A new Spin on Galimotos: It’s all about problem solving.
I wrote the book Galimoto nearly thirty years ago and kids at schools where I travel to as a visiting author are still making galimotos. In the book, Kondi searches his village in Malawi, Africa to find enough wire to make a toy car that has moving parts; axle, wheels, and a steering wheel that all work.The children I saw in Malawi used whatever they could find to make these parts for their toys, which for me, are like works of art. The wheels might be made out of wire pounded with a [...]
I LOVE FAN MAIL!
You see this letter about Sangoel? It was written on October 25, 2016. This reader likes the part about how Sangoel writes his name in rebus on his shirt. "I think it was a creative solution." I love it! I did write back. But I have not posted anything in a long time. Recent events have dragged me down. FB can be a scary place. The whole internet, the world too.But the sun is out and the sky is blue, completely blue. Not a cloud. And kids are reading. and responding. And believe [...]
How Did I Miss This! Thankful For The Recognition!
Four Feet Two Sandals mentioned in the Fall 2016 Bulletin of SCBWI! The Journal of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator.In an Article Picturing Immigrants and Refugees Four Feet two Sandals is mentioned as on of "A few recent standouts that demonstrate the range and richness of contemporary immigrant picture books".Always thankful for the recognition.
And This Just in From Sweden
And this just in from the publicist for Four Feet Two Sandals:A piece of happy news: Afghanistannytt, the journal of a Swedish charity called Afghanistankommittén (may sound small but in fact it's very established -- I've heard that they're the largest employer in Afghanistan because of their many schools, health centers etc), has a full page on Four feet, two sandals.They asked a well-known children's author and activist, Monica Zak, to interview a 13-year-old girl in a small town about the book. She fled with her family from Afghanistan at age 10 and [...]
Beatrice’s Dream: Where is Beatrice now?
Many readers write and ask about Beatrice. Where is she now? So here is an update with Beatrice's permission.Through hard work and perseverance, Beatrice graduated from college with a degree in the service industry. She got a job!And now? She is married and has a baby girl. Meet Ariel!Beatrice continues to work and to dream. She hopes to continue her education and see where her dreams take her.If you want to send your best wishes to Beatrice you can email it to me karen@karenlynnwilliams.com and I will make sure she gets your note.Beatrice wants [...]
Galimoto in Malawi! Full Circle.
This is where it all began. The children of Malawi inspired the book Galimoto, still going strong after 26 years. From the New York Times Best Books to a Reading Rainbow feature book, Galimoto is in Malawi to promote reading.This program run by volunteers from England, teachers starting community lending libraries will also establish reading circles to encourage adults to read out loud to children. "They love Galimoto" teachers report. The children of Malawi inspired the book now the book is inspiring reading in Malawi. Full circle!