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Monday, May 23, 2011

What makes you a crabby pants?

On Friday, I enjoyed sharing my book, Crabby Pants, with my daughter's first grade class. As a thank-you gift, the entire class wrote their own tales about what makes them crabby! Here is a sampling . . .

When my mom is crabby it makes me crabby. — Victoria

When I wont to go play with my frends when it is such a beautiful day out side, my Dad says I have to cleen up my room first. That macks me a Crabby Pants. — Gabe

I get crady when my big brother sneks my toys . . . and I get riley mad and get on my crady pants. — Caroline

When I can't go out side and ride my bike when it's a wonderfl day out I get crabby. I turn into Mr. Crabby Pants. — Legend

I played sccor at my house. My sister broke the roolls. I got crabby !!! — Sasha

Once I wanted to go in Maggi's room to tell her something. BUT SHE DIDN'T LET ME IN!. . . And that makes me a crabby pants. — Teddy

David got crabby because David's mom did not want him to play football. That's why it's time to get Crabby Again!!!!!!!! — David

I get crabby when my mom and dad make me eat my vegitbles, like carites, peas, and brocly. — Sky

One day after brekfist my little brother was raghawsing with me. . . That made me Crabby! — Ani

One day Ben was sleeping. But his mom and dad work him up. Then he gets crabby pants!!! — Ben

So what makes you crabby? Other crabby people? Not getting to enjoy beautiful weather? Having to eat healthy food? Or all of the above? Tell us in the comments.

Friday, May 20, 2011

My Mom

Yesterday I got to read a few books I wrote and talk about editing to my mom's kindergarten class. Since I was in the first kindergarten class my mom taught, it was an extra special day. After I read and answered some questions, I stayed and watched my mom in action. It was beyond amazing! The kids could read, do math equations, and write stories. I was in awe.

Yesterday I was proud to be an author. I was proud to be an editor. But I was most proud to say that Mrs. Oven is my mom.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Happiest Day


The happiest day for me as an editor is when the books I've worked on for months finally see the light of day. Seeing the finished product after months of seeing a book in manuscript form is beyond thrilling, so you can imagine how giddy I was earlier this week when the first book in our Myth-O-Mania series, Nice Shot, Cupid!, landed on my desk. Cupid is a little bit ahead of the pack, but for good reason: Kate McMullan, the author of the Myth-O-Mania series, will be signing copies of the book next week at BEA. I haven't even seen proofs for the other seven books in the series yet — but Cupid is living proof that the books will come!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Book Expo America and other inspiration

I'm super excited to be off to Book Expo America next week. We'll be having exciting author signings (featuring Fran Manushkin, Kate McMullan, and Tony Hawk), and it's so thrilling to get to see what other publishers are up to. There are tons of other publishers in Minnesota, but rarely are so many book people together as in the Javits Center for BEA, and I find it really inspiring as a book maker, a reader, a writer, and a lover of all things pretty.

The new socially connected world is a great boon to those in the business of inspiration collection (which is, um, all of us). I collect and curate my own inspirations on Facebook and Pinterest and privately on Evernote--what about you? Where do you store inspiration? Where do you get it? How do you organize it? How do you know when you've found it?

Beth - managing editor

Friday, May 13, 2011

Super-Secret Project sees the light.

Hello friends,

Our super secret project is finally ready to see the light. The announcement and press release went out yesterday: Tony Hawk is working with us on a new book series! And I'm the lucky girl that gets to design the books, along with Brann Garvey.

But like every huge project, launching this series takes a village. I don't know anybody on our team that hasn't work on the project in one way or another. We are all invested and proud of what we have in store for you.

For those who haven't read the PW article check it out here.

If you missed the press release here.

Now I want to leave you all with a taste of what's coming from this series, because it's so awesome and has so many brilliant people working every detail.

Readers, never forget the village that built the Tony Hawk 900 Revolution in 2011! I hope you enjoy this new book series!



Monday, May 9, 2011

Things I'm thankful for, Monday edition

Happy Monday! Though it's bleak and miserable outside, there are many things I'm thankful for today:

* All of my Fall 2011 books are out the door and to the printer. Proofs will follow soon, but the WORK part is done! Hurray!

* I had a lovely Mother's Day and got to sleep in until EIGHT yesterday--what luxury!

* BEA is only two weeks away! We have a ton of exciting events planned, like author signings and giveaways, so if you'll be at the Javits, come and find us.

* It seems like summer truly will come someday, after a terribly long winter (seriously, like something out of Laura Ingalls Wilder). The forecast for tomorrow is a steamy 80 degrees! Our group has a long-standing tradition of going out for lunch en masse on Thursdays, and lately we've been relegated to sitting inside at our favorite local eateries. But perhaps, perhaps, this is the week when we'll see some sun for Thursday Lunch!

What are you thankful for today?
Beth - managing editor

Friday, May 6, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday, and it's a chance to say thanks to your mom for everything she does for you. Even if she drives you crazy sometimes, Mom is always there for you when you need her.

One of the things I appreciate most about my mom is that she always encouraged my love of reading growing up (even when I did it at the dinner table, and in the car, and in the bathroom, and . . . well, you get the idea). She didn't even get (too) mad when I let the water run for 20 minutes without putting the plug in the bathtub because I got distracted reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's By the Shores of Silver Lake. So thanks, Mom! See, reading at the dinner table wasn't rude — it paid off. I'm an editor now!

Happy early Mother's Day to all the great moms out there — I know several of them work in our office! Take time this weekend to tell your mom thanks. And in honor of Mother's Day, share some of your (and your mom's) favorite reading memories with us!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Just One More Day...

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo! Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is a bigger holiday in the United States than in Mexico? You probably did know that, but it's worth mentioning again. And while it's not a national holiday, it is a chance for us to celebrate the Mexican culture, including food, music, beverages, and customs unique to Mexico. I'll probably be reading an extra Dora book or two to celebrate (and maybe having tacos). What will you be doing?

Thank You, Teachers!

Today is National Teacher Day. Great teachers do so much more than pass on knowledge about certain subjects. Somehow, they see what is inside their students and make a connection that inspires young people to work hard. They help them see the possibilities for both the present and future. Here is our tribute to some of the teachers who made a difference in our lives. (And be sure to leave a memory of one of your favorite teachers in the comments!)

Heather Kindseth, Creative Director: My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Botke. She was the sweetest person I ever met and always had a smile on her face. She was full of encouragement, and it was obvious she truly loved being a teacher, making sure everyone in the class felt a part of the group, liked learning, had the help, and support they needed throughout the day. Thank you, Mrs. Botke!

Christianne Jones, Managing Editor: My favorite teacher was Mrs. Schorn, who taught band and choir (from 5th grade on). She wore cool red glasses and funky clothes and had more energy and patience than anyone I’ve ever met. We always got to play the coolest pop songs in pep band and had the best homecoming field shows. Plus, anyone who’s willing to listen to 5th graders play instruments deserves a special award.

Bob Lentz, Art Director: One of my favorite teachers was my fifth grade teacher in Litchfield, MN: Mr. Buschette. I was in fifth grade in 1987, which is the first year the Twins won the World Series. Mr. Buschette would play the day games on the radio during class! The best part, though, is that he would quiz us on baseball terms and somehow tie the call of the game into our English and math lessons. Awesome.

Emily Harris, Graphic Designer: Linda Brooks taught me photography and senior art seminar in high school. She helped me realize that my love of art could be more than just a hobby.

Donnie Lemke, Managing Editor:

My favorite teacher is, Amy Lemke—my wife. She teaches early childhood special education, spending each and every day preparing young students for a bright academic future. (And she still has the patience to deal with me each and every night!)

Ali Deering, Editor: My favorite/most influential teacher ever was Ms. Pryor. I first met Ms. Pryor in the fifth grade. I lucked out and had her as my homeroom teacher in eighth grade. I still remember being SO excited when I got my room assignment. She taught eighth-grade English and literature. I already love English and writing, but she really encouraged and furthered my interest in it. She also introduced me to some of my favorite books (The Outsiders and To Kill a Mockingbird). She was, without a doubt, the most dedicated, caring and overall best teacher I ever had. I was SO lucky to have her — I probably have her to thank for the fact that I'm an editor today.

Beth Brezenoff, Managing Editor: I was a good student, so I pretty much liked all of my teachers, with a few notable exceptions. But my very favorite teacher was my fourth-grade classroom teacher, Ms. Danielson. I'm not sure why, but I remember coming home from my first day of school that year gushing about her. She had pretty hair. Maybe that's why. I also remember that she did more to reinforce self-esteem based on internal qualities than any other teacher since — which was very important in fourth grade.


Julie Gassman, Senior Editor: It is hard to pick a favorite teacher, so I will choose one who did the impossible: In sixth grade, Mrs. V made diagramming sentences one of the most fun things we did in class. She divided us into two teams, led by captains. (Being a clumsy bookworm, it was definitely the only time I was chosen captain for a competition. The contest was judged on speed and accuracy. The team came out on top won two pieces of candy for each team member. But there were no losers, because the other team each got one too. Thanks to Mrs. V, diagramming sentences is still my idea of a good time.

Kay Fraser, Art Director:

I will not forget my seventh grade teacher, Macarone. I helped write the school play. After we finished writing it, she asked me to help during tryouts. I read one part, while the people trying out said their lines. After having casting tryouts for a week, Macarone decided I was the best person to play one of the main characters. I was an introvert, so I FREAKED OUT. I didn't want to. But she insisted I give it a shot, so I did. It was the first play I wasn't behind the scenes. I did just fine; I even enjoyed it. I wouldn't have acted or sang in front of people if it wasn't for her. Thanks to Macarone! She was one in a million.