Tonnye Fletcher
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Spotlighting
picture books (PB)
with
musical hooks (Jamz)
Picture

PBJamz!

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SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS by Shannon Hitchcock

3/19/2025

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Mountain Music, Dulcimer, Saving the Mountains and more. . . .

Join Shannon and me as we chat about her book SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS, the Story of Singer, Songwriter, Activist Jean Ritchie. We talk about what inspired her to write this book -- and three others in this series, how music is an integral part of this book and Jean Ritchie's life. We relate this to how mountain people (and all people) use music to make it through their days -- how important it was for so many things. We discuss the mountain/Appalachian dulcimer, the beautiful artwork by Sophie Page and much more!

SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS: THE STORY OF SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTIVIST JEAN RITCHIE

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From the cover, you can see that: 1. This is a beautiful book with unique art. 2. It is chock full of music. and 3. It's about someone who loved music and loved the mountains. 4.  Her name was Jean Ritchie and she was a singer, a songwriter, and an activist.  When you open the book, it delivers on every one of those "promises", telling a story of a girl, born in Kentucky who loved living in the Appalachian mountains. It tells of struggles, and how music became the balm for aching souls, but also the battle cry for changes that needed to happen. It tells how she became one of the greatest names in folk music, and how she impacted people and places with her words and her songs.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

There are lots of great Jean Ritchie songs in the playlist in the links section. This is one of my favorites. If you watch the video and hear me share the story about the station wagon., this is one of the songs Daddy taught me when I was very young (long before we even had the station wagon), but it was definitely one of the ones we sang on those rides to Grandma and Uncle Jerry's or to Charlotte to see Uncle Billy and Aunt Peggy.  It's a quintessential folk song, and one that I think children will enjoy.  There is another fun one perfect for Halloween on the list called Skin and Bones.  It's loads of fun for the kiddos too!  Check those out and more on the playlists I've linked up below.

From a music teacher perspective, this song is perfect for teaching call and response songs, because this is a fabulous example where literally one singer states something, the other asks a question and then there is a reply.

If you're looking for more of the songs that Jean wrote, several of them are included in the playlist. (and I keep adding to it as I find things that are appropriate.)

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Next week . . . 

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

Check back next week for ideas for using this book in the music classroom.

Writing Tips from Shannon

​1. Read your work aloud to yourself. When I'm writing my picture book biographies, I read the manuscripts aloud to myself over and over. I'm trying to capture a rhythm and make sure the language sings.  Any words that throw the rhythm off have to be replaced.

2. Keep an idea folder. There is nothing worse than a blank page and nothing to write about. To avoid that scenario, I keep a folder of possible story ideas.

3. I find a little pre-planning goes a long way, so when I'm starting a new project, I ask myself questions that I call the 5 Ws.
  • Who is my main character?
  • What needs to happen to him/her
  • When Does the story take place?
  • Where is my setting?
  • Why does this story matter to anybody besides me?
Knowing the setting and the time period influences all the details I will use in the story, but probably the most important question is why the story matters.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
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Check back next week for a plethora of prompts to go along with this book.

​Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist of Children's Songs and Games from the Southern Mountains sung by Jean Ritchie

YouTube playlist of videos of Jean Ritchie singing, playing dulcimer, teaching how to play the dulcimer and other videos that will support teaching, learning, and extending the book SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS by Shannon Hitchcock

Pinterest board full of links, activities, crafts, music lessons, interviews and more related to Jean Ritchie and/or the book SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS by Shannon Hitchcock

Teachers' Guide for SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS 

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Guest Links and Giveaways

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 Insta: hitchcock_shannon
Website: https://shannonhitchcock.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shannon.hitchcock.940


Goodreads link (for purchase options, click on the arrow beside "Buy on Amazon" to view several options)

Shannon has offered a free zoom visit to one lucky winner. If you'd like Shannon to zoom into your classroom to talk about this book (or her others), simply leave a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and I will draw a winner!


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STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY with Moira Donohue

3/5/2025

3 Comments

 

Tons of Writing Tips and More with Moira Donohue
STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY

What a fun conversation with Moira! Y'all come on in and check it out! This book is full of amazing facts and great stories! Moira packed this conversation full of great writing tips. It's a master class itself, and she shares so much good information. Plus which, she is delightful to talk with! Hop on in and join the conversation!

STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY

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This picture book biography shines the spotlight on Chick Webb -- specifically focusing in on one major event that propelled Chick Webb to the heights of stardom -- even though he was only 4'11".  Author Moira Donohue uses music, rhythm, and onomatopoeia to tell a compelling story of a young man who persevered, making the most of challenging circumstances and even using them to his advantage. The book shines a light on one specific competition -- Battle of the Bands at the Savoy.  It is chock full of fabulous language and a story that begs to be told -- and told well. The author delivers, supported by wonderful illustrations by Laura Freeman.  This book is perfect for the young drummer, the kid who thinks he's too small, the kid with a tough diagnosis, but it's also perfect for the seasoned percussionist, the fan of big band music and the history buff. This book has something for everyone!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Here is a recording of Chick Webb and his group playing the song "Stompin' at the Savoy". I couldn't think of a better piece of music to highlight for this episode. . . .  There are additional pieces in the YouTube playlist in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

ELA topics and tips:
  • Onomatopoeia -- This book is FULL of it!  Great examples to share as mentor texts for kids or to help them understand what it is.
  • Strong verbs -- tapped, banged, slapped, hammered, spied, raced, etc.  This text is fabulous for a verb scavenger hunt or to mentor students in how to utilize strong verbs of their own.
SEL
  • Perseverance/overcoming challenges
  • Being teased/bullying

Math/Social Studies
  • Timelines
  • Create story problems based on timeline or selling newspapers for whatever skills you are working on.  
    • If Chick sold 10 newspapers at 25 cents each, how much money did he collect?
    • If Chick delivered 25 newspapers in one week and 35 the next week, how many did he deliver?
    • If Chick was born in 1905 and started selling newspapers at 9 years old, what year was it when he began selling?
    • If Chick made $2 each week, and the drumsticks cost $10,00, how many weeks did it take him to earn the money?
    • If the drumset was $50, how many weeks?
    • etc.
Art/Music
  • ​DIY Drums (Create/decorate drums)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Swing Music (listening, rhythm play-alongs, recognizing it in movies -- Aristocats, Monsters, Inc, etc.)
  • History and sub-genres of Jazz music
  • Big Band era and key musicians
  • Chick Webb/Duke Ellington/Ella Fitzgerald/Benny Goodman interactions
  • Drumming (various kinds depending on ages and stages of kids)
  • Dance connections -- swing and Lindy Hop
  • History of Savoy Ballroom and impact on music and dance
  • Compare versions of songs by Benny Goodman and Chick Webb
  • DIY Drums (in conjunction with art teacher perhaps)

Writing Tips from Moira

Here is a link to Moira's page with writing resources and tips. Check it out, along with the video interview where she shares a ton of great writing tips.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write a letter to Chick Webb telling him 3 reasons you admire/appreciate him.
  2. Listen to Benny Goodman's version and Chick Webb's version of  Stompin' at the Savoy and write a comparison of the two.
  3. Write an acrostic poem using one of these words or phrases: Chick Webb, Big Band, Swing, or Savoy.
  4. Write a report about the importance of the Savoy Ballroom.
  5. Write a timeline of Chick Webb's life.
  6. Write about a time you were called names or bullied.
  7. Write a "How to" story about how to play drums, or how to overcome a challenge or how to deal with people calling you names, how to create a drum, etc.
  8. Write your own math problem using ideas from the story.
  9. Write a letter to Chick Webb from Benny Goodman's drummer.
  10. Have you ever had a "battle"?  Write about it.
  11. Write about an experience you had learning something new.
  12. Have you ever played drums?  Write about that.
  13. Make a list of at least 10 strong verbs for walked.
  14. Write a story with onomatopoeia about music.
  15. Write a letter to the author telling her at least 3 things you enjoyed about this book.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
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YouTube playlist with the interview, read alouds, music from Chick Webb, bio videos of Chick and more!

Pinterest board with flyers, photos, teacher activities and more!


Guest Links and Giveaways

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Moira's website

Email

Instagram

To buy STOMPIN AT THE SAVOY, check out the Goodreads page with lots of options.


​Moira is generously offering a copy of STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY to one lucky winner. To be entered, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 19.
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PBJAMZ Turns 3! Celebrating with Grace Ludtke and BECAUSE by Mo Willems

2/20/2025

8 Comments

 

A Full Circle Journey with Grace Ludtke

PBJamz is turning 3!!! And to celebrate, I have a fantastic conversation with musician and teacher Grace Ludtke! I first heard of Grace when my best friend, Rachel, sent a link to an article in OUR STATE magazine to me. When I read about how Grace was inspired to become a musician because of a picture book, and then became a teacher, too, it seemed like the quintessential PBJamz story. So, I contacted Grace and asked if she would join me and talk about her journey.  This chat is full of serendipity and connections between music, reading, writing and teaching. It's all about inspiration and where it can lead. It's about the journey from inspiration to reality, and we have a blast along the way! Join us for the convo!

BECAUSE by Mo Willems

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I chose this book to accompany my interview with Grace because it's such a lovely picture of the cause and effect relationship of a journey from inspiration to reality and the serendipity that happens to cause one thing to lead to another until your dreams come true. Sometimes inspiration comes from a musical performance, sometimes it comes from a teacher, and sometimes it comes from a picture book Here's to the inspiration waiting for you and the serendipity along the way! Available wherever books are sold (and on sale at Amazon at air time for 40% off -- a perfect time to add it to your collecction.)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Listening to this week's guest, Grace Ludtke, on harp, feels absolutely ethereal. If you close your eyes, you can imagine yourself in Heaven amidst the angels.  This piece happens to be one of my favorite songs -- a beautiful song about making your dreams come true, and so, it seems doubly appropriate for this episode. Take a few minutes and listen to your troubles melting like lemondrops.  If you (like me) have a "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" playlist, you'll want to add this one for sure.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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This episode (in my mind) has basically 4 different sections. You could teach each of them, interconnect, or you could certainly pull out additional topics from the book BECAUSE, or expand on some of them in various ways.

Section 1: Inspiration
You can talk to your students about what inspires them.  What inspired them to want to take dance classes or play basketball, etc.  Compare that to Grace's journey of being inspired by an illustration in a picture book. Have your students every been inspired by something they saw in a book. (Great time to bring in the book BECAUSE).  I would extend that conversation by talking about how inspiration by itself isn't enough. You have to give your inspiration legs. You have to follow through. You have to find out what it takes to make that dream come true and then pursue that. You have to practice/work hard/take lessons, etc.
**I was inspired to contact Grace when I read an article about her in OUR STATE magazine, and thought her story aligned beautifully to my mission for PBJamz.  Inspiration comes in all sorts of ways!
​
Section 2: BECAUSE by Mo Willems
This book is a great companion to this conversation. It shows that there are so many components to even a simple thing happening, and how, not only does inspiration have to strike, but there are MANY MANY More steps to be taken for your dream to become a reality.  There are certainly other topics you could bring in with this book. There is one study guide in the links section, but I'm sure there are many more for it as well.  This book could extend the learning in quite a few different directions.  There are a couple of read-alouds included on the YouTube playlist, but there are many more!

Section 3: Cause and Effect
Both Grace's real-life story, and the book BECAUSE contain so many examples of cause and effect.  I've included several videos in the YouTube playlist that you can use to help teach or cement the learning of cause and effect. There are lessons, explanations, songs, and more. Check it out if you want to expand in this direction.

Section 4: Grace and the Harp. 
This is a huge section, and I'll dig into it more deeply in the music teacher's section, so check it out there.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

In the teachers' section, I shared 4 main topics and I believe all 4 of them translate well for music teachers as well, although how you teach them will be probably very different,

Topic 1: Inspiration
I think it would be amazing to search out how various famous musicians were inspired to follow music.  It would make a great bulletin board, a great research project, or a fun fact at the beginning or end of your music classes to talk about how inspiration comes from so many different places: church, family, holidays, picture books, concerts, etc. Talking with music students about what instrument they are learning and/or hope to learn to play and why.  The role of inspiration, and how it is simply the starting point. It requires learning, practice, and tenacity to become a musician.

​Grace was inspired as a little girl from a picture in a book, but it took lots of follow-up: finding a harp and a teacher, lessons, practice, practice, practice, and lots of tenacity. But the effect of all of that is that now Grace is sharing that knowledge and expertise with young harpists and with her students at Guilford College.  It started with inspiration, but it didn't end there. That was just the beginning.

Topic 2: BECAUSE
This book is a fabulous one for the music classroom not only because it starts with the inspiration of a concert and ends with the young woman having a successful music career. (although, YES! all of that, too!), but I think it's also a great book because it mentions how many people go into making a music event successful, which is a very important lesson for young musicians to learn! Be sure to check out the musical storytime videos in the YouTube playlist. You may find them to be perfect jumping-off points for music lessons related to this book.

Topic 3: Cause/Effect
While this is something students learn about in their reading classes, and sometimes social studies and science, it is also very apropos for music students. ie. if I'm inspired, what is the effect?  If I practice every day, what is the effect on my music?  If I'm not learning my instrument (or other music content), what is the reason/cause for that?  Helping students to be reflective practitioners starts early. They need to understand the cause/effect relationship and how their music learning is affected by their choices.

But, also, the scientific cause/effect relationships of music and how it is formed: 
When I stretch the trombone slide, it creates a longer tube. What affect does that have on pitch?
What causes the strings on a harp (or other string instrument) to vibrate?
What is the effect of vibrations?
etc, etc., etc.

Topic 4: Grace and the Harp
This is a great way to bring this instrument into your classroom, since most of us don't have a resident harpist or thousands of dollars to add one to our cache os instruments to demonstrate.
I've included videos in the YouTube playlist that introduce the harp, show the parts, demonstrate how to play, etc. as well as beautiful videos of Grace, herself, playing the harp, as well as the NC Harp Ensemble that Grace co-founded.  Also, different kinds of harps, why the strings are different colors, and other things I thought your students might find interesting.
Since it is a string instrument, you could talk about all the relative musical content to that:
pitch -- length of strings
how string instruments make sounds
etc.

Grace was inspired as a little girl from a picture in a book, but it took lots of follow-up: finding a harp and a teacher, lessons, practice, practice, practice, and lots of tenacity. But the effect of all of that is that now Grace is sharing that knowledge and expertise with young harpists and with her students at Guilford College.  It started with inspiration, but it didn't end there.

A Note to My Writing and Illustrating Friends. . . .

 byIn lieu of "writing tips" from an author this week, I want you simply to revel in the thought that one day, someone might read one of your books or see one of your illustrations, and it might inspire their life's work, and it might have a ripple effect. like Grace's story. Because she read a picture book with a picture of a beautiful blonde woman playing the harp, she took lessons and became an amazing harpist, and now is teaching children and college students to play the harp too.

DON'T STOP WRITING! THE WORLD NEEDS OUR STORIES! 

Can you imagine if that book had not existed?  Grace wouldn't have been inspired by it She might not have learned to play the harp. She wouldn't be teaching harp. She wouldn't have co-founded the NC Harp Ensemble. And the world would have a lot less music in it!

KEEP WRITING AND DRAWING!  YOUR BOOK MAY JUST BE THE INSPIRATION SOMEONE IS NEEDING!

Remember when the story or the illustrations aren't coming together. . . don't forget when the querying trenches are hard.  Keep this in the forefront of your mind to help you KEEP MOVING FORWARD!  One day, your work may inspire someone and set them on an amazing path!

YOUR BOOK OR ILLUSTRATIONS MAY CHANGE SOMEONE'S STARS!

Don't quit or give up. Keep writing, keep drawing, work on your craft, just like Grace worked on hers. One day, someone may write an article about how THEY were inspired by YOU!

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. Have you ever been inspired by a picture in a book?  Tell about that inspiration and the effect.
  2. When you are inspired to do something, what do you do to follow that through?
  3. Write a story about a boy who plays the harp.
  4. Write an acrostic poem using one of these words: GRACE, HARP, INSPIRE (or INSPIRATION) or BECAUSE.
  5. Write a letter to Grace telling how her story inspired you.
  6. Write a letter to someone in your life who inspired you in some way. Explain it to them and thank them for providing the inspiration.
  7. Write about a harp that comes alive. What do they do? How do they feel?
  8. Write your own version of BECAUSE, telling the story of your life.
  9. Write a song or poem about inspiration.
  10. Write a cause and effect story that gets wilder and wilder with everything that happens. How does it end?
  11. Write about an instrument you hope to play some day. Why? (Or if you don't want to play an instrument, write about something else you hope to learn and why.)
  12. Write about a book you read that had a big effect on you and made you think about things differently. Tell about the book and how it changed you.
  13. Write everything you have learned about the harp.
  14. Write a letter to a teacher who taught you the importance of practice and or tenacity/perseverance. How has that helped you/made your life better?
  15. Listen to one of Grace's harp pieces and write about how it makes you feel. What do you picture as she's playing?
  16. Do you think it is hard or easy to play the harp and why?

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

OUR STATE magazine article link about Grace

YouTube playlist with the interview with Grace, music from her and the Harp Ensemble as well as videos related to the book BECAUSE by Mo Willems, and other videos that teachers could use in conjunction with either of those (or both!

Pinterest board full of great images, links, teaching ideas and more related to my conversation with Grace, including: harp, string instruments, cause and effect, BECAUSE by Mo Willems and more.

NEA study guide for BECAUSE

RIF activities for BECAUSE


Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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AndWebsite: www.graceludtke.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/harpist.grace
Facebook: www.facebook.com/harpist.grace/
YouTube: Grace Ludtke - YouTube

North Carolina Harp Ensemble
www.ncharpensemble.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ncharpensemble
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncharpensemble
YouTube: North Carolina Harp Ensemble - YouTube


Grace is generously offering a school visit (in person if you're close enough geographically or virtual if it's too far for her to travel.)
AND
I'm offering a copy of the book BECAUSE by Mo Willems
To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below!

​Happy Birthday to PBJamz!  And thank you, Grace, for a lovely celebration conversation! Here's to our next year of music, picture books, teaching, reading, and writing!
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SOULFUL STRUTTIN' w/ Julia Pierre Hammond

2/6/2025

9 Comments

 

A Soulful, Musical, Practical, Joyful Conversation

Join us for a soulful, musical, practical, and joyful conversation. This chat has something for everyone: the writers/aspiring authors, the teachers (classroom, music, library, etc.), the families, the musicians. It is as rich as the gumbo recipe in the back matter and as full of fun as a mardis gras celebration. Julia is absolutely delightful and generous with her knowledge and excitement. Her book is just as delightful. I enjoyed every minute of our interview and I hope you will too.

SOULFUL STRUTTIN'

SOULFUL STRUTTIN' is a joyful peek into one family's Sunday routines and traditions that include cleaning, music, and gumbo. Hammond takes the mundane and adds soul, music, layers, and such joy!  This book is perfect for families teaching children responsibility at home, teachers focusing on language and writing in a classroom, music teachers who want to dive into a bit of jazz or N'Awlins music, librarians hoping to share a rich book full of layers, young (or old) chefs-in-training who want to learn to make a rich gumbo, folks who have an affinity for Louisiana or jazz/R&B/soul music.  Basically, it's perfect for pretty much anyone.  It will put some pep in your step, some mean in your clean, and some music in your heart!
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A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Since this was one of Julia's inspirations for this book, I had to include it!  I like this version to share with students because it shows the instrumentation. Introduce them to some classic soul. "Soulful Strut" by The Young-Holt Unlimited is a soul-jazz song that blends elements of jazz, funk, R&B, and soul. The song was released in 1968 and was a million-selling single.  Also, check out Julia's playlist in the links section, and the full YouTube playlist in the links section as well for more musical connections.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Sunday traditions
    • Write/talk about your own Sunday traditions
    • Sunday culture at your house
  • Chores/Cleaning 
    • Tools (Broom, mop, sponge, etc.)
    • Make a chores list
    • How can you turn chores into a game
  • Louisiana culture
    • Food (gumbo & more)
    • Music
    • Canal St.
  • REading/language
    • -ing verbs (and dropping endings/using apostrophe)
    • Metaphors
      • broom becomes microphone
      • bathroom = Funkytown
    • Onomatopoeia
    • Similes
      • Bowl splashes like a cymbal
      • Gleam like a cornet
    • Idioms "Cut the rug"
  • Refrains -- what are they and why do authors use them
  • Author's note -- what is it and why do authors include them

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

  • Brass family
    • Trombone
    • Tuba
    • Trombone
    • Trumpet/Cornet
  • Second line parades
  • Jazz (N'Orleans)
  • Louis Armstrong
  • Song list in the back of the book

If I were using this book, I would pull some of the songs from the playlist for some body percussion/steady beat work, use lots of Dixieland and LA Jazz, learn the members of the brass family, do a musician study on Louis Armstrong, and more!  There is so much fun to be had with this book. Have a second line parade around the music room -- or around the school and see who joins in.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write about chores:
    1. your favorite chore
    2. least favorite
    3. favorite chore-related memory
    4. List of ways to make chores fun
    5. Which chore is hardest/why
  2. New Orleans/Louisiana/Mardis Gras
    1. Write about a trip to one of these
    2. Or write about a dream to go
    3. Write a report on one of these and learn everything you can
  3. Learn about and use figurative language/literary elements in a story:
    1. Similes
    2. metaphors
    3. Onomatopoeia
    4. Idioms
  4. Write about a special memory with a member of your family
  5. Listen to "Soulful Strut" Write about what you picture and feel as you listen.
  6. Write a letter to someone in your family thanking them for a special recipe they passed along.
  7. Write a recipe for your favorite food.
  8. Write an acrostic poem using an important word from the story.
  9. Write about a song that has a special memory for you or your family.
  10. Write about a fun tradition in your house/family.
  11. What is important about Sundays at your house?  Write about it.
  12. Write a letter from Clara to her dad OR from her Dad to Clara.
  13. Write a song about your favorite food.
  14. Write a list of your favorite foods.
  15. Make a list of your favorite songs to play when you're cleaning up.

Writing Tips from Julia

My favorite writing tips are these! 
  1. If you are stuck on a story format try writing the entire story in dialogue and then try writing the entire story in narration. Then go back and rewrite a first draft mixing both. 
  2. If you’re stuck on pacing I love the advice to go to the library and take a few recent picture books and literally write them out noting the page turns, climax, resolution. There is so much to notice here like when the sentences get short and snappy versus when they’re long and setting the reader up for something.
  3. My next writing tip is to read, read, read. One of my mentors told me a good goal before getting an agent is to read 200 picture books. That was extremely helpful to me and I noticed that my cadence and word count changed so much from trying to accomplish that goal. 
  4. My last favorite writing tip is specificity breeds authenticity. Put pieces of yourself in your writing. Everytime I feel like a story is missing heart or emotion, I try to connect with my inner child and put something specific from my childhood there. I am always shocked at how those pieces resonate with critique partners or editors. I think there’s magic in our childhood memories and it is just itching to come out and play a part in our stories. So that’s my favorite piece of advice, put precious, specific memories into your stories. 
  5.  Okay I lied, last tip. Put yourself out there. I had a teacher in high school who told us that anything worth doing in life requires taking a risk. I know that's hyperbole and a little aggressive but I’ve lived my life based on this and I think as long as you have good intentions there is only growth that can come out of it. So even if you take a risk and get a manuscript shredded by a critiquer or you put yourself out there at a conference and get rejected, I think that some part of you or your story will grow or become more aligned with your goals based on those risks. ​

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board full of links and activities for families, schools, teachers, daycares/preschools, libraries and more to expand learning from this book. The board includes lessons, activities, printables, and more surrounding chores, jazz, brass family, Louis Armstrong, cleaning with kids, gumbo, Louisiana. . . . chock full of goodness!

Julia's SOULFUL STRUTTIN' playlist

YouTube playlist full of music activities, songs, dances, introduction/demonstration of brass family, jazz, soul, R&B, play alongs, karaoke, performances, etc.
​

Guest Links and Giveaways

Picture
Julia's website

Twitter/X

Instagram

Goodreads

To order SOULFUL STRUTTIN', check out Julia's links on her page.

To review SOULFUL STRUTTIN':
On Goodreads
On Amazon
On Barnes & Noble


Julia has offered a WINNER'S CHOICE for her giveaway!  If you are chosen as the winner, you can choose:
  • A copy of SOULFUL STRUTTIN' or. . . .
  • A picture book critique by Julia or. . . 
  • An "Ask Me Anything" session  (length and platform according to Julia's preference)
To be entered into the giveaway, simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 11:59 PM EST.

9 Comments

THE SNOWMAN WALTZ with Karen Konnerth

1/23/2025

1 Comment

 

Come Dance with Karen and Me

Save us a spot on your dance card and come waltzing with us as we chat snowmen, penguins, snow, music, time signatures, curriculum . . .we really packed this snowball full of fun tidbits, curriculum connections and lots of music! Timely, too, since Karen and I BOTH got snow this week (which is a rare occurrence for us since we are both Southern girls.) AND,  I LOVE having repeat guests because they become friends, and I especially love when the timing works out that I can teach with the book around that time. I just used this book for all my music classes last week and they loved it! What perfect timing, since snow arrived Tuesday night for us! 

THE SNOWMAN WALTZ

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Written by Karen Konnerth and illustrated by Emily Neilson, this book is perfection for introducing kids to different time signatures.  While the book is going to help them become familiar with and differentiate 3/4 and 4/4 time in music, it is also a lovely story about learning to get along with people fundamentally different from yourself, and about accepting differences, forging unlikely friendships, taking turns, learning from each other. . . and if you want to stretch the curricular connections, you can expand to talk about snowmen or snow and penguins and more. This book is a treasure trove of inspiration for littles that could branch off in numerous directions.  It is sweet, rhythmic, and absolutely beautifully illustrated.  If you're in the mood for a delightful winter book, look no further than THE SNOWMAN WALTZ, published by Sleeping Bear Press!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

If your students (or kids or whomever you're sharing this book with) are like mine, they have NO IDEA what a waltz is.  This is a lovely sample danced to My Snowman and Me by Sia so there's a bit of a double meaning there.  If this is not something you're interested in showing your students, there are lots more choices in the YouTube playlist in the links section. My students particularly also enjoyed this Freeze Dance.  It was especially appropriate because it had the snowman and the penguin. :-)

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

This book is so rich and perfect for a multidisciplinary unit. In the links section, you'll find even more activities and ways to use the book. Here are some fabulous tips and topics you can share in conjunction wit this book:
  • Reading/literacy
    • poetic elements
      • rhythm
      • rhyme
      • alliteration
      • repetition
      • assonance
    • Using picture clues/ text and illustration matching
    • Purpose of back matter
    • One of the things I would definitely do is pair tis with some other books.  You could do a snowman unit or a penguin unit or a winter unit.  Pair fiction and nonfiction.  There's so much you can do and many directions you could go with this book.  It's a great one to partner with your specialist teachers (Arts/Encore/etc.). This book makes a super interdisciplinary unit!
  • Math
    • Creat story problems related to penguins and snowmen. (Use whatever concepts you're teaching and learning)
    •  Math problems related to time signatures.  Ie. If there are 4 beats in every measure, how many beats are in __ measures (simple mult/div problems) **Time signature is different from fractions, so don't get confused.  In music, 3/4 means 3 beats per measure and (4) the quarter note gets the beat.  4/4 means 4 beats per measure and the quarter note gets the beat.  
  •  Science -- lots of great topics
    • Winter
    • Snow
    • Penguins
  • Arts -- check the Pinterest board and listen to the interview for some ideas and details. Here are some general possibilities
    • Music -- see music section for more ideas and details 
      • learn the song
      • learn the waltz
      • time signatures
    • Art
      • Penguin/snowman puppets
      • Directed drawing
      • Various penguin, snowman, snow crafts (check Pinterest board)
    • Dramatic arts
      • Role plays
      • Puppet shows
      • Readers theater
  • Social studies
    • Geography (penguin habitats)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

There is so much musical content in this book!  I've been using it this week in my own music classes (K-2).  In my classes, I've started with some fun winter/snowman/penguin rhythm play-alongs, vocal explorations, etc. I played an instrumental version of a waltz and had kids listen for the 1-beat, then we counted 1,2,3. lastly we swayed to the music.   (We haven't done much with 3/4 time.) Then we listened to the read aloud that is on the YouTube playlist, done by Mrs. Geiger.  Really excellent with musical background and a distinct difference in the time signature sections.  Then I pointed out a couple of things in my copy of the book.  Then we looked carefully at the written music and discussed that.  Then we tried the waltz steps in the book, starting slow, step-by-step and speeding up a bit until we did the steps (just by ourselves) in a nice moderate 1,2,3 beat.  Then we did a couple of penguin songs/dances for fun and we always end with a "boogie" so we used Coach Corey Martin's Winter Freeze Dance which features a snowman and a penguin, so it was a lovely fit.

Next week, we'll delve into penguins a bit more and I have the beautiful waltz video from Strictly Dancing to show them what a beautiful waltz can look like. I don't think I'm up for trying the waltz with partners in K-2, but maybe some of you are braver or better :-)

Here are some of the topics I'm teaching with this book and some others that you could teach, depending on the ages of your kids, your schedule and other variables.
  • 3/4 time -- time signature How to count in 3
  • 4/4 time review
  • Comparison of 3/4 and 4/4 time
  • Waltz tempo
  • Waltz steps/following step diagram
  • Writing down music
  • characteristics of written music
If you want to expand a bit or work with a classroom teacher or another arts/specialist/encore teacher, you could explore more of the subjects above -- delve into penguins and their geography and life cycles or dig into the seasons and characteristics of winter or do a big snow/snowman unit.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write a list of 5 (or 10 or more) pieces of advice from a snowman.
  2. Write a joke featuring a snowman and a penguin.
  3. Write winter riddles. Give 2 clues and ask a question. (Don't tell us the answer! Make us guess.)
  4. Write a letter from the little snowman to the little penguin (or from the penguin to the snowman).
  5. Write an acrostic poem for SNOWMAN (or SNOW or PENGUIN or WALTZ or DANCE or WINTER.)
  6. Write a "How-to" guide for marching -- or for waltzing -- or for getting along with people different than you, or for making a snowman.
  7. Make a Venn diagram with Penguins and Snowmen. (two overlapping circles: how are they alike and how are they different.  Use your Venn diagram to write a comparison.
  8. Would you rather be a snowman or a penguin?  Why?
  9. Would you rather learn to waltz or march? Why?
  10. "If I were a Snowman. . . " or "If I were a Penguin."
  11. Write a report about penguins -- find out at least 5 new facts and work them into what you already know about penguins.
  12. Write your own story about a penguin and a snowman.
  13. If you could teach the snowmen and penguins any dance move, what would you teach them?  Include the how-to for your dance move in the writing and in a picture.
  14. Draw a picture of a penguin and snowman. Look at your picture carefully and think of their story. Now write that story.
  15. Write a cinquain or diamante poem based on the book. Go from Snowman to Penguin or Penguin to Snowman. Or go from March to Waltz or Waltz to March.
  16. Write a story titled PENGUINS HATCH BUT SNOWMEN ARE BUILT.
  17. Write some math problems with snowmen and penguins.

Writing Tips from Karen

1. READ as much as possible in the genre you want to write.
I particularly love to find authors and illustrators from other countries to observe the differing approaches, sensibilities, design concepts, and use of illustration media.


2. FIND INSPIRATION in the immediate world around you. Think out of the box. There are many stories about celebrating diversity, but The Snowman Waltz uses rhythm as the difference between the two cultures.



3. BE AWARE of the age child you are writing for and write for that child - in word count, in concept, in page turn suspense, in potential connection to their life.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Instrumental version of Karen's music for THE SNOWMAN WALTZ. (Arranged and played by Leslie Martin. a full time pianist playing around New Orleans, and also a member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, a very cool national band.
https://www.snzippers.com/  
Here is a reading of THE SNOWMAN WALTZ (by the author) with the instrumental version played as the intro and outro.


YouTube playlist full of read-alouds, music, dances, snowman, penguins , , , .

Pinterest board that is overstuffed with craft ideas, additional books to pair, dance info, nonfiction info about penguins, reading and writing activities, science, music and more!

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Guest Links and Giveaways

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Karen's Website

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Karen is offering a free copy of THE SNOWMAN WALTZ to one lucky winner!  All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment below.  Tell us your favorite part of the book, or share how you've used it, or how it's inspired your own writing. Give us a fun writing prompt, or anything you want to share.  Leave your comment by Wednesday, Feb 5 at 11:59 PM EST to be eligible for the giveaway.
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MAMIACHI & ME

1/7/2025

7 Comments

 

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MAMIACHI & ME w/Jolene and Dakota Gutierrez

Join Jolene, her son (and co-author), Dakota, and me for a fun and laid-back discussion of their latest book MAMIACHI & ME -- the first episode of 2025! We pay special homage to school music programs and chat all things mamiachi, writing with a partner, and much more! You do NOT want to miss tis great conversation!

​​Brava to the Mamiachis: Past, Present, and Future

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​Inspired by a true-life Mamiachi, the authors and illustrator compose a story of a contemporary Mexican family who carries on the tradition of mariachi (Mexican music played by a small group of musicians) in a non-traditional way, since mariachi did not include women until much later in its history and it is still a fairly rare occurrence. The creators of the book have brought together Mexican culture, music, and girl power in a very meaningful way that will hopefully inspire the next generation of "mamiachis"! The back matter is not to be missed, as it tells the true story of some of the earliest mamiachis and tell more about the instruments and the make-up of a mariachi band.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As I've delved into the world of female mariachi, I've enjoyed listening to many all-female groups as well as male groups and mixed-gender groups.  I love this group for a few reasons:  their name (Mariachi Mariposas) which translates to Mariachi Butterflies or Butterflies of Mariachi.  I also love the variety of instruments in the group:  violins, trumpets, guitar, guitarron.  This one gives you a perfect, if slightly softer and slower example of female mariachi.  There are many more in the YouTube playlist, along with some educational videos, and rhythm play-alongs for music class, etc. Their sound is professional and quite lovely. I hope you enjoy!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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This book is so great for the classroom.  It would especially be applicable for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) or for other Hispanic holidays (Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, etc.)  It would also be fabulous for March, as it is Music in Our Schools AND Women's History Month. Here are some topics you could explore, but also take a look at the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for specific lessons, crafts, videos, etc. to supplement the book.
  • History of mariachi
  • Geography of mariachi (where it originated, where it's popular now, and everything in between -- regional differences? etc.)
  • Mexican holidays where mariachi would be featured
  • Women's changing roles in mariachi
  • Reading/literacy
    • Vocabulary/Spanish words
    • Back matter
    • Blending fiction/nonfiction
  • Mariachi costumes
  • Mariachi instruments
  • SEL -- So much emotion!  Lots of different feelings to discuss, roleplay or learn about in the way that best suits your classroom and the ages/stages of your students.
  • Arts -- Draw instruments or players, create puppets, make musical instruments, etc. (Check out Pinterest board and YouTube playlist for specifics and more ideas)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
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  • Listening to samples of mariachi music with varied instrumentation and varied musicians.
  • Videos of male, female and mixed mariachi (Check out the YouTube playlist!)
  • The instruments of mariachi
  • Compare mariachi music
    • women vs. men vs. mixed groups
    • regional variations?
    • older mariachi vs. contemporary
  • Make your own instruments (castanets, maracas, etc.) Check the Pinterest board.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
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  1. If you could play any mariachi instrument, which would it be, and why?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that women should be able to play mariachi?  Write a persuasive essay arguing your viewpoint.
  3. Listen to at least 3 different mariachi groups. Write about what they have in common.
  4. Write a mariachi story from the perspective of one of the instruments.
  5. This story contains lots of emotions.  Write your own emotional story. Include at least 5 feelings your characters are experiencing.
  6. Have you ever performed?  What emotions did you experience? 
  7. Write an acrostic poem for Mariachi (Or choose one of the instruments)
  8. Write a list of Spanish words from the story and the English equivalent.
  9. Write a sensory poem about a mariachi experience (maybe at a Mexican restaurant?)
  10. Have you ever been part of a performing group?  How did that feel?
  11. Why do you think school music programs are important?
  12. Make a list of ten of your favorite words. See if you can use all ten in a story.
  13. What is your favorite kind of music?  Write a story about a kid learning to play that style of music.
  14. Do you and you mom have any hobbies in common?  What do you like to do together?
  15. Would you like to be part of a mariachi group?  Why or why not?
  16. Write a letter to one of the women in the back matter. Tell them why you admire them and ask them 3 questions you are curious about.

Writing Tips from Jolene and Dakota

Dakota and I worked hard to find lyrical language that fit the vision and vibe of our story, including words that have a strong rhythm to them for some parts and words that flow beautifully in other parts.

​Look at your manuscript. What words might enrich and enliven your story?

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with 60+ videos that are the perfect complement to this book!  There are examples of female mariachi, as well as mini-documentaries, play-alongs for music class, background music, and more!

Pinterest board with images of mariachi costumes, craft ideas, Hispanic culture tie-ins, activities for Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Muertos and Hispanic Heritage month or any other time you'd like to use this book.  History of Mariachi, Mariachi costumes, information about the musical genre and the instruments and more. . . 

Visit Jolene's site for an Educator's Guide for MAMIACHI & ME as well as her other books.

Guest Links and Giveaways
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Jolene's website where you can find out more about her, her books, access educational guides, and more.

Jolene's FB

Jolene's Twitter/X

Jolene's Instagram

Jolene on YouTube

Dakota isn't very active on socials, and is quite busy with his university work.

Get your signed copy here: 
https://secondstartotherightbooks.com/book/sign1419767159

Or, grab a copy wherever books are sold!

Jolene and Dakota have offered a free copy of MAMIACHI & ME to one lucky winner who comments on THIS BLOG POST by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, January 22.  Just drop a comment below to be eligible!
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ROCK STAR SANTA

11/7/2024

2 Comments

 

Gayle and I chat holiday books, rhyme, and more!

Christmas time's a-comin' and Santa is getting ready to rock out! You'll want a front row seat for this charming conversation between Gayle and me about writing holiday books, her inspiration, rock and roll (of course!) and so much more. Grab the cookies and milk and get comfy as we chat all things ROCK STAR SANTA!

ROCK STAR SANTA

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In this fun book, Santa's not just coming down the chimney, he's bringing down the house, with the help of his  rockin' reindeer.  With nods to KISS, and lots of rock star-studded word play, this book debuted a rock'n'roll Santa before he was Christmas Chronicles cool!  (Fans of the movie will LOVE this book).  Perfect for kids (and grandkids) of 80's rock star fans, or any rockstar fans.  Boogie down the chimney with Santa in this rollicking rhyming rocking book!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

What a fun little song to get littles up and moving to the beat like Rock Star Santa!  You can have kiddos sing along, dance along, or come up with some fun musical activities to do alongside this fun groovin' ditty!  Check out lots of other musical connections in the YouTube playlist in the links section below!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • ELA/Reading/Language arts
    • Rhyme
    • Vowel teams (Lots of words in text have ea, ou, au, etc.
    • Character analysis would be great or reading two Santa Claus books and comparing Santa's character in both books (Venn diagram, double T-chart, etc.
    • Beginning/Middle/End
    • Other books that use the "was I just dreaming?" trope
    • Vocabulary --
      • synonyms (other words for sing -- croon, wail, etc.)
      • fashion words (scarf, jeans, sequins, silk, ponytail, bedecked, etc.
  • See below for other topics you could delve into that are music-related.
  • Also, check out the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for additional activities.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

I know that many of you are in disctricts that don't include Christmas in the curriculum or if you're in parochial schools, Santa might be taboo as well. I'm lucky to be in a place where most of us celebrate, so I've been using this story with my K-2 music students this week, and here are a few things I've been pointing out. There are additional activities in the YouTube playlist and on the Pinterest board. I will continue adding to those as I see things that match.
  1. Sound effects to accompany stories/poems/dramatic readings.  This is a kinder objective in NC, but I find even my first and second graders need more opportunitites to hear and look for sound effect to match stories and poems.  We've been listening to a YouTube read aloud and talking about the different sound effects and how they match the story.
  2. It's a great opportunity to talk about genres (and maybe stereotypes too,). If it's allowed in your district, some clips from The Christmas Chronicles would be great to go along with this book. Characteristics of rock 'n' roll, truth vs. myths about rock stars, etc.
    1. Instruments of rock and roll mentioned in the book
  3. I've been pairing it with lots of Santa songs for body percussion, singing, rhythm practice and more. Check out the YouTube list for some of the pieces I've been using.
  4. Gayle states that this version os Santa is a tribute to KISS, so if you have older kids and feel like it's appropriate, you could talk about them to whatever extent you feel it's okay. 
  5. It would be a fun time to bring in other rock 'n' roll Christmas tunes: Run, Run Rudolph, etc. 
  6. Also a good time to talk about audience behavior and how it changes based on the type of performance.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

1. Write about another unexpected identity of Santa Claus: Santa dancing ballet? Cowboy Santa? Hip-Hop Santa? Santa from another country? Chef Santa?
2. Pretend you were at Santa's concert. Write a fan letter telling him how much you loved it. (Or not perhaps)
3. Write a description of Santa the way YOU think he looks.
4. Write a letter to Santa. Don't JUST ask for things. Be sure to tell him thank you for what he's already given you. Ask about Mrs. Claus, the elves, the reindeer.
5.  If you were a rock star, what would you want your name to be. Write about yourself as a rock star. What would you wear, what would you play or sing?
6.  If you could play or sing with any rock 'n' roll band, who would you join and why?
7. Write an essay about what makes something rock 'n' roll.
8. Research and do a written and/or oral report on the history of rock.
9. Write about another character as a rock 'n' roll star that we would not expect: Paul Bunyan? The Easter Bunny? Jack Frost? The Tooth Fairy? Mother Nature? etc.
10.  Write a poem of rhyming couplets about Santa.
11. Write a story with the title: "I Rocked with Santa"
12. Here's a first line: At the stroke of midnight, the guitar wailed.
13.  Write your own sensory Christmas poem. Use as many sensory details as you can.
14. Write an acrostic poem using Santa's name.

Writing Tips from Gayle

ROCK STAR SANTA was written in rhyme.  All my picture books, both published and pre-published are written in rhyme, and because I belonged to The Poetry Garage for six years my advice for new writers who aspire to write in rhyme is:
 
1.     Write your manuscript all the way through before you start to revise. Some writers tend to go back to the beginning to seemingly make it stronger when they are only halfway through. This is a bad idea for two reasons. 
a.) you lose your original cadence that you were writing in.
b.) the ending informs the beginning. If you never finish, how can you know if the ending reflects the beginning.
 
2.     When having your rhyming work reviewed or critiqued be sure the person you are seeking an opinion from is a bonafide rhymer. As Tonnye can attest to, there is a rhythm to rhyme and those who do not understand scansion will think your work is great just because the end words rhyme. The meter and accents are an important part of poetry.
 
3.     Try to break up your end rhymes with multisyllabic word choices in your rhyme scheme. And switch it up with internal rhyme, or better yet, use internal and end rhyme to make your rhyme more interesting.
 
ie. sample lines from Rock Star Santa (Scholastic 2008) that demonstrate multi-syllabic end rhyme.
 
Stomping joins the loud applause.
Rock the house for Santa Claus.
 
and
 
Snow-white hair in ponytail.
Santa’s ready. Watch him wail!
 
4.     When writing a rhyming manuscript keep the word count as low as possible. When editors say they want manuscripts under 1,000 words, they’re speaking of prose, not rhyme.
 
Long rhyming manuscripts get tedious to read and children lose their focus.
 
Rock Star Santa is 305 words.
 
Hope these tips help those of you who are considering writing your picture book in rhyme.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board full of images, songs, and activities to enhance your enjoyment of ROCK STAR SANTA
​YouTube playlist full of fun music, ROCK STAR SANTA read-alouds and more!

PBJamz Snack

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Santa would LOVE to find these on Christmas Eve, and I'm pretty sure everyone else will enjoy them too!  If your mouth isn't watering from looking at the picture, it will be when you read the recipe!  Great for peanut butter lovers of all ages!  Don't just make them at Christmas; make them any time! 

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Gayle's Books page (see all her books in one place; check out the synopses of each, and get the B&N link to purchase.). Reminder: If you want to purchase ROCK STAR SANTA, you'll have to purchase directly from Gayle.  Contact her via her website.

Gayle's website

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Gayle is graciously offering a giveaway of a copy of ROCK STAR SANTA to one lucky winner!  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11:59 EST.  I'll pop your name in the Wheel of Names and choose one rockin' reader to receive their very own copy of ROCK STAR SANTA! (US only)
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OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis

10/13/2024

4 Comments

 

Childhood Experiences, Music, Memories and How it All Weaves Together

Gabriele, who is my agent-sister (Shout-out to our amazing agent, Joyce Sweeney of Seymour Agency!!!!) and I chat writing, publishing, childhood memories, gospel music,  spirituals, jazz standards, some trombone-love, and much more!  Join us for a fun conversation about how this beautiful book came to be and the music inside!

OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis

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OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis, beautifully illustrated by Craig Stanley and published by Atheneum is chock-full of onomatopoeia that celebrates the music of everyday living as well as the music that tells the history of our lives.  Music weaves its way through this family's days, weeks, and all the time they spend together. "Hidden" throughout the text are black spirituals, gospel songs, jazz standards, and more music. I especially love that the back matter includes a list and some historical information for each of those hidden gems.  Trombonists will especially appreciate a little extra exposure in this musical journey through a family's time together.  You'll be singing in your head and tapping your feet, too.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As I mention in the video, this is one of my favorite songs of all time.  Louis' version especially makes me smile.  The visuals in this video are sweet and perfect for kids to enjoy. There are several other versions if you'd prefer something different. Check out the YouTube playlist with much of the music, information about the trombone, and more. It's in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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Reading/Literacy
  • Word play (hidden gems -- song titles or phrases from lyrics hidden in the text)
    • Scavenger hunt
  • Parts of speech
    • Verbs/Subject-verb agreement/Verb endings
    • Adjectives
    • Prepositional phrases
    • Onomatopoeia
  • Features of text 
    • Bold print words
    • Larger font
Social Studies
  • History of black music
    • Hymns
    • Spirituals
    • Jazz standards
  • Community/family/church
    • Roles/responsibilities
    • Working together toward a common purpose
    • Work ethic
SEL
  • Chores/responsibility
  • Balance of work, play, physical activity, healthy eating, etc.
  • Self-care (music, physical activity, church/spirituality, etc.)
Cooking
  • Oatmeal/berries
  • Cinnamon buns
  • Roast
  • Green beans
  • Potatoes

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
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History of Music and/or Genres (back matter "Hidden Gems")
  • Black spirituals
  • Gospel
  • Hymns
  • Jazz
  • Showtunes
Vocabulary
  • Soft
  • Low
  • Slow
  • Loud
  • Humming
  • Bass
  • Maraca (seeds)
  • Singing
  • Steady (schooltime) beat
  • Jazzy tunes
  • Harmony
  • Riff
  • Rhythms
  • Notes
  • Trombone
  • Happy-dance
  • Jam
  • Whistling
  • Praise
  • High notes
  • Hallelujahs
  • Chorus
Different purposes of music/How people express themselves with music
  • Self-care
  • Religion/Spirituality
  • Comfort/calm/rest
  • Dancing
  • Performing
  • Entertainment
  • Setting a pace
  • Community
Instruments Mentioned (or pictured)
  • Trombone
  • Maraca (seeds)
  • Trumpet
  • (Snare) Drum
  • Saxophone
  • (Conga) Drum
  • Voice (singing)

Hearing Music in the everyday
  • Sound scavenger hunt
  • Listen for onomatopoeia
  • Sound walk
  • Sound journal

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. This story is full of word play using titles and phrases from songs. Use a few of your favorite songs and see if you can hide some gems from your songs in a story.
  2. Choose your favorite instrument from the story and write your own story about you playing that instrument.
  3. Write about an experience you had in church with music.
  4. Listen to some samples of black spirituals, gospel songs, hymns, jazz standards, and showtunes. Which genre/type of music is your favorite? Why?
  5. This family experiences music throughout their days. Keep a music/sound journal for a week and write about all the sounds you and your family experience in a week.  Where does music show up in your life that surprises you?
  6. Do a sound walk -- listen for all the sounds and see if you can make a list of words that demonstrate those sounds (onomatopoeia).  See how many onomatopoeia words you can put into a story.
  7. The author shows this family living a very balanced life: work and play, spiritual and secular(non-spiritual) activities, healthy food and sweet treats, etc.  Do you live a balanced life?  What areas would you like to improve?  What areas do you lean into too much?
  8. Music is used for many different purposes for this family: worship/praise, entertainment, setting a pace for their activities, comfort, togetherness, etc.  What are some different ways you use music in your life?
  9. First line: Music is important to me because. . . .
  10. The little girl in this story plays the trombone. If you could play any instrument, which would you play and why?
  11. This family cooks/eats together several times in this story. What is your favorite meal to enjoy with your family?
  12. Have you ever cooked with someone?  Write about that experience.
  13. Make a list of chores you do at home. Which ones do you enjoy?  Which ones are hard for you?  Write about your chores.
  14. Choose one of the songs in the "Hidden Gems" back matter and write about that song: the history, the genre, how it was used, why it was important, etc.
  15. Why do you think the author titled this story OUR JOYFUL NOISE?  
  16. Write your own story called OUR JOYFUL NOISE. Make it about something completely different than this author wrote about.
  17. Do you like to listen to music while you work?  Why or why not?
  18. Write a letter to the person who wrote one of the songs in this story.  What important things would you tell them?
  19. Write a letter to the author telling her at least three things you like about this story.
  20. Has anyone ever sung to you?  Write about that experience.

Writing Tips from Gabriele

When an idea comes, don’t wait. Get your thoughts down on paper before they slip away. Silence your internal editor and just write. Don’t worry about making sense or organizing. That can come later.

If you’re not already in a critique group, find one (or two)! Critique partners not only help improve your writing, they offer essential support during the challenging—and exciting—parts of this unpredictable journey.

Read, read, read. For mentor texts, but also to train your ear.  And because you never know when something you read will spark a new idea. 

Eliminate forms of “to be” as much as possible. Use active verbs and specific nouns. Use only a sprinkling of adjectives and adverbs—or none at all. Unless you’re doing it intentionally, avoid repetition. 

Have fun! If appropriate, try out word puns, playful phrases, repeating lines. Experiment with structure, point of view, tense. Use unexpected line breaks, to manipulate the rhythm.

Commit to the journey! Know it could take a while. Know that you’ll likely face rejection. Know that there’s A LOT of waiting (even when good stuff is happening). If you give up, you’ll never know what might have been.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

This Pinterest board is full of ideas for classroom study, Bible class, music classroom, coloring sheets, crafts and more!

Spotify playlist, curated by Gabriele, with her favorite versions of the songs in the book!

YouTube playlist, curated by me, with tons of music perfect for teachers to share, but also information about the trombone and some of these "gems" performed on trombone, and lots more pieces to help you fully explore and experience this beautiful book.

​

PBJamz Snack
​

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In this story, Mama stirs sweet berries into oatmeal for breakfast, so I thought this peanut butter berry oatmeal was the perfect PBJamz  recipe for this episode.  Find the link for the recipe here, along with options for more peanut butter and other ways to change it up.  Happy PB breakfasting!

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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Gabriele's website

​Books page with testimonials, order links and more.

Follow Gabriele and stay in touch:
Twitter/X link
Instagram

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!
Gabriele is giving away a copy of OUR JOYFUL NOISE! To be eligible, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday October 30, and you will be entered in a drawing.  (US only for the giveaway.)

Please leave reviews for Gabriele's books on Goodreads, Amazon and B&N if you enjoy them.
4 Comments

LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS by Steena Hernandez

10/2/2024

6 Comments

 

Full Circle, Encouraging Words, Music, Dance and Literacy!

I was so happy to be able to talk to Steena Hernandez for this episode!  Steena was one of the very earliest supporters of PBJamz -- back when she and I were in the query trenches together. Obviously, much has changed since then :-D. So, there are no words for how thrilled I am to be part of the team sharing Steena's beautiful book with my little part of the world!  Check out the conversation surrounding music, dance, encouraging words and more!

LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS

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This beautiful book is a fictional account of a young girl named Lupita who longs for ballet slippers that match her beautiful brown skin to extend the lines of her dance.  But, they are uncommon, difficult to find, and expensive.  So, she gets creative, and she gets busy. There are so many positive messages in this story: acceptance, fairness, strong work ethic, tenacity, and more. But at it's heart, it's a beautiful story of a young girl who loves to dance. Absolutely beautiful!  Don't miss it!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

I chose this piece to highlight for a few reasons:
  1. It has multiple ethnicities (although their ballet slippers are all colored to match their tutus.)
  2. It's an upbeat song I think kids would enjoy.
  3. You could use it in multiple ways: listening, sing along, movement activities.
​If you don't love this one, there are lots more in the links section. There is lots of instrumental ballet music along with some fun songs like this one for your younger aspiring ballerinas.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Dance --Ballet
  • Positions
  • Vocabulary (French connections)
  • Music
  • History
  • Basic steps
  • Watch ballets 
    • Nutcracker
    • Swan Lake
    • Cinderella
    • Sleeping Beauty
Social Studies
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Historical exclusion/inclusion
  • Partner with I SEE COLOR (by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew) for discussions about BIPOC representation
Reading/Literacy
  • Beginning/Middle/End
  • Using quotation marks
  • Similes
Financial Literacy/Math
  • Saving money/piggy banks
  • Getting a job to earn money
  • Savings accrual
  • Pair with Kimberly Wilson books A PENNY'S WORTH, DOLLAR'S GRAND DREAM & CREDIT CARD TAKES CHARGE for more financial literacy bang for the buck!
SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
  • Feelings
  • Standing up for oneself/Agency
Art
  • Self-portraits
  • Skin-color matching
  • Naming skin colors (not just black and white) Pair with I SEE COLOR by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

Dance connections -- Ballet (see teaching tips above for dance)
  • Music for ballet
  • Ballet vocabulary
  • Watch ballets and discuss
  • Learn about ballerinas of color
  • Discuss gender stereotypes (Male ballet dancers are strong and athletic, etc.)
  • Ballet composers (Tchaikovsky)

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write about a time you felt left out or "othered" in some way.
  2. Write about a time you couldn't afford something you wanted. How did you handle that?  Were you able to solve the problem?
  3. Write a list of jobs you could do to earn extra money.
  4. Write a story about a piggy bank.
  5. Write about a boy who wanted to dance ballet.
  6. Choose one of the other dancers in the story and write her story.
  7. If you have ever danced ballet, write about that experience.
  8. Have you ever attended a ballet or watched a ballet on video. What were your thoughts? What did you like? What was challenging to understand?
  9. Write a report about one of the dancers in the back matter. Tell their story.
  10. Write about Tchaicovsky and his ballets.
  11. In your own words, write about why it was important for Lupita to have ballet slippers that matched her skin tone.
  12. If you had ballet slippers to match your skin tone, what would they be called and why?
  13. Write a story titled EVERYONE DESERVES TO SHINE.

​Writing Tips from Steena

-I use the notes section on my phone to record ideas or phrases that come to mind if I'm out and about. I’ve written full first drafts on my phone and then I copy and paste them into a document when I’m ready.

-If I’m researching a topic, which I am now for a new PB draft, I like to keep a separate document going for citing online or book information. I can add it to the back matter of the draft later, once it’s organized.

-Find good, like-minded critique partners who write in the same age category to share your manuscripts. 

-Take breaks when you need them! ​

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of songs about ballet, ballerinas, music for aspiring ballerinas and more!

​Pinterest board with lots of ballet-themed activities, money-saving sheets and activities, skin-color activities, and more.

PBJamz Snack

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What better way to celebrate Latina ballerinas than with a yummy PBJ tortilla snack?  Easily customizable, super-tasty and sure to sustain your little dancer until practice is over.   Click the link and scroll down to number 4 to find the recipe for the PBJ ones .

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Steena's website (Links to purchase LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS here too!)

Instagram

Twitter/X

Steena has offered up a signed copy of LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS as a PBJamz giveaway for this episode.  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 11:59 PM EST.  I'll choose a lucky winner from the comments.

** Remember to support PBJamz authors through reviews, library requests, word of mouth, and any other way you can get the word out about their books.
6 Comments

STARLIGHT SYMPHONY by Buffy Silverman

9/14/2024

8 Comments

 

Nature and Music Sing Together as Buffy and I chat

If you're a nature-lover, a musician, a music-teacher, a reader, an author, a photographer you are going to want to listen in on this conversation with Buffy!  It's a perfect blend of music, nature and writing -- 3 of my favorite things. 

STARLIGHT SYMPHONY by Buffy Silverman

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This lyrical nonfiction picture book is a beautiful blend of nature, music and writing.  Buffy walks us through a day in nature near a body of water. She points out many of the beautiful sounds of nature and then compares each to a musical instrument in the text. She also offers excellent back matter that explores those analogies in more detail.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This may not be our typical PBJam, but I think it would be fun to play some nature sounds for kids and let them explore mimicking animal sounds on a variety of classroom instruments.  This is one example of a video that shares pond animal sounds.  You can check out additional music/nature connections in the YouTube playlist in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Environmental sounds vs. musical sounds
  • Science
    • Habitats
      • Swamp habitat
      • Lake habitat
      • River habitat
      • Pond habitat
        • Animals
        • plants
        • Sounds
  • English/Language arts
    • Sensory writing
    • Five senses vocabulary
    • Onomatopoeia
    • Rhyme
  • Reading
    • Reading with expression (onomatopoeia/sound effects)
  • Social Studies
    • Landforms
      • Swamps
      • Ponds
      • Lakes
      • Rivers

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

  • Using musical instruments for sound effects/matching musical instruments and animal sounds
    • Peter and the Wolf
    • Carnival of the Animals
    • What instruments could be used for other animals?
  • Explore the instruments mentioned in the book and the various sounds that can be created
    • Listen to each pairing and discuss.
    • Let students imitate the sounds on the instruments that are available
    • Discuss other instrument pairings

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. Write about an experience you had near a freshwater wetland (pond, lake, river, stream, swamp). What animals did you see/hear?
  2. Choose one animal from the book. Do some research and write a list of 10 interesting facts about the animal.
  3. Write about an animal you see near where you live. Write a paragraph comparing their sound to a musical instrument. Which instrument? And why?
  4. Write a story called "Animals Make Music."
  5. Write abut your favorite instrument from the back matter. Have you ever played it? Heard it played? Why is it your favorite.
  6. Write a story about a bird who could not sing. How could they do the things they do by singing in a different way.
  7. The author uses a lot of onomatopoeia in the book.  Write your own story using at least 5 onomatopoeia.
  8. Write about a woodpecker who gets a job with a band.
  9. Choose a (fresh) wetland habitat (pond, lake, swamp, river, stream, etc.) and write a report about the plants and animals you might see there.
  10. Write a story that takes place near a wetland habitat.
  11. Write a letter to one of the animals telling them about the musical instrument the author compared them to.
  12. Write a letter to the author telling her whether you like STARLIGHT SYMPHONY and why.
  13. If you had to choose a different title for the book, what would you choose and why?
  14. Write a poem about your favorite animal and the sounds they make.
  15. Choose your favorite instrument.  What animal sounds would you compare it to? Why?
  16. Visit a natural spot (somewhere outside in nature) and write a sensory poem about what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel.
  17. Write a story about a frog who couldn't swim.

​Writing Tips from Buffy
​

1. Go to the library and check out the new book shelf often. Read and reread what is being published today, especially in the area that you are aiming to write for. Type out the manuscripts that resonate with you.

2. Finish that first draft! This is advice I need to take--it's so easy to get distracted by a zillion other things and not put in the writing time. A first draft is not going to be close to perfect. But once it's down on paper, you have something you can improve.

3. Let your first draft marinate. Return to it a week later, or a month later, or three months later. You will have a fresh perspective and be able to see what is and is not working in your manuscript. 

4. Revision is your friend! Don't be afraid to dig deep and try a new approach.

5. It's easier to hear the music of your language when it is read aloud than when you are reading it in your head. Listen while someone else reads your words. Does the reader stumble in some places? Does the reader's emphasis and rhythm differ from what you imagined? Picture books are short, so aim to make every word sing.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

YouTube playlist full of great videos about animal sounds and instruments, pond songs, pond as habitat and more!

​Pinterest board full of pond activities, music activities, and more.

PBJamz Snack

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What else lives in the pond (although they are silent)?  Snails!  For this episode, I'm sharing some superfun PBJ snails perfect for a pond picnic, a lunchbox or anytime you're wanting a little slow-down PBJ time.  Take it slow and easy and have PBJ snails and enjoy listening to pond sounds or your favorite music or whatever you'd like. Find the steps here.

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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Find out more about Buffy, her books, her writing and more by visiting her website.

Twitter/X

Instagram

Amazon link to purchase (library binding)

Buffy's publisher is offering one free copy of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY to a lucky winner. To be eligible, simply leave a comment below and you'll be entered into the drawing.  Comment between Sunday 9.15.24 and Wednesday 9.25.24 (11:59 PM EST).
8 Comments
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