Yes You Can Learn How to Write Children's Books

February 3, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments 

How to Write Children's Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career

When I first started writing for children, I took every opportunity to read books on the art of writing, revising, and how to get them published. In fact, I haven’t stopped. I’m still interested in hearing about new tips and ways to improve my writing and how to get it published. There are many books on the market, but one that stood out for me recently was Nancy I. Sanders’ Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career.

This book seems to stand out from the others because it offers a strategy. And it’s a strategy tested and proven to work by Sanders herself. The tips go against most of what you’ve probably heard about writing for children, but, as writers, we need to learn of alternate approaches to getting our writing published. You’ll learn how to get the contract BEFORE you write the book, how to manage your time and focus your energies, so you’re writing each day with purpose in order to get published, earn an income, and satisfy your personal fulfillment as a writer. Whether you’re just starting out or have numerous publishing credits to your name, the book offers step-by-step instructions on how to establish the foundation for building a successful career as a children’s writer.

What I especially enjoyed about this book was the encouragement. Writing can be a frustrating and solitary career, which is why it’s great to hear that you CAN do it, how there are lots of smaller publishers practically begging for manuscripts from first-time authors, and that you can be successful.  The specific tips offered, depending on whether the reader is a full-time or low-time writer, are really useful as well since each writer is different.

Sanders points out that with a careful strategy, determined mindset, and strong self-motivation, you can build the successful children’s writing career of your dreams.

Read an interview with Nancy I. Sanders at Write What Inspires You! by Donna McDine

Additional Information:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: E & E Publishing (June 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979160669
ISBN-13: 978-0979160660
Source of review copy: Publisher

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!

The Canada Goose and You

January 11, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments 

Cover of The Canada Goose and You

Cover of The Canada Goose and You

Everything you wanted to know about Canadian Geese can be found in The Canada Goose and You by Jennifer S. Burrows.

This nonfiction picture book explains the life and characteristics of the Canada goose by relating them to the child and his world. Each page ends with a question that is answered by “HONK!” — inviting your young reader to “honk” along!

Young readers will learn fascinating facts such as a mother goose lays 2 to 12 eggs, geese eat insects and grains, are great parents, and cannot fly when they are molting.

A cartoon/ sepia effect to the illustrations make this book unique and young readers are led to further reading and websites listed in the back.

What would a goose say about that? Honk!

Additional Information:
Author: Jennifer S. Burrows
Illustrator: Margery Day
Paperback: 32 pages
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: E & E Publishing (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0979160693
ISBN-13: 978-0979160691
Source of review copy: Publisher

nonfiction.monday
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at All About Children’s Books. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!

Ten Hats A Counting Book

January 7, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments 

Cover of Ten Hats: A Counting Book

Cover of Ten Hats: A Counting Book

Looking for a fun counting book packed with a ton of encouragement? Ten Hats: A Counting Book is a fun rhyming story that shows the different kinds of hats worn by amusing animal characters doing different jobs.

Young readers count down the different hats we see on the wall. Each page shows a hat and asks the question, Who wears that hat we see? From a police officer to dancer to snow plow operator, many jobs are covered, sure to peak the interest of your young reader.

The last hat is a graduation hat. “Who wears that shiny, flat cap we see?” The story points to the reader of course and the last line sends home the message that “you can be anything you want to be!”

This is a great book for a pre-school or kindergarten graduate and can also serve as an early reader. We all wear many different hats in life, and this book is a great reminder of the endless possibilities.

Additional Information:
Author: Carolyn Mott Ford
Illustrator: Jack Gordon
Paperback: 34 pages
Publisher: E & E Publishing (September 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979160626
ISBN-13: 978-0979160622
Source of review copy: Publisher

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!