Category: Commentary
Art, Books, Stories in Goodyear.
Last weekend, we had a nice gathering of stories and art at BOONgarden in Goodyear, Arizona. We sold some books, sold some art and had a fine evening of adult storytelling. Here’s a brief clip from Sean Buvala sharing “The Strongest Man in Ireland.”
Site Issues
We’re having a bug or two with the graphics on the site. Thanks for your patience as we try to make everything work again.
Thanks from the Avondale KidFest 2016
So good to see so many people at the Avondale KidFest this year. Here’s some pics. Thanks to our whole team. We worked with families to help their kids “make and take” nearly 200 paper visors! For this event, that was 1 per minute! So much fun.
Book-Marking Foxes
We have the new bookmarks for “The Fox and the Crow: Art and Stories Inspired by Aesop” book, coming at the end of August. Here you see our big package of bookmarks all ready for the goodie bags at the Avondale KidFest on April 9th. We’re one of the sponsors under our “The Story-Skilled Child” banner. Much fun.
Leave a Book: Little Free Library in Yuma, Arizona
On a recent outing to the Yuma Storytelling Festival, we stopped by the Little Free Library at Arizona Western College. Who doesn’t want to see a TARDIS-shaped library? Michelle inscribed and donated a copy of Apples for the Princess to the library. If you don’t know much about these libraries, you can learn more on the website here.
“Apples for the Princess” in the News!
We’re pleased and grateful for the front-page article from the West Valley View in Avondale, Arizona. There are a two great pictures and a good article that talks a bit more about the philosophy of the author and illustrator. Thank you to the WVV team who put this together. Above is a picture of Michelle Buvala, the illustrator for Apples for the Princess (Amazon Link) book. Taken at the “Art is Alive” festival in Goodyear, Arizona.
Fairytales Teach…Part Three
Are fairytales any good any more for modern audiences, for kids, for schools, for life? The fairytale has taken somewhat of a beating of late. Thought to be too “this” or “that,” it’s easy to miss the teachable moments in the middle of trying to seek balance in these older stories…or the new ones being made. Here are a few of our thoughts. This is the third posting in the series. You can see the first post at this link now. The second post is at this link here. The illustrations in this collection are from our “Apples for the Princess” kid’s book. Please feel free to Pin or Book or Tweet or link to us on social media. More thoughts after the pictures…
7. Fairytales teach that you might find the answers in surprising places and people.
8. Fairytales teach that you really can’t control everything.
9. Fairytales teach that a simple solution might be all you need.
It’s important, we think, that we understand that nothing children (especially) encounter is done in a vacuum of experience. As parents, we need to actively engage in all media from ancient tales to modern phone screens. What is your child seeing? All media can be used to teach, even the moments that you think the child “isn’t ready for.” Engage. Look at your kids. Tell them fairytales…or read them. 🙂 .
If you found this series of posts to be helpful, we hope you’ll consider picking up an affordable copy of Michelle’s book in paperback or Kindle. Thank you.
Fairytales Teach…..Part Two
Are fairytales any good any more for modern audiences, for kids, for schools, for life? The fairytale has taken somewhat of a beating of late. Thought to be too “this” or “that,” it’s easy to miss the teachable moments in the middle of trying to seek balance in these older stories…or the new ones being made. Here are a few of our thoughts. This is the second posting in the series. You can see the first post at this link now. Part Three is linked at the bottom of this post. The illustrations in this collection are from our “Apples for the Princess” kid’s book. Please feel free to Pin or Book or Tweet or link to us on social media. More thoughts after the pictures…
4. Fairytales teach that life requires a journey.
5. Fairytales teach that things are not always what they seem.
6. Fairytales teach that even those who live in castles have problems.
It’s important, we think, that we understand that nothing children (especially) encounter is done in a vacuum of experience. As parents, we need to actively engage in all media from ancient tales to modern phone screens. What is your child seeing? All media can be used to teach, even the moments that you think the child “isn’t ready for.” Engage. Look at your kids. Tell them fairytales…or read them. 🙂 .
GO to Part Three at this link now.
If you found this series of posts to be helpful, we hope you’ll consider picking up an affordable copy of Michelle’s book in paperback or Kindle. Thank you.
Fairytales Teach….
Are fairytales any good any more for modern audiences, for kids, for schools, for life? The fairytale has taken somewhat of a beating of late. Thought to be too “this” or “that,” it’s easy to miss the teachable moments in the middle of trying to seek balance in these older stories…or the new ones being made. Here are a few of our thoughts. This is the first three of the series. You can find Part Two at this link now. Most of the illustrations in this collection are from our “Apples for the Princess” kid’s book. Please feel free to Pin or Book or Tweet or link to us on social media. Thanks!
1. Fairytales teach that our words can have consequences and rewards.
2. Fairytales teach that one kind action can help and heal.
3. Fairytales teach that others should first be treated well with dignity.
It’s important, we think, that we understand that nothing children (especially) encounter is done in a vacuum of experience. As parents, we need to actively engage in all media from ancient tales to modern phone screens. What is your child seeing? All media can be used to teach, even the moments that you think the child “isn’t ready for.” Engage. Look at your kids. Tell them fairytales…or read them. 🙂 .
Making the Art