Podcasts about highlights foundation

Send us a textIn this episode, host Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes author Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant creator of the bestselling Sophie Washington book series and the picture book "They Built Me for Freedom." Tonya shares how her personal experiences and the rich history of Black culture inspired her work, which celebrates identity and engages young readers in meaningful conversations about freedom. The discussion explores the vital role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of America's Black history and the importance of representation for children of color.Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling Sophie Washington children's chapter book series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (Balzer + Bray an imprint of Harper Collins, 2024) She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit, and the Brown Bookshelf's Highlights Foundation-sponsored, Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. In 2021, she won the Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. She is a 2022 winner of SCBWI's Independently Published Book Launch Marketing Grant. Represented by Sara Megibow of KT Literary, Tonya holds an MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA degree in French from Centre College of Kentucky. She lives in Houston, Texas and is married with three children.Subscribe to our Patreon channel for exclusive content! Just go to patreon.com/3EPodcast. Thanks!Support the showJoin our community. Go to bit.ly/3EPSubs and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter and exclusive content.

This week, acclaimed authors Samira Ahmed and Jas Hammonds discuss their recent books, the state of young adult literature today, and the importance of young people seeing themselves in the stories they read. Ahmed's latest, This Book Won't Burn, is a timely and gripping social-suspense novel about book banning, activism, and standing up for what you believe. From Hammonds comes Thirsty, an unflinching novel about addiction that bestselling author Courtney Summers called "sensitively wrought and gorgeously written."This conversation originally took place May 19, 2024 and was recorded live at the American Writers Festival.AWM PODCAST NETWORK HOMEAbout the writers:SAMIRA AHMED is the bestselling author of Love, Hate & Other Filters; Internment; Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know; Hollow Fires; and the Amira & Hamza middle-grade duology, as well as a Ms. Marvel comic book mini-series. Her poetry, essays, and short stories have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies including the New York Times, Take the Mic, Color Outside the Lines, Vampires Never Get Old, and A Universe of Wishes.JAS HAMMONDS was raised in many cities and between the pages of many books. They have received support for their writing from Lambda Literary, Baldwin for the Arts, and the Highlights Foundation. They are also a grateful recipient of the MacDowell James Baldwin Fellowship. Their debut novel, We Deserve Monuments, won the 2023 Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent, among many other accolades.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today is Heather Demetrios, a critically acclaimed novelist and writing coach who specializes in guiding writers in finding their voice, bringing their ideas to their full written potential, mindfulness, mental health in creative practices, and more.Today, we talk about:* the differences between a writing coach and a freelance editor* mental health practices that support your writing* how to balance writing what's true to your heart and “stories that sell”* tips for getting over fear or self-doubt at the start of a project* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

George Brown is the executive director of the Highlights Foundation, scion to the Myers family, which created Highlights Magazine. The Highlights Foundation runs workshops for small groups of authors and illustrators in its bucolic surroundings, the homestead of Garry and Caroline Myers, who co-founded Highlights for Children in 1946. George discusses his fascination with children's books and the people who create them, offering tips based on his lifelong experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

George Brown is the executive director of the Highlights Foundation, scion to the Myers family, which created Highlights Magazine. The Highlights Foundation runs workshops for small groups of authors and illustrators in its bucolic surroundings, the homestead of Garry and Caroline Myers, who co-founded Highlights for Children in 1946. George discusses his fascination with children's books and the people who create them, offering tips based on his lifelong experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patti Gauch, a legendary faculty at the Highlights Foundation, has been inspiring authors for over 40 years. Her insightful lectures and mentorship have shaped countless careers. Recently, she revisited some of her favorite Highlights Foundation lectures, and they're being released now for the first time. This is session 4. 

Patti Gauch, a legendary faculty at the Highlights Foundation, has been inspiring authors for over 40 years. Her insightful lectures and mentorship have shaped countless careers. Recently, she revisited some of her favorite Highlights Foundation lectures, and they're being released now for the first time. This is session 1. 

Patti Gauch, a legendary faculty at the Highlights Foundation, has been inspiring authors for over 40 years. Her insightful lectures and mentorship have shaped countless careers. Recently, she revisited some of her favorite Highlights Foundation lectures, and they're being released now for the first time. Here is session 2. 

Patti Gauch, a legendary faculty at the Highlights Foundation, has been inspiring authors for over 40 years. Her insightful lectures and mentorship have shaped countless careers. Recently, she revisited some of her favorite Highlights Foundation lectures, and they're being released now for the first time. This is session 3. 

Do you have trouble sharing your voice? Do you want to be heard loud & clear? These are some of the issues facing Xavier in the wonderful children's book 'Xavier's Voice'. This book is beautifully written by Ashley Franklin and wonderfully illustrated by Tatiana Gardel. The two of them are on the show today to discuss this latest project, what excited them about the work, lessons they hope people take away from the book, and what's next! Enjoy! About Ashley Franklin Ashley Franklin is an Arkansas-based author whose work centers characters with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. She believes everyone, especially kids, deserves to see themselves reflected within the pages of a book. Some of her most popular works include the picture books Disney's The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash and NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE and her middle-grade short story “Creative Fixes” from the anthology ONCE UPON AN EID.   Ashley received her M.A. from the University of Delaware and B.A. from Albright College, both in English Literature. In 2021, The Highlights Foundation selected Ashley to be a part of its first-ever Muslim Storytellers Fellowship cohort. Her picture book, The Masjid Kamal Loves, was a Kirkus Reviews pick for one of the Best Picture Books of 2023 That Celebrate Community. When she is not writing, Ashley's time is filled with being a mother and adjunct college professor. Most recently Ashley has begun her journey as a graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University. About Tatiana Gardel Tatiana Gardel is a New York City-based illustrator and teaching artist whose work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and American Illustration. Books she illustrated include THE FIRST DAY OF PEACE (Candlewick Press, 2023), ABUELO, THE SEA, AND ME (Roaring Brook Press, 2024), XAVIER'S VOICE (The Innovation Press, 2024), and PAINTING THE SKY WITH LOVE (Feiwel & Friends, 2024). Born and raised in Brazil, she received her BFA in Painting from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and her Art Education License from Universidade Candido Mendes. She began her career as a painter and later discovered a passion for visual storytelling while studying animation at Anima Mundi/Campo 4 Estúdio in Rio.  Tatiana works digitally and traditionally. Watercolors and colored pencils are her favorite traditional mediums. She loves to tell her own stories through her work as well as to contribute to other projects. She is specially drawn to heartfelt stories that explore children's emotions and imagination.  Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life!    At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care.    Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com  

We talk to writer Charles Waters about his life as an actor and how it led to his life as a poet and children's book writer. He also talks about how the Highlights Foundation changed his life. Kitty Felde is host.

Join authors Pam Courtney, Andrea Loney, and Crystal Allen as they discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. This impassioned #HFGather will explore the power of storytelling to inspire meaningful change for our future. Through this conversation, we hope to connect ways that children's books can offer a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between social justice, racial equity, and caring for our planet. Our children are grappling with pollution and climate-related disasters, stories can help them find hope in their world. Our storytellers will share their personal experiences and offer insight into considerations other storytellers may make, especially when it comes to the many ways in which communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, and how it is all of our responsibilities to support our children in creating a safe and more equitable planet! The Highlights Foundation is proud to learn from and work alongside Knology to amplify Black Storytellers in STEM. BlackRep4Kids is a National Science Foundation-funded project led by Knology, in collaboration with the Highlights Foundation, the National Black Child Development Institute, and the Association of Children's Museums. The project brings together Black researchers and practitioners from a variety of fields (including climate science, developmental psychology, informal learning, and children's media) to collaboratively develop methods and strategies for creating children's climate media that helps Black families and their children discuss, prepare for, and respond to a multitude of environmental threats.  

Alisa Alering discusses their debut novel, Smothermoss, growing up on a farm, writerly trickery, place, southern Pennsylvania, how unlimited access to the outdoors as a child influenced their writing, what time means to a mountain, the energy of the natural world, the real-life tragedy that features in the novel, setting the novel in the 1980s, starting the novel as a collage, and so much more! Alisa Alering grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and now lives in Arizona. After attending Clarion West, their short fiction has been published in Fireside, Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet, Podcastle, and Cast of Wonders, among others, and been recognized by the Calvino Prize. A former librarian and science/technology reporter, they teach fiction workshops at the Highlights Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Jas Hammonds (they/she) was raised in many cities and between the pages of many books. They have received support for their writing from the Highlights Foundation, Baldwin for the Arts and more. They are also a grateful recipient of the MacDowell James Baldwin Fellowship. Their bestselling debut novel, We Deserve Monuments, won the 2023 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Her second novel, Thirsty, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. She lives in New Jersey.   http://jashammonds.com  The Douglas Coleman Show VE (Video Edition) offers video promotional packages for authors. Please see our website for complete details.  http://douglascolemanshow.com    Please help us to continue to bring you quality content by showing your support for our show.  https://fundrazr.com/e2CLX2?ref=ab_eCTqb8_ab_31eRtAh53pq31eRtAh53pq        

Jas Hammonds (they/she) was raised in many cities and between the pages of many books. They have received support for their writing from the Highlights Foundation, Baldwin for the Arts and more. They are also a grateful recipient of the MacDowell James Baldwin Fellowship. Their bestselling debut novel, We Deserve Monuments, won the 2023 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Her second novel, Thirsty, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. She lives in New Jersey.

Special guest alums Jasminne Poulino and Elizabeth Lilly joined some members of the Highlights Foundation team for a question-and-answer session about coming to an in-person program at the Highlights Foundation. If you missed it, you can see the video and read the transcript below.

Author/agent Sera Rivers and agent Linda Camacho joined us for an #HFGather conversation facilitated by author Heather Demetrios about their personal experiences crafting and sharing books with readers–Sera sharing as an author shaping her past into a novel and Linda as a friend of the Rebecca Dykes Writers' mission and as a literary agent with her experiences selling books and supporting the authors and illustrators who create them. Heather will facilitate the conversation, and talk about her experience with the Rebecca Dykes Writers and her experiences teaching at the Highlights Foundation's Writing Through Trauma to Empower Readers.

This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submission process. Despite the silence from publishers, we're just at the beginning!Dealing with Submissions: We talked about the frustration of unresponsive publishers. Yet, there's hope in platforms like Entangled Publishing's Little Lark, which allows authors to track their submission's progress. It's a game-changer in maintaining sanity during the waiting game.Joining SCBWI: If you haven't already, joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must. It's been a beacon of support, resources, and community for both of us. From critique partners to craft agents, SCBWI offers everything you need to grow in the kid lit world.Craft Development Resources: We also highlighted invaluable resources for honing your craft, such as the Highlights Foundation, the Writing Barn, and the Children's Book Academy. These platforms offer workshops, classes, and webinars that are accessible virtually, making them perfect for any schedule and budget.Feedback is Gold: Embrace feedback on your work. It's the cornerstone of growth. Sharing your work, even when it's scary, opens the door to invaluable insights that can transform your writing.Contests and Pitch Parties: Don't overlook contests and Twitter pitch parties like #PBPitch. They're fantastic opportunities to gain visibility, feedback, and even catch the eye of agents and publishers. Plus, winning or being shortlisted in contests can be a significant boost to your author bio.Querying Resources: When you're ready to query, resources like Sylvia Liu's Advanced Tips for Querying Agents and the monster list of picture book agents by Heather Ayris Burnell are indispensable. Final Thoughts: Putting yourself out there is essential. Whether it's joining SCBWI, submitting to contests, or querying agents, each step you take brings you closer to your dream of publishing a picture book.Remember, we're in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. So, dive into the resources we've shared, embrace the journey, and keep writing. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it.Blog versionVideo summary  Support the showWebsite: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/Threads: @WritersWithWrinklesInsta: @WritersWithWrinklesTwitter: @BethandLisaPodSupport Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriberEmail: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.comWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Merrill Rainey, Picture-Book-Creator and Paper-Toy-Maker. Here is more about Merrill: Growing up, Merrill Rainey spent most of his Saturday afternoons drawing, watching monster movies, and going on imaginary adventures. Today, he is a cowboy-boot-wearing, picture-book-creator and paper-toy-maker. Merrill's work focuses on exploring creativity and imaginative play. His current titles include Roar! I'm a Dinosaur (winner of the Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Board Book of 2022), Oink! I'm a Pig, and the Color, Cut, Create series. His newest illustrated title Giants Are Very Brave People, written by Florence Parry Heide, is a reimagined classic picture book about a little giant that learns to be brave with the help of a new friend. Merrill also works for many children's magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty. He has served on faculty at the Highlights Foundation retreat center and is currently the illustrator coordinator for the Northern Ohio chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Merrill lives in the village of Whitehouse, Ohio, with his editor (his wife), subject matter experts (his kids), and very opinionated coworkers (a very hungry toad and some crabby hermit crabs).  To see Merrill's work: https://littlerainey.com/ Merrill's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlerainey Thank you for listening!

SMV8: Dwight Smith shares why personality & integrity lead to success. He won E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, built & sold his company, and Chaired the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.In this episode, you will learn:Why your personality and integrity are essential elements of success.Four important considerations in selling your company - price is NOT one of them.What it's like to Chair the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.How they almost lost the whole company, and bounced back to success.Why culture and relationships are your best team retention strategies.Episode Summary:  This episode of the SmartMoney Ventures Podcast features Dwight Smith who is a true servant leader in business, board service, and the philanthropic pursuits that he and his wife Renee are deeply committed to.  Dwight built his company, Sophisticated Systems, Inc. for 33 years and along the way, he has consistently given back to his community with both his time and his treasure.  His colleagues & peers frequently recognize his achievements and contributions with awards and accolades. Dwight is the recipient of the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Milt Lewin Legacy Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, and he and his wife Renee are recent recipients of the Harrison M. Sayre Award from The Columbus Foundation for their passionate support of social justice, entrepreneurship & youth empowerment!   Dwight has served on 16 Boards of Directors, including as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Columbus Foundation where he served on the Governing Committee, Columbus State Community College, The Highlights Foundation, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and more recently, People's Bank and Rocky Brands.  In 2015 Smith co-founded My Special Word, a non-profit focused on empowering children around the world and the importance and impact of positive words. Smith is an active investor and mentor for several entrepreneurial ventures.He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA Program at Franklin University and is a guest lecturer at The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Smith was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Franklin University in 2021.He graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Marketing and an MBA in Finance.

Intisar Khanani joined George Brown to discuss writing the Mighy Girls series, being a mentor and mentee at the Highlights Foundation, and her writing process as an intuitive writer.

Foundation for Government Accountability's Madeline Melisa goes into detail why Wisconsin's proposed ranked choice voting bill would be a disaster for the democratic process and the state of Wisconsin

Courtney Pippin-Mathur joined George Brown on our podcast to talk more about her art method, and her upcoming projects as an author-illustrator, and the Highlights Foundation course she teaches: From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course.

Looking for inspiration on how to encourage children to read and enjoy the process? Look no further! We had the pleasure of chatting with Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning 13-book Sophie Washington Children's Chapter series and They Built Me for Freedom. Tonya shared her journey to becoming a successful writer, the impact her books have had on kids, educators, and readers across the US, and her secrets for making reading exciting and engaging for young minds.Tonya also provided valuable insights on how to choose the right books and series that will keep kids captivated, and the benefits of introducing them to graphic novels as a stepping stone towards longer books. We even discussed fun activities like book clubs and movie nights related to their favorite stories, as well as the importance of letting children have a say in what they read. Listen in to learn how to make reading a delightful experience that opens up a world of possibilities for your child.But Tonya's wisdom doesn't end there – she also shared her daily writing routine, tips to overcome writer's block, and her approach to goal setting and intention setting to stay motivated. We explored her writing journey, the support she found within her community, and her latest novel, They Built Me for Freedom. Don't miss out on this insightful and heartwarming conversation with Tonya Duncan Ellis, and discover how the power of reading can truly transform lives.About Tonya: TONYA DUNCAN ELLIS is author of the award-winning, 13-book, SOPHIE WASHINGTON children's chapter series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024). She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and the Brown Bookshelf's Highlights Foundation-sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City and for SCBWI Houston and Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she holds a BA degree in French from Centre College of Kentucky and an MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Tonya is represented by Sara Megibow of kt Literary. She lives in Houston, Texas and is married with three children.LINKS, RESOURCES & QUOTESTonya's Sophie Washington Series The Global Community for Children's Book Creators (SCBWI) The Creative Penn PodcastReggie and Delilah's Year of FallingSupport the showIf you feel inspired please consider sharing this episode with a friend, writing a 5⭐️ review or becoming a Raising Wild Hearts Member here!

Cordelia Jensen joined George Brown on our podcast to talk more about the classes she teaches at the Highlights Foundation, her work in progress, and everything related to novels in verse.  

A Jolt of Inspiration, Indeed! Program Director Alison Green Myers opened this #HFGather with an inspiring mini-keynote celebrating this creative life, with echoes back to the Highlights Foundation's first summer writers' workshop at the Chautauqua Institution and reflections on moving the summer camp experience to the Barn at Boyds Mills. First, the History: “Rich and Righteous Lectures” Alison said that creative magic (in the form of rich and righteous lectures, generous mentorship, and community) continues in our Summer Camps today. A Celebration of How We Do This Together with 3 Camp Alums After this powerful beginning, Highlights Foundation Marketing Director Christina Ousouljoglou took over.  She explained how while inspiration can remind of us why we do this hard job of creating for kids, being together is practically how we get through the ups and downs of this industry (and this life). She then introduced three panelists: Daria Peoples, Harlan DeChamps and Judie Offerdahl. All three are alums of Summer Camp, and shared their experiences of togetherness with the group: mentorship, community, and support–all gleaned from Summer Camp and beyond.

Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the bestselling SOPHIE WASHINGTON children's chapter book series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM. She enjoys inspiring other authors with mindset tips for author success. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City, Houston, and Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she is a graduate of Centre College of Kentucky and holds an MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Tonya loves to travel and has visited 49 American states, 20 countries, and three continents, but some of her best journeys have been between the pages of a novel. She could always be found with a book in her hand, and reading is still one of her favorite hobbies. When she's not reading or writing, Tonya likes to ride her bike, swim, and spend time with her husband and three children. She lives in Houston, TX. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit, and the Brown Bookshelf's Highlights Foundation-sponsored, Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. Married with three children, Tonya lives in Houston, Texas. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.tonyaduncanellis.com Book: Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach By Tonya Duncan Ellis Most Influential Person Her Mom Effect on Emotions It's been very beneficial to me, I do journaling every day. Being mindful and intentional in what I'm doing helps me stay focused because there's a lot of rejection in my business. So it just keeps me focused on my goals and moving in a positive direction. Thoughts on Breathing I don't do a lot of it. But I have taken Pilates and some yoga classes at times. And I find that they do a lot of breathing in the exercise. And it's like a release and helps relieve a lot of your stress and anxiety. And even when I do walking and movement I think it helps me overcome anxious feelings and be more positive. Suggested Resources Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) Book: Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach By Tonya Duncan Ellis Bullying Story The second book in my series, is Sophie Washington, the Snitch. It's about children being bullied by a new girl at school who's taking their lunch money and shoving them around. And I think mindfulness may have been helpful for the bully herself. She recognized her history, it comes out later in the book that her parents have abandoned her and had some other personal issues. If she had been able to do some mindfulness work, that would help with her anger and bad feelings that led her to be unkind to the other kids. So Related Episodes Breath and Fire; Michelle Hillier Breathwork To Upscale Your Life; Samantha Skelly 2000 Books To Improve Your Life by Mani Vaya Special Offer Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? Peace is within your grasp. I'm Bruce Langford, a practicing coach, and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling grounded and focused. Send me an email at bruce@mindfulnessmode.com with ‘Coaching Session' in the subject line. We'll set up a zoom call and talk about how you can move forward to a better life.

In this episode, we have self-proclaimed science geek, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher, Jennifer Swanson. She talks about her newest picture book, Footprints Across the Planet—a masterful introduction to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity that even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy. Jennifer Swanson's love of science began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer's passion for science resonates in the fascinating 45+ nonfiction and fiction books she has written for children but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), which was named an NSTA Best STEM book of 2017. Jennifer's book, Save the Crash-test Dummies, received a Parent's Choice GOLD award. Her Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact received a Florida Book Award, a Eureka California Reading Association Gold Award, and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. Her BEASTLY BIONICS book received a GOLD Florida Book Award and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. An accomplished and exciting speaker, Jennifer has presented at National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the Atlanta Science Festival, the World Science Festival in NYC, and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Footprints Across the Planet on Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠. Lego: Amazing Earth on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Spacecare: The Kids Guide to Surviving Space on Bookshop.org⁠ and Amazon. Resources: For more information, visit https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/. The Solve It For Kids Podcast: https://solveitforkids.com/ KidLiteracy is Jennifer Swanson's nonprofit organization: https://kidliteracy.org/. NASA Social Events: https://www.nasa.gov/connect/social/index.html. Discussion Topics: Visiting NASA and meeting The Artemis II lunar flyby mission crew members. Jennifer Swanson's childhood love of STEM. Becoming an author of over 45 published nonfiction books for kids. The Solve it For Kids podcast and school visits. The idea, writing, and what to expect from Footprints Across the Planet. Taking steps in the right direction to make a difference on our planet. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thechildrensbookreview/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thechildrensbookreview/support

Soar today with our  guest Alison Green Myers, whose first book for middle grade readers, A Bird Will Soar, received the American Library Association's 2022 Schneider Family Book Award and the Pennsylvania State Library Association's 2022 Carolyn W. Field Award. Alison is the program director for the Highlights Foundation, a national writing fellow, and an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. And beyond that, she's got a ton of classroom experience and has written strong STEM-based curriculum. [04:20]A Bird Will Soar One of the things  I noticed is that it creates space in the world for all kinds of families, all kinds of feelings, and all kinds of healings. And I found myself wondering, were there connections from your own childhood that informed the book? [04:53] Alison: My favorite part of the book is talking to kids about it, and the number one question they ask is, what parts are real? I think the thing about fiction that kids love is that they realize it's this suspension of reality as they're entering a story. But then they're like, but I'm talking to you right now, and I know you created this. So let me in on the secret. Like, what are the parts that are real? And there are parts that are very tangible to my life growing up. [11:02] Alison: One of the things I love talking to kids about is most of the time when they hear the term bird brain, it's not always seen as a positive thing. But really, if we unpack a bird brain and we think about all of the messages going on in there, all of the information packed inside that side of a brain that's light enough for flight, it's like miraculous, right? Brains just are completely fascinating to me. And there's a heavy theme of that within the book about processing and about our minds, our brains, our instincts being the messages that are just right for us.[18:25] Connecting STEM/STEAM to A Bird Will Soar -- a Teacher Educator Guide actually written by a teacher (who happens to be the author)[21:16] What impact did winning the Schneider Award have on your writing?[32:55} How did the Highlights Foundation shape your journey?You can visit Alison Green Myers' website or follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast laun Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRead the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram. *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Unimaginable Wellness is brought to you by: Wake Up Mom! A 5-Day Free Challenge For Moms Who Left A Corporate Career And Want More in 2023!  https://www.melissallarena.com/momrut/ - January 2nd to 6th – sign-up Join Me! Let's Take Inventory Of What You Are Truly Capable Of + Uncover Your Ultimate Next Adventure for 2023! Join this LIVE and free masterclass on January 2nd-6th at 1pm CDT to: Take an inventory of the biggest wins you've had in your prior life and current one too while on a career break Uncover the skills you may have forgotten and can design your skill-building adventure around so you can stay relevant Discover fascinating skill-building adventures that will help you leap out of bed (I believe adopting an adventurous mindset to creating your own professional development endeavors is the key to staying out of a rut and feeling more fulfilled as a SAHM or WFHM in a mommy trek jo) What stories would you want to tell your grandkids eventually? We'll discuss your "why" Learn about role models that can help motivate you Hear about my personal outrageous adventures and how they have affected my mental wellness as well as my marketability Ask me anything about staying relevant during a career break *You can ask me questions in the comments during the LIVE session. I love LIVE participation in this masterclass because tailoring the conversation makes it relevant to those who attend and it keeps me on my feet which is exhilarating! Maybe you've been wanting to write a non-fiction book that's meant to inspire the younger audience, but you're struggling to find that spark. You feel like you've lost that childlike wonder inside of you. Well, you're never too young or too old to live your dreams. You just have to figure out ways to bring back and nurture that sense of wonder and creativity waiting to be unearthed. In today's episode, Carmen Oliver talks about her book-writing journey in her goal to make a difference in the world – one kid, one reader at a time. Learn how she stays young at heart, how to shape a book so you can connect on a multitude of levels, how she stays plugged into that little girl inside of her, and how her grandkids help with that as well. Carmen Oliver is the author of many award-winning picture books for children including A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Building an Orchestra of Hope: How Favio Chavez Taught Children to Make Music From Trash, a Junior Library Gold Standard (Oct 25, 2022), and The Twilight Library (Sept 6, 2022). She's also the author of the Bears Make the Best Buddies series (Reading, Writing, Math, Science).  In 2014, Carmen founded The Booking Biz, a boutique-style agency that brings award-winning children's authors and illustrators to schools, libraries, and special events. She also teaches writing at The Writing Barn and The Highlights Foundation and loves speaking at schools, conferences, and festivals. Carmen lives with her family outside of Austin, Texas.  In this conversation, you will also understand why it's important to get out there. Carmen actually got her manuscript sold after having a casual conversation at a conference she attended. If you want to share your work with the world, you have to start somewhere!  In this episode, you will hear: What if you want to write a nonfiction children's book about someone you never met and who doesn't speak the same language as you? The story behind why she wrote Orchestra of Hope How to ground a story for readers How to find the right balance of word count vs. images in a picture book How do you know that a person's story will resonate with a kid? Gathering input to shape your book and why it's helpful for picture books Using your intuition and being a child at heart – how do you do this? Here's one serendipitous way you can explore to sell your manuscript Is finding the right illustrator the ultimate act of patience? When a story finds its author vs. the other way around The benefits of telling a story from another country to young readers Passions can go from a hobby to the center of your life Carmen's career pivot and call to action: how her daughter reminded her about the kid's book she was talking about writing The first steps to begin a writing career that involves young kids from reading to artist dates and establishing a writing routine  Carving time out of your day dedicated to your writing routine Getting inspiration from the books you read and from the wisdom of other writers Using the art of playing to uncover the kind of story that you want to eventually tell Self-care as a creative and why it's important The hard part about being in the messy middle of the book writing journey is… SHARE this episode with a mom who enjoys reading nonfiction and/or is writing her own.  Similar Episodes: Do You Feel Unmotivated and a Little Depressed or In A Rut? Try This in the Next Seven Days, Episode 156 Find Your Purpose Besides Being A Mom (This Is An Open Call For 50 Moms To Become Beta Readers Too), Episode 148 Supporting Resources: Shop for the perfect gift right here: Orchestra of Hope embodies the holiday spirit! https://amzn.to/3FBNtww  Website: www.carmenoliver.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenoliver9013/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/carmenoliverjaq  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmen.oliver.566  Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to my podcast for moms who read and want to write a nonfiction book? I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.  I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.  Grab a Free Chapter of My Personal Development Book for Moms entitled: Mom Needs A Lift: Stop Self-Doubt, Uncover What Lights You Up, And Imagine Yourself Going For It! Go to www.melissallarena.com/waitlist if you would like some answers tackling these questions: So how can you get back to that time when you were free, fun, and energized? What if your kids hold the key to this? How can you start your journey from feeling zapped to uncapped in your own level of playfulness? It's time you uncover just how under your nose the answers to these questions are! Grab the chapter here at www.melissallarena.com/waitlist, and tonight, you can use the ideas presented in this quick read.  Meanwhile, check out what moms like you have to say about this chapter and my upcoming book overall. Get your free chapter today! Don't you want to feel alive again? You know who raises happy kids? Happy moms. So here is what other moms have to say… “This book is about getting in touch with your creative, playful, imaginative side. The part of yourself that perhaps felt freer before you became a parent before you chose your identity and had a lot of responsibilities weighing you down. In helping you get in touch with your more playful, creative self, it not only helps you on a path toward greater happiness and fulfillment, but it also helps you to feel more fulfilled as a parent.” - Mom/Librarian “The words: imagination, play, and fun are not the usual things we as mothers think of when wondering how to get a grip back on our career and I believe it provides a really fresh take and lots of food for thought for mothers reading it. I think that the tone is so energetic and fresh that it is why I would pick it up.” - Mom/Positive Psychology Coach Go to www.melissallarena.com/waitlist    You are invited to send me a DM. What did you uncover from this episode? I'd love to know. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/    

Jane Houng is a long-term resident of Hong Kong and China, who received her Master's in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the US in 2014. Since then, she has written several Children's Books: YA novel Bloodswell, Pun Choi: a Hotchpotch of Chinese Folk and Fairy Tales, and Hong Kong Movers and Shakers, just to name a few.Tragically, in late 2017, Jane lost her 30-year-old daughter, Rebecca Dykes to rape and murder. Since then, she has established a charity in Greece called Becky's Bathhouse for refugees www.beckysbathhouse.org and launched a free panic button for vulnerable women worldwide called Becky & #39's Button. In the autumn of 2022, the first annual retreat named The Rebecca Dykes Memorial Workshop for kidlit writers addressing extreme violence.This retreat will take place at the Highlights Foundation in Pennsylvania, USA. For more information on the retreat go to www.rebeccadykeswriters.com.We talked about her books, her life, and her work fighting to keep women safe. Reach out to Jane via her website: rebeccadykeswriters.comReach out to Louis via his Link Tree: linktr.ee/louismorris Get bonus content on Patreon Become a member so we can continue to bring you content and interviews that nourish the mind and heart. It is our mission to bring good to the world by educating ourselves and others from the inside out. Truly, the heart matters. https://plus.acast.com/s/the-heart-matters-with-life-coach-louis-morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Houng is a long-term resident of Hong Kong and China, who received her Master's in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the US in 2014. Since then, she has written several Children's Books: YA novel Bloodswell, Pun Choi: a Hotchpotch of Chinese Folk and Fairy Tales, and Hong Kong Movers and Shakers, just to name a few.Tragically, in late 2017, Jane lost her 30-year-old daughter, Rebecca Dykes to rape and murder. Since then, she has established a charity in Greece called Becky's Bathhouse for refugees www.beckysbathhouse.org and launched a free panic button for vulnerable women worldwide called Becky & #39's Button. In the autumn of 2022, the first annual retreat named The Rebecca Dykes Memorial Workshop for kidlit writers addressing extreme violence.This retreat will take place at the Highlights Foundation in Pennsylvania, USA. For more information on the retreat go to www.rebeccadykeswriters.com.We talked about her books, her life, and her work fighting to keep women safe. Reach out to Jane via her website: rebeccadykeswriters.comReach out to Louis via his Link Tree: linktr.ee/louismorris Get bonus content on Patreon Become a member so we can continue to bring you content and interviews that nourish the mind and heart. It is our mission to bring good to the world by educating ourselves and others from the inside out. Truly, the heart matters. https://plus.acast.com/s/the-heart-matters-with-life-coach-louis-morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THIS is where you can find all the info:Community Resources:SCBWI: https://www.scbwi.org/12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge: https://www.12x12challenge.com/Course Resources:The Writing Barn: https://thewritingbarn.com/The Children's Book Academy: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/Reneé LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/lyrical-language-lab/Highlights Foundation: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/Book Resources:Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul: https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=writing+picture+booksThe Thesaurus Books: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780999296318Online Resources:Writers' Rumpus Blog: https://writersrumpus.com/Josh Funk's website: https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/resources-for-writersKidlit 411: http://www.kidlit411.com/Tara Lazar's Storystorm: https://taralazar.com/storystorm/ReFoReMo: http://www.reforemo.com/Our Patreon is here! Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/picturebooklookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Margo chats with Deborah Stein who lives, paints and writes in NYC and the Embudo Valley in New Mexico. Deborah is a fine artist who teaches visual narrative workshops, runs (usually) twice a year artist residencies and is one of the proud hosts of folktale week along with illustrator-friends she admires. She ran her first creative live retreat at the lovely Highlights Foundation in rural PA this past Spring and is working on book projects (and possibilities for projects) and getting ready to show her work in August at The LDBA Studio in Santa Fe who she also designed a watercolor palette for called “Imagined Landscapes".   Margo and Deborah discuss:  Following your own skills and ideas The power of art, music, and storytelling Having your work copied and how to come out on top How she encourages people to be themselves and follow their passions Ways to spark your own curiosity Experiencing sorrow and grief and how it in a way inspires her StoryCamp Disco: what it is and how she came up with it   When she's not drawing, painting, writing or leading workshops and live art classes for kids and adults on and off-line, she can be found writing down her thoughts, looking closely at the complexities of nature and/or imagining the curious interplay between talking animals and observant children, looking at art, hiding in bookshops, poking in gardens and in apricot trees, walking down to rivers, hiking up hills and through museums, and watching not-scary movies and well-made documentaries, and being with folks and animals she loves. She is working on writing and making art and books that express new ways of seeing the world and our roles in it and loves projects that challenge her imagination and skills!   Connect with Deborah: www.deborahjstein.com www.Instagram.com/Deborah.j.Stein/ www.instagram.com/storycamp_disco Storycamp Disco Fall 2022 Art + Workshop Shop   Sign up for August Windowsill Workshops -  Pie Making Class with Tom Conway

Jas Hammonds, Anna-Marie McLemore, NoNieqa Ramos and Em Dickson joined us for a PRIDE Celebration of Stories. They had a wonderful conversation with Highlights Foundation team members Alison Green Myers and Alex Villasante about:   Supporting stories you love and getting those books into kids' hands Their careers in the kidlit LGBTQIA+ space Bringing things out into the open and going “anywhere we want” in terms of genre Helping each other find safe spaces in publishing Having the wonder and freedom to write what you NEED to write The unique challenges of gender diverse authors in kidlit For the full list of book recommendations, visit our website: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/21683/watch-our-pride-celebration-of-stories/

In this interview, Tracy sits down with Jennifer Swanson to discuss the incredible, award-winning books she has written. Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson's books. She is the award-winning author of over 45 nonfiction books for children. Using her background in science and history that she received from the U.S. Naval Academy, and her M.S. in Education, Jennifer excels at taking complex facts and making them accessible, compelling, and humorous for young readers. Jennifer's passion for science resonates in in all her books but especially, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact and BEASTLY BIONICS which both received Florida Book Awards and NSTA BEST STEM book awards. Her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received an NSTA BEST STEM Award and a Parent's Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer has been a featured speaker at the Tucson Book Festival, National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the World Science Festival (twice), the Atlanta Science Festival (twice) and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival. She is also the creator and co-host of the award-winning science podcast, Solve It! for Kids. You can find Jennifer through her websites: www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com or www.solveitforkids.com

In this interview, Tracy sits down with Jennifer Swanson to discuss the incredible, award-winning books she has written. Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson's books. She is the award-winning author of over 45 nonfiction books for children. Using her background in science and history that she received from the U.S. Naval Academy, and her M.S. in Education, Jennifer excels at taking complex facts and making them accessible, compelling, and humorous for young readers. Jennifer's passion for science resonates in in all her books but especially, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact and BEASTLY BIONICS which both received Florida Book Awards and NSTA BEST STEM book awards. Her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received an NSTA BEST STEM Award and a Parent's Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer has been a featured speaker at the Tucson Book Festival, National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the World Science Festival (twice), the Atlanta Science Festival (twice) and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival. She is also the creator and co-host of the award-winning science podcast, Solve It! for Kids. You can find Jennifer through her websites: www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com or www.solveitforkids.com

The Highlights Foundation just introduced a new scholarship application process and we wanted to host an office hour to answer anymore questions our community might have. Program Director Alison Green Myers and Social Media Manager Cat Galeano answered questions submitted and talked a little about their experience as scholarship recipients themselves.   

It's our Scholarship Info & Celebration Night!    We celebrate our scholarship programs, learn about the available scholarships together, and talk about the process for applying. The application deadline is March 13th; more than $75,000 in scholarships will be awarded in total this year.   We love being in-community with these sessions during this exciting time! ————— Scholarships are made possible through generous donations from Highlights Foundation supporters who believe in our mission: to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. These include several organizations who have partnered with the Highlights Foundation to make scholarships available. Thank you for your support!

Do you have a question before you make an investment in a Highlights Foundation workshop? Is there an online course that sounds appealing, but you're not sure if it's the right fit for you? Do you need more information before you make plans to travel to our Retreat Center? Highlights Foundation Program Director Alison Green Myers recently held an Ask Me Anything Zoom, answering questions from YOU. 

Welcome Jennifer Swanson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson's books. She is the award-winning author of over 45 nonfiction books for children. Using her background in science and history that she received from the U.S. Naval Academy, and her M.S. in Education, Jennifer excels at taking complex facts and making them accessible, compelling, and humorous for young readers, Jennifer's passion for science resonates in in all her books but especially, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact and Beastly Bionics, which both received Florida Book Awards and NSTA BEST STEM book awards. Her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received an NSTA BEST STEM Award and a Parent's Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer has been a featured speaker at the Tucson Book Festival, National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the World Science Festival (twice), the Atlanta Science Festival (twice) and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival in 2019. You can find Jennifer through her website www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com. Visit https://www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com Book purchase link for The Secret Science of Sports: Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Behind Every Grand Slam, Triple Axel, and Penalty Kick https://www.blackdogandleventhal.com/titles/jennifer-swanson/the-secret-science-of-sports/9780762473038/

Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the Sophie Washington series and has sold more than 50,000 books as a self-published author. Anyone who knows anything about book sales knows that this is no small feat. One of her books was also purchased by Scholastic and she's been featured in the Highlights Foundation sponsored Amplify Black Voices cohort. If you have tweenage kids who love the written word and want to support a local creator, look no further than Tonya Duncan Ellis! Official website: https://tonyaduncanellis.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-passover-guest.html for full show notes. Or look for "The Passover Guest" posted March 7, 2021 at BookofLifePodcast.com.  My good friend Susan Kusel has been on the podcast before, to talk about The Sydney Taylor Shmooze,  and to announce the Sydney Taylor Book Award winners in 2018 and 2019. She also appeared in Beyond the Holocaust and Holidays, a 2019 episode about the Highlights Foundation's writing symposium, and in the 2020 episode The Mitzvah of Voting: Part 1.  This time she's here along with illustrator Sean Rubin to talk about their debut picture book, The Passover Guest, an AJL Holiday Highlights book. See below for the list of fine Passover picture books recently recommended by the Association of Jewish Libraries. Your feedback is welcome! Please write to bookoflifepodcast@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 561-206-2473.

My guest on this episode is: Suzanne Burns.  She  is Founder and Executive Director of Foundation House Ministries, a faith-based maternity home and training program for pregnant and parenting women in critical situations. They operate a job-training program, which provides hands-on job experience through the production and sale of natural skin care products.  She provides executive coaching and training on chronic trauma, chronic poverty, addiction and other topics through her speaker's website, at http://becharitywise.comSupport the show (https://paypal.me/alightbreaksthrough?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, Grace Lin announces the end of the kidlitwomen* podcast, the establishment of the kidlitwomen* scholarship at the Highlights Foundation and invites you to listen to her other podcast, Book Friends Forever.

Crystal Allen got her start at the Highlights Foundation as a scholarship recipient, now she's back to talk to us about her career and the workshop she's teaching.

Author Kathy Erskine tells us all the different ways you can get to know your characters during your writing process and her history with The Highlights Foundation.

Program Director, Alison Green Myers previews our upcoming Fall Workshops. Executive Director, George Brown provides information about attendance logistics, the history and context of what we're doing, and what makes a Highlights Foundation workshop different from other children's literature conferences.

Highlights Diversity Fellows, Jessica Galán, Trisha Tobias, and Daria Peoples-Riley discuss why they write for children and share their experience of the 2019 Summer Camp workshop at the Barn.

Join hosts Marsha Cook, V.S. Grenier and JD Holiday on November 11 at 5PM EST - 4 CST -3PM MT -2PM PST  as they welcome their very special guest Helen Hemphill.Helen writes books for middle school and young readers. Helen (http://www.helenhemphill.com/) is taking over the directorship of the Whole Novel Workshop for the Highlights Foundation in 2012 and has an amazing lineup of writers, editors and agents who will be teaching aspiring writers and helping with their manuscript revisions. The Highlights Foundation has also opened a new conference center on the farm in PA where the workshops take place.it's beautiful! You can see more photos of The Barn on Highlights Foundations FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Highlights-Foundation/195104610506943