I haven’t even VISITED this blog for a while, but today I received notice that I was being followed by a foodie (which I can not pretend I am, much as I like food) who turned out to be an ad for a web site that groups one’s various identities into one place. Huh. I guess that’s my fault for not sharing enough with the real people who might be following this blog?
I’ll try to do better.
…of our coming “content” perhaps? I’m choosing to be hopeful. As a writer I feel grateful that Candlewick has given me the most robust launch of my career for THE HANUKKAH MAGIC OF NATE GADOL. I’m inspired to write more (if I can ever make time? The eternal author complaint, eh?) (But perhaps this holiday season?).
I couldn’t be prouder of the work my LQ team has done to launch the first list of Levine Querido (www.levinequerido.com). These are books that we truly LOVE, and feel add something to the world. Something good.
So…in the spirit of creativity, I’m not waiting until 2021 gets here formally. I’m starting to make my future NOW.
This year has really been all about adjustment. Mostly great adjustments, I have to say. Hand-picking a team that has become very close knit. Integrating with our magnificent distribution partners at Chronicle. Learning to be both disciplined and FREE in our pursuit of great storytelling and equitable inclusion.
Since the pandemic there have been tougher adjustments as well. Being separated from my colleagues. Not having the routines of an established office. And right now…I’m longing to hold the first printed copies of Levine Querido’s launch list…then to send them with notes to our authors and artists. Those advance copies won’t just “come in” and get distributed. We’ll have to figure out how to send them to my house…and from there out into the world. A small problem compared with the ones facing those who are ill, or caring for the sick. But still…an adjustment.
I just came by to see whether the old place had fallen into disrepair. Certainly the streets are empty, and tumbleweeds are blowing down the pavement. It’s dark in there…no lights on. It seems no one’s home. The paint is peeling. I think one of the gutters has come loose. And everything about the garden is wildly overgrown. I don’t know if I have the strength to really FIX this. But at least I forced myself to look. Rolling up the window and heading away now. Maybe I’ll be back….
Many in our communities struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While the disease affects the entire family, children can feel the changes in a loved one most acutely.
How can you be a catalyst for conversation and connection?
We are pleased to offer early childhood and elementary educators, librarians, booksellers, and Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia support groups:
The picture book What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine & illustrated by Katie Kath (Running Press) explores Alzheimer’s disease in a gentle, age-appropriate manner. Be prepared to sing and celebrate the bonds of family!
This kit offers resources, activity sheets, and suggested dialogue to:
• Partner & Advertise an Alzheimer’s event for families
• Discuss the book and Alzheimer’s disease
• Share Alzheimer’s Resource sheets
• Explore Art with children
• Sing book-themed lyrics to Row, Row, Row Your Boat
“The book does a nice job of explaining some of the memory loss and confusion that can be typical of Alzheimer’s, and provides age-appropriate explanations…The comprehensive toolkit takes that several steps further by discussion how the illustrator has used color to provide meaning and foreshadowing into the book.”
—Ruth Kolb Drew, Director of Family & Information Services, Alzheimer’s Association National Office
Explore The Event Kit for Libraries, Schools and Alzheimer’s Organizations (PDF)
Do you like to design your own event marketing materials? Story Time Poster (JPG)
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