CURRENT ISSUE PREVIEW
SEPTEMBER 2022
Our September line-up includes interviews with Mo Willems, Bellen Woodard, S. P. O'Farrell, Valerie Thompkins, and Marilyn Edwards!
Taylor Moxey talks about happiness, Judy Newman slays some picture book dragons, Linda Harkey has a tale-wagging writing assignment for little readers, Max Elliot Anderson and Don M. Winn talk about reluctant readers and struggling readers, Once Upon a Dance celebrates its dancers, Larissa Juliano opens her teaching toolbox for back to school, and Nick Spake reviews Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Check out our newest book reviews and fall reading list! It's all inside!
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Story Monsters Ink® is sponsored by Once Upon a Dance and Dr. Joy Pillay
FEATURES
Mo Willems
His Latest Picture Book Is for the Bird
by Melissa Fales
The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller coaster! is the eighth picture book to feature the Pigeon, author-illustrator Mo Willems’ dramatic, charismatic, and extremely popular feathered friend. Previous books starring the Pigeon have won a Caldecott Honor (one of three for Willems), made it to No. 1 on the New York Times bestsellers list (one of many for Willems), and been translated into 20 languages. Over the course of the series, says Willems, the Pigeon has demonstrated some substantial emotional growth. “The Pigeon would never admit it, but I think there’s a little bit more vulnerability in him,” Willems says.
Bellen Woodard
Inspires a New Generation of Changemakers
by Michele Appelgate
If someone asked you to hand them “the skin-color crayon,” which color would you give them?
When Bellen Woodard was eight years old, a classmate asked her for the “skin-color” crayon. She knew the friend was asking for a peach crayon. Even so, she also wanted her classmate to realize that not everyone’s skin is peach.
One to Read:
S.P. O’Farrell
by Melissa Fales
What’s in a name? Plenty, at least for S.P. O’Farrell, author of the Simone LaFray mystery series. For some time, O’Farrell had unsuccessfully attempted to create a workable storyline for a children’s book. While on a family vacation at the beach, the character of Simone LaFray, a young Parisian spy, popped into his head. Armed with such a promising protagonist, O’Farrell wrote the first two books in the series: Simone LaFray and the Chocolatiers’ Ball and Simone LaFray and the Red Wolves of London. He’s currently working on the series’ third book. “It’s funny how things happen and how the answers can come to you when you’re not even thinking about it,” says O’Farrell. “It all started with a name and here we are a few years and a few books later.”
Why I Write for Reluctant Readers
by Max Elliot Anderson
As a child, I never liked to read. When I mention this to someone today, I can anticipate the reaction. Their mouth drops open in disbelief, followed by a gasp. “You’re kidding!” often follows. That’s probably because I’m also the author of a number of action-adventures and mysteries especially written for other boys who may be facing similar difficulties.
The Power of One Small Step
by Don M. Winn
As a dyslexia advocate and a dyslexic myself, I am well acquainted with a feeling I call “overwhelm.” Because the dyslexic brain takes more time (sometimes much more time) to do its necessary processing chores, those of us with this condition often feel submerged by our to-do list, and nearly always feel behind. This situation isn’t limited to adults in the workplace; it begins as soon as a child enters school. Feelings of being overwhelmed are the constant companions of a child who struggles to learn.
TEACHING TOOLBOX
Back to School
by Larissa Juliano
Yes, I am excited for school to begin! Back-to-school season is filled with so many new experiences: new friends, new classroom, and new teachers, books, and routines. Yes, we love the sunny days of summer family time, slow mornings sipping coffee and kids still in jammies as we plan the day. Some of us are working different jobs, or carpooling all day, but it is wonderful to have some extended time outside of the classroom. However, as August nears, I begin to think of my future students (and parents) eagerly waiting for the back-to-school letter stating who their teacher is! I want them to be excited when they open that envelope and see their teacher’s name.
COLUMNS
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Life of a Reader
September
by Judy Newman -
Q&A
Valerie Thompkins
by Julianne Black DiBlasi -
The Book Bug
Marilyn Edwards
by Raven Howell -
Monsters at the Movies
Minions: The Rise of Gru
by Nick Spake -
Taylor Talk
Happiness is a Choice
by Taylor Moxey -
Dr. Joy Pillay
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Liv On Life
The Power of Words
by Olivia Amiri -
Dancing on the Page
Celebrating Ballerina Konora
by Once Upon a Dance
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