Kidlit Spotlight: Big Sister, Little Monster

Sisters are among the world's greatest gifts. Admittedly, I'm partial. As the middle of three sisters, who now has three little girls of her own, sisters are all that I know. And I count myself lucky.

Together, sisters learn everything there is to know about... well... everything. In this sacred relationship, you share millions of giggles and hugs, but are also completely safe to disagree and (when your parents aren't watching) fight and hit and scream.

Because you have all of the same memories, your baby books could be interchanged without notice. Your lives are completely intertwined.

I'm the second Rowe sister, but I don't lament my middle-child status. Not in the slightest. From Haley, my older sister, I was on the receiving end of a lot of doting...

... important life lessons...

... and fashion tutorials...

Then, when my little sister Betsy came along (note that I am ALSO a baby here), it was my turn to share the love...  

... and share I did...

... all the way to the alter...

My three girls have their own dynamic. In some ways, I expected their patterns and behaviors to mimic those of me and my sisters, but their rhythms are unique. The common thread, though, is the bond. The unshakable, proud, fierce only-I-can-mess-with-my-sister bond.

It is, therefore, no surprise that Big Sister, Little Monster by Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum (illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham) hit such a chord with me and my girls.

In this new title, we meet big-sister Lucy and tag-along Mia. Lucy is a certified big girl, and Mia is a certified monster. Where Lucy is measured and proper, Mia is wild and untamed.

Finally, Lucy has enough of Mia's antics. "You little monster... GO AWAY!!!" Lucy screams.

Mia-free peace is blissful at first, but not for long. Things get quiet. TOO quiet.

Lucy goes looking for Mia and uncovers a secret door, which leads to Mia and her Monsters - slimy, grimy creatures who wish to keep Mia forever.

When they refuse to let Mia go, Lucy lets HER monster out.

In Big Sister, Little Monster - and in the stunning, lyrical picture book Trains Don't Sleep - Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum masterfully drives story forward. Every spread reveals something new and important for fully understanding her worlds. On top of this superb pacing, Big Sister, Little Monster bursts with color, energy and heart from beginning to end. 

Thank you, Andria, for bringing us Lucy and Mia. As this adorable new picture book pair proves, whether little monsters or full-grown women, sisters will always be sisters. 

Big Sister, Little Monster can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy from Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum through my Twitter page and blog!

*** WIN Big Sister, Little Monster ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 11/17/17 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

Holiday Picture Book Drive for Leading with Literacy

November is Picture Book Month. To celebrate, I'm kicking off a month-long Holiday Picture Book Drive benefitting young Chicago readers.

During the month of November, I will collect as many picture books as possible for Leading with Literacy, a read-aloud focused non-profit based in Bronzeville, a neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.

Michael Neal, Senior Pastor of Glorious Light Church, launched Leading with Literacy (as Real Men Read) in the 2011-12 school year with the goal of building scholars, one book at a time. Here's Pastor Neal (below) with a group of fantastic kids.

Leading with Literacy places male volunteers as weekly readers in primary grade classrooms. In just six years, the program has expanded to include year-round readers in 10 Chicago Public Schools, as well as schools in Phoenix and Cinncinnati. Phenomenal work!

When Leading with Literacy receives book donations, Pastor Neal immediately gives them to kids, so that they can take them home and make them part of their world. This holiday season, my goal is to get books into the hands of as many Leading with Literacy classroom kids as possible.

Would you like to help? Because that would be fantastic! 

1. Authors & Publishers: We would love to accept your picture book donations. Individual titles would be wonderful. Even better? Donating 30 copies of a single book, so that an entire CPS class can take home a copy of your book. (We would be sure to take photos of the class with your book, so you could see the title/s connecting with young readers.)
2. Friends & Family: If you would like to purchase a copy of your favorite picture book and send it to me, I will make sure it gets to a child who participates in Leading with Literacy. Or, if you too would like to sponsor an entire CPS class, that would be extremely generous... and wonderful!
3. Spread the Word: Share this post on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, so that as many as possible can join in on the effort. 

To participate, send me a message through my Contact page, and we'll get the ball rolling on your special delivery! 

A few notes: 

• I'll document the Holiday Picture Book Drive as the books come in. This will include photos and videos on my blog and in my Twitter feed (@anitraschulte).
• Please donate new books only. Think of the book you give as a Christmas gift... because it is!
• Parents and grandparents, involving the littles in your life in researching and selecting books could be a fun holiday activity.
• Finally, it would be tremendous to receive diverse books. It's so very important for kids to see themselves in the characters that they read about.

Thank you for considering playing a part in this holiday event. I can't wait to see what November will bring. Remember that no gift is too small: Just one book will make a child's Christmas so special.

***DONATIONS***

Corinna Luyken, author/illustrator of The Book of Mistakes, and the team at Penguin donated 30 copies of her amazing book:

Basak Agaoglu, author/illustrator of The Almost Impossible Thing, donated 30 copies of this inspiring title, in partnership with the team at Philomel Books:

Rachel Ruiz, author of When Penny Met POTUS, and publisher Capstone donated 30 copies of their fun White House adventure, with a twist.

Tim Miller, author/illustrator of Moo Moo in a Tutu, and the fabulous team at Balzer + Bray shared 30 copies of this adventure of Moo Moo and Mr. Quackers.

Dev Petty, author of I Don't Want to be Big, Claymates and There's Nothing to Do donated six books for Leading with Literacy:

Author Robin Newman donated 5 copies of her darling and bewitching tale Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep:

The authors or illustrators of these beautiful books have committed donations (in some cases multiple copies):

And 30 copies of each of these books have been donated - that means 6 entire CPS classrooms will get the same book!

And these books have been donated by friends of Holiday Picture Book Drive (some lovely folks sent multiple copies of these titles - thank you!):

FINAL TOTAL:

408 books... 

10 complete classroom gifts!

Elsa Standing Tall

When Elsa was 2 years old, we got a wooden stander through the State of Illinois' Early Intervention program. This is the oldest photo that I can find of her in it. (This serious face. And the chubby cheeks. And coordinating sneaks. My dolly.)

Admittedly, it looks kind of like a torture device. But I assure you, this thing is a life saver. The lowest cross bar keeps her knees from buckling. The hip strap holds her mid-section secure. The back support prevents her from arching and hurting herself. 

Sidebar: It's really important for kids to stand, if they can. It helps their feet grow, for one. (Ever notice how your kiddos outgrow their shoes, shortly after they start walking?) It's also good for digestion and all that goes with that. I'll spare you the details...

Socially and emotionally, it's also awesome for Elsa to be up at eye level with her peers. In this time hop back to 2015, my middle daughter weasels her way in to steal Elsa's toy. Sisters.

Fast-forward a few years, and this scene plays out a little differently. Perhaps Elsa is wishing to NOT be at eye-level these days...

This summer, we starting bracing Elsa's legs at night to keep them in extension. We do this so that Elsa doesn't spend an additional 12 hours each day with her knees bent - this can make her legs really tight. Elsa also started looking really good in standing. I just love this pic.

Our girl also grew a ton. She's a giant by Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome standards - off the charts. On a standard growth chart, she's in the 15th percentile. (I'm very happy with this!) Due to this tremendous growth, she has finally outgrown her stander. It's with great joy that later this week we'll be giving it to our sweet friend Olivia - another little gal with WHS, who happens to live just a few miles from our home.

Olivia's momma is my dear friend Hillary. You may remember Hillary's awesome back exercises, which I featured earlier this year.

Since Elsa has outgrown the stander (it's started to give her little bruises from the squeezy fit of it), we have started using our gait trainer more. The problem with this device is that Elsa tends to "cheat" in it - hanging like Superman in the bottom harness.

This weekend we decided to use the gait trainer a little differently. We took the bottom harness off completely - so that she had to literally stand on her own two feet, without support - and lowered the device so she could lean her bottom against it. The result = HUGE SUCCESS. She worked so hard and stayed up for almost 30 minutes at a time! 

It's not easy. She gave us an earful about it. Here's a vid of how she's looking (and sounding) in this position:

We have a long way to go to attain independent standing. But we're excited for what this might mean for the future. Instead of standing with knees locked, her body is now constantly making tiny adjustments to maintain stability. It feels like a big step forward. Pun absolutely intended.

5 Picture Books to Fall For - A Guest Post by Savannah Hendricks

Fall is in full swing. The leaves are doing their beautiful downward dance. Cider is on the stove. Football is in conference play, and baseball is drawing to a spectacular close. Chances are good you've picked apples or pumpkins - or both. What's not to love about this spice-infused kaleidoscopic season?

The Schulte House is clearly in the spirit. Check out our apple pie, decorated with hand-carved emblems of autumn. No surface is safe from our illustrative inclinations.

Picture books are a big part of each weather and holiday shift, too. At home and at school, seasonal titles reinforce science and cultural concepts with artistry and humor, helping my children better understand their world - month by month, year by year.

Literary journeys can even further enhance the way we experience the seasons, particularly when titles tap into the senses and deliver a special aesthetic. Twitter pal and children's book author Savannah Hendricks shares my passion for picture books and is visiting the blog this month to suggest five great picture books for fall. 

Meet Savannah!

So divert your eyes from the Christmas decorations in your local grocery and craft stores, and take a few moments to enjoy Savannah's roundup of titles that honor this blink-and-you'll-miss-it season. Quotes below all attributed to Savannah (SH).

5 Picture Books to Fall For - A Guest Post by Savannah Hendricks

Leaves by David Ezra Stein

I love this story and its illustrations - simple yet beautiful. I've read it in paperback form, but it comes as a board-book and also hardcover. It often becomes a re-read in one sitting with a child. - SH

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Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead

This story tugs at your heart, especially when everyone else is too busy to hear Bear's story. The illustrations provide the "hurry up feeling," drawing readers in. - SH

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In November by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Jill Kastner

I love the lyrical words of this story. Illustrations come alive as families gather and share in the spirit of November. It's like Owl Moon for the fall. - SH

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Fall is for Friends by Suzy Spafford

This one is hard to find anywhere; hopefully your local library or bookstore has a copy. This friendship story focuses on encouragement with a twist, as the girls try to encourage the fall leaves to drop from the branches. - SH

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The Fall Festival (Little Critter Series) by Mercer Mayer

The Little Critter series was my favorite growing up. The illustrations are almost like a seek and find. I love the humor in each story. Technically this is a My First I Can Read book, but works as a picture book also. - SH

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Savannah Hendricks is the author of the picture book NONNIE AND I, set in Botswana. She has more than 20 magazine publication credits to her name. Savannah writes for all ages and reads stories aloud to her dog for approval. You can find out more at her blog The Seashells of Life. 

Thanks so much Savannah! You can follow Savannah on Instagram at @authorsavannahhendricks and Twitter at @AuthorSavannah.

Author Spotlight: Josh Funk

When you open your fridge and survey the scene, what do you see? Foil-topped bowls. Lidded pans. Packaged cheese and meat. Jars of this and that.

Look harder. Every shelf and drawer is a neighborhood, in a way. Items are grouped and stacked, nestled by type. But regardless of partition or bin, each member of the fridge community has it's own internal clock. A week too long in the tall cold box, and things can run afoul.

Yes, sometimes your fridge becomes a custodian of things undeniably offensive. Unbelievably obscene. Downright stinky. Locating the source of the stench isn't for the faint of heart. Super sleuths are often required. And who better to investigate than a croissant with something to prove?

The answer is found in The Case of the Stinky Stench, a delectable adventure by picture book author Josh Funk, illustrated by the fantastic Brendan Kearney. 

The Case of the Stinky Stench is the second book in Funk's Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series. (The third book, Mission Defrostable, will be released in September 2018.)

Our family LOVES Stinky Stench. Reading it is like tumbling headfirst into Candy Land. In this imaginative world, beloved grocery store staples transform into home-cooked landscapes, and unexpected events await beyond every turn.

The very first page serves as a proper amuse-bouche: You know right away that you're about to embark on a sensory-alerting fun-filled rhyming experience.

Inspector Croissant is tasked with unearthing the root of a horrible odor, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast (his aunt and uncle) are happy to help. Clues lead them to every corner of the fridge - across Salsa Ravine, around Mount Everbean, through Applesauce River, and beyond.

The investigation isn't easy. Here, we see Croissant as he trips "by Miss Steak." (My girls love finishing this gem-of-a-sentence.)

At long-last, Croissant locates the source of the stinky stench. I asked my 4 year old to point to her favorite part of the book, and this moment of discovery was her immediate choice. (Kudos to Funk for plotting and pacing mastery!)

The melodic, clever story resolves sweetly, with heart and optimism - leaving plenty of room for a sequel, but also standing alone splendidly. 

As such, The Case of the Stinky Stench fits like an oven mitten alongside the warm and engaging titles already perched on the Funk bookshelf: the just-released It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, Dear Dragon, and Pirasaurs! (And Funk has many, MANY more books in the pipeline... this is an author to watch.)

Therefore, with great pleasure I introduce Josh Funk - star of this month's Author Spotlight!

3 Questions with Josh Funk

My girls can't hear the word "stinky" without saying "stench." Your book has a permanent place in their mental book vault. What books shaped your love of words and story as a child?

First, anything and everything Harry Potter (although I was 21 when I started reading them). I have a really hard time reading any other book about magic because I always think “No! That’s not how spells work!” (which is exactly why I couldn’t get through chapter one in the Bartimaeus Trilogy).

And as my kids will attest, I often randomly sing songs about monkeys (you don’t?). I wonder if that stems from my younger days as a fan of Caps for Sale. “You monkeys, you! Give me back my caps!”

And I’m pretty sure I’m claustrophobic because of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. That one did a mental number on me.

The worlds you create are filled to the brim with color and personality - they seem like they are as fun to write as they are to read. What part of the writing experience lights you up most?

First, thank you. Second, I’d have to say that most of the color and lots of the personality come from the amazing illustrators with whom I’ve been paired. And those illustrators are really the answer to your question: seeing the artist’s interpretation of the text for the first time is always the most incredible experience.

As soon as I first saw what illustrator Brendan Kearney had created for Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, I immediately began brainstorming new ideas to explore deeper into the depths of his incredible illustrated fridge. Within a few weeks, I had written The Case of the Stinky Stench. And I didn’t stop there - next year we go even further in Mission: Defrostable.

From your entertaining books to your enthusiastic voice in the kidlit community, it sure seems like you were born to be a picture booker! How do you balance writing time and time spent connecting with readers and fellow writers?

Balance? What is this balance you speak of? There’s always too much to do. But I guess I just try to do what I enjoy - and I enjoy writing as well as connecting with readers and writers.

When I’m really into a manuscript, I spend lots of time writing until it’s done. And then I revise, too, of course.

But what are books without readers? I guess they’re still books ... but they’re unread books. And the truth is that there are so many amazing books being written and published right now - it’s really hard for anyone to keep up with all of them. So I try to share the books I enjoy with others … and hopefully people will notice mine in turn.

And as far as connecting with readers - that’s the whole point, right? It’s all for the kids (and adults who read to kids). As I tell students all the time, I’m just a regular guy. I know the alphabet and I like stories. If you know the alphabet and like stories, there’s no reason you can’t be a writer, too.

Thanks, Anitra, for inviting me to your blog!

---

The pleasure was mine, Josh! When not writing Java code or Python scripts, Josh Funk drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Connect with him at www.joshfunkbooks.com and on Twitter at @joshfunkbooks.

The Case of the Stinky Stench can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy from Josh through my Twitter page and blog!

*** WIN The Case of the Stinky Stench ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 10/20/17 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

School Day Recap

"How was your day today?" It's a customary dinner-hour question.

In your house and in mine - and houses all over the world - family members take turns sharing highlights (and sometimes lowlights) of their days. These details help us better understand the trials and joys that occur in the hours that we spend apart.

When this question is asked around our dinner table, Elsa can use her PODD book to share (see below for pictures of two different PODD styles, and here's a post I did about PODD). While PODD is a great communications system, one of its shortcomings is immediacy. Getting to what Elsa wants to say takes navigation, patience and time.

Elsa's new classroom teacher and speech therapist made a great suggestion recently: Why don't we record details about Elsa's day onto a BIGmack switch, so she can share specifics with you?

What is a BIGmack, other than a cheeseburger? A BIGmack switch is a large colored button - activated by simple touch - that can be programmed to deliver recorded messages. Some switches enable you to record one message, while others enable a sequenced message.

Photo credit: Mayer-Johnson

It was a great idea! We are loving this interactive school recap experience. Here's a video of Elsa sharing about her day before dinner:

Those smiles! Elsa LOVES being in control of touching the button and hearing a voice that represents her experiences.

One of our goals for Elsa is "total communication." That means we want her to be as versatile as possible. We want her to know that a picture of a dog, and a cartoon of a dog, and an actual dog at the park are ALL dogs. In this same way, Elsa knows she can speak with PODD or a switch, and that both are communication. This flexibility has always been one of Elsa's strengths.

We are in the lengthy paperwork process of trialing some new tablet-style communication devices through Easter Seals. But until these complex pieces of equipment are in hand, the BIGmack switch is giving Elsa another great way to express herself.

Playing with Purpose

'Developmental delay' is something you hear from day one when your child has substantial special needs. Over time, I've gotten comfortable with the words and what they mean: Elsa is on her own path, and she'll do things if and when she can.

While I believe that's true, and accept it completely, naturally there have been some hard moments. For instance, when she was two years old or so, it was tough meeting a friend's new baby and watching the infant so easily reach milestones that we'd been working on for so long. That we are STILL working on today.

Elsa's therapists and educators often ask me, "What are your goals for Elsa?" For five years, my recurrent (often emotional) answer has been, "I just want her to want to play with something."

Playing comes easily when you're a typically developing child. (Most babies purposefully grab an object between four and eight months of age.) But for Elsa, that's just not so. She's certainly shown interest in toys, but to access things, she requires "hand-over-hand" assistance. (Her sisters have become pros at this. Here they are giving her worms...)

Elsa can reach for and activate toys with a swipe or banging motion. But she hasn't been able to pick up, hold and manipulate a toy... until now.

News flash: My girl has started PLAYING WITH PURPOSE. I cannot overstate how huge this development is. Watch her pursue and successfully grasp the balls in this basin. (Oh my gosh, guys, this is SO hard for her!!)

Exciting, right?!? But what does it mean? Everything. Elsa can play!! Play is foundational. It's how children explore the world. Test. Try. Fail. Try again.

I'm over the moon for her newfound independence and hunger for play. Delayed development is development worth celebrating. My heart bursts. Go Elsa go!

Author Spotlight: Ame Dyckman

Picture books come in all shapes, sizes, shades and tenors. The feelings they give you, the places they take you, the characters they introduce you to - all are as unique as the individuals who write them.

So if you come across the work of an author who is also a Mischief Elf, you might put two-and-two together and surmise that you're in for a bit of silly fun. Or perhaps dozens of freshly baked silly moments, iced with cleverness and sprinkled with snickers.

That's precisely what you'll find in the books of Ame Dyckman, pictured below. I'm not sure who is photobombing who in this pic! Ame and her unicorns are cut from the same magical clothe.

We have loved every one of Ame's books. Here are the titles that we most recently borrowed from our library. (Wolfie the Bunny is one of mom's all-time-faves!)

But back to mischief and the Mischief Elf herself: If you are looking for a book that is PURE FUN, then Ame's latest title You Don't Want a Unicorn! is the book for you and your crew.

What would you wish for, if granted one big whopper of a wish? For a boy who loves unicorns, the choice is obvious. But what he doesn't know... 

... is that unicorns aren't exactly as advertised.

They are as destructive as they are mysterious. As crude as they are beautiful.

And they leave behind a steaming pile of... sweetness?... wherever they go. Trust me.

But what's worse than one unicorn? Here are my three girls as they figure it out. (Elsa's leg is fine! She just wears these braces at night to keep her legs in extension.)

As a picture book author, I continually turn to the work of writers like Ame. She has such command of voice and a crystal clear creative perspective. She also naturally speaks "kid" (it's like she's BEEN one or something!) and connects easily with little audiences and their not-so-grown-up parents.

So now I giddily introduce Ame Dyckman (@amedyckman), who has let us behind the rainbow curtain of her imaginative thinking by answering these three Author Spotlight questions. Enjoy!

3 Questions with Ame Dyckman

YOU DON'T WANT A UNICORN! is such a FUN read-aloud experience. How do you know when you’ve totally nailed it? 

Thanks so much for the YOU DON’T WANT A UNICORN! read-aloud love, Anitra! Getting the read-aloud-ness (we’re gonna pretend that’s a word) of a book just right is SUPER important! Parents and guardians and teachers and librarians and booksellers read-aloud to kids who often read-aloud to themselves before they learn to read-in-their-heads. That’s a lot of folks counting on you to make every bit of a read-aloud as perfect as you can! So when I’m writing a new manuscript, I read it aloud approximately 814 times to make sure it has the right ear feel. (Bonus: on nice days with the windows open, it’s funny to see people walking by react to lines like, “STOP! You were gonna wish for a unicorn, weren’t you?”) You finally know it’s a wrap when your read-aloud sounds like you’re just having a conversation with a friend. Which is kinda what books ARE!

So… the cupcakes. Too funny! Where did that hilarious idea come from? How have fans (young and old) responded to it?

*LAUGHING* HAD TO! A can’t-overlook-it part of caring for a pet (or kid!) is cleaning up their inevitable... er, piles. (And once, after gobbling brightly-colored cupcakes at a party, my then-tot kid TECHNICOLOR PILED!) It’s been a riot watching listeners react to the cupcake scene—especially at events where I’ve brought cupcakes for refreshments! Kids who were drooling over the platter before hearing YOU DON’T WANT A UNICORN! suddenly aren’t so sure they want to eat a cupcake after! And more than one grown-up’s earned Bravery Points from their littles by taking a big bite of their cupcake anyway! 

Unicorns are so mystical and rare. They could have any number of unexpected qualities! How did you learn that they have an appetite for destruction? 

The hard way! Just like my protagonist, I wished for a unicorn, too! But was I ready for a large energetic pet who sheds, scratches, chews, jumps indoors, and… cupcakes? NO! I tried, but I could barely keep up with my one! And when *POOF* MORE unicorns appeared, I KNEW I had to warn people they DON’T want a unicorn! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to run to the home store for more hole spackling compound. (Jumping unicorns and low ceilings DON’T mix!)

THANKS for having me, Anitra! And THANKS for reading, everybody!

---

Thank YOU Ame! You Don't Want a Unicorn! can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy from Ame through my Twitter page and blog!

*** WIN You Don't Want a Unicorn! ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 9/29/17 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK! 

Our Beautiful Girl

"She's scary."

If anyone else would have directed those words at my daughter, I may have lost it. Erupted. But it was a three-year-old girl. An innocent, darling child, not capable of filtering her thoughts.

The tears I wanted to cry crawled back down my throat as I put on my mom-voice.

"This sweet little girl? Oh, no, honey. She is beautiful. This is my baby. This is my Elsa. She is so happy to meet you."

Still, the child couldn't break away. She just looked and looked. Stared. Her eyebrows were worried. Things didn't add up. Something was wrong. Something had upset her.

That something was a someone. That someone was Elsa. This sweet angel right here.

Anyone who knows my oldest daughter knows that she's about as far from scary as you can possibly get. I have never in my life met a more gentle and loving person. Despite the fact that this is unequivocally true, the child didn't see that. Couldn't.

What struck me most was not that she thought Elsa was different. I would never refute that. But that the word she chose was such a strong and hurtful one. Her uncensored label made me wonder to whom else Elsa is scary. Will she get more scary, in their eyes, as she gets older and becomes less of a child and more of a woman?

The anger and sadness I felt in that moment was tempered by the fact that I was in a room filled with children, and that my two younger daughters were there, too: Elsa's bodyguards, who would do anything for their big sister.

Frankly, they are borderline obsessed with her.

Several weeks after the "scary" incident, I was out and about with all three girls. I noticed a young boy staring at Elsa in a less-than-positive way. Miss C, my middle, made my year in that moment: She hugged Elsa with all her might, and then hopped in Elsa's lap and shot the boy a look that said, "Are we going to have a problem here?"

While I call Elsa 'gorgeous' and 'adorable' multiple times a day, I cannot ask or expect the world to find her so. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I know that her beauty is unique. But I pray that anyone who meets her gives her a chance to show them her beauty - from her big blue eyes to her teeny tiny toes to the mighty heart in between. 

When the World Acts Up, Give it a Hug - A Guest Post by Rosie J. Pova

Hurricane Harvey rocked the state of Texas, and its impact continues to wave and ripple across our country. While the destruction has been inconceivable, the response to Harvey and Irma has been a reassuring emblem of love. A reflection of the positive potential of humanity.

My friend and picture book writing critique partner Rosie J. Pova is from Dallas. For her friends and family, Harvey's fury is personal. Rosie may look familiar, as I featured her earlier this year on the blog.

Below you'll find how Rosie and her writing community have rallied to support those in need. Thank you to Rosie for this special post. Our prayers go out to you and your community, and God bless all involved in this uplifting relief initiative.

In Rosie's word's...

Recently, my home state took a horrendous hit when Hurricane Harvey poured its rage over Houston. Without going into statistics about this unprecedented flood, which you can find here, one thing's for sure – the devastation it caused my neighboring city was heartbreaking. 

Dallas, where I live, was lucky enough to stay safe, but I feared for friends who live in Houston, including several fellow Clear Fork Publishing authors and illustrators. 

During those days of heavy rains and strong, destructive winds - when peril escalated by the hour - we exchanged prayers, sent out encouragement, and kept in touch through Clear Fork Publishing's private Facebook group. The updates were scary. The pictures looked surreal. We tried to stay positive. 

Naturally, as creative minds tend to do in times of crisis, we felt the need to channel all that energy into something beautiful. An idea sparked into the group as we united our positive vibes – the world needed a hug.

Our wonderful Texas-based publisher was quick to act on it and turn that idea into something tangible. Something inspiring. 

Clear Fork Publishing decided to put together an anthology titled A Hug for the World, consisting of poems, short stories and art, with all proceeds going toward Harvey relief. The amazing Callie Metler-Smith - the owner of CFP, whose heart is as big as Texas - posted a closed submission call for her authors and illustrators and A Hug for the World started to take shape.

I'm happy to announce that my submission to this inspiring project was accepted. My contribution is a poem titled Brotherhood and Love, and it's about – to quote my publisher who summarized it best – "standing with your fellow brother and lifting each other up in love."

I am so excited and proud of this collaboration of so many talents! Just to mention a few – Lynne Marie, Alayne Kay Christian,  Johnny Moore, Vanessa Newton, Melissa Stoller, Sherry Howard, Deborah Weed, Shelley Kinder, Callie Metler-Smith and on and on . . . The beautiful cover was designed by Carina Povarchik. 

The anticipation is building and I can't wait for the release of A Hug for the World, slated for 10/10/17. The love that this book will exude will be undeniable. This is our message for the world, and we'd like to share it with the world as we kindly give it a big hug. 

A Hug for The World:

Join Clear Fork Publishing's talented authors and illustrators as they celebrate a worldwide HUG in our new anthology. All proceeds will go to victims of Hurricane Harvey, as we are a Texas-based publisher and many of our authors and illustrators live in the Houston area. To pre-order, visit here.

Rosie J. Pova:

Rosie J. Pova is a children's author, poet, wife, and mother of three. Originally from Bulgaria, she now lives in Texas with her family. Rosie loves ice cream, but more than that, she loves to inspire children to dream big and follow their passions. No matter what kind of story she writes – funny, sweet or silly – she hopes to move her readers and warm their hearts.

Sarah's Song is Rosie's latest picture book release. It's a story about a granddaughter who comes to terms with her grandmother's failing health and how that affects the special bond the two share through music.

Rosie is also the author of If I Weren't With You (PB, Spork) and a humorous sci-fi novel, Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter, (MG, Spork). Visit her at www.rosiejpova.com and on Twitter at @RosiePOV.