Category: parts of speech

Posted on by cindyindigo

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS Earns a Great Armchair Review


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.

Posted on by cindyindigo

Take Root and Write

Heidi Strawser, an E-book reviewer for the Schoolhouse Store and a Marketing Assistant for Old Schoolhouse magazine and a homeschooling mom, had this to say about DOGGIE DAY CAMP at Take Root and Write– Reviews by, Heidi:

Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures is part of a series of books that Cynthia is writing called “Pet Grammar Parade”. This book not only contains a cute little story about a dog named Bubba, but it’s also a very educational book. As a homeschooling mother, these are the types of books I enjoy!
At the beginning of Doggy Day Camp, Cynthia explains what verbs and adverbs are. Verbs are explained in blue and adverbs in red. Then, throughout the book, every time a verb or adverb is used, it is written in that same color, for easy recognition and identification. Kids won’t even realize that they are learning, but their brain will be putting the colors together with the parts of speech, and they’ll be learning in a fun way!
After the story, there is more explanation (a “study guide”) on verbs and adverbs and their usage.The book also contains 6 worksheet-style activities (such as word search, fill-in-the-blank, and scrambled words). And, the best part for parents – the answer key!

To read all of the review, click here.

Posted on by cindyindigo

Praise for DOGGIE DAY CAMP

Teachers agree: Bubba the dog helps primary grade students learn English grammar.
“Adorable story and illustrations,” said one experienced teacher, and so it is. But shy Bubba —who looks a lot like a schnoodle—also conveys information to beginning readers.
As part of author Cynthia Reeg’s Pet Grammar Parade Series, he discovers verbs and adverbs at doggie day camp, as well as new friends and activities.
Children who have recently started school and often attend day camps during the summer should have no trouble identifying with Bubba, and primary teachers will welcome a warm and funny way to begin study of grammar.

Lee Braff
Editor, HeartLand Boating, and children’s writer

Posted on by cindyindigo

Interview with KIT GRADY

Today the talented illustrator for DOGGIE DAY CAMP: VERB AND ADVERB ADVENTURES—KIT GRADY—is featured in an interview by children’s author, Shari Lyle-Soffe.

Kit shares some insights into her creative world.
KIT GRADY INTERVIEW

by Shari Lyle-Soffe

Shari: Does an illustrator have more than one style of illustrating? How do you decide which style to use in children’s book illustrations?

Kit: I think an illustrator’s style is somewhat consistent once they settle into their illustrative skin,- meaning it is like one’s handwriting and there may be differences, yet it could still be picked out from the handwriting of someone else. But like writing, I Illustrate in different techniques depending on the age of my audience and type of story. Illustrators have many tools to use to create the mood/atmosphere for their books. Line widths, types of lines, colors, realistic styles and /or whimsical approaches are just a few things an artist considers when they are assigned a manuscript.

Shari: What do you wear while you are illustrating?
Kit: I get maybe, too comfortable when I work. Give me a pair of jeans, warm shirt and always my L.L. Bean soft bedroom shoes and I am ready to tackle those awaiting illustrations.
Shari: Where do you like to work?
Kit: When I am sketching or writing, you will find me on the porch watching the squirrels trying to eat all the bird food out of the feeder. But later I will scan those sketches into my computer and work until completed with my drawing tablet on photoshop. From my window in my studio room I have a humming bird feeder so I can watch the humming birds fight with the yellow jackets for their food. It is a wonder I get anything done with all this going on.

Shari: What do you munch on while drawing?

Kit: I usually will be drinking coffee at my desk with a few animal cookies. I try to behave and not nibble all day.

Shari: Tell us about your children’s books.
Kit: I have just completed my 6th children’s book. My first picture book I wrote and illustrated, was for Windswept House Publishers. This book, Jiggsy’s Necklace, may be coming out in an animated form soon. I followed it with an educational leveled reading book by Kaeden Books–Just One More, Mom in 2006. Last year I illustrated two books for private authors and was honored to join the Collier Creative Group. This year I joined Guardian Angel Publishing and have illustrated two books. Flutterbunnies by Mel McIntyre and Doggie Day Camp by Cynthia Reeg. I have a few projects in early stages.
Shari: I have seen your artwork and it is delightful. Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works, and see your illustrations?

Kit: Yes, Please visit me at www.kitgrady.com

Shari: What’s your favorite children’s book of all time?
Kit: Can I have a combination of two? First “The Little Engine that Could” for the determination we all need as writers and illustrators -and “The Velveteen Rabbit” because it is magical.
Shari: What is the best advice on writing/illustration you’ve ever heard?

Kit: Writing, and illustration both need time when their done to rest. When you go back later and revisit you will see it with new eyes.

Shari: Why are picture books so difficult to write?
Kit: Many think children’s books are just adult books dummied down. Which they are not. It is much harder to cut, edit and rework for the shorter word count and still say it just right, to a watchful young audience.

Shari: In closing, what would you like to tell our readers?
Kit: If you are a writer or artist with a dream, continue to study, practice and learn all you can of this wonderful field. Don’t give up.