Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "global-warming"
Super-Excited!
Woohoo!
There are two more illustrations to be drawn, and then the countdown for "Snugs The Snow Bear" is about to really begin!
There are two more illustrations to be drawn, and then the countdown for "Snugs The Snow Bear" is about to really begin!
The Snugs Series
All the color illustrations are done! Just waiting for the back of the book cover. So thrilled!
"What Makes A Good Children's Book" Part 1 Characterization. By Suzy Davies Copyright 09/20/2016. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
With so many Children's Books on the market, it takes discernment to pick a good one! What makes a good Children's Book? Here is my take on it! In the first part of my article, I will examine the most important aspect of any Children's Book.
Characterization.
In a previous article, I stated that Children's Books help children develop empathy.
Through identification with their favorite character, and the experience of shared reading with parents, caregivers, siblings, and peers, children develop a rapport, which strengthens emotional bonds, and a sense of belonging. Reading is a journey which children and their significant others take together.
Children learn that there are diverse people in the world through their reading, and a good Children's Book will teach children about diversity, in a way that helps them celebrate difference. Children can develop a strong sense of their own identity; they discover how they are similar to a character in the book, and how they are different from them.
Compelling characters are vivid but not over-written, and are always three-dimensional. These characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, invite kids to identify with their hero or heroine, and be curious about them.
Good characterization gives children the opportunity to make strides in their emotional development, so vital to their lives. Children learn about abstract concepts, such as: friendship, tolerance, loyalty, compassion, love, trust, faith, courage, endurance, sacrifice, conflict resolution and problem-solving, patience, teamwork, and so on.
Children love to be shown appealing characters who resolve difficulties, and who are positive, and good role models.
A story which demonstrates the triumph of a character, and a happy resolution to difficulties, will instill self-confidence, and help children rise above their own challenges in life. A good children's book has characters which inspire kids to have a can-do attitude.
In my next article, I will talk about other aspects of the question, "What Makes a Good Children's Book?"
Characterization.
In a previous article, I stated that Children's Books help children develop empathy.
Through identification with their favorite character, and the experience of shared reading with parents, caregivers, siblings, and peers, children develop a rapport, which strengthens emotional bonds, and a sense of belonging. Reading is a journey which children and their significant others take together.
Children learn that there are diverse people in the world through their reading, and a good Children's Book will teach children about diversity, in a way that helps them celebrate difference. Children can develop a strong sense of their own identity; they discover how they are similar to a character in the book, and how they are different from them.
Compelling characters are vivid but not over-written, and are always three-dimensional. These characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, invite kids to identify with their hero or heroine, and be curious about them.
Good characterization gives children the opportunity to make strides in their emotional development, so vital to their lives. Children learn about abstract concepts, such as: friendship, tolerance, loyalty, compassion, love, trust, faith, courage, endurance, sacrifice, conflict resolution and problem-solving, patience, teamwork, and so on.
Children love to be shown appealing characters who resolve difficulties, and who are positive, and good role models.
A story which demonstrates the triumph of a character, and a happy resolution to difficulties, will instill self-confidence, and help children rise above their own challenges in life. A good children's book has characters which inspire kids to have a can-do attitude.
In my next article, I will talk about other aspects of the question, "What Makes a Good Children's Book?"
Snugs on The Radio!
Don't miss your second chance TOMORROW to hear about my brand new Children's Fiction Book, suitable for kids aged 4-10 years old, "Snugs The Snow Bear"
On Thursday, 26th January, at 1 p.m, G.M.T, Jonathan Hines, U.K Talk Radio Host and T.V Personality, chats to me about the secrets and surprises behind my characters, and my journey as a writer.
On Thursday, 26th January, at 1 p.m, G.M.T, Jonathan Hines, U.K Talk Radio Host and T.V Personality, chats to me about the secrets and surprises behind my characters, and my journey as a writer.
Cosy Up with Snugs, and Celebrate International Polar Bear Day
27th February is a very special day for "Snugs The Snow Bear," and, in fact, polar bears everywhere in the world, since it is a day we celebrate these majestic snow bears, and draw attention to the fact that these snow bears face extinction, unless we do something about Climate Change.
"Snugs The Snow Bear," Book One of my Children's Fiction Series, aims to entertain kids, but at the same time to inspire them, and teach them about our carbon footprint, energy conservation, and green issues, that is essential knowledge in our efforts to address man-made global warming.
As Polar Bears International states:
"Using less energy produced by carbon-based fuels reduces our carbon emissions and can slow and even stop global warming, in turn saving our sea ice. Polar bears require sea ice for efficient hunting. Without sea ice, polar bears will decline in range and numbers, making them vulnerable to extinction in the future."
I hope you and your children will have fun reading "Snugs The Snow Bear," and that my book will stimulate children's curiosity about the natural world, and endangered species, providing them with a springboard for their own discussions and projects.
When children are engaged, it makes learning fun!
"Snugs The Snow Bear," Book One of my Children's Fiction Series, aims to entertain kids, but at the same time to inspire them, and teach them about our carbon footprint, energy conservation, and green issues, that is essential knowledge in our efforts to address man-made global warming.
As Polar Bears International states:
"Using less energy produced by carbon-based fuels reduces our carbon emissions and can slow and even stop global warming, in turn saving our sea ice. Polar bears require sea ice for efficient hunting. Without sea ice, polar bears will decline in range and numbers, making them vulnerable to extinction in the future."
I hope you and your children will have fun reading "Snugs The Snow Bear," and that my book will stimulate children's curiosity about the natural world, and endangered species, providing them with a springboard for their own discussions and projects.
When children are engaged, it makes learning fun!
What Makes A Children's Classic?
When I decided to write "Snugs The Snow Bear," I wanted to show that Children's Authors write on matters of importance, and the fact that they write Children's Books does not mean that their material is somehow more trivial than books aimed at adults.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
Snugs The Snow Bear On Air - Tune in to The Author's Show - Week Beginning 12 June!
I am delighted to announce that Book One of my Children's Fiction Series, "Snugs The Snow Bear," is featured on The Author's Show, when I chat to Radio Host, Linda Thompson, about my inspiration for the book, the colorful animal characters, and the green message in my book about climate change and global warming.
I wish to thank Linda for welcoming me as a guest on her radio show, which will be broadcast worldwide. Just visit the radio website theauthorsshow.com, nearer to the time, for details of the schedule.
I wish to thank Linda for welcoming me as a guest on her radio show, which will be broadcast worldwide. Just visit the radio website theauthorsshow.com, nearer to the time, for details of the schedule.
Autographed Copies of "Snugs The Snow Bear"
I would like to begin by thanking my audience for supporting my debut Children's Series, "Snugs The Snow Bear"
Several customers are requesting autographed copies of my book.
Customers may now purchase autographed books! Simply get in touch via a message here, on Goodreads, or a DM on Twitter @birdwriter7.
Alternatively, for orders of 3 paperbacks or more, or one hardback copy, I am delighted to forward signed bookplates, free of charge, which may be stuck in the front of the book.
Thanks, so much!
Suzy Davies, Children's Author.
Several customers are requesting autographed copies of my book.
Customers may now purchase autographed books! Simply get in touch via a message here, on Goodreads, or a DM on Twitter @birdwriter7.
Alternatively, for orders of 3 paperbacks or more, or one hardback copy, I am delighted to forward signed bookplates, free of charge, which may be stuck in the front of the book.
Thanks, so much!
Suzy Davies, Children's Author.
Obama and Global Warming
It's not very often that I choose to comment on political matters, but I am heartened by Obama's erudite speech today in which he mentioned the importance of taking action on Global Warming.
Two years ago, I launched my debut Children's Book, "Snugs The Snow Bear," which tells a snowy seaside tale of a polar bear who has had to leave his native Greenland on a floating iceberg. He misses dancing with the friendly fires of The Northern Lights and feels very homesick.
Rescued by Captain Lightowler and a menagerie of animals, he journeys on a cruise ship to Iceland, where he bathes in the hot springs, and on to England, where he stays at an old lighthouse with Mr. and Mrs. Merryweather and their grandchildren, Carla and James.
My book addresses Green Issues such as recycling and teaches children about endangered species. Einstein famously commented about the benefits of being curious, and I hope my book will encourage children to find out more about Global Warming and this beautiful but fragile world in which we live.
Two years ago, I launched my debut Children's Book, "Snugs The Snow Bear," which tells a snowy seaside tale of a polar bear who has had to leave his native Greenland on a floating iceberg. He misses dancing with the friendly fires of The Northern Lights and feels very homesick.
Rescued by Captain Lightowler and a menagerie of animals, he journeys on a cruise ship to Iceland, where he bathes in the hot springs, and on to England, where he stays at an old lighthouse with Mr. and Mrs. Merryweather and their grandchildren, Carla and James.
My book addresses Green Issues such as recycling and teaches children about endangered species. Einstein famously commented about the benefits of being curious, and I hope my book will encourage children to find out more about Global Warming and this beautiful but fragile world in which we live.
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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