Some posts I enjoyed researching and writing more than others.  Some were posts readers seemed to especially enjoy.  Although it’s difficult to select just ten from the year’s worth, I’ll give it  try.

1. Spencer Family Books – Writing as a Family
2. Is Christmas Being Undermined to Push Global Warming Agenda?
3. Memories About Pearl Harbor Day
4. A Thankful Poem
5. What Does the Rainbow Fish Mean?  Is There an Underlying Meaning?
6. Reading Aloud to Children Before and After Birth
7. JK Rowling Invites School Children to Tea
8. Novels Inspired by Family History
9. Remembering 9/11 at School and Home
10. Lunch Box Memories

Do you have other One Book Two Book posts that are favorites?

Post from: Blisstree

10 Favorite One Book Two Book Posts of 2008 (Mary Emma)

Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week.  I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer’s Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book.  (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)

Sometimes it’s difficult to choose your very favorite for the week.  However, here are the three for this week:

http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/…ilt-mysteries/

http://www.blisstree.com/mary-e…storm-of-2008/

http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h…-nursing-home/

Post from: Blisstree

My Fav Posts of the Week

One of the suggestions in the previous post about our Winter in July theme this week was making Christmas gifts.  Here’s a post from Quilting and Patchwork, 7 Quilted Gift Projects for Youngsters, that I wrote for our Christmas in July theme at that blog.

Take a look and see if you find any ideas to work on with your youngsters during our Winter in July week here at One Book Two Book.  These also may spark ideas of your own and get you thinking about ways to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Also, while they’re making gifts, youngsters can read directions in quilt and story books, learning the importance of reading in their lives and the enjoyment it can provide.

Do you and your young readers regularly get involved in Christmas in July projects? Share with us.

(Amazon images)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas Gifts to Make for Our “Winter in July” Weekly Theme

 This week at One Book Two Book and Camp Weary Parent, the theme centers around Winter in July.  Now depending on which hemisphere you live in, the topic is timely and you’re battling the cold.  However, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are having warm to sweltering weather.

So….let’s think cooling thoughts!

• Reading books about snow and snow activities
• Eating popsicles for a snack
• Enjoying snow cones made with crushed ice
• Running through sprinklers on the lawn
• Watching movie about snow, winter and ice
• Making Christmas gifts

What can you think of that carries out a winter theme in July and summer?

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Winter in July at One Book Two Book

 The Dog Days of Summer….this was an expression of my childhood during the lazy, hazy days of languid, humid heat and still seems to be a saying or description of this time of year from about July 3 to August 11.

The term seems to go way back to mythology  and the conjunction of Sirius (called the “dog star”) and the sun, which occurs in mid summer.  Also, some people connect Dog Days with a hot time of year when dogs can become irritable.  

So “Dog Days of Summer” is the theme this week here at One Book Two Book and Camp Weary Parent.

For more information about Dog Days:

Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days

The Dog Days of Summer

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

What Are the “Dog Days of Summer,” Our Theme This Week?

 Sailing on the ocean, swimming at the beach, learning about the tides and building sand castles…these constitute just a few of the activities we might consider for “Ocean Adventure,” the theme of One Book Two Book and Camp Weary Parent this week.

Are you enjoying ocean adventures this summer…a day at the beach…a cabin near the sand…lighthouse visits…seafood recipes and so many others?

Share with us your adventures.

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

“Ocean Adventure” – the Theme for One Book Two Book This Week

You may have seen my name around b5media and around the blogosphere a tad…most of the time I go by “pickel”, as it is a little less revealing than my full name (and that is a doozy).

I write at several different places already and I am really excited to be on board here because my background is actually in literature. My parenting background is in adoption and special needs so I write at A Child Chosen, Discussing Autism, and my own blog, My Two Boys. I also write at Chicago Moms Blog because I’m a Windy City girl at heart.

My literature background began way before college (I was a flashlight reader) but I did major in education with a BA in secondary ed. My concentration was English, Speech, Journalism and Drama (University of Dayton, Ohio). After teaching in Illinois for three years my husband and I moved to Michigan where I began teaching Middle School (yes, I was crazy but I loved it). I also earned my Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts with a concentration in Young Adult Literature and Children’s Literature  (Oakland University).

So, not only do I know quite a bit about parenting an adopted special needs child…I also know my books. Get ready for some reading adventures!

Because of our backgrounds Mary Emma and I are a bit different in what we want to bring readers. However, we think this just might be okay…

This is what I have brainstormed for my posting schedule so far. What do you all think about this? Most often I post more than this but I really like to stick to a plan if I can. If you look at A Child Chosen I try (key word try) to stick to a plan.

Monday: Multicultural or Misc?
Tuesday: Teen Book Day
Wednesday: Word of the Week
Thursday: Things to do for readers
Friday: My Favorite Books
Saturday: Silly Saturday
Sunday: Award Winners

Please comment and give feedback, as I would love to get to know what you, my readers, really want.  And, check out my other sites to get to know more about me and my family!

Hope to hear from you ALL soon!

Marcie, aka “pickel”

Photo by Marcie’s mother.

Post from: Blisstree

Looking Forward, an Introduction

Marcie Pickelsimer joins me blogging at One Book Two Book.  Karen Weideman is moving so has much to do organizing, packing, selling a house, making doctors’ appointments for two children and getting established at a new home some distance away. 

Come welcome Marcie to One Book Two Book.  I’ll let her introduce herself to you and let you know some of the ideas she has for the blog.

Karen and have enjoyed writing together the past month.  I’m looking forward to blogging with Marcie. 

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Marcie Pickelsimer Joins One Book Two Book

 Susan Gunelius, former blogger here at One Book Two Book, announced the release of her first book, Harry Potter – The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon. Congratulations, Susan. How exciting!

Susan explores the story of the business and marketing behind the Harry Potter brand, and asks the questions:

1. How did the Harry Potter brand become so successful?
2. Can the success of Harry Potter be duplicated?

Your book should make very interesting and informative reading, Susan. I’ve always thought there must be great promotion and marketing behind the book to get it started in the first place and then keep the momentum going because it seemed to go against rules of good writing advocated by editors (about what they’ll accept) and taught at writing classes.

I wonder, too, as you do: Can others repeat this phenomenon?

It will be interesting to see, especially after they read your book.

(Amazon image; click book cover for details)

Further reading:  Is Harry Potter for Everyone?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Susan Gunelius Writes Book About Harry Potter Phenomenon

Who is Mary Emma Allen?

 I’m a writer, wife, mom and grandmother. I love to read, write, travel and spend time with my grandchildren. We all live in a multigenerational home in New Hampshire with assorted animals and often visiting cousins and school friends.

I have a degree in elementary education and currently do substitute teaching in grades K-12. This, along with having grandchildren in the home, keeps me in touch with young people’s reading and interests. My favorite class at teacher’s college was Children’s Literature, and I’ll always be thankful my professor encouraged me to pursue my love of writing for children.

In the course of writing this blog, I’ll mention some of my writing projects, past and current. Currently I also write a weekly newspaper column and do some travel writing. I’ve been a newspaper reporter, travel editor, and have written books for children and adults.

My b5 media blogs, in addition to One Book Two Book are: Quilting and Patchwork, Alzheimer’s Notes, and Home Biz Notes. I also have an author blog that I try to update periodically: Mary Emma’s Potpourri of Writing.

I’ve had more than 200 children’s stories published in magazines and anthologies.  An anthology of my stories, which I also illustrated, is Tales of Adventure & Discovery.  I’ve produced a coloring book to accompany it, too.

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Who is Mary Emma Allen, Co-Blogger at One Book Two Book?