What's New With Cynthia Reeg

Illustrator Floyd Cooper in St. Charles

2009-11-08T01:08:00.000-08:00

I had the great opportunity yesterday to see illustrator, Floyd Cooper, in action at the Missouri SCBWI conference in St. Charles. The award winning illustrator demonstrated his unique style of erasing--using a kneaded eraser to create the underpainting for his works of art. Somehow Mr. Cooper was able to create a quick portrait for us as he talked, the microphone in one hand and the eraser in the other, as he worked with the paper virtually upside down to his perspective. It was amazing, but then he is a Coretta Scott King Award winning illustrator.

He is the illustrator for MEET DANITRA BROWN by Nikki Grimes, whom I met a couple years ago at a writers' workshop. What an incredible combination of words and art!

FRIGHTFUL FUN

2009-10-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know about where you live, but here it has been an especially gray, rainy, chilly fall. I guess our ghoulish weather is fitting preparation for Halloween next week. Plus, it's certainly perfect weather for snuggling up with a good book.

Have you been reading any spook-tacular books lately? If not, here's a few suggestions from my website under FRIGHTFUL READS.

There is also a HALLOWEEN CROSSWORD puzzle to try.

Or for those looking for an activity, see if you can MAKE A SPIDER or a SPIDER SNACK.

So no matter the weather between today and Halloween, you'll have plenty of fun stuff to do. Enjoy!

Blog Talk Radio Interview

2009-10-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

I had a fun time talking with April and Margaret today on the Robin Falls Kids Show.

Here's the Blog Talk Radio link if you'd like to listen to our conversation.

Take Root and Write--Great Review

2009-09-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Meredith Curtis at her blog, TAKE ROOT AND WRITE, for the wonderful review of both HAMSTER HOLIDAYS: NOUN AND ADJECTIVE ADVENTURES and GIFTS FROM GOD. Read what Ms. Curtis thought of these books:

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS--With adorable illustrations by Kit Grady, this book is kid friendly....After the enchanting story is finished, there are 8 pages of noun and adjective activities and teaching helps! What a fun way to teach or reinforce grammar!

(Be sure to check out the new adorable HAMSTER HOLIDAYS book trailer by Kim McDougall.)

GIFTS FROM GOD--The photographs that fill each page are absolutely gorgeous. GIFTS FROM GOD by Cynthia Reeg is an inspiration book about God's goodness to us, His beloved children. Photographs are the work of Mary Sue Roberts and they are truly works of art...The first page of each pair of pages has a Scripture verse and the second page has personal exclamation of joyous praise! This book is so beautiful--I have read it through over and over, enjoying the beauty of the lovely pictures and meditating on the verses.

Wow! Thanks so much, Ms. Curtis. It is truly wonderful to know how much readers enjoy our books--which are a tightly-knit collaboration between these two great illustrators, Kit Grady & Mary Sue Roberts, and myself in conjunction with Lynda Burch, publisher at Guardian Angel Publishing.

What great books have you read lately?

Word Fun with Jessica

2009-09-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Jessica visited. Jessica is in third grade and likes to read--especially Amelia Bedelia stories. I asked Jessica about what they were learning in school. She told me all about multiplication tables and word problems, which she greatly enjoys. Her teacher is "very creative" and Jessica likes that.

So Jessica and I got creative today as well. I saw in my book, WHAT EVERY THIRD GRADER NEEDS TO KNOW, that third graders learn about homophones, or sound alike words. Turns out, Amelia Bedelia stories usually feature some sound alike word mix-ups.

Jessica and I thought up a few homophones, found clip art pictures to match each one, then Jessica used each word in a sentence. You can see the first page of words we worked with in the photo.

Fun & simple. You bet--and a great learning opportunity for young readers.

Try some sound alike words with your children.

Are you smarter than a third grader?

How many homophones can you think of in a minute???

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR HAMSTERS

2009-09-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

I had a great time at MAIN STREET BOOKS in St. Charles, Missouri today, signing copies of HAMSTER HOLIDAYS as well as DOGGIE DAY CAMP, KITTY KERPLUNKING (also from the Pet Grammar Parade series) and GIFTS FROM GOD as well.

It was a majorly rainy day here, but nothing stops serious book shoppers. We had a great turnout, and I want to thank store owner Vicki, as well as sales person Sue, for making me so welcome. Coming to Main Street Books is always a treat.

Here are photos with some fans and me. Plus, check out these awesome flowers, courtesy of Randy & Juanita Tatro. What a sweet treat when I walked in the door at Main Street Books! Thanks so much, you two. And thanks to everyone for stopping by--including my number one fan, my husband Rob.

What a grand way to celebrate the Labor Day holiday with HAMSTER HOLIDAYS. Here's hoping everyday is a holiday for you!

CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATED ART MUSEUM and MORE

2009-08-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

I attended the grand opening yesterday of the CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATED ART MUSEUM in St. Louis. The Museum features artwork from children's books and magazines. All of the Guardian Angel Publishing works are represented there.

I've included a few pictures, so you can get a feel for the place. Much more is to come with additional art works, children's & teacher programs, workshops and book signings.

Plus, here's a link to an interview with me in the St. Louis Suburban Journal.

Pets and Authors

2009-08-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

Mayra Calvani, author and animal lover, has a fun blog featuring authors and their pets. I know my pets have been major inspirations for my writings. In fact, they were interviewed by Mayra a while back. If you missed it, here's the link on April 5, 2009.

But you'll want to check out all the others as well at www.petsandauthors.blogspot.com. Today Donna Shepherd and her adorable Labradoodle, Sadie, reveal their secrets.

Try writing your own animal story--whether you have a pet or not. Invent a character, give the animal a problem, and send him on his way to solve the problem--and, of course, encounter even more problems along the way.

Here's a quick list of some favorite picture book animal stories:

FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS by Arnold Lobel

GOOD NIGHT, GORILLA by Peggy Rathmann (a wordless picture book)

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE by Laura Joffe Numeroff

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS by Robert McCloskey

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Margery Williams

HARRY, THE DIRTY DOG by Gene Zion

Have fun!

Thursday Morning Interview

2009-08-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

I had a fun start to the morning today with an interview for the local St. Louis Suburban Journal. It's great to be able to share my love for literacy--reading, writing, creating. That's why I write--for the kids. To excite them about the world of literature.

The PET GRAMMAR PARADE SERIES shows them that grammar can be fun. When students learn the basic tools--like the parts of speech, they become empowered. They can create their own stories, write their own research articles, share their ideas and information with the world.

I'll keep you posted on the article. It's slated for next Wednesday's edition.

In the meantime, I know that school has started for many. Help your child succeed by setting aside reading time. I've included some ideas on ways to do this at my website. Here's a few of the links:

PAIRED READING

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT READING ALOUD

READING FUN AND GAMES

Grammar Fun for Everyone and a Great Review from STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE

2009-08-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Fiction & Poetry Editor for STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE, said, "I give this book [HAMSTER HOLIDAYS] a high five for the excellent learning tools Author Cynthia Reeg has included to make learning so much fun, and for the colorful, kid-friendly illustrations by Kit Grady. This book is definitely a keeper!"

Hey, find out for yourself how fun grammar can be with these ONLINE GRAMMAR GAMES:

FUN BRAIN.COM--One of my favorites with the Grammar Gorilla. Don't let the grammar or the gorilla scare you. Just like in my Pet Grammar Parade Series, it's all fun!

GRAMMAR BLAST--These games are geared to grade levels. Select your grade and take the challenge.

NOUN DUNK--Dribble, shoot, and score with this fun interactive game with common and proper nouns.

PLANETSPASM.COM--This parts of speech game was created by kids for a classroom assignment. Help save the planet when you correctly select a noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, verb, or conjunction.

Now you just can't wait to see what grammar adventures the hamsters are up to, can you?

Visit Amazon.com or Guardian Angel Publishing to purchase your copy.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS Earns a Great Armchair Review

2009-08-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the lovely interview HAMSTER HOLIDAYS received at Armchair Interviews.com.

Reviewer, Laura V. Hilton, said, "Has your child been struggling with learning about nouns and adjectives and what their jobs are in a sentence? Then this cute little book about hamsters and holidays will be just the right thing to help your child identify these important parts of a sentence."

And Ms. Hilton adds, "This book will help grammar become fun." To read the complete review, click on the link above.

Thanks for the great review, Ms. Hilton.

Now, what are you waiting for? Celebrate the holidays hamster style. Visit Guardian Angel Publishing to find out how you can order your own copy of the book.

Paddling Up a Canal in Bruge

2009-07-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly paddling--but here are photos from our recent trip to Bruge in Belgium as we traverse some of the local waterways.

Bruge is often called the Venice of northern Europe because of its canals. This medieval city is incredible--like stepping back in time.

I'm trying to sail onward with a number of story adventures this week. Sometimes the writing and rewriting goes pretty smoothly. But today, I'm not sure if I'm making progress or simply spinning in a larger and larger circle.

Come back tomorrow to see if I've made progress with my writing...and for more photos from my travels.

More All-Stars Plus Robin Falls Kids Story Time Event

2009-07-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few more photos from the big game on Tuesday night.

The theme for the evening--GO BEYOND--was celebrated in a tribute to numerous hometown heroes from across the U.S. whose charitable efforts were truly amazing.

My son Dan and his wife Megan wait in line with us to enter the stadium. Megan is a true-blue (and RED) Cardinals fan. Some of their wedding day photos were shot at the old Busch Stadium.

All-Star Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols, walks with President Obama after the ceremonial first pitch.

Glittery streamers filled the sky as the game got under way. I felt like a little kid at the bestest birthday party ever!

**************************

Robin Falls Kids Story Time

Visit the link above to replay the Blog Talk Radio presentation of five children's authors from across the U.S.

Linda Bryan reads from her delightful, poetic picture book--THE SOUND SNATCHER.

Judy Cox shares her fun picture book--MRS. MILLIE GOES TO PHILLY

Scott Heyt entertains with a chapter from his middle grade novel--MICE DON'T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN

Pat McCarthy gives excerpts from her brand new history book--HEADING WEST: LIFE WITH THE PIONEERS (true tales of children who braved the frontier)

And me-- peeks into all three of my PET GRAMMAR PARADE books, including HAMSTER HOLIDAYS

Thanks to host Laurie Zieber and helpers Roz Dellani Oakes and April Robins at Robin Falls.

Be sure to have your child enter to win one of the free books to be given away next month on the Robin Falls Kids Story Time.

All-Star Night at the Game in St. Louis

2009-07-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a fun and exciting evening I had last night when I had the privilege to attend the 80th All-Star Game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Here's a few pictures:

A mini-arch outside the stadium near where we stood in line (for half-an-hour) because of extra-tight security with President Obama's visit.

The Clydesdale horses open up the festivities inside.

The American and National Leagues' lineups.

President Obama--who threw the first pitch--shaking hands with fans later in the evening.

Oh, and by the way, I was one of the few to shake his hand. How exciting is that!

The President very graciously stopped on his way to the broadcast booth to shake hands with a few of us who were trying to catch a peek of him as he scurried by with this entourage. It was so generous of him to take the time from his schedule to greet us. That's a homerun in my book.

I'll share some more pics from the game tomorrow and highlights from the Robin Falls Kids Story Time radio program I was on this morning.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS and Robin Falls Kids Story Time

2009-07-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS: NOUN and ADJECTIVE ADVENTURES is here!!!

A troupe of hamsters celebrate a year of silly holidays in their unique hamster style. The book highlights nouns and adjectives on each page, as well as exploring opposites. Activity pages include scrambled words, match-up and crossword puzzles, and much more. Grammar becomes fun and games with hamster helpers.

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing for information on purchasing this title in either eBook or print format.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS--and all of the other books in the PET GRAMMAR PARADE SERIES--are available in print format from these online bookstores:

Visit illustrator KIT GRADY's web site for more information on the book's wonderful artist.

Special Education Teacher, Cathy Eshleman of Kearney, NB had this to say about the book:

Through the use of hamster antics, Cynthia Reeg, in her whimsical style, writes about nouns and adjectives in a way that will capture the interest of any student. Hamster Holidays: Noun and Adjective Adventures is a "must have" for any teacher who is introducing or reinforcing nouns or adjectives in the classroom.

To hear some of the HAMSTER HOLIDAYS story, listen to author Cynthia Reeg read from the book and share snippets from her other PET GRAMMAR PARADE titles on WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, at 10:00 am CST on the ROBIN FALLS KIDS STORY TIME on BLOG TALK RADIO.

Six children's authors will be sharing their books and answering questions this Wednesday. If you'd like to call in, here is the number: 646-649-1005.

If you'd like to find out more information and/or register for one of the more than 20 prizes to be given away in August, visit Robin Falls Kids or email robinfallskids@yahoo.com

This is the third of six blog talk programs this summer at Robin Falls Kids.

Don't miss it!

ZeBee's Virtual Summer Zoo Camp for Children

2009-07-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

Too Dog-Gone Good to Miss

and

Just in time to beat summertime boredom--

ZEBEE'S Virtual SUMMER ZOO CAMP

An online cybercamp for children 5-8

Fun, educational activities--starting TODAY!!!

Eight weeks of zoo animal adventures

Prizes, games, animal trivia, arts & crafts, puzzles

July 6-August 28

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS Is Coming Soon

2009-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer already. Just returned from an international trip--I'll share some photos later. But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you the good news.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS: Noun and Adjective Adventures--the next book in my Pet Grammar Parade Series is nearly here.

As you can see from the cover, illustrator Kit Grady has brought to life these adorable and entertaining hamster characters in her own wonderful, colorful style.

You'll meet Grandpa and Babe, Carlos and Jenni, Billy--who's rather silly, and Lotty--who is decidedly spotty.

You can join them through a year of hare-brained holidays--sure to make you giggle. Nouns and adjectives are highlighted throughout the book. A study guide, activity sheet, and multiple puzzles are included.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS is coming very soon in both eBook and print formats from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Find the Perfect Book Match for Your Summer Reading

2009-06-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to tell you about this great opportunity--just a click away. How many times during the summer when your mom or dad suggests you do some reading, you say, "But I don't have any good books."???

When you follow this link to Lexile's Find a Book, you'll be able to enter your grade and what type of books interest you. Presto! Find a Book will zap out a list of titles for you to check out faster than you can slurp down an ice cream cone on a 90-degree summer day.

Pick out a few titles which sound too good to miss. Go online to your local library. See if they have the books. Put holds on them and plan a trip to the library. In no time at all, you can be relaxing with the best of summer reads.

Not so much into reading...no worries. You can indicate what your reading level is when you enter your info into the Find a Book database. A long list of just-right books--for your interests and correct reading level--will magically appear.

Yeah, but why bother reading during the summer. It's vacation from school time.

So true, but a professor of education at Harvard University, James Kim, did a study. He found that students who don't read over the summer can fall behind in their reading levels by as much as two months. That means you'll have lost ground during the summer. You'll start next school year just trying to catch up to where you left off the year before. That doesn't sound like fun.

But, according to the professor, if you read at least 8 interesting books at your reading level during the summer, you won't fall behind. In fact, you'll probably increase your reading level.

Awesome! Wouldn't that be a cool surprise for your new teacher as well as your parents.

Public libraries usually have great summer reading programs. You may be able to earn prizes reading this summer and beat the summer slide--loosing ground on your reading skills.

So this summer, do your sliding into home plate--not down hill on your reading.

Libraries are truly COOL places to hang out in this summer. Check one out.

Let me know how you do with your reading and what's the best book you read this summer.

Summer Reading, Websites, and Recipes for Kids

2009-06-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Holly and I took a field trip to the dog park today. There we met Joey and his mom and their beautiful and friendly Irish Setter, Flash. After Holly showed Joey all the cool tricks she can do, we humans eventually got around to the really fun stuff--talking about books.

Joey was on the lookout for some good summer reading. I offered him a couple of favorites:

THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES by Jody Feldman

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

The Gollywhopper Games received the 2008 Midwest Choice Book Awards Honor for Children's Literature. And the book is also up for possible readers' choice awards in both Alaska and Texas.

The Graveyard Book won this year's Newbery Award as well as honor book in the recently announced Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards. Follow the link for the other selections.

Of course, a library is a great place to visit this summer for expert advice on good books. Plus, they usually have special programs designed for kids of all ages.

Some other fun things to do this summer can be found online. Visit the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION's list of great websites for kids. I've mentioned a few of the websites before, like

ReadKiddoRead and Giggle Poetry. But there are lots more suggestions for summer adventures from math to art to science to film making.

Joey also shared with me that he enjoys cooking. Yum! Yum! Don't forget that I have some tasty recipes on my website. Dirty Worms seems like an appropriate dish for summer fare. For more recipes, click on this link. There you'll also find games, crafts, puzzles, and more reading adventures.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2009-06-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is fast approaching. Dads love a homemade gifts.

Why not try writing a special poem for your dad?

Remember when we did some ACROSTIC poems here? Try that idea for a Father's Day poem.

Mega-special map reader.

Yaw-some pancake maker.

Dynamic

Arm wrestler.

Dizzy trampoline jumper.

Inventive homework helper.

Super-duper coach.

Good hugger.

Rainy day game leader.

Extra-

Amazing-

Totally the very best ever--Dad !!!

*****

Or write a story for your dad. You can make one up--a fiction story. Maybe write how your dad saved the planet from the giant worms from Pluto. This would be a fantasy story because it couldn't happen in real life.

Or write a fiction story about something silly that could really happen--like your dad deciding to open a pet store, but he ends up with way too many pets and you need to come to his rescue.

Or write a nonfiction story about an adventure that you and your dad shared in real life.

The possibilities are endless. Add your own illustrations too. Dads love that.

Father's Day is June 21. Get started today and make your dad's day something special.

Summer Art Show Contest for Kids

2009-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Quick...take a look at this:

Fancy Frilly Foxy's Kids Summer Art Show

Robin Falls Kids is the hosting this 2-day contest for

kids.

Children's art work and stories can be entered.

What a fun way to start the summer!

Holly has already started

her summer fun with a splash in the pool. What other adventures will Holly have this summer? Check back to find out...or write your own Holly adventures. I'd love to read your stories about my favorite canine.

Spanish Summer Language Fun

2009-05-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

May is speeding by. Soon summer will be here and school vacation.

What a perfect time to relax in the shade and read some new stories.

Or try a new language.

Look at the photo of Holly my dog enjoying Cinco de Mayo earlier this month.

What fun it would be to write a story about Holly dancing the day away! You could include some Spanish words into your story.

Do you know the Spanish word for dog?

perro

day=dia

danced=baila

The dog danced the day away = Baila el perro el dia fuera.

The sentence is arranged a little differently in Spanish with "danced" (baila) coming in front of "the dog" (el perro).

Can you find the words for "the day"?

Right! el dia

And that means fuera is the word for "away."

Try this free online English to Spanish translation site.

Type in a word or a sentence. The translator will transform your sentence for you.

Can you translate this sentence yourself?

El perro es blanco.

You already know what el perro means from above.

Change the "e" to an "i" in es and you'll have the translation for this word.

And your final clue: blanco is the Spanish word for the color of Holly's fur.

Hasta la vista!

Children's Book Week

2009-05-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's halfway through the week already before I had the chance to remind you about CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK. Click on the link and you'll find a great bookmark you can print.

Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated in the United States. Schools, libraries, publishers, bookstores and of course, children enjoy this special week, highlighting books and reading.

Click here if you want to help choose the next Children's Choice Book Awards

or here to see the 2008 winners' list.

What great children's books have I been reading this week?

IMMERSED IN VERSE: an Informative, Slightly Irreverent & Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet's Life by Allan Wolf

The title says it all for this poetry how-to book. Discover your inner poet when you take this book out for a spin.

AND THEN THERE WERE EIGHT: Poems about Space by Laura Purdie Salas

These poems are totally out-of-sight! The author shares some star-worthy poems and gives insight into poetry lingo.

A POKE IN THE I: a Collection of Concrete Poems selected by Paul B. Janeczko

When is a poem also a picture? If you don't know, you'll want to dive into this whirl of words.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOG by Jean Craighead George

The author explains dog walk, talk, and body language. You'll decipher your dog's messages in a flash. Fun and informative.

HERO CAT by Eileen Spinelli

Don't miss this sweet picture book highlighting a mother cat's heroic efforts to save her young kittens from a fire. This book is based on a true story. Both the artwork and writing are wonderful.

OK. Now it's YOUR turn. What incredible children's books have you been reading???

Best of Stories For Children Magazine

2009-05-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a rainy day here today--lots of clouds, lightning, thunder and RAIN! But it finally seems to be stopping and a bit of sun is peeking through. Hopefully, it will dry out for the weekend.

My poor dog Holly hates thunderstorms. They scare her something awful. So this seems to be a good time for a happy announcement.

I have been notified by publisher, Virginia Grenier, that my short story, "BF's & Butterflies," has been chosen from the 2008 STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE to be included in their Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 2!

Woo-hoo! News like that is sure to make the sun keep shining. I'll keep you posted when I find out more about the projected publication date. In the meantime, visit their site for the latest in great stories, articles, crafts and more for children. And here's the link for Volume 1.