2011 Winter SAMPLER

The Sampler CHILDREN’S LITERATURE COUNCIL OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Official Publication of the Council

Winter/Spring 2011

Read the Movie? Using Movies Based On Books to Promote Literacy

Spring Workshop - Saturday,May 7, 2011 In our wonderful city, where

we’re surrounded with movies and many well-stocked libraries with fabulous titles, we find both books and movies are an important part of our lives. We use them in our programs and classes as well as in our own leisure time. Connecting the two formats in a way that encourages creativity and literacy requires clever handling of both. Most of us are always looking for tips on combining books and movies to encourage the greatest learning and reading/viewing enjoyment. To help us explore these connections between books and movies, prolific California author, former teacher and parent of two high school sons, Wendelin Van Draanen will speak about her experience of having her book Flipped made into a movie. Also on stage will be veteran screenwriter, actor, and director Carl Gottlieb. He will discuss his work of transforming the book Jaws into a movie as well

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as speak about other major screenwriting projects. Moderating this discussion is Mary Menzel, the Director of the California Center for the Book, which is affiliated with the Library of Congress and is also an agency of the California State Library. Later that morning, several public and school librarians will be present programs and lessons that have been successfully designed to engage readers of all ages and varying reading abilities with the ultimate goal to improve literacy. Mary Menzel will describe one of the Book Clubs in a Box programs, “Book Into Film: Novels and Short Stories Adapted for the Screen.” Other book club ideas, including a Mock Academy Awards for best-book-to movie adaptations will be presented. Also being demonstrated that morning will be the steps used to guide students to help create book

Save the Date 50th Fall Gala Saturday, November 5 Featuring Keynote Speaker

Mem Fox

THE SAMPLER Winter /Spring 2011

Read the Movie? Spring Workshop (cont) trailers based on their favorite books. Students are encouraged to capture the essence of the book, while making their finished product visually attractive. A high school librarian will describe the process she uses with reluctant readers as they create book trailers. Another of the school projects featured will be book trailers for classic books created by sixth grade students using Microsoft® Movie Maker. Samples of those book trailers will be

shown, and a copy of the standards, assignment sheet and a rubric will be shared. Work will be on display in the hall for all to view! The presenters will be available for further questions following the program. Ms. Van Draanen will be signing copies of Flipped along with her most recent book, The Running Dream.

Join us for the Spring Workshop in the lovely Mark Taper Auditorium at the Los Angeles Central Public Library on the first floor. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and breakfast snacks being served on the adjoining courtyard, followed by the program at 9 a.m.

Children’s Literature Council of Southern California 2011 Spring Workshop ___________________________________________________________________

Read the Movie? Using Movies to Promote Literacy Featuring:

Wendelin Van Draanen, Author Carl Gottlieb, Screenwriter Moderated by Mary Menzel Director of California Center for the Book Saturday May 7, 2011 9 am to Noon Registration begins at 8:30 am Los Angeles Public Library Mark Taper Auditorium 630 W 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 ** Parking available at Westlawn Garage 524 South Flower St for $8 Enter on Flower St **

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to CLCSC Spring Workshop Registration c/o Maxine Lucas CLCSC P.O. Box 573462 Tarzana, CA 91357 Make checks payable to: Children’s Literature Council

THE SAMPLER Winter /Spring 2011 Lives of the Presidents. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Barack Obama. Lives of the Presidents. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

President’s Message by Shana Johnson This message is very significant for me for two different reasons. First, this serves as my first official “Hello!” as the new president of the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California. It is very exciting to have been handed over the reins during a fantastic and pivotal moment in CLCSC’s illustrious history… which brings me to the second reason why this message holds significance. Fifty years ago on March 7 Children’s Literature professor Dorothy C. McKenzie and a group of like-minded individuals interested in promoting and developing standards of excellence in literature for children and young people met to form The Southern California Council on Children’s Literature. After a couple of name changes (which were fondly noted by illustrator Marla Frazee at the 2010 Fall Gala!), the organization that we know and love today goes by Children’s Literature Council of Southern California. Our

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name may be different, but the goals of the organization established half a century ago remain the same: • •

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To advance the goals of children’s and young adult literature To create in the southern California community at large a deeper sense of the importance of children’s and young adult literature To cultivate a spirit of cooperation among all persons sharing interests in children’s and young adult literature.

In order to keep you, our members, abreast of how the Children’s Literature Council is continuing to fulfill our goals during this era of virtual social networking, your CLCSC Board has taken measures to expand the organization’s presence online via Twitter and Facebook. If you


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President’s message (cont) haven’t done so already, please “follow” or “like” us! We’ve also adopted more sustainable practices such as providing our membership directory in an eformat, as well as switching to an online-only publication of our newsletter, The Sampler. We’ve got two wonderful events planned this year. On Saturday, May 7, 2011, please join us at the Los Angeles Public Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium for our Spring Workshop “Read the Movie? Using Movies to Promote Literacy” featuring Flipped author Wendelin Van Draanen and Jaws screenwriter Carl Gottlieb. And don’t forget to mark/circle/etch in your mind the date of Saturday, November 5, 2011 when we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Fall Gala featuring renown

Alvida. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

children’s author and keynote speaker Mem Fox. As always, your continued support of CLCSC through membership dues and attendance at our events helps to keep this organization alive and well, and is very much appreciated. Everything we do, we do for the benefit of our members, and we hope you find our efforts worthwhile. This promises to be a fantastic year (I’m excited just thinking about it!). I hope to see many of your faces at our events this year, where I’ll be able to say “Hello!” to you in person. HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY, CHILDREN’S LITERATURE COUNCIL OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!

Francis Drake. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt


Lives of the Artists. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Meet the Illustrator Kathryn Hewitt I grew up in Santa Monica. The best gift my parents gave me when I was young was the freedom to be creative—and not worry too much about the mess or bother. They were quite creative themselves. My father was an electronics teacher and he was always inventing and building things—such as a device that allowed deaf people to use the phone. My mother was always sewing, cooking and singing. Although they weren’t big readers themselves, they understood I loved to read and indulged me. My mother would take my brother and me to the library where we were allowed to check out ten books each. And my father would bring home discarded books from the school district office. I have always loved drawing, but didn’t seriously consider art as a profession until I was in high school. I studied art a bit in college, but then

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spent about fifteen years of trial and error before I was able to make my living as an artist. I didn’t really appreciate the art in children’s books until about 25 years ago when I accidentally passed through the children’s section in a bookstore and saw one brilliant book after another. I decided to learn as much as I could about children’s literature and after a few years I was finally able to create my own book—Two By Two, the untold story of Noah’s Ark. And this April I begin working on my 25th book: Lives of the Scientists, written by Kathleen Krull. Kathleen and I have worked on six previous books in the Lives of…series. Her writing is so witty and insightful, and is filled with so many fun facts for readers to discover. It is fortunate that the Lives of…series keeps growing, as my favorite subject matter is portraiture. Painting portraits,


Kathryn Hewitt (cont) for me, is the most challenging and exciting subject matter. My favorite painters are figurative: Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Hans Holbein, and Ingres. And I learned to appreciate caricature while living in London working at an antique print shop where I became familiar with artists like William Hogarth, and the illustrators in Vanity Fair. I especially like painting caricatures as you can reveal the person’s personality through facial expression, gesture and a bit of humor, too. And children seem to enjoy the irreverence. Besides, it is always so much fun researching fascinating people I might have overlooked. Choosing who makes the cut in the books can be tricky— balancing so many variables like time periods, nationality, not to mention there are always far too many good choices. Kathleen and I, and our editor Jeannette Larson, always consult experts to make certain we have a strong list. And we always narrow the field by focusing on people with

remarkable accomplishments and lives. Children often ask what my life is like, and I have to admit that other than having the good fortune of making children’s books for a living, it is pretty tame indeed.

Madame Cheng.. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Angria. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lady Kiligrew. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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World Map. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

From all across Southern California Meet the Board OFFICERS PRESIDENT Shana Johnson, Public Librarian Shana is a Youth Services Librarian at the Santa Monica Public Library. She has served as the Awards Committee Chair and as 2nd VicePresident of the Council. PAST PRESIDENT Laurie Reese, Public Librarian Laurie is Hollywood Area Children's Librarian III for the City of Los Angeles Public Library. She has also served as 1st Vice-President. FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Fall Gala and Awards Program, Chair Susan Dubin, School Librarian Susan, an educator for more than 30 years, works with institutions who want to provide library experiences for their students but who do not have a full-time librarian through her library consulting business, Off-the-Shelf. In 1998, Susan was the first librarian honored with a Milken Family Foundation Jewish Educator Award.

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SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT The Sampler, editor Judith Kantor, School Librarian Judith is the librarian at UCLA Lab School Gonda Family Library. She is currently a member of the Judy Lopez Award Committee. THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT Spring Workshop, Chair Caroline Gill, School Librarian Caroline is a National Board Certified Teacher Librarian at Palms Middle School in Los Angeles.. SECRETARY Roger Kelly, Public Librarian Roger is the Youth Services Coordinator for the Santa Monica Public Library. He has also served as President of the Council. TREASURER Maxine Lucas, School Librarian Maxine is a school librarian and Library and Technology classroom teacher at HarvardWestlake Middle School in Los Angeles. She is the webmaster for the Catholic Library Association and current president of the Catholic Library Association Southern California Chapter.


BOARD Marjorie Arnett, Educator Marjorie retired in 2009 after 42 years as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and administrator in public and private schools. She was western regional coordinator for IRA Teacher Book Choice Award. She is a member of the Smiley Public Library Family Day Planning Committee, hosts and facilitates a children’s literature book discussion group started by Charlotte Huck in 1988, and is Coordinator of Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival held annually at the University of Redlands since 1987. Marjorie is a member of the CLC Awards Committee and the Fall Gala Planning Committee. Alyson Beecher, Principal Alyson is a principal at San Rafael Elementary School in Pasadena. She is currently on the CLC Awards Committee. Her office is the unofficial library of the school and her favorite words to hear from a child are “What new books do you have for me?” Judy Cohn, Teacher Librarian Retired Retired elementary and secondary teacher and librarian in Omaha, Denver, and Los Angeles Public Schools, Judy is currently a substitute Librarian for the Los Angeles Public Library, and on the part-time faculty for California State University, Long Beach. Since retiring four years ago, she has become active in many different organizations including the Association of Jewish Libraries and the Children’s Literature Council. Her motto is: If you want a child to read, read to the child. Cindy Corderman, Public Librarian Cindy is a Regional Services Manager for Orange County Public Libraries. She is a strong advocate for children and libraries. She has served on the Awards Committee and as 1st Vice President. Jennifer Driscoll, Public Librarian Jennifer is a children’s librarian at the Pasadena Public Library. She has

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served on the Children’s Literature Council Awards Committee and is an active participant in the CLCSC Pasadena area Book Club. She currently serves as chairperson of the Council’s Publicity and Social Networking Committee. Joanna Fabicon, Public Librarian Joanna is a librarian in the Children's Literature Department at the Central Library of LAPL She has previously served on CLCSC's Awards Committee. She is currently the Membership chair. Kristine O'Connell George, Author and Poet Kristine is an award-winning poet who is passionate about all genres of children's literature. Even books with sentences! Her most recent title is: Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems (Clarion, 2011). Kristine considers it an honor to be a member of the CLCSC Board and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with professionals who are equally passionate about children’s literature. www.kristinegeorge.com Pamela Greene, School Librarian Formerly a public children's librarian for over 20 years at the Beverly Hills Public Library, Pamela is currently the Librarian and Technology Teacher at The Hollywood Schoolhouse. She is also a Web Designer and is currently the Webmaster for the CLCSC Website and the California Young Reader Medal Website. Betsy Kahn, School Librarian Betsy is the librarian at South Pasadena Middle School and currently serves as the editor of Wet Print. Barbara Metzenbaum, Public Librarian Barbara is the Children's Librarian at the Studio City Branch Library of LAPL, Barbara spent almost 15 years as the school library aide at Topanga Elementary School and had many other previous incarnations. In the past she served on the FOCAL (Friends of


Children and Literature) Award Committee for the Children's Literature Department of LAPL and the Pen/West Award Committee for Juvenile Literature. She was FOCAL’s board president and is currently the webmaster for FOCAL. She is also the Chair of CLCSC’s Award Committee. Lynne Mook, Book Distributor Lynne has served on the CLC Board since 1987. She is newly retired and looking forward to not meeting a daily deadline. she has served in many capacities on the Board over the years and feels that it has been wonderful to see the growth CLC has made during this period! Helen Overstreet, School Librarian Helen is the librarian at Frostig School and currently serves on the board of directors of the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library. Ann Stampler, Author Ann is an award winning author and recently became a member of the Council Board. Jody Stefansson, School Librarian Jody is the upper school librarian and learning specialist at Polytechnic School in Pasadena. She has served as Membership Chair for many years.

Long John Silver. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The New Wet Print: Find it Online by Betsy Kahn

CLCSC is excited and proud to showcase the newly published works of southern California authors and illustrators as we have always done in our Wet Print column. Now that The Sampler has moved to a digital format, we can bring you a Wet Print publication list that offers you even more. Every issue of The Sampler will include a link to our current Wet Print list on Goodreads. Not only can you access a constantly updated list, but you can read title descriptions, find out more about authors, browse reader reviews, choose titles for your own “to read” list, and even buy books online if you wish! If you are a southern California author or illustrator, email us at [email protected] and we will add your new publications to our Goodreads Wet Print bookshelf !

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Bulletin Board Happenings and news of our members

Sunday, April 3, 2011 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Kathleen Krull 2011 Nonfiction Award Winner The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, D.C. honored Kathleen Krull with its 34th Nonfiction Award. The Guild’s Nonfiction Award is presented annually to “an author or illustrator whose total body of work has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children.”

Judith Josephson Winner of 2010 San Diego Book Awards Judith Josephson’s biography, Nelson Mandela (Lerner) won in the nonfiction Children and Young Adult category of the San Diego Book Awards.

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Bulletin Board (cont) Marjorie Arnett: A Woman of Distinction The University of Redlands Town and Gown honors women for their accomplishments, contributions, and dedication to their Inland Empire communities. Marjorie was recognized for her ongoing commitment to education and children’s literature.

Book Announcement Roberta Lloyd, CLCSC member, is proud to announce the publication of Hospital Critterz: The Prairie Pet (Strategic Media Group) by her daughter, Stacey Laura Lloyd.

Kristine O’Connell George Invites You To Celebrate Sisters on Emma Dilemma’s Facebook Page

Like Us on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter This year, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern Califiornia celebrates its 50th anniversary. Learn more about us from our facebook and twitter pages. We also want to know more about you. Are you a member of CLCSC with something to celebrate? If so, send us a message on facebook, tweet us, or drop us an email so we can also recognize your wonderful accomplishments. Dorothy C. McKenzie, Founder of the Concil

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Meet New Members Annette V. Goldsmith, Los Angeles, Academic Jeanette Johnson, Arcadia, School Librarian Kate D. Aaronson, Sherman Oaks, Paraprofessional Jeffrey I. Weinstein, Bell Gardens, Self Employed Carolyn Reed, Lakewood, Public Librarian Andrew Smith, Lake Elizabeth, Author Alan Wight, Los Angeles, Self Employed Lise Deary, Culver City, Student Beth Gallego, Burbank, Public Librarian Alison Noll, Tustin, Administrator, Pennington Dance Group

Membership Information Membership is based on the calendar year. All dues are tax-deductible. Current members may use the renewal form sent to them in the fall of each year. New memberships or questions about existing membership status should be directed to: The Children’s Literature Council of Southern California c/o Joanna Fabicon at [email protected] Click here to become a member or renew your current membership. Print the page, complete, and with your check made payable to CHILDREN’S LITERATURE COUNCIL mail to: Membership Chair The Children’s Literature Council of Southern California P.O. Box 573462 Tarzana, CA 91357

Ships. Lives of the Pirates. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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