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.
Japanese edition of My Librarian is a Camel!
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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."
"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
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
http://maupinhouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/turning-your-classroom-into-global.html
Using Picture Books with Older Students
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!
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
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.
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