Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Why kids read for fun

There are so many entertainment options available for kids today. From video games to cell phones to t.v. and movies, kids have an array of activities at their fingertips. So how can we inspire kids to read? What do they look for from a book?

The 2010 Kids & Family Reading Report provides some great insights:

68% of kids age 9-17 say they read books to use their imagination and 66% read books to gain new information

62% of kids age 9-17 say they read books for fun to be inspired by storylines and characters.

Half of kids age 9-17 say they read books for fun "to help you figure out who you are and who you could become."

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Stress Less

Stress among children is estimated to have increased 45% over the past 30 years. In a recent poll question on Capstone Kids, we asked kids what they do when they feel stressed or upset. The number one answer was listen to music.

1. Listen to music (31%)
2. Watch TV or play a video game (27%)
3. Read a Book (16%)
4. Other - something not listed (16%)
5. Talk to friends (5%)
6. Play a sport or do something active (5%)

I’m surprised to see that talk to friends and play a sport or do something active are so low on the list. How do you see kids handling stress?

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: ALA

Come visit us at ALA this weekend! We will be at Booth #2609 and will have trailers of our new Fall product.

Author Fran Manushkin will be signing her popular Katie Woo Books at 11:00 AM on Saturday and 1:00 PM on Sunday. We will also have a drawing to win an original illustration of a Katie Woo Cover.

Lots of fun and excitement! We look forward to seeing you there-

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: From Dr. Seuss

I think Dr. Seuss sums it up best . . .

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go.
- Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

Happy Children's Book Week!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Networking

Publishing sometimes seems like a secret society that doesn't take kindly to strangers, doesn't it? It's not. Promise! Like any other industry, it's made up of a million different personalities. Lucky for you, all of those personalities are attached to real, live people--many of whom would love to have a conversation with you. Here are some great places to go online (and IRL) to talk directly with other writers/illustrators/editors/designers.

1. Twitter! (Follow us.) There are TONS of book publishing types here.
2. Verla Kay (the "Blue Boards"). A WEALTH of information from writers, illustrators, agents, editors, etc. Ask all your questions and get plenty of answers.
3. SCBWI (especially your regional chapter). Go to the conferences, meet other writers and illustrators, learn from the pros, and have a blast. I've heard of more than one deal that sparked from a conversation at an SCBWI conference. Even if you can't get to New York or LA for the national conferences, the regional conferences can be just as great.
4. Your local bookstore and library. Go to readings, spend time browsing, and support the community.

Where else do you go to talk to writers/illustrators/book lovers? What other networking tips do you have for other book lovers? Leave tips in the comments.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Shannon is at TLA today (visit booth 2531 if you are too!) so I'm popping in from the PILE of red folders and last-minute rush editing on my desk to give you this week's Words of Wisdom, which is . . .

DON'T SEND ANY SUBMISSIONS TO ANY PUBLISHER WITHOUT LOOKING FOR, AND FOLLOWING, SUBMISSION GUIDELINES.

(Ours are here, with more info from me here.)

And bonus tip: DO YOUR RESEARCH. When I get a submission pitching a nonfiction book, or a book for adults, I roll my eyes and ignore it--we don't publish those books here, and those authors are clearly not trying. (Though nonfiction writers for kids should follow the nonfiction guidelines on that link above to reach our nonfiction editors.)

However, when I get a good submission, addressed to Samantha, or a submission for a book exactly like one we've already published, or a query for an idea that seems cool, but hasn't hit its target market at all (like a picture book for teenagers), it especially bugs me. Those people clearly didn't do their research, and it's frustrating.

Writing, my friends, is a business like any other. You wouldn't assume you could set up shop as a dentist without going to medical school, right? And you'd never hire a contractor who showed you photographs of the lovely roof he'd built in the basement. Do your research, take your time, find the right publisher, and work hard at revisions (there's another post right there). You'll find your queries reaching far more appreciative eyes if you do.

Questions? Let me know!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

We thought we'd try something new on the blog. Every Wednesday, we will post some words of wisdom . . . this could be a quote, a famous saying, an idiom, tips, tricks, etc. We would love to hear from you too so please share your words of wisdom with us!

Today:
"Students who read independently become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not." (Cullinan, Independent Reading and School Achievement, NYU).