Fantastic Reading at Indian Rocks Beach!

My husband and I just returned from a fabulous two weeks visiting our daughter and son-in-law in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. We went to the beach, the Chihuly Museum, the aquarium, a tree lighting, tons of garage sales, out on the boat, the villa, the bird sanctuary and many restaurants. We were also in a Christmas parade!! We threw beads and candy to the observers as well as dog bones to the dogs. So Cool!

I was also asked to read my books at the library. Although the children that attended were a little older than usual, we had a great time. They loved jumping on my consonant blends and throwing a bean bag in the basket.

The children were very interested in the recycling crafts and games. They even said, "Can we do more?"As you might imagine, I was thrilled!

I should be appearing in the Indian Rocks Beach newspaper.  Next time we visit I'll schedule the other libraries.

Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

My two books won the Literary Classics seal of approval!!

SH SH SH LET THE BABY SLEEP

TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY

Both of my new releases have won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval! Here are the press releases for both books.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Louise Bryant

Children's Literary Classics

literaryclassics@live.com

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, written by Kathy Stemke and illustrated by Jack Foster has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

 

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep is the story of a fantastic series of adventures as seen through the eyes of Zachary, a boy who is struggling to adjust to life with a new baby sister. Young Zachary becomes a "super hero" whenever he puts on his glasses. Donning his glasses as he does his best to help protect his baby sister from noises which might wake her, he encounters all sorts of noisy nuisances, including birds, trains and bears. This whimsical book creatively incorporates consonant blends in a story which will surely transport youngsters to new levels of imagination in their quest for adventure and learning.

Zachary's journey is only beginning at the conclusion of this story. Complete with teacher's supplements including rhymes, songs, worksheets and more, this book has much to offer young readers as well as educators.

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

This CLC Seal of Approval book, ISBN#9781616331577 , is available for purchase at the following locations Guardian Angel Publishing, Amazon, B & N, and others. You may contact the author directly for book-signing events at dancekam1@yahoo.com . 

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book, Trouble on Earth Day, written by Kathy Stemke, has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

Trouble on Earth Day is the story of Shelby Squirrel, a youngster who is thrilled to have won an Earth Day Poster contest. As Shelby's family of squirrels contemplate the meaning of her poster, namely to "re-think" how some items might be recycled, they start brainstorming ways to put their saved and cast-off items to good use.

When Shelby encounters a bird in short supply of materials with which to build her nest, she comes to the rescue with some of the items her family had recently decided to recycle. Shelby and her new friend pool their efforts and resources to create a beautiful new nest.

With interactive games and projects, including additional Earth Day history information at the back, this book is an excellent resource for educators on the topic of recycling.

Children’s Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in children’s literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations. To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com

This CLC Seal of Approval book, ISBN#978-1-936021-36-9, is available for purchase at the following locations Educationtipster, Amazon, B & N and others. You may contact the author directly for book-signing events at dancekam1@yahoo.com .

Kathy Stemke's websites:

Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

The Reviews for TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY are Rolling In!

In Kathy Stemke’s charming picture book, Trouble on Earth Day , little Shelby squirrel is excited to announce her first place ribbon in the Earth Day poster contest at school. Shelby’s explanation of the concepts on her poster to her parents gets everyone to think about how we can rethink, reuse, and recycle in our homes. Follow along as Shelby answers cries of despair from the forest with what she has learned at school and saves the day.

A perfect introduction to Earth Day concepts that will keep kids thinking all year long, Trouble On Earth Day features an engaging tale with colorful illustrations by Kurt Wilcken that children will love. The bonus in this edition is the section of teaching materials that allow children to extend and apply the concepts taught in the story. Perfect for a traditional classroom or a homeschooling environment, the book offers discussion ideas, songs, activities and crafts to create a multi-sensory learning experience.

I found the characters very relatable, and my children enjoyed the story and illustrations. The included activities are easily done at home with every day supplies. I think this story would have great appeal for early elementary grades as well as pre-school.

Reviewed by lara Kimbrell

Trouble On Earth Day by Kathy Stemke, Illustrated by Kurt Wilcken, Published by Wild Plains Press, Educator’s Edition ISBN 978-1-936021-36-9, Paperback SRP $15.00


Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

More reviews for TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY!

RECYCLE old crayons by making a multi-colored one like this!  It writes in many colors! Kids love it! this is just one of the craft projects found in Trouble on Earth Day.

In our ever changing world, we are urged to "go green" everywhere and every way we can. Trouble on Earth Day, written by Kathy Stemke and illustrated by Kurt Wilckin, teaches children what they can do to help the earth stay green. Stemke's cute and fun book isn't just for kids, it is full of activities and crafts for teachers or home school parents to use with their students. The book pulls the reader into one family's creative ways to Rethink, Reuse and Recycle.


Meet Shelby Squirrel, winner of the Earth Day Poster Competition. Shelby is so excited to win a 1st place ribbon in the contest, her enthusiasm bubbles over to her whole family.


Dad Squirrel finds old clothes to make a quilt. Mom Squirrel finds some nuts to make a wreath, even though Shelby thought they were useless. Then Shelby makes friends with a sad bluebird and uses her rethinking and reusing skills to build him. a nest after his home was reduced to a stump.



Stemke uses Rethink instead of Reduce on Shelby's poster. I love the new spin it gives on ways to make our earth a better place. Sometimes you can't reduce, you have to rethink and come up with a new solution to an old problem.


I did expect Shelby to get into some sort of trouble in Trouble on Earth Day, instead she helped Charlie bluebird in his troubles.


The Educator's Edition includes songs, activities, recycled crafts, worksheets, word activities and comprehension questions that helps children learn more about Earth Day. Stemke makes learning fun and gets kids empowered to change the way their family recycles. Her Fuzzy Squirrel Song left me singing the I'm a Little Teapot tune all day!

Wilckin's illustrations add great details to the book. Dad Squirrel isn't reading just any newspaper, he is reading the "Daily Nut." On Shelby's poster, Rethink is shown with a florescent light bulb. Charlie, the little blue bird, wears and baseball cap and plays guitar. Those fun little touches make the characters come alive.

Trouble on Earth Day gets the whole family going green! I would highly recommend it for young readers ages 4 to 8.

Review by Pam Maynard


*Picture book, fantasy but gives a true message about Earth Day and recycling
*Young Shelby Squirrel as main character
*Rating: Trouble On Earth Day is a sweet story for young children to introduce them to Earth Day and/or recycling. The best and absolute most valuable part of this book is the resource section for teachers (and parents) in the back of the book. There are activities, games, questions, and more!

Short, short summary:

Shelby Squirrel won a poster contest at her school, and she explains to her parents what RETHINK, REUSE, and RECYCLE means. As they are trying to figure out different ways they can re-use materials around their house, Shelby hears a cry for help from the outside. She runs to find a bird who has no material for a nest–Shelby and her recycling ways to the rescue!


So, what do I do with this book?
Well, I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel, so I’m not going to put a bunch of activities here. But here’s a preview of what you will find in the back of the book:

• Discussion questions on the importance of trees, birds, and recycling
• Going Green game
• Craft ideas made from recycled products like toilet paper rolls and ice cream cartons
• A to Z Let’s Go Green list
• Search-a-word
• Songs!

Reviewed by Margo Dill

Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

FIRST REVIEWS ARE IN FOR "TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY"

This is a fun story told from a squirrel's point of view on ways to celebrate Earth Day. It is chock full of recycling crafts to empower children to make a difference in their world. I liked the nylon sachets and the CD picture frames!

Patricia Karwatowicz
Children's author

There are zillions of books for kids about holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but not nearly as many about Earth Day. Trouble on Earth Day by Kathy Stemke not only fills that void, it's also a delightful picture book that will encourage children to appreciate and care for our environment all year long.

The pictures and plot are cute and young kids will enjoy hearing the book read aloud to them. Older children can read it themselves and participate in the many educational activities suggested. This would be a great book to add to school libraries as well as for families.

Reviewed by Janet Collins
Children's author

Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

Recycling and Water Conservation!

Song from my new book:TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY

Shelby Recycles

(tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Shelby squirrel saved and saved,

Saved and saved, saved and saved,

Shelby squirrel saved and saved,

She used her things again.

She helped a songbird build his nest,

Build his nest, build his nest,

She helped a songbird build his nest,

With stuff around her house.

If we all just recycle,

Recycle, recycle,

If we all just recycle,

We’ll help our Earth to last.

Water Conservation Awareness Activities

Objective: The students will recognize that there is a lot of water in the world, but that not very much of it can be used for our drinking water and other water supply needs.

Get a globe.

Paint 97 pieces of uncooked ziti blue, paint 1 piece red, and paint 2 pieces green.

1. Ask the students if they think there is more water or land on the globe. They will answer water. Explain that although it looks like a lot of water, not all of it can be used.

Most fresh water is frozen in polar ice caps, icebergs, and glaciers. In addition, salt water is too salty to use for most purposes, and the salt is very costly to remove.

2. We will spread the colored ziti out on a table. We will explain that there are 100 ziti pieces, which can be thought of as 100 drops of water.

3. We will explain that the 97 blue drops of water represent the salt water we find in oceans and seas that we cannot drink.

4. The two green drops of water represent the water that is stored as ice in glaciers and at the poles that we cannot use.

5. The lonely red drop of water represents the fresh water that is available for plants, animals, and people.

6. We will ask the students if they think there is a lot of water available for use, reminding them that the one red drop of water represents the amount of fresh water on

Earth.

Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

TACONI AND CLAUDE- DOUBLE TROUBLE

      Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble – mid-grade novel

Author's Name: Margot Finke –
http://www.margotfinke.com

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/double-trouble.htm

KINDLE or Soft cover:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/4o2bmyk

Powell’s Books:
http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=1616331305

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-130-6; 1616331305
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-131-3; 1616331313

A coming of age story set in the Aussie outback on 1950.
Taconi, an aboriginal boy, has a problem Dad, fears his
upcoming man ceremony, and a chatty cockatoo named
Claude. Dreamtime Spirits have plans for him, and so does
the cattle station owner. Decisions, fears, and the hunt for
wild meat soon become scary and dangerous.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile
    Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

Sh Sh Sh Let the baby Sleep: Famous Brother/Sister Pairs!

In Kathy Stemke’s new picture book, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, we find big brother Zachary a little jealous of his new baby sister.  Layla’s needs come first now. When given the job of keeping her asleep, he encounters all kinds of trouble. Zachary has a secret weapon! When he wears his thick black glasses, he has super powers! He rescues her from birds, bears, and all kinds of dangers. In the end, he makes a heartwarming discovery.  This action packed book with clever rhymes focuses on teaching consonant blends. The teacher supplement includes comprehension questions, songs, worksheets and activities.

The illustrator, Jack Foster, does a fantastic job depicting the action and humor of this heartwarming story. 

Zachary and Layla are sure to go down in history as a famous pair of siblings.  That got me thinking of other famous sibling pairs…….

Here are some that I’ve already got floating around my head:

·         Hansel and Gretel team up to find a witch.

·         Raggedy Ann and Andy dress in primary colors.

·         Marsha and Greg Brady from the Brady Bunch put their heads together to solve family problems.

·         The Bobbsey Twins solve mysteries together.

·         Donny and Marie Osmond sing great duets.

·         Jack and Jill fetch water and fall together.

·         Michael and Janet Jackson sing and dance together and apart.

·         Dick and Jane see Spot together.

·         Apollo and Artemis rule in Greek mythology together.

·         And finally, Zachary and Layla learn what????

Can you suggest famous literary/historical/mythological/cinematic brother/sister pairs? 

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
 Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile
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Reading Expert, Stephanie Brandt, reads my book to her son!

<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JylE1LZGEhs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile
Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285

Prepare Your Older Children for a New Baby!

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep is an ideal baby shower gift to help children adjust to a new baby in the home. This action packed picture book with fantastic illustrations will hold the attention of the youngest child while challanging the older sibling. The teacher supplement in the back includes, poems, songs, comprehension questions, activities and worksheets.

Having a baby is life-altering for you and everyone around you including your other children.  The key to a smooth transition is to have a plan for both preparing and training older siblings. Brainstorm before the child is born to come up with ways of coping with the situations that are bound to arise once the baby has arrived.

Prepare your child:

·         Tap into your child's natural curiosity about babies. Look at picture books together and talk about what's going on inside your body right now and what the baby will be like after birth.

·         If they are old enough to understand, tell them the baby is coming near a certain holiday.

·         Take your children with you to some prenatal meetings. Give them jobs to do like squirting the jelly on your belly. 

·         Let them decorate a one piece with fabric paint for the new baby.

·         Have them pick out some things for the baby's room.

·         Ask a friend or relative to give your child some extra time and attention after the baby arrives. This will help him know that he's still special.

Hover: Whenever the children are together, “hover” close by. If you see your child about to get rough, pick up the baby and distract the older sibling with a song, a toy, an activity or a snack. This action protects the baby while helping you avoid a constant string of “Nos,” which may actually encourage the aggressive behavior.

Teach soft touches: Teach the older sibling how to give the baby a back rub. Tell how this kind of touching calms the baby, and praise the older child for a job well done. This lesson teaches the child how to be physical with the baby in a positive way.

Act quickly: Every time you see your child hit, or act roughly with the baby, act quickly. You might firmly announce, “No hitting, time out.” Place the child in a time-out chair with the statement, “You can get up when you can use your hands in the right way.” Allow him to get right up if he wants – as long as he is careful and gentle with the baby. This isn’t punishment, after all. It’s just helping him learn that rough actions aren’t going to be permitted.

Demonstrate: Children learn what they live. Your older child will be watching as you handle the baby and learning from your actions. You are your child’s most important teacher. You are demonstrating in everything you do, and your child will learn most from watching you.

Praise: Whenever you see the older child touching the baby gently, make a positive comment. Make a big fuss about the important “older brother.” Hug and kiss your older child and tell him how proud you are.

Don't panic if your older one doesn't take to the newborn at first sight. Sibling love sometimes takes a while to blossom.  The keys to a smooth transition are to anticipate and empathize. "Everything will go much more smoothly if you can put yourself in another person's shoes.”

Kathy Stemke's websites: Helium Education Articles: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html Education Articles: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
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Have Fun with Consonant Blends!

Reluctant readers will love this activity to be done with Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep!

• Laminate and tape several consonant blends to the floor. The ones featured in the book are Sh, Br, Th, Ch, Gr.
• Create aword basket at the end that uses the same blend.
• Start each child with a beanbag or  pair of rolled up socks.
• With feet together, they jump on each blend and say the sound as they land.
• Then they throw the beanbag into the basket and read the word.
• They retrieve the beanbag, give it to the next child in line and sit at the end of the line.
• When all the groups are finished, they rotate to the next blend.

Variations:

• Leave the word off the basket and ask the children to come up with their own word. ex. ship, shot, shy, shape, shut, etc.
• This activity works great with vowel sounds too!
•  

I NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE!

In order for a new author to succeed, her book must be seen by many people.

If possible, please send out the following announcement to your list of email addresses, groups or newsletters. Please email me with the number of people on your list for my records. dancekam1@yahoo.com This will help me get the word out and sign future contracts with publishers. Thank you in advance for your help.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Author/educator Kathy Stemke, has released her book, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep. This action-packed book tackles the age-old problem of sibling rivalry while concentrating on consonant blends. When Zachary puts on his glasses, he becomes a superhero, enabling him to protect his new baby sister from noisy trains, birds and bears. The teacher supplement includes comprehension questions, songs, worksheets and activities.

Please help Kathy get her rating up by buying this book for $9.95 on SEPTEMBER 1^st from barnesandnoble.com.

Barnes and Noble URL: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sh-sh-sh-let-the-baby-sleep/sh-sh-sh-let-the-baby-sleep?store=book&amp;keyword=sh+sh+sh+let+the+baby+sleep

THANK YOU!

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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Welcome to my new blog!

With the release of my new book, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, I'm starting this blog which will feature the book and all the news about it.

Here are some pictures from recent library reads I did in Georgia.