Author Spotlight - Nelda LaTeef on her Award-Winning Book, Animal Village

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
As an undergraduate at Harvard, concentrating in Anthropology, I was awarded a grant to do field research for my senior honors thesis in Senegal. After completing my research, I traveled to Niamey, Niger, to visit friends. We would often travel into the bush to enjoy the sight of giraffes roaming free in the savanna as they grazed on thorny acacia trees. On the return trip, we would often stop at a small Zarma village to visit an elderly woman who was the village griot. Soon, there would be dozens of children and a few adults gathered and she would tell stories in her native Zarma language. On the way back, my friend, who spoke Zarma, would give me a recap of the stories in French—a language we shared—and I would take notes in my little blue notebook. Years later, when I became an aunt, I always loved reading bedtime stories with my nephews and niece.

One day, cleaning out a closet, I came across my old blue notebook. This notebook has been the source and inspiration for two award-winning children’s books: Animal Village (Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2018) and The Hunter and The Ebony Tree (Moon Mountain Publishing, 2002). The idea of gathering threads from an old story from West African oral tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and then weaving the threads into a new tapestry relatable to my audience is very exciting. Always take notes. You never know when they will come in handy!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“The moon moves slowly, but it crosses the sky. Everything is possible, by and by.”

I find the visual aspects of this line inspirational. It is sung throughout the story by the main character and captures the essence of the book: how a tortoise, through sheer will and perseverance saves her village from the ravages of drought with wisdom passed down from an “old story.”

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE IS MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
I share with my main character, a tortoise named Timba: patience, stubborn perseverance and utter confidence in the merit of my story. Like Timba, who was certain water could be found by digging deep in the earth, I, too, was certain stars would align and a publisher for Animal Village would emerge.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
The message I would most like readers to glean from Animal Village is that with determination and the power of perseverance you can accomplish anything.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?
The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” inspired me to write my first book interviewing outstanding female achievers entitled, Working Women for the 21st Century: 50 Women Reveal their Pathways to Success. This was an exciting book to work on because I had the opportunity to meet and interview so many extraordinary women who forged careers in a wide range of professions such as Geraldine Ferraro (politician), Debbi Fields (entrepreneur), Wendy Wasserstein (playwright), Joan Goody (architect), Jeana Yeager (pilot), Jacqueline Barton (chemist), Cathy Guisewite (cartoonist), Judith Jamison (dancer/choreographer), Susan Seidelman (film director), Ellen Goodman (journalist), Alice Rivlin (economist), Kay Unger (fashion designer), Diana Walker (photojournalist), and Anita Flynn (scientist). I sought their advice on how best to pursue and to prepare for a career in their particular profession and they were generous in sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Researching and writing this book, I discovered my calling as a writer! The book, published in hardcover and paperback, was recommended by the New York Public Library as one of the best career books for teens and those interested in second careers.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Freshman year in college my expository writing teacher returned one of the first assignments I submitted with a sobering message scrawled on the top of the page in red ink: “Nelda, more women are ruined by Roget’s thesaurus than by drink.”

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
Quotes taped to the wall next to my computer that I glance at for comfort as I am working include:
“Easy reading is damn hard writing.” –Nathaniel Hawthorne
“I spent all morning taking out a comma and all afternoon putting it back.” –Oscar Wilde

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING PROCESS:
Writing is easy; editing is the hard part! When I am done writing my children’s story, I read the story over and over again and always out loud to hear how it sounds. Each time I read the story it amazes me how much I delete. When I think there is nothing more I can add or delete I like to set the story aside. After a couple of weeks, I pick the story up again and read it anew with fresh eyes for yet another round of edits. With each new round of edits, the wonder is seeing the story evolve.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A WRITER?
Being ruthless with a red pen and the delete key! Not so much for deleting words and sentences but for deleting whole paragraphs and entire pages that I have grown attached to having invested time and effort.

HOW DID YOU GET PUBLISHED?
The mantra “persistence pays off” and Winston Churchill’s exhortation: “Never, never, never give up!” both apply to my getting published. I was persistent. I believed in my work. And I was unwilling to give up.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
My advice to writers is the same exhortation directed my way by my wonderful editor Bob Holzman (and yes, this is taped on my hallowed wall): “Book sales will depend on your efforts. Ask friends for reviews. Get on social media and talk it up. Send copies to friends in the media. Solicit signing and reading opportunities, etc.”

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
After receiving a starred review by Kirkus Reviews, Animal Village was selected by the editors of Kirkus Reviews as one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2018. Also, a Spanish edition has just been printed by a Chilean publisher who will be distributing the book not only in Chile but in Mexico where the government will be purchasing Animal Village for inclusion in their public school curriculum and for their public libraries.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?
To keep writing and continue to get my works published and recognized!

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:
When I write children’s picture books I am both the author and the illustrator.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

The Hunter and the Ebony Tree (Moon Mountain Publishing, 2002)

Working Women for the 21st Century: Fifty Women Reveal their Pathways to Success (Williamson Publishers, 1992)

Women of Lebanon: Interviews with Champions for Peace (McFarland & Company, 2012)

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes! Always!





LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Spotlight - Marianne Berkes

Author, Marianne Berkes

​Animalogy, Animal Analogies

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? 20 years, professionally
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? As a child, I loved to write plays and perform them with my friends every summer. I especially liked rhythm and rhyme and often would write poems for special occasions. My parents always encouraged me. Music, theater and reading have been a constant in my life. I’ve always had a good imagination and lots of ideas for stories. I like making music with words, but it wasn’t until I moved to Florida that I became an aspiring children’s author. I read many children’s books in the ten years working as a children’s librarian that I decided I could write one too. I eventually published my first book in 2000 called “Marsh Music” about frogs performing a concert in a marsh.
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WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
I love to write about animals and nature, combining fact with fiction. In “Animalogy” though, I decided to try something a little different. As a former early childhood educator in New York, I wanted to make learning about analogies fun! “Animalogy” is a rather simple book, but can lead to lots of discussion as kids compare and contrast different animals. And of course Cathy Morrison’s vibrant animal images bring my words to life.
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IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?
No, but it’s quite different from my others, which have an interactive story, followed by a glossary so the reader can learn more about what he/she has just read about. I love doing research and all my books are vetted by experts in their fields, from frogs, birds, seashells,
Planets, to name a few, so everything is accurate.
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WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
Marsh Music (2000)
Seashells by the Seashore (2002)
Marsh Morning (2003)
Over in the Ocean, in a Coral Reef (2004)
Over in the Jungle, a Rainforest Rhyme (2006)
Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun (2008)
Over in the Arctic, Where the Cold Winds Blow (2008)
Going Home, the Mystery of Animal Migration (2010)
Over in Australia, Amazing Animals Down Under (2011)
Animalogy, Animal Analogies (2011)
Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek (2012)
The Tree that Bear Climbed (2012)
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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
My fourteenth book, Anybody Home? will be released by Sylvan Dell Publishing in August 2013. In this book, a ‘possum is looking for a new home to raise her expected babies. Along the way, she meets a wide variety of forest animals and learns about the homes they build and live in.
Also in fall 2013, another of my habitat books, Over in a River, Flowing Out to the Sea, will be released by Dawn Publications.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: I’ve been a teacher, a children’s theater director and a children’s librarian. Now as a children’s author I visit schools and libraries sharing my publishing adventures. I hope I inspire students to write their own stories sharing their ideas, thoughts and feelings, as they inspire me.
I have a great love of nature and get outdoors as often as I can. Living in Florida now, I enjoy walking the beach and have a huge seashell collection. I love the ocean; there is peace and serenity as I look out on the water. In our hectic and busy lives today, I hope kids can still feel that too and get outdoors more.
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TELL US SOMETHING FUN THAT OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:
When I laugh about something really funny, tears start streaming down my face and I look like I’m crying, but I’m really very happy.
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WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Reading, going to a movie or theater, enjoying a nice meal
at a fine restaurant, walking the beach, swimming, traveling and
meeting people of all ages—that includes kids, of course!
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SHOW?
I love Broadway shows. It’s hard to decide whether my favorite is Mama Mia, Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables.
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HAS YOUR BOOK RECEIVED ANY OTHER AWARDS?
Animalogy also has received a Teacher’s Choice Award and an
IPPY Award (Independent Publishers’ Award)
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WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?
There are so many of us and in today’s world it’s harder than ever to get published, unless you are already a well-known children’s author. But even well-known authors still deal with rejection sometimes, which we all have to accept. You might think a manuscript is really good, but come to find out something like it has already been published or it’s not quite right for that particular press and you’ve already waited a year.
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These days, many publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, so that’s another challenge-- to get your manuscript in the hands of a publisher you think might like your book.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Hemingway said that an author is a writer that never quit, so keep keeping on. Don’t give up. While it’s more difficult these days to get published, there are still many opportunities. You just have to try harder and before you submit something, do your homework. Make sure you submit to a press that is right for the genre you’ve written in.
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CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED? Join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), go to critique meetings and writers’ conferences. Network as much as you can. You never know who will be there.
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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Thanks so much for this honor and for the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings. To learn more about me and my books, please go to: www.Marianneberkes.com.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Bella and Harry series of books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection.

Bella and Harry Let's Visit Cairo!, by Lisa Manzione is the newest book in the adventure series of two lovable chihuahua puppy siblings who travel the world together with their 'people.'  In the Let's Visit Cairo! edition, these pups travel on the backs of camels and have the opportunity to visit the Sphinx, and King Tut's tomb, among other notable attractions within the region.  As always, these books inspire a love for travel while educating and broadening horizons for young readers.  The Bella and Harry books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection. 

We highly recommend Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Cairo! which earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Penguin Lady provides educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world

The Penguin Lady is the whimsical tale of Penelope Parker, a woman who lives in a little white house with black trim, located on Penguin Place.  She always dresses in her favorite colors: black and white . . . and just happens to walk with a waddle.

One year on her birthday,  her brother sends her a penguin from the Galapagos Islands.  Then her sister sends her two penguins from Argentina.  The newspaper prints a story about her, and soon people begin sending her orphaned penguins from all over the southern hemisphere of the world.  Eventually, more and more penguins begin to appear at her doorstep as the numbers increase progressively up to ten. 

This amusing book, with fanciful illustrations, will allure and entertain, while offering educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world. 

The Penguin Lady  comes highly recommended and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Gopher to the Rescue - Recommended as an Educational Aid

Gopher to the Rescue  A Volcano Recovery Story, written by Terry Catasus Jennings and illustrated by Laurie O'Keefe, is a picture-book depicting the story of wildlife creatures on a mountain range which are affected by a volcano that destroys their habitat.  Gopher, protected by his underground tunnels, is unharmed from the blast of the volcanic explosion.  Meanwhile other animals run to save themselves from the fall-out while others are injured or killed.  Afterward most of the animals stay away because there is no longer enough food available for them to survive.

But gopher still finds tasty bulbs and roots to eat.  As he burrows through his tunnels, he transports seeds and churns the soil, making the ground fertile and helping to propagate new life.  The few remaining creatures . . . mice, ants, beetles and pollywogs are joined by other creatures who are able to return and survive in the desolate conditions.  Months and then years pass before many of the wildlife animals are able to fully return.

Gopher to the Rescue is an educational book full of interesting details about habitat revitalization in the aftermath of traumatic volcanic activity.  Scientists spent years studying life as it slowly returned to a liveable state following the affects of the volcano eruption at Mt. St. Helens in 1980.  This fictionalized story is based upon their research of the recovery of a volcanic region.

Gopher to the Rescue is a valuable teaching tool for children.  Readers may visit the publisher's website for further educational opportunities related to the topic of volcano recovery.  We recommend this book as a learning guide and as an aide in classroom settings.  Gopher to the rescue has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

A Box Story by Kenneth Kit Lamug Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

"It is widely known that kids play more with the box than the toy that it comes with."  Profound in its simplicity, Lamug's, A Box Story, is a wonderful book about boxes and the magic possibilities they possess.  "A box is not just a box,". . . so begins Lamug's, children's picture book which reveals the power of the box through imaginative illustrations and thoughtful text.  A box can be used to keep things contained, a box can be used to shut things out . . . "a box can make you smile."  Young audiences will surely find enjoyment within the pages of this clever little book. 

Kenneth Lamug's, A Box Story, comes highly recommended, and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Trouble on Earth Day

Trouble on Earth Day, by Kathy Stemke, is the story of Shelby Squirrel, a youngster who is thrilled to have won an Earth Day Poster contest. As Shelby's family of squirrels contemplate the meaning of her poster, namely to "re-think" how some items might be recycled, they start brainstorming ways to put their saved and cast-off items to good use. 

When Shelby encounters a bird in short supply of materials with which to build her nest, she comes to the rescue with some of the items her family had recently decided to recycle.  Shelby and her new friend pool their efforts and resources to create a beautiful new nest. 

With interactive games and projects, including additional Earth Day history information at the back, this book is an excellent resource for educators on the topic of recycling.


Trouble on Earth Day earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, written by Kathy Stemke and illustrated by Jack Foster is the story of a fantastic series of adventures as seen through the eyes of Zachary, a boy who is struggling to adjust to life with a new baby sister.  Young Zachary becomes a "super hero"whenever he puts on his glasses.  Donning his glasses as he does his best to help protect his baby sister from noises which might wake her, he encounters all sorts of noisy nuisances, including birds, trains and bears.  This whimsical book creatively incorporates consonant blends in a story which will surely transport youngsters to new levels of imagination in their quest for adventure and learning.

Zachary's journey is only beginning at the conclusion of this story.  Complete with teacher's supplements including rhymes, songs, worksheets and more, this book has much to offer young readers as well as educators.

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep,earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




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Young Author Breathes Life into Characters

 At the tender age of ten, Natalie Tinti has done what many adults only dream of doing.  Young Natalie has written and illustrated a book which has now been published.  Sewing a Friendship is the story of four young girls who each display very unique character traits.  A fifth little girl, Kiki Shaver, "the meanest girl on the planet" joins this cast of characters as the girls learn to work together to accomplish their goal of participating in a fashion show.

Miss Tinti possesses raw talent in her ability to create imagery through her adventure in story-telling.  Her book, Sewing a Friendship, paired with vivid illustrations is a true inspiration to aspiring authors, both young and old.

We look forward to following Miss Tinti's burgeoning writing career and wish her the best of luck in her literary endeavors.




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Yvonne Capitelli

 on her award winning book:

Daria Rose and The Day She Chose

www.dariarosebooks.com

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

As a young girl I was always writing poems. One of my dreams was that one day I would be an author of children's books.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

As a child my favorite class was English. It gives me joy to write my thoughts and feelings down on paper. Writing makes me happy whether it’s a poem, writing in a journal or my inspiring children’s books.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE, Daria Rose and The Day She Chose?   

When my daughter Daria was in third grade, she would often bring friends home after school to do homework. They would sit at the kitchen table and we would talk about their day. I was surprised at the various conflicts they were facing at such an early age. That’s when I decided I would bring together my love of helping children and my dream of writing children’s books. My amazing girl is definitely my inspiration.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

Two of my favorite children’s books are The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein and One Enchanted Evening, by Mark Kimball Moulton.

I enjoy books that inspire me to be a better person like The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The agreements are: Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions and Always do your best.

Another fun and inspiring book is The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher. It is a very short story of a desperate Knight in search of his true self.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out will be released in January 2012.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I love my family, laughing, doing anything creative, being by the ocean, taking a nap with the sun on my face, chocolate, helping others and positive thinking. I do not believe in the word can’t. I feel that with faith and determination I can figure anything out!

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I’m working on the second book of my Daria Rose Series as well as a Daria Rose chapter book series.

I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out. Is a story of one boy’s journey and triumph with Auditory Processing Disorder. It will be available January 2012 at www.dariarosebooks.com and Amazon.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Write about what you're passionate about. Even before I had my own child, I loved children. I want to inspire children to be kind, confident, determined and realize the power they have within. My love of children and writing come together in my Daria Rose Series.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED?

Be determined and patient. It took two years for me to publish Daria Rose and The Day She Chose.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

Follow your dreams and never ever give up because all things are possible. You need to set your mind on the goal and take one step at a time. Don’t waste time thinking about what’s difficult. Concentrate on the solution and before you know it, you’ll reach your goal.

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LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Feels like being wrapped in a big hug!

Froggy Fun, by Treva Jean Edwardson and illustrated by Carolina Seth, is the heartwarming tale of two frogs who live in the fanciful land of Fernleaf Forest.  This rhyming picture book, illustrated with wonderfully engaging and expressive characters, is a delightful story full of warmth and charm.  Franny, who is Freddy's biggest fan, does her best to encourage her friend to play his autoharp for the others in Fernleaf Forest.  Freddy however, is too shy and only shares his musical talent with her.   When Franny and Freddy become separated during a game of hide-and-seek, Freddy fears he may never find his dear friend Franny ever again.  Later, when the two are reunited, Freddy is so elated that he plays a joyful tune in celebration.   All the woodland creatures in Fernleaf Forest, including the flowers, join along in the happy song as their hearts swell with joy.

Beautifully and reverently told, Edwardson has penned a story rooted in love and steeped in devotion in this lyrical book. 

Froggy Fun is  also available in an audio format which may be downloaded with a coupon code once the book has been purchased.  The author, in her enchanting audio version of this book, is simply fabulous.  While participating in the audio version of this book, one can't help but feel as though they've been wrapped in a big hug. 

This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com