Chicago Tribune Book Reviews

One of the people I had the pleasure to speak with at our recent SCBWI-Illinois conference (Prairie Writer's Day) was Mary Harris Russell who reviews children's books weekly for the Chicago Tribune. We discussed that they can be viewed online, but aren't always the easiest to find. In an effort to make her reviews easier to access, I intend to post a link weekly along with the titles reviewed. I hope you enjoy the reviews as much as I do!

(It's time to get back on task and make this a children's writing blog !)

Reviews for Saturday, Dec 27:

Christmas Farm By Mary Lyn Ray Ages 6-9

How to Heal a Broken Wing By Bob Graham Ages 5-8

Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse By Meghan McCarthy Ages 5-8

On a different subject thanks goes out to Gail at The Riant Writer for awarding me with the Butterfly Award which is now displayed on my blog.

In the spirit of the award, I would like to pass it along to two other people:

Tabitha Olson at Writer Musings, who offers reviews and a wealth of knowledge on the craft of writing.

Lisa Chellman at Under the Covers, who blogs from a librarian's perspective and treats us to wonderful poetry each Friday (very often original!)

The rules (as posted by Gail) are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Award up to 10 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs.

Christmas things that make me laugh -- part 3

Here's my favorite.

Merry Christmas! (this blog was scheduled on 12/23....I'm not really blogging at 1AM Christmas)

Christmas things that make me laugh -- part 2

I think the thing that makes this little guy soooo very cute/annoying is the fact that the sound is totally under the control of the puppeteer. I present #2 and wish you a Merry Cristmas Eve (although I'm actually snug in bed -- this is a scheduled blog):

Christmas things that make me laugh

Christmas time includes a vast array of toys, decorations and now even cards that make noise/music. I'm the guy who walks through the stores pressing the buttons and opening audio cards. I know -- some of you hate me, but for the rest of you here are my top three that reside at my house. Well actually here is #3 -- the other two will be auto posted the next two days, so come back and visit!

If they actually had gone again, it may have been #2.

Ten Uses for Paper Clips

Our family hosted a Christmas party yesterday for our daughter, two sons, our two future daughter-in-laws and the daughter-in-law's families. My son the physics teacher and his fiance gave our daughter (who will student teach math next semester) a smorgasbord of teaching supplies. Each had a note taped to it. I share one of the notes:



Paperclips, binder clips, thumb tacks...allvery useful things that you probably know exactly what they could be used for...here are 10 other uses for paper clips...



10. A book mark

9. Unclog glue

8. Rocket Engine Mount (ok, that's for physics teachers only)

7. Lottery Ticket scratcher

6. Pick desk drawer locks...(seriously, it works sometimes)

5. Stress Reliever (just bend away into any old shape!)

4. Guitar Pick

3. Chip clip

2. Christmas Ornament Holder

1. Make-your-own TV antenna!!! (well, until Feb 17th at least)



Other good things from the party:



Mark got a 10 x 10 U of Illinois tailgating gazebo and a propane crock pot (think chili). You might look him up if you're in Champaign-Urbana on a football gameday next fall.



We played a reindeer game:

Here are the reindeers created by the three teams. My son Jason on the right, his fiance Laurie on the left and Mark's future m-i-l in the center.

Peep Video

Let it never be said that this blog is not receptive to the wishes of its readers. Exactly ONE reader requested the peeps video. Exactly ZERO readers requested it never be posted. So..... here for the first public viewing..... described by my wife during first take "that's disgusting".... I present NUKED TRIPLET PEEPS.

Oh, and thanks to Carrie for taking the bait.