Jean Louisa Kelly

Transcription

Jean Louisa Kelly

June 2015
VOL. 1 / ISSUE 10
TM
Jean Louisa Kelly
Enters the Next Stage
of Her Career
Lisa Jakub
Discovers an Ordinary Life
as an Extraordinary Writer
A Little Girl Offers
Big Advice
in the Liv on Life Book Series
Kristi Yamaguchi
Inspires Children
to Dream Big
Spring Into
Fitness!
Kristy Stabler Offers Tips
to Get Your Family Moving
Get Ready
for Some Super Summer
Reading Programs!
TM
MEET THE STAFF
PUBLISHER
Linda F. Radke
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
Cristy Bertini
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WRITERS
Rachel Koestler-Grack
Melissa Fales
DESIGN
Jeff Yesh
[email protected]
Science & Nature Editor
Conrad J. Storad
[email protected]
Webmistress
Laurie Herring
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Linda F. Radke
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Contents
Story Monsters Ink
June 2015
Monster Message
Welcome to the June issue! This month’s issue
certainly carries a theme of strong women. From an
actor who followed her dream, to an actor who decided to
change her life’s direction, to an Olympic gold medalist
who is just as inspirational off the ice, to a little girl with
big advice and a fitness trainer ready to get us moving,
we’ve got it all! Also in this issue, we have a new teacher
of the month, new Story Monster Approved! books and
our super science and nature editor Conrad J. Storad
tells us all about the magic of metamorphosis. Be sure
to check out this month’s recipe, reviews and reading
guide! And don’t forget—it’s almost time to sign up
for summer reading!
Features
4
8
Jean Louisa Kelly
Enters the Next Stage of Her Career
11 Teacher of the Month
20 Story Monster
Approved! Books
Lisa Jakub
Discovers an Ordinary Life as an Extraordinary Writer
12
21 Activity Page
A Little Girl Offers Big Advice
22 Monster Reviews
14
Kristi Yamaguchi
Inspires Children to Dream Big
26 Spring Reading Guide
16
Spring Into Fitness!
28 Monster Munchies
Kristy Stabler Offers Tips to Get Your Family Moving
19
29 Juicy Jack’s Spanish Corner
Get Ready for Some Super Summer
Reading Programs!
30 SMI Academy
In the Liv on Life Book Series
24 Conrad’s Classroom
Sign up for a free monthly subscription at www.StoryMonstersInk.com!
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StoryMonstersInk.com | JUNE 2015 | Story Monsters Ink
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Cover Feature Story
Jean Louisa Kelly
Enters the Next Stage of Her Career
by Rachel Koestler-Grack
Most people recognize Jean Louisa Kelly
from her roles in the hit movies Uncle Buck and Mr.
Holland’s Opus, and as Kim Warner in the popular
sitcom Yes, Dear. During her career, she has starred
in many other films and has played numerous guest
characters on TV shows such as CSI, Grey’s Anatomy
and Law and Order. What some fans may not know
is that prior to her Hollywood career, Jean was on
Broadway, performing eight shows a week in the
original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, a
Tony Award winning musical. Now she has returned
to the place where it all began—a love of music.
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Jean’s parents both played the piano. Her father
played by ear, and her mother gave lessons. “I have
recordings of myself singing ‘Take me out to the Ballgame’ when I was around three years old,” she recalls.
“My mother would play Broadway show tunes while
I sang over her shoulder.” When Jean was in second
grade, she sang a solo in her school’s Christmas play.
After her impressive performance, someone suggested she audition for the local theater production
of The Sound of Music. Jean began participating in
community theatre, and she also played the lead role
of Annie in summer stock theatre.
While growing up, Jean took
dance classes and voice lessons almost every day and when she was
about 14 years old, she competed
in Talent America, singing a medley of Barbra Streisand tunes from
the musical Funny Girl. She sang
her way into the finals, which
took place in New York City.
Scoring second in the
competition secured
her an agent, and
Jean began auditioning in Manhattan for
various theater productions. She landed
a small role in Into the
Woods and spent her
sophomore year of
high school living in
New York City, performing on Broadway.
While she describes
this era of her life as
“living a Broadway
Baby’s dream,” she
also admits, “Working
professionally and living away from home
did start to feel a bit
like I was missing out
on a normal childhood.”
as they went along. It was a joy
to watch.”
While being a movie star certainly doesn’t hurt the popularity of a high school teenager,
Jean admits she felt a bit disconnected from her peers. “I wasn’t
sure I wanted to be an actress
No matter what she decided to do
with her acting career, however,
Jean clung to her passion for
music. “I never stopped my voice
lessons,” she says.
Once out of college and temporarily distanced from acting,
Jean worried getting back into the
business would prove
difficult. She gave herself
three months to book
a role, but as it turned
out, she only needed a
few weeks. Due to a lastminute replacement, she
was cast for the part of
Rowena Morgan in Mr.
Holland’s Opus, starring Richard Dreyfuss.
“Rowena was like a gift
dropped from above,”
Jean recalls, “the perfect
role at the perfect time.”
In the movie—about the
life of a music teacher,
Jean sings the classic
jazz tune “Someone to
Watch Over Me.” About
the opportunity, she
says, “What a thrilling
time! Richard Dreyfuss
was a dream to work
“Willing is about taking a
with.” Her next project
chance, going on faith, letting
was the role of Luisa in
go of ideas that hold us back
the film version of the
off-Broadway show The
and the courage it takes to step Fantasticks
.
After performing on
Broadway, Jean says, “I
guess the next step for me
was movies, and that came
a year later with Uncle
into the unknown.”
Buck.” She starred as Tia
Russell, a bratty teenager
who tests the patience of
anymore,” she says. After high
her Uncle Buck, played by John
school, she attended Columbia
Candy. “My family had just moved
College at Columbia University
to Maryland from Massachusetts,
in New York City and graduated
and I really identified with the
with a bachelor of arts in English.
character,” Jean explains. Tia was
During college, she performed in
a transplanted teen who despised
a few school plays, but mostly she
her parents for making her move.
focused on being a typical stu“Working with John was so much
dent. “I decided to pull back from
fun,” she recalls about the late
my career a bit,” explains Jean.
comedic actor. “He did a lot of
“You can’t do everything—there
improvising, and he and John
are choices that have to be made.”
Hughes (the director) just created
From 2000 to 2006,
Jean captured the hearts
of stay-at-home moms everywhere as Kim, the wife of Greg
Warner—played by Anthony
Clark, in the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear.
Considering her prior acting experience in Uncle Buck, Jean was no
stranger to comedy. “It was a blast
to work with that group,” she
recalls. “The late Alan Kirschenbaum (producer and co-creator)
was a true talent, as is the very
successful, hilarious Greg Garcia
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Cover Feature Story
(director).” Of course, the cast of comedic actors
made the job a lot of fun. “It got pretty rowdy on the
set,” she says.
Since Yes, Dear, Jean has appeared in various television shows and independent films. Most recently,
she starred in 1000 to 1: The Corey Weissman Story,
an inspirational movie based on the true story of a
college basketball player who suffers a stroke and defies the odds to overcome his circumstances. While
immersed in the film as Corey’s mother, Tina, Jean
was inspired to write the song “Don’t Give Up.” The
lyrics just came to her one night, and she sang it into
her iPhone and later recorded it in a studio. As soon
as the producers heard it, they decided to use it in
the film.
While raising two children, Sean and Josy, Jean balances her career and family. Her children inspired
her to follow a lifelong dream of writing her own
music. In 2013, Jean released the CD “Color of Your
Heart,” a collection of children’s songs about feelings. The lyrics were conceived out of the situations
she witnessed at home. “How hard it is to share,
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minding your own business, intimacy, worries about
disasters, being afraid of trying new things,” she explains, “these issues just fell into songs in my head.”
The music inspires conversations between children
and parents and teaches both in the process.
Jean has released “Willing,” an extended play
(EP) recording featuring five songs, this time for an
adult audience. “Willing is about taking a chance,
going on faith, letting go of ideas that hold us back,”
says Jean, “and the courage it takes to step into the
unknown.” She already has six more songs recorded
and plans to release a second EP sometime in the future. Growing up in a home where music was played
every day, it’s no surprise that Jean’s career has
stayed deeply rooted in song. With a voice resembling a Disney princess, she’ll continue to captivate
audiences of all ages for many years to come. To
learn more about Jean Louisa Kelly and her music,
visit her website at www.jeanlouisakelly.com.
7
Feature Story
Lisa Jakub
Discovers an Ordinary Life
as an Extraordinary Writer
“It’s only a movie,” said actor Robert Duvall
while sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch
movie set of Rambling Rose. His words sounded
profoundly wise, even though 11-year-old Lisa Jakub
didn’t yet understand just how important this advice
would one day become. At the time, she was surrounded by an entire crew who were clocking 18hour days, pouring their hearts and souls into this
film. Every moment on set seemed like the most
important thing in the world. “And yet, here was a
Hollywood legend saying it wasn’t that big of a deal,”
Lisa recalls in her autobiography You Look Like That
Girl. “I didn’t get it. So I laughed.” Years later when
Lisa left Los Angeles and her acting career, she remembered the words “Bobby” told her half a lifetime
earlier. “It was just movies I was leaving,” she says. “I
wasn’t actually giving up anything. I was gaining the
life I really needed.”
Lisa was born into what she refers to as a nice, normal Canadian family. But her childhood ended up far
from what most people would call normal. When Lisa
was just four years old, a man who worked for an advertising agency approached her mother at a farmer’s
market in Toronto, Ontario. He handed her a business card and told her that Lisa would be perfect for
a commercial he was casting. Although a preschooler
probably cannot make an informed decision about
choosing a career, Lisa’s mother respectfully asked
her if she’d like to audition, and Lisa immediately
said yes. “I’m not sure I had any idea what I was
agreeing to,” Lisa says, “but much like a dog, I always
got excited about a ride in the car. So, we made the
big trip from suburbia into Toronto and went to an
audition the production company was holding.” The
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casting director sent her to a talent agent, and the
agent scheduled more auditions. At four years old,
Lisa’s career path had been set, at least for the next
18 years.
While most kids were studying for tests, playing afterschool sports and attending birthday parties, Lisa was running from auditions to commercial
shoots. “It wasn’t the life that anyone else at my
school was leading,” she says, “but it felt natural to
me.” And still, deep down she
realized she wasn’t an ordinary
girl. Because her job required her
to miss so much school, she didn’t
have time to develop friendships
with other kids her age. “Being
a seven-year-old actor does not
make you popular,” she explains
in her book. “It makes you fascinating, much in the way that
dissecting a frog is fascinating.”
Shouldering the pressure that
accompanies fame can be a
tremendous weight for an adult
to carry, much less a middleschooler. Nevertheless, Lisa
proved quite successful at her
unintended career. In addition
to Rambling Rose, she appeared
in numerous TV films, as well
as episodes of television shows
such as Friday the 13th: The Series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and
Night Court. Then, at age 14, she
was cast as Lydia Hillard in Mrs.
Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams and Sally Field. This would
become her best-known role and
the reason fans sometimes call
her “Doubtfire Girl.” During this
film, Lisa’s poor attendance record
finally caught up with her, and
she was kicked out of high school.
“It was devastating,” says Lisa.
“While school had never been
enjoyable, it seemed a necessary
evil that needed to be survived
in order to be a proper human
being.” The school was unsympathetic to Lisa’s career situation
and refused to recant, even after
Robin Williams wrote a letter
to the principal, reasoning that
the school should be supportive
of Lisa’s efforts to complete an
education while pursuing her talents. Despite the failed attempt,
Lisa was grateful. “In an industry
notorious for backstabbing, Robin
was a generous soul who had been
willing to stand up for me,” she
says. Lisa continued her acting
career, as it seemed predestined
to be, scoring roles in movies like
Independence Day and George Lucas
in Love.
page, finding the exact right word
and putting it in the exact right
order with the breaks in the right
place, that was electrifying.”
At some point, she began to wonder if acting was her true career
calling. “Some people really want
to be actors,” she says. “I enjoyed
acting for a while, but eventually
I realized that I was doing my job
with the same level of passion as
someone who grew up working in
the family’s pizza parlor. I was acting because it was there and I had
always done it.” For a while, she
tried to convince herself that her
life was a dream come true, but
it certainly didn’t feel that way. “I
was not a real actor,” she explains.
Sometime after this epiphany,
Lisa decided it was time to face
the fear of change. At the age of
22, she deserted Los Angeles in
pursuit of a life outside of acting,
even though she didn’t become
a writer right away. “Making a
major life change is this intricate
dance between courage and timing,” she explains. “I had been
thinking about leaving L.A. for a
while before I actually made the
leap. Looking back, I realize there
was no way I could have done it
sooner. I just wasn’t ready.” Lisa
moved to Virginia, got a GED,
went to college and wrote an
autobiography—You Look Like That
“I wasn’t actually
giving up anything.
I was gaining the
life I really needed.”
“Real actors were passionate
and dedicated.” Underneath the
acting, Lisa had another passion—writing. “I always wrote,”
she recalls. “I wrote fantasies,
war epics and pop-up books.” She
kept journals throughout her
childhood. “When I was a kid and
something notable happened,
good or bad, I always wrote it
down,” Lisa says. “That way, I
could really understand it and
then let go of it.” While attending
an event hosted by the Writers
Guild of America, Lisa finally
realized her passion. “Suddenly,
a light was shone on everything
that I had suspected was missing,”
she says in her autobiography. “I
had no enthusiasm for acting ...
But, creating a whole universe,
pouring your heart out on the
Girl: A Child Actor Stops Pretending
and Finally Grows Up.
Lisa’s autobiography started as
a way to get her thoughts down
on paper, without any intention
of ever publishing it. Her book
is an honest, perhaps somewhat
surprising and at times humorous
portrayal of her experiences as a
child actor. In the autobiography,
she shares her deepest thoughts
and feelings about her childhood
and how she found the courage to
leave Hollywood for good. “Since I
didn’t intend to publish it, or even
show it to anyone, it gave me a
lot of freedom,” she says. “I didn’t
bother to censor myself, and I
didn’t worry about what other
people were going to think about
the book.” During the process, she
discovered how happy and peaceful writing made her feel. “Like I
was doing the thing I was meant
to be doing,” she describes.
For years, Lisa had been apprehensive to show her writing to
the rest of the world. “It just got
9
Feature Story
to the point where it was more
painful to stifle my passion than it
would to be criticized for it.” She
hopes other people can relate to
her story and share her experiences and struggles with identity and
purpose. Maybe someone might
venture out into an unexplored
world of possibilities. “Learn what
your inner voice really sounds
like,” Lisa advises. “I couldn’t even
hear mine for a long time. That
voice will point you to what you
love and what natural skills you
possess.”
Some kids might dream of
being famous, but Lisa cautions
this mentality. “I think our culture
can be delusional about Hollywood,” she says. “My advice to
young people is: Don’t get caught
up in the idea of glamour or
10
fame—that’s just a mirage. If it’s
true passion, then go after it. Do
plays and take acting classes, but
do it after school, have a backup
plan and know that you are allowed to change your mind at any
time.”
For a young woman who has
played many different roles in her
life, she may be the happiest in her
current one. “I am a writer, and I’m
finally getting confident enough to
say that out loud,” she says. “I used
to feel like I could not own that
title because I don’t have an MFA,
and I never wear tweed coats with
elbow patches.” Lisa’s autobiography proves her writing skills are
Oscar worthy—charming, wellcrafted and thematically solid. She
has also written a screenplay and
a collection of short stories. She
adds, “And I’ve written some truly
terrible poetry that will forever
remain in a box in my basement.”
She sees writing as an ever-evolving process. “Writing is a muscle,”
she explains. “It gets stronger the
more you use it. As you write, you
find your voice and style.”
Lisa’s autobiography will be released in June, and she’s already
working on another book—about
anxiety and panic attacks—
issues with which she has firsthand experience. To learn more
about Lisa, visit her blog about
acting ... and then not acting,
at www.LisaJakub.net.
Kids Can Publish!
Teacher of the Month:
Steven Moore
Our Teacher of the Month is Steven Moore, who
teaches fourth grade at Uthoff Valley Elementary
School in Fenton, Missouri. Mr. Moore will receive a
Story Monster T-shirt and he will also get to choose
a free book from our Little Five Star bookstore. His
student, Ethan Weber, sent us a letter nominating
his teacher:
Dear Story Monster,
I will be writing about my fourth grade
teacher Mr. Moore who teaches at Uthoff
Valley Elementary. First, he shows us cool
pictures which entertain us and inform us.
Second, the only times when he gets frustrated are when he is teaching us and we
disrupt him because he wants us to be the
best. Finally, when we are learning about
something, sometimes he tells us a funny
story! That is why I like Mr. Moore as
a teacher.
From,
Ethan Weber
Do you have a special teacher that you would like to tell us about? Email a letter to
[email protected] explaining why your teacher is the best, and we may choose him/her
as our Teacher of the Month!
Kids Can Publish has joined Story Monsters Ink!
Teachers can now submit their students’ written works, such as poems, articles,
stories, book reviews, etc. to Kids Can Publish for online print consideration.
This means that if your teacher thinks your work is exceptional for your grade
level,we might publish it in Story Monsters Ink! Visit www.StoryMonstersInk.com,
and click on “Kids Can Publish” for instructions on how to submit your work!
11
Feature Story
A Little Girl
Offers Big Advice
in the Liv on Life Book Series
Olivia Amiri has something to say, and
her words of wisdom are capturing the attention of
children and adults alike. Some grown-ups might
be hesitant to take advice from an eight-year-old.
But believe it or not, Liv has been sharing her
philosophical thoughts on life for five years already.
Liv is the daughter of Elizabeth Gorcey, often
recognized for her roles as Wendy Jo in Footloose and
Tina in Teen Wolf. After five years as an actor, Gorcey
switched focus and stepped behind the camera. She
has directed and produced short films, such as Quit
and the award-winning Breast Pump & Blender, as well
documentaries including Adopting Ginny and How Old
Is Old?, a documentary about defining age through
attitude rather than number, featuring Tony Curtis,
Doris Roberts, Judge Judy and Tony Bennett. Also a
gifted artist, Gorcey founded the Caring Strokes Art
Program, a non-profit organization created to raise
funds and awareness for terminally ill children.
“Most kids are smarter than adults,” Gorcey admits,
something that she has learned from her daughter.
12
When Olivia was three years old, she started
expressing insights that Gorcey dubbed “Liv-isms.”
One day while stuck in traffic, Gorcey was noticeably
irritated by the delay. “I was making noises like you
do when you are in a traffic jam and want to get
somewhere,” she recalls. From the backseat, Liv
listened to her mother’s annoyed sighs and finally
said, “This is silly.” Gorcey turned around and saw Liv
calmly gazing out the window. “Look at those beautiful
roses. I’d like to smell those,” Liv commented matterof-factly, then looked at her mom. “You need to enjoy.”
Gorcey was struck by her preschool daughter’s simple
yet profound observation.
This very first Liv-ism: to stop and smell the roses,
became the message in Going to the Park, the kick-off
book for the Liv on Life series, co-written by mother
and daughter. According to Liv, the story reminds
readers “to enjoy, to listen to what children say and
to not use technology.” We live in a world dominated
by technology. In Going to the Park, Liv shows her
parents how important it is to step away from the
very hard not to domesticate her.” As a result, Liv
has a tendency to change the way adults view their
world, and her approach to life is contagious. When
Gorcey brings Liv to her art studio, she’ll find herself
watching Liv, captivated by the way she creates,
which sometimes consists of throwing paint blobs.
“I’ll think, wow, she’s having so much fun,” Gorcey
says. “So, that’s what I’ll end up doing.” She’ll grab a
canvas and start painting with her hands, too. She
hopes the Liv on Life series will help both kids and
adults get back to the basics. “Let children find their
intended voice,” she says, “and maybe for adults to
rediscover theirs.”
computer and go outside and play. “Technology is not
what matters in the world,” Liv says (on one episode
of “Liv Says,” her YouTube video series). “What
matters is that we just be together at this moment.”
So far, the mother-daughter team has written
12 Liv on Life books together. Usually, they start
with a theme or Liv-ism and build a story around it.
They discuss the story ideas whenever or wherever
they feel inspired. Sometimes, they will be out for a
walk—Liv on her scooter—and Liv might toss out
an idea, like “Let’s do something about Scootie and
me.” Gorcey then explores possible storylines. “Well,
what if she falls and breaks her arm?” she’ll suggest.
“That’s too depressing,” Liv says. “But she could fall
down and get right back up.” As the creative director,
Liv has the final say in everything and edits the text
until—in her expert opinion—it reads just right.
While some kids might fuss about working with their
moms, Liv embraces it. “My mom is really good to
work with,” she says, “because we do what we both
love, and we can talk to each other and figure out
what to put on the pages.” And they have a lot of fun,
too, her mom adds. “Olivia works in like five-minute
intervals,” says Gorcey, “but she accomplishes a lot in
that time.”
On the flip side, working with Olivia is a constant
learning, or rediscovering, experience for Gorcey.
By encouraging Liv to freely explore the world
around her—without doling out instructions of how
something should be done, Gorcey had liberated
Liv’s creativity and allowed her to cultivate a unique
personality and perspective. “Liv doesn’t have the
‘supposed-tos’ built in,” Gorcey explains. “We try
After reading Going to the Park, one can easily get
addicted to Liv-isms. If you just can’t get enough Liv,
she shares her insights on the “Liv Says,” video series
on YouTube. In these short, one-minute videos, Liv
expresses her thoughts on a multitude of topics,
including being positive, friends, forgiveness, books
and even horses. Gorcey is also creating an “Ask
Liv” blog, where readers can write to Liv, and she’ll
respond to their questions.
Liv has a lot of life ahead of her, and already at eight
she’s well on her way to a promising career. “I’d like
to write,” she says. She’s thinking about tackling
chapter books next. With 20 pages (and counting) of
Liv-isms, she’ll never run out of story ideas. Liv has
also dabbled in song writing and worked with Steven
Joe Brooks for Mojophonic to put her lyrics to music.
“Technology is not what
matters in the world. What
matters is that we just be
together at this moment.”
– Olivia Amiri
Her song, titled “As We Belong,” is about Liv and her
dog Bowie and how they will always play together,
no matter what. On how to achieve your dreams, Liv
gives this advice: “If you say you are smart and you can
do it and you be confident, then that’s what you are
going to end up being.” Now those are words to live by.
To learn more about the Liv on Life series, visit www.
livonlife.com. The second book in the series, Green is
Good, is scheduled for release in September.
13
Feature Story
Kristi Yamaguchi
Inspires Children to Dream Big
“Every time you pick up a book, it’s a different adventure,” says
Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. On April 24, adventures
abounded at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, where 1,000
kindergartners from the Cartwright School District and the Phoenix
Elementary School District came together for a day of reading fun.
Sponsored by her Always Dream Foundation (ADF), Kristi Yamaguchi’s Reading Adven-
tures teamed up with the Children’s Museum and
local celebrities to promote early childhood literacy.
Guest appearances included Arizona Cardinals wide
receiver Larry Fitzgerald, pro basketball player Steven
Hunter, formerly of the Phoenix Suns, and children’s
author Conrad J. Storad. Adding to the excitement,
Disney Jr.’s Choo Choo Soul “with Genevieve!” took
the stage and set 10,000 toes a-tapping with live
performances of favorite songs. Genevieve’s partner,
Constantine “DC” Abramson, entertained the children with his hip beat-box skills.
Kristi kicked off story time, with hundreds of little
eyes fixed on the pages of her new children’s book It’s
a Big World, Little Pig! Next, Conrad Storad read Gator,
Gator, Second Grader, (Classroom Pet…Or Not?) his new
book about which animals make good classroom pets
and which do not. On third down, Conrad passed the
microphone to NFL Pro-bowler Larry Fitzgerald, who
scored a storybook touchdown by reading Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler. During his visit to the museum,
Fitzgerald coached kids on how to always strive for
that extra yard in a lifelong drive for education. “You
learn your whole life,” he said. “I learn something every day, and I encourage you guys to take that same
philosophy.”
With all of those books to be devoured, it was no
surprise when Story Monster arrived! He spent the
14
1
“Anything we can do to get our youngest
students engaged and excited about
books and reading is a big step towards
their success in life.”
– Kristi Yamaguchi
2
day listening to stories, dancing with Choo Choo Soul and
sharing hugs with dozens of kindergartners. Story Monster made plenty of stops at the Five Star Publications’
table, where kids gathered to color pictures. After exploring the museum’s three floors of exhibits and participating
in hands-on activities and crafts, each student received a
free book to take home—Story Monster’s favorite part of
the day.
The Reading Adventures program, together with the
ADF, strives to help children accomplish their dreams,
starting with academic success. “Reading at grade level is
so critical to a student’s academic achievement,” Kristi told
AZ Ed News, “and anything we can do to get our youngest
students engaged and excited about books and reading is a
big step towards their success in life.” To learn more about
Kristi Yamaguchi and the Always Dream Foundation, visit
www.kristiyamaguchi.com and www.alwaysdream.org.
Perhaps, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Reading Adventures will be
visiting a city near you!
3
3
4
1. Kristy Yamaguchi with Story Monster. 2. Conrad J. Storad.
3. Larry Fitzgerald. 4. Disney Jr.’s Choo Choo Soul “with Genevieve!”
Photos by Linda F. Radke
15
Feature Story
Spring into Fitness!
Kristy Stabler Offers Tips to Get Your Family Moving
At last, spring is in full bloom! If you live in a climate where winter kept you cooped
up, you’re probably ready to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. With
the school year drawing to a close, it’s a great time to start a family fitness program.
Lace up your sneakers and slip on your sweat band! Kristy Stabler, certified fitness nutritionist and personal trainer at The 80 Percent, explains the benefits of exercising as
a family and offers tips for getting started and staying motivated.
Q: After a long winter, people are eager to race
outdoors and jump right back into whatever
activities they did last summer. What special
precautions should we take to safely reintroduce
outdoor exercise?
A: While I love the enthusiasm, make sure you
ramp up your outdoor activity. For example, running outdoors on paved streets or sidewalks is very
different than jogging on a padded treadmill. Give
16
your joints a chance to get used to the harder impact.
Back off your mileage for the first few weeks, and
take time to adequately stretch afterward. As a general precaution, be aware of your surroundings, and
choose outdoor activities in safe areas. If you’re used
to wearing headphones in the gym, make sure you
turn down the music or wear only one earbud when
exercising outdoors. Don’t let cars and/or people
sneak up and catch you unaware!
Q: What are the benefits of practicing fitness
as a family?
A:
As parents, we are responsible for teaching our
children about a healthy lifestyle. Our children will
hear many things about health and body image from
their peers, magazines and social media, but we can
be their first influence. I think we can all agree that it
doesn’t work to just tell our kids what to do; we must
show them! As a mother, it’s always been important
for me to show my daughters that being healthy
and fit is not just for adults; it’s actually a lifelong
goal that they can participate in, too. My 7-year-old
likes to create exercise circuits for us to do together,
whether we are in a gym setting or at the beach, and
she’s actually quite good at
it! When the whole family
is active and eating healthy
foods, it’s not a chore. Instead, it’s something we do
because we care about our
health and our bodies, no
matter our age.
Q:
When developing a fitness program as a
family, what is the best way to start?
A:
Invite curiosity to lead the way. Be open to
trying new activities. Maybe take an after-dinner
walk, or try Groupon fitness classes with your older
children. You could create some healthy competition
while performing daily tasks, such as saying, “Let’s
see who can run to the mailbox the fastest!” You
might add some squats and pushups at your next
visit to the park. Consider trying a new sport once
a month. Everyone has different tastes, so make
sure you ask each child for his or her suggestions
when planning family activities. If your children are
involved in choosing the activity, their participation
and attitude skyrockets!
Q: Some people might think children are naturally fit or get plenty of exercise by just being
kids. Why do you feel it is important to get kids
into a fitness routine at a young age?
A: We may think that our children are getting
plenty of activity at school, but it might surprise you
how sedentary our kids can be. Due to funding cuts,
some schools are only getting P.E. a few times per
month. Jungle gym equipment has been removed due
to safety reasons, and many kids just sit in a group
and talk at recess. But as parents, we can change this
for our kids. We can get the whole family involved in
after-school activities and weekend excursions. For
kids who really are active at school, learning new skills
with parents and siblings can be beneficial as well. In
P.E., our kids can’t choose the activity. When starting
a fitness routine at home, they have more say in what
they’re doing and can hone in on those sports or activities they truly enjoy. Not long ago, I decided to face
my fears and learn how to do a handstand. It was really
ugly at first, but I kept at it! My daughter would cheer
me on and even spot me when I needed it. We all had
a good laugh when I messed up. But guess who does
handstands now, too? Yes, my daughter followed my
example and even took it further. She can now do onehanded cartwheels! She was not taught these skills
in school P.E. class; she learned them by following my
lead and seeing how fun it can be to try new things.
Q: What if parents are eager to start a family
fitness program, but the kids are not? Do you
have some suggestions for getting kids fired up
about exercise?
A: Sometimes, kids have preconceived ideas about
exercise and react negatively to pressure from parents. We must be careful to make sure our kids see
exercise as a fun, family activity rather than drudgery. Comments such as “Good grief, when will this
run be over?” can influence how our children view
exercise. If you treat activity as painful, I guarantee your kids will pick up on that and not want to
join in, and really, who could blame them? But they
might have other reasons as well. I’d recommend initiating a private, non-judgmental conversation with
your child to find out what it is about activity they
dislike. Do they not like to be sweaty? Do they think
they aren’t very good at sports? Are they self-conscious about exercise when other people are around?
Once you know their specific reasons for not wanting to participate, you can address them directly. As
an added precaution, never connect how their bodies
look to exercise itself. For example, perhaps you say,
17
Feature Story
“Come join us in the backyard for a game of volleyball. You’re getting a little pudgy ... Exercise would be
good for you.” This seemingly innocent comment is
a sure-fire way to damage self-confidence and make
your child hate volleyball.
Q: Many people start a fitness program with
good intentions, but once the novelty wears off,
they wind up slipping back into their old, sedentary habits. Can you give us some tips for staying
motivated?
A: One of the best ways to stay motivated is to
connect with your “why.” Why do you want to be
healthier? Why do you want to be strong? Keep
digging deeper with these questions, and I bet you’ll
come up with a really motivating reason for exercising and eating healthy. Maybe it’s to have enough
energy to play with your kids or to live long enough
to see your grandkids. Reminding yourself of your
“why” is highly motivating when willpower is waning.
18
Q: As temperatures rise, how can we keep ourselves safe during outdoor activities?
A:
If you live in a very warm or very humid area,
please check weather advisories before heading
outdoors. Or, if you are in a large city, watch for smog
warnings. Early morning or evening activities are
best if you’ll be outdoors in the summer. Always wear
sunscreen and a hat, and try to stay in the shade as
much as possible. Make sure you have ample water
with you. If you notice your children’s faces turning
bright red, that’s a sign of overheating. Please get
them inside where it is cool, and give them plenty of
water to drink.
To learn more about Kristy and The 80 Percent,
visit her website at www.kristystabler.com.
Feature Story
Get Ready for Some
Super Summer
Reading Programs!
by Caris O’Malley, customer experiences administrator, Maricopa County Library District, Arizona
When kids get out of school this summer,
there’s a lot for them to look forward to: fun, the sun,
family vacations, more time with friends and perhaps
the absence of required reading and testing!
But wait! Summer is a great time of year for kids to
enjoy the luster of reading without the perceived
downside of yet another reading assignment and
one more reading test. Don’t get us wrong, we
believe skilled teachers are absolutely necessary
to help improve kids’ literacy skills. But how can
we encourage kids to continue to read during the
summer months when school is out and there is no
threat of a reading test?
Education experts say that when children read
consistently during the summer, most improve their
reading skills or retain the skills they acquired during the school year. When the average child doesn’t
read during summer break, he or she loses up to one
month of instruction; the disadvantaged student
loses even more.
enticements to spur them on, including free food!
But a Summer Reading Program is not only about
library books and reading. It’s also about providing
great experiences for pre-readers, children, teens and
adults. Some Summer Reading Program activities
include: puppet theater programs, author visits, writing workshops, animal encounters, self-publishing
lectures, art workshops, hero-prep workshops, gardening, outings in a few cultural venues, the opportunity to meet several local and community heroes,
and much more.
“The best thing we can
do is to get kids excited
about reading.”
“Public libraries, through their summer reading programs, put books in the hands of children. This is the
antidote for the ‘summer slide’ in children’s reading
achievement. Access to books and library programs
over the summer results in more reading which, in
turn, results in improved reading skills,” according to
assistant commissioner for libraries and New York’s
state librarian, Bernard A. Margolis.
During our Summer Reading Program,
our goal is to encourage children and families to
takeadvantage of the many remarkable and fun
activities and events that occur in the library while
providing them with free access to books, eBooks,
music, DVDs and even growth and learning opportunities.The best thing we can do is to get kids
excited about reading.
By participating in Summer Reading Programs,
parents can challenge their kids to read as they earn
points and digital badges for their summer reading
accomplishments, while reading their way to a free
book and other incentives. The point is that tests
aren’t necessary to keep potential and reluctant readers engaged during the summer—there are other
Libraries across the county will be hosting the 2015
Summer Reading Program. This year’s big summer
reading themes are “Every Hero Has a Story” and
“Read to the Rhythm,” and they’re coming to a
library near you!
19
Story Monster
Approved! Books
Pancakes with Papa: Five Ways to Remember
by Dena Albergo Jayson, illustrated by Rainer M. Osinger
Johnny’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his papa. But Papa isn’t here anymore. How
is he going to remember him? Through charming illustrations and prose, Pancakes with Papa
engages the five senses to help young Johnny remember important times with his papa. A
Gold Medal Mom’s Choice Award winner, this uplifting story will help young children and their
families cope with the loss of a loved one.
Explorations of Commander Josh: Book 1 “In Space”
by Donna LeBlanc, illustrated by Anton Servetnik
This first installment of the Commander Josh series takes readers on a high-flying adventure into the great unknown! Join the lovable Josh, who uses his brilliant imagination—and
his mother’s laundry basket—to take off for the stars. With Explorations of Commander Josh,
Donna LeBlanc crafts a unique world in which readers can play and explore, with the promise
of many more adventures to come!
Lonnie the Loon Learns to Call
by Barbara Renner, illustrated by Davina Kinney
Have you ever heard the call of a Loon? If you’ve ever visited Minnesota or Maine or Canada
in the summer, then you have heard their beautiful and haunting sounds. Lonnie the Loon
Learns to Call is a children’s picture book appropriate for ages two to six, beginning readers
and adults who love to read for the children in their lives. With a free QR Code Reader App,
the reader can “hear” the calls as Lonnie learns them from his dad.
My First Day of School
by Kristen Weber
Enjoy this colorful journey through Destiny’s first day of school.
The Key: A Taylor & Alan Adventure
by Jackie Mae and Alison Taylor
Faction meets Fiction in this thrilling tale. Meet Taylor and Alan, a sister/brother duo, as they
embark on their latest mission. It all starts at Big John’s Mall, where they cheerfully wait to
see the newest sequel that everyone is talking about. But outside forces will take Taylor and
Alan to a different land where their special talents are needed. Can Taylor and Alan help the
good people of the Land of Baltimore? The catacombs hold secrets that Taylor and Alan need
to discover. Can they find the Chest of Treasures and outsmart Jalabar? And will they find
their way back home?
20
Activity Page
Coloring Fun!
21
Monster Review
Mom School
by Darleen Wohlfeil
In this adorable kid’s-eye
view of what would happen
if Mom went to school, a
little girl imagines Mom
School, where all moms
learn their amazing skills,
like fixing a bike tire and
baking cupcakes. With
warm, funny illustrations
and a fun role-reversal story in which moms act like
kids, young readers will love imagining what would
happen if their own moms went to Mom School.
Mom School (Doubleday Books for Young Readers),
written by Rebecca Van Slyke, brings us a delightful
insight into a child’s perspective. Children have an incredible ability to assess their surroundings and relate
with simplicity all its wonder.
Priscilla Burris’s illustrations have truly captured the
very word and heart of this happy story with her impeccable talent. Each page, each adorable comparison,
is presented in such a fun and lively manner. I found
myself completely engaged. I danced the chicken
dance and felt those delightful giggles and enthusiasm
captured in each face.
How I wish there was such a happy place as Mom
School, where we were all brought to such perfection.
I could relate some wonderful memories or share
some vivid imagination that rose with every word
and depiction, but I would spoil the excitement each
reader will no doubt discover when reading this story.
The thoughts are warm, and the pictures heart moving. This is truly an uplifting opportunity for anyone’s
read-aloud time.
Megan Owlet
by Darleen Wohlfeil
Megan Owlet doesn’t
want to play basketball, learn karate or
practice the violin.
Every day, she goes
and cheers her brothers on as they participate in their own
activities, but one
morning she wakes up and realizes she’s bored! It’s
time for Megan to find something of her own to do.
After an unsuccessful brainstorming session with her
animal friends, Megan stumbles upon a dance studio,
and with an excited screech, she begins to dream
big dreams of whirls and twirls. Dancing is trickier
than Megan expected, but with a little help from her
brothers, Megan can do anything!
Megan Owlet and debut author/illustrator Beth
Anne Maresca share the stage in this adorable story
of self-discovery. The lights focus, the curtain is
22
drawn, and I am completely captivated in scene one,
page one! How often we may seek the comfy shelter
of the protective covers of our warm bed. Let the day
greet others, we think, we’ll just stay here for awhile.
But, familiar voices and routine demands beckon,
and we slowly do emerge.
Megan Owlet is a delightful creature. Her supportive
personality and presence make others walk a little
taller and feel a little stronger. Sometimes, it’s easy
for such a one to get lost in the background scenery
of another’s story, and Megan decides she wants to
find her own leading role. In the soft flow of her creative pen, Maresca captures the heart of family and
belonging, illustrating the supportive girding of love.
We all have a story within us, a part to play. Whether
it’s a supporting role, leading role or technical support, we all have a contribution to the whole. Megan
Owlet (Sky Pony Press) is a life lesson, presented in
soft illustrated hues and heartwarming ideals.
Castle Hangnail
by Jennifer Bisignano
When Molly shows up on Castle Hangnail’s doorstep to fill
the vacancy for a wicked witch,
the castle’s minions are understandably dubious. After all,
she is 12 years old, barely five
feet tall and quite polite. The
minions are used to tall, demanding, evil sorceresses with
razor-sharp cheekbones. But
the castle desperately needs a
master, or else the Board of Magic will decommission
it, leaving all the minions without the home they love.
So when Molly assures them she is quite wicked indeed
(So wicked! REALLY wicked!) and begins completing
the tasks required by the Board of Magic for approval,
everyone feels hopeful. Unfortunately, it turns out that
Molly has quite a few secrets, including the biggest one
of all: that she isn’t who she says she is.
he walks bent-over with his shoulders up to his ears;
Edward, who is a rusted suit of armor; Cook, who is a
minotaur with a cow’s head; Pins, who looks like a voodoo doll but has taken over the laundry and tailoring;
and the goldfish, who has always been very neurotic.
Castle Hangnail (Penguin Young Readers), written by
Ursula Vernon, starts as your typical preteen story
about a 12-year-old girl named Molly who wants to be
a witch. By the end of the book, I couldn’t stop reading
and was invested in the characters. In this novel, the
characters are well thought out and the situations that
they are put in through their journeys are creative. By
the end, I couldn’t put it down, and I was rooting for
the goldfish and Pins, as much as Molly.
Story Monsters Ink publishes book reviews
written by adults and children. Authors of
printed reviews receive a free Story Monsters
T-Shirt for their first published review.
Reviewers with five printed reviews get to
choose a free book from the Little Five Star
bookstore, www.LittleFiveStar.com.
Youth reviewers will need a parent or
guardian’s permission slip submitted along
with their reviews. To obtain a permission
slip or formore information, email
[email protected].
The plot twist was also inventive. In this book, you
meet a cast of characters. The guardian, named Majordomo by Molly, is a hunchback, but only because
This happens to be one of the best children’s stories
that I have read this year. It not only flows and moves
quickly, but I developed an interest in all the characters. When Molly first arrives at the castle, she has less
than a receptive welcome, but towards the end she
earns the respect of everyone. This novel is not only
about friendship, but also discovery, as Molly realizes—through the help of others—that she is capable
of more when working as a team.
Become a
Monster Reviewer!
Featured Business
“Once upon a time…” These four words have captivated conceptual photographer
and digital artist Söndra Nell Rymer since she was a little girl. She has worked in book and
curriculum publishing for 20 years and continues her love of the arts, providing cover and
inside art for children’s picture and YA books. Her passion is creating whimsical, enchanted
imagery that communicates the story and evokes a fantasy world. While she uses vivid color
for most of her art, she occasionally explores darker or gothic fantasy stories, which she
portrays in a more mature visualization. Söndra is available for cover and inside book art as
well as digital retouching art services.
Contact Söndra at [email protected] or visit www.fairytalesimagery.com.
23
nd
aF
. Ra
dke
Science & Nature
The Magic of
:
by
Photo
Li
Metamorphosis
by Conrad J. Storad
Spring is in full swing, and all of that snow
has finally melted up North and back East. Here in
Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, it means we have already
had our first days with daytime temperatures over
100 degrees. Lots more of those are yet to come. You
just have to love the heat. Luckily, I do.
Think about this. No matter where you
live, now is a time of transformation. Buds are appearing on
plants. Leaves are appearing
on trees. Flowers are starting to bloom. The cycle of
life is off and running.
Nature includes cycles
of all kinds. And those
cycles take place on all
levels, from the microscopic to the gigantic.
Insects are some of
nature’s most interesting
transformers. No, they
don’t change from cars or
trucks into robots. Actually,
their process is much cooler
than that. I call it the “magic of
metamorphosis.”
The word metamorphosis is a Greek word that
means “transformation in change or shape.” Butterflies and moths undergo the most amazing transformation of all. It is called “complete metamorphosis.”
Bees, flies and beetles also follow this cycle.
Complete metamorphosis occurs in four stages.
Stage one is the egg. Stage two is the larva, or caterpillar. Stage three is the pupa. The pupa of a butterfly forms inside a chrysalis. The pupa of a moth
forms inside a cocoon. That’s right, butterflies DO
NOT make cocoons. Moths do. The final stage is the
winged adult.
A butterfly or moth egg is very
tiny. It is much smaller than a
grain of rice. Some butterflies lay one egg at a time.
Others lay eggs in small
clusters. Still others lay
hundreds of eggs at
a time. The eggs are
usually attached in a
protected spot. That
spot is almost always
on or near the leaves
of a plant that the larva
will eat once it hatches
from the egg.
The larva is a caterpillar.
This stage of a butterfly’s life
is all about eating. I mean massive chowing down! The caterpillar
has one job and one job only. Eat, eat and
eat. And then eat some more. A caterpillar will split
and shed its skin as it grows. This is called molting. A
caterpillar molts many times. Caterpillars can actually grow 100 times in size during this stage.
Photo: Buckeye ( Junonia coenia), taken at Desert Botanical Garden’s Spring Butterfly Exhibit, Phoenix. Photo by Conrad J. Storad.
24
Stage two is the pupa. The caterpillar stops eating
and the magic begins. A butterfly caterpillar forms a
special enclosure around itself. It’s called a chrysalis.
Moth caterpillars form a cocoon made of silk. These
objects are attached in a safe spot, usually under a
leaf or twig.
Outside, it looks as if nothing is happening. But
inside the chrysalis or cocoon, the magic is taking
place. The pupa is transforming into an adult butterfly or moth. This stage can last for many weeks,
months, or even years.
of beautiful winged adults that you see flitting from
flower to flower this summer. Have fun. Metamorphosis is magical.
Resources to learn
more about butterflies
and moths:
WEBSITES:
When people think of butterflies and moths, most
of us think of the final stage of metamorphosis. We
think of the beautiful adult with colorful wings. The
adult is the amazing result of this the four-stage
process. But it is also the beginning, because adult
butterflies and moths really have one main job. Their
job is to find a mate and to lay eggs. And then the
magic of metamorphosis starts all over again.
• Ask A Biologist – Arizona State University
www.askabiologist.asu.edu
Keep your eyes open this spring. See if you can find
butterfly eggs beneath leaves. Look for a chrysalis
or a moth cocoon attached to a twig or plant stem.
And be sure to keep track of all the different kinds
• Amazing insect photographs
www.alexanderwild.com
• Learn About Nature
www.thebutterflysite.com/life-cycle.shtml
• Enchanted Learning for Kids
www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/
butterfly/lifecycle/Egg.shtml
25
Spring Reading Guide
My Doctor and Me ABC
by Dr. Stephanie Cox, illustrated by Emily Burger
Take your child on an alphabet journey through the sights and sounds of a visit to
their doctor’s office in this colorfully illustrated, fun, rhyming ABC book! They will
get a dose of healthy advice along the way. Preparing your child for a visit to the
doctor’s office can help ease any fears they may have, and this book acquaints
them with events at a typical visit to the doctor. Written by a family physician,
the lively rhyming verses and adorable illustrations will captivate your child’s
attention. They will learn about a healthy body while having fun!
The Fabulous Glitter Girl
by Morgan Lee Scheel, illustrated by Angela Sbandelli
Journey to the Land of Glitter and Gleam! Fabulous Glitter Girl lives in a magical town
that is ruled by the King and spends her days singing, dancing and playing dress up in
her mother’s high heel shoes. One day when her mother asks her to clean her room,
Fabulous Glitter Girl chooses to be sneaky and trouble brews when she hits the King
in the head with her shoe. Find out what happens when Detective Diamond arrives to
investigate the crime. The Fabulous Glitter Girl is a book that cultivates the imagination
and enhances creativity while teaching a valuable lesson about honesty and courage.
Sara to the Rescue
by Susana Sánchez
The adventure begins when Sara is waiting for the school bus and a whale shark
arrives and takes her to the bottom of the sea instead! She finds out that the marine
animals are threatened by an unexpected creature … a Garbage Monster! Discover
what Sara has to do to rescue her friend and save the ocean. Fiction-Adventure/
Chapter Book, Ages 5-9.
A Whirlwind of Discovery
by Darleen Wohlfeil
Baseball season was winding down, and all-stars and championships filled the hearts
and minds of kids and adults alike. Jackson had high hopes of his team leading the
victory when suddenly the air shifted, hope fell and loss darkened his emotions.
Overwhelmed, his thoughts swirled until he and his grandma were caught up into
a whirlwind of discovery, landing them in the most amazing adventure of all. In an
unknown land of time forgotten, incredible creatures and wounded people, Jackson is
challenged in depths he didn’t know he had. Could he make a difference? He’s just a kid!
Yet, the future of this powerful place is in his hands.
All of the above titles are available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and most major retailers, unless otherwise
noted. To be listed here, contact Cristy Bertini at [email protected] for submission guidelines.
26
Spring Reading Guide
Sashi, the Scared Little Sheltie
by Linda Greiner, illustrated by Morgan Spicer
Winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold award, Sashi, the Scared Little Sheltie is the true
story about a little dog who loses her home for only doing what comes naturally to a
pup bred to be a herder—she chases everything that moves. She doesn’t understand
why she is left at an animal shelter and, because she cowers in a corner of her cage,
potential adopters pass her by. Sashi is helped by Sheltie Rescue and is adopted into
a home where love, patience and positive training methods help her blossom into the
dog she was meant to be.
My Day in Heaven with My Lil’ Sister
by Quest Delaney
If your lost loved one came back to you for a day, where would you go? Can you imagine
heaven? Christians expect to see heaven when they die, but Quest Delaney didn’t have to
wait that long. When his young sister tragically died, Quest’s Christian and spiritual beliefs
allowed him to travel past the pearly gates, where angels flock and people fly. My Day
in Heaven with My Lil’ Sister is a phenomenal true story of his unearthly experience. This
astonishing story will widen your understanding of the afterlife.
27
Monster Munchies
Spring Pasta Salad
Lighten up! With colorful veggies and a light, tangy dressing, Jeff
Mauro’s Spring Pasta Salad is a taste of summer, and it’s so easy to
make, it will leave you with plenty of time to enjoy some sun and fun!
Dressing:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, grated
1 lemon, zested and juiced
One 12-ounce jar roasted yellow
peppers, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
Ricotta salata, for garnish
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Pasta:
12 ounces cavatappi pasta, cooked
to package instructions and shocked
under cold water
4 ounces asparagus, blanched and
thinly sliced on the bias
1 box frozen peas, defrosted
28
Recipe courtesy Jeff Mauro. © 2015 Television
Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Directions:
For the dressing: In a small bowl,
whisk together the olive oil, Dijon
mustard, honey, garlic, lemon zest and
juice, and season with salt and pepper.
For the pasta: Toss the pasta with
the asparagus, peas, roasted peppers,
tomatoes, shallots and dill. Pour the
dressing over the salad, tossing to
coat. Let the salad hang out for a bit
to soak up all of the flavor.
When ready to serve, bowl it up and
shave some ricotta salata over the
top to seal the deal.
Juicy Jack’s Spanish Corner
Notice the upside down question mark? Whenever
you write a question in Spanish, you always put an
upside down question mark before the question.
How is this useful? Because it lets the reader know
that the sentence they are about to read
is a question.
¡Hola,
Amigo!
Practice with Juicy Jack:
Use this short conversation as a guide to practice
with your friends:
Jack: Buenos días. ¿De dónde eres?
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to
Juicy Jack’s Spanish Corner!
Juicy Jack wants to practice Spanish with you! Tell
him where you are from with the phrase below:
Soy de (your town).
Now that you know how to tell somebody where you
are from, here is how you ask somebody where they
are from:
¿De dónde eres?
Pronunciation hints:
Soy is pronounced just like soy (bean).
De is pronounced like Day.
Eres is pronounced like heir-ehs
You: Soy de ______. ¿De dónde eres?
Jack: Soy de Knoxville, Tennessee. Adiós, amigo.
You: Adios, amigo.
Translations:
Buenos días = Good morning
Adiós = Goodbye
Amigo = Friend
Leigh Carrasco is an educator
and author of the wildly popular
Juicy Jack Adventures series about
a spunky guinea pig who travels to
Peru with his human.
www.juicyjackadventures.com.
29
Curriculum Page
Let’s Review!
Reading Comprehension:
1. Jean Louisa Kelly’s CD “Color of Your Heart” is a collection of children’s songs about feelings. Download a few
songs through Amazon.com or iTunes. Play the songs for your class, and discuss the feelings and/or situations presented in the lyrics of each song. Then, ask the students to write down an example from their own lives when they
experienced these feelings. Discuss appropriate ways of dealing with the feelings and situations.
2. When it comes to Hollywood, former actress Lisa Jakub warns kids, “Don’t get caught up in the idea of glamour
and fame—that’s just a mirage.” Explain the definition of “mirage.” Discuss reasons why an actor’s life might be difficult (long hours, time away from family and friends, missing out on school and activities, etc.).
3. Read Going to the Park by Elizabeth Gorcey. In this book, the Liv-ism is to stop and smell the roses. Ask students
to explain what this Liv-ism means. Discuss activities that families can do that don’t involve technology.
4. Talk about the importance of exercise and fitness. Instruct students keep a journal of their afterschool activi-
ties for one week. Have each student evaluate his or her journal entries and come up with ways to either add more
physical activity or ways to get the whole family involved.
5. Research ways in which your class can witness metamorphosis firsthand. For example, consider purchasing a butterfly school kit from a store such as www.insectlore.com. Watch the caterpillars transform into butterflies. When
the butterflies hatch from their chrysalises, be sure to set them free, and explain how this stage is the beginning of
another metamorphosis.
True/False:
1. Elizabeth Gorcey is Liv’s mom, but she is also an actor, director and producer. (True or False)
2. Butterflies make cocoons. (True or False)
30
3. Lisa Jakub started acting when she was 5 years old. (True or False)
4. NFL pro-bowler Larry Fitzgerald says that kids can stop learning once they are adults. (True or False)
5. Metamorphosis means “transformation in change or shape.” (True or False)
6. When exercising outdoors, personal trainer Kristy Stabler says it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
(True or False)
7. Butterflies and moths lay their eggs in water. (True or False)
8. When you are outside in the heat, a red face is a sign of being tired. (True or False)
Fill in the Blanks:
1. Lisa Jakub says, “Writing is a __________. It gets stronger the more you _______ it.”
2. As a teenager, Jean Louisa Kelly lived in New York City, where she performed on ______________.
3. Liv says, “If you say you are smart and you can do it and you be ________, then that’s what you are going to end
up being.”
4. Fitness expert Kristy Stabler says that the best way to stay motivated during exercise is to connect with your
_________.
5. Complete metamorphosis occurs in _______ stages.
6. Olympic figure skater and author Kristi Yamaguchi says, “Every time you pick up a book, it’s a different
_____________.”
7. “The best thing we can do is to get kids ___________ about reading,” says library administrator Caris O’Malley.
8. In Castle Hangnail, Molly wants to be a __________.
1. muscle/use; 2. Broadway; 3. confident; 4. why; 5. four; 6. adventure; 7. excited; 8. witch
Fill in the Blanks:
1. True; 2. False; 3. False; 4. False; 5. True; 6. True; 7. False; 8. False;
True/False:
Answers
31

Jean Louisa Kelly

Transcription

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