Aliteracy. Knowing how to read, but not wanting to. Which is a bummer, right? Actually, more than a bummer.
And that's why we hosted the smart and generous and entertaining Andy Sherrod at our middle school this past week.
Andy’s a writer (and pecan farmer!) who has his MFA from Vermont College. And, in the process of getting that degree, he became quite the expert on aliteracy – particularly aliterate boys.
What Andy says is, aliteracy is way more than a bummer. It goes like this: If you read less, you read less well. If you read less well, you do less well (in school, work, life).
Yipes.
So he talked about getting boys interested in books by giving them the books that interest them. Which sounds like a big no-duh, but when you consider the fact that the people helping boys choose books are, often, female teachers, female librarians, and moms, well…
So here are some components of books that appeal to boys, according to Andy. (And, mind you, this is in a nutshell. If you’ve got one of these kids in your house or in your class, email Andy and he’ll be more detailed and articulate than I can be.)
Boy-ish protagonists: Preferably an actual boy, but boy readers are also ok with girl protagonists doing boy-like things and adventures.
A problem or conflict that is physical in nature (rather than relationship-centered) and that the protagonist solves on his own (rather than with the help of community)
Authentic emotional content (ie, boys can cry, even in front of friends, but then they might crack a joke, or otherwise deflect a little). (Andy definitely wasn’t saying boys don’t or shouldn’t emote – just that they want to believe the emotions their characters express.)
Facts and information – boys love this stuff – and The Guinness Book of World Records isn’t the only way to get it. There are biographies and narrative nonfiction and historical novels and all you’ve got to do is match the boy reader to his passion.
He also said that our kids – boys and girls – should see us read. Which seems like another no-duh but honestly, lots of us wait ‘til bedtime to pick up a book, because earlier we’re making dinner. Or doing dishes. Or paying bills.
But look! A new to-do. Permission to plop yourself down and read. Carry on.
It was cold and windy here this morning — even the birds were surprised and talking about it. It's been hot for so long, not a single one of us knows quite what to do.
Here's what they did. The birds, I mean. They gathered.
They made me want to find some bird poems. Here are two. They have nothing to do with each other. Except for the birds, I mean. And the second one ends in a typically Bukowski-ish manner (ie, with a four-letter word). So, you've been warned. But I couldn't resist it. It's just too good….
The Texas Book Festival, which happens every October in and around the Capital in Austin, has come and gone and I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling like this year's was the best yet.
Partly because my girls are Just the Right Age to fully appreciate it. They had all their own events picked out and had us running from one hot number to the next, with the high point being a funny, honest, thoughtful and tender conversation between Kate DiCamillo and Rebecca Stead.
And partly because I had such fun things to do myself! A couple of lovely parties… a storytime reading of Noodle & Lou… and a really dynamite rhyme-and-story-making session in the Kids Activity Tent. I worked with author Kate Hosford and a whole bunch of kids to craft "The Owl That Used to Howl."
(Really, if the truth be known, Kate and I just took dictation. The kids were kind of crazy-brilliant and creative. For example, an owl raised by wolves. Perfection.)
So, without further nattering, enjoy their yarn:
The Owl That Used to Howl
The owl with gray feathers was moving through the sky He howled his wolfy howl but it turned into a sigh. Why?
He flew a long way from home His wolves shed a tear The owl was very scared without his wolf pack near
But on he flew by the light of the moon And the light, it helped He was howling at it soon.
The wolves were listening for their favorite bird They recognized his sad, sad voice — the sweetest sound they'd heard.
In the past week, I've spent time with hundreds of kids,
reading and talking about books.
This makes me so happy.
And, it makes me laugh.
School visits are wildly unpredictable.
I mean, yes, I have my Powerpoint and all, but you just never know what the kids are going to say or ask.
I often see teachers, in my peripheral vision, cover their eyes or cringe in fear.
Teachers do not love wild-card moments.
But I do.
Here's a little smattering of good lines and questions from my most recent sessions in Wisconsin:
While talking about Noodle & Lou, one boy told me worms are important because "they untighten the earth."
A student asked me why I would keep doing something that takes so long, and another asked me which "rejected book" I love the most. Sigh…
A little girl asked me if I lived with my editor.
A little boy asked me why I didn't just work harder and draw my own books.
And, this week's top cutest comment, shared during a discussion about authors and illustrators and author-illustrators:
"How about Dr. Seuss?? He's a doctor AND an illustrator!"
I've got lots of school visits planned for the next month.
Needless to say, I can't wait for more…
Last winter sometime, the lovely folks from the Houston chapter of SCBWI asked if I'd come over and give them a one-day workshop on The PIcture Book.
And I said, "Sure!" Because that's my factory-default setting.
Fast forward a bunch of months, and suddenly it occurs to me I need to plan a one-day workshop on The Picture Book. One-day as in all day. I need a reading list and an outline of topics and a Powerpoint and a plan. I run to the library. I read a whole bunch. I brainstorm and talk out loud. I scurry around without getting much accomplished. I panic a little bit. Time is drawing nigh.
And then suddenly it is October 1st — last Saturday — and there we all are, in a most beautiful, sunlit, high-ceilinged room at St. Martin's Episcopal Church — two big screens and a microphone and the entire day available to talk about picture books. And never mind the scurrying and the panic because we are a roomful of people who want to spend an entire day talking about picture books. Isn't that a dreamy thing? I mean, I couldn't get my computer to talk to the projector at first, and I had way more material than I actually needed (it could've been a two-day workshop!), but all-in-all it was wonderful, thanks to my gracious hosts, a lovely space and a shared passion.
We talked a lot about how deceptively simple but deeply important picture books are — to kids and their grown-ups. I think it helps, when the work gets hard, to know that that's because the work matters. It sort of validates the headachey hair-pulling-out frustration, right?
We talked about a lot of other things, too — remember, it was a whole day — and I for one was all wrung-out at the end. But also so inspired by all the energy in that room that I came home and got to work. Hope everyone else did, too.
Do you ever take a break from writing or, god forbid, from reading? Or maybe not a break but you get distracted. Or waylaid. Or lost?
And then you worry that you'll never get back to words again? Because the path has been blown over with leaves or you've forgotten how to think that way?
It's scary.
I've been in a writing ditch for awhile, and last night the muck cleared. The same 26 letters that are available to me every day — the ones that have just been inscrutable lately — suddenly fell into place on the page. Thank goodness.
(Yep. That's the whole poem. I just didn't have the heart to excerpt something this small and perfect. For more treasures, go see Sara Lewis Holmes for Poetry Friday. That's what I'm gonna do.)
As consequence of the kind of work I do, I end up with a fair stack of ARCs on my coffee table, pretty much all the time.
(For the uninitiated, ARCs are the paperback not-quite-totally-perfectly finished books that go out to booksellers and reviewers and librarians and, um, me, before the book is actually published.)
And, as consequence of having all these ARCs lying around, we seem to be reading them exclusively these days.
(Currently finishing the amazing and tender Water Balloon by my agent-sister-and-dear-friend Audrey Vernick (more on that later)(and yes, I know it's actually OUT now, but we still like the ARC)(and yes, I realize these parentheticals are getting a little out of control))
(About to start Colin Meloy's Wildwood (ditto on the already out part))
(And Tall One is finishing Lauren Oliver's Liesl & Po)
So, I'm wondering. What does this say about us, in terms of patience? Er, IMpatience.
I have thought for a long time that the reason I got involved in the publishing industry was to test and grow my patience. But this seems to be undermining all that. Mercy. I'm all mixed up….
At our house, when either my husband or I takes on some big project, the other will inevitably walk by and call out, "How goes the work?" And the worker will answer, "Quack."
(I know. It seems like we could just offer to help, but we prefer it this way…)
The lines come from one of the books we read to the girls all the time when they were little — Farmer Duck, by Martin Waddell. It's kind of the communist manifesto for the toddler set, but with really great art by Helen Oxenbury. And, these delicious, irrestible lines.
(That are occuring to me right now because my sweet husband is outside digging up a little plot for rose bushes. If it ever rains again in Texas. Oi.)
As soon as I finish this, I've got to go ask him, "How goes the work?" He'll be so disappointed if I don't.
(What books do you guys quote at your house on a regular basis?) (Yes, I've been away from blogging for about 3 months. I'm back.) (Thanks for your patience. Quack.)
So, I like to think of myself as kind of an adventurous gal. I like lots of different kinds of activities and food and people. I love to travel. I’m relatively brave. I try stuff.
But here’s what I’m not: Crafty.
I’ve been known to use glue or safety pins instead of a needle and thread. I don’t knit. I can’t draw worth a darn. Making Shrinky Dinks as a kid was about as far into the world of craftiness as I went.
But I admire craftiness – I love the aesthetic and the idea of handmade anything – and my daughters are wizards with pens, paint and the sewing machine. So I’ve learned little bit by little bit to be less afraid. To throw the tarp down, get out the iron and some double sided-interface, and follow directions. For them, even if I’m pretty sure embroidered, embellished draperies are not in my future.
I love this book so much, I invited Bern and Kathie over to talk about it. Join us?
Thanks, guys, for stopping by to chat about your new book — and congratulations! It’s really a vivid and beautiful book, and just right for summer when we’re granted a little extra downtime with our families.
So, I’m really curious about the gestation of this project.
First, how did you become craft artists yourselves? Did you grow up with moms or dads who crafted with you, like the book suggests, or did you learn on your own?
Bernadette: I always enjoyed making stuff – art projects mostly but being the 8th of 9 kids we were kind of left to our own devices a lot of times as far as creative projects were concerned. My mom was a fun play kind of mom but not really a crafty mom. My older sister, though, was a big sewer and she tried to teach me when I was a kid. We got about halfway through the process of pattern selection/pinning/cutting – then I went out to play and didn’t come back to a sewing machine until I was about 35.
Kathie: My mom worked long hours teaching Math and Home Ec to high school students, and often came home to a ton of grading papers and taking care of my dad, who became ill around the time I was in middle school. She didn’t have much free time to devote to family craft projects; however she was (is) an extremely talented seamstress and often made me clothes and other things I needed or wanted. As I got older she taught me how to use a commercial pattern so that I could sew my own clothes, but what I remember as my most formative crafting-at-home experience was being given uninhibited access to her stash of fabric scraps, and being given the supported freedom to cut and stitch to my hearts content.
And do you MAKE STUFF TOGETHER with your families now? Are your kids crafty in your footsteps?
Bernadette: We make stuff together all the time. Not always sewing but lots of collaborative drawing/painting/collage. My husband is an amazing artist and so sitting together and working on artwork around the table really is some of our most satisfying family time. We play a little game where we pass drawings around the table giving everyone a chance to add something. It’s a fun process. We do leave the sewing machine out on the dining room table often though and when that is the case it gets used way more often by everyone. Even my 8 year old (on the cover of the book) knows her way around a sewing machine pretty well.
Kathie: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Both of my kids enjoy hand embroidery and my daughter loves to knit and sew, but they both put down their crafty endeavors for months on end – and as much as I sort of pine for them to devote themselves to some project wholeheartedly, I also realize that the more I push, the less likely they are to want to participate. I like to think that they’re absorbing art craft and music via osmosis, and that one day they’ll sit down to a project and blow my husband’s and my minds. But in the meantime, they’re definitely crafty-in-phases. so when a phase hits, I try to make sure we get some family crafting in.
What would you say to parents who fall in love with your book, who want to nurture their kids’ innate creativity, but who, er, have two left thumbs and aren’t all that comfortable around a needle and thread?
Bernadette: Keep it simple. embroider using burlap so that it’s easy for everyone. Try different art/craft techniques from different books until you find one that resonates. I think as adults we have the voice in our heads left over from childhood that says "you’re not an artist". Forget about the outcome and just enjoy the process. Use materials such as clay or colored pencils that are more forgiving.
Kathie: Well, Ms. Scanlon, I like to use YOU and YOUR AMAZING DAUGHTERS as fantastic examples of what can evolve even when *ahem* the parent in the household "has two left thumbs"…. Your daughters, the small one in particular, got the itch to create- so you facilitated her learning curve by providing her the support that you could, and then when you felt out of your depth, you sent her to someone (who shall remain anonymous) who could guide her a little further down the road.
(Oh, right! And thank you to that anonymous helper!!)
So, nothing against the actual projects, but when I was poring over the book, I think what I loved most was all the language about everyday family life, about connecting with each other, about somehow keeping it truly special and keeping it fun. Is this unique in a craft book? How did you decide to make your book about more than just the projects, but about the people, too?
Bernadette: While I do think there are books out there that refer to family life I think ours has a rather unique voice. Kathie and I both struggled with books that made everything/everyone seem perfectly capable/talented and well behaved. We wanted to offer a more gritty side of family life wherein people sometimes got cranky, sometimes didn’t want to create with their kids and sometimes had a dandy time together. We wanted to present all the aspects of family life and especially the idea that with the struggles can come great joy.
Kathie: We didn’t really want to write just another craft book – there are so many out there already that are so good! Plus, the main reason that Bern and I came together was to teach crafts in a specific way — to find and teach a mindfulness around crafting and crafting with kids in particular. So when the idea of writing a book started floating around, we were definitely interested in talking about all the other elements of crafting besides technique that inform this mindfulness – like lwhere to gather used materials, how to approach the often frustrating realm of collaborative craft projects without losing your mind, and keeping it fun and irreverent and messy in the process.
There’s also a lot of great stuff in here about materials — reusing and recycling everything from burlap coffee bags and bedsheets to old t-shirts — making these projects both affordable and environmentally low-impact. So do families have to be experienced thrift-store shoppers to find materials this way, or can they learn on the job?
Bernadette: We tried to offer ways that even non-thrifters could approach the idea of thrifting. In Austin we are incredibly lucky to have an amazing wealth of thrift stores. Every thrifter I know can spout off their favorites. But even without great thrift stores there really are materials everywhere. Even in our own homes. Who doesn’t have a sheet tucked in the back of the closet that never gets used? Or an extra t-shirt? Find what you can and again, enjoy the process of getting the materials you need.
Kathie: It helps to at least be comfortable with the idea of using recycled, reclaimed and gently used materials. If you’re a person that gets really squeamish at the thought of thrift store shopping, then there are instructions in the book for where and how to buy new materials. But honestly, those instructions only went in the book because our publisher made us put them there. There are SO MANY ways to find used and upcycleable materials – and SO MUCH out there to get creative with!! We hope to inspire a few folks to steer clear of Hobby Lobby at least 50% more than they did before reading our book. I mean, not to sound too dogmatic…. I still hit up the Hob-lLb for needed supplies every once in awhile. But I try to get the bulk of my materials in more sustainable ways.
And then the projects themselves are just plain thoughtful. There are games — to make together and play together; mealtime accents like table runners and napkins rings; and family calendars and birthday crowns. It seems like it’s really about making something usable and special rather than making something for the sake of making something.
Bernadette:Yes, this was a biggie for us. Having projects that not only led to connection in the process of making but in the process of utilizing the finished project. We both try really hard to create ritual and special times for our families and I think this is something we offer that is really unique. Having the collaborative opportunity means that we were able to bring what we each have/do and also create new ideas from the sharing of ideas.
My favorite chapter is Library Time — and okay, I’m biased, because my book is featured in a number of photos in that section. But also, at our house we’re prone to mixing out library books in with our own, or returning school books to the public library and vice versa. Anything that can help add beauty and order to what is already an important weekly ritual is good by me. (Library Tote Bag, Library Card Wallet, Armchair Caddy and Button Bookmark)
Do you have favorite sections or projects in the book?
Bernadette: I’m especially in love with the dinner section because of what family dinner represents. And also the section about family ritual. I feel like these are two of our true specialties!
Kathie: My favorite chapter is the “Into the Woods” chapter. I loved chopping up wetsuits and coming up with durable, gender-neutral designs for outdoor use. There is something intrinsically satisfying about cutting thru neoprene. It scratches some weird itch I didn’t even know I had.
From the looks of the photos, you’ve made every single one of these! Are there some that are easier or better to start with, or can we jump in anywhere? Is there a “best age” to start this work with kids?
Bernadette: Read through and find one that resonates. Of course some are easier than others so read through the instructions and choose one that feels most suited to your abilities. As for age, that really varies from house to house kid to kid.
For more confident crafters, these projects seem open to variations in material and design. Did you imagine that folks would use this like a cookbook and throw in some of their own ingredients?
Bernadette: Yes! We totally wanted to lay them out in ways that left them open to some creative intrerpretation. Especially the section about family rituals. We really do want folks to make these their own.
Kathie: Oh- I most certainly hope folks will mix things up a bit. I know some folks are more comfortable sticking with a project step by step and exactly by the book, but I’ve never been one of those people.
And before you leave, just for fun:
Bernadette: 1. Favorite fabric or material? Felted wool sweaters! 2. Crafting tool you can’t live without? Sewing machine, embroidery thread. 3. Favorite book on crafting that ISN’T this one? I’m a big fan of craft books from the 60s and 70s. The ones that came in a series of kids books. From the days of the encyclopedia salesman. 4. First project you remember making as a kid? Well, a half-finished sundress with my sister. Even though we didn’t finish I have such joyful memories of the process. 5. Biggest mess-up you’ve ever made on a project? As if I could choose just one. Perhaps the water bottle holder we made in class one day was the biggest. It was so complicated and it could have been so simple 6. Favorite thing you’ve ever made? 3 ponchos for my kids (3 at the time) made out of felted wool sweater squares. So beautiful, soft and sweet to see them all three in matching ponchos!
Kathie:
1. Favorite fabric or material? Oh man. Can’t. pick. one. 2. Crafting tool you can’t live without? Loretta, my industrial machine. She’s my stalwart companion. 3. Favorite book on crafting that ISN’T this one? The Made, by Wendy Apparel Books. 4. First project you remember making as a kid? Doll clothes 5. Biggest mess-up you’ve ever made on a project? There have been so many. oie. Sewing sleeves on inside out is a regular player. 6. Favorite thing you’ve ever made? My kids.
So what do you all think? Doesn’t it make you want to craft? And you can! Because one lucky commenter today, on this post or via facebook, wins a copy of the book!!! Wahoo!! Just say the word and you’re in the drawing! And if you don’t win, you should totally get a copy of the book anyway. Because it’s really good…
Thanks for stopping by, Bernadette and Kathie, and for creating such a beautiful book! Happy summer, everyone!
