Author Mary Cronk Farrell

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My Conference Haul

8/11/2013

5 Comments

 
     How I wished I could buy books by every speaker at SCBWI-LA last week! Alas, neither my suitcase, nor my bank account would allow it, but here's a rundown of the nonfiction books I came home with.
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No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young, illustrated by Nicole Wing shows the science of interdependence in nature in a kid-friendly way. 

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In Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909, author Michelle Markel tackles the complex subject of labor unions by telling the story of one young garment worker's determination and courage. Melissa Sweets illustrations are wonderfully detailed.

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Lots of action and drama in The Kite that Bridged Two Nations by Alexis O'Neill, illustrated by Terry Widener, the story of a boy and his dream to fly his kite across the Niagara River.

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The combination of science and art, including vibrant illustrations by Violeta Dajija and spare lyrical poetry by Laura Purdie Salas, make A Leaf Can Be a feast for the senses.

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The story of Me and Momma and Big John is based on one of America first woman stonecutters. Author Mara Rockliff and illustrator William Low's combined talents explore the grace and dignity of a craftperson's work even if it never brings fame or fortune.

     The nonfiction picture books available for kids today are quality works of art. Text and illustration work together to tell multi-leveled stories that will resonate with young and old alike.



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   Last but not least, one fiction picture book Dizzy, illustrated by our own Eastern Washington artist Kary Lee.


    Do chime in with your thoughts on these or other amazing new picture books.   

5 Comments
Laura Purdie Salas link
8/13/2013 09:14:56 pm

So glad you enjoyed A LEAF CAN BE..., Mary--and thanks for sharing it! I bought Melissa's NO MONKEYS, NO CHOCOLATE, too. And several others. None of which I've had a moment to read!

Reply
Mary link
8/14/2013 06:29:41 am

Laura, I LOVE a LEAF CAN BE..., it so deserves the Golden Kite Honor it was awarded for picture book text. I agree with the Publisher's Weekly review which said the book is written with "simple grace". And the illustrations are so colorful and welcoming.

Reply
laurasalas link
8/15/2013 07:15:53 am

Aw, thanks. And I feel so lucky that Lerner chose Violeta Dabija to illustrate it:>)

JanMyhre
8/14/2013 02:48:06 am

Oh, Mary, I'm over the moon with envy. Time for a foray into the children's section in the libraries, Aunties, Powells and online authors and illustrators. Must get some materials for my grandchild. She would love all your suggestions. Also, I must mention, my writing discipline is paying off and the memoir is rapidly progressing. Thanks for your advice.

Reply
Mary link
8/14/2013 06:31:56 am

Hi Jan,
So great you are progressing on your memoir. It can be so tough to be disciplined about writing in the summer. Luckily, I've had deadlines to keep me on schedule. Send kisses to that charming granddaughter!

Reply



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    I'm an award-winning author of Children's/YA books and former journalist with a passion for stories about people facing adversity with courage.

    My books have been named Notable Social Studies Book for Young People, SPUR Award for Best Juvenile Fiction about the American West, Bank Street College List of Best Children's Books, and NY Public Library Best Books for Teens. My journalistic work has received numerous awards for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists and two Emmy nominations.
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