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: Success

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure." - Colin Powell

Do you agree? Do you have any secrets to success?

We've recently created a brochure on the importance of character education titled Success in Reading = Success in Life. By tying each of our books to one of the six pillars of character education, we are helping kids make the connection between admirable behavior and their own actions. This should help lead to success in their lives.

Send us your address if you'd like a copy.

Free Comic Book Day!

May 1st is FREE Comic Book Day! Comic book shops all across the United States will be giving away comic books to anyone who comes into their stores. What a great day!

We all know kids love comic books and graphic novels. Here are some reasons for you to love them as much as they do!

"The average comic book introduces children to nearly twice as many words as the average children's book and five times as many as the average child-adult conversation." Journal of Child Language

" . . . middle school boys who did more comic book reading also read more in general, read more books and reported that they liked reading better than those who did less comic book reading." Steven Krashen

A 1992 study of more than 200,000 students from 32 countries revealed that Finland, the nation with the highest proportion of comic book-reading students (nearly 60%) also has the highest literacy rate (99%) as well as the highest library usage. www.flyingcolorscomics.com

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Happiness

A few months ago I finished reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I was very intrigued by her idea of the 4 splendid truths of happiness. The one truth that stuck in my mind is this: The days are long, but the years are short.

I thought back to being a kid, the excitement of school ending and the beginning of summer. Summer seemed to last forever . . . going to the pool, hanging out with friends, the ice cream truck making its way through the neighborhood, picnics, long days with nothing to do but relax and play. Now many years later, it seems like summer is here and gone in a flash. We don't always take the time to relax and play as we are so busy getting to the next task at hand.

Gretchen posted a great video on her website that really made me think. (And, I've heard it's especially impactful for those of you who are parents). The days are long, but the years are short.

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.