Thursday, May 30, 2024

Reading Rocks in Rockford Take 2

Reading Rocks in Rockford

 This Saturday I will be attending Reading Rocks in Rockford and I cannot wait!

Last year Reading Rocks was my first ever author event and I had such a positive experience that it makes me  excited to attend again.  

A lot of planning goes into running an event like this; not only is there an author row, but there are also presentations with kids from numerous schools, a book sale, crafts and activities, plus all of the set up and take down.  The task sounds daunting, but from my perspective the Krause Memorial Library has an amazing staff that have planned and implemented this program for years and they have it down to a science!

Because of all of their hard work and attention to detail, the library staff make this an event enjoyable for everyone.  If you are in the area, I encourage you to stop by.  I would love to say hi!

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

How to Get Book Reviews for Your Self-Published Children's Book

 

Since day 1, I have struggled with obtaining book reviews.  I've offered free copies in exchange for reviews - nothing.  I've asked friends - nothing.  I have heaps of librarian friends - nothing.  I think they may be afraid to offend me LOL  Really, I just want some honest feedback from people other than my family!   What I have ultimately found is that I have to be patient and they will come organically.

If you can't wait (yes, I know it is hard) then here are some ideas to get those needed reviews. 

Reach Out to Book Bloggers and Review Sites

  • Identify Relevant Bloggers: Look for bloggers who specialize in children's books. Use directories like Book Blogger List or search for book review blogs.
  • Personalize Your Requests: Craft personalized emails to each blogger. Mention why you think they would enjoy your book and offer a free copy for review.
  • Follow Their Guidelines: Many bloggers have specific submission guidelines. Make sure to follow these to increase your chances of getting a review.

Leverage Social Media

  • Engage with Book Communities: Join Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and Instagram communities focused on children's books.
  • Offer Review Copies: Post about your book and offer free review copies to interested followers.
  • Run Giveaways: Organize giveaways where participants can win a copy of your book in exchange for a review.

Use Book Review Services

  • NetGalley: This platform connects authors with professional reviewers, librarians, and educators. It's a paid service but can be highly effective.
  • BookSirens: Another service that helps indie authors get reviews from its network of readers.

Contact Schools and Libraries

  • Donate Copies: Donate a few copies of your book to local schools and libraries. Ask if they would be willing to provide a review in exchange.
  • Attend Read-Aloud Sessions: Offer to do read-aloud sessions at schools and libraries and request reviews from the educators and librarians.

Utilize Amazon and Goodreads

  • Encourage Readers to Leave Reviews: At the end of your book, include a polite request for readers to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
  • Giveaways on Goodreads: Run a Goodreads giveaway to generate interest and reviews. Goodreads is a great place to find readers but a lot of the marketing type services requirement payment.

Engage with Book Clubs and Parent Groups

  • Join Parent Groups: Engage with parent groups and book clubs that focus on children's literature.
  • Offer Discussion Guides: Provide discussion guides and offer free copies for review.

Professional Review Organizations

  • Kirkus Reviews: While a paid service, a review from Kirkus can be very influential.
  • Publishers Weekly: Submit your book for review consideration.
  • School Library Journal: Submit your book for review consideration. They have paid and free options for self-published titles.

Request Reviews from Your Network

  • Friends and Family: Ask friends and family to read your book and leave honest reviews.
  • Author Networks: Connect with other authors and offer to exchange reviews.

Book Fairs and Literary Events

  • Attend Events: Participate in book fairs and literary events to showcase your book and ask attendees for reviews.
  • Network with Educators: Build relationships with educators who can recommend your book and provide reviews.

Remember to always be polite and respectful when requesting or inquiring about reviews.  Offer physical and digital copies of your book and remember to thank them in advance for their time and consideration.  It takes time to read the material and craft a thoughtful, engaging review.


Monday, May 27, 2024

Sloth is now on Redbubble

 

To go along with S-L-O-T-H a Bingo Book I have created a piece of digital art available in Redbubble.

In Redbubble you can have the images put on many different items such as shirts, sweatshirts, phone cases, stickers, magnets, laptop sleeves, etc.

I have not yet received my first shirt so I cannot speak about the quality, but Redbubble does have many positive reviews.

Check out the Sloth as well as my many other designs!


Sunday, May 26, 2024

Creating Children's Books with Canva

 

Canva screen
This is a image from my Canva.  As you can see, I create not only my books (the cover and contents of Captain Seadog Had a Ship and S-H-A-R-K can be seen at the bottom) but also my banners, price guides, bookmarks, buttons, and even videos!  And I know I've only hit the tip of the great Canva iceberg!  The possibilities are limitless.  Unleash your creativity with Canva.

Creating Children's Books with Canva: A Fun and Easy Guide

We all have stories to tell, but how do you get started? Creating a children's book can seem like a daunting task, but with Canva, it's a delightful and straightforward process. Whether you're an aspiring author or a parent looking to craft a personalized story for your child, Canva offers a range of tools and templates to help bring your vision to life.

Getting Started with Canva

First things first, you'll need to sign up for a free Canva account if you don't already have one. Or if you choose, sign up for a Pro account which gives you access to time saving premium options. (I pay monthly and think of it as a wise investment). Once you're in, explore the vast library of templates. Canva offers specific templates for children's books, which can be a great starting point. These templates provide a basic structure that you can customize to fit your story. Do not be afraid to experiment!

Designing Your Book

Now comes the fun part—designing your book! Start by choosing a template that matches the feel of your story. Canva's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add elements like text boxes, images, and shapes. You can upload your own illustrations or choose from Canva's extensive library of graphics and photos.

When designing each page, make sure to leave plenty of white space and use large, readable fonts. Bright, vibrant colors and cute illustrations will capture the attention of young readers. Don't forget to include a catchy title and a fun cover image to draw readers in!

Adding Illustrations

Illustrations are a crucial part of any children's book. If you're not an artist, don't worry—Canva has you covered. You can find a wide range of illustrations in Canva's library, from whimsical animals to fantastical landscapes. Mix and match these elements to create unique and engaging visuals for your story. You can also use Canva’s drawing tools to add your personal touch to the illustrations.

Finalizing Your Book

Once you're happy with the layout and design of your book, go through it a few times to check for any errors or inconsistencies. Read it aloud to see how it flows and make sure the text and images work well together. Canva also allows you to collaborate with others, so consider getting feedback from friends or family.

Publishing and Sharing

When your book is ready, you can download it as a PDF, which is perfect for printing or sharing digitally. If you want to share it online, Canva makes it easy to publish your book as a shareable link. You can also look into self-publishing options if you want to make physical copies of your book available to a wider audience.

Take a look at Canva's Licensing Agreement. Canva details what use is permitted with a free or Pro account.

Creating a children's book with Canva is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. Seeing your story and illustrations come together in a beautiful book is a fantastic feeling. So, grab your laptop, unleash your creativity, and start crafting stories that will captivate and delight young readers everywhere! You might just find that after time, you are enjoying it so much that you start branching out to t-shirts, mugs and stickers!


Saturday, May 25, 2024

Hot Diggity Dog

 

Creating images for Redbubble merchandise based on my book Five Little Hot Dogs has been a blast! The book's popularity has soared thanks to those fun-loving hot dogs, and it's been so rewarding to bring them to life in a new way. Whether it's designing quirky shirt prints, adorable pillow covers, or cute phone cases, each piece captures the playful spirit of the characters. It's amazing to see fans enjoying these hot dogs not just in the book but also in their everyday items, spreading the joy and whimsy even further!

Visit my store today! im-a-librarian.redbubble.com

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

You never know when a conversation will blossom

Monday after storytime the adults usually talk while the kids play.  I was picking things up a bit and when to grab a familiar book off the floor when an adult said "oh I'm sorry, I'll grab our books".  That started our conversation.  I mentioned with a smile how it was a good book they had picked out when the adult jumped in and went on and on how the child loved it and how she loves the tune and any books written to to that familiar tune and I thinking "she has no idea I am the author".

I absolutely loved receiving unsolicited feedback.  It was both helpful and heart-warming.  As our conversation was ending I said with a laugh "you know this name here, that's my name - I'm the author,  Thank you so much for your feedback on my books" and her eyes got so big!  And another conversation started!  
 

Monday, May 20, 2024

Library event weekend

 

This weekend had me hopping and it was a blast!  Saturday I was at the Northville Public Library Local Author Fair.  It was held in their community center and we had a decent crowd.  The staff was wonderful and helpful and it was a pleasure to meet the other authors and have the opportunity to talk with community members about my books and the importance of early literacy development.

On Sunday I headed out to Brighton Public Library for their Local Author Showcase.  There were fewer authors but we were right in the library, and what a beautiful library it is with a wonderful children's garden.   There was an author from Saturday there and we were near each other so we had a good chat.  It is so helpful to meet and talk with other authors and learn from each other's experiences, especially when self-publishing.   The organizer is an author as well and was a pleasure to chat with!  

All in all it was a fabulous weekend and I hope I get to visit both libraries again soon.   

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Boredom Buster

 Want something fun to do? Go to this website and animate your child's drawing for free. Boredom buster! And you get to play with your kids - bonus! https://sketch.metademolab.com/



Sunday, May 12, 2024

My store is now open!

 

My Redbubble store is now open!  

Im-A-Librarian

*each design is available in many formats such as stickers, shirts, phone cases, buttons, notebooks, pillows, etc. 

The store features my designs and even one from my daughter (more to come!) that are whimsical, motivational, reading and/or library based or just plain fun.

I added a couple of designs today that are even based on my books!  Yay books!

I hope you enjoy them.  If there is anything in particular you would like to see, please let me know.  


Saturday, May 11, 2024

Had a visit from mom the other day

 This has taken me a couple of days to write.   I was doing school visits this week.  Visited 6 preschool classes, some of them ECSE,  to read a story and tell them about summer reading.  Everything was going well.  The fourth class in I had just finished the story when a boy sitting in front of me points next to me and says "your mom is there".  I asked him to say that again and he repeated "your mom is there".  A girl in the class said "you mean baby!  The baby on the book"  (a book on the chalk board ledge behind me)  The boy said a definite "no" and repeated again, in fact twice "Your mom.  Your mom is there".

I was dazed and shook and feeling blessed, all at once.   Mom was a special education teacher.  She passed away 3 years ago.  I'd like to think that little boy was right and mom was there with me.

Friday, May 10, 2024

I'm diving into a new creative outlet! Redbubble!


 I am diving into selling my designs online using Redbubble!  I'm still in the review stage, but you can visit my store front to take a look at the different designs and products available!

Give me a follow on Redbubble to be notified of new designs! And please reach out with any comments or things you would like to see.  You can reach me here or on any of my social media accounts.  

And yes, I am working on shirt designs based on some of my books - stay tuned! 

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Ready to Read Michigan Workshop

 

When there is an early literacy focused workshop near by, I want to attend!  And this was a special one sponsored by the Library of Michigan preparing librarians to facilitate workshops for parents and early childhood educators.  The presenter was the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose herself - Betsy Diamant-Cohen who was a hoot in person. I really enjoyed myself and learned a lot.  

I know I've attended Ready to Read workshops before as well as several other early literacy ones, but I firmly believe that you never stop learning and there are always nuggets and gems you can pick up  to utilize in your own world.  I am quite excited to put my new skills to use in the library and hope to offer a workshop in the fall.  We shall see!   If not, that's ok - I definitely gathered a slew of new ideas that I can use in storytimes and children's programming!