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!
Picture Books Are for Everyone!
This little book about a big,difficult subject does it again, brought another smile from my inbox. This one from Decatur, Georgia where a pastor reports he built a sermon around Four Feet Two Sandals. The theme, the courage to do justice, inspired a discussion of homelessness with adults and youth and led to a food and clothing drive.The pastor also reports that he learned "our adult population loves to be read to if it's a children's book." But this is something I already knew. Picture books are a literary art form appreciated by all ages!
A Shout Out From Australia: Close to the Heart of A Refugee.
One thing about being a writer, you never know what might show up in your inbox that will make you smile.See this recent email from a teacher in Australia:Many people ask me should they read books about the Refugee Experience and to students from Refugee backgrounds- my answer is ‘ask your students’. I have not had a class to date say no- the students enjoy making connections and telling part of their story.I read Four Feet Two Sandals to a secondary class of New Arrival Students, all but one of the class members [...]