Showing posts with label concept books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label concept books. Show all posts

Sunday, March 1, 2009

An Interview with Kathy Stemke


Kathy Stemke is the author of Moving Through All Seven Days, upcoming from Action Alley Education. This book inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day! The activities at the end of the book are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.



When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing poetry when I was a teenager to express all those new feelings and frustrations.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was an anthology of poems and photography. I’ve always liked using mixed mediums to express myself.


What, in your opinion, is the most important element of good writing?

Imagination. A book has to be different to get the attention of the public. It must also have lots of unexpected surprises.


Why should someone buy your book, “Moving Through All Seven Days?”

This book not only teaches the days of the week but how to spell each day as well. The illustrations are colorful and are full of action. Children will be inspired to explore all types of movements as they have fun learning.


If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

Pursue your dreams! It’s sad, but I know so many extremely talented people who never tried to follow their dreams. I’ve found that if you have passion and persistence, you will succeed at accomplishing many things. One thing leads to another. Just never give up!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Genre Talk: Concept Books

What is a concept book?

According to http://www.bookjobs.com/ a concept book is "A picture book for preschool children that attempts to teach a basic concept. Many concept books display illustrations or other art and contain only a few words per page. Concept books frequently focus on introducing children to subjects such as the alphabet, or colors, shapes, and sizes. "

The challenges of writing a concept book:

Don't assume that concept books are the easiest kind of picture books to write! There are already a gazillion books out there that teach the ABC's. What sets your book apart from the others? You must come up with a creative idea in order to sell your book.

These days, many editors are looking for concept books with storylines. "A is for Apple, B is for Ball" doesn't cut it. Also, if you can teach two concepts in one book, that's even better! Have a picture book that goes through the days of the week and colors of the rainbow at the same time? Chances are, there aren't too many books like that out there already.

Some good concept books:

The Watering Hole by Graeme Base (counting, animals, rain cycle)

Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book by Marion Dane Bauer and Karen Katz (parts of the body, for toddlers)

One Child, One Seed: A South African Counting Book by Kathryn Cave and Gisele Wulfsohn (multi-cultural, counting)

Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel and Henry Cole (Alphabet book)