Children's Books from Author Marilyn A. Hudson

 Available on Amazon.

"Children's Picture Books with Purpose" : A Sample and Model

 "Children's Picture Books with Purpose" begins an annotated list of books with storylines supporting positive character development, issues of faith and values as well as moral development.  This list will be of interest to those who home school, those who teach in religious schools and programs, and to parents who are interested in addressing certain topics or issues.  The focus is on books found easily in local school or public library collections.  Most can also be readily found for purchase, however, some may be harder to find and require the use of a local library.  Many of these books are long standing classics and many have won awards for content, writing, or illustrations.  Picture books, although designed for younger children, can be used up through middle school ages.  The visual imagery and quality, coupled with excellent writing and story content can make them a good choice for short, impactful additions to lessons addressing the themes noted.

Title: The Rainbow Fish (1992)

Author: Marcus Phister, a Swiss author

Synopsis: A small fish is so proud of his unique looks he alienates the other fish and sets out to learn how to have friends. He discovers a valuable lesson. Many versions feature the addition of sparkling 'scales' to visually highlight how the fish stands out from his fellow fish.

Themes: Pride, Friendship, Sharing, Personal Sacrifice, Ego

Applications:  discuss what might be the 'shiny scales' in life (nice clothes, electronic gadgets, trips, toys, food, house, cars, etc.).  Explore the page where the fish shares his shining scales and how it brightens the entire page as a way to illustrate the influence of good deeds and kindness to others.

Links: Author page

Craft Idea:  Make a fish (Paper plate)

Teaching Activity: Phonemic Awareness ; Count the scales/fish for math

---(c) Marilyn A. Hudson, MLIS, 2013

Book Encourages Observation and Critical Thinking Skills

Dr. Richard Kellogg, professor emeritus of psychology at Alfred State, is the author of a new book titled Barry Baskerville Returns. This children’s story, intended for an audience of young readers between the ages of 7 and 10, is beautifully illustrated in color by noted Hawaiian artist Gary Kato.

The book is about a precocious youngster named Barry Baskerville who lives in Watsonville. Barry aspires to become a famous detective like his role model Sherlock Holmes. As expected, Barry irritates his friends and teachers by wearing a deerstalker hat, peering at everything through a magnifying glass, and flaunting his astounding powers of observation and deduction. During a family vacation at the beach, Barry impresses his parents by investigating the case of the missing car keys. The Baskervilles conclude that it really is nice to have a detective in the family.

Barry Baskerville Returns shows school-age children the importance of making accurate observations and then making logical deductions from their observations. The lessons taught in the story are designed to enhance problem-solving abilities. The book is published by Airship 27 of Fort Collins, Colo., and is available in both print and Kindle formats.

Dr. Kellogg is the author of four previous books dealing with Sherlock Holmes; the most recent is titled Barry Baskerville Solves a Case (Airship 27, 2013). He has received grants from the SUNY Research Foundation to develop instructional materials on the problem-solving strategies of “The Great Detective.” A frequent contributor to The Baker Street Journal and The Serpentine Muse, Kellogg enjoys introducing young readers to Baker Street and the magical world of Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.

Alfred State's Project-based learning is a cornerstone of Alfred State culture. When students work on real-world problems, they learn how to think, not what to think. As a result, Alfred State has a 99 percent employment and transfer rate.

Off the Page!: A Basic Guide to a Story Time

Off the Page!: A Basic Guide to A Story Time.
Marilyn A. Hudson, MLIS

 

List Price: $11.00

6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
92 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1497544154 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1497544157
BISAC: Education / General

Perfect resources for child care providers, community event planners, parents, home schools, volunteers, teachers and public libraries planning to add story times to their programs.

This work is suitable for early childhood and pre-school programs and workers. it includes easy ways to inserting authentic learning into sharing of picture books with children or groups and in making storytime the most anticipated of events.

Author Marilyn A. Hudson has been a children's librarian in both elementary school and public libraries. In addition, she has been a college level library administrator and teacher...

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4745427

 

 Kindle format as well.

A Workshop for Your Church or Library

In the central Oklahoma region...

This workshop is useful in training volunteers, staff, parents, or caregivers.  Schedule this short workshop for your next volunteer training or continuing education event.

HOW TO SHARE A PICTURE BOOK WITH YOUNG CHILDREN:Skills for Guest Readers and All Who Share Books / Marilyn A. Hudson, M.L.I.S.

Perfect for parents and volunteers. Learn how to share a picture book with a group of children and make their book time fun! Conducted by library professional, Marilyn A. Hudson. 

Contact: marilynahudson@yahoo.com

Have You Read These? Top Picture and Award Books

One of the questions parents often have is what should they read to and with their children?  The good news

is that a lot of lists exists to guide you locating classic and quality works.  In addition, various professionals are available to guide a parent or child in locating the best book for them.

These professionals include the classroom teacher (whose area of expertise is related to the teaching and learning of how to read and comprehend what is read), the children's librarian (whose area of expertise may include the learning of reading but also encompasses fostering a love of reading, a hunger to explore through books and learning resources. In addition, for introduction to research they teach skills about locating, accessing and using various information tools to answer questions).

Children's books with many pictures are often called "Picture Books" and sometimes "Easy" or "Everybody" books.  The formal definition of a picture book is one where the illustrations are crucial to the understanding and telling of the story. The term is sometimes used to identify those books where no reading is needed or a book that it is expected will be read to a child. These books are often no more than 32 or 48 pages in length. "Easy" or "Picture" book sections sometimes includes the "Transition" or "Chapter Books" of less than 100 pages and a few chapters. This opposed to a book with illustrations that merely show a scene or a character periodically through the book.  Picture books can be very simple but also surprisingly sophisticated. The art work is often quite stunning and innovative.  Some picture books straddle the line between fine fiction and early childhood book and are sometimes labeled as "Illustrated Books."

"Picture Books" of longer length and great visual beauty are often shared with youth into Middle School. They are appealing to interest students who do not normally read by combining reading skills with visual literacy.

Winners for outstanding use of illustrations in a children's book (Caldecott) provide additional lists and any award lists are good selection tools. Other wellknown awards include the Newbery for chapter books for older children, the Hornbook Award, the Coretta Scott King Award and others Steer clear of too heavy dependence on reader's pick lists, Amazon lists, etc. These are often created to promote a specific publisher, author, or point of view.  The awards criteria involve standards of writing and literary quality, artistic merit and quality, a d production quality in binding/packaging, etc. 

Here are some good lists, some annotated, to guide parents and others in selecting quallity reading material to read to or with a small child.

Kern County Library's Top 100 List.

The Top 100 Children's Books

Caldecott Medal Winners

Newbery Award Winners

Coretta Scott King Award Winners

Hornbook Award for Excellence in Children's Books

For a more formal discussion and some historic images and sources check out the article on Children's Picture Books at Gutenberg.

Some Titles for Christian Parents

A good list is here in "7 Children's Books to Spark Discussions on Faith" at the blog Under God's Mighty Hand.   Another good entry covers "5 Favorite Picture Books to Start the Day."

Some Resources for Quality Christian Children's Work

Child Sized Stories seeks to provide useful resources for a variety of settings. A great resource for those working with children in Christian faith based settings. To anyone who has worked with children's work in church or groups there is a need for quality resources.

One good starting place is at Children's Ministry.

Free sample resources allow a leader to test various resources.  Thought provoking articles encourage skill building and continuing education among workers and staff. 

The site also links to youth and adult resources by the proven experts in ministry resources, GROUP.

Look for an up coming article on traditional childrens's books that lend themselves to faith based and values lessons. 

Growing Up with Princess Lizzy

It is always a pleasure to be able to alert parents and child care professionals with resources that not only entertain but also help them share valuable life skills.  Here is a new series taking flight that should meet that need for books kids will enjoy but books that will also be useful in conveying values and for enriching the curriculum.

Princess Lizzy provides a wonderful venue for children to learn, think and grow. Such basic life lessons and common situations as "How do you handle a situation when you know someone hasn’t told the truth? What do you do when you see a little girl without a coat in the cold of winter? Where do flowers go when they disappear? What do you do when your feet don’t reach the floor?"

Author Dr. Mary Adkinson, "Gma Mary",  lives in the heart of Oklahoma on one and a half acres with her husband, Bob. Lots of birds, squirrels, and occasionally coyotes or skunks keep them company.  Their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids are scattered across Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

The authors readers and parents to "Follow Princess Lizzy on Twitter or Facebook so your child won’t miss a single adventure. I relish your input as to what you like or dislike about the stories. If you have ideas for other life lessons, I would love to hear from you. Perhaps, your idea will become a new adventure for Princess Lizzy."

Ask for them by name at your local bookstore and library. Visit the website for special deals and resources : http://growingupwithprincesslizzy.com/

Mary Adkinson “Gma Mary”

Author of “Growing Up With Princess Lizzy Series”

    

www.GrowingUpWithPrincessLizzy.com

               

Children's Picture Books and Fiction Submissions Sought

Tall Tails Publishing House is now accepting submissions for picture books and children's fiction.  Submission guidelines can be found a www.talltailspublishing.com/submissions.html.

Founded in 2008, Tall Tails Publishing House is a small press dedicated to providing entertaining and beautifully illustrated children's books that inspire young people to explore the world around them. We are located in Oklahoma, and are always ready to support local authors and illustrators.

YOUNG AUTHOR TO BE FEATURED ON INSPIRE ME TODAY

LiNiyah Bailey sent this message:  "Thanks so much for your continued support as I am traveling along this journey to banish bullying and to create acceptance for all.   I'm so excited to share some great news with you. On Saturday, January 26th, 2013 I will be the featured Inspirational Luminary on InspireMeToday.com, sharing my wisdom with the world. This FREE website is one to bookmark!"

Inspire Me Today features the 'Brilliance' of a new Luminary every day. To help you stay inspired, you can sign up to receive this 3 minute 'Today's Brilliance' pick-me-up each day by email, by RSS feed or as an iPhone app. You can even subscribe to it on the new Google Currents.  You can start your day with the wisdom of Sir Richard Branson, Guy Laliberte, Seth Godin, Neale Donald Walsch, Marci Shimoff, or one of hundreds more, now including Bailey who noted, "I'm so honored to be with such esteemed company!"

Please visit the site on January 26th, 2013 and help LaNiyah Bailey inspire the world.  "If my traffic and comments break records, InspireMeToday.com will share my content with millions of additional people too! I hope you'll check it out, leave a comment and share it with your friends."

From the folks at Inspire Me Today and from me, thank you in advance for your kind support.   "I know you're going to love InspireMeToday.com! Together we really can inspire the world."

The Author

LaNiyah Bailey

Award-Winning Youth Author & Anti-Bullying Advocate

www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com

HELP LITTLE ONES OVERCOME ANXIETY

Do you find yourself worrying about almost everything? Do your worries seem extra large? MJ knows the feeling. She's a big worry wart. Visit with MJ as she learns how to take off her "Worry Glasses" and take control of her anxiety.  Check out Donalisa Helsley's new book, illustrated by Kalpart. 

See more at Wild About Reading.

A BOOK RICH IN VALUES



 

Tulsa area author and illustrator Brenda Napier has written a delightful book rich with values, wisdom, and insight perfect for a child in your life. 

 

WATERING GOD'S GARDEN is the  remarkable children's story where you will become familiar with a little girl named Rebekah, who enjoys making the best of her yard. Rebekah cherishes her yard.

 

You will see how she creates all the beauty within. She’s kind, loving and considerate to all of God’s creatures who also enjoy her special place. She show’s creativity, hard work and relaxation. She loves her special gardens just as much as God loves his.

Tornado Safety Will Educate and Comfort Children

At last! A fun, instructive, and kid friendly book about a scary storm that is impacting more and more people across the country.  TORNADO SAFETY WITH ROY by E. Moore comes just in time! From Oklahoma City to Joplin to Greensberg to the deep south...storm fronts often spawn tornadic activity.  It can be frightening for children (and their caregivers). Get ahead of the storm and empower children through knowledge and comfort yourself that you have done something to help them cope and conquer in the event of such an situation.

 

http://charactereducation4kids.weebly.com/index.html

Book Signings with Sandra Lawson

Sandra Lawson will be at Ralph Ellison Library,  2000 NE 23, OKC, Thursday, June 14 from 5-7:30 and at Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, Saturday, June 16 from 3-5pm.

Email:  sandig.lawson@gmail.com  
Facebook:  Facebook.com/authorsandralawson
Blog:  sandralawson.blogspot.com

Everyone loves to eat the homemade treats made by The Best Baker in the World, but when her baking turns into a business, things quickly get out of hand. With cakes piles high and her love of baking gone, will her friends and family ever get to enjoy their favorite sweets again? 

Author Sandra Lawson is a native of Kentucky but relocated to Oklahoma 10 years ago. Sandra enjoys baking, sewing, scrapbooking, and quilting, but she is also a registered dental hygienist. She lives in Blanchard, OK with her husband, Tony, daughter, Emily and their 2 dogs and 2 cats.

ISLAND CHILD by Loralee Cooley

This book by storyteller, Loralee Cooley and illustrated by Jillian H. Gilliland, is about the childhood of Barack Obama, the 44the President of the United States. It explores his life before age ten in Hawaii and Indonesia.  

The book is a easy introduction to the life of a historic leader and a a reminder that everyone was once a child. Children will understand  through descriptions of  the child Barrack Obama experiences : moving to new places, being different, being in a single parent family, being part of a mixed race family, and trying to fit in. 

It's is written at a level which invites understanding for independent readers in grades 2 to 6.  Due to the larger amount of text and the foreign words and names, it should be used as a read aloud only with older children and after some practice with the pronunciation. It will, however, enhance studies of Hawaii, Presidents, or similar topics.

It is charmingly illustrated by chapters headers featuring symbols from Hawaii with silhouettes and images related to each chapter's content.   It contains a sample recipe from Indonesia ,Chicken in Coconut Milk, as a way to extend the book and experience another culture. Other helps include a pronunciation guide for names and places, a bibliography, and a key to some of the symbols in the illustrations.

To purchase book click here.

2012 Summer Reading List for Kids from The Horn Book

2012 Summer Reading List for Kids from The Horn Book

Need ideas for some summer reading?  Check out these links and get started at your local library or bookstore.

'I LOVE YOU BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES'

This new children's picture book, I LOVE YOUR BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, by Donalisa Helsley, is a delight with vivid illustrations, dynamic and descriptive language but most important it models behaviors, not for children, but for adults! It delightfully plays with language and evokes a multitude of warm feelings in combining imagery with word play. Just enough emphasis in the text to make the use of it as a read aloud an ease!

With its rich key theme of the child being valued and loved no matter what mistakes they may make it accomplishes that goal with a sense of warm acceptance, healthy family relationships, and a tidal wave of unconditional love. The ability of the picture book to also demonstrate for parents what their role in the strange and often stress filled thing called 'family' is a hidden strength of Helsely's work. It expresses the value and importance of love, acceptance, and value even when mistakes are made. Love is a word we often toss around without meaning - in Helsley's book it acquires meaning built from common experiences but is given value by how it is applied.

Know young parents who are stressed, challenged, overwhelmed with the new task of parents of toddlers and early elementary (K-2) - give them this book! Work with families, parents, grandparents? Read them this book! Have children of your own - get this book and read it often! 'I Love You Better than Chocolate Chip cookies'....snuggle up with some warm hot chocolate, a plate of cookies, and begin making memories with a little one.

Available on Amazon

Donalisa Helsley
Award-winning children's author
Read her blog: http://donalisahelsley.blogspot.com/
Visit her website: http://www.wildaboutreading.net
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonalisaHelsley
Connect with her on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/wildaboutreading

Early Book Programs Develop Reading Children

Book centered programs for toddlers and young children play a valuable role in developing strong reading students later on. Through the use of simple books, finger plays, activities, and movement even crawling tots can be immersed in literacy.  Developmentally appropriate books, play, and activities help reinforce skills necessary for later reading success.

Everything has a purpose and working with children is never "filler" but a crucial and vital task deserving of the best funding, best quality training, and outstanding personnel.

BOOKS!  (M. Hudson)

Books, books, books!  /   Read, read, read!

Hey, everybody, that’s what I need!  (REPEAT)

Read-to-me, read-to-me, read-to-me YEAH!  

Read-to-me, read-to-me, read-to-me YEAH!  (REPEAT)

Apple Tree (Adapted from Traditional, M. Hudson)

There’s a BIG old apple tree!

See those RED apples -

GRINNING down at me?

SHAKE that tree so very, very hard

PICKING up the apples all over my yard!

Repetitions involve students in a fun and positive manner while helping them in the physical use of language (speaking out loud, pronunciation, inflections, etc.).

PUBLIC LIBRARY ENCOURAGES READING

Be sure and partner with your local public library and its youth reading and book programs.  If they do not have one, encourage them, volunteer to assist, and otherwise communicate how much you would value that type of programming in your community.

Libraries are major players in helping develop youthful readers, in helping provide resources to parents, and assisting the community in fostering positive and healthy families.

Summer reading programs are so valuable to creating readers - and more so when parents, schools, libraries,and teachers join forces to make limited resources accomplish the incredible!

EXCELLENT BOOK USES SCRIPTURE TO TEACH

Norman, Oklahoma author, T.L. Standridge has written a book little girls will love.  Melanie Marie Mary Mowry and the Sugar Plum Fairy (Tate, 2012) was  inspired by her years of observing people and her experience in education. The fun 64 page work is filled with delightful illustrations by Jeff Elliot. The diverse, multi-ethnic cast of characters are planned as part of a series of future books as well.  Watch a short trailer on the book here.  The author has the fictional girls interact with scripture and work through their problems using its teachings and insights in an engaging manner which highlights a positive view of personal faith.

Morgan Freeman for Reading Rockets

Author Jane Yolen

Publish Post

Masked Fun!

Costumes, masks, and lots of fun!

Fun foods in a party mood, decorate with 'fancy' decor to set the opulent mood!

Games

Teen and Pre-Teen Party Ideas

Dance Games

Mask print outs and color sheets  ; masks

Mardi Gras coloring pages

WINTER HOLIDAY FUN

Christmas:
Norad Santa Watch 
Coloring pages
Music (Secular)
Music (Mostly religious)

Hannukah:
Coloring pages
Activities
Music

Kwanza:
Coloring pages
Activities
Music

New Year's:
Coloring Pages
Activities
Music

MRS. CLAUS!

1919 CHRISTMAS CARD

Mrs. Claus made her appearance in 1899, most agree in the work called "Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride" by Katherine Lee Bates. Mention of her dates to as early as 1849 but always in passing and without detail.  Bates verses flesh the character out somewhat and provide a fitting companion for everyone's favorite elf!

GOODY SANTA CLAUS ON A SLEIGH RIDE (1899)

Kathryn Lee Bates

Santa, must I tease in vain, Deer? Let me go and hold the reindeer,
While you clamber down the chimneys. Don't look savage as a Turk!
Why should you have all the glory of the joyous Christmas story,
And poor little Goody Santa Claus have nothing but the work?

It would be so very cozy, you and I, all round and rosy,
Looking like two loving snowballs in our fuzzy Arctic furs,
Tucked in warm and snug together, whisking through the winter weather
Where the tinkle of the sleigh-bells is the only sound that stirs.

You just sit here and grow chubby off the goodies in my cubby
From December to December, till your white beard sweeps your knees;
For you must allow, my Goodman, that you're but a lazy woodman
And rely on me to foster all our fruitful Christmas trees.

While your Saintship waxes holy, year by year, and roly-poly,
Blessed by all the lads and lassies in the limits of the land,
While your toes at home you're toasting, then poor Goody must go posting
Out to plant and prune and garner, where our fir-tree forests stand.

Oh! but when the toil is sorest how I love our fir-tree forest,
Heart of light and heart of beauty in the Northland cold and dim,
All with gifts and candles laden to delight a boy or maiden,
And its dark-green branches ever murmuring the Christmas hymn!

Yet ask young Jack Frost, our neighbor, who but Goody has the labor,
Feeding roots with milk and honey that the bonbons may be sweet!
Who but Goody knows the reason why the playthings bloom in season
And the ripened toys and trinkets rattle gaily to her feet!

From the time the dollies budded, wiry-boned and saw-dust blooded,
With their waxen eyelids winking when the wind the tree-tops plied,
Have I rested for a minute, until now your pack has in it
All the bright, abundant harvest of the merry Christmastide?

Santa, wouldn't it be pleasant to surprise me with a present?
And this ride behind the reindeer is the boon your Goody begs;
Think how hard my extra work is, tending the Thanksgiving turkeys
And our flocks of rainbow chickens — those that lay the Easter eggs.

Home to womankind is suited? Nonsense, Goodman! Let our fruited
Orchards answer for the value of a woman out-of-doors.
Why then bid me chase the thunder, while the roof you're safely under,
All to fashion fire-crackers with the lighting in their cores?

See! I've fetched my snow-flake bonnet, with the sunrise ribbons on it;
I've not worn it since we fled from Fairyland our wedding day;
How we sped through iceberg porches with the Northern Lights for torches!
You were young and slender, Santa, and we had this very sleigh.

Jump in quick then? That's my bonny. Hey down derry! Nonny nonny!
While I tie your fur cap closer, I will kiss your ruddy chin.
I'm so pleased I fall to singing, just as sleigh-bells take to ringing!
Are the cloud-spun lap-robes ready? Tirra-lirra! Tuck me in.

Off across the starlight Norland, where no plant adorns the moorland
Save the ruby-berried holly and the frolic mistletoe!
Oh, but this is Christmas revel! Off across the frosted level
Where the reindeers' hoofs strike sparkles from the crispy, crackling snow!

There's the Man i' the Moon before us, bound to lead the Christmas chorus
With the music of the sky-waves rippling round his silver shell —
Glimmering boat that leans and tarries with the weight of dreams she carries
To the cots of happy children. Gentle sailor, steer her well!

Now we pass through dusky portals to the drowsy land of mortals;
Snow-enfolded, silent cities stretch about us dim and far.
Oh! how sound the world is sleeping, midnight watch no shepherd keeping,
Though an angel-face shines gladly down from every golden star.

Here's a roof. I'll hold the reindeer. I suppose this weather-vane, Dear,
Some one set here just on purpose for our teams to fasten to.
There's its gilded cock, — the gaby! — wants to crow and tell the baby
We are come. Be careful, Santa! Don't get smothered in the flue.

Back so soon? No chimney-swallow dives but where his mate can follow.
Bend your cold ear, Sweetheart Santa, down to catch my whisper faint:
Would it be so very shocking if your Goody filled a stocking
Just for once? Oh, dear! Forgive me. Frowns do not become a Saint.

I will peep in at the skylights, where the moon sheds tender twilights
Equally down silken chambers and down attics bare and bleak.
Let me show with hailstone candies these two dreaming boys — the dandies
In their frilled and fluted nighties, rosy cheek to rosy cheek!

What! No gift for this poor garret? Take a sunset sash and wear it
O'er the rags, my pale-faced lassie, till thy father smiles again.
He's a poet, but — oh, cruel! he has neither light nor fuel.
Here's a fallen star to write by, and a music-box of rain.

So our sprightly reindeer clamber, with their fairy sleigh of amber,
On from roof to roof , the woven shades of night about us drawn.
On from roof to roof we twinkle, all the silver bells a-tinkle,
Till blooms in yonder blessèd East the rose of Christmas dawn.

Now the pack is fairly rifled, and poor Santa's well-nigh stifled;
Yet you would not let your Goody fill a single baby-sock;
Yes, I know the task takes brain, Dear. I can only hold the reindeer,
And so see me climb down chimney — it would give your nerves a shock.

Wait! There's yet a tiny fellow, smiling lips and curls so yellow
You would think a truant sunbeam played in them all night. He spins
Giant tops, a flies kites higher than the gold cathedral spire
In his creams — the orphan bairnie, trustful little Tatterkins.

Santa, don't pass by the urchin! Shake the pack, and deeply search in
All your pockets. There is always one toy more. I told you so.
Up again? Why, what's the trouble? On your eyelash winks the bubble
Mortals call a tear, I fancy. Holes in stocking, heel and toe?

Goodman, though your speech is crusty now and then there's nothing rusty
In your heart. A child's least sorrow makes your wet eyes glisten, too;
But I'll mend that sock so nearly it shall hold your gifts completely.
Take the reins and let me show you what a woman's wit can do.

Puff! I'm up again, my Deary, flushed a bit and somewhat weary,
With my wedding snow-flake bonnet worse for many a sooty knock;
But be glad you let me wheedle, since, an icicle for needle,
Threaded with the last pale moonbeam, I have darned the laddie's sock.

Then I tucked a paint-box in it ('twas no easy task to win it
From the Artist of the Autumn Leaves) and frost-fruits white and sweet,
With the toys your pocket misses — oh! and kisses upon kisses
To cherish safe from evil paths the motherless small feet.

Chirrup! chirrup! There's a patter of soft footsteps and a clatter
Of child voices. Speed it, reindeer, up the sparkling Arctic Hill!
Merry Christmas, little people! Joy-bells ring in every steeple,
And Goody's gladdest of the glad. I've had my own sweet will.

A HALLOWEEN POEM. MARILYN A. HUDSON

The moon is high in an ebony sky.

It’s spooky out here,

 I cannot lie.

One foot in front of the other I go;

Stopping by houses of people I know.

Something swoops silently over my head!

Screaming and crying:

I know I’m dead!

Screech owls, horned toads, and flying bats;

With this mask I can’t see where I’m at!

Stumbling and bumbling I fall-

Now, I will have no candy at all!

Back on my feet; had anybody seen?

I better hurry,

 after all,

it is Halloween!

cMarilyn A. Hudson

OKC AREA CHURCH PLANS BIG HALLOWEEN EVENT

Mending Hearts Church, OKC,  is hosting their first ever pumpkin decorating contest for their annual fall carnival this Saturday October 29th, 2011 from 6:00 pm -8:30 pm .

We have invited elementary schools from all over the area to participate. The school with the most participants will win a $1,000 prize and the winner from each of our three age divisions will win an iPad 2 32 gig 3G. This event is the perfect opportunity to build school spirit, raise funds benefiting one of our local schools, as well as bring together children from different surrounding communities to display their talent and individuality.

We are asking for you to help us bring acknowledgement to our students, schools, and community by covering this unique event. We would love for the winner’s of each age division to receive recognition for their hard work, in hopes of promoting continuing education. Our prizes were specially selected to give the winners of each division a resource to help them with their school work. We are hopeful that these tools will excite our youth about learning and most importantly help them achieve even greater success in their future.

Our carnival is absolutely FREE and we are excited to throw a family friendly community event, while at the same time promoting education and creativity among our youth. School’s have been asked to register on our web-site www.MHChurch.net/contest by Friday October 28th, 2011 to participate. 

Contest Guidelines:
1. Each entry must be a real pumpkin or a member of the pumpkin family.
2. Objects, paper, and materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to the pumpkins. Participants may also draw or paint on their entries and/or carve designs into their pumpkin.
3. All entries should have an appropriate title.
4. All entries should have family friendly positive themes.
5. To win, one must be in attendance at Mending Hearts Carnival.

Address: 14818 South Peebly Road
Stella, OK 74857
Date: Saturday October 29th, 2011
Starts: 6:00 pm
Ends: 8:30 pm


Age Divisions:
Cloverbud: 1- 4 years old
Beginner: 5 - 8 years old
Intermediate: 9 - 12 years old

Judging Criteria:
All entries will be judged by a panel of judges comprised of creative professionals based on the following criteria:
a. Originality (30%)
b. Creativity of title (25%)
c. Quality of work (25%)
d. Public appeal as determined by public comments received (20%)
Prize:
$1,000 to the school with the most entries into the contest
Cloverbud: iPad 2 32 gig 3G
Beginner: iPad 2 32 gig 3G
Intermediate Prize: iPad 2 32 gig 3G
Suggested ways to increase involvement:
-Print off flyer and put in the kids take home folder
-Send a group e-mail to kids parents
-Give extra credit points for kids that participate
-Advertise on social media outlets and/or web-site
-Include in morning announcements






Our mailing address is:

Mending Hearts Church

5202 E 81st  Tulsa, OK 74133

AUTHOR IS A SPECIAL LITTLE LADY

 The authors is a six year old with a health problem and a bully problem.

 A small child tackles a problem head on and serves as a role model for all children facing bullying, problems, or experiencing being different in any way. 

In charming and sometimes touching first person the author shares the secret world of a child suffering from a medical condition and from peer taunting. Rich in faith, the lessons shared by her parents serve to strengthen not only the child but also the parents. A blunt and open must read for children pre-school to fifth who face any medical conditions, being differently challenged, or other issues. It is also a good introduction for all children and parents about the issues and impact of bullying.

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey is a must have for schools, teachers, families, and anyone who works with children.   Available on Amazon or from the books webpage.  See her website.