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INSPIRING YOUNG READERS WITH SALTWATER TAFFY

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Saltwater Taffy bookINSPIRING YOUNG READERS WITH SALTWATER TAFFY

Inspiring young readers is what being a children’s author is all about.  While it is great to read from the pages of your latest book, an author has a responsibility to entertain the kids as well.  All too often I hear about children’s book authors who come to schools and simply read from their book in that deadly monotone ‘you’re-putting-me-to-sleep’ voice.  At this age, children want to be entertained, but more importantly, they want to be inspired by someone who’s written a book!  To these kids, authors are like rock stars! Read more

7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

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7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

avid tween readersThe reason we have 7 secrets to create avid tween readers is because recent statistics by the National Endowment for the Arts shows us that there is a rapid decline in reading skills of American children.  As the author of Saltwater Taffy and a literacy advocate for children, I find this disturbing and sad.  Something must be done!

Despite the popularity of Harry Potter and other children’s books that have flown off the shelves in recent years, the following statement should be a wake-up call for parents, teachers and our entire nation:

“Americans ages 15-24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their daily leisure time on reading.”

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Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award WINNER

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Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award WINNER

Saltwater Taffy has been given the 2012 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award in the LIFE SKILLS category!!!!

Gelett Burgess Children's Book AwardThe Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Awards advisory council looks for books that entertain and teach with an energetic and creative approach.  The books selected by the Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Council must stimulate a child’s imagination, as well as inspire them creatively.

Advisory council members want to know a book will make an impact in a child’s life by helping them grow: socially, emotionally, ethically, intellectually, and physically.

Saltwater Taffy is not only an epic adventure novel for Tweens, the book teaches and guides young readers to live their lives on purpose with a purpose.  Endorsed by 12 Teachers of the Year around the country, Saltwater Taffy follows the lives of 5 tweenage friends as they embark on a treasure-hunting adventure.  Set during the 4th of July weekend, Saltwater Taffy is a g-rated story for the entire family.

 

 

 

AUTHOR VISITS – MERCER ISLAND, WA

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Author visitsAUTHOR VISITS – MERCER ISLAND, WA

With multiple author visits on Mercer Island, WA. we are happy to report that Saltwater Taffy is alive and well on the island.  After the Mercer Island BOYS READ BOOK CLUB fell in love with Saltwater Taffy, the PTA got together and flew us up for an author visit to Mercer Island.  First up was the famous Lakeridge Elementary School, which is the top book buyer for all schools participating in the Scholastic Book Fairs.

Then it was across the island to West Mercer Elementary School.  It was a fun-filled day of 2, yes…count them 2 school assemblies!!!  Needless to say I was a tired after this amazing day, but the kids were AWESOME, or….as we say here at the Saltwater Taffy Network, “Those kids were SAWEET!”  More videos to come, so stay tuned!

Mercer Island Author visit and Saltwater Taffy