension craft and that it inspires kindness and a deeper interest in the S.T.E.A.M. fields. Let us know in the comments how you are celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week and Engineers Week!
If you enjoyed this craft, check out these other book extension crafts!
 | | |
 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
About Laughing Leopard Press
Hello! We are Laughing Leopard Press, an independent book publisher from Akron, Ohio. At Laughing Leopard Press, we’re interested in publishing works that contribute to our understanding of this wonderful world. Through this blog, we hope to add to that understanding with commentary on life, literature, and a few things in between. We hope you enjoy the blog and take some time to talk with us in the comments or on our social media sites. Happy reading!
For some more great reading, check out our latest release, This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. This is A. Blob is a picture book that deals with the sticky issue of bullying through an unlikely character that is a bit sticky itself! As readers follow the antics of A. Blob, they learn to put themselves in the shoes of another and discover there may be more to this bully than meets the eye…
This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. $14.95
$1.00 is donated to charity for each book sold on this site--half to St. Jude's and the other half to PetFix Northeast Ohio.
$1.00 is donated to charity for each book sold on this site--half to St. Jude's and the other half to PetFix Northeast Ohio.
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Am I Alone? Words Of Support For Parents Of Bullies
And Bullying
A New Approach To Bullying Prevention: How Setting Small Goals Can Make A Big Difference Part I
A New Approach To Bullying Prevention: How Setting Small Goals Can Make A Big Difference-Part I
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