I’d like to share with you the story behind the story….
four years ago when my children were still very little, we received some heartbreaking news. Grandma in Japan, was diagnosed with cancer and was given two weeks to live. In a matter of a week we had rid ourselves of all our belongings and made the move to Japan. A two month old and a four year old in tow.
What was one of the most difficult decisions in our lives turned out to be one of the greatest blessings. Grandmother lived not for two weeks but for two years! Grandma put up a great fight and always did so while giving her granddaughters her very best. Her time and her love.
My oldest daughter would often sit at the foot of grandma’s hospital bed and drew while Grandma slept. When grandma would wake up she was eager to show Grandma her funny pictures. They bonded this way. Grandma was also a very creative person, who loved design, decor and even doodling manga characters!
Art has the amazing power to lighten up a difficult situation. Art is multilingual and ageless. Grandma and granddaughter created doodles but most importantly they created memories.
This book “Yumi’s extraordinary collection” tries to capture that. The importance of holding on to memories not things.
It took me one year to write this story, draft after draft and with the help of several amazing writers and editors. When the final draft was completed I couldn’t think of a better person to illustrate this book other than Catherine Toennisson, whose love of art and naturally good-hearted personality brings innocence to her work.
We are about half way done with this book, we are trying to be as detailed as possible. Meeting most publishing industry standards and breaking some rules along the way.
This illustration is Yumi going to visit her Grandma in the hospital, as you can see art follows her wherever she goes. She is creating a trail of beauty wherever she walks-
-Elsa

Also, I’m very sorry faithful blog for leaving you for over a year! I was busy figuring out a balance between what I love (writing picture books) and who I love (my beautiful and growing girls).

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Artwork by  iCenizal icenizal
Rosalie Alcala is a ghost writer.  She sits in her creaking orange chair and does what she knows best, write.  Rosalie,  has written hundreds of stories for children, you may all ready have read Rosalie’s wonderful work, without even knowing it! This young women,  with a creative mind and witty sense of humor is gifted, passionate and brilliant. Meet Rosalie Alcala,  and allow her to share her tips on writing for children…

Tips on Writing for Kids by Rosalie Alcala 

There are many books out there, whether in print or on e-book format, written specifically for children. There are thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of aspiring writers hoping to get into publication. Apart from the usual requirements – original work, typo-free, correct grammar, form, rhythm, etc. – Here are some helpful tips for those planning to write stories for kids.

Think like one.

Some of the best children’s stories are about outrageous things. Talking bears, flying monkeys, wizards, friendly giants and eccentric people are some of the best themes and characters out there. Mainly, this is because of the level of imagination that kids possess. Children are attracted to color, action, zings and pops, and less on internal struggles of the characters. If you want to write a book that a child will love, forget all your preconceived notions of how the world actually works and let you imagination do the talking (or writing).

Forget your worries about bills and the weekly meal schedule. Being a grown-up means that there are a lot of responsibilities, but to write for children, let fantasy take its course. Children are curious (sometimes too curious) and they love hearing things that are out of this world. Think of your children’s book as sci-fi work, with marshmallows, clouds and lollipops. Create an exciting story that will grab their imagination from the get-go. Remember, children are easily bored too, so your subject matter should hold their attention. You don’t even have to have kids of your own to think like one. You were a kid once yourself!

Don’t sound like an authority figure.

This tip is actually one of the most important ones on this list. In relation to thinking the way a child thinks, talking down to them is not really a very good approach. They get enough of that from their teachers, sometimes their parents and other grown-ups. If you want your story to have a moral lesson, wrap it in sparkly colored paper with a lot of shinny ribbons. Let them understand the moral of the story in their own terms, and try not to spell it out for them in every possible paragraph. For instance, instead of a story telling children that they should brush their teeth every day, come up with a fun quip about a green three-eyed blob of plaque that attacks their teeth at night. The moral of the story is there, hidden between the lines. The lesson of the story will sink in, sooner than you think.

Use simple words, or make up some new ones.

You don’t have to impress your readers with your wide and extensive vocabulary. Sure, it might sound smart to grown-ups, but they are not your market. Keep the words simple and direct. Add fun adjectives to make it more exciting.

If your words are not enough, make up new ones! A child will understand that a dollop of mud on the floor looks like a yucki-dory-gloppity-goo! Kids can understand simple context too! Besides, making up new words are the best things that can happen to a writer. Sometimes, there are no words to express your thought, so making up a new one is just perfect!

But don’t be afraid to use big words once in a while.

This particular tip is rather challenging. It has to be done in a very subtle way. Even without that particular hard word, the kids should be able to understand what you are saying. But I added this tip to give a sly lesson (apart from the usual moral one) to the readers of your book. Give the kids something to do after, or while reading the story. Let them look it up! The words in a children’s story are fun, yes, but a little tidbit of homework can’t hurt anyone.

For instance, you can have a line that goes,

“Gloria looked up haughtily and asked them why they were playing with her toys.”

It would be easier to understand the word “proudly” or “importantly” rather than “haughtily”. It would even be easier to just say,

“Gloria was feeling snooty so she asked them why they were playing with her toys.”

“Snooty” sounds like a funny word, after all. But give the kids a little challenge. Add in a hard word every now and then. Let them learn something new that they can add to their own vocabulary.

And here is an extra tip that every writer needs, whether you are writing for children or for adults. Write every day, even if it is only one line. In my opinion, the hardest thing that a writer needs to develop is discipline. Writing is such a personal action that sometimes it may seem selfish or unimportant to do something other than chores or building a career. But, write. Jot down your ideas, even if it’s on an old grocery receipt. Ideas come unexpectedly so write it down before you forget. Find the time. Stop playing another game of Candy Crush and open a blank document on your computer. You’ll be surprised to find that after scribbling or typing a few words, a fantastic, glittery and mistilicious-whimsfying-wowzamazing world is forming right in front of you.

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Rosalie Alcala – Creative Writer / Storyteller for Children – Freelancer, Philippines – oDesk

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Steph’s Free Book Reviews

http://stephsbookreview.blogspot.jp/p/submit-your-book.html

I like all books, but I prefer children’s books, picture books, chapter books. No adult books.

Nik’s Picks

http://nikki-bennett.com/blog1/submissions/

First of all, I want to review indie authors.  You can have your book published by local presses or self-published, as long as it’s indie!

I am tightening what I will accept and what I won’t.  I want to focus on middle grade/YA.  I’m not the right person to review picture books, although occasionally, if I see a fantastic one, I’ll post a review.  I am not currently interested in nonfiction, and if you’ve written a book on quotes, poems, etc., I’m not the person for you, trust me.  I’m great at reviewing stories.  Not so great at poetry or quotes.

Crystal Crichlow

http://crystalcrichlow.weebly.com/my-reviews.html

I know how important reviews and ratings are for any writer, especially self published ones. I DO NOT write negative reviews. My motto is “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” That being said, if I did not enjoy your book, I will not review it.

WHAT I READ

Fiction in the following categories – YA/Teen, SciFi, Fantasy, Children’s books, Action/Adventure, Apocalyptic, Time-Travel and some horror. I’m a sucker for zombie novels or short stories.

Children’s Illustrated Picture e-book Reviews

http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogspot.jp/p/get-reviewed-by-valerie.html

Valerie will ONLY review fully-illustrated children’s picture e-books. PLEASE do not ask her to review books from any other genre. If you are looking for reviews in a different genre, check out The Kindle Book Review or The Indie View.

5 Stars – The best book she’s read in a long time.

4 Stars – A great read, but not the best she’s read in a long time.

3 Stars –  A decent book. She’d recommend it but there were a few flaws

(storyline issues, distracting typos, average illustrations).

2 stars and under – SHE DOES NOT WRITE REVIEWS UNDER 3 STARS

Ariesgrl Book Reviews

http://ariesgrlreview.com/category/childrens-books/

Picture Books (fiction and non fiction) suitable predominantly for age ranges 4-10 yrs are our mainstay. We have difficulty coping with a huge number of chapter books or early readers so these will inevitably be given low priority – if we cover them at all – as they take a long time to work through. We may offer coverage in the form of a news item for these books, but may not review them fully (in the manner that we review picture books). Basically if it’s not age appropriate for a 5-7 year old, it won’t get covered at all unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Read it Daddy

http://readitdaddy.blogspot.co.uk/p/readitdaddy-book-app-and-review-item.html

Apps and E-Books are lovely, no really they are, but please don’t send unsolicited submissions because apps and e-books are definitely not our priority. Drop us an email first and we’ll let you know if we like the look of your app or e-book and wish to cover it.

We love indies and self-published books and fully support them as part of our semi-regular “Indie Pen-Dance Wednesday” slot. Due to our increased workload, and the fact that we do this in our spare time for free, we will only feature content we choose or source ourselves. By all means please let us know about your book or app, but we will not automatically feature them and if we don’t reply, please do not be offended as we cannot possibly review all self published titles or content we’re sent / made aware of. Overall, politeness and non-pushiness win the day.

The Indie Children’s Authors Connection 

http://crystalkeeper.wordpress.com/submissions/

Book Review Submissions
To submit a book for review:
1) Must be a children’s independently published book. This includes small press and indie presses such as Createspace or Author Solutions, Inc.
2) I review picture books, middle reader books and YA.
3) Review format can be ebook edition with Kindle or Smashwords. I have received PDF files and gift copies for review. If you need to send me a hard copy(paperback or hardcover) to review, email me and I’ll send a mailing address.

Ohana Day Academy

http://ohana-school.blogspot.com.au/p/book-reviews.html

Book Review & Rating Policy

I have very eclectic tastes in books. However for this Blog I am STRICTLY reviewing Children’s and YA books. Anything over a PG-13 rating offered to me will be reviewed (if accepted) on a different blog.

I am open to every genre just contact me. Sci-fi, Paranormal, Historical, Comedy, Horror, Steampunk, basically any genre at all in the YA and Children’s spectrum can be reviewed here.

I cross post on Goodreads, Amazon, and Facebook among other sites.

Story Time Books

http://storytimebooks.wordpress.com/contact-me/

If you are a publisher, publicist, author, or just a children’s book fan that would like me to review a certain book on my blog, please email me at:  At this time I am only reviewing children’s picture books, or early reader chapter books.

Fantasy book critic

http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.jp/p/contact-us.html

Fantasy Book Critic is a group of individuals devoted to covering Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, YA/Children’s Books and other Speculative Fiction. We gladly accept review queries from publishers large, small and independent as well as self-published authors. Both print and electronic formats are accepted.

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While preparing for the release and publicity of Goo and Spot Book 1-  I realized there are very few reviewers willing to take on self-published children and YA books.

I have put together a list of ten reviewers currently accepting Indie authors of children and YA books. I hope this is of some help.

I believe an author develops a personal attachment to his own work, and that passion drives us to want to see such book a success, do not give up after your book has been published, continue putting your book in the spotlight.

Book Lovers Paradise
http://www.bookloversparadise.blogspot.jp/p/policy.html

accepts/prefers ebooks or  PDF’s, uses a Kindle or Ipad to read books.
YA, Paranormal, Historical fiction or Childrens’ books

Mr. Tierneyslibrary.com

www.mrtierneyslibrary.com/p/the-review-policy.html

The Review Policy-Note from Reviewer

I am open to receiving Advance Reading Copies and Review Copies of books from both authors and publishers. If you would like to request a review from me, please email me. I am now able to accept Kindle-compatible ebooks, as well as print versions.

I am Reader
www.iamareader.com/policies/self-published-author-policy

Self Published Books will be considered if they meet the following guidelines:
Books must be “family friendly” meaning free from strong language, gratuitous violence and sex scenes.
Books must have been reviewed, critiqued, revised and properly edited by someone other than yourself, your family and your friends.
Books must have a professional looking cover.
Books must already have reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.

My Book Addiction

www.mybookaddictionandmore.com/need-a-review/

Reviews will be posted to Amazon, BN, Goodreads,LibraryThing, and any other sites we currently have availability to post to or can find the book. However, please be aware that posting to these sites may take a bit of time so please be patient with us.

Please send an email to AprilR at tarenn98@yahoo.com with “Review Request” in the subject line. (remove the space)

Sher A. Hart
(Author promotion for a fee, free reviews).

sherahart.blogspot.jp/p/author-hosting.htmlI do book reviews, but the wait is longer. I read about two books per month because I split my reading and writing time.

The Flashlight Reader
www.theflashlightreader.com/p/review-policy.html

Note from the Reviewer-
While I share my thoughts and feelings about the books I read, I try to limit any unsupported opinions that I may have. Some books, however, seem to require open honesty and opinion sharing. It is not my intent to negate anyone’s writing efforts, but my opinions of a book may not always be considered positive. I do, however, strive to focus on the positives in any book I read.

Momma Frugal Book Reviews

mommafrugalbookreviews.blogspot.jp/

Note from the Reviewer-
I am accepting books for review from authors, publishers, publicists. I do accept self-published books as long as they have been professional edited. If a book contains a lot of typos or grammatical errors, I will mention this fact in the review or I may choose to not review the book at all.
I only accept physical copies.

Unorthodox Mama

unorthodoxmama.com/reviews/

Note from Reviewer
I accept ARC copies and non advance review copies.
I accept indie authors, self published authors, big publishing house names, small press and the in between.

Kids Book Review

www.kids-bookreview.com/p/policy.html

Note from Reviewer-
Review requests are accepted during the months of February, June and November only, to Susan Whelan at susanATkidsbookreviewDOTcom.

Crystal Keeper- The Indie Children’s Author Connection

crystalkeeper.wordpress.com/submissions/

To submit a book for review:
1) Must be a children’s independently published book. This includes small press and indie presses such as Createspace or Author Solutions, Inc.
2) I review picture books, middle reader books and YA.
3) Review format can be ebook edition with Kindle or Smashwords. I have received PDF files and gift copies for review. If you need to send me a hard copy(paperback or hardcover) to review, email me and I’ll send a mailing address.
4) Contact email: tiff(at)tiffmeister.net with any questions.

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