From the Blog Archives

#50PreciousWords 2020

By Mandy Yokim On March 4, 2020 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Last year I entered the #50PreciousWords writing contest for the first time. You can read my blog post about it here. I enjoyed the challenge so much that I entered it again and, this year, my sister is my inspiration.

The purpose of the contest is to write a story for children using 50 words or fewer. It must have a beginning, middle, and an end. It is really challenging to write a complete story with just 50 words! I started out this time with an idea and I wrote, trying to be succinct, until I felt it was complete. That left me with about 90 words. From there, I needed to figure out a way to keep the emotion of the story and still cut 40 words.

Here’s the inspiration for my #50PreciousWords entry this year: I am fortunate to have two wonderful sisters. They are my best friends now. However, when we first welcomed my middle sister into the family, I apparently felt quite differently. As the family legend goes, though I don’t remember it, I looked out the front window as my parents brought my new sister up the porch steps and started saying, “Take her back. Take her back.”

Now that’s awful and I feel badly about it to this day, but I have to remember that I was very little (not even two) and I must’ve been experiencing some strong feelings that I didn’t know how to handle at the time. Gaining a new sibling is a blessing but it can sometimes take time to work through all the feelings involved. In my story, I wanted to honor the feelings of my little self and also honor the love that grows between sisters. So to Karen, my sister, my first friend and my source of immeasurable laughter and happiness – I’m glad our parents didn’t take you back.

NO RETURNS

“Take her back,” Quinn pleads, tears streaming.

She covers her ears. The wailing gets louder.

Mommy hugs Quinn warmly.

“We can’t take her back. She needs us.”

Quinn hesitates, then peeks into the crib.

The baby turns her own teary eyes to Quinn’s.

Both sisters stop crying.

And love begins.

#amNOTwriting: Taking a Break Is Good For You

By Mandy Yokim On February 6, 2020 · Add Comment · In From the Blog, Global Education

One of my intentions for 2020 is to get out more into nature. I’ve been doing a pretty good job – I’ve walked, hiked, skied, and biked. Getting outside more means I’m away from my computer more. Consequently, this means that, as a writer, I’ve been more #amNOTwriting than #amwriting. (These hashtags are used in the writing community on Twitter, by the way.)

But here’s the thing: I’ve still been writing. It’s just that when I do write, it’s more focused and I feel more inspired. I recently reworked a picture book manuscript that’s been quietly hanging out in my computer just waiting to be revised. I think it works so much better and part of that is the time #amNOTwriting but part of it is also the inspiration from working on other projects. Inspiration brings more inspiration and when you’re feeling physically good, you’re more likely to feel mentally good.

So writing inspiration for the day: take a break from that manuscript that’s just not working right now. Get outside, do something that makes you feel strong and start working on other things. When you do get back to that manuscript, you’ll be more inspired and things might just click right into place.

Want to get out more into nature, too?

If you’re local to the greater Pittsburgh area, try these Allegheny County Parks. If you’re looking for state parks, search here. For amazing National Parks, search here. Have fun exploring!

Winter hike at McConnell's Mill State Park — Winter hike at McConnells Mill State Park

Artist Booklist: Georgia O’Keeffe

By Mandy Yokim On March 8, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the artists we feature in the Traveling Art Gallery program at our local elementary schools. Dedicated parent volunteers prepare a presentation about the artists and one of their prints. The students love it.

I love that there can be some interdisciplinary study in art classes, library projects, classroom discussions, and school field trips. And I enjoy the opportunity to create booklists about these artists so kids and parents can extend the learning at home.

First up is a booklist for Georgia O’Keeffe. I’ve included some picture books (don’t shy away from these just because your kids may be older), a novel that is good for upper elementary/middle school, and even a cookbook for families that want to try some recipes inspired by the artist.

Through Georgia’s Eyes is written by Rachel Rodriguez and illustrated by Julie Paschkis.

Book description: “Georgia O’Keeffe saw the world differently from most people. As a child she roamed the prairie with a sketch pad in her hand, struggling to capture on paper what she saw all around her. At art school she learned to speak in paint on canvas. But Georgia felt confined by city life. She longed for vast expanses of space, and she found it in the red hills and silent deserts of New Mexico. Lyrical and vivid, this is a portrait of an exceptional artist, a woman whose eyes were open to the wideness and wonder of the world.”

Georgia in Hawaii is written by Amy Novesky and illustrated by Yuyi Morales.

Book description: “Georgia O’Keeffe was famous for painting exactly what she wanted, whether flowers or skulls. Who would ever dare to tell her what to paint? The Hawaiian Pineapple Company tried. Luckily for them, Georgia fell in love with Hawaii. There she painted the beloved green islands, vibrant flowers, feathered fishhooks, and the blue, blue sea. But did she paint what the pineapple company wanted most of all? Amy Novesky’s lyrical telling of this little-known story and Yuyi Morales’s gorgeous paintings perfectly capture Georgia’s strong artistic spirit. The book includes an author’s note, illustrator’s note, bibliography, map of the islands, and endpapers that identify Georgia’s favorite Hawaiian flowers.”

My Name is Georgia is written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter.

Book description: “From the time she was just a young girl, Georgia O’Keeffe viewed the world in her own way. While other girls played with toys and braided their hair, Georgia practiced her drawing and let her hair fly free. As an adult, Georgia followed her love of art from the steel canyons of New York City to the vast plains of New Mexico. There she painted all day, and slept beneath the stars at night. Throughout her life Georgia O’Keeffe followed her dreams–and so found her way to become a great American artist.“

Girl with Brush and Canvas by Carolyn Meyer.

Book description: “At the age of 12, Georgia O’Keeffe announced that she wanted to be an artist. With the support of her family, O’Keeffe attended boarding schools with strong art programs, and after graduating, went to live with an aunt and uncle in Chicago to attend the city’s highly regarded Art Institute. Illness forced O’Keeffe to leave Chicago, but once she’d recovered, her family scraped together funds to send her to New York to study at the Art Students League. When her family fell on hard times, she left without the degree she needed. Discouraged, but unwilling to give up her dream, O’Keeffe found a different path. She became an art teacher in schools in Texas and South Carolina, honing her own craft as she taught her students. O’Keeffe never gave up her dream, no matter what obstacles she encountered–she knew she was meant to be an artist.“

Wideness and Wonder by Susan Goldman Rubin.

Book description: “Continuing Chronicle’s acclaimed series of artist books for kids, Wideness and Wonder is the fascinating story of the mysterious and beloved artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Well-known children’s biography writer Susan Goldman Rubin traces the events that shaped O’Keeffe’s art and how art influenced OKeeffe’s life in return. Wideness and Wonder is colorful, accessible, and packed with the art that made O’Keeffe so renowned.“

Georgia O’Keeffe: The Artist in the Desert by Britta Benke.

Book description: “This book for young readers offers an illustrated introduction to the life and art of Georgia O’Keeffe. Georgia O’Keeffe’s bold and colorful depictions of flowers, New York skylines, and desert landscapes are easily recognizable to most adults and endlessly intriguing to young readers. This introduction to the life and work of the world renowned painter is filled with details of her unique life: her choice to live alone in the desert, her fascination with the treasures she found there, and her dedication to her work. O’Keeffe’s signature paintings are intertwined with photographs of the artist at work creating a seamless narrative that links the painter’s captivating personal history to her iconic art.“

Dinner with Georgia O’Keeffe by Robyn Lea.

Book description: “Georgia O’Keeffe chose New Mexico as the vibrant backdrop for the second half of her boundlessly creative life, refinishing her homes in Ghost Ranch and Abiqui with special emphasis on the kitchen and garden spaces that were fundamental to her artistic process. Featuring fifty recipes collected from Georgia’s favorite cookbooks with her handwritten notes or prepared for her by cooks and caretakers, Dinner with Georgia O’Keeffe is a perfect balance between the fresh local and traditional ingredients O’Keeffe sought and the New Mexican landscape and culture that constantly influenced both her art and her sense of self.“

Thanks for reading!

Image by Ramdlon on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/once-upon-a-time-writer-author-719174/

2019 #50PreciousWords

By Mandy Yokim On March 3, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

In January I entered a short story contest. Entries could be no longer than 2,500 words. Fast forward to March, and now I’m entering a writing contest where entries can be no longer than 50 words. Extremes? Yes, yes they are.

The #50PreciousWords contest challenges children’s writers to create a story – with a beginning, middle, and end – that uses no more than 50 words. You really have to make each word count.

The contest is hosted by Vivian Kirkfield, children’s book author whose most recent book, Pippa’s Passover Plate, just launched last month.

Image of the book, Pippa's Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield

Vivian encouraged us to post our submissions on our blogs and social media so here’s my entry below – and I encourage you to check out all the submissions, which are posted in the comments of the blog post about the contest.

TREASURE

“What’s in the box, Mom?”
“Broken dinner plates going to the trash.”
But I see potential.
My big sister helps me carefully smash the plates into tiny pieces.
We arrange a mosaic,
glue the pieces together,
add grout,
then frame our creation.
It reminds us:
broken can still be beautiful.

Image by MichaelGaida on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/mosaic-tiles-pattern-texture-3394375/ — Image by MichaelGaida on Pixabay

Thanks for reading!

And if you love picture books, check out my Pinterest picture book board or these posts on my blog:

The World of Children’s Book Publishing

By Mandy Yokim On February 28, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

One of my writing goals this year is to focus more time on learning about the world of children’s book publishing. I’ve attended conferences, workshops and seminars throughout the years, but this new goal is to make the learning more of a constant thing I do. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the resources I’ve learned from so far in 2019.

Webinar Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/webinar-conferencing-video-beverage-3199164/ — Image by Mohamed Hassan on Pixabay

Webinars

Webinars can be a wonderful resource because they provide a convenient way to learn. You can watch them from the comfort of your own space, at a time that works for you because the webinars almost always offer replay options. Also, they can be economical since they don’t require travel expenses like attending a conference in person would.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve watched five webinars on a variety of topics. Three of them were available to me as a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) but the other two were open to anyone.

From Mary Kole, freelance editor and former literary agent, I learned about the pros and cons of having an agent and how to stand out in the slush pile of submissions.

From Matthew Winner, elementary librarian, author and podcast host, I learned some good tips for how to maximize the use of social media as an author.

From Naomi Kirsten, senior editor, I learned about the specifics of the picture book process from proposal through publication.

From Arree Chung, author and illustrator, and Melissa Manlove and Ariel Richardson, editors, I learned tips for successfully submitting manuscripts to editors and agents.

Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to learn because, again, you can listen whenever and wherever you choose. Doing laundry? Podcast. Driving? Podcast. Exercising? Podcast.

I’ve listened to four podcasts this month.

On The Children’s Book Podcast, I heard about how author/illustrator, Vashti Harrison, came up with the idea for her book, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and what her journey was like getting into children’s literature.

On Literaticast, I heard from author and writing coach, Lisa Cron, about her book, Story Genius, which uses brain science to help authors write better stories.

On The Yarn, I heard from Ekua Holmes, illustrator of the beautiful picture book, The Stuff of Stars.

On Picturebooking, I heard about the creative process of author/illustrator/animator, J.R. Krause, and his picture book Dragon Knight.

Image by StartupStockPhotos on Pixabay; https://pixabay.com/photos/startup-meeting-brainstorming-594090/ — Image by StartupStockPhotos on Pixabay

Critique Groups

Critique groups can be a helpful way to learn from your writing peers. Benefits include getting other eyes on your work and having accountability partners to encourage you. The key is to find a group that feels supportive in a way that works for you.

I participated in three critique group meetings in January and February.

Two of the times we met, our group shared current stories in progress. One of the times, we tried something new and did a speed-writing exercise to flesh out some new ideas. That was fun!

Author Lectures

Attending author lectures can be very inspiring. Hearing from authors in-person about their experiences and opinions is invaluable. Bonus: you can often get books signed and meet the authors in the process.

I attended two author lectures so far this year. For about $8 or $9 per lecture, the Words and Pictures Series is an amazing opportunity in Pittsburgh to see acclaimed children’s authors and illustrators. You can find authors at local libraries and bookstores for free, too.

In January, I had the pleasure to hear Newbery Medal winner, Erin Entrada Kelly, speak about her childhood and her creative process when writing middle grade novels. Click here to read my takeaways from her (really funny) talk.

In February, I got to meet nonfiction picture book author, Jonah Winter, and hear him speak about the current state of publishing and the importance of not sheltering children from tough subject matter.

Illustration by Lori Nawyn for ReFoReMo; http://www.reforemo.com/ — Illustration by Lori Nawyn for ReFoReMo

Writing Community Activities

It can be isolating being a writer sometimes so connecting with other people who can understand your goals is priceless. These activities can be in-person or online. Both work to help you feel part of a community.

I registered for one group reading activity called Reading for Research (ReFoReMo) where I’ll be reading tons of picture books and discussing the craft of writing them along with many others who are passionate about children’s literature.

Lastly, I have had zero acceptances from the book submissions I’ve sent out so far this year – only rejections. But, I’ll get there one of these days, and when I do, I’ll be ready.

Thanks for reading!

This sign greeted me on my door when I arrived at the workshop.

My Highlights Workshop Experience

By Mandy Yokim On February 6, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Last October I attended my first Highlights Foundation Writing Workshop. I say ‘my first’ because it was such a wonderful experience that, one day, I plan to make it back there again.

Many of you know Highlights Magazine from reading it yourself as kids or sharing it with your own children now as parents. This workshop took place at a rustic retreat center in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, just outside of the little town where the Highlights office is located. In fact, the retreat property is the former home of the founders of the magazine. Each year the Highlights Foundation holds workshops on a range of topics for children’s literature writers, illustrators and other professionals.

As you may know, I LOVE picture books – especially biographies. One of the manuscripts I’m working on is a biography so one day last year in early fall when I saw an email come about Telling it True: The Art of Storytelling in Picture Book Biography and Narrative Nonfiction, it felt like the universe might be trying to tell me something. Could I make it work? Would it be possible to attend? Everything fell into place and, soon, I was registered and super excited to attend.

Beautiful views at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center

The retreat center was about a 6.5 hour drive for me coming from Pittsburgh. What can I say? Pennsylvania is a big state. But I like a good road trip and it was a beautiful day to travel. I knew I was getting close when my views became farmhouses, rolling hills, horses and cows. The location is rural and I loved it immediately.

I spent some time in this rocking chair while attending the Highlights Workshop.

I checked in at the Barn, which is the center of activity when you attend a workshop – it’s where the three homecooked meals are served for you each day as well as where most workshop sessions take place. There’s also a quiet loft area for reading and writing.

After settling into my room at the Lodge, I walked over to the Barn for a happy hour before dinner. At this point, I saw a sea of new faces. I admit, I was both nervous and excited but so was everyone else, I’m sure. And by the end of the weekend, all those new faces had become good writing friends.

These are my fellow Highlights Workshop attendees and I’m so happy we met.

Over the course of the weekend, we attended lectures from in person faculty members, including authors Leda Schubert, Tod Olson and Carole Boston Weatherford. We learned about the publishing industry from Lee and Low Books editor, Kandace Coston. Via Skype lecture, we got to hear about the research and writing processes of authors, Steve Sheinkin and M.T. Anderson. The workshop also included critique roundtables where we got feedback on our own nonfiction manuscript. This was very helpful – and, after I got feedback on my manuscript, I spent that night revising and reworking my beginning. It’s so much better now. As attendees, we were able to talk one on one with faculty members and get answers to all of our questions. I definitely left wiser and more confident as a writer.

We got signed books from the Highlights Workshop faculty members. I took this book from Tod Olson’s LOST series back to my son and he loved it.

When we weren’t learning about all things children’s literature, we had time for ourselves to write and explore the trails around the retreat center. These times, along with group meals, were some of my favorite times because I got to talk with my fellow attendees.

We went hiking through the woods surrounding the Highlights Foundation campus.

We hiked to Calkins Cemetery where the original founders of Highlights are buried. We got lost but we found our way eventually.

We talked and laughed together on the patio after the delicious meals prepared for us at the Highlights Workshop.

On Sunday afternoon after lunch, it was time to get in the car and drive back across the state. I couldn’t wait to see my husband and my kids but the time spent working on my writing was worthwhile. I felt good knowing that this Highlights Workshop experience and the friends I made along the way would stay with me always.

This Little Free Library is located on the Highlights Foundation campus.

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New Year, New You – my 9 for 2019 list

By Mandy Yokim On January 16, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

It’s January – a fresh start to a new year. And while resolutions may not be your thing, having a guide for the direction you want to go is not a terrible idea. Of course there are way more things on my list but here are 9 of them for 2019:

Exercise every day, even during the winter.

This often means indoor machines, classes or videos and I’m much more of an outdoor exercise person but I have devised a pairing to help me achieve my goal: watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine when I exercise inside. I’ve been binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine when I have little pockets of time (it’s hilarious, highly recommend) and now those pockets of time will need to be active. (Thanks to Gretchen Rubin for the pairing idea. She knows a LOT about creating habits.)

Watch more Jimmy Stewart movies.

Random, I know. But after watching a few of his movies and reading up on him – I’m a big fan. Plus, he was born about two hours from Pittsburgh in Indiana, Pennsylvania and the Jimmy Stewart Museum is there so…road trip!

Dance more.

Take a class, go dancing with friends or just dance more at home. It makes me happy and it needs to be in my life more.

Eat at 6 Pittsburgh Restaurants I haven’t been to yet.

There are many terrific Pittsburgh restaurants that I haven’t eaten at yet but I’m going to start with these: Bonfire, Jozsa Corner, Superior Motors, The Vandal, Twelve Whiskey Barbeque, and Gaucho Parrilla Argentina.

Clear out things I can’t wear and/or don’t need anymore.

If you’re local to Pittsburgh, here’s a good article by The Incline for where to donate most anything.

Submit the manuscript I took to the Highlights Foundation workshop in October.

I attended the most fabulous workshop at Highlights Foundation last fall. I took one of the manuscripts I’ve been working on and got some helpful feedback and a sparkling new beginning to the book. But I am stuck with how to move forward. I will keep with it, though, because I want this story out in the world.

Stretch out of my comfort zone with my writing.

I used to do a lot of freelance writing and I’m not wanting to go back there fully but some of the pieces I’ve written work better in magazines than books so I’m going to submit more to those kinds of places. Already submitted one thing last week! Also, I entered a short story contest – WHAT? Yes. Stay tuned.

Connect with people IRL more.

Social media and texting have their benefits but there is nothing like spending time with someone or having a conversation where you can hear each other actually laugh, not just LOL. So, this year I’m going to make an extra special effort to set up coffee dates, get-togethers, and phone calls.

Be kind – always try to be kind.

Be the kind kid, be the kind adult, just be kind.

Thanks for reading! What are some of your resolutions for 2019?

Words & Pictures: Erin Entrada Kelly

By Mandy Yokim On January 9, 2019 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Erin Entrada Kelly, children’s author and 2018 Newbery Medal winner, was in Pittsburgh on Sunday for the Words and Pictures lecture series. She kept me laughing throughout her talk. With humor and honesty, she spoke about her childhood and her writing process. Oh, and, exactly what it felt like to win the Newbery Medal for her middle grade novel, Hello, Universe.

Erin Entrada Kelly, photo credit: Words and Pictures Lecture Series

My takeaways from Erin Entrada Kelly’s talk:

She does her best thinking when she’s driving. I often do, too. I took a writing webinar a couple of weeks ago that echoed this idea that sometimes our most creative moments can happen when our brain is busy with other things that don’t require creativity. Things like driving, showering, cleaning around the house. Does this happen to you?

All her books start by filling up a notebook with ideas and writing longhand. She prefers this sensory experience – the scent of her pen, the tactile feeling of putting pen to paper. Writing initially on a computer feels impersonal to her.

She loved reading and writing as a kid, dreaming that one day she might become an author. Dreams can come true!

She loves palindromes, words that are spelled the same forward and backward. Tacocat!

She hopes we keep hold of our sense of wonder about the world. The power of imagination can inspire us and get us through hard times. Also, treat kids with respect, ask their opinions on things and don’t make their experiences seem unimportant. Sounds to me like she’s got the perfect attitude for an author who writes for children.

To learn more about Erin Entrada Kelly, visit: http://www.erinentradakelly.com/.

Thanks for reading!

Short Story Advent Calendar 2018

By Mandy Yokim On December 1, 2018 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

I woke up today with a bit of extra excitement because I get to open the first story in my Short Story Advent Calendar. It’s December 1st – and there’s a thrill in counting down to Christmas, even for adults. The chocolate candy calendars are great but give me books and short stories any day.

I discovered this Hingston & Olsen gem through the lovely City Books, Pittsburgh’s oldest used bookstore. Besides a carefully curated used book selection, the bookstore offers some new books (like the short story calendar), various events, a subscription box and a fascinating arts and literature tour. I took the tour in October and it was a wonderful experience – highly recommend.

I picked up my advent calendar on Tuesday from City Books and resisted the urge to break it open until today. The packaging is a work of art. The collection includes stories from eight different countries. What a joy to open up the sealed booklets each day. And I discovered that after you read the story, you can pop over to the calendar website and read an interview with the author. Super cool.

I cuddled up and read the first story with my tween daughter and we both loved it.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to you all – and Happy Reading!

Picture Books about Famous Pittsburghers

By Mandy Yokim On May 8, 2018 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Pittsburgh (and its surrounding area) has inspired some very famous people through the years. This picture book reading list will help you introduce your kids to 7 women and 7 men who have called Pittsburgh home. Happy learning!

Sports

Josh Gibson

Book description: “The story goes…Grandmama could hit the ball a mile, catch anything that was thrown, and do everything else — just like Josh Gibson. But unfortunately, no matter how well a girl growing up in the 1940s played the game of baseball, she would have faced tremendous challenges. These challenges are not unlike those met by the legendary Josh Gibson, arguably the best Negro-League player to never make it into the majors. In a poignant tribute to anyone who’s had a dream deferred, two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Angela Johnson and celebrated artist Beth Peck offer up this reminder — that the small steps made by each of us inspire us all.” from IndieBound

Honus Wagner

Book description: “The Honus Wagner baseball card is the most valuable baseball card of all time But he was born poor, ugly, bow-legged, and more suited to shoveling coal in his Pennsylvania mining town than becoming the greatest shortstop of all time. How could it happen? Did those strong arms and fast legs turn him into a Pittsburgh Pirate and one of the game’s most unforgettable players? In this true story, Jane Yolen shows us that wit, talent, perseverance, and passion score more than home runs. As Honus would say, ‘How about that?'” from Amazon

Roberto Clemente

Book description: “On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until–eventually–he made it to the Major Leagues. America As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents–and even tougher racism–but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, “The Great One.” He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn’t just baseball that made Clemente legendary–he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.” from IndieBound

Art

Mary Cassatt

Book description: “Mary Cassatt was a headstrong, determined girl. She wanted to be an artist in 1860, a time when proper girls certainly weren’t artists. It wasn’t polite. But Mary herself wasn’t polite. She pursued art with a passion, moving to Paris to study, painting what she saw. Her work was rejected by the Salon judges time and time again. One day, the great painter Edgar Degas invited her to join him and his group of independent artists, those who flouted the rules and painted as they pleased–the Impressionists. Mary was on her way. “I began to live,” said Mary. Today, her paintings hang in museums around the world and she is recognized as one of the most celebrated female artists of all time.” from IndieBound

Andy Warhol

Book description: “Andy Warhol was leader of the American art movement known as Pop, short for popular culture. He changed the way we think of art. Assisted by photographs taken of Warhol throughout his life, and examples of his early drawings and best-known works, Susan Goldman Rubin traces his rise from poverty to wealth, and from obscurity to fame. ” from Amazon

Romare Bearden

Book description: “As a young boy growing up in North Carolina, Romare Bearden listened to his great-grandmother’s Cherokee stories and heard the whistle of the train that took his people to the North–people who wanted to be free. When Romare boarded that same train, he watched out the window as the world whizzed by. Later he captured those scenes in a famous painting, Watching the Good Trains Go By. Using that painting as inspiration and creating a text influenced by the jazz that Bearden loved, Jeanne Walker Harvey describes the patchwork of daily southern life that Romare saw out the train’s window and the story of his arrival in shimmering New York City. Artists and critics today praise Bearden’s collages for their visual metaphors honoring his past, African American culture, and the human experience. Elizabeth Zunon’s illustrations of painted scenes blended with collage are a stirring tribute to a remarkable artist.” from IndieBound

Writing

Gertrude Stein

Book description: “In a story inspired by the oh-so-modern groundbreaking writing of Gertrude herself, not a lot makes sense. Even so, the oh-so-popular author Jonah Winter, and the ever-so-popular illustrator Calef Brown, and the most popular poodle of all time, Basket, invite you to enter the whimsical world of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.” from Amazon

Nellie Bly

Book description: “Born in 1864, during a time in which options were extremely limited for women, Nellie defied all expectations and became a famous newspaper correspondent. Her daring exploits included committing herself to an infamous insane asylum in New York City to expose the terrible conditions there and becoming the first American war correspondent of either sex to report on the front lines of Austria during World War I. In 1889, Nellie completed her most publicized stunt, her world-famous trip around the world in just 72 days, beating the record of Jules Vernes’ fictional hero in Around the World in 80 Days.” from Amazon

Rachel Carson

Book description: “In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Silent Spring, here is a biography of the pioneering environmentalist. “Once you are aware of the wonder and beauty of earth, you will want to learn about it,” wrote Rachel Carson. She wrote Silent Spring, the book that woke people up to the harmful impact humans were having on our planet. Silent Spring was first published in 1962.” from Amazon

Dance

Martha Graham

Book description:”A picture book about the making of Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, her most famous dance performance. Award-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell the story behind the scenes of the collaboration that created APPALACHIAN SPRING, from its inception through the score’s composition to Martha’s intense rehearsal process. The authors’ collaborator is two-time Sibert Honor winner Brian Floca, whose vivid watercolors bring both the process and the performance to life.” from IndieBound

Music

Billy Strayhorn

Book description: “It’s a challenge to transform the “Nutcracker Suite’s” romantic orchestra into jumpin’ jazz melodies, but that’s exactly what Duke Ellington and his collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, did. Ellington’s band memebers were not so sure that a classical ballet could become a cool-cat jazz number. But Duke and Billy, inspired by their travels and by musical styles past and present, infused the composition with Vegas glitz, Hollywood glamour, and even a little New York jazz. CD recording of the Ellington/Strayhorn composition included.” from Amazon

Mary Lou Williams

Book description: “What if you loved music more than anything? Suppose you had just learned to play the piano. Imagine that your family has to move to a new city and you have to leave your piano behind. People don t like you in the new city because of what you look like. How will you make yourself feel better? Mary Lou Williams, like Mozart, began playing the piano when she was four; at eight she became a professional musician. She wrote and arranged music for Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and was one of the most powerful women in jazz. This is the story of Mary Lou’s childhood in Pittsburgh, where she played the piano for anyone who would listen.” from Amazon

Labor and Industry

Andrew Carnegie

Book description: “When he was a child in the 1840s, Andrew Carnegie and his family immigrated to America in search of a new beginning. His working-class Scottish family arrived at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Carnegie worked hard, in factories and telegraphy. He invested in railroads, eventually becoming the richest man in the world during his time. Carnegie believed strongly in sharing his wealth, and one of the ways he did this was by funding the construction of over 2,500 public libraries around the world. His philanthropy completely revolutionized public libraries, which weren’t widespread at the time. Told in simple, lyrical text, the story unfolds against striking, stylized illustrations that transport readers to the bustle and boom of the Industrial Revolution. An informational spread explains more about Carnegie’s life and work.” from IndieBound

Fannie Sellins

Book description:”Fannie Sellins (1872-1919) lived during the Gilded Age of American Industrialization, when the Carnegies and Morgans wore jewels while their laborers wore rags. Fannie dreamed that America could achieve its ideals of equality and justice for all, and she sacrificed her life to help that dream come true. Fannie became a union activist, helping to create St. Louis, Missouri, Local 67 of the United Garment Workers of America. She traveled the nation and eventually gave her life, calling for fair wages and decent working and living conditions for workers in both the garment and mining industries. Her accomplishments live on today.” from IndieBound

Thanks for reading!

Fibonacci: Nature + Math + Picture Books

By Mandy Yokim On April 30, 2018 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

My husband got me some beautiful yellow and red roses for my birthday recently and put them in little vases all throughout the house. As a result, I’ve been “stopping-to-smell-the-roses” a lot more and I’ve been taking photos of them and just, you know, noticing how amazing nature is.

And because I also like math, I couldn’t help but notice the spirals in the roses and that made me think of the Fibonacci Sequence. Just look at these gorgeous spirals.

Do you remember the Fibonacci Sequence? 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, etc…

If you don’t, no worries, here’s a refresher that can also serve as an introduction for your kids.

Lastly, because I love books I thought, “I wonder how many Fibonacci picture books are out there?” Now, I knew there was at least one because the kids and I have read the first one in this list before. Turns out there are a few more!

I hope you enjoy this list of Fibonacci picture books. Nature + Math + Picture Books = Fun Learning

BLOCKHEAD: THE LIFE OF FIBONACCI

“As a young boy in medieval Italy, Leonardo Fibonacci thought about numbers day and night. He was such a daydreamer that people called him a blockhead. When Leonardo grew up and traveled the world, he was inspired by the numbers used in different countries. Then he realized that many things in nature, from the number of petals on a flower to the spiral of a nautilus shell, seem to follow a certain pattern. The boy who was once teased for being a blockhead had discovered what came to be known as the Fibonacci Sequence. Blockhead is a 2011 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year.” (from IndieBound.org)

FIBONACCI ZOO

“When Eli and his father visit an unusual zoo, they count the creatures in each exhibit. Eli sees one alligator, then one bison, and next two camels. Soon a number pattern emerges and Eli thinks he can predict how many animals will be in the next exhibit. Explore the zoo with Eli as he runs ahead to test his hypothesis.” (from IndieBound.org)

WILD FIBONACCI: NATURE’S SECRET CODE REVEALED

“1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. . . Look carefully. Do you see the pattern? Each number above is the sum of the two numbers before it. Though most of us are unfamiliar with it, this numerical series, called the Fibonacci sequence, is part of a code that can be found everywhere in nature. Count the petals on a flower or the peas in a peapod. The numbers are all part of the Fibonacci sequence. In Wild Fibonacci, readers will discover this mysterious code in a special shape called an equiangular spiral. Why so special? It mysteriously appears in the natural world: a sundial shell curves to fit the spiral. So does a parrot’s beak. . . a hawk’s talon. . . a ram’s horn. . . even our own human teeth Joy Hulme provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Fibonacci sequence and its presence in the animal world.” (from IndieBound.org)

THE RABBIT PROBLEM

“How does 1+1 = 288? A family of rabbits soon supplies the answer in this funny story Hop along to Fibonacci’s Field and follow Lonely and Chalk Rabbit through a year as they try to cope with their fast expanding brood and handle a different seasonal challenge each month, from the cold of February to the wet of April and the heat of July. This extraordinary picture book is packed with gorgeous details and novelty elements including a baby rabbit record book, a carrot recipe book and a surprise pop-up ending.” (from IndieBound.org)

RABBITS RABBITS EVERYWHERE

“Each week the residents of Chee take a portion of their bountiful crops to the wizard who lives on the hill. One week the Pied Piper decides that the wizard doesn’t deserve his full portion. The next day two rabbits appear in a field. The day after that, there are two more rabbits. Each day the number of rabbits increases and they are eating everything in their path. It is up to a young girl named Amanda to save Chee’s crops by figuring out the pattern by which the rabbits multiply.” (from IndieBound.org)

Thanks for reading!

Just like you were there: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

By Mandy Yokim On April 24, 2018 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

Yesterday, I snuck away to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens so I could “stop and smell the roses” so to speak. It was just what I needed to see the beautiful flowers, feel the sun on my face, and watch the butterflies happily flying to and fro. Phipps was in the process of preparing for its new summer show, Gardens of Sound and Motion. We got some sneak peeks of that but I can’t wait to go back to see the show in all its glory. In the meantime, here were some of my favorite things from this visit.

Biltmore Ballgown flower at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

What does this look like to you? At first I saw a chandelier but after seeing its name, I see a dress. It’s called the “Biltmore Ballgown” – love!

Lady's Slipper flower at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A lovely Lady’s Slipper orchid, part of the larger Slipper Orchid Collection that Phipps is growing along with the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Insect Inn at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Insect Inn – what an inviting place for insects to stop in and stay awhile.

Nature Play Garden structure at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

This little structure was built by a couple of kids in the Nature Play Garden.

Golden Shrimp Plant at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Golden Shrimp Plant from Peru.

Thanks for coming along – it was just like you were there!

Just like you were there: Faulkner House Books

By Mandy Yokim On April 20, 2018 · Add Comment · In Bookstores, From the Blog

In case you didn’t know, the video below is a snapshot of spring in Pittsburgh this year:

Happy Sprinter from Pittsburgh!

A post shared by Mandy Yokim (@mandyyokim) on Apr 17, 2018 at 2:45pm PDT

Now, I love winter but a person needs some sunshine on her face by the end of March…so we escaped and went to New Orleans for spring break. And the weather was perfectly warm and sunny down there, except for one day. Thanks, Big Easy.

One of the stops I had to make was Faulkner House Books, a charming bookstore tucked on a narrow alley in the French Quarter. With a spot on several ‘bookstores-not-to-miss’ lists, people come from all over the world to stand in the space where American author William Faulkner wrote his first published novel, Soldiers’ Pay. The bookstore is small and cozy with books lining shelves from the floor to the ceiling.

While I didn’t see a copy of Faulkner’s only children’s book, The Wishing Tree, it may very well have been there in the rare books cabinet.

The sign that welcomes you into Faulkner House Books.

Couldn’t you just find a cozy chair and sit here for awhile at Faulkner House Books?

I did say it was small, right? Maximum occupancy is just 12 at Faulkner House Books.

I bought this book at Faulkner House Books along with a beautiful edition of The Hobbit for my girl.

It was ‘just like you were there’!

Thanks for reading!

The American Philatelic Research Library

By Mandy Yokim On April 12, 2018 · Add Comment · In Library Series

Happy National Library Week 2018!

Flash back to my childhood in a school library, using a card catalog to find books. Using a microfiche reader, for goodness sakes. Even then I loved libraries. I liked that what-seemed-like tons of information was located in one place ready to be discovered. And I remember my school librarians, Mrs. Dameron and Mrs. Cunningham – ready to answer any questions and help me find what I needed.

Flash forward to more recent years when I’ve used the library for things beyond books and information gathering. Things that help you feel like part of a community: storytimes for my kids, genealogy workshops, storytelling festivals, cooking classes and more.

Libraries have come a long way in this modern tech era but, at their heart, they still serve many of the same purposes: to help us learn, grow and feel like we belong.

With this new library blog series, I plan to highlight all kinds of libraries and sometimes the librarians who work in them. Some posts will be short and sweet, some will include more in depth interviews or videos. Let’s get started with this post which incorporates another thing I love – stamps.

American Philatelic Research Library

Meet Scott Tiffney, Librarian and Director of Information Services at the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Scott served as Reference Assistant for five years before entering into his current role in January of this year. He was kind enough to answer my questions and give us an idea of the work he does and how he got to this place, surrounded by all things stamps.

Scott Tiffney, Librarian and Director of Information Resources at APRL.

Q: In your role as librarian at APRL, what are your responsibilities?

A: My primary role and that of the library is to fulfill the research needs and goals of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and its members. In light of that as the librarian I am responsible for collection development, digital projects, staff supervision and the general day-to-day management of every aspect of the library. There is also a significant component of my responsibilities that involves outreach to our members as well as non-members and the stamp collecting community in general as the research arm of the APS. [Scott also blogs about stamp literature and research here.]

Q: Which of these things do you find is your favorite?

A: Right now I can narrow my favorite down to two of these responsibilities. I really enjoy working and communicating with people on a daily basis. I’ve been blessed with a very enthusiastic and talented staff here in the library who make my job much easier and are a genuine pleasure to work with each day. Similarly, the outreach I am responsible for has put me in contact with many people in the stamp collecting community, both members and non-members, who have made my work here very fulfilling and rewarding. The other responsibility I’m beginning to enjoy as a favorite is the work we are doing on the library’s digital projects. My predecessor initiated the digital projects we have here in the library with the goal of having more of our collection available in digital form on our website. It has been both a joy to educate myself on these projects as well as to work with the people we have assisting us with our digital presence.

Q: Did you always want to be a librarian? How did your life/career path bring you to this position?

A: If I’m really honest, no I didn’t. I initially wanted to be a journalist because of how much I enjoyed doing research. From an early age my brain was just wired to always ask questions about things, even concerning things that had long been accepted as truth. I always wanted to ask questions and challenge things. From a very early age libraries and their unique collections always provided a sanctuary for me, if you will, for answering some of those questions through research. In many cases they could provide some answers, but even when they didn’t, the opportunity to pursue those answers which libraries afforded me was a reward in and of itself. After I started down the path of journalism for a short while I found myself more and more interested in libraries as a place I envisioned spending a lot of time in or possibly working in one day. That thought led to a Masters degree in Library and Information Science and then to work as a reference librarian in a number of different libraries. My reference work here at the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) then led to an extraordinary opportunity to become the library’s director, a position I have just started in and enjoy.

Q: Were you an avid book reader as a child? Were you always interested in stamps?

A: Our family read a lot at home and still do, and yes I read a lot as a child as I do now. As for stamps, I had an older brother who had a stamp collection but I did not have an interest in stamps until I began working here at the APRL.

First floor of the American Philatelic Research Library in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Q: Do you have a favorite type of library material? Favorite book genre? Favorite kind of stamp?

A: My favorite type of library material is still sitting down with a book. A physical book with its pages and content is both a sensory and textural experience for me which still requires the reader to be engaged in a form of unspoken communication with their thoughts and ideas while hopefully being educated. The digital world is the future but the permanence of a book somehow still resonants with me. My favorite book genre is probably fiction and poetry. In my younger days through my years of advanced education and even today I read a lot of British, Canadian, Russian and American poetry, novels and plays. As for a favorite stamp it would have to be the British Machins. There is something that appeals to me with a stamp that has had predominantly the same image on it for many years but has been produced in hundreds of different colors and varieties. For me it speaks to both tradition and creativity.

Q: What do you feel is the library’s most important function today? What functions have stayed the same over time?

A: Today the library’s primary role is to provide not only content but the means to that content in order to facilitate the education and research needs of its patrons. Over time libraries must continue to meet this need and make the access to the content as seamless as possible.

Q: How do you envision libraries of the future?

A: The easy answer to this would be to provide more and more content in digital form so that patrons can access material remotely and more easily. Libraries will certainly involve a lot more digital content in the future, but even given this, the librarian will have an even more important role in being able to discover, disseminate and organize the relevant content for library patrons.

Second Floor of the American Philatelic Research Library in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Q: If I could teleport you to any other library across the country or world, where would you visit?

A: Currently the British Library, the Library of Congress and the National Library of Canada (the latter of which I had the good fortune of doing an internship in) are all libraries I’ve been fortunate enough to visit and to do research in while there. But if I could teleport anywhere to any library it would definitely be the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt considered at one time to be the largest and most significant library in the world before it was destroyed. What treasures were lost then we’ll never know.

Q: Do you have any advice for library users – things you wish we would all know?

A: I guess the one piece of advice I would give every library user, especially if visiting a library in person, is always take the time to browse the collection and make use of the library staff. Even if you know exactly what you are looking for or have a specific book you are borrowing, take the time to look further you’ll never be disappointed with what you discover. Taken from experience, some of the most interesting things you’ll find in a library are found this way.

Q: Would you recommend being a librarian to others?

A: Yes I would, and this comes from someone who never envisioned himself being one. My wife is a research librarian and she always wanted to be that and I now have a niece that’s just starting into the profession and she, like me, never saw it as her future. I can honestly say that I find something each day in the library that’s rewarding and challenging, making it a place that’s worth coming back to again. Libraries are more than just buildings with books in them, they are communities of discovery.

Thank you, Scott, for your insight!

Did you enjoy this first post in my Library Series? Is there a library you’d love to learn about, I’d love to know.

5 Creative Literary Gifts (made by people I know): 2017 Holiday Edition

By Mandy Yokim On December 14, 2017 · Add Comment · In From the Blog

It’s that time of year – everything is all “last minute gifts” in your face and you may be starting to feel a teeny tiny bit caught up in all the anxiety. Never fear – I know you know that things you buy aren’t what is most important in life. You’ll stop to breathe and enjoy your family and friends, I know you will. Being stressed around the holidays isn’t fun for you or the people around you. So this gift list is the Anti-Last Minute Literary Gift List. All the gifts will likely be there after Christmas, too, when you really might want and need to cozy up with a good book or put down a few thoughts in a journal.

Here’s a short but sweet list of literary gifts, all created by some of the incredibly talented friends and acquaintances I’ve met here in the Pittsburgh area.

Write in a journal

I met my friend Alexis here in Pittsburgh when we were both new moms doing storytimes and playdates with our baby girls. She is now on the other side of the state and our girls are so grown up. She designed the art for these cool journals. Make lists, plan things, write a story. The possibilities are endless.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DashesOfHappiness?section_id=20344364

Mark your place with an artsy bookmark

My friend Dawn made one of these metal, glass-beaded bookmarks for me and I always think of her when I use it. Bookmarks are good for making sure you don’t dog-ear pages in your books – the pages don’t like it. They told me so.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/565663482/glass-beaded-bookmarks?ref=shop_home_feat_1

Light the room with a book-themed paper cut nightlight – Mary Poppins theme

I met Kathryn at a writer’s workshop and absolutely loved her work. She says the paper cutting takes a lot of time but, wow! – it’s worth it for this beautiful end product that shows a mystery design when the light is turned on.

https://www.gocarrgo.com/collections/night-lights/products/poppins-mystery-nightlight

Beep, beep! Pre-order this sweet book which is a play on the song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Writer Kate Dopirak is the kindest person you’d ever meet. She has worked long and hard to earn her success and she is always super helpful and willing to share her knowledge and experience with other writers. I can’t wait for this adorable book to come out – yes, I’ve already pre-ordered it.

http://www.katedopirak.com/twinkle-twinkle-little-car-available-for-pre-order/

Burn a book-themed candle while you read

I don’t personally know the maker of these literary candles but I had to include them because they’re made here in Pittsburgh by a local mom and the scents are inspired by various books. This ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ candle is just one of the examples you’ll find – there’s also The Color Purple, The Great Gatsby, etc…I ordered one of these as a Christmas gift for a friend. Now I’m thinking I should’ve probably ordered one for myself, too.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthAveCandles

Thanks for reading and happy gift giving!

TREASURE

“What’s in the box, Mom?” “Broken dinner plates going to the trash.” But I see potential. My big sister helps me carefully smash the plates into tiny pieces. We arrange a mosaic, glue the pieces together, add grout, then frame our creation. It reminds us: broken can still be beautiful.

Webinars

Podcasts

Critique Groups

Author Lectures

Writing Community Activities

Exercise every day, even during the winter.

Watch more Jimmy Stewart movies.

Dance more.

Eat at 6 Pittsburgh Restaurants I haven’t been to yet.

Clear out things I can’t wear and/or don’t need anymore.

Submit the manuscript I took to the Highlights Foundation workshop in October.

Stretch out of my comfort zone with my writing.

Connect with people IRL more.

Be kind – always try to be kind.

Sports

Art

Writing

Dance

Music

Labor and Industry

BLOCKHEAD: THE LIFE OF FIBONACCI

FIBONACCI ZOO

WILD FIBONACCI: NATURE’S SECRET CODE REVEALED

THE RABBIT PROBLEM

RABBITS RABBITS EVERYWHERE

It was ‘just like you were there’!

American Philatelic Research Library

About Mandy

Connect with me

Testimonial

“What’s in the box, Mom?”
“Broken dinner plates going to the trash.”
But I see potential.
My big sister helps me carefully smash the plates into tiny pieces.
We arrange a mosaic,
glue the pieces together,
add grout,
then frame our creation.
It reminds us:
broken can still be beautiful.