The reading habit is one of the best habits for a child. The question of how to get children to appreciate reading in this age of technology is not easily answered. But when you decide to buy different kinds of children story books online, then you can give them a huge variety of reading material. Here is taking a look at some of the delights that await you when you go shopping online.
How to buy the right story books for kids?
One of the easiest things that you can do when you go shopping online is to look for reading material according to the age of your child. This is rather easily done because leading websites will have a lot of details about the books that are available for sale.
Thus, you can choose from a range which is as diverse as:
• comics for little ones
• storybooks for slightly older children
• subject books for specific classes
• encyclopaedias for older children and so on.
Of course, the wonderful world of online shopping will also give you more than books!
The intelligent child
There is absolutely no denying the fact that you can be an important person when it comes to delivering more knowledge for kids. After all, when you go online shopping you can get access to books on different subjects. You can also get CDs and DVDs for specific lessons. So, if your child is trying to learn maths in class IV, then you can easily pick up a CD or DVD that is full of helpful lessons in an easy to understand manner as well.
Worlds come alive
When you buy books for kids, you are fostering a wonderful life for them. Books can bring alive words and worlds in a magical manner! So, exploring outer space and learning about Indian mythology is so much fun with a book in the child's hands. After all, learning about modern inventions, great explorers, mythological figures, Indian and global leaders can be the foundation for building blocks for a child's character. With books that are available on all these topics, you can certainly enjoy the development of your child's character.
Comics
Of course, the world of online books is not just about serious matter alone! There are also some wonderful comic books that your child will enjoy and delight in. Such comic books can also go a very long way in helping you teach your child about valuable life lessons as well. For instance, Amar Chitra Katha is one brand that is associated with comic books of very high quality. Such comic books bring together beautiful illustrations and fantastic lessons on legendary figures. So, whether it is Indian leaders or mythological figures, the child will be moved very deeply with what these comic books can deliver.
Cost effectiveness
Another reason why you should be buying children's books online is cost effectiveness. Online retailers will make it worthwhile by offering some fantastic deals and discounts on their products. Regular visits to the websites can give you details on seasonal discounts, introductory offers, special prices on combinations and so on. You can also enjoy free delivery, ability to compare products and adding products to your wish list as well. All of which simply means that shopping is an extremely economical effort - both in the time that you spend online and the price that you pay.
Senin, 18 September 2017
Kamis, 31 Agustus 2017
Writing Essentials - The 4 Traits of Successful Children's Book Writers
My son's been taking karate for 4 years, and every time he tests for the next rank (he's up to his brown now), fewer kids who started with him as white belts test alongside him. It's not that Matt's necessarily a better athlete than they are, but karate is more important to him. He likes learning the forms, and he enjoys surviving a two hour, physically grueling test knowing that most of his friends would have been flattened in the first 20 minutes. When aspiring writers start identifying themselves as authors, just as Matt sees himself as a martial artist, they've taken that first big step toward success.
But there's a difference between wanting to see your name on a book, and wanting a career as a children's book author. Anyone with a few bucks can publish their own story, and many books are perfectly suited to be self-published titles given to family and friends. The career mentality, however, is more complex. Check out some common characteristics below and see how you measure up:
Humility: When I get emails from people saying, "I'm going to be the next Dr. Seuss," I cringe. Confidence is fine, but don't compare yourself to someone like Dr. Seuss right out of the gate. In fact, don't compare yourself to anyone. Work on finding your own style and voice. And know that you don't have to become a literary institution to be a success. Learning to write well is a lifelong process, and the writers who get published understand that each manuscript, whether it sells or not, teaches them something. They're not afraid to be critiqued or edited. They've put their heart into a book or article, and then removed their ego. They understand that if their critique group or editor says a plot is too predictable, it's far better to chuck the storyline and start over than to fight to preserve a mediocre manuscript. And they're grateful for the input that saved them from dozens of rejection letters.
Will Work for Resumé: Successful authors know that their query letters are more impressive if they can list some publishing credits. They're willing to write for little or no money at first, because the experience of meeting a deadline and working with an editor is invaluable. They may decide to sell one story to a magazine that buys all rights so their next story can be sold to a bigger publication that purchases first rights only. They'll submit to local magazines, regional publishers and small presses as they perfect their manuscripts intended for larger, national publishers. Well-published authors don't overlook any market that might be right for a particular work. And when you're just starting out, seeing your byline in a local parenting publication is just as satisfying as appearing in Highlights for Children.
'Tensity: Matt's karate teacher urges him to be intense about his practice, and Matt's dubbed this mindset "'tensity." The prolific writers I know think the same way. Though most have families and jobs, they live, eat and breathe writing. Any spare moment is devoted to working on a manuscript. Free weekends are spent at conferences and workshops. When they're not writing, they're reading children's books. As soon as they get one manuscript in the mail, they start the next one. In fact, super successful authors work on several manuscripts at once. If they're uninspired to revise a scene from their novel, they'll write a query for an article idea or do research for a picture book biography.
You don't have to maintain this level of activity to become published. Most writers don't. But if you want to make a living as a children's book author, if you want your web site to list 50 or more books in print, then it's practically required.
Plays the Field: Well-published authors don't limit themselves to one genre. They'll write picture books, novels, short stories for magazines, poetry, nonfiction, and material for adult markets such as parenting magazines or writing newsletters. After one book comes out they don't wait for their editor to ask for another manuscript; they create what inspires them and if it's not right for their current editor, they market it someplace else. In fact, it's more difficult to get widely-published if you only write one type of book. A publisher carries a limited number of titles per season, and the editor of your middle grade novel might not appreciate your having another novel for the same age group come out with a different publisher simultaneously. But a magazine article or nonfiction picture book won't compete with a book for older kids, and still gets your name in front of reviewers and book buyers.
Successful authors don't dabble in writing now and then, they embrace it and do whatever it takes to get published because it's what they want more than anything else. So dive in, work with 'tensity, and send us a quote for our web site when you hit the jackpot.
But there's a difference between wanting to see your name on a book, and wanting a career as a children's book author. Anyone with a few bucks can publish their own story, and many books are perfectly suited to be self-published titles given to family and friends. The career mentality, however, is more complex. Check out some common characteristics below and see how you measure up:
Humility: When I get emails from people saying, "I'm going to be the next Dr. Seuss," I cringe. Confidence is fine, but don't compare yourself to someone like Dr. Seuss right out of the gate. In fact, don't compare yourself to anyone. Work on finding your own style and voice. And know that you don't have to become a literary institution to be a success. Learning to write well is a lifelong process, and the writers who get published understand that each manuscript, whether it sells or not, teaches them something. They're not afraid to be critiqued or edited. They've put their heart into a book or article, and then removed their ego. They understand that if their critique group or editor says a plot is too predictable, it's far better to chuck the storyline and start over than to fight to preserve a mediocre manuscript. And they're grateful for the input that saved them from dozens of rejection letters.
Will Work for Resumé: Successful authors know that their query letters are more impressive if they can list some publishing credits. They're willing to write for little or no money at first, because the experience of meeting a deadline and working with an editor is invaluable. They may decide to sell one story to a magazine that buys all rights so their next story can be sold to a bigger publication that purchases first rights only. They'll submit to local magazines, regional publishers and small presses as they perfect their manuscripts intended for larger, national publishers. Well-published authors don't overlook any market that might be right for a particular work. And when you're just starting out, seeing your byline in a local parenting publication is just as satisfying as appearing in Highlights for Children.
'Tensity: Matt's karate teacher urges him to be intense about his practice, and Matt's dubbed this mindset "'tensity." The prolific writers I know think the same way. Though most have families and jobs, they live, eat and breathe writing. Any spare moment is devoted to working on a manuscript. Free weekends are spent at conferences and workshops. When they're not writing, they're reading children's books. As soon as they get one manuscript in the mail, they start the next one. In fact, super successful authors work on several manuscripts at once. If they're uninspired to revise a scene from their novel, they'll write a query for an article idea or do research for a picture book biography.
You don't have to maintain this level of activity to become published. Most writers don't. But if you want to make a living as a children's book author, if you want your web site to list 50 or more books in print, then it's practically required.
Plays the Field: Well-published authors don't limit themselves to one genre. They'll write picture books, novels, short stories for magazines, poetry, nonfiction, and material for adult markets such as parenting magazines or writing newsletters. After one book comes out they don't wait for their editor to ask for another manuscript; they create what inspires them and if it's not right for their current editor, they market it someplace else. In fact, it's more difficult to get widely-published if you only write one type of book. A publisher carries a limited number of titles per season, and the editor of your middle grade novel might not appreciate your having another novel for the same age group come out with a different publisher simultaneously. But a magazine article or nonfiction picture book won't compete with a book for older kids, and still gets your name in front of reviewers and book buyers.
Successful authors don't dabble in writing now and then, they embrace it and do whatever it takes to get published because it's what they want more than anything else. So dive in, work with 'tensity, and send us a quote for our web site when you hit the jackpot.
Minggu, 13 Agustus 2017
Get in Touch With Your Inner Child - How to Start a Children's Book
Some of your fondest childhood memories may centre on books - I know mine do; curled up in bed while mum or dad read you a story or holed up in a little corner with your favourite picture book, carefully poring over the familiar words and images. Maybe that's why children's books are still one of the most popular genres for writers today. However, just because they're shorter - and often with pictures - don't be fooled into thinking that writing children's books is easy! In fact, this genre is one of the most difficult to break into professionally and many writers find it an exceptionally challenging experience. If you're keen to write for kids, here are some helpful hints to get you going:
Read first - writers are readers first, and this is especially true with children's books. Children's books have a very different tone, style and technique to other works so make sure you're familiar with the genre.
Get with the times - while some childhood favourites are timeless - think Peter Rabbit - most children's books need to be current and relevant to kids' experiences today.
Think like a kid - the brilliance of children is their expansive and wild imaginations. They'll carry ideas to places you'd never even dreamed of. However, don't just assume that children will embrace any story you present them. You need to sell your story to your audience regardless of their age, education, experience - or height!
Read your work aloud- this is a great tip for writers as a whole, but again is especially applicable to children's stories. Children's books are specifically written to be shared aloud, so make sure you like the sound of your story.
Network and get advice - professional children's authors, such as Australia based Di Bates, will tell you that writing children's books is one of the most challenging genres to break into. Many publishers and agents actually don't accept unsolicited manuscripts of this type from unpublished writers. Take creative writing courses, get advice and build your network - you'll benefit from as much help and experience you can gain.
Read first - writers are readers first, and this is especially true with children's books. Children's books have a very different tone, style and technique to other works so make sure you're familiar with the genre.
Get with the times - while some childhood favourites are timeless - think Peter Rabbit - most children's books need to be current and relevant to kids' experiences today.
Think like a kid - the brilliance of children is their expansive and wild imaginations. They'll carry ideas to places you'd never even dreamed of. However, don't just assume that children will embrace any story you present them. You need to sell your story to your audience regardless of their age, education, experience - or height!
Read your work aloud- this is a great tip for writers as a whole, but again is especially applicable to children's stories. Children's books are specifically written to be shared aloud, so make sure you like the sound of your story.
Network and get advice - professional children's authors, such as Australia based Di Bates, will tell you that writing children's books is one of the most challenging genres to break into. Many publishers and agents actually don't accept unsolicited manuscripts of this type from unpublished writers. Take creative writing courses, get advice and build your network - you'll benefit from as much help and experience you can gain.
Kamis, 27 Juli 2017
Writing Children's Books - Genre Differences
There are a number of genres within the children's book arena. The target audience ranges from babies right on through to young adults. This provides a unique situation for writers to pick and choose a genre that feels comfortable to write in, while still remaining within the children's book market.
Each genre is geared toward a specific age group and has its own set of rules and tricks.
Children's Books: An overview of the different genres and a description of each:
Bedtime stories: These stories are simple and soothing. They are written to help lull little ones off to sleep and are in the form of picture books. The age group can be from newborn to five or six years of age.
An example of a bedtime story is the classic Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
Board Books: Board books are simple picture books geared toward babies and toddlers. They are designed to hold up to a toddlers prying and pulling fingers. Board books can be black and white or very colorful. These books usually teach simple concepts, such as numbers from one to ten, days of the week, colors, and simple words.
An example of a classic baby board book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is also a board book.
Picture books for the 2 - 5 year old group: These books are meant to be read aloud the child. Rather than simply concept themes, simple story lines can be written with short sentences and words. These books are for children in the 'pre-reading' stage and the word count can range from 100 - 500 words.
An example of a very young child's picture book is The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.
Picture books for the 4 - 8 year old: This genre makes up most of the picture book market. These books are also meant to be read aloud to children, but for the older child it can be read individually. The pictures will give a visual element for children learning to read, helping with the comprehension of the text. The wording and themes can be a bit more interesting, but still rather simple.
For the writer, in this genre you will need to use introduce 'showing' to create an engaging reading experience for the child. The average picture book is 32 pages and under 1000 words.
Two examples of picture books for this age group are Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Owen by Kevin Henkes.
Chapter books for the 6 - 9 or 7 - 10 year old group: Children in this group are learning to read. The vocabulary and storyline is expanding, but clarity is still a must. These books may be labeled as 'early readers' or 'easy readers' by educational publishers and are designed to read by the child. The word count is usually between 5,000 and 12,000.
An example of a chapter book is Clarice Bean, that's me by Lauren Child; another is Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
In regard to Because of Winn-Dixie, the protagonist is ten years old. Since children tend to read-up (the protagonist will be 2 - 3 years older than the reader), the target audience is around 7 - 8 years old, placing it within this genre and possibly the younger end of middle grade.
Middle grade books: The middle grader is between 8 and twelve years old. The middle-grader will go for stories that he can associate with and characters he can form a bond with. The word count is usually a minimum of 20,000.
As the child is able to comprehend more and is maturing, so should the stories. Stories and conflict can be more involved and you can now introduce more than one protagonist or point of view. This age group can also be introduced to science fiction, fantasy, and mysteries.
An example of the middle grade genre are the early Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling.
Young adult books: This genre encompasses the twelve to sixteen and up age group. YAs can be edgy; plots and characters can be complex and serious issues addressed.
An example of a young adult book is An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely. The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer is also in the YA genre.
A useful way to get a better idea of what the different genres consist of is to visit your local library and talk to the children's section librarian. She'll be able to show you books in each genre and give you tidbits of information on which are the most popular, which are classic, and much more.
Karen Cioffi is a sought after children's
Each genre is geared toward a specific age group and has its own set of rules and tricks.
Children's Books: An overview of the different genres and a description of each:
Bedtime stories: These stories are simple and soothing. They are written to help lull little ones off to sleep and are in the form of picture books. The age group can be from newborn to five or six years of age.
An example of a bedtime story is the classic Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
Board Books: Board books are simple picture books geared toward babies and toddlers. They are designed to hold up to a toddlers prying and pulling fingers. Board books can be black and white or very colorful. These books usually teach simple concepts, such as numbers from one to ten, days of the week, colors, and simple words.
An example of a classic baby board book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is also a board book.
Picture books for the 2 - 5 year old group: These books are meant to be read aloud the child. Rather than simply concept themes, simple story lines can be written with short sentences and words. These books are for children in the 'pre-reading' stage and the word count can range from 100 - 500 words.
An example of a very young child's picture book is The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.
Picture books for the 4 - 8 year old: This genre makes up most of the picture book market. These books are also meant to be read aloud to children, but for the older child it can be read individually. The pictures will give a visual element for children learning to read, helping with the comprehension of the text. The wording and themes can be a bit more interesting, but still rather simple.
For the writer, in this genre you will need to use introduce 'showing' to create an engaging reading experience for the child. The average picture book is 32 pages and under 1000 words.
Two examples of picture books for this age group are Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Owen by Kevin Henkes.
Chapter books for the 6 - 9 or 7 - 10 year old group: Children in this group are learning to read. The vocabulary and storyline is expanding, but clarity is still a must. These books may be labeled as 'early readers' or 'easy readers' by educational publishers and are designed to read by the child. The word count is usually between 5,000 and 12,000.
An example of a chapter book is Clarice Bean, that's me by Lauren Child; another is Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
In regard to Because of Winn-Dixie, the protagonist is ten years old. Since children tend to read-up (the protagonist will be 2 - 3 years older than the reader), the target audience is around 7 - 8 years old, placing it within this genre and possibly the younger end of middle grade.
Middle grade books: The middle grader is between 8 and twelve years old. The middle-grader will go for stories that he can associate with and characters he can form a bond with. The word count is usually a minimum of 20,000.
As the child is able to comprehend more and is maturing, so should the stories. Stories and conflict can be more involved and you can now introduce more than one protagonist or point of view. This age group can also be introduced to science fiction, fantasy, and mysteries.
An example of the middle grade genre are the early Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling.
Young adult books: This genre encompasses the twelve to sixteen and up age group. YAs can be edgy; plots and characters can be complex and serious issues addressed.
An example of a young adult book is An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely. The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer is also in the YA genre.
A useful way to get a better idea of what the different genres consist of is to visit your local library and talk to the children's section librarian. She'll be able to show you books in each genre and give you tidbits of information on which are the most popular, which are classic, and much more.
Karen Cioffi is a sought after children's
Sabtu, 08 Juli 2017
How to Write Children's Books - Tips in Writing for Children
Learning how to write children's books and writing for children in general can be a great experience but of course, it can also be a challenging task. Of course, you have to get the attention of children who are sometimes, or most of the time, have short attention span than adults.
If you want to write for the children, learn what they want to read and what catches their attention. Most often, this means colorful images and creative presentations that come along with your children's book. Of course, it is also important that you know the children's thoughts about the stories they prefer and they like.
Firstly, you have to have the passion in writing if you want to learn how to write children's books. Of course, from the passion in writing, you can move on to learning the basics as well, and focus on what can get the attention of children when it comes to written materials and books.
- Research. You may need to check out what children love reading. You may need to observe children in the bookstore and what makes them like a book. Check out popular children's books and study them. Learn how these bestselling children's books captured its audiences as well.
- Study how to make effective dialogues in children's books. Dialogues should not just be something that your character says, but it should also give descriptions on the character's reactions while saying the dialogue. This will help provide the reader a good description of the character or the event. It is important that your dialogues are something that can also provide a picture of what the character thought, what he says aloud and what he is into while saying the dialogue.
- Develop your characters before writing your story. Most f the time, you would be thinking of how to twist the plot in your story but to write a good story - whether for the children or adults, you have to develop and define your character first before deciding to start with your writing.
- Add humor to your story. Children indeed love humor as much as adults do, so try to incorporate a little bit of humor into your story book. This will help keep their attention as well. Children indeed love to laugh and giving them a reason to laugh in your book can indeed be a good thing to consider if you want to learn how to write children's books.
- Find inspiration in your writing. If you write for the children, it helps a lot to have an inspiration - may it be your own kids or other writings for the children. You can also draw inspiration from other children's books that you find in your local library and be creative in searching for what children love to read.
Keep in mind to entertain children with your book. Aside from adding humor in it, make sure as well that you have conceived your characters well, especially if you are using talking animals. Not all talking animals are appealing to children, You have to make sure that you have a well-developed character that will also be appealing to children.
These are just a few tips to help you learn how to write children's books. Keep in mind that you may not have instant success with just one book. You have to be patient as well.
If you want to write for the children, learn what they want to read and what catches their attention. Most often, this means colorful images and creative presentations that come along with your children's book. Of course, it is also important that you know the children's thoughts about the stories they prefer and they like.
Firstly, you have to have the passion in writing if you want to learn how to write children's books. Of course, from the passion in writing, you can move on to learning the basics as well, and focus on what can get the attention of children when it comes to written materials and books.
- Research. You may need to check out what children love reading. You may need to observe children in the bookstore and what makes them like a book. Check out popular children's books and study them. Learn how these bestselling children's books captured its audiences as well.
- Study how to make effective dialogues in children's books. Dialogues should not just be something that your character says, but it should also give descriptions on the character's reactions while saying the dialogue. This will help provide the reader a good description of the character or the event. It is important that your dialogues are something that can also provide a picture of what the character thought, what he says aloud and what he is into while saying the dialogue.
- Develop your characters before writing your story. Most f the time, you would be thinking of how to twist the plot in your story but to write a good story - whether for the children or adults, you have to develop and define your character first before deciding to start with your writing.
- Add humor to your story. Children indeed love humor as much as adults do, so try to incorporate a little bit of humor into your story book. This will help keep their attention as well. Children indeed love to laugh and giving them a reason to laugh in your book can indeed be a good thing to consider if you want to learn how to write children's books.
- Find inspiration in your writing. If you write for the children, it helps a lot to have an inspiration - may it be your own kids or other writings for the children. You can also draw inspiration from other children's books that you find in your local library and be creative in searching for what children love to read.
Keep in mind to entertain children with your book. Aside from adding humor in it, make sure as well that you have conceived your characters well, especially if you are using talking animals. Not all talking animals are appealing to children, You have to make sure that you have a well-developed character that will also be appealing to children.
These are just a few tips to help you learn how to write children's books. Keep in mind that you may not have instant success with just one book. You have to be patient as well.
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