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Spotlighting
picture books (PB)
with
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The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Mark Hoffman

3/16/2023

10 Comments

 
Congratulations to Jany Campana!  You are the winner of a signed copy of LITTLE ROSETTA AND THE TALKING GUITAR!  I know you're going to LOVE this PB biography of Rosetta Tharpe, powerhouse originator of rock 'n' roll sound!   Thanks for your constant support of PBJamz!  And thank you to Charnelle Pinkney Barlow for your beautiful book, great conversation and your generosity!  If anyone missed that episode, check it out now! :-)

A Conversation with Lindsay Bonilla, author of THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC:  storytelling, music, arts, passion, and more!

Join Lindsay and me as we talk about her writing process, musical connections, storytelling, music, the value of the arts in the schools, tips for authors and so much more! Enjoy this great conversation and then get your hands on this book! ​

THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC

From the very first line, we know we're in for quite a romp.  Hidden behind all the fun musical puns and sophisticated music vocabulary and content, is a sweet story that we can all relate to.  Half note feels "not quite whole" , a bit left out, not enough.  I know I can relate to half note's predicament sometimes.  At the heart of this story is learning to value ourselves and to recognize that we bring a unique gift and perspective to every situation where we find ourself.  But it is couched in a fun, cheeky story of a runaway note and the friends who cheerfully conspire to bring her home and let her know how much they appreciate and need her.  Full of humor and wordplay,  SEL heart, musical content and rich vocabulary, this book has many layers to please children and teachers alike! 

Published by Page Street Kids, written by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Mark Hoffman.  For purchasing link, check out the Giveaway links section!
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A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Since the book talks about specifically Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, I'm including this piece.  There are many other versions you could choose to use.  I like this one because it's a little different, and it doesn't require any equipment.  It also still emphasizes the half notes at the end of each phrase.  If you don't prefer this one, there are lots more on the Pinterest boards and the YouTube playlist(s) that I'll link below next week.   This one uses hand motions, but there are sheet music versions, boomwhacker versions and much more!  Enjoy!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Discuss puns and word play
    • Scavenger hunt in the book
    • Illustrate some puns/word play from the book
    • Write your own story/paragraph with puns
  • Idiomatic expressions -- research/discuss
    • "face the music"
    • "tuned them out"
    • "singing the blues"
  • Features of text
    • Bold print
    • Font change
    • Font size
  • Punctuation
    • Dialogue/quotation marks
    • Statements/Questions/Exclamations or telling/asking/excited  or declarative/ interrogative/exclamatory depending on grade level.
      • Look at examples from text
      • Pull sentences and leave out punctuation
      • Play games where you match the sentence with its type
      • Punctuation puppets
  • Problem/Solution
  • Alliteration (Find examples, point out in text, try writing your own, etc)
    • Mesmerizing melodies
    • riveting rhythms
    • sensational syncopation
***This book is a perfect team-teaching opportunity for ELA and Music -- so much crossover.  Both teachers could teach simultaneously and pull out their separate content or you could team-teach.  So many great opportunities if you have willing folks.  Or, if you're like me, a former classroom teacher-turned-music-teacher, then go for a full integration and pull in lots of these ELA skills!

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Musical vocabulary (See the glossary at the end of the book)
    • rest
    • half note, whole note, quarter note, eighth note, sixteenth note
    • half rest, whole rest, quarter rest, eighth rest, sixteenth rest
    • measure
    • sharp/flat
    • staff
    • pitch
    • treble clef/bass clef
    • coda
    • composer
    • sheet music/arrangement
    • forte
    • bass drum
    • offbeat
    • dissonant
    • presto, accelerando
    • cacophonous
    • noteworthy
    • jazzed
    • rock and roll
    • crescendo
    • bravissimo
  • This book is a perfect PB vehicle for teaching many musical concepts as you can see from the vocabulary. Much of it also crosses over into ELA, so again, a great team-teaching or integrative opportunity!
  • Perfect for teaching note values (Check out the YouTube and Pinterest links for some fun songs and activities to help with that) Fun character components that tie in as well as the puns and wordplay!
  • Rhythm is a natural skill that matches this book.  There are lots of rhythm play alongs in the YouTube and Pinterest links too.
  • Musical idiomatic expressions (see the section above)
  • The vocabulary included gives lots of clues for what else you may want to teach or at least mention from this book -- lots of rich vocabulary with musical connections!
  • Several mentions of various tempos
  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star figures prominently, so you could certainly do some fun things with that! There's a whole Pinterest board just for this purpose.  Lots of links in both of the YouTube playlists, too!

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

So many fun writing activities from this text:
  • Make a list of your favorite puns or write a list of your own
  • Write a letter to Half Note, telling her why she should return
  • Research one of the idiomatic expressions and write about its origins
  • Write new lyrics to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star melody
  • Write the story over from the point-of-view of one of the other characters
  • Write your own alliterative poem using musical terms (See alliteration above)
  • Write about a time you felt like you didn't belong or a time when you felt left out.
  • Write about how to help a friend who is feeling left out.
  • Write a diamante poem using two musical opposites:
    • cacophony/harmony
    • bass cleff/treble clef
    • sharp/flat
    • high/low
    • fast/slow etc.
      • ***Some of these are adjective pairs rather than nouns so you may have to make some slight adjustments of the diamante format
  • Choose at least 5 of the musical words from this story and write your own musical story.
  • What if Half Note's friends didn't come up with a plan to bring her back?  Write that story.
  • Think of your own "what-if" questions about this story and let your imagination run wild.  Write the story that comes from answering one of those what if questions.
  • What could Half Note's friends have done BEFORE this story to help her not feel left out?

Writing Tips from Lindsay Bonilla

​1)  Be authentic. 
Read the work of others. Yes — read widely in the genre you want to write in, particularly books published in the last 5 years!!  Be inspired by other writers, but find your own voice. Say what matters to you in the way that only you can say it.

2) Write what you can when you can. 
If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t make that an excuse not to write. Scribble ideas in the margins. Write for 15 minutes or only 5 if that’s what you’ve got. When you don’t have time to sit down and write, write in your head. This is what I did (and still do!) when my children were very small, and I spent most of the day holding them, feeding them, putting them to sleep, etc. 
Try to picture your story like a movie playing in your mind. See the characters and try to hear their voices. Then when you go to sit down to write something, you may have a more fully formed story waiting for you. 

3) Lean on your friends.
The writing community is a great community. Make friends with other writers. Find critique partners who will give you honest feedback and who are willing to help you brainstorm. Do the same for them! 

4)  Have equal parts confidence and humility. 
     This is a hard business. You have to believe in yourself and your work. Sometimes this will mean speaking up for your vision for a project. At the same time, you have to be completely humble -- open to learning from others and willing to admit that there may be different (or even better!) ways of doing things than you had considered. 

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with lots of fun music activities for half note and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
YouTube playlist with tons of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star activities/versions
​Pinterest board for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Pinterest board with half note activities and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

PBJamz Snack -- Peanut butter and Jelly Doughnuts!

Half note has a hole -- like a doughnut, so I thought these would be the perfect PBJ snacks to accompany this book!  AND, these are relatively healthy -- or at least safe for those with allergies and food sensitivities.  They look divine! and I'm sure they'll make everyone on your staff feel like they belong.  They'll stop singing the blues and will be wholly devoted to you -- no half-noted (er, I mean half-hearted) accolades for these doughnuts!  If you try them, let me know in the comments, and check out more recipes from Two Spoons: Recipes worth Sharing! Get the recipe for peanut butter and jelly doughnuts!
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Guest Links and Giveaways

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Lindsay Bonilla is a professional storyteller and children’s book author from North Canton, Ohio. She lives with her husband, two wild and creative kids (who believe themselves to be a Komodo dragon and lion, respectively), and her dog, Blitzen. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in theatre and religion at Northwestern University, she fell in love with folktales and world travel. Lindsay has performed interactive theatre, shared stories and taught workshops all over the world. These experiences have made her passionate about building understanding and relationships across cultures while inspiring the imagination. When she’s not writing or performing, she can be found building Legos with her kids as they brainstorm her next book idea.

To connect with Lindsay or purchase THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC, check out the links below.  Please note, she has additional books available via her website.


Facebook

Twitter

To purchase THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC

Lindsay is generously giving away one copy of THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC.  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below and you'll be entered into a drawing! One lucky winner will have a copy of Lindsay and Mark's beautiful book to keep!
​
10 Comments

LITTLE ROSETTA AND THE TALKING GUITAR with Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

3/1/2023

4 Comments

 
Congratulations to . . .  Elyse Travers! She is the winner of a copy of DOLLY! by Robyn McGrath!  Thank you, Elyse for visiting PBJamz!  Come on back any time!

Chatting with Charnelle

What a delightful conversation about music and art and picture books for all ages.  We chat Sister Rosetta, rock 'n' roll, paper collage, perseverance and so much more!  Charnelle is precious!  Her art is gorgeous, and her words are beautiful.  Get your hands on a copy of the book -- it's perfect for black history month, women's history month, and every single month of the year. And yes, it's a picture book, but it's about a lady with some amazing talent and some amazing legacy, which makes it perfect for all ages! (We talk about that, too!)  Don't forget to comment on the blog post to be eligible to win a signed copy of LITTLE ROSETTA!  And support Charnelle by leaving a review, making a purchase or sharing out on socials!

LITTLE ROSETTA AND THE TALKING GUITAR

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LITTLE ROSETTA AND THE TALKING GUITAR is a beautiful book.  The words are beautiful, the subject is beautiful, and the art is beautiful.  When you put all of that together, this book is more than beautiful!  Not only that, but there are so many little layers that can be brought to the surface in the classroom or as part of a read-aloud.  If you're in a home school or classroom setting, be sure to check out the teacher tips section when they're posted.  So many teaching topics.  The music connections are somewhat obvious, but in the music teacher section, I'll point those out, along with the less-obvious ways as well that you could use this book in your music lessons. One of the themes I love about this book is perseverance.  Anyone who's ever attempted to learn to play an instrument knows that feeling of what it sounds like in my head vs. what it sounds like in my ears.  Charnelle captures that feeling beautifully, but goes on to show that Rosetta, even at 4, 5, 6 years old was very persistent in her learning. I also love the onomatopoeia and the focus on all the sounds Rosetta probably heard as a child and how they influenced her music. There is also lyricism and figurative language in abundance.  There's girl power and overcoming hardship.  And beautiful just doesn't share all of that.  But, beautiful, it is. . . . 

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

I can't watch Sister Rosetta without smiling.  She has a vivacity that is contagious, and her talent is unparalleled.  This piece is a great one to share with kids since many of them are familiar with "This Little Light of Mine".  What a fun version of the song to introduce them to.  There are lots of fun things you could do with this song -- whether you're in a music classroom, a regular classroom, a homeschool setting, or even preschool.  Everyone is bound to enjoy this version of a classic.  You have clarinet and trumpet solos too, which is fun from an elementary music standpoint, in addition to her outstanding electric guitar solo.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Art --
  • Try some paper collage techniques
  • Create a scrapbook page project as a biography integrating some cool papers
ELA --
  • Onomatopoeia words -- categorize where she heard them; take a listening walk and write onomatopoeia words for the sounds you hear
  • Figurative language -- simile, metaphor, personification
    • Scavenger hunt -- find them in the book
    • Analyze
    • Create-your-own
  • Dialect/contractions/use of apostrophes
Social Studies
  • Identify Arkansas on US map
  • Why was the town called CottonPlant
  • Trace Rosetta's journey in the back matter:  Cotton Plant, Chicago, NYC, etc.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

Gospel influences on Rosetta's music
Beginnings of rock 'n' roll style
Instruments mentioned in the book
  • Guitar
  • Mandolin
  • Drums
Gospel music as a genre
Other historical figures in early rock 'n' roll history
Guitar lessons/vocabulary/terminology
Science of strings -- explore guitar and mandolin

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

1. Faith and gospel music had a huge influence on Rosetta's music.  If you are a person of faith, write about how your faith has influenced your life so far and/or what your hopes are for the future.
2.  Write a paragraph (or a page -- or a book) describing Sister Rosetta and/or her performances.
3. Write additional lyrics for "This Little Light of Mine". OR
4. Write about what that song means to you.
5.  Rosetta Tharpe is sometimes called the "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll".  Write about whether that is the best title for her or if there is a better one and why.
6.  Write a poem about Rosetta Tharpe .
7.  Write a concrete/shape poem about her guitar.
8.  Write part of Rosetta's story from the point-of-view of her guitar.
9.  If you could sing or perform with Rosetta, what song would you choose and why?
10.  Write a list of 10 interesting facts about Rosetta Tharpe.
11.  Look carefully at the art work in the book.  What do you notice?  What is interesting?
12. Rosetta learned to play the guitar at a young age.  Write about something you learned to do when you were very young.  How did it feel?  Was it hard?  How did you meet that challenge?
​13.  Write a speech explaining why Rosetta Tharpe should or should not be inducted into the rock 'n' roll hall of fame or a similar award.

Writing Tips from Charnelle Barlow


1. Get the first draft down on the page without worrying about the intricate details too much. Getting it out of your head and onto the page is what's most important at the early stages. 

2. Find a group of likeminded people you can bounce ideas off of and get constructive criticism from. It definitely helps you see your project from different perspectives which can help tremendously when you're stuck.

3. Join the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) if you're writing or illustrating for children. They are a treasure trove of information and host regional events as well as conferences. This is a great way to get critiques from peers, agents, editors, and to learn from people in the industry.

4. Have fun! I know...sounds simple, but trust me...people can tell if you aren't having fun with what you're writing or illustrating. Let them feel your joy.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of Sister Rosetta's music
Pinterest board

PBJamz Snack -- PB&J Snack Cake

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Listening to Sister Rosetta and her gospel-infused music is enough to make you long for church potlucks or "dinners on the grounds" as we grew up calling them.  This is perfect for a church potluck, or afternoon snacks for the kids, or any other time, I'd wager!  A delicious PBJ snack cake!  Find the recipe here And check out kitchn for more great recipes!

Guest Links and Giveaways

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You can find Charnelle's books, art, and more about her by checking out her links below:

Website

Instagram
​
FB


​To order ROSETTA AND THE TALKING GUITAR

Charnelle is giving away one SIGNED copy of LITTLE ROSETTA.  To be eligible, leave a comment below!
4 Comments

DOLLY! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream w/author Robyn McGrath

2/16/2023

5 Comments

 
Congratulations Carrie Suzanne Karnes-Fannin!  You are the winner of your choice of the StoryTime books read by the Cleveland Orchestra.
AND
Congratulations 
Janet Frenck Sheets!  You are the winner of a musical picture book critique.

Thank you both for checking out PBJamz!  I hope you'll come back often!


Interview with Robyn McGrath, author of DOLLY!: THE STORY OF DOLLY PARTON AND HER BIG DREAM

We hope you enjoy this chat with Robyn as she talks inspiration, research, publishing process, musical connections, and what's next!

DOLLY! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream

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While there are other picture books on the market about Dolly, this one focuses on Dolly's childhood and the big dreams she had and how she made her dreams come true.  The language is so lovely and country and well done.  I love the phraseologies and the "twang".  Anyone who is a fan of Dolly will enjoy this look at Dolly the dreamer and how she started her journey to become the beautiful strong woman, prolific performer, reader/writer, and  literacy leader, entrepreneur, and all the facets that make up Dolly.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Dolly has touched so many genres, and it is only fitting that she moved into the children's realm.  This song is perfect to follow up the. book and also perfect to go along with THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD which is always the first book children receive from the Imagination Library.  This is a sweet and positive song with Dolly's signature vocals and full of affirmations to encourage children to reach out for their own dreams!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • The first line starts out, "Deep in a holler" -- Discuss what that means and introduce students to Appalachia through other books (like Appalachia by Cynthia Rylant)
    • Social studies connection
    • Discuss (or make or invite someone in to show/demonstrate corn cob doll)
  • Text/illustrations (she had a microphone) -- look at the pictures; what was she using for a microphone; Look for other examples of how the text matches (or doesn't match) the illustrations.
  • Metaphors -- She was all sparkles and rhinestones.  Was she really?  What does that mean?  This story is full of lots of colorful language.  Find your favorite phrases/sentences.  Why do you like them?  What is special about them?
  • Ordinal numbers (fourth of 12 children). Create story problems to use ordinals.
  • Bullying
    • Great song connection on the YouTube playlist about bullying
    • Also look at her book and song "Coat of Many Colors"
  • Persistence, following a dream
    • Process -- not enough to dream
      • Have to follow up with hard work (What work did Dolly do?)
      • Be willing to make sacrifices (What sacrifices did she make?)
      • Face hard things/challenges (What challenges did Dolly face?)
    • Talk about your dreams --
      • What hard work do you need to do?
      • What are some sacrifices that may come because of your dream?
      • What are some challenges that might come?
  • Discuss the Dollyisms in the back matter -- what do they mean?  Are they correct? Important?  Do you agree/disagree?

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Analyze Dolly's song lyrics (the ones for kids; if you use her adult music, check to be sure it is appropriate for your age range; Dolly wrote all kinds of songs about all kinds of things. . . )
  • Discuss Appalachian music as a genre.  Listen to samples/examples.
  • Explore as many of the instruments in the book as you can:
    • Guitar
    • Banjo
    • Fiddle
    • Tambourine
    • Piano
  • Explore country music as a genre
  • Explore information about the Grand Ole Opry
    • History
    • Performers
    • Purpose
  • Dig deeper into the other performers mentioned in the book:
    • Johnny Cash
    • Porter Wagoner
    • Kitty Wells
    • Patsy Cline
  • Rhythm practice -- it talked about her drumming rhythms on pots and pans, on the dashboard, etc.   Use country, bluegrass/Appalachian music or Dolly's kids tunes to tap out rhythms.
  • Compose rhythms -- be a rhythm writer like Dolly.  Compose rhythms using words from the story or using standard notation.
  • Practice steady beat to Dolly songs
  • Discuss the difference in beat (always steady) and rhythm (a mixture of short and long sounds).

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. The book starts with down in the holler.  Research what that phrase means and write a list of things you could do "down in a holler"
  2.  Write a poem about sparkly things: diamonds, rhinestones, glitter, etc.
  3. Write a song or story called, "How NOT to Be a Bully" or another song about not bullying.
  4. Write about a dream you have.  How can you work right now to make your dream come true?
  5. Write about the importance of the support of people around Dolly -- her family and friends. Who do you have in your corner supporting you?
  6. One of Dolly's favorite books is THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD.  Read that book and then write a song, story, or poem inspired by that book.
  7. Do you prefer country music or another kind?  Why?
  8. People kept telling Dolly she was "too young" "just a kid", "too little".  Have you ever been told you're "too _______"?  Write about how that makes you feel and what you can do to change it or to deal with how people feel about it.
  9. Write a story about being in a family with twelve children.
  10. Write about a time you were bullied or you bullied someone else.
  11. Choose one of the Dollyisms in the back of the book and write about what it means to you or how it could help you in your life.
  12. Dolly sings, writes (music and books), plays guitar and piano, has an amusement park and runs the Imagination Library that gives free books to kids.  Which one of those things do you most wish you could do ?  Why?

Writing Tips from Robyn McGrath

​1.     Write that bad first draft. It takes a lot of willpower to write without editing as you go. If you’re like me, when I edit as I’m writing I trip up on my words and get easily sidetracked on punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Try letting the words flow without hitting the delete button AND without judgment. I personally like to set a 20-minute timer so that I work uninterrupted for shorter periods of time. The hardest part about writing is getting the full story down. And once you do… remember only YOU will see that bad first draft.
 
2.     Read, read, and read some more. Read for rhythm, story structure, pacing, and page turns. Find the picture book you most connect with, what draws you to that style of writing? What feeling did the text elicit while you were reading?  And how did the author use page turns to build suspense? Make note of all these great insights and decide how you can use them in your own manuscript.
 
3.     Edit for fun! In the past I dreaded having to edit. But now I find that chopping, rearranging, and rewriting CAN be enjoyable. Can I try a new word here? Move this sentence there? Do I need this sentence at all? How can I say this same sentiment in as few words as possible? It’s like a puzzle, and well, I LOVE puzzles! In end if you’re afraid of cutting your darlings, try cutting and pasting them to a separate word doc, you just might find use for them later.
 
4.     Be vulnerable. Yes, this is a tough one! To be a writer one must share their work with others for feedback. It can be hard to hear feedback about our work, especially when the story is close to our hearts. But often our critique partners can see something we can’t by offering us ideas that are new and fresh. Ideas that might just get other ideas flowing. Which in turn can give you a renewed energy about your manuscript! That is the power of a critique group! Of course, in the end the choice is yours to accept the feedback or not, but by having options YOU get to play with your manuscript in a new way.


Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

  • YouTube playlist with Dolly songs for kids, interviews, read-alouds and more!
  • ​Pinterest board collecting photos, books, songs, and more (I tried to limit to family-friendly/kid-appropriate, but PLEASE double-check before sharing with littles)
  • ​Dolly Parton's Imagination Library website
  • Info about Dolly via Kiddle​

PBJamz Snack -- Peanut Butter and Jelly Biscuits!

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As a Southerner, Dolly loves Southern country cooking, including biscuits!  So, for today's PBJamz snack, I'm suggesting Dolly's famous biscuits made into sweet little PBJ biscwiches that are worth singing about and will make your toes tap!  Of course, you can also enjoy them plain or with butter or jam only and leave out the peanut butter, but then, why would you?  Just kidding!  You enjoy them however you like, but I hope you'll give her biscuits and our PBJ biscwiches a try! This recipe is courtesy of Taste of Home!

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Check out all the places you can find Robyn!

​Website

Twitter

Instagram

Order Dolly and get more info


GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!

Robyn is offering one winner YOUR CHOICE of either
A copy of DOLLY!
OR
A PB CRITIQUE
5 Comments

Cleveland Orchestra Resources

2/1/2023

4 Comments

 
Congratulations to Jennifer Thomas!  You are the winner of a copy of LISTEN! Shannon, thanks for your generosity, and Jennifer, thanks for checking out PBJamz!  I hope you'll share it with the teachers and musicians and authors in your world!

Overview of Cleveland Orchestra resources

Something different for this episode.  I had a little break between interviews, and I've been exploring some amazing resources from the Cleveland orchestra.  This video is an overview of the resources and some information about this episode's giveaway . . . .watch to the end for that info and leave me a comment as to which prize you want if you win.  There will be 2 separate giveaways. Check out the video and the giveaway section.

Links!

Music Explorers on YouTube
Early Childhood playlist on YouTube
​Storytime with the Cleveland Orchestra on YouTube
​What is an Orchestra playlist on YouTube
​

PBJamz books from the Cleveland Orchestra and links

​I've linked up tons of lessons, activities and resource lists below that go with each of the books on the StoryTime playlist.  I'm sure there are more, and I may add them later, but this should give you a happy plethora of ideas to start with to use these books in your classroom, preschool, homeschool, etc.   Please support these authors and the Cleveland Orchestra in whatever ways you can!
  • WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Lesson from Cleveland Orchestra
    • Discussion Guide and Activities 
    • Activities to inspire creative thinking
    • 2nd/3rd grade gifted interdisciplinary lesson plan
    • 3rd/4th grade lesson plan
    • Teaching Books resource list for WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA
    • Idea sheet from Reading to Kids
  • ZIN ZIN ZIN A VIOLIN
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Instruments of the Orchestra lesson plan
    • ReadWorks lesson plan
    • Beths Notes lesson
    • Language art lesson (2nd grade)
    • Kindergarten rhyming lesson
    • Teaching Books resource list
    • Preschool printable pack
    • Math connections for various ages
  • MAX FOUND TWO STICKS
    • ​To purchase on Amazon
    • ​StoryTime video
    • Lesson from Cleveland Orchestra
    • Elementary music lesson plan
    • Discussion guide
    • Preschool Sound unit (uses Max Found two sticks and other music books)
    • Teachers' Guide -- lots of resources (language arts-focused)
    • Teaching Books resource list
  • I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • ​StoryTime video
    • Lesson from Cleveland Orchestra
    • ​Ideas for the Music Room from becca
    • Resource and activity guide from the author
    • Discussion guide/craft activities/vocabulary
    • Instruments of the Orchestra unit (includes this book)
  • SING A SONG
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Study guide from the author
    • Teaching Books resource list
    • Links, resources and activities 
  • MOLE MUSIC
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Live Oak Media activity guide
    • Reading and activity guide from LRJ
    • Teaching Books resource list
  • BECAUSE
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • NEA teaching guide
    • Teaching Books resource list
  • CHANGE SINGS​
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Teaching Books resource list
    • Activity guide from Seedlings Educators Collaborative
    • Penguin classroom resources
  • I GOT THE RHYTHM
    • To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Toolkit (weeklong lesson plans)
    • Discussion guide, vocabulary, crafts
    • Teaching Books resources list
    • Ready to Read Michigan study guide/resources
  • MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
    • ​To purchase on Amazon
    • ​StoryTime video
    • Grade 4 lesson plan
    • ​Mississippi Children's Museum guide
    • Teaching Books resource list
  • WE ALL SING WITH THE SAME VOICE
    • ​To purchase on Amazon
    • ​StoryTime video
    • Teaching Books resource list
    • Summary/activities
  • DRUM DREAM GIRL
    • ​To purchase on Amazon
    • StoryTime video
    • Teaching Books resource list
    • ​Music room ideas from Becca
    • Discussion guide
    • Doors to the World resource list

GIVEAWAY!!!

I'm offering a double giveaway this episode (2/2 & 2/9).  Please let me know in the comments which giveaway you'd like to enter.
1.  For my author friends -- a picture book manuscript critique for a manuscript WITH MUSICAL CONNECTIONS. (Future PBJamz material ;-))
2.  For my non-author friends (or author friends who prefer a book ;-), I will purchase your choice of the featured books (in the list above) from the Cleveland Orchestra StoryTime playlist and send it to you in the mail.
To be eligible, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023!  Tell me if you prefer a book or a critique.  There will be 2 separate drawings!

It's a double giveaway for PBJamz (almost) birthday.  February 24 makes 1 year of PBJamz content!  You can help PBJamz grow by sharing it with :
1.  Music teachers (Your friends, your children's music teachers, the music teachers at your church, on your social media, etc.)
2. Aspiring authors (We often give away critiques and there are writing tips from authors, songwriters, author-illustrators, etc.!)
3. Preschool teachers/daycare workers (Many of the books I share are perfect to share with our youngest upcoming musicians and would be a wonderful addition to their preschool experience.
4. Anyone who loves kidlit. . . .
5. Anyone who loves music. . . 
6. Anyone you think of when you're perusing PBJamz episodes.
7. Oh, yes, and anyone who loves peanut butter and jelly ;-).
4 Comments

LISTEN w/Shannon Stocker

1/18/2023

7 Comments

 
Congratulations Christal Benton!  You are the winner of a signed copy of BARNYARD BOOGIE by Tim McCanna.  Tim, thanks for your generosity and thanks to all the commenters, readers and watchers for your support of PBJamz

Interview with Shannon Stocker, author of LISTEN 

Shannon and I talk music, publishing, writing process, the amazing musicality and humanity of Evelyn Glennie, next steps, upcoming books, and more!  Shannon is a gracious woman of strength and vitality who pours heart and soul into her books.  Check out the chat below!

Listen: ​How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

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The illustrations send an invitation that the text enhances.  If you accept the invitation, prepare to be amazed and charmed.  This book is beautiful in every sense of the word!  The subject matter is intriguing and diverse.  The illustrations are welcoming, colorful and expansive.  The language is lyrical, cohesive, and enlightening.  If you are looking for a book full of science, music, heart, strength, and so much more, this is one for you!  If you want to take it a step further, check out the youtube playlist in the links section and watch Evelyn Glennie in action. Utterly amazing. Start to finish. 

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Normally, I choose a little ditty that teachers can use in class in conjunction with the book and that kids will find engaging.  This episode, I've chosen slightly differently.  Firstly, of course, I was intrigued by "Peanut Butter Jam". As I began listening, I was further intrigued that Evelyn took the time to respond to a group of students who had written simple compositions.  That touches me.  Beyond that, this is a mini-master class in percussion.  It would be fabulous to use it as a precursor to a "found sound" music lesson, perfect for beginning percussionists in primary/elementary school to begin thinking about/paying attention to the various components of drumming (sticks/mallets/striking instruments, parts of the drum, dampeners, and so much more.  Lots of food for thought here.  Very cool!  I think kids would respond well to this and it gives them permission to play in some unusual ways and using some unusual items.  If this is not your jam ;-), there are lots more songs in the YouTube playlist in the links section. I'm sure you'll find at least one that will be appropriate for your setting!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Great science connection (2nd grade in many places) **Wonderful collaboration opportunity with your music teacher . . .
    • How sound is formed
    • How our ears hear
    • Pitch/vibration
    • Sound waves
  • Listening skills/activities
  • Sensory activities
    • Barefoot experience
    • sensory garden/pathway/experience
    • Sensory poems
  • Poetic devices in the book
    • Internal rhyme
    • rhythm
    • onomatopoeia
    • alliteration
    • etc.
  • Timelines
  • Social studies connection -- Scotland
  • Women's History

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

So much you could teach, using this book as a springboard.  Here are some broad categories with a few ideas.  There are more ideas on the YouTube playlists and the Pinterest board.
  1. Percussion as an instrument family
    1. What makes it percussion?
    2. How is percussion played?  
    3. What vibrates?
    4. Different instruments
  2. Women in percussion
  3. How sound is created/heard
    1. Vibration
    2. Sound waves
    3. pitch
    4. process of hearing (traditionally)
  4. Deaf musicians
  5. Scottish musicians
  6. Percussion around the world
  7. Rhythms/how they work together
  8. Exploratory lesson on various materials and how they affect sound
  9. A lesson/unit on creating your own percussion instrument
  10. Lesson/unit on feeling vibrations (Noise-canceling headphones)  Where do you feel various sounds in your body?
  11. Evelyn Glennie as a musician -- her life, her music . . 
  12. Developing deep listening skills
  13. Compare traditional drums of various cultures by sound, playing method, material, design, etc.
  14. Onomatopoeia for music words/sounds

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  • Write about how we "hear".  Contrast that with how Evelyn Glennie "hears".
  • Evelyn Glennie usually plays music barefoot.  Write about how going barefoot helps her "hear" better.
  • Write about something you like to do barefoot.
  • If you lost your sense of hearing, what do you think you would miss the most, and why?
  • If you had to give up one of your senses, which one would you choose, and why?
  • Spend one hour barefoot and write about the experience.
  • Watch one of Evelyn's performances and write a poem based on her performance.
  • Write a fictional story about a drum and someone who cannot hear in the traditional sense.
  • Interview someone who does use sign language about the differences in spoken language and sign language.
  • Which is your favorite percussion instrument and why?
  • Watch the video above and choose a phrase/line/sentence or word that Evelyn shares and write about that.
  • Write about a time in your life when you faced a really big change.  What was it? What made it hard?  How did you handle it?  What did it teach you?
  • Evelyn Glennie shattered some "glass ceilings".  Write about that and how it inspires you to make even more changes in our world.  What changes? Why? How could you go about making them? 
  • Evelyn Glennie is from Scotland.  Research Scotland and write about the most fascinating fact you discover about Scotland.
  • What is your favorite part of the book LISTEN and why?
  • Why do you think the author titled the book LISTEN when it is about a deaf woman?
  • Read the author's note and write about why you think Shannon Stocker was the right person to write this story about Evelyn Glennie.
  • If you could play any percussion instrument, which would you play and why?
  • Write a story about a percussion instrument that gets used in a way that is non-musical.  

Writing Tips from Shannon Stocker

1) I know everyone says this…but BUTT. IN. CHAIR. I don’t think I’ve ever struggled with writer’s block because if I force myself to sit and type, eventually something will come out that I like. If you don’t know what to write, jot down foods that you like. Go to Walmart and then come back and describe people you saw…maybe even make up histories for them. Describe animals that you love, and pair them together with other unlikely critters. Just TYPE. 

2) Join SCBWI. And if you write picture books, join 12x12. Even if it’s not January, do StoryStorm. Follow other writers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Immerse yourself in the community. It’s a good one. :-)

3) Last (but DEFINITELY not least)…get critique partners (CPs). I cannot tell you how important this is. If you’re a beginning writer, don’t expect to join a group of established writers—find other newbies who have the same determination that you do, and ask them to exchange work with you. Private Facebook groups or group emails can work well for this. I know that may sound like it doesn’t make sense, but I promise it does. All my critique partners and I started off green and grew together. Those who were less serious eventually dropped out, while others would join along the way. You have to start somewhere, so open yourself up to forming new friendships and allow yourself to be vulnerable. When you find someone whose comments resonate with you, hold on tight! A good critique partner is GOLD. I feel so incredibly blessed to have as many as I do. And now, several years later, they are all so much more than critique partners. They are cheerleaders, therapists, and friends. They are family.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist (focused on Evelyn Glennie and LISTEN)
Pinterest board (focused on Evelyn Glennie and LISTEN -- photos, videos, activities)
Pinterest board (Sound Science -- focused on science activities for how sound is produced, how it travels, and how we hear)
​Pinterest board (focused on the percussion family of instruments.)
https://musiclibrarybox.com/subscription-box-blog/listen
​

 PBJamz Snack -- PB&J Hand Pies

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When I think about hand pies, I think of life "across the pond". Whether that's a reality or a stereotyped fantasy, I have no idea.  Scotland is on my bucket list, and I hope one day to be able to eat some authentic Scottish food.  In the meantime, I thought these hand pies to be the perfect accompaniment to this episode of Evelyn Glennie and the book LISTEN -- for a lot of reasons. 1.  Much percussion is played with hands, and so a hand-held treat seems apropos.  2.  There's the whole "across the pond" hand pie perceived connection. 3.  Evelyn Glennie was definitely "out of the box" and this qualifies as an "out of the box" idea for PB&J. Anyway, this is how this bizarre little brain works.  So, however I got here, I think this is a perfect recipe to share with you this week, and I hope if you give it a try, you'll give a shoutout to Heather Baird over at Sprinklebakes.com.  That's where I found this recipe, so head on over there and give them a try: ​https://www.sprinklebakes.com/2017/08/peanut-butter-and-jelly-hand-pies.html If you do, let me know in the comments how they were!  They look amazing and delicious and all the things you want the perfect PBJ snack to be!

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Shannon is graciously giving away a copy of LISTEN. She will send a personalized bookplate sticker for the winner. You are eligible to win if you comment below.  Winner will be drawn no later than Thursday, Feb. 2, and will be announced on the next blogpost and on Twitter!

Here are links to purchase LISTEN:
​AMAZON link
​Carmichael's link
Barnes & Noble link

Shannon's socials/contacts:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

​

An interview with Shannon 

​Evelyn Glennie's website

7 Comments

BARNYARD BOOGIE with Tim McCanna

1/4/2023

7 Comments

 
Congratulations to Jany Campana!!!  You are the winner of a picture book critique by Diane Worthey!  I'll connect the two of you via Twitter and email to claim your prize!   Diane, thank you for your generosity and Jany, thank you for your support of PBJamz!

Interview with Tim McCanna, author of BARNYARD BOOGIE

Join Tim and me as we chat farm animals, onomatopoeia and all things music and picture books and more! 
Writing process?  Yep 
Motivation?  Uh-Huh! 
How to get out of a creative rut?  Oh, yeah!
Goal-setting?  Yes!  We touch on that too!
​And a whole lot more! What a fun conversation!  Enjoy!

BARNYARD BOOGIE

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Check out this fun, rollicking rhyme set on a farm -- with a band, where the central problem is what in the world is the cow going to do?  Everyone has their instrument, but cow.  Kids will love the refrain, "What can cow do? Moooo?" Grab a copy to see what role cow plays in the barnyard band! You can pick it up as a picture book or a board book for your younger farm fans and band members! Check the links section below for ordering your very own copy.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Be sure to check out the links section next week for lots more songs and videos you can use to go along with this book! So much fun to be had! There are lots more versions of Old McDonald, along with other farm animal songs, the book trailer for BARNYARD BOOGIE, read alouds, and so much more!  I love the laid back acoustic sound of Music Travel Kids, the simple instrumentation and sweet harmonies.  I also like that they have video of real farm animals and a real farm!  I hope you and your students or family will enjoy this one, too!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Very Young Children (Toddlers, Preschool, Kinder, Primary)
    • Animal sounds
    • Farm unit 
    • Onomatopoeia
    • (Check out links below for lots of specific lessons, units, activities and more!)
  • Primary/Elementary
    • Farm unit/farm animals
    • What comes from a farm?
    • Rhyming Couplets
    • Onomatopoeia (animal sounds and instrument sounds)
    • Who/Whoo
    • internal rhyme
    • alliteration
    • strong verbs
    • how illustrations support text
    • author study (Tim McCanna)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Name and discuss instruments in the book.
  • Discuss the onomatopoeia words chosen.  Are they what you would think of?  How would YOU describe them?  How would you READ them to make it sound as realistic as possible?
  • Identify instruments by sound.
  • Listen to examples of various instruments.
  • Discuss forte/piano -- which instruments/which animals are loud vs. quiet.  Combine with Music K8 video about Forte and Piano (in the links section) Such a cool connection since cow is the conductor in that video as well :-)
  • So many fun things to do with Old McDonald (check the links section for LOTS)
  • Variations of Old McDonald (different versions, vocals vs. instrumental, various styles/genres (Check links section -- lots of versions linked up in YouTube and Pinterest)
  • Lots more fun farm songs

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  • Write about your favorite farm animal and why it's your favorite.
  • Write about an unlikely animal/instrument duo (ducks playing string instruments, etc.)
  • Write about another group of animals that forms a band.
  • Write a playlist for the Barnyard Boogie Band.
  • What if cow DID choose an instrument?  Write THAT story.
  • Make a list of animals. How would YOU write their sounds as onomatopoeia?
  • If YOU could choose to play one of the instruments, which would you choose and why?
  • Write a review of a concert by the Barnyard Band.
  • Do you think Cow will be a good conductor/director?  Why/why not?

Writing Tips from Tim McCanna

Tips for aspiring authors:


1. Trust your instincts and write that first draft without judgement. However, be open to feedback from trusted colleagues and embrace the rewriting process with gusto!

2. Don't rush into submitting manuscripts to agents and editors. Practice your craft first. Write and rewrite dozens of different types of stories until your colleagues help you determine if your work is ready for publication.

3. When it comes to writing rhymers, always strive for straight-forward, natural language that locks into a consistent meter. Don't force your rhymes with wonky phrasing. 

4. If you want to write picture books, you have to read picture books. Count the words, listen to the rhythms, analyze the pacing, observe characters' emotional arcs, and watch how page turns contribute to the storytelling.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Barnyard Boogie YouTube playlist 

Barnyard Boogie Pinterest board

Farmers' Market story time ideas Pinterest board (Lots of crafts and other farm stories)




PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Oatmeal (Steel Cut Oats)

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Farming is hard work!  It requires strength and agility.  It also requires early mornings and hearty breakfasts!  While I myself am not so good at the early mornings, I love a hearty breakfast.  One of my favorites is steel cut oats.  I like them myriad ways, but one of the simplest and best is PBJ steel cut oats.  I don't have any pictures right now (although I may add some later, because this is definitely a go-to for me!). I cook the oats according to package directions.  (BTW, you can use whatever style oats you like -- for me, steel cut oats are my fave for oatmeal...) Once they are cooked through, add in your favorite peanut butter and jelly.  Yes, really!  It's just that simple:  1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter and your favorite jam/jelly to taste (support your local farm and get some fresh fruit and make your own for a truly decadent, but hearty experience.)  But whatever grape, strawberry, blackberry, etc. is your favorite will serve you well.  Stir it well.  Garnish with some roasted peanuts or fresh fruit if you want to make it truly impressive.  No bread needed, but you'll be full and ready to muck out stalls, survey the lower 40, pick cucumbers or strawberries or pumpkins, feed up, gather the eggs, milk the cows, or whatever tasks your morning holds! And, you'll have a yummy taste in your mouth while doing your "farm tasks"!  Enjoy, and if you've tried PBJ oatmeal, tell me your favorite flavor in the comments!

Guest Links and Giveaways

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To connect with Tim via:
​Twitter

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

To purchase any of Tim's books (including his new young reader graphic novels), check out the links here.

To be eligible for Tim's giveaway (a SIGNED copy of BARNYARD BOOGIE!!!), simply leave a comment below on this blogpost by 11:59 PM Wednesday, January 18, and I'll draw a winner and announce it on the next episode! 



Reminder:  If you enjoy these books and authors, please support them by:
1.  Purchasing their books
2. Recommending them to friends, coworkers, educators, etc.
3. Requesting their books at your local library
4. Leaving positive reviews (just 50 reviews on Amazon bumps a book up to recommended status.) If you'd rather not support Amazon,  review the books on Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.
7 Comments

Rise Up with a Song: The True Story of Ethel Smyth, Suffragette Composer (Heroes Remembered, 1)

11/9/2022

5 Comments

 
CONGRATULATIONS, Jany Campana!!!  You are the winner of a copy of BLUE RIDGE BABIES by Laura Sperry Gardner!  I know you'll enjoy this sweet rollicking animal counting mountain book!  Be sure to leave a review if you enjoy it, request it at your library, etc.! :-). Thanks, Laura, for the generous giveaway, and thank you Jany for your constant support of PBJamz!

Interview with Diane Worthey, author of RISE UP WITH A SONG

Diane and I talk PB biographies, writing process, music, the inspiration of women who came before us and more!  Check out our conversation below!

RISE UP WITH A SONG: ​The True Story of Ethel Smyth, Suffragette Composer

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This PB biography is full of excitement and derring-do; the story of a young woman who blasted all the barriers for women -- what they wore, what they did, and many other "glass ceilings" that plagued women, particularly in her time period.  She wrote music -- big, powerful music, and she is remembered well for her contributions in this book by Diane Worthey.  A story-worthy heroine, Ethel Smyth paved the way not only for female musicians, but also for women voters and for women in general.  The perfect addition to a study of the suffragette movement, women's history month (March; incidentally also Music in Our Schools Month) or female composers, opera, or lots of other topics.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

One of Ethel Smyth's most memorable pieces -- "The March of the Women" sung by women -- shoulder to shoulder and friend to friend.  Enjoy this beautiful version of this amazing song!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

History 
  • Women's suffragette movement and history
  • Timelines
  • Women's history -- expectations, limitations, change over time
Math
  • Use timeline to solve problems.
ELA
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Features of text
  • Vocabulary (Look for the words in different font. Why are they different?  Blend features of text with vocabulary.)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Music history
  • Female composers
  • Musical era 1860s-1920s -- How did things change
  • Why do you think Ethel Smyth's work is accepted now and wasn't then?
  • Compare her March of the Women for strings, flex band and concert band.  How are the arrangements alike and different?
  • Listening activities with various pieces of Ethel's work
  • Draw while you listen -- what images does the music evoke

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  • Listen to one of Ethel's longer pieces and write whatever story or poem the music makes you think of.
  • Write about how you and Ethel are the same and different.  
  • Do you think Ethel would make a good friend?  Why/why not?
  • Write about whether or not women should have the right to vote.  Give good reasons for your opinion.
  • Write a list of words that describes Ethel Smyth.  Turn them into a poem.
  • Write a poem, story, or song about something you think is unfair.
  • Write a poem entitled, "Not Ethel"
  • How do you think Ethel's voice changed the path of women around the world?
  • ​Ethel put some of her favorite poems to music.  Find a poem you love and try singing it. 

Writing Tips from Diane Worthey

​Here are some writer tips:


* Revise, Revise, Revise: Musicians do this all of the time. Do the same with your writing. Sometimes I work for hours on one sentence or one paragraph.
In picture books, every word is golden. Every word counts.


I put my manuscripts through my critique group at least 3 times before submitting to agents/publishers.
Writing is ultimately a group project- you don't have to change things you don't agree with, but try what your fellow writers suggest and see if it improves the manuscript.


* Be persistent : My first book was rejected 13 times before it found a home in the right publisher. My second book also had many rejections before it was picked up by a publisher.

* Think of layers you can add to your book. For RISE UP WITH A SONG, I used the lyrics to the public domain music The March of the Women to inspire my text.

* When writing, think in scenes. Imagine an illustrator trying to illustrate your scenes. Do your words help an illustrator? Write what you mean. Publishers often take out illustrator notes in a manuscript.

* The title to a picture book is key to setting the tone of the book. If you are inspired by your title, it will inform your writing.
As an exercise, try different titles and see how they inform your writing.

* Read your manuscript out loud to see if it flows in a musical way. Have someone read your manuscript to you. You will hear things differently this way.

* Attend SCBWI workshops where you can submit a manuscript to an agent. Be persistent in nudging the agent (nicely) to give you feedback.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board with more info about Ethel Smyth and various songs and activities
YouTube playlist with videos and songs relating to Ethel Smyth
​

PBJamz Snack -- Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars!

If you were hosting a 1910 English tea something like these yummy peanut butter and jelly bars might be on the menu.  If not, they would be a delicious accompaniment to an afternoon of music of Ethel Smyth -- or anyone else.   Enjoy! And check out more great recipes from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons!
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Guest Links and Giveaways

To purchase RISE UP WITH A SONG at Amazon 
                                                                     at Barnes and Noble
Link to Kirkus starred review
Diane's website
Diane's Twitter

​

Diane is offering a picture book critique as a giveaway for this episode.  Comment below for a chance to win a critique!

Be sure to leave reviews, request these PBJamz books for your library, and share out the ones you love on social media, as well as to your friends and family!
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5 Comments

BLUE RIDGE BABIES: 1,2,3 (A Counting Book) by Laura Sperry Gardner

11/2/2022

2 Comments

 
Congratulations to Brian and Steena Hernandez for winning copies of BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE by Carmen Oliver!  I know you will both enjoy this amazing book!  If you do enjoy it, please consider leaving reviews, requesting it at your local libraries, and sharing by word of mouth with people who might also enjoy it..

An interview with Laura Sperry Gardner, author of BLUE RIDGE BABIES, 1,2,3

Laura Sperry Gardner's debut picture book is charming and beautiful and multi-layered. It takes a traditional children's song and changes the setting and the animals, fills it full of vocabulary, content, and combines all of that with beautiful illustrations, charm and sweet animals that kids are going to love.  As a bonus, some of the animals will be new to them, and children's interest will be sparked to learn even more!  

In this interview, Laura shares freely about her process.  It's a fabulous interview for anyone who hasn't gotten their "yes" yet.  There are so many wonderful tips for aspiring authors!  It's a goldmine of excellent advice!

BLUE RIDGE BABIES: 1,2,3

This book is beautiful, sweet, multi-layered, and a refreshing change from the well-used "Over in the Meadow" song and books.   This book uses gorgeous, strong vocabulary, with a nice mix of words kids will know and words for kids to learn. The counting aspect is a nice layer.  Laura uses lots of  great words to discuss the homes of the various animals.  Kids will love all the animals, and throw in the fact that it is singable and the book is well-worth the money you'll pay for it!  Pick up a copy from the links below or at your favorite bookseller. If you read it an enjoy it, please consider leaving a review for the book on your favorite site.  It is a beautiful way to help authors out! You can review even if you don't purchase the book.  Check it out from your library if you prefer, and then leave Laura a review.
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A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

I already loved the book, but hearing this sweet musical version sung by Nikki made me love it even more! Perfect for teachers to use in their classrooms before or after reading the book!
​But also perfect for families, preschool teachers, daycare workers, music teachers and more!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Math
  • ​Preschool/kinder -- counting to 10
Science
  • Life cycles
    • Comparing and contrasting
      • Mammals
      • fish
      • birds
      • amphibians
  • Animal behavior
ELA
  • Lots of vocabulary
    • place words (homes for animals)
    • baby animal names
    • collective nouns
  • Sequencing

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

Since this book is based on a song, it makes perfect sense to use it in a music classroom.  There are lots of ways you could do so:
  • Read the book; then sing it.
    • Tap a steady beat (Tap it on your lap, play it on rhythm sticks, etc)
    • Create a simple percussion play-along
  • Sing it and have students act it out, draw it, or respond to it in another way
  • Compare different versions of "over in the meadow" and "over in the blue ridge"
  • sing songs about the various animals you might find in the Blue Ridge
  • For preschool and kinder, you could include this with other counting to 10 songs
  • Integrate with science/social studies and focus on baby animal names; pull in other songs that relate to baby animals.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write about your favorite baby animal.
  2. If you've ever visited the Blue Ridge, write about the experience.
  3. Write your own version of the lyrics of "Over in the Meadow" with animals from where you live.
  4. Write about your experience of learning and growing.  What impact did your mom have on that?  OR If you're a mom, how did you try to encourage your child(ren) to learn and grow?
  5. Write your own counting book.  
  6. This book is replete with "juicy words" (strong, interesting vocabulary)

Writing Tips from Laura Sperry Gardner

  1. Look for new books at your library that are similar to what you’re trying to get published. Analyze and pick them apart to see how they’re structured, how many words, reading level, etc. Getting a sense of what is out and there and what works is essential to creating a publishable work.
  2. Simpler, smaller. How small can you make a story? For picture books, there is a trend toward shorter and shorter texts. Practice conciseness to encapsulate the heart of the story.
  3. Remember that your query is a sample of your writing too. Make every detail just right to convey your “brand” and marketability.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with several teaching activities, book review, interview with Laura and more!
Pinterest board of wildlife in the Blue Ridge Mountains
​Pinterest board with items related to the book: Blue Ridge animals, teaching activities, other versions of the song and more!

PBJamz Snack

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When I think about BLUE RIDGE BABIES, I think about camping, since the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of our favorite places to go camping!  And when I think about camping, I think about S'Mores, so the perfect PBJamz recipe for this week is this one for these delightful-looking PBJ S'Mores!  The next time you find yourself around the campfire -- or the fire pit, give these a try, and then check out all the other yums available at PureWow.com  

Guest Links and Giveaways

Laura is generously giving away a signed copy of this delightful book. To be eligible to win, leave a comment on this blog post by Wednesday, 11/9 by 11:59 PM EST. I will do a random drawing from the comments.  Don't miss out!  You definitely want a copy of this book!

Laura's Twitter

​Laura's website

To purchase BLUE RIDGE BABIES 1,2,3 from
Amazon
​
Barnes and Noble

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BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE w/Carmen Oliver

10/19/2022

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Congratulations,  Marie Kelly!  You are the winner of the first giveaway book for last week's episode: THIS IS MUSIC: HORNS.  Please send me a mailing address to tonnyefletcher at gmail dot com. I hope you enjoy the book and please remember to review it if you enjoy it, share it out on social media, give the title to folks who would enjoy it and request it at your library!  These are all great ways to thank the authors who come and share!

Stay tuned for the second giveaway!

Interview with Carmen Oliver, author of BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE

In this episode, Carmen Oliver stops by to chat about her latest book, BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE. It's an incredible book full of activism, human kindness, ingenuity, and changing your stars. The power of one person to make a rippling difference in the world is a message of hope and inspiration for all of us. We talk about the ripple effects, the challenges of writing the book, the inspiration and so much more! Carmen is a delight and this is a story (and an interview) that will have you feeling good for a while!Go to https://www.tonnyefletcher.com/PBJamz for teaching tips and lots of additional resources to go along with the book BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE by Carmen Oliver. Do yourself a favor and watch some of the video clips of the recycled orchestra in action, or the documentary as well! This book can literally be used with every single age group!

BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE

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BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE tells the story of an ordinary man who does extraordinary things for a village built atop a landfill in Paraguay.  He gives a precious gift to this community -- the gift of music.  Published by Eerdmans. Books for Young Readers, and illustrated by Luisa Uribe, this book tells the beautiful story of Favio Chavez and his "Recycled Orchestra."  It is, indeed a story of hope and music and ingenuity and perseverance and. . . .obviously it is a multi-layered book full of many beautiful thoughts and ideas.  Join this man and these young people on the journey of a lifetime -- from the landfill in Paraguay and around the world!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This song is from the documentary Landfill Harmonic.  The video shows the creation of some of the instruments, and the lyrics are in Spanish with English subtitles, so it would invite lots of conversation about many layers of the book as well as the larger story. 

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Compare and contrast
    • You could compare this text with ADA'S VIOLIN 
    • Compare this text with the documentary "Landfill Harmonic"
      • Discuss similarities/differences
      • Various POV
  • Great opportunities for math integration 
    • Create story problems, ie: 
      • 1500 tons.  How many pounds?
      • 1500 tons a day.  How many tons in 2? 3? etc.
      • 5 cents/lb for cardboard; 10 cents/lb for plastic.
        • 5 lbs of cardboard?
        • 25 lbs of plastic? 
        • etc.
  • Back matter uses lyrics from New York, New York as section headings; Read to students or have them read and evaluate why they used each lyric to head that section. Discuss.
  • Integrate social studies
    • Learn about Paraguay (lots of printables and ideas on the Pinterest board.. . )
      • Geography
      • Culture
      • Music
      • Language
      • Food
      • etc.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Orchestral instrument families
    • Strings
    • Brass
    • Woodwind
    • Percussion
      • Discuss which family would be easiest to create/why?
  • Create your own recycled instruments using trash. --Lots of ideas on the Pinterest board in the links section below.
  • Listening activities with performances from Recycled Orchestra
    • steady beat
    • high/low
    • tempo
    • mood/feelings/etc.
  • Musical Vocabulary:
    • Choir
    • Guitar
    • conduct (ed/or)
    • orchestra
    • instruments
    • violin
    • strings
    • bow
    • pitch-perfect
    • notes
    • practice
    • drum
    • drumheads
    • viola
    • flute
    • saxophone
    • cello
    • trumpet
    • practice 
    • perform
    • play
    • stage
    • dress rehearsal




Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Why do you think Favio chose "New York, New York to play?
  2. If you were naming the orchestra, what would you name it and why?
  3. Write about this quote:  "The world sends us garbage. We send back music."
  4. If you could play with the Cateura Orchestra, which instrument would you want to play? Why?
  5. Write about a time someone did something nice for you that they didn't HAVE to do.  How did that make you feel? Explain.
  6. Do you think Favio or Cola was more important to the orchestra?  Why?
  7. How do you think this experience changed the lives of the musicians in the orchestra?
  8. If you were part of the orchestra, how could you show gratitude to Cola and Favio?
  9. Make your own instrument from recycled materials. Then write a how-to guide so that someone else could create the same instrument.
  10. Write about what music means to you/how it's impacted your life.
  11. Write a poem using these words: music, landfill, hope
  12.  Write an acrostic poem using one of these words: Landfill, music, Hope, recycle, Cateura, Orchestra. . . .

Writing Tips from Carmen Oliver

Carmen created a lovely document (which you can download below) with accompanying pictures and book covers. I've uploaded the file below if you'd like to see it as she intended.  The bare text version appears here for those of you who may not be able to download the pretty version with visuals. . . 

Three Tips to Becoming a Successful Writer


By Carmen Oliver

What makes a successful writer from an unsuccessful writer? Here’s a few tips that I think separates the successful writer from the unsuccessful writer.

Write About What Interests You

Write about what you are interested in. Or something important that happened to you. Or maybe it’s something you care about like family, or a cause, or an injustice. Use your voice to tell the story you want to tell. It develops confidence. It unleashes your imagination. It gives you some control. It makes you more invested in the storytelling.




When I’m visiting schools, students often ask me where I get my book ideas. This is always one of my favorite questions because the answer taps into one of my passions in life and leads me to my second tip about being a successful writer.

Read, Read, and Read Some More!

My grandmother instilled a love of reading in me. She was my favorite reading buddy. She would read to me for hours. She would answer my questions about what we were reading. She would read the same book to me over and over again until I felt confident that I could ahem, “read” it on my own.  She and my mother were both avid lovers of wild animals and they opened my eyes to animals from all corners of the world with their magazine subscription to National Geographic. I loved looking at the pictures and they would tell me fun facts about each animal. They purchased subscriptions for me to book clubs and magazines like Highlights for Children (often found in school and public libraries too).

Reading is the cornerstone to becoming a successful writer. Honestly to becoming successful in whatever you want to do. Books have so much to teach us. We learn about pacing, word choice, the five senses, emotion, tension, voice, setting, and problem solving. Sparks fly when we read. Imaginations burst open. We empathize and understand more. And we get ideas for our own stories from what we read.



When I was doing research about spirit bears for the book A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal), my daughter was a fifth grader and was going to be a reading buddy at her school. I thought to myself what if the kindergartner she was assigned to didn’t want to be her buddy? Because she already had her own reading buddy. And what if that reading buddy was a bear? A real bear. What could happen? That was the spark for the idea for Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies.  Imagine what would have happened if I’d been reading about camels!

Butt-in-Chair

There’s an old saying we writers like to use called “Butt-in-Chair.” It means you have to sit there and do the work. Period. Show up. Stay late. No running to the kitchen for a snack every 5 minutes. Or texting. Or surfing the web. No one is going to do the work for you. I tell writers all the time that everyone has their own unique stories to tell. Each of them has experiences I’ve never experienced before. They all have something important to say but if they don’t sit in a proverbial “chair” and drop or type the words onto the paper/screen – we’ll never hear it.  It’s hard work to ignore a chocolate fudge brownie craving or a morning matinee, but sitting in your chair, writing sentence after sentence gets it done. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it! 

 

What makes a successful writer? It’s ordinary people who show up every day and do the work. They don’t talk about being a writer, they write about it. And they don’t give up until they get it right. It’s really that simple; interest+reading+Butt-in-Chair = Writer.


Tag Line: 

Carmen Oliver is the author of many award-winning picture books for children including A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Building an Orchestra of Hope: How Favio Chavez Taught Children to Make Music From Trash, a Junior Library Gold Standard (Oct 25, 2022), and The Twilight Library (Sept 6, 2022). She’s also the author of the Bears Make the Best Buddies series (Reading, Writing, Math, Science). She also teaches writing at the Writing Barn and The Highlights Foundation and loves speaking at schools, conferences and festivals. She lives with her family outside of Austin, Texas. To connect or learn more about Carmen and her books visit www.carmenoliver.com or Twitter or Facebook.

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Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board with videos, printables, and all sorts of things related to this topic.
YouTube playlist with videos of the orchestra playing, trailers for the documentary and more!

Creating recycled instruments:
27 ideas
52 ideas

PBJamz Snack

These little Protein Bites/Power balls/Energy Balls or whatever you'd like to call them make the perfect snack before or after rehearsal or program!  Full of protein and energy -- relatively healthy and nutritious make these an encore performer that really hit a high note, and are sure to be an audience pleaser!
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Guest Links and Giveaways

Carmen has offered a DOUBLE giveaway -- 2 copies of BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE are up for grabs, and you have until Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST to comment on this blog below to be entered in a random drawing of all commenters.  2 winners will be chosen and copies of the book will be sent to each of you!  Don't miss out!  Leave a comment and build your library!

​Amazon link to purchase BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE
Publisher's link to purchase 
BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE

Carmen's website 
BUILDING AN ORCHESTRA OF HOPE  page on Carmen's website (Check back here for the educator guide)
Connect with Carmen on Twitter
​Facebook for The Booking Biz



​Reminder:  If you enjoy these books and authors, please support them by:
1.  Purchasing their books
2. Recommending them to friends, coworkers, educators, etc.
3. Requesting their books at your local library
4. Leaving positive reviews (just 50 reviews on Amazon bumps a book up to recommended status.) If you'd rather not support Amazon,  review the books on Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.
9 Comments

THIS IS MUSIC: HORNS w/ Rekha Rajan

10/12/2022

4 Comments

 
Sarah Meade, You are the winner of a signed copy of RAJA'S. PET CAMEL!!!  I know you and your kids will love this book! 

Nikki Walker, You are the winner of a Zoom read-aloud session with Anita Amin!   I'll connect the two of you via email to arrange a time that is mutually good!

Congratulations to BOTH of you and thanks to everyone who left comments and is supporting PBJamz!  You guys all rock!

Interview with Rekha Rajan, author of THIS IS MUSIC: HORNS

When you get two musicians together to talk music and two authors together to talk reading, books, literacy and writing, you might as well settle in. This one is a bit longer, but there are so many beautiful connections to family, culture, and voice, in addition to chatting about the importance of valuing music in front of our students, modeling, and lots of discussion of brass and woodwinds -- and paper towel tubes and noisemakers, oh, and car horns!  Check it out!

THIS IS MUSIC: HORNS

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This second installment of her THIS IS MUSIC board book series does not disappoint!  With fun and vibrant illustrations, and a surprising amount of content, Rekha introduces young (and maybe not so young) readers/listeners to the world of horns, and then shares some incredible cultural horns, including the vuvuzela, and some horns you MAY not think of when you consider making music! From traditional to nontraditional, with musical vocabulary and the continuing thread that anyone can make music, along with giving them the tools to do so (whether that's a brass or woodwind or a paper towel tube or a conch shell), this book fulfills its promise to redefine music in very accessible ways.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This song starts with a drum, just like Rekha's board book series, and then introduces several horns in the marching band and ends with cymbals.  This is a fun song set to a possibly familiar tune (When the Saints Go Marching In).  It would be fun to do movement activities, marching, imaginative play with various instruments, playing drums, non-traditional horns for pretend play, identifying various instruments by their image and sound, introduction to marching band, contrasting marching band with orchestra, categorizing instruments further into woodwinds and brass and percussion, etc.  Full of humor and fun!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Words with multiple meanings:
horn -- a musical instrument, part of an animal, part of a car that makes noise, etc.
blow --movement of the wind, pushing air through your lips, etc.
play -- A story acted out, to use an instrument to make music, to enjoy an activity for fun, etc.
brass -- a shiny metal, an instrument made of metal with a cup-shaped mouthpiece, officers/someone in charge

Different kinds of horns -- Venn diagram, T-charts, lists, etc.

Onomatopoeia  (throughout the book). Listen to different horn sounds -- how would you write an onomatopoeia for each sound?

Features of text -- size/color/font

Adjectives -- shiny, three, different, loud, etc. (adjective hunt, what other adjectives could you use? )  Great companion book LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET by Mo Willems

​

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Horns around the world
    • Vuvuzela
    • shofar
    • nadaswaram
    • alpine horn
    • conch
    • etc.
  • Compare/contrast woodwinds/brass
  • Create your own horn(wind) instrument (see Pinterest board for some ideas!)
  • Contrast horns that play songs and horns that cannot play various pitches.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. What is your favorite horn in the book and why?
  2. When someone says "horn" what do you think about?
  3. Write a story about a vehicle with a very unusual horn.
  4. Write a story about a paper towel tube that magically transformed into a different kind of horn.  
  5. Write about a birthday party horn that made a difference!
  6. Title:  All Because of the Vuvuzela
  7. First line:  I tried to play the conch shell, but I realized it was still inhabited.
  8. Compare/contrast two of the horns (see the teaching tips section for examples.)

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with samples of various horns, performances and horn songs.
​

PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Blondie Cups

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These little PBJ Blondie Bites or Cups remind me of brass mouthpieces, so I chose them to be our highlighted snack for this week!  They sound absolutely delicious, and I look forward to trying them.  If you try them, let me know in the comments!   You could certainly sub out different flavors of jam/jelly for the centers.  You can find the recipe here.  Enjoy! And check out lots of other delicious recipes at https://www.thisisnotdietfood.com/ 

Guest Links and Giveaways

Rekha has generously offered two copies of THIS IS MUSIC: HORNS.

Note:  This giveaway is only open for ONE week!  You must comment by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

1. Winner drawn at random from those who leave comments.
​2. Winner is the FIRST person to comment with the CORRECT one-stringed instrument highlighted in the next THIS IS MUSIC book (STRINGS).


Here are all the pertinent links for Rekha and her book:
Rekha's Twitter page 
Website 
Bring Me a Book site

Here is the Penguin-Random House site with purchase information
​If you prefer to buy from Amazon, here's that link

Reminder:  If you enjoy these books and authors, please support them by:
1.  Purchasing their books
2. Recommending them to friends, coworkers, educators, etc.
3. Requesting their books at your local library
4. Leaving positive reviews (just 50 reviews on Amazon bumps a book up to recommended status.) If you'd rather not support Amazon,  review the books on Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.
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