Shasta Wildlife Rescue – Run for the Wild

Posted on by
Reply

Every year in April, our local wildlife rescue, Shasta Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, holds their Run for the Wild fund-raiser. I was happy to attend with fellow authors/illustrators, Tim Livingston and Ivy Smith.

The kids and families were wonderful as always. Several rescued animals were on hand as ambassadors for work done by SWRR. Most wildlife rescued is rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Some, however, are not able to be returned either due to injury or imprinting on humans. These animals are cared for by trained caretakers for the rest of their natural lives.

Fund-raising volunteers for Shasta Wildlife Rescue. Mary A Livingston, Tim Livingston, and ivy Smith.

Fund-raising volunteers for Shasta Wildlife Rescue. Mary A Livingston, Tim Livingston, and ivy Smith.

Gray Fox - 11 years old.

Gray Fox – 11 years old.

Great Horned Owl.

Great Horned Owl.

Bella Vista Elementary

Posted on by
Reply

I had an outstanding afternoon with the awesome 3rd and 4th grade students of Bella Vista Elementary.

Meeting a wonderful group of 3rd and 4th grade students of Bella Vista Elementary.
We started with acting out verbs.
One by one they come up with creative options.
One student stumped everyone with his active verb.
We wrapped up with an action packed preview of Buddy and the Magic Chicken Tree.

Presentation Preparation

Posted on by
Reply

Practicing for demo. Hmmm, I may ask for a student volunteer, otherwise I’ll look like a crazy scientist after 8 presentations!

Hmm, I’ll look like a crazy scientist after 8 presentations!

crazy_author_face

My 2013 presentation on Hydrophobic Soil. Thanks, Tim (The Forester Artist) for the fun shots.

For several years I’ve presented a science experiment related to one of our picture books  at the annual SCLC Education Day. I’ve been told that I get pretty animated. Doesn’t look like this year will be any different. Tomorrow, I’ll be demonstrating Electrostatic Precipitator to nearly 400 school kids. They’ll divide into 8 groups spread out over the morning. I predict lots of funny faces and a bad hair day!

2014 Children’s Digital Book Awards with Mary A Livingston – Children’s Book Academy

Posted on by
Reply

You can also find me over at Children’s Book Academy!

Sneaking Bliss

2014 Children’s Digital Book Awards with Mary A Livingston – Children’s Book Academy.

I’ve joined the wonderful group of Blogettes over at Children’s Book Academy, let me know what you think of my first post.

View original post

Link

Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books
The Children’s Book Academy is offering a spectacular course for children’s writers. The Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books starts February 10, 2014.

I highly recommend this course for:
Aspiring writers – You’ll get off to a good start.
Experienced writers – You’ll learn excellent polishing skills.
Experienced writers who have been rejected – Learn effective revisions before resubmitting.
Illustrators – Learn to write a story that you can illustrate and increase your chances for publication (and have fun)

3209255 Taught by award-winning teacher, and all around awesome Dr. Mira Reisberg – AKA the Picture Book Whisperer. Also includes, insider instruction from 20+ empowering and expert guest contributors.

Early Bird Registration is now OPEN! Don’t miss it!

Cox Bar School Visit

Posted on by
15

When I was 8-years-old I moved from Hoopa to Burnt Ranch, CA. The entire school, K-8, only had 48 students at the time. I was in 3rd grade and it only had five students. The school grew to over 60 by the time I exited 8th grade. I’m especially happy to make school visits to small schools in rural areas.

Sometimes we do science experiments related to my books and other times we read stories or do art projects. This visit was all about the stories.

Cox Bar Elementary is only about 15 miles from Burnt Ranch, and about 40 miles from Hoopa. I’ve made a few visits over the years. This year, the school has fewer than 15 students. The kids were pretty excited to know I grew up so close to where they live.

Taking questions from the kids mostly about roadkill and vultures.

Taking questions from the kids, mostly about roadkill and vultures.

Reading "Buddy, the Wayward Wolverine" and talking about animals native to the Cox Bar School area.

Reading “Buddy, the Wayward Wolverine” and talking about animals native to the Cox Bar School area.

Reading "No Place for Ugly Birds" and talking about Turkey Vultures.

Reading “No Place for Ugly Birds” and talking about turkey vultures.