Endangered Species Day...last week

Wow, so I missed that boat of celebration, didn't I. Oh well, it is a "get in line" list of things I forget on a daily basis.

It is funny that I have more time to be creative, yet I forget more things and fill my time with non-creative things. A bit frustrated right now I guess.

We went to the Sacramento Zoo last night, they have a new Conservation Carousel. It was over 100 degrees here yesterday, and last night it cooled down beautifully while we walked around. I love being around animals, I wish I could do more than just look at them.

Part of me always feels sad about the animals in the zoo, like they are truly missing out on life. I try to justify that they are the educators of their kind. They allow people to connect to a species, to learn about them, and therefore care.

I am also frustrated that there is a lack of support for my book at zoo's. I can't understand it. It is a unique and educational book on endangered species and yet, I have only one zoo that I know of, that has picked it up for their gift shop. If there are other zoos that have picked it up that I don't know of, I apologize in advance.

I have tried to set up book signings at several zoo's, but no one is interested.

Who ever wrote "good things come to those who wait," ugh! How long do I have to wait? I sound like my daughter right now and it makes me laugh.

Several people have told me that I can't make it as an artist and author; make a living I should say. I really want to prove them wrong. I see people around me that make it happen, why can't I?

Okay, enough of a pity party! There are thousands of people and creatures that have things worthy of complaints. That ought to keep my feelings in perspective.

I do have a wonderful link exchange with a Rainforest Conservation site, check them out http://kids.mongabay.com/

Amazing Review

My publisher sent me a link to one of the most beautiful reviews of my book. I was in tears when I read it. I hope who ever visits my blog, goes to visit, http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.asp?bookid=11044

:) Rachel

Featured on Education site

One of the blogs I visited this month was kind enough to promote my book to teachers. The link is:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/reviews/33189.aspx

This is one of those sites where the more people click on the article, the more revenue for the writer :) so tell anyone you think might be interested! It also benefits my book:)

The Web is a powerful tool.

Photos from Schools

I have a few photos of some of the school visits I have made this past month. The condor feathers are filling in nicely with hundreds of feathers placed down by children in California and Arizona. I love the photo of the teacher doing some dots with her computer on the screen.

Here is some information about how I make my school book reading visits interactive and engaging for kids.

I really enjoy the interaction I have with kids during a reading event. I didn’t realize that it would be such a wonderful part of being published. I have now had the experience of reading my book to Pre-K through sixth graders. Each age group brings their unique perspectives and interests.

Usually I start out a reading by talking about key concepts of my book: what does it mean to be endangered; what was my process in creating my artwork; and what is magical about poetry; for older kids I talk about the process of getting published.

Then I read the poetry of the book. It amazes me how quiet and focused the children become when I read. It is like the rhythm of the poetry is soothing and comforting to listen to.

After I read the poems, I break down some of them down with the factual information in the back of the book. I point out unique characteristics and bring up any other specific information like: whether the species is specialized; what does it mean to be a mammal; how generations pass down information to their young.

Kids are amazed by size, so I get out the tape measure to show kids just how big the Mekong Giant Catfish can grow; how wide the wingspan of a Comoro Black Flying Fox is; and how small a Channel Island Fox can be. For the Mekong Giant Catfish, I ask for ten kids to come up and stand side by side to show how big the fish is.

Lastly, if we have time, I roll out a full-size drawing of a California Condor. I pass out a paper feather to each child and have them glue the feather on the bird. I explain that one feather might not seem like a lot, but combined they make a difference.

Earth by Disney Nature

Tonight me and my family went to the premier of "Earth." I left the theater with tears streaming down my face, and then cried for half an hour. Part of me was in awe of the incredible footage and timelapse photography. The other part of me felt dispair, hopelessness and sorrow. The earth is changing so rapidly many species can't keep up.

Just like my book, the truth was not sugar-coated. It was placed before the audience, plain as day, the earth is in serious trouble.

My hopelessness is hard to swallow, because I want so badly to believe that we can make a difference in the world; we can change what is happening to our planet. The dispair I feel is simple, if I care so much and make only a small difference, then how can millions of people, that don't care, change?

How can I get a louder voice? How can we get people to change? How can I do more? How can my book get to the front of a bigger audience than even Disney reaches?

I put these questions out there, not to neccessarily get the answers, but rather to process it and find my own solutions. I have at least started the process of change by getting my book published. Now it just needs to be picked up my moms, kids and teachers all over the world.

I worry that the only way many people will change is when the Polar Bear comes knocking on their door, begging for food.

I will be analyzing my habits and figuring out what I can change, to minimize my footprint. We started a garden this weekend to celebrate Earth Day, I have to continue to believe that it is the little things that make a difference in the world, otherwise my dispair will slow my process down.

I recommend to anyone that views this blog to go and see "Earth," it is in the theaters as of April 22nd.

Reading my book in Flagstaff, Arizona

Here is a link to a video of some of my book being read to a pre-k, kindergarten class in Flagstaff, AZ.

Arizona Tour Success

I don't think I would have ever imagined that I would sell out all of the books I had brought with me to Arizona. But I did! It was around 67 books. I am so happy and so tired, whew, travelling can be draining.

My kids were amazing on the trip. They have heard my book so many times and in so many classes, yet they are still excited to help and are memorizing the book. They have their questions that I direct to them, to get them involved in the process.

Today and tomorrow are the public libraries in Folsom, CA. I was able to read at the public library in Flagstaff, AZ and had a lot of fun with it.

Photos and video to come. I know I keep saying it, but my lids are falling down and a nap for 30 minutes would sure feel good about now.