Margriet's Blog

Bookmatchmaker

2012-01-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Please read my latest posting about adopting a library in Zambia, here:

http://bookmatchmaker.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-for-zambia.html

Wisconsin State Reading Convention

2012-01-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

On February 3 and 4 I will be speaking at the dynamic WISCONSIN STATE READING Convention in Milwaukee. I am doing sessions on nonfiction writing, on poetry in the classroom as well as a Young Authors Conference.
If you live near there, come join us.
Authors Gordon Korman, Stephen Swinburne, Mary Casanova and other will also be presenting!
Check out the program: http://www.wsra.org/index.php?option=com_flashmagazinedeluxe&view=magazine&Itemid=186

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

2011-12-11T21:21:00.001-08:00

Wishing you many books for Christmas, a happy holiday season and a New Year full of good books!

The boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

2011-12-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wow. I just finished reading THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS by John Boyne. What a story. Told from the viewpoint of a 9 year old, it is the story of Auschwitz through the eyes of an innocent child. Whose father is in charge of the camp. Wow.
My head is still spinning. It is so well written, so engaging, so lovely and yet so cruel and scary. A great book to use in high school.
I do feel that you need a lot of prior knowledge in order to be able to place the book in its proper context. The story also demonstrates the importance of communication. Bruno, the 9 year old with an annoying 12 year old sister, is lonely within his family. Father is solely preoccupied with his work as Commandant for the Fury (Fuhrer) and Mother is self centered and into 'medicinal sherries'.
If only they had talked to Bruno who is desperate for friends and belonging...

I can see amazing discussions after reading it, with a book club or with high school students.

Wonder Struck

2011-11-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Is it a graphic novel? Is it an illustrated novel?
I'm not sure but I do know that it is an amazing book. Author Brian Selznick has invented his very own genre in WONDER STRUCK, the book he wrote after his awardwinning The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
Wonder Struck consists of two parallel stories: one in words, one in illustrations until the two become one towards the end of the book.
An incredible amount of detail and research makes this feel like a true story, and it fact it has many true elements, including the Panorama of New York City built for the 1964 World Fair.
The story has elements of mystery and suspense, the characters come to life and evoke emotions. A wonderful tale to share between a parent and children before going to sleep!

http://www.wonderstruckthebook.com/

Facebook Updates

2011-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Join me on Facebook for recent updates, including my presentation at the Vancouver International Writers festival, as well as an amazing animal video: penguin babies in Antartica.

https://www.facebook.com/margriet.ruurs?ref=profile

The importance of school libraries

2011-09-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

If only politicians will read this:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/891612-312/something_to_shout_about_new.html.csp#.TnpqanRnQ3x.facebook

International Literacy Day

2011-09-07T10:30:00.001-07:00

September 8 is INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY! What will you do to share books with someone?
Here are some suggestions:
• read to a child
• buy a book
• visit the library
• sign up to help a child or adult learn to read
• read the book JEREMIAH LEARNS TO READ by Joellen Bogart
• give away a loved,used book
• mail some good picturebooks to a literacy project
• check out my blog: http://bookmatchmaker.blogspot.com/ and adopt a literacy project

Check here for more ideas:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/education-building-blocks/literacy/advocacy/international-literacy-day/
International Literacy Day | Education | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organiz
www.unesco.org

Book News

2011-08-24T13:42:00.001-07:00

Good News from Bozeman, Montana:

Press Release – Bozeman Schools Foundation

The Bozeman School Foundation’s Links to Literacy Program
On Friday, September 9th Bozeman Public School First Grade Students will receive a copy of When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs. This book was chosen as an age-appropriate extension of the One Book One Bozeman selection Between a Rock and Hard Place which has very strong themes of outdoor adventure. We hope that When We Go Camping will be a stepping stone in helping children learn about the outdoors and the numerous activities it affords. This book is a gift from the Bozeman Schools Foundation’s Link to Literacy Program with support from community member Patrick Donehoo and Bozeman’s Country Bookshelf.
Students will also receive a bookmark with a schedule of One Book One Bozeman activities for the entire family and a pamphlet “What’s the most powerful thing you can do to make sure your child succeeds in school?” This handout emphasizes the important role of parents in the early literacy process and outlines suggestions for reading out loud to their child.
On Friday, September 16tt, first grade students are invited to the Bozeman Public Library from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. to participate in their own camping activities with help from M.O.S.S., the YMCA, ArtSplot, The Yellowstone Foundation and R.E.I. To learn more about the Bozeman Schools Foundation and the One Book One Bozeman Project go to www.BozemanSchoolsFoundation.org or www.onebookonebozeman.org

A Good Read

2011-06-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

I must have had the book on my shelf for three or four years. But for some reason I hadn't read it yet and I recently picked it up: Tales of a Female Nomad.
It's an engaging read, makes you feel as if you are there. Rita Golden Gelman, divorced at age 57, started traveling the world and going with the flow. Without much planning, she set off for exotic locations, wanting to really learn the language and the culture. She made herself at home in Mexico, in Indonesia and many other places.

The second book, Female Nomad and Friends, is an anthology of travel stories by different women, accompanied by recipes. A fun read, opening your eyes to different worlds. Both books will make you want to travel. And cook.

The best part of the second book is that all proceeds go directly to Rotary International and are used to pay the tuition of young people growing up in a slum in India, giving them a chance at a better life. So buy this book for all of your friends, for birthday or any occasion!

Bookmatchmaker Blog offers service learning opportunities

2011-05-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog aimed at supporting organizations that bring books and children together. If your school is looking for a service learning project, this is the place to go:

http://bookmatchmaker.blogspot.com/

You can donate one book or many! Supporting any of the projects listed will make a difference in the life of a child through books.

2011-05-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you are a teacher/librarian you might like to follow this link for a new study on the impact of school libraries on children's learning:
http://library.mansfield.edu/impact.asp

School Visits

2011-04-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

I just returned from school visits to Surrey and Kelowna. Spoke to some 4,000 kids during 9 days. Tomorrow I'll be in a Victoria school to speak to 8th graders about MY LIBRARIAN IS A CAMEL and MY SCHOOL IN THE RAIN FOREST.
Next school year (2011-2012) I will be in many schools across North America as well as international schools. In February 2012 I'm booked to speak at Wisconsin State Reading Conference. If you are in a school near Milwaukee and would like me to come, please let me know.

Book Reviews

2011-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

INTERNATIONAL BOOK REVIEWS by Margriet Ruurs, as published in THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR

The devastating tsunami that hit Southeast
Asia in 2004 was the source of many sad events. However, it also brought
forth a heartwarming story. A baby hippo was separated from its mother by
the tidal wave. The baby hippo found an unlikely but faithful companion. An
130 year old tortoise adopted the baby hippo as its own. Mzee, the tortoise
was not terribly friendly but became protective of the hippo, who was named
Owen, who relaxed and started to eat again. The story of these two unusual
friends, Owen and Mzee, was written down and photographed by Craig
Hatkoff and his 6 year old daughter Isabella. The large picture book is now
accompanied by a website with more details and activities for students:
http://www.owenandmzee.com/omweb/
Owen and Mzee, The Language of Friendship, by Isabella and Craig Hatkoff,
ISBN 0439899591

The same tsunami lead Canadian author Eric Walters to write his novel Wave, a juvenile fiction novel. Sam and his parents leave his sister behind in snowy New York to spend Christmas on the beach in Thailand.
Little did they know that their lives were about to change forever. The first
part of the story is written in the voice of 12 year old Sam, the latter part
in Beth’s voice - making this a book that will appeal to both boys and girls.
Once the tsunami hits, the book becomes a page turner.
Waves, by Eric Walters. Doubleday Canada, ISBN 978-0-385-66443-1
Also available as e-book.

Making Change, Tips from an Underage Overachiever, is the remarkable nonfiction book written by sixth grade student Bilaal Rajan. Bilaal, a Canadian, became interested in the plight of children around the world at age four. His book can serve as a how-to guide for children who want to help make the world a better place. Through examples of fund- and awareness raising and real life activities undertaken by children, they will see first hand how they can make a difference. With a foreword by the CEO of Unicef Canada and practical activities to visualize success, this book is a perfect guide to global awareness for children.
Making Change, Tips from an Underage Overachiever, by Bilaal Rajan. Orca
Books, ISBN 1554690013
Check out Bilaal’s website here: http://www.bilaalrajan.com/

A Mayan Library

2011-03-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

In south-east Mexico is a small Mayan village. 137 children attend a, very poor, school here. It has no electricity and no running water. But the children are keen on learning. A group of US and Canadian volunteers has spent the past several years fundraising to build a small library for the school. Now the men of the village have made shelves and furniture from branches. The shelves are ready for books! Several authors, including Pam Withers, have mailed me their books in Spanish. I'm taking about 50 pounds of books, paper, pencils and other school supplies.
I can't wait to share books and stories with the children in this Mayan village!

W. Allan Hancock

2011-03-12T21:21:00.001-08:00

Today I met Allan Hancock, the illustrator of Amazing Animals. He is a very nice guy. He and his family came to Salt Spring for our book launch. His paintings are now on display at Art Spring. It was a joy to meet him and to see his amazing art.

Amazing Animals - an amazing book!

2011-03-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

YOU ARE INVITED!
To the launch of my newest book: Amazing Animals, The Remarkable Things Creatures Do. Published by Tundra and illustrated by W. Allan Hancock.
The launch takes place on Saturday March 12, 2 PM at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island.
Join us if you can! Or order the book at your local bookstore.

Bring the World to your Classroom

2011-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

If you are a teacher or a librarian, you might like to participate in my global bookmark exchange. Simply email me the number of children participating and I will link you to a group elsewhere in the world. Thousands of students in over 30 countries have already sent each other handmade bookmarks. On it they write one sentence (in English and in any other language they may speak) about their favorite book!
Have fun, share books, be creative and learn about the world!

School Visits in Shanghai

2010-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

After 3 weeks of author presentations to international schools in Shanghai, I am home again. It was wonderful to see so many keen readers in China. The children and teachers were fabulous.
Now I'm looking forward to Christmas on Salt Spring.
Best wishes to you all! May 2011 be filled with good books!

Skype Author Visits

2010-09-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

The current issue of Canadian Teacher magazine has an article in it which I wrote about author visits via Skype. If your school is interested in hosting such a visit, be sure to read it!
Go to: http://www.canadianteachermagazine.com/currentissue.shtml
Then scroll down to 'teaching with technology' and click on 'Using Skype to Bring Experts into the Classroom.

Eric Walters Creates Hope in Kenya

2010-08-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

My colleague Eric Walters has been working very hard to build a place in Kenya for children to live and to learn. Check out his website: www.creationofhope.com to see how your school can help.

Here some of the students are using my book, along with hundreds of other books in the brand new library Eric has built for them!

Japanese edition of My Librarian is a Camel!

2010-07-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today I received a Japanese version of my book My Librarian is a Camel! It is fun to see the book in a language I can't read.
I hope children in Japan will have fun learning about these unique mobile libraries around the world.

My School Book: Highlighted at Smithonian Blog

2010-07-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just got word that the book blog of the Smithonian is highlighting My School in the Rain Forest. Have a look here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margriet-Ruurs-Writer/394173124831?ref=ts

Sharing Books in Mongolia

2010-04-17T17:34:00.001-07:00

I just resurfaced after six weeks in Asia working at international schools. I spent 2 weeks in Mongolia. We had an amazing time with my friend and colleague Dashdondog - a renowned Mongolian children's writer. He took us on a trip into the Gobi Desert. We shared stories, poems and books with children in many schools, in very remote places. I got to milk and ride a camel! We visited nomad families and drank camel milk tea in gers.
I loved seeing how much people in Mongolia value poetry. All children were able to recite poems, especially the works of Dashdondog whose writing is known to all people across the country.

The power of reading

2010-03-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

After a fun week of readings and writing workshops in school across Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I am now in Singapore. Just had a lovely brunch with teacher/librarians in whose school I will be this coming week. Of course we talked about... books! Here's an inspiring article about the power of reading aloud, sharing books:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1190052519.html

Hope you try it, too!

International Schools

2010-03-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

After a week in schools in South Korea I am now doing author presentations, writing workshops and staff workshops in schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I love the heat and soak it all up. What a privilege to see wonderful places and work with great kids. The schools place great emphasize on their libraries. Teachers, by and large, work with books and read to the students.
International schools mostly have well stocked bookshelves. Many students speak more than one language. In fact, it's not called ESL (English as a Second Language) here but rather EAL (English as an Additional Language). The other day I asked students how many of them spoke a second language. Not many raised their hand even though I knew that spoke more than one language. Then I realized I should have asked "how many of you speak at least two language" and they all raised their hands.
I'm sure that brings its own challenges for teachers but books are valued and used throughout the schools and the curriculum.

Fan site!

2010-03-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, I now have my own fan page on Facebook! Makes me feel just like the Academy Award winners I just watched. A big thank you to Nicole in Nashville, TN who created my very own fan page. You can join here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margriet-Ruurs-Writer/394173124831?v=wall to stay informed.

Best Bets for 2009

2010-03-03T22:12:00.001-08:00

I was thrilled to learn today that Ontario Library Asociation (OLA) lists my book My School in the Rain Forest (Boyds Mills Press) as one of the Best Bets, nonfiction, for 2009:

"My School in the Rain Forest: How Children Attend School Around the World. Boyd Mills Press School in a jungle, school on a ship and school by radio are just a few of the fascinating ways children go to school around the world. Lots of photos and personalized stories add interest and make this a book that will help foster an understanding of other cultures."

Maupin House books

2010-03-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Check out my blog on the Maupin House website. This is one mighty publisher: big ideas, big hearts and they accomplish so much. Maupin House reminds me of Vancouver Kidsbooks: determined, dedicated people who truly care for teachers, kids and education. Hurray for them!

http://maupinhouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/turning-your-classroom-into-global.html

Using Picture Books with Older Students

2010-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

I am working on book for teachers of older students, ESL students and more. I'd love to get your feedback if you teach higher grades. Would you use a book showing how to use picture books effectively throughout the curriculum?
I believe that many picture books are not specifically for little children but can be effectively used with older students. Text is not intimidating, art is intriguing and topics are often of high interest.
My book will list the best of the best titles, give you lots of ideas for using these books in classroom discussions, writing activities, even math and science with older students, ESL students, etc. Topics will include environmental awareness, social issues etc.
Would love to hear your feedback.
Thanks!

Highlights

2010-02-26T12:43:00.001-08:00

My Highlight this week is the fact that Highlights for Children arrived in the mail with my short story in it. It's a silly joke about a chicken who asks a librarian for a "book-book-book!" Hope you will have a chance to read the current issue of this largest magazine for children in the world.

Listen to J.K. Rowling

2010-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to J.K. Rowling's commencement address at Harvard, 2008.
It is great for anyone who is a writer, a reader, a parent or simply.. a person!
Enjoy listening to it:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html

Reading Magic

2010-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Mem Fox, in her book Reading Magic says "If parents understood the huge educational benefits and intense happiness brought about by reading aloud to their children, and if every parent - and every adult caring for a child - read aloud a minimum of three stories a day to the children in their lives, we could probably wipe out illiteracy within one generation."

Thanks goodness I understand the benefits and the happiness of reading aloud! I will be reading to my brand new grandson Nico, as will his parents. And not just when he's older but starting right now. I will share with him the fun of Pooh Bear, the excitement of Curious George, the silliness of Dr. Seuss. And of course my own stories of Emma and Henry, since we have chickens running around our farm.

Give a copy of Mem Fox's Reading Magic to every new parent you know and we can work toward sharing the happiness and benefits of reading aloud!

I'm a proud grandmother now!

2010-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

On January 26 our first grandchild arrived into the world! Nico weighed in at 7.2 and is 52 cm long.He is, of course,a gorgeous looking baby. We can't wait to have parents and baby safely home again. Imagine all the books we'll be reading to him. On the day he was born I gave him ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN by Debra Frasier, a very beautiful, touching picture book of how a new baby is welcomed by all of nature.

Meeting Greg Mortenson

2010-01-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

Last night we listened to Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, as he shared his experiences of building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Did you know that the book is now mandatory reading for high ranking officials in the US army? It makes me feel hopeful to know that they might be listening to such a wise peacemaker. I felt honored to meet Greg and exchange books with him. His new title is called Stones Into Schools. If you are looking for a good cause to support with your students, check out his project www.penniesforpeace.org
A huge thank you to Vancouver Kidsbooks for bringing him here.
If you missed the event you can still hear Babs Alink, also sponsored by Kidsbooks: "From her years living and working in Afghanistan, refusing to work with weapons, traveling to the most remote areas and building over 300 schools and clinics, Babs has a very different and in-depth view of the situation in Afghanistan.
She is an iconoclastic activist who worked between 2002 and 2008 for three and a half years in Afghanistan. In her presentations she shares tales of her adventures and her battles with Western officials in her efforts to involve local people in developing projects. She will present photos and share her stories with you on the 28th January at the Water Carriers Fundraiser.

22nd January at the Ten Thousand Villages, 2909 Broadway, 7-9pm
28th January at Cravings restaurant/lounge, 6pm starting with live music (Randy Morisson), presentation Babs, doorprices, delicious tapas and Argentinian wines. Fundraiser for the Water Carriers Afghanistan.
Website www.watercarriersafghanistan.com

Books for Uganda

2009-12-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

Last night I delivered about 30 boxes of wonderful books which I had collected on Salt Spring Island, for a school in Uganda. A couple from Mayne Island came to pick them up. Now the books will make their way by container, compliments of Rotary International, to Uganda. The small rural school there is now being used as library, not just by the village but people walk from miles around to borrow books!
This shipment was made possible by people around Salt Spring Island and includes gorgeous books: from a homeschool library, text books from our highschool, the collection from a 15 year old who passed away and whose mom donated his books, and many other sources. I hope this inspires you to collect and ship books to a project of your choice in a similar way!
You can also visit this website: http://www.unicef.org/supply/kits_flash/schoolinabox/
and donate a school-in-a-box to bring education to children around the world.
Happy Holidays!

Greg Mortenson Coming to Vancouver!

2009-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to learn that Vancouver Kidsbooks will be hosting Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, on January 14, 15 and 16 for 3 speaking engagements.
You can see all the details here: http://www.kidsbooks.ca/kidsbooksevents.htm?&
Greg is a gifted speaker and will talk about the schools he has built in Pakistan and Afghanistan. If you live anywhere near Vancouver, this is a great opportunity to listen to an inspiring person! I just booked my tickets!

Global Bookmark Exchange

2009-11-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

If you have not yet participated in my global bookmark exchange with your school, now is the time! I have several schools in different countries looking for buddies.
All you need to do is let me know how many students and in which grades, want to make bookmarks. I will send you a match.
Bookmarks need to be handmade. Students can decorate them any way they like, but should write one sentence about their favorite book, in English and in any other language they may speak. They then mail their bookmarks to another country. You can use this activity to study the country, to send letters, pictures, flags.etc. Sometimes students even become pen pals.
You can also check out the books that other kids recommend and find out what they are reading in other countries!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Time to Write

2009-11-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

The November rains are here. It's pouring... But it's nice to be home with a fire going. I made home baked bread and soup and now it's time to write! I'm putting the final touches on a novel on which I have been working for a long, long time.
I also collected about 40 boxes of books from different donors on Salt Spring Island. The books will be going to a new school in Uganda which Rotary International has helped to build.

Here is a fun interview with fellow Salt Spring writer Phyllis Smallman:
http://lettheshadowsfallbehindyou.blogspot.com

Phyllis writes adult mysteries. Her book Magarita Nights is in our booklovers' B & B.
If you are a writer, you will enjoy reading her interview.

Librarians & Teachers Everywhere!

2009-11-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

Hello from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am speaking at the convention of the American School Libraries Association. There are some 2,500 t/l's here and it's fun to see old friends (from Teipei, Atlanta, Oregon and other places) as well as meet new friends. I'm staying with author Carol Baldwin in Charlotte. I'm looking forward to sharing the stories behind My Librarian is a Camel and My School in the Rain Forest tomorrow.

Write on Salt Spring

2009-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

The brilliant fall colours are getting less as golden leaves now line the roads. But.. you don't have to shovel rain! And this past weekend my husband and sons went golfing in the sunshine. I feel pretty lucky to be writing with a view like this...
A deer wandered by this morning, looked in the window and continue his/her quest for greenery.

Teaching The Story - in North Carolina

2009-10-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

In just a few weeks I will be presenting at the American Association of School Libraries annual conference in Charlotte, NC. Fellow writer Carol Baldwin has kindly offered me to stay at her house. Carol has written a wonderful book for teachers: Teaching The Story. Check it out here: https://www.maupinhouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=198

Paper Tigers

2009-10-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I met Corinne from Paper Tigers, a book related website for educators. Check out the site: http://www.papertigers.org/wordpress/index.php
It has a wealth of information about multicultural books and how to use them.

My Books

2009-10-11T19:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a slideshow of my book covers.
You can order any of these titles from Amazon or from your local bookstore.
If you have any problems, let me know!
Happy reading.

10 Questions

2009-10-07T16:58:00.003-07:00

I just had an interview posted here: http://www.openbooktoronto.com/news/ten_questions_with_margriet_ruurs

Hope you enjoy reading it!

10 Questions

2009-10-07T16:58:00.002-07:00

I just had an interview posted here:

Hope you enjoy reading it!

10 Questions

2009-10-07T16:58:00.001-07:00

I just had an interview posted here: http://www.openbooktoronto.com/news/ten_questions_with_margriet_ruurs

Hope you enjoy reading it!

You're Invited!

2009-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

If you live in or near the lower mainland, I'd like to invite you to the Fall Book Harvest, a launch of new books by many BC authors and illustrators. I will be sharing my new book MY SCHOOL IN THE RAIN FOREST. Here are the details of the event. Hope to see you there!

Kirkus Review for MY SCHOOL IN THE RAIN FOREST

2009-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

My School In The Rain Forest

Kirkus Review 8/15/2009

Beginning with a quote from the UN's "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" that states that everyone has the right to an education, this selection describes an assortment of schools of various types and shapes in different locations across the globe. A huge diversity is explored and described—traditional classrooms, homeschooling, distance learning, community and nongovernment schools, international schools, specially designed buildings, outdoor learning spaces and even boats. Each spread presents a school in a design that includes the national flag, a map and facts about the country, interesting photographs of the school and students, general descriptions of the location and type of school and whom it serves and the transportation involved, as well as the words and thoughts of children who attend. Accessible and inspiring, the depictions of these 13 schools are impressive in scope, and the sheer number of similarities and differences between the schools makes for a fascinating read. An excellent choice for the classroom and a strong introduction to such topics as global diversity and the importance of education. (Nonfiction. 7-10)

Virtual Author Visits Available

2009-09-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, when we all face excalating transportation costs and budget cuts, I am pleased to offer you a virtual author visit to your classroom.
By simply downloading Skype I can address your students, answer their questions, show them my (new) books and share information with them on reading and writing.
Cost for a one hour Skype visit is $200 (reduced from the standard $250 per hour classroom presentation) with no added travel or accommodation expenses.
If you would like to arrange a suitable date and time, please contact me: margriet@margrietruurs.com

Workshop offered on Salt Spring

2009-09-11T14:37:00.001-07:00

If you live on or near Salt Spring you might be interested in the workshop I will be teaching:

Library Cuts

2009-08-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

If you are a teacher, parent, booklover in B.C. you have probably heard about the pending funding cuts to BC libraries. Not long ago our premier promised "to make BC the most literate province in Canada." Now, however, the government is cutting not just special programs but core funding to libraries. This means that children's programming, Summer Reading clubs, even the B.C. One Card may all soon disappear.
Please let your voice be heard by contacting your MLA, the premier and others. You can find details on this website: http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca/

International School visit

2009-08-24T18:30:00.001-07:00

I just received this photo from the International School in Teipei, Taiwan I visited earlier this year. They took this photo of me reading to students. It is now hanging, framed, on the wall of their library. A wonderful memento!

A Great Summer Read!

2009-08-24T18:28:00.001-07:00

Who says they don't write books like they used to? I just finished reading a wonderful children's novel. Couldn't put it down! JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA by Eva Ibbotson is a blend of Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn and Pippy Longstocking. Bound to become a classic - I loved the characters, the settings, everything about it. If you need a good read this summer, be sure to try this book.
On the page of "Recommended Reads" on this website, you will find a list of many of my favorite books, including this one.

NorthWords Writing Camp

2009-07-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

After the long weekend I will be flying to Terrace, B.C. to conduct a creative writers' camp at the Public Library. I look forward to working with children who want to write and illustrate their own stories. Hopefully it won't be as hot as it is now!

Writers' Workshops

2009-07-19T21:12:00.001-07:00

During the past week I spoke at the Oregon Coast Children's Writing Workshop in Oceanside, Oregon. What a gorgeous setting to spend the week talking about children's writing. There were some 50 participants from across the country as well as great writers, an agent and editors. Now I'm looking forward to getting home and writing!

New Book!

2009-07-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by at Between The Covers, our booklovers' B & B. I'm having fun hosting people from all across the world in our Fiction and Poetry room. Good news: my brandnew book is now out! MY SCHOOL IN THE RAIN FOREST has been several years in the making. It is published by Boyds Mills Press, ISBN 978-1-59078-601-7-51795 and can be ordered from any bookstore or online.

The book shares stories and information about many countries around the world and how children attend school. It includes a school via the radio in Australia, a school on a ship, a floating school in Cambodia and many more. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Books, Beds and Bedtime Stories

2009-05-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you're having fun. I AM having fun making big breakfasts for our many guests at Between The Covers, sharing stories and books with them. Many of our first guests have been teachers who enjoy our book theme. We now have bookings from Australia, Newfoundland and many other places and look forward to meeting more booklovers here in our piece of paradise.
When I am not doing laundry or weeding the lavender, I am editing my upcoming book: Amazing Animals.
I hope you are finding time to read good books. For a list of some of my favourite books to read this summer, click on the 'for readers' tab on my website.

Booklovers' B & B - Big News!!

2009-05-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

After months of hard work, renovations, planting, mowing, painting and moving furniture we are now proud to tell you that we have opened BETWEEN THE COVERS, Booklovers' B & B here on Salt Spring Island, B.C.!
The place looks gorgeous. We have two rooms:
• The Poetry Room has a queen size bed, sitting area, kitchen counter with microwave and coffee maker, private entrance and private bathroom.
• The Fiction Room has a king size bed, a hide-a-bed couch and also private entrance and private bathroom. The hut tub on the deck overlooks acres of lavender and farm fields. Deer wander by daily. The rooms have bookcases full of an eclectic assortment of books. You can even take a book with you once you get into it!
My daughter-in-law Hannah is a great (English) cook and we look forward to working on fancy breakfast menu's. We plan to serve all sorts of homemade things as well as our own farm eggs! We finished building a gorgeous chicken coop this weekend!
So, if you need a break and get away from it all this summer, and if you like to read, come stay at Between The Covers!
www.betweenthecoversbandb.com

Award from a reader!

2009-05-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Just want to share the wonderful letter I received from Raul in Taiwan. He asks if I ever received an award. And look at the lovely "award" I just received from Linda. It's a win-win situation!

And then it was May!

2009-05-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

The IRA Convention always marks the end of the school year and beginning of summer for me. This year it was my last booking until July, when I will be conducted part of a writing for children course. IRA was good - hectic but good. I enjoyed seeing many friends and making new ones during the one day Institute I presented with several other writers. The highlight was meeting Ron Broda, the illustrator of In My Backyard. We had never met each other (illustrators are assigned by the publisher) but recognized each other immediately! Ron was a great presenter as well as a gifted artist. His original paper sculptures had everyone in awe.
I signed books in the booths of Maupin House and Boyds Mills Press. I also co-presented the Poetry Olio, always my favorite event at IRA.
Since I came back I have been mowing lawns, weeding and getting ready for the first guests in our B & B. More about that soon! Enjoy the last few weeks of the school year!

Spring is here - off to IRA

2009-04-30T22:01:00.001-07:00

Spring is here - I have been raking, weeding, planting! I love it - the birds are building nests, hummingbirds whizz by my head and tonight a bunny hopped through the driveway. Last night, my kids made dinner for us and served it out on the deck while we watched the sunset. How perfect can it get?!
This weekend I'm off to the annual Reading Convention in Minneapolis. Hope to see many of you there! I'm presenting an all day Institute on Sunday, signing books on Monday and Tuesday and co-presenting the Poetry Olio on Wednesday night. If you love poetry, be sure to come for rhythm and fun!

The Big Read

2009-04-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Global Action Week. Check out this website: http://www.campaignforeducationcanada.org/en/index.php

I hope you will do something special this week to celebrate reading and books!

Earthday!

2009-04-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hope you were able to do something today that benefits the earth. My family and I planted 15 trees on our new acreage. I bought tomato plants and planted rhubarb. I weeded all day yesterday and today, we tilted the new vegetable garden and had a lot of fun working together on gorgeous Salt Spring Island. We will soon open our planned booklovers' B & B!
I am also putting the final touches on the text for a new book and getting ready for a day of poetry writing in the lower mainland next week.
Happy Earthday!

• Write an Earthday poem
• Keep a log of what you see outside your window (I see birds pulling worms from the soil, a bird gathering grasses to line its nest, two blue jays hanging on the birdfeeder, and yesterday, we had a wild turkey visiting our yard all day).
• Write a story about your favorite animal
• Take a photo of a wild animal such as a bird, a duck, a butterfly (I took this photo of a young owl last summer)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Both Emma and Henry wish you a HAPPY EASTER! May it be the start of a lovely Spring,

Margriet

Lower Mainland Author Visit Available

2009-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Back from Asia! I tried to bring warmer weather with me... It was hard to leave gorgeous Subic in The Philippines where my hotel was on a white sand beach, I swam with dolphins and I enjoyed meeting everyone in the lovely school. But it's good to be home again and do some gardening. The daffodils are blooming and the blossoms are out.

Now it's back to writing work! During the week of April 27 (later in the week) I will be in the lower mainland and it looks like I will have a day available to do author visits. If your school is interested, please let me know as soon as possible.
Happy Easter!

Hello from The Philippines!

2009-03-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

This week I am doing writing workshops with middle school students at Brent International School in The Philippines. A great school with keen writers. It is very hot here, and very humid. Tomorrow the teachers are taking me out for dinner on the edge of a volcano!
Look at the amazing welcome I received at the school! I've never had my face on a real banner before :-)

Emma in Taiwan

2009-03-22T05:40:00.001-07:00

I just spent a lovely week doing author presentations at Taipei American School in Taiwan. Emma was a huge success!

The school was lovely: nice students, great teachers and an amazing PTA. I enjoyed dinner with different people each night and had fun sharing books and stories.

You can view all of my photos from my 2009 Asia trip here:
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=712337853

Hello from Myanmar

2009-03-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of speaking at the International School of Yangon, Myanmar this past week. I loved the country. We traveled to the heart of Burma, saw the Irrawaddy River, visited schools in small villages, met children in monastry schools and loved the country and its beautiful people.
Here is a photo of myself and my husband with a tradtional dance group from the Shan hills.
Now I am off to speak to students in Taipei, Taiwan.

Butterfly Award

2009-02-27T23:54:00.000-08:00

Today I received a message from Papertigers (http://www.papertigers.org/) with the "Butterfly Award" for my blog!
The idea of this award is to pass it on to others. So I'm forwarding it to several amazing writers whose blogs I have admired.

One of the sites that has a Butterfly Award is Just One More Book:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/

I think that the following blogs deserve this recognition:
• http://www.lindabaileybooks.com/
• http://www.deborahhodge.com/
• http://www.sherylmcfarlane.ca/
• http://www.cwill.bc.ca/
• http://www.marycasanova.com

Hope you enjoy exploring these informative websites.

Moonbeam Children's Book Award

2009-02-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

It started out as a dreary day, on Salt Spring, with snow covering the fields. Not what I want to see now that the bulbs are several inches high already. But this afternoon it turned into a glorious day when the mail arrived: I received a silver medal and certificate from the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. A Silver Medal for environmental issues for IN MY BACKYARD (Tundra Books, illustrated by Ron Broda).
I love what Ron did with the art for this book: he made amazing 3D paper sculptures. Children can read about every day critters that can be encountered in any backyard, including urban settings. In each illustration you can spot a ladybug. But Ron has also added a prediction element: in each illustration is a glimpse of the animal featured on the next page. Can you guess which animal it is?
CM magazine said "Ruurs’ new book reflects her admirable desire to help children learn to appreciate the majesty of their natural surrounds. Her love of nature is evident in many of her books for children, and that is also the case here".

I'm glad the Moonbeam Awards agreed and gave it a silver medal!

Reading is Contagious!

2009-02-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

I just returned home from IRA, Phoenix. What a wonderful Institute we had on Saturday! Our panel of authors (Deborah Hodge, Linda Bailey, Sara Holbrook and Mary Casanova) and teacher-of-the-year Jan Keese from Iowa, had a great time sharing inside stories and experiences of writing with teachers. We laughed and cried over poetry and picture books. The participants all left with a thick book of writing activities to use in the classroom. They will now, in turn, spread the joy of reading and writing to their students across the continent. The love of reading is contagious, isn't it?!
On the plane I finished the book I was reading: Throwaway Daughter by Ting-Xing Ye with William Bell. Wow, what a powerfully written book. I highly recommend it to adults and as older YA - the story of a girl adopted from China and the lives of all those involved. I couldn't put it down. That's the one thing I love about those long days of flying: lots of time to read a good book!

IRA Convention

2009-02-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

Today I did my first school presentations on Salt Spring Island. Nice school, nice kids, nice teachers, great PAC!
It was a sunny spring day but the kids were excited about books and reading.

Now I'm packing to go to Phoenix, AZ to present an all day Institute at IRA with several fellow writers: Sara Holbrook, Linda Bailey, Deborah Hodge and Mary Casanova. Jan Keese, Iowa's teacher of the year, will weave our stories together with classroom activities. If you are a teacher attending IRA, either in Phoenix or Minneapolis (May) I hope you will attend this very dynamic Institute: Weaving Different Genres into Classroom Gold!

Another Good Book to Read!

2009-02-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading another great book: ALPHABET OF DREAMS by Susan Fletcher.
I just couldn't put it down. I loved her book Shadow Spinner and this one also plays in Persia. It's the story of the famous Three Wise Men. She brings them to life in this gripping story full of amazing details. You can smell the camels, hear the copper bells, see the stable and the star. It's not at all a Christmas story but gives the background of a story we are all familiar with. Highly recommended for avid readers of 12 and up.

2009 Global Action Week on Literacy

2009-02-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of this campaign? In April the Global Campaign for Education will celebrate literacy in many innovative ways. Be sure to register your school or library to participate in exciting events!

http://www.campaignforeducationcanada.org/en/index.php

Globe & Mail article on writing/publishing

2009-02-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Interesting article if you are a fellow writer:

"Publish, and your book will probably perish"
You did your part, you wrote the book. So why are Canadian publishers getting worse at their part - selling it? James Adams reports

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090207.wxmarket07/EmailBNStory/Entertainment/home

Colorado State Reading Conference

2009-02-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Denver where I did presentations at a wonderful elementary school. The school uses 'real' books, the kids read nonstop, the teachers read aloud... What more could you ask for :-)
Then I presented several sessions at the Colorado State Reading conference - a great conference with nearly 3,000 teachers in attendance. The mayor of Denver made a surprise appearance and it was fun to have dinner with Jane Yolen, Susan Bartoletti, Julie Danneberg and many other wonderful writer friends, old and new.
Besides seeing many Colorado teachers, it was fun to listen to the wild stories of Jon Scieszca, to see Gordon Korman and hear the background details of Patricia Polacco's The Keeping Quilt.
But.. it's also nice to be home again. Time to finish my new book by this week's deadline...

Family Literacy

2009-01-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

Did you celebrate Family Literacy this week? I hope someone read a good book to you. I'm currently reading ALPHABET OF DREAMS by Susan Fletcher, an Oregon author. I'm really getting into it. She wrote Shadow Spinner, one of my favorite novels. You can see a list of my favourite titles by scrolling down.

I wanted to share a website with you:
http://www.justonemorebook.com
It's a fun site to explore books, to listen to your favourite author and discover new titles. Have fun listen to just one more book!

Nashville, Tennessee

2009-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Last week I visited Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. The students were wonderful. It was a treat to briefly visit The Grand Ol' Opry, just to see what it looks like! Emma stood on the steps with me and wished she was a country singer! Tok!

GLOBAL BOOKMARK EXCHANGE

2009-01-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

When I was in Pakistan visiting a library, the children were making bookmarks. I suggested that they exchange their bookmarks with a school in North America. One thing led to another and, at this point, hundreds of students in over 23 countries around the world have exchanged handmade bookmarks with each other.
The idea is that each student makes one bookmark and writes one sentence, in English and in any other language they speak, about their favorite book. I have heard wonderful stories from schools where they all went to look at their buddy's favorite book, sharing their own and discussing a variety of good books. You can also combine social studies with language and study the country with which you are matched, use the map, do research, mail each other pins, flags, etc.
Almost daily I get requests from schools to be teamed up for a bookmark exchange. If you are a teacher and would like your class or whole school to participate, this is what you do:
• email me (margriet@margrietruurs.com) and tell me how many students in each grade you have.
• have students make handmade bookmarks as described above.
I will send you the name of a teacher elsewhere in the world. You will email him or her and send the required number of bookmarks via regular mail. Yours will arrive in the mail at some point!

I hope you will participate. I always have a waiting list, so this may take a while. I have many older students (Grade 8 and up) in North America waiting to be teamed. If you are a teacher in another country, I'd love to hear from you!

Happy teaching with books,

Margriet

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a healthy, happy New Year. May it be filled with stories waiting to be told and a cozy place to curl up with good books to read!
2009 started off with a perfect holiday - having our sons home, playing games, laughing a lot. There's too much snow for my taste but did make it all look very pretty.
We are now focusing on home renovations for our booklovers' B & B. I am also gearing up for school and library visits. If you live in the lower mainland and are interested in school visits, I have 2 days available this month.
I'm looking forward to flying to Nashville, TN soon to work with children in a school there.

Happy New Year!

Salt Spring Connection

2008-12-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

You know how wonderful it is to read a book that takes you into the character's world, to the point where you can't put it down and you dread coming to the end because you can't spend more time with these new found friends?
Well - that's what happened when I picked up Julie Burtinshaw's book THE FREEDOM OF JENNY. The book had been on my shelf for a while. The back cover told me the book was about slavery. As soon as I started reading, the story pulled me in. I was there with Jenny and her momma and rest of the family as they toiled the fields and worked in the kitchen as slaves in Missouri in the 1840's and '50's. Then the story took me along on the pioneer trail as the family traveled west to California where slaves could live in freedom. I learned much about that part of history. It came to life through the vivid characters.
But then the story took an unexpected turn - they moved on to Canada. First to Fort Victoria. And then... to Salt Spring Island.
When I picked the book up I had no idea it would take place here. I loved learning about the true history of the small island on which I live. I recognized places and people's names. Not only a well written book but an important part of history that I had not really read about before: black pioneers. I highly recommend it to any reader!

2008-11-28T11:03:00.001-08:00

Win an Autographed Book!

Just came back from school visits in Victoria, BC. Cordova Bay Elementary had read many of my books and excitement had been building. The students had voted on their favorite stories and also made a large mural of (Emma) chickens. The students and teachers were wonderful.

I would like to find out how many of you read my blog regularly and how you use my site. Please send me an email (margriet@margrietruurs.com) and tell me:
- are you a teacher? Or a parent, bookseller, student?
- if so in which city and province/state do you live?
- did you find my site helpful in using books, planning an author visit or other aspects?

I will mail an autographed softcover copy of A MOUNTAIN ALPHABET to the 17th entry.
Good luck and happy reading,

Margriet

Reading Good Books

2008-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's getting close to the end of November and colder. A good time to curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace. That's just what I have been doing. Tonight I finished reading MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIHM by Robert C. O'Brien. I had heard about this Newbery winner for a long time but never actually read it. I recently bought it at Fables' Cottage bookstore here on Salt Spring Island. I loved it. Not only is it a skillfully written tale about mice and rats, it has wonderful observations about human nature. I found myself caring about the rats and their intricate way of living. I loved the 'pictures' painted in words in this fascinating novel. A good book for any teacher to read aloud, especially to students who enjoyed The Redwall series by Brian Jacques or Tale of Desperaux by Kate Dicamillo. If you would like to see a list of other books I have loved to read, check out my list of recommended books on my FOR READERS page. Happy reading.

November 10, 2008

2008-11-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

It's a glorious Fall day on Salt Spring Island. In between editing, writing and researching I try to go outside - to sweep, bring in firewood and fill birdhouses. Just in case you think that writing is hard work, I'd like to share a letter I just received from a student in Grade Two. After listening to my presentation on writing, editing, rewriting, submitting, rejection, acceptances, contracts, publishing etc, etc. this student writes:

Just so you know: being an author is a piece of cake compared to being a second grader! ☺
Have a good day,

Margriet

Ms. Bee's Magical Bookcase

2008-11-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

Students at Shannon Lake school in Westbank, BC made wonderful drawings based on my book Ms. Bee's Magical Bookcase. Ms. Bee is a special teacher/librarian who spends much time visiting with fairytale characters. I thought you might enjoy seeing one of the drawings:

Notice the fairy sitting on the bookcase and two of the three little pigs peeking over the top!

Big Compliment from a Little Reader

2008-11-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

I love reading letters that children write to me. I thought I'd share this one with you:

Can you decipher it?!
She liked the 'imagination' I put in my books! I love it.

School Visits in the Okanagan

2008-11-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

I just got back after a two week stint of visits to schools in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley. It was fun to see old friends as well as meet new teacher/librarians! I visited 13 schools, did about 30 presentations to over 3,000 students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade Seven. It was fun to share stories and information about books with all of them. A highlight was the Literacy Conference in Kelowna where I was able to speak to many teachers from places as far as Nunavut.
The only problem is that I talked so much that I lost my voice! I'm sure it will come back soon since I'm now home for a while... I look forward to getting settled into our new home (I'm finally putting all of my books onto the new bookshelves) and working on my writing!

Margriet

Fall - time to read!

2008-10-08T19:08:00.001-07:00

I just returned from a week of school visits in Ft St James, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake, B.C. I had forgotten how glorious fall colours can be. The entire area was lit up by the trembling yellow of aspen trees. Besides visiting 7 schools, I drove 800 KM! The children were lovely and excited about reading and books. Some of the teachers took me for a walk along Stuart Lake. I hadn't expected warm "summer" days in early October!
When I left I grabbed a book to read on the plane: I Heard The Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. It had been on my shelf for a while and I had no idea what a treasure it is.. It takes place in northern BC so it was very appropriate. The book deals with native people, changing societies and life in a small northern village. It was very well written - I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended, not just as YA but to anyone.

Children's Book Award Shortlisting!

2008-10-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

News Flash: Wake Up, Henry Rooster (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) has been shortlisted for the 2008 Willow Awards! These are the popular children's choice awards for books in Saskatchewan. You can read more about the awards here: http://www.willowawards.ca/nominated-books/2008
Henry's excited! He's staying up late to read all of the shortlisted books in bed... He might even get up early to see if he is a favourite :-)

International School Visits

2008-09-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm working with schools in Taiwan, China and elsewhere in Asia to realize author visits in the spring. Today I received a copy of NewsLinks, the newspaper of International School Services. The Fall issue features my article on author visits on the front page. You can copy this link and paste it in your browser's address bar to see the sample issue:

file:///private/var/tmp/folders.501/TemporaryItems/com.apple.mail.drag-T0x40af50.tmp.5MePjA/NL_Sample.pdf

Hello from Salt Spring Island

2008-09-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

I've been here for a few weeks now and still unpacking, reorganizing. This was move #24 and we're never moving again! ☺
Yesterday I joined the Salt Spring Public Library. It's housed in a lovely old house with additions, full of good books.
This weekend I'm flying to northern BC to visit schools in Ft St James and Burns Lake areas. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Award Nomination

2008-09-14T22:48:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled to tell you that MY LIBRARIAN IS A CAMEL has been nominated for Indiana's Young Hoosier Award 2008-2009! Keep your fingers crossed!
The photo is of me and my friend Dashdondog from Mongolia. His mobile library is one of those featured in the book.

Margriet

A New School Year!

2008-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to September - a new school year for most of us. I'm surrounded by boxes and boxes of books, unpacking in our wonderful new location on Salt Spring Island. It's been a hectic few weeks and my back is aching. But we're excited about our new surroundings.
I'm looking forward to speaking to students in Victoria schools and public libraries at the end of September.

Margriet

Hot Summer News!

2008-08-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would have a nice, quiet August. Maybe get some writing done... Get ready for school visits starting in September... But things did not turn out that way. My husband, always looking for new challenges and adventures, was offered a wonderful job. We are suddenly moving! I am packing, sorting, cleaning and more packing.

As of September 1 we will be living on Salt Spring Island, one of the San Juan/Gulf Islands. Eventually we plan on running a booklovers' Bed & Breakfast.
I'll keep you posted of new developments!

Book Talk

2008-07-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading my new favorite book: The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky, by Farah Ahmedi (Author), Tamim Ansary (Author).
I loved the book, couldn't put it down. The girl lived through amazing hardships and came out so strong. The book taught me much about Afghanistan and how the Taliban is even worse for the people of Afghanistan than for anyone else. I hope her book creates a deeper understanding of and appreciation for other beliefs and cultures. Farah Ahmedi is a remarkable young woman.

Letter from a school

2008-07-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

I received a wonderful letter and drawing from a child. Thought you might enjoy seeing it!

Summer Reading

2008-06-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

I love summer, especially when I have time to curl up with a good book. You can see what I have read and what I am currently reading here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1024100?shelf=read

It's a fun website where you can start your own list of books.

Happy reading!

Margriet

Shortlisting for Book Award!

2008-06-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Since the 'facelift' of my new website, we've been trying to add a blog.
Hopefully, this one is going to work and will allow me to add news and updates on a regular basis.

My big news for today is that My Librarian is a Camel (Boyds Mills Press) has been shortlisted for the 2008/9 Young Hoosier Book Award in Indiana! I'm excited about the fact that many readers will be reading the book.

Margriet

Margriet's Blog

Bookmatchmaker

Wisconsin State Reading Convention

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

The boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Wonder Struck

Facebook Updates

The importance of school libraries

International Literacy Day

Book News

A Good Read

Bookmatchmaker Blog offers service learning opportunities

School Visits

Book Reviews

A Mayan Library

W. Allan Hancock

Amazing Animals - an amazing book!

Bring the World to your Classroom

School Visits in Shanghai

Skype Author Visits

Eric Walters Creates Hope in Kenya

Japanese edition of My Librarian is a Camel!

My School Book: Highlighted at Smithonian Blog

Sharing Books in Mongolia

The power of reading

International Schools

Fan site!

Best Bets for 2009

Maupin House books

Using Picture Books with Older Students

Highlights

Listen to J.K. Rowling

Related Links

Reading Magic

I'm a proud grandmother now!

Meeting Greg Mortenson

Books for Uganda

Greg Mortenson Coming to Vancouver!

Global Bookmark Exchange

Time to Write

Librarians & Teachers Everywhere!

Write on Salt Spring

Teaching The Story - in North Carolina

Paper Tigers

My Books

10 Questions

10 Questions

10 Questions

You're Invited!

Kirkus Review for MY SCHOOL IN THE RAIN FOREST

Virtual Author Visits Available

Workshop offered on Salt Spring

Library Cuts

International School visit

A Great Summer Read!

NorthWords Writing Camp

Writers' Workshops

New Book!

Books, Beds and Bedtime Stories

Booklovers' B & B - Big News!!

Award from a reader!

And then it was May!

Spring is here - off to IRA

The Big Read

Earthday!

Happy Easter!

Lower Mainland Author Visit Available

Hello from The Philippines!

Emma in Taiwan

Hello from Myanmar

Butterfly Award

Moonbeam Children's Book Award

Reading is Contagious!

IRA Convention

Another Good Book to Read!

2009 Global Action Week on Literacy

Globe & Mail article on writing/publishing

Colorado State Reading Conference

Family Literacy

Nashville, Tennessee