The New Jersey Children’s Writer’s Guild

Member Danielle Ray just informed us about a short story contest sponsored by Words Magazine. The theme is “Kids - stories written especially for children,” and the deadline is April 30th. No fee is required to enter.

Thanks for the heads-up, Danielle!

by Sandra Koehler Lee

Did you know that woodchucks hibernate or that many bats fly south for the winter? These are just some of the factual tidbits you and your child will learn in Animals in Winter, by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder. The book is just what it sounds like: a narrative about what different animals do once the weather gets colder instead of a “story.” However, it is a nicely written explanation for preschoolers and elementary-school children and includes a section of how they can help wildlife during the winter.
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Member Sandra Koehler Lee reviews terrific children’s books for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa

December is a month full of holidays. The sparkling lights and inflatable Santas are reminders of Christmas but Hanukkah and Kwanzaa also are observed this month. Books are a great way to introduce the traditions of these holidays whether you regularly celebrate or just want to teach your children about other customs.
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Cofounder Sheila Wright interviews children’s writer and NJCWG member, Jennifer Troulis

Hello, Jennifer, and welcome to The Writer’s Journey…

Sheila: You grew up in Edison, New Jersey in the late 60’s writing and illustrating stories based on your family and pets. I seem to recall that you once told me that you still have those early stories. Was your love of writing and illustrating influenced by your parents? (more…)

Join member Sandra Koehler Lee as she explores some terrific seasonal book offerings for Thanksgiving.

Whether you want to teach your child the history of Thanksgiving or share a tale from the turkey’s perspective, there are some good books for this holiday. (more…)

What is a First Page Session?

A wise old adage cautions: You can only make a first impression once. Realtors would agree; most homes, they tell us, are sold (or not!) in the first fifteen-minutes that a prospective buyer tours a property. What does all of this have to do with First Page Sessions? A lot!
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This month, NJCWG member Kathi Kurz interviews Bruno Grigoletti, author of The Soul Patrol.

Hello, Bruno, and Welcome to The Writer’s Journey!

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Many parents today are looking for ways to give their children a head-start in a second language. For children’s authors, the growing interest in bilingual education offers exciting creative opportunities.

Whether you’re an author researching the current offerings in bilingual children’s literature or a parent searching for resources for your own child, member Sandra Koehler Lee’s Foreign Language Resources page should be a boon. In addition to an overview of Spanish, French, Chinese, etc., bilingual children’s books, Sandra also surveys software, DVD, and course offerings.

Thanks for the tip, Sandra!

Member Jennifer Ali has written in with some great web resources for authors - all treats and no tricks, we promise! Happy Halloween!

Jennifer Ali:
This is a bunch of my favorite haunts. Many link to each other or offer other interesting links to investigate. (more…)