(and if you do share it with kids–I’d love to see them. Send me your pics of their art and I will post it here.

They’ll be famous!)

I know that your book, “Lazar the Good Deed Dog”, is based on a real life dog who lives at a senior residence in Michigan. How did you first learn about this Lazar? I met Lazar while visiting a senior friend at the Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza in West Bloomfied, MI. At first I thought he was the pet of a visitor, and then learned otherwise.  Lazar lives there.  He was rescued from a shelter and adopted by a family in the community who realized the benefits of animals, plants and children in a senior environment.

This book serves as an entree to discussing the elderly with children. Why was it important to you to get that message out there? I was fortunate to have grown up in a multi generational household and established strong, meaningful relationships with my grandparents.  Additionally, I spent a great deal of time with my mother (obm) and her friends and they impacted my life and the way I looked at life in many ways.  When I learned that animals, plants and children actually made for happier, healthier seniors (The Eden Alternative — a study on aging), I knew that I had to pique the interest of children and encourage them to connect with their elders.

Your bio says that you used to have a career in teaching. Where and to what ages did you teach? I have both a BA and an MA in Secondary English/French.  I taught after-school Jewish studies to Pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and also substitute taught for many years. 

What led you to want to write a book? I have always enjoyed writing and teaching.  What better way to reach a child than with a picture book in verse with an important message? 

You are part of a growing trend of authors who self-publish their books. Canyou tell us a little about your publishing experience? I was anxious to “get the word out there,” and decided to try self-publishing. I did some extensive research, i.e., talked to many writers, illustrators, and self publishing houses.  Even spoke to the author of a “how-to” self-publish book.  It was a bit daunting.  I learned a lot.  I vetted the book with friends, family, etc., then selected a self-publishing house I felt was most appropriate for my needs.   All in all — the process, the product, and the response I’ve received have been positive. 

How did you find your illustrator?  I looked at many styles of illustration … mainly from a roster of illustrators who work for self-publishing firms.  Their work, although pleasing, did not “talk to me.”  I then was referred to Linda Robinson and she sent me a sampling of styles she’d created.  I immediately connected with both her and her style.  I was thrilled with the way she connected to the text on a personal level.  She is a fantastic person and a serious, professional illustrator.  What a wonderful combination.

Is there anything else about you or your book that you would like to share? I am proud to say that I am now in my second printing and a portion of the proceeds of the book is contributed to the Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit. 

Thanks, Myrna. Good luck with the book!

Thank you, Ann.

Lazar the Good Deed Dog is available on Amazon  here.

By accepting twenty dollars a week to play third base for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1866, Lip Pike became baseball’s first professional player.

His story, from  his early childhood obstacles all the way to his professional success  is retold in “Lipman Pike-America’s First Home Run King”.

Interwoven subtly through the story are the themes of assimilation (Lip’s dad is OK with baseball becusase they live in America now) as well as the challenges of anti-semitism that Lip encounters from his fellow baseball players. Some  great historical details are inlcuded, like a cameo from Boss Tweed of Tamany hall and the fact that the  game Lip played is  called ‘base’, since it wasn’t yet named baseball.

The illustrations are beautifully painted in rich, warm tones and in a style that feels very appropriate to the period, yet still contemporary in some of it’s stylizations. The time and research the illustrator put in shows:  every detail from the look of the haberdashery shop, the women’s parasols and the stadium all feel very true and accurate. My one critique of the illustrations is that there are a couple of images that don’t seem to match the text on the page. For example, when the text reads that ‘five thousand fans show up, and thousands crowd the fence’, the illustrator shows the fence…but only about six people are standing by it  watching the game .

I personally loved the story and history of the beginnings of baseball, but I am not sure all young children would. The nature of the book feels  historical, important, and mature-not necessarily ‘fun’. It is certainly for the more thoughtful child who can appreciate the beauty of the images, the history and the themes.

Rating 4 of 5.

Available on Amazon.

And if you have a second, tell me in the comments below who you plan to share the page with.

Check it out Challah Crumbs to see the details.

Illustrated by Deborah Melmon

So, don’t be fooled by the title: this is not just a camp story. This is a friendship story that happens to take place at a Jewish sleep-away camp, and is a great read for all year round.

Carly and Sara become fast friends when they notice they are wearing the same bathing suit (twins!). But when Carly makes fun of Sara’s last name, her bunkmate refuses to be consoled. Their mutual love of music—plus a secret in common—brings them back together.

I like how the story describes the development of the girls’ friendship, and their short lived disagreement . Everything is  told very naturally from a true kid-like perspective.

I wonder: Do kids in this age group really go to sleep-away camp? I think picture book readers and these characters are more likely to be day-campers. But the story itself is perfectly age appropriate.

The illustrations by Deborah Melmon are wonderful. Each character, including the supporting kids in the background has their own personality. The pictures also have fun details to find, like the bunny slippers under the bunk of a fellow camper.

If you are looking for a story that speaks about the fun (and the challenges) of friendship, this is a great one.

Rating: 4 of 5.

You can purchase a copy here: http://www.karben.com

Come and see:

http://www.jdeal.com/queens-5-towns-nassau?affex=81411&did=11489

Mazel Tov, Shira!

Thanks to everyone for participating–this was a lot of fun.

Chag Sameach,

Ann