Another picture book for Corinne Fenton

Corinne Fenton has a new addition, coming out in August, to her delightful picture book series. This one is

Hey Dad, You're Great 

Published by Black Dog Books/Walker Books 

ISBN  9781922244864
Ages 0+

Hey Dad, let me tell you how great I think you are. Perfect for Father's Day and in the same popular series as Oh Baby!, Hey Baby! and Hey Mum, I Love You.

Sydney and Melbourne launch dates:

Melbourne:  Ivanhoe Library, August 16
Sydney:  Father's Day event at The Children's Bookshop, Beecroft, August 30

Congrats yet again Corinne!

 

 

Meredith Costain and Opening Hooks

Roving Reporter: Caz Goodwin

Meredith Costain ran a wonderful workshop at the end of the SCBWI 2014 Conference. Her topic was Opening Hooks. Everyone knows how important the opening of a story is and that Meredith is a great (in her own words) ‘hooker’, but we were keen to know more.

Meredith had sought the views of agents, publishers and editors about the essential elements of hooking the reader:

  • I want to be swept into the voice or world of the book…
  • The opening needs to be immediately engaging…
  • Is it gripping?
  • Do I like the characters?
  • Do I want to know what happens next?
  • Is it well written?
  • Is it fresh?
  • Is the voice confident and distinctive?

 We discussed the various types of hooks:

  • Puzzle Hook (what is going to happen next)
  • Dialogue Hook (captivating dialogue)
  • Voice Hook (different, interesting voice)
  • Character Hook (introducing someone we like or support)
  • Action Hook (starting in the middle of the action)
  • Scenic Hook (starts with setting)
  • Philosophical Hook (starts with ideas, thoughts, opinions)

 We had fun coming up with our own opening lines and had a discussion about the importance of chapter endings.  We left with lots of information, ideas and helpful advice.

 Caz Goodwin

Dr Ernie Bond: Common Core – The Pleasures of Reading and the Publishing of Children’s Books

Roving Reporter: Caz Goodwin

Ernie Bond is Associate Professor of Education, Salisbury University, USA.  Ernie’s presentation covered the new Common Core Standards for English; these have been adopted by 45 states across the USA.

The key changes to the curriculum include:

  •  Focus on depth over breadth
  • Increased emphasis on non-fiction
  • Reading, writing and speaking as in evidenced in texts
  • Increasingly challenging readings and complex texts
  • Cross-disciplinary or trans-disciplinary learning

Implications for those in the book industry include:

  • Fewer books read in school
  • 50% of books in elementary (primary) may become non-fiction
  • 70% of books in high school may become non-fiction

Ernie’s students explained the 10 Anchor Standards for English

  • Ask and answer questions about key details
  • Retell stories/ideas using key detail
  • Identify literary elements including character, setting etc
  • Ask and answer questions about the words, and phrases in context
  • Recognise common types of text (formats, genres), and portions of text
  • Identify and define the roles the author and illustrator play and point of view
  • Describe the relationship between media in creating narrative, this includes visual literacy
  • Identify and critique the ideas/arguments in a book
  • Compare and contrast elements across books
  • Read and comprehend complex texts. This includes individuals and groups reading with purpose and understanding

Ernie’s informative and entertaining presentation left us agreeing with the National Literary Trust’s research that ‘we must see reading for pleasure as an activity that has real educational and social consequences.’

Caz Goodwin