When my son was still a newborn blob of tiny bones wrapped in a blanket of warm skin, my husband rushed out and bought a Curious George book. We had decorated our son’s room in monkeys (which was cuter than it sounds) and my husband’s idea was to take pages from that book, frame them and hang them around our son’s room. This was during what I call the “nonproductive years,” because we had great ideas but were either too physically worn out to do them or could not seem to find the time between formula bottle shakings and projectile …read more

Recently, there was a discussion on one of my online children’s author groups  (I’m a children’s author, as well as blogger) about children’s chapter books dealing with death.  Most of them are slated for young readers,  6-9 years old.
I thought I’d pass this information along in case parents, grandparents and others would find this list of interest for reference.  Some books deal with death of a family member or friend; others are about the death of a pet.

Remembering Mrs. Rossi by Amy Hest
Love You, Soldier by Amy Hest
Because of Winn Dixie
Each Little Bird That Sings
Sarah Plain and Tall
The Higher Power …read more

Looking for One Book Two Book? You’ll find children’s book related posts at BlissTree, generally under the Parenting section, where I’ll now be writing.  This new portal at b5media offers a wide range of exciting and informative articles.
I’m also writing in the Arts and Crafts section so will have occasional information about book and writing related topics there.  Browse around BlissTree.  I’m sure you’ll enjoy what you find here.

Along with quilt fabrics featuring Obama, you’ll find many books these days, already published and those coming up, to enlighten us about his life and the Presidency.  Whether one agrees with the way the election went, it behoves us to keep informed and teach our children about America past and present.
Over at One Book Two Book, I’ve posted a list of books about the Obamas and the United States Presidency, Childen’s Books About Obama & the Presidency.
Perhaps you’ve discovered some you consider helpful.

The Quiltmaker’s Gift
After reading my post, 5 Favorite Posts Regarding Story Books, Carmen commented,
I am trying to find the fabric for “The Quiltmakers Gift” or any other children’s story…where to I go about finding the fabric….it’s been quite challenging. Your assitance is greatly appreicated..
Does anyone know where to find fabrics that represent story book characters? 
 Have you made quilts from story books?  Perhaps you’ll share your experience with us or point us to a link on your blog where you explain this.
 
 

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
It’s fun to see how excited the youngsters become when it’s Book Fair Time at school.  Yesterday I was substitute teaching and took children to the area in the library where the books were displayed.
Even though there were few books for adults, unless you were looking for teacher instruction and activity books, it also was fun to browse with the youngsters.  This reminded me of the lure of bookstores, whether I’m searching for fiction or quilt books, adult or children’s books.
I also was pleased to discover that there were many fewer gimmicks and gadgets for the youngsters to buy …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com

I’m featuring a drawing/giveaway for a copy of my children’s anthology,Tales of Adventure & Discovery, described in the post, Mary Emma Allen Publishes a Children’s Anthology .It contains fun stories for youngsters, ages approximately 6-10.  I also illustrated the anthology. 
Quilt book authors may find ideas in it to use for a book project they’re considering publishing.  Parents and children like the stories. Teachers also use this book in their classroom, and I include it when giving author presentations and teaching writing workshops for children and adults.
Incidentally, the story, “Visiting Grandma Can Be Fun,” involves  Lisa making a quilt with her …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
 Periodically I go through my Quilting and Patchwork posts and come across some that are favorites. 
Here are five quilting posts that caught my attention tonight.
The Rag Quilt by  Lauren Mills
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
The Lure of Sunbnnet Sue
Quilting With Grandma (a poem)
Can You Write a Quilting Story?
Do you have some favorite posts here at Quilting And Patchwork?  I’d enjoy having you tell me what they are!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
 My love of children’s and young adult books has flowed over to One Book Two Book, a blog for book lovers and readers at here at b5media.  As a children’s author as well, I find writing this blog with Karen Weideman very fulfilling. 
At One Book Two Book, I can share my love of reading and writing and hopefully inspire youngsters and adults to enjoy the same.  I also share my stories with youngsters in schools through substitute teaching and author visits, as well as writing workshops.
Here at Quilting and Patchwork, I’ve mentioned children’s books involving quilting as the story theme and …read more