Hey everyone!

Please take note--this blog has officially moved! The new URL is:

http://loricalabrese.com/blog

Over the last few weeks I've been working on the new-and-improved Lori Calabrese Writes. I'm over at a self-hosted Wordpress blog that's incorporated into my new-and-improved website, and I'm lovin' it. I was always jealous of those authors who had all their stuff under one roof so to speak, so I bit the bullet and made the move. (While throwing a few things and spending countless hours on the computer!) Things are still under construction, but hopefully by next week, things will be up and running like they should and we'll celebrate with some great giveaways. The Wordpress chick has designed an awesome header for me, and is tweaking my StudioPress theme as we speak. I've seen a sneak peek, and it's soooo awesome!

Please head over to the new site, update your reader with the new address and also subscribe to my new newsletter--The Book Bugz! You'll find all the same news and updates as you did at this blogspot blog. Next year will be a big year as The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade is released, and I don't want you to miss a thing!

Thanks so much for following me here at Lori Calabrese Writes and I'll see you at the new site!
(don't forget--you can always visit me at my sports blog, Get in the Game--Read, at http://sportsbooksforkidsandteens.blogspot.com)

Ever wonder who did what in Ancient Rome? APPLESEEDS continues their wonderful ‘Who did What’ feature. In the October 2009 issue, readers can find out what it was like to live in Ancient Rome. What kinds of jobs did people have? Explore what it was like to be a Roman, from chariots, to taking a bath with your friends, to having a toga party!

I’m excited to announce that I have two articles in this issue!

“Gladiatrix: Fierce Females” highlights the women that fought as gladiators. When most of us think of a gladiator, we think of a strong muscular man, but according to history, even women stepped into the gladiator arena. Find out why.

“The Way We Wash” highlights the fact that Ancient Romans washed their clothes in human urine. Yes, you read that right. You’ll be amazed at what you find out in this article!

November’s right around the corner, so be sure to pick up your Oct. copy of APPLESEEDS. You’ll never look at Ancient Rome the same!

Be sure to head over to the new location of Lori Calabrese Writes! today and check out the Nonfiction Monday post. Please excuse our appearance as we're still under construction, but the blog is officially up and running, so be sure to subscribe today, so you don't miss any of the latest news!

Thankfully, there's a variety of options today in digital learning and parents can simply pull out their iPod or iPhone and entertain their children with apps that read children's books. There's a whole bunch of applications that are focused towards kids and even focus on education. Most books are $1.99/ea from iTunes and can also be purchased on your phone from anywhere.

Find out how children's books are embracing digital technology at Examiner.com

Please note: This blog is moving! Please subscribe at the new address: http://loricalabrese.com/blog so you don't miss any of the latest children's literature news! Sorry for any inconvenience!

Barnes & Nobles looks to find its own cozy nook in the e-book reader department with what it's calling the planet's "most advanced e-book reader": the "Android-based" nook.

This eReader looks amazing! Read the entire article at Examiner.com

Just a reminder: I'm in the process of moving this blog to http://loricalabrese.com/blog, so be sure to stop by the new site (excuse our appearance), and sign up for e-mail updates or subscribe in an Reader, so you don't miss any of the latest children's book news! Thanks!

What do you think of when you think of Halloween? Perhaps visions of witches, ghosts, and goblins dance through your head. Or perhaps costumes, and candy clutter your mind? Certainly one image that evokes Halloween spooky cheer is...the pumpkin. Big, round orange pumpkins are a symbol of Halloween and the fall season, and with them, comes fond memories of pumpkin picking, carving, and eating.

Did you know that pumpkins are a fruit? Do you know where pumpkins were first grown? Did you know pumpkins are part of the gourd family? Share the story of the pumpkin with your young readers with these beautiful picture books that follow the pumpkin from seed to sprout to pumpkin to pie!

Pumpkins by Ken Robbins
Ken Robbins is widely known for his sumptuous photo essays on numerous subjects of interest to kids. In this beautiful picture book, Robbins tackles one of everyone’s favorite autumn arrivals—pumpkins. The full-color photographs capture the lifespan of a pumpkin from a tiny seed to a blooming vine, then a small gourd, and finally a jack-o-lantern. To get you in the spirit of lighting up a dark Halloween night, the book also gives instructions to safely carve your own jack-o-lantern.


From Seed to Pumpkin (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1) (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) by Wendy Pfeffer
This book is part of an interesting science series, designed to explain the stages in the development of a seed into a pumpkin. The book explains the difficult subject of plant development in clear and easy to understand text. After your young readers understand how a pumpkin obtains and distributes water and nutrients, they can also find an easy recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds and an activity on "How Plants Drink Water."


Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons)
by Jill Esbaum
Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie follows Apples for Everyone in the Picture the Seasons series by National Geographic. What's striking about this book are the beautifully photographed pictures of everyone's favorite fall treat. The glossy, festive images and lively text are sure to get your family in the mood to celebrate the season.


Pumpkin Pumpkin
by Jeanne Titherington
The text in Pumpkin, Pumpkin is very simple, but it's a great resource to accompany the books above and introduce children to the life cycle of a pumpkin, plant growth, and sequence concepts.



Pick from the patch of many pumpkin lessons, games and activities online:
AtoZteacherstuff.com
enchantedlearning.com
education-world.com


Today, I'm honored to be hosting Nonfiction Monday! Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! If you'd like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen's Picture Book of the Day.

Here's what the Kidlitosphere is reading this week...

1. Sarah N. (Reign of the Sea Dragons) 2. Simply Science (What Darwin Saw) 3. Great Kid Books (Claudette Colvin) 4. The Stenhouse Blog (Georgia Heard and Jennifer McDonough) 5. Michelle Markel (Dinos and Pirates Teach Math)

6. Picture Book of the Day (An Eye for Color) 7. Wrapped in Foil (Saving Water) 8. Chicken Spaghetti (Rabbit Hill Fest.) 9. INK: Interesting Nonfiction for Kids (essays by nonfiction children's authors) 10. A Patchwork of Books (Teen Memoir)

11. Moms Inspire Learning (Books about Ben Franklin) 12. The Art of Irreverence (I Pledge Allegiance) 13.Katie's Literature Lounge (Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Prize) 14. 3T News and Reviews 15. Bookends (Years of Dust) 16. Wendie's Wanderings (Building a Bridge)

If you'd like to add your post to the pumpkin patch, please add it to Mr. Linky below.

The highly anticipated movie adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic book Where the Wild Things Are opens in movie theaters today! In an adventure tale for every generation, director Spike Jonze sets out to entertain viewers with the mythical journey of a young boy to a land full of majestic furry creatures known as the wild things. Many thought the classic book would not translate well to the big screen, but Jonze has taken on the challenge and this weekend will be the tell-all of whether viewers will open their hearts to a new vision of a classic.

Misunderstood at home and at school, mischievous Max (Max Records) escapes to a land populated by majestic, and sometimes fierce, creatures known as the Wild Things. The Wild Things allow Max to become their leader, and he promises to create a kingdom where everyone will be happy. However, Max soon finds that being the king is not easy, and that his relationships with the Wild Things are much more complicated than he originally thought.

The movie's budget is as high as "Madagascar" and "Shrek," but the look and feel is completely different than most kid-friendly blockbusters. Even though Warner Brothers is positioning the film as a family-friendly movie perfect for all ages, it's main appeal is directed toward urban teens. Overcoming obstacles such as shutting down production mid-filming, and protests from fans not to butcher this classic tale, Jonze is determined to prove that his inventive, creative style is the path the movie needed to take. In fact, in addition to the movie, Jonze has also directed a short documentary about Maurice Sendak that will be shown on HBO, and he's also behind a line of "Wild Things" skateboards.

While you're waiting for the next showtime, why not pick up Maurice Sendak's beloved picture book about a rambunctious little boy named Max and the kingdom of untamed creatures who adopt him as their like-minded king? Chances are you'll relive some of your own fond memories of the tale that shows us that a child's imagination is as big as the universe. Now, let the wild rumpus start!

Diana Rumjahn is a self-taught artist who took to film as soon as she was able to watch television. Throughout her childhood, Rumjahn developed an appreciation for television, film, sports broadcasting productions and music.

She would often sit for hours in front of the television and study every aspect of the show, especially the opening title, opening theme song, the storyline, acting, editing, cinematography, soundtrack, ending theme song and credits. Films, television shows, sports broadcasting productions and music in the 1970 and 1980's were very influential, inspiring and important for her. She would often sit in class not thinking about math, but film production.

After graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's of Art Degree in Social Science, and working at San Francisco State University for over the past 20 years, Rumjahn decided to pursue a life-long passion in film. Rumjahn produced a film titled, Going Home, and she recently turned it into a children's book titled Charlie and Mama Kyna. The story is about a little stuffed animal frog, named Charlie who runs away in fear after accidentally breaking his mother’s favorite vase. Charlie makes his way to the city and meets a stuffed animal Lion named Leo and a stuffed animal giraffe named Joe outside Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery. The three become best friends and live inside a little orange tent outside the bakery. After awhile, Charlie becomes homesick; misses his mother, Kyna; decides to go home and invites Leo and Joe to live with them. On the next sunny day, Charlie, Leo and Joe, journey to find Mama Kyna’s home.

To read the interview with Diana Rumjahn, please visit Examiner.com

Please be aware Lori Calabrese Writes! is in the process of moving. Please consider following me at my new blog http://loricalabrese.com/blog/. You'll still find all the same reviews, recommendations, and children's news--just in a different place. And while you're there, sign up for my new newsletter that will debut in January 2010! Thanks as always for your support.

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full force and there's only one day left! National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people of various different races, from more than 20 different nations around the world who share a related cultural and ethnic heritage. How are you celebrating? One way to celebrate is to read a book written by a latino/a author.

Jo Ann Hernandez, author of White Bread Competition and The Throwaway Piece recommends Gringolandia.

To read the review, please visit Examiner.com

Please be aware this blog is in the process of moving! Lori Calabrese Writes! is moving on to bigger and better things at http://loricalabrese.com/blog/. You'll still get all the great children's news, reviews, recommendations, and interviews just in a different place. I always wanted my website and blog all in one place and I'm finally brave enough to make the transfer! Please consider signing up for the RSS feed or to e-mail updates in the upper right hand corner at http://loricalabrese.com/blog/. (I'm sorry for any inconvenience this causes and thanks for your patience while I switch everything over.)

For all you writers (and marketers) out there-- I'm sure you'd love the secret to turn your books, products, and services into #1 bestsellers on Amazon. I know I do! And wouldn't it be great to have somebody walk you through it step-by-step? My good friends, Denise Cassino and Dr. Anna Maria Prezio have created a fabulous new program to do just that! I knew you'd want to find out more, so I figured I'd share their note with you...

Dear Friends,

My co-creator, Denise Cassino and I have been teasing you on twitter, facebook and other social media about our new exceptional program on how to become a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. Well, the time has come to unveil this happy and extraordinary event. I know you’re busy but take a look at how your passion, your talent and your vision can become a reality…

. You’ve dreamed of becoming a #1 Bestseller

. You’ve thought to yourself, ‘My book should be a #1 Bestseller!’

. I want to tell the world about how powerful my book is but I just don’t know where to begin.

Forget your frustration because the answer to fulfilling your vision is here, and now…Take a listen to our intro to ‘8 Keys to Your #1 Bestseller’ and learn how to move forward! It’s a free intro to our 9-PART AUDIO SERIES, YOUR #1 BESTSELLER, and it will tell you how we can help you press that Bestseller sticker onto your book covers. This short overview will help you create Your #1 Bestseller Campaign! Check out the SYLLABUS, too, and you’ll see how comprehensive this program is!

Denise Cassino has launched numerous authors, products & services to a #1 bestseller status on Amazon. It's not rocket science, it's a formulated plan that, when followed, will position you to hit #1 on your launch day.

Don’t wait! Do it now! Click here to visit Your Number 1 Bestseller

You know that being a #1 Bestseller can open doors…My own #1 Bestseller (the campaign took place on May 12 and was coordinated by Denise) for Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster has opened so many doors for me. I will soon be announcing a television series on a major network as a result of becoming a #1 Bestselling author. And that’s just one example of what the campaign has done for me. I’ve been asked to partner up with the top internet celebrities in my field. I’ve been asked to speak, have done TV interviews and major am radio shows which are sometimes even more than I can actually handle and my expert status has shot through the roof. Last week I shot a 15 minute segment for a brand new TV Pilot in Newport Beach.

Yes. All of this has happened since I became a #1 Bestselling author so I am proof that it works. Other #1 Bestselling authors have received Immediate offers from major publishers both domestic and international when they hit #1 status. Waiting for you is the amazing Rock Star Recognition that most of us crave. Each day that you wait, you are losing money, speaking engagements, publicity, visibility and most importantly, the ability to touch people’s lives.

Now is your time! Anyone with a vision and a plan can have a #1 Bestseller! Let us help you get there.

Click here to visit Your Number 1 Bestseller

Let us show you right now how it can be done and the exciting ways that having a #1 Bestseller can change your life! We will give you the secrets and tools you need to achieve your dream!

This program is a 9-week program that walks you through the campaign, step-by-step, teaching you how to choose your categories, build your website, find partners, write press releases, maximize you’re amazon profile and page and much, much more! Each week you'll receive homework and personalized coaching to answer all of your questions as you go. We want you to have the same amazing success that others have achieved at the affordable price of $297!

Click here to visit Your Number 1 Bestseller now and take the plunge! You'll never be sorry!

Big Blessings,

Dr. Anna Maria Prezio
Bestselling author of Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster, Marketing Guru and Feng Shui Master

Denise Cassino, JV Specialist and Book Launch Specialist

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full force and lasts until this Thursday, October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people of various different races, from more than 20 different nations around the world who share a related cultural and ethnic heritage. How are you celebrating? One way to celebrate is to read a book written by a latino/a author.

Ruth J. Hartman, author of My Life in Mental Chains (Looking Glass), recommends White Bread Competition by Jo Ann Hernandez:

To read the review, please visit Examiner.com.

Please be aware this blog is in the process of moving! Lori Calabrese Writes! is moving on to bigger and better things at http://loricalabrese.com/blog/. You'll still get all the great children's news, reviews, recommendations, and interviews just in a different place. I always wanted my website and blog all in one place and I'm finally brave enough to make the transfer! Please consider signing up for the RSS feed or to e-mail updates in the upper right hand corner at http://loricalabrese.com/blog/. (I'm sorry for any inconvenience this causes and thanks for your patience while I switch everything over.)