Welcome to our Summer Book Clubs!  We are excited to present you with books that will beat summer boredom!  This Kid Erik gave us such a great kick-off interview, I wanted to reward your reading and writing efforts with one of his books...free!  Here's a reminder about how our Summer Clubs work.  We want to hear from you!  After you complete a book, feel free to send me your written review or inspired artwork attachment using the button below.  I will make you "famous" by posting your work in The Contest Gallery.  That will automatically enter you in a drawing for Erik's book!  If we have LOTS of entries, there may be even more book giveaways!  This summer, there is a wider selection of books to read each month, including recommendations from me, This Kid Erik, and The Brown Bunch.  The Summer Book Club will not only appeal to KidLit (picture books all the way up to young adult), but also recommend books for Mom, Dad, writers, and teachers.  Check out the books below, do some reading, then email me your writing or art!  ANYONE can write a review!  Let's spread our love for these authors!  Happy Reading! 
(Kids:  Please ask permission from Mom or Dad before sending me your work to post.)

June BOOK CLUBS ARE HERE!  I knew we'd need a STELLAR READER to help us kick off our summer reading club, so I brought Erik along today!   For those of you who don't know, Erik Weibel is a Super-Powered 12 year-old reader and writer!  He sets astounding reading goals every year!  This school year he set a goal to read enough books to get him to 1505 Accelerated Reader points!  In addition, he also review books on his blog site at thiskidreviewsbooks.com and published his own book at age 11!  Super-Powered for sure, right?! 

Welcome, Erik! You amaze me! 
Inquiring kids want to know:  "Why should we read during the summer?"

You can go anywhere in a book!

When did you become a goal-setter?

I’ve pretty much always set goals for myself. I like the challenge of it and it helps me be organized too. My parents help by challenging me to meet the goals I set for myself by offering prizes if I make them. I set goals that I think are reasonable for me, and I work hard towards my goals. I do my best to exceed them.

Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!  What an awesome support you have in your parents!  Can you tell us a little bit about what reading and reviewing books has done for you?

Well, it has definitely made me a better writer. I practice writing with every review I post. It has also opened me up to the big world of publishing. I’ve learned a lot about how books are written and made. I’ve also learned a lot about self-publishing and I was able to self-publish my own book.

Because I read books to review them, sometimes I get a book and I think I’m not going to like it because of the subject or even just because of the cover (I know – I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but people really do ;) ) and I find out that I really do like the story. I think reading different types of books (poetry, non-fiction, classics) teaches me a lot.  I read pretty much anything that comes into my in box as long as it’s okay for my age. Most of the books I review are actually self-published. :)

The most important thing reading and reviewing books has done for me is let me meet all kinds of people from all over the world and talk about books with them. That is just so cool!

Okay, we're dying to know!  Did you reach your goal this year?

YES! I got 1524.9 AR points! I worked very hard to get it, and am very proud of myself. The old record (set by me last year) was 1503.9 points. I took tests on 180 books during the school year. I actually read more than that but a lot of them aren’t AR books yet. Sadly, new releases, self-published, most graphic novels and some older books don’t have tests for them.

How has reading inspired you to write?

I love reading stories. I get a ton of enjoyment out of a book. At age nine, I started writing about the main characters in my book “The Adventures of Tomato and Pea- Book one:  A Bad Idea”. I liked the story so much that I kept adding and adding to it. I remember seeing author’s names printed on book covers and thinking I’d really like to see my name there. I really admire people who can write great stories. They really inspire me.

What would you like to tell the first graders (and beyond) in this world?

Figure out what it is you like to do and do it, even if it isn’t “popular.” I was always into books (okay I actually almost got sent to the principal’s office for reading too much in class so maybe I was too into books) and not everybody thought that was cool. But I did my own thing and got really good at it and now I have a popular site and I am doing what I really like to do. Also, listen to your first grade teacher! They know a lot. My 1st Grade teacher told my parents that she thought I would be a great public speaker, so she had me do reports and present them in front of the class for practice. I wasn’t really sure about the whole thing at the time, but I think it worked. Now, I’m a pretty good public speaker – well, at least I don’t get nervous talking to people. :)

Why will kids like your book, The Adventures of Tomato and Pea- Book one:  A Bad Idea?

I wrote the book to be funny, full of action, and about aliens – pretty much what I like and I am a kid, so I think others will too. But that is only part of the answer. I think the main reason kids will like my book “The Adventures of Tomato and Pea- Book one:  A Bad Idea” is that it was written by a kid, for kids. I hope my book inspires other kids to write. I hope it inspires them to read. I hope that more kids get into reading and writing. :)

THANK YOU for being with us today, Erik!  Will you join us in reading this month?  It's time to get our club on!  So, HEEEEEEEEERE'S our Carrie On...June Book Club!

Tom Lichtenheld became a favorite picture book illustrator & author of mine instantly.  He possesses loads of “voice” in his illustrations that I just cannot compare to anyone else. His originality shines from the smallest, sweetest details (a personified cement truck covered with his blankie) to the laugh-out-loud funny ones (a creative little girl making famous artist inspired lemonade advertisements).  He stands out not only for illustration, but writing, as well. He has published twenty one picture books since the year 2000, seven of which he both authored and illustrated, and two that release this year.    This is a Moose, Written by Richard T. Morris and Illustrated by Tom, came out on May 6th with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.  Not only does it encourage readers to dream big, but it makes them laugh out loud!  (My children and I give it the milk-shooting-out-your-nose-funny stamp of approval!)

Welcome, Tom!  (*Red carpet rolls out*) Thank you for chatting with us today! 

I have to admit, I'm addicted to picture books.  Do you feel the same?  And if so, when did your addiction begin?

My interest in children’s books began in high school, when a friend introduced me to “CDB” by William Steig. Since then, certain picture books broke the mold enough that even I, with no children, took notice. I saw “Stinky Cheese Man” when it came out in 1992; it changed my presumptions about picture books and became a benchmark for its irreverent voice and sophisticated illustrations.

I've read that you consider Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, and Judy Blume as some of your writing heroes.  Tell us about the literary pieces you think of often as a writer, and why they stand out to you.

I marvel at anything from Shel Silverstein’s “Falling Up” for its effortless timing and edgy humor. In college, I fell in love with “Who Needs Donuts?” by Mark Alan Stamaty, which still holds the record for number of visual gags on each page. On the more literary side, I’m among the generation influenced by Kurt Vonnegut’s dark, ironic humor. The most recent example of “grown up” literature that colors my thinking is Ben Loory’s “Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day.”  I’m probably not the first children’s author captivated by the imagery in this first line from one of those stories: “A duck fell in love with a rock.” I love this line because it’s both preposterous and believable at once. It’s preposterous because living creatures don’t fall in love with inanimate objects, especially those as lifeless as a rock. But it’s believable because we humans fall in love with objects all the time, to wit, Pinterest.

A few literary snippets hanging on my bulletin board:

“We are all refugees from our childhoods. And so we turn, among other things, to stories.” - Mohsin Hamid, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

The poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

This Poem by Billy Collins, to keep me humble:

            The woman who wrote from Phoenix

            after my reading there

            to tell me they were all still talking about it

            just wrote again

            to tell me that they had stopped.

I suppose that's a writer's life, eh?!  You infuse humor into your writing with effortless comedic relief.  Are you like this in your personal life, too…always cracking jokes or exercising puns?  What are your suggestions for those of us attempting to implement more humor into our writing or drawings?

I’m genetically predisposed to see the lighter side of things because of my Dad, who always saw the funny side of life and had a refreshing ability to handle troublesome situations with humor.  For instance, when he wanted to complain about a preponderance of potholes on a bridge in my hometown, he drew this is a cartoon and sent it to the local newspaper:

It’s a lot more convincing than an angry rant, isn’t it?

I also spent 25 years in advertising, and an ad agency is basically a joke factory staffed by professional knuckleheads who work 12 hours a day trying to make each other laugh.  I developed a pretty good sense of humor there, but the real high water mark is if I can make my wife laugh.

In Bridget’s Beret, I admire the way you encourage children to draw, using techniques by other “famous beret-wearing artists.” You manage to keep kids laughing as they learn!  This excerpt, from Bridget’s Beret, is the perfect example:  “By the way, van Gogh is pronounced van Gahk.  When said correctly, it sounds like you’re gagging on a prune.”    

I’d already used the line “…sounds like my cat throwing up…” in a book about pirates, so I had to come up with another metaphor, and “prune” is just a funny word.

Did this manuscript have the amazing back matter upon submission, or were you inspired to include it by an editor, critique partner, or someone else? Can you tell us how you go about researching your picture book ideas and/or where you find inspiration to include such ideas?

The back-matter in Bridget’s Beret was the editor’s idea. Writing and designing it was relatively easy, but I then had to get permission from all the artists’ estates and museums that own the work. It took endless hours of phone calls, negotiations and paperwork, so I’m glad people like it. I originally had something else at the end of the book – a graphic-novel style sequence that told the story from a different perspective, in a different style. It reveals what really happened to Bridget’s Beret; I hope to someday create a whole book in this style.

This is awesome!  What a bonus!  Thanks for letting us peek into your perspective! 
In closing, what can you recommend to writers and illustrators who are still searching for their true voices?

For writers, identify one person you know well and want to impress, then write for them. Think of it more as a letter than a manuscript. This will focus your voice and avoid you trying to please everyone. I learned this lesson from creating my first book, “Everything I Know About Pirates,” which was originally created as a gift for my nephew.

For illustrators, study only the best work – don’t even look at the crappy stuff. Study the work not to mimic anyone, but to set a standard for what’s possible. And don’t forget that illustration is as much about ideas as technique; New Yorker covers are the best place to study this aspect. Then draw as much and as often as possible. I carry a small sketchbook with me just about wherever I go and find the best places to doodle are events where your mind is stimulated but free to wander: a concert, play or church service are all perfect doodling situations.

Thanks for the great advice!  It's been a pleasure having you with us today.  I look forward to following your work every step of the way.

Tom Lichtenheld is a children’s book author and illustrator. He doodled his way through school then worked as a sign painter, set designer, printer and advertising art director. After a successful career in advertising he gradually made the switch to creating children’s books.

Tom’s books, many of which are New York Times Best Sellers, are consistently praised for their humor, expressive characters,  and rich – sometimes hidden – detail. He’s known for creating books that appeal to children and adults alike, and his wide portfolio of books offers something for every age.

Tom’s 2014 releases: This is a Moose  (in collaboration with Richard T. Morris) and One Big Pair of Underwear (in collaboration with Laura Gehl). 

Slated for 2015 release are “Stick and Stone” (in collaboration with Beth Ferry) and “I Wish You More” (in collaboration with Amy Krouse Rosenthal).

Tom lives in the Chicago area. In his spare time he likes to get other peoples’ kids all wound up then send them home to their parents.

For more information visit tomlichtenheld.com

This month’s Mystery Author #1 got her start rocking cereal boxes across the nation!  Lori Degman’s book, 1 ZANY ZOO, was the winner of the Spoonfuls of Stories Contest sponsored by Cheerios and Simon & Schuster.  The book’s rousing rhymes are a triumphant treat for the tongue.  Her newest book, COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS!, celebrates Lori’s rhyming talent once again, all for the sake of a worn-out rooster.

Welcome, Lori!

What was the inspiration for the two books you have published?

Thanks so much for having me as your Mystery Author, Carrie!

There was no real inspiration for 1 Zany Zoo.  One day, the sentence, “You’ll never believe what I saw at the zoo” popped into my head and I thought it would be a great first line for a picture book.  It’s actually the first complete picture book manuscript I ever wrote!

Cock-a-Doodle Oops! began as a “boy who cried wolf” type of story, where the rooster gets bored and crows at all different times of day.  Then the story morphed into what it is now.  I still think I might write the first story – it could be fun!  So I’ve got dibs on it!

Where do you normally get your picture book ideas?  Do you have a special way of organizing them?

I get my ideas several different ways.  Most of the time, with rhyming stories, a line will pop into my head and I’ll like the rhythm and idea, so I’ll write it down.  I’ve participated in Tara Lazar’s Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) since it began in 2009 and I have files of ideas from that!  If anyone is looking for a way to generate ideas, sign up for it this year – it’s always in November!  I’ve gotten some ideas from news stories or things my students say.  One time, a student told me his dog ate his hearing aid and that story morphed into A Monster Ate My Homework.

I save all of my ideas in files on my laptop.  If I don’t have it with me when I get an idea, I write it down on anything handy or I record it on my phone and put it on my computer later.

I admire your ability to make rhyming look so seamless.  Where did you first start studying this incredibly difficult craft?

Thanks!  I’ve never studied writing in rhyme – I think I just have a good ear for meter.  I took a night class about 20 years ago where I learned how to write, format and submit picture books, but she really didn’t teach us anything about rhyming.  I’ve learned rules along the way, through conferences and reading things online, about what not to do in a rhyming story - like near rhymes, forced rhymes and rhymes that take the story in the wrong direction.

As an aspiring picture book author, I understand how important it is NOT to submit a rhyming story unless the rhyming is Perfect with a capital P!  How did you know that your rhyming was ready for submission?

I think editors don’t like rhyming stories that have an uneven rhythm and rhymes that break the rules I mentioned in the last answer.  To make the meter perfect, it needs to read as it would in natural speech, so the reader doesn’t have to think about how to read it.  There are several ways to make sure your meter is perfect:

1 – Have someone read the story out loud and listen for spots where they trip up or have to pause or repeat to say the line correctly. 

2 – If I’m stuck on one or two sentences, I’ll ask someone to read them ‘cold’ so I can hear where the natural stresses are.

3 – If there’s nobody around to read my story, I’ll print out the story and cut the sentences apart and read them in a totally random order.  This way, I won’t have the meter in my head and I can hear how they’d sound in natural speech.

4 – I’ve also used TextEdit, which has a speech capabilities (under the “edit” tab.  Although it’s not perfect, sometimes I can catch bad meter that way. 

#1 and 4 can (and should) be done with stories written in prose.  Because picture books are meant to be read aloud, you need to hear it for rhythm and flow.

Once my manuscript passes these tests – after several rounds of revisions – I know it’s ready to be submitted.  Of course, there’s no guarantee it will be accepted – but at least I’ll know it won’t be rejected for bad meter or rhyme!

Tell us a little bit about the first story you submitted for “publication consideration”?

1 Zany Zoo was the first story I completed.  Back then, it was called YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT I SAW AT THE ZOO. I made the same mistake I think a lot of new writers make and I sent it out before it was ready.  I sent it out to one editor at a time, so each time I got a rejection, I’d revise it and send it out again. I sent it to seven different editors and got rejected seven times.  Then I put it away for about 15 years when I went back to work and my kids were little.  When I started writing again, I polished it up and submitted it to the Cheerios contest!

You are represented by Karen Grencik of Red Fox Literary.  How did you discover Karen was the right agent for you?  Please tell us how having an agent has impacted your career.

I have an unusual agent history.  I got my first agent, Jamie Weiss Chilton at Andrea Brown, after I won the Cheerios contest.  Jamie submitted stories for me, though she didn’t make any sales.  We parted ways amicably after three years.  Then, I signed with Karen after I sold my Cock-a-Doodle Oops! manuscript (while in between agents).  When I spoke with Karen on the phone (before signing with her) I could tell she’d be easy to talk to – and that’s such an important part of the agent-author relationship.  She’s a really sweet and gentle person - but she’s not afraid to tell me when she thinks a story is not ready for submission!  In my opinion, the best part about having an agent is being able to submit to closed houses!  Karen has submitted six of my completed manuscripts to various agents and we’ve come close, but no offers – yet!

My first grade students are learning the importance of revision.  Please tell us a little bit about your revision process before submitting a story.  What gives you the inspiration to never give up?

I think the main reason I never give up is because I love to write!  But, I’ll admit that, before my story won the Cheerios contest, I had questioned whether I should stop writing to be published and just write for fun.  I’m so glad I didn’t quit!  I think having writer friends who give me honest feedback on my work helped me keep going.  They also play a big part in the revision process.  I have to do the work myself but my friends let me know what things are working and what things aren’t (in their opinions).  In the end, I have to decide what I think works, but I agree with them most of the time!  When I do revision, the main thing I look for is word choice.  I look for dull or average words and try to think of more interesting, unusual or exciting words to replace them.  I also make sure every sentence in the story moves it forward and isn’t there just for filler.  When I write in rhyme, I check, re-check, re-re-check . . . the meter to make sure it flows without any awkward spots.  I also look at my rhyming words and make sure I don’t have boring or too-easy-to-rhyme rhyming words and no repeating rhymes.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve discovered along the publishing journey?

I think the thing that surprised me most was how supportive and generous children’s book writers and illustrators are!  I’ve made so many writer and illustrator friends, both online and in person, and I am always blown away by their selflessness and genuine happiness for others’ successes!  You asking me to be your Mystery Author is a perfect example!

I agree with you 100%!  Writing communities are the best!  Thanks so much for being our Mystery Author this month.  We look forward to reading your books!

Lori Degman is a teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students by day and a writer of picture books by night, weekend and school holiday. She lives in a northern suburb of Chicago with her husband and two dogs and has two grown sons.  Her debut picture book, 1 Zany Zoo was the winner of the Cheerios New Author Contest and a mini version was distributed inside 2.2 million boxes of Cheerios. The hardcover was published by Simon & Schuster in 2010.  Ms. Degman’s second picture book, Cock-a-Doodle Oops! will be released by Creston Books this month!  You can learn more about her on her website: Loridegman.com and blog: www.loridegman.blogspot.com/. 

The Cock-a-Doodle-Oops comical cast of animals was brought to life by illustrator Deborah Zemke.

I can't believe it's been one year since the birth of our Carrie On blog!  I say "our" because it really is ours!  We share this writing experience and community!  To celebrate our Blogiversary, there will be TWO awesome authors visiting this month!  You are going to LOVE them!  (You surely already love and know them!)  However, as the custom goes, they will remain Mystery Authors until... May 13th and 27th!  I will leave this hint:  Our May 13th guest will rhyme her way into our hearts, and our May 27th guest will tickle our funny bone with BOTH illustration and writing advice!  (He is one of my favorites!!)

You can find me at the NE-SCBWI Conference this weekend! If you are attending, please track me down! (I will be the one with the giant Texas grin!)  Otherwise, I will see you here on May 13th and 27th!