Jeannine Norris - Children's Author: November 2011

November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm one of those lucky people who have an abundance of blessings. Wonderful family, good friends, laughter and love in my life. But I also count my writing life among my blessings:

* the gift of words

* the schools who have shared their day with me

* the editors who have shaped my writing

* those who have given me opportunities

* the kids who ask questions and tell me I've taught them something

* the gift of sharing the Christmas story

* the schools who have donated to our foundation, At Least Kids

* my critique group who offers support and laughter

* friends who I've met through SCBWI

I am thankful to all of you for sharing my writing life. Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2011

What's A Writer To Do? Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette Gives Tips on Writing

So much conflicting advice we picture book writers hear ...

* write quality manuscripts, focus on making one better - Wait! - write many manuscripts and find the gem.
* start with a PB manuscript under 500 words - Wait! - write as much as you want to tell the story, THEN cut words
* you must write an original story - Wait! - it has to have a universal theme

What is a writer to do? Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette, a guest blogger on Tara Lazar's website, gives an excellent overview. Ammi-Joan creates a unique perspective, as she's not only an agent, but a picture book and novel author. Check out Tara's website for the skinny....

November 6, 2011

Inspiration? It's Everywhere!

Tara Lazar is hosting the wonderfully creative Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Each day of November means you come up with an idea. But, Tara is not only creative, she is especially generous :). In return, she is giving us a guest blogger. Day 4, and we have author Joan Reidy (Too Pickley, Too Purpley, Too Princessy, and the newest Light Up the Night). Inspiration for ideas really just comes from looking at the world around us. Stay open to possibilities. Joan talks about a few of her favorites: YouTube videos, newspaper articles, illustrator websites and the "rhythm of life sounds". Check out today's post on Tara's website.

I Love School Visits! This Is What They Are Saying...

Quick bits ...

To schedule a school visits, please visit my website

http://www.jeanninenorris.com/

What a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Mrs. Jeannine Norris came to our school and introduced the children to her beautiful book, Tonight You are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift. The children were riveted as she read the story and it was projected large than life on the whiteboard. Mrs. Norris kept them engaged in the story all the while sharing her experiences with them. Many of the teachers commented that Mrs. Norris had such a beautiful “way” with the children, just as she has a beautiful way with words. This book and this author are both truly a gift from God. - Patty Welsh, Principal, Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten

Jeannine told the story in such a beautiful, poetic way....I felt like Mary was talking to me! What a wonderful gift she brought to all of us with her soothing voice, wonderful story and the amazing illustrations. I wish that all children could be as lucky as ours were to "hear" Mary's story! - St. Catherine of Sienna, Reading

"Our students loved your visit and our teachers and staff were so moved by your book. Thank you for taking the time to visit our pre-k, kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms. You could tell by the children's attentiveness that they really enjoyed the story. Such simple, loving words and beautifully
illustrated artwork to tell the story of that Holy Night. What a wonderful way to help us all focus on the true meaning of our Christmas celebration! ~ Peg McBride, PTO Events Coordinator, St. Philip Neri School

"Jeannine Norris' visit to our preschool was a wonderful addition to our curriculum during the month of December. The children are so excited during this time of year ... it was a perfect antedote to have the children sit and listen to Jeannine read a story about that quiet and peaceful night . ..the night the baby Jesus was born. This book is a beautiful way to introduce and re-emphasize the Christmas story to any age child. It is a story of awe and wonder - what we so desperately need to be reminded of. ~ Donna Hepner, Director, Hopewell Christian Preschool

"On December 15th, St. Agnes School in West Chester had a wonderful visit from Jeannine Norris. Students in Preschool through third grade were able to experience a presentation of her Christmas book "Tonight You Are My Baby". Her presentation is very interactive and students loved the story. The second and third grade also had a presentation on writing, which had them thinking about how an author spends their day. Questions were answered and books autographed. The morning ended with Mrs. Norris meeting with our writer's workshop, which is a group of junior high students. They had an informal lunch in the library. It was an enjoyable day for all! ~ St. Agnes School

"What a great presentation you gave to our K-8 students. Your book captured the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus and Mary's love for her son. Your informative and interactive presentation showed students that anyone can be a writer, and how to find ideas. We were thrilled to have you at St. Katharine of Siena School, especially as we prepared for Christmas." ~ St. Katharine of Siena School

"What a gift to have Jeannine share her heart, her faith and her story with our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. All of our hearts were moved as Jeannine shared such touching reflections on being a mother, a daughter, a friend and a writer. Her book gives such a precious look into the Christmas miracle through the eyes of a mother. My family will be blessed to have this in our collection for many years to come!"
~ MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Bethlehem, PA

"The students from St. Joseph School, Downingtown, had a delightful visit from Jeannine Norris as she shared her life as an author and her beautiful book, Tonight You Are My Baby.
Interaction with Mrs. Norris during her presentation was a special feature for the children." ~ St. Joseph School

"What a wonderful presentation to start the Christmas holiday! Jeannine Norris has written a beautiful tale of a mother's love told within the context of the birth of Jesus. The pictures brilliantly capture the spirit of this story. Our school was thrilled to have this wonderful author visit." St. Edmond's Academy

"The book is a gift waiting to be unwrapped and would make a wonderful addition to any family's Christmas collection." Holy Family School

"A wonderful experience for students and teachers! We recommend the book to everyone!" Sacred Heart School

"Our students were so excited to meet a real author! We look forward to future books!" St. Basil's The Great

"Your visit to the school was such a joy. Everyone had such positive things to say about your presentation!" Gwynedd-Mercy Academy

"Our school invited Jeannine to participate in a Christmas program that involved families. Children already love the story of Baby Jesus, but Tonight You Are My Baby drew the parents in a new way." Fairview Christian Academy

"The theme of your book tied in perfectly with our curriculum as we share the birth of Jesus with our preschoolers. We did a couple of your suggested activities to prepare for your visit. Your book is absolutely beautiful!" Providence Christian Preschool

"You truly have a gift for working with children and writing.
On Christmas Eve, our pastor read your book. It was the perfect story as he shared how Mary felt on this special night. Even our seventh grade teacher used the book to show how to write from perspective." St. Mary's School