Eric Van Raepenbusch's Blog Posts Tagged 'August' (15)

Over two years ago, someone remarked, "How many author birthdays can there be? Won't you eventually run out of ones to celebrate?" I replied, without really knowing, "I think I will have plenty of birthdays to celebrate." Now, two years later, I learn the birthdays of authors and illustrators in so many ways.  I meet an author at a book signing and ask them, without sounding too creepy, "Would you be interested in sharing your birthday? My family has been celebrating author birthdays for two…

Continue

I learned quickly not to complain about how difficult life with little children can be to parents of children that are all grown up.  They were quick to warn, "Just wait until they are teenagers."  I smiled when I heard this and acted as if I wasn't phased by the comment. However, on the inside I cringed, worried, and acknowledged that they were absolutely right!  Today, I got frustrated with my youngest son for walking too slow back to the car, my oldest son because his clothes were all…

Continue

It is crazy hectic at our house right now! School has started for my wife and daughter.  I am home with my 2 boys -- collectively we are known as "The Dudes" -- packing up our house in preparation to move. Not to mention,  I have to prepare for my fantasy football draft! With everything going on I thought, No household could be any more wild than ours, as my daughter packs her own boxes, my 3-year-old son has chosen to wash the dishes and my youngest is unpacking the boxes that we left… Continue

My children and I have shared many laughs together reading books by Lane Smith. Whether it be the beastly fable, Horseshoe Crab and Blowfish fromSquids Will Be Squids or Baby Hocky's troubles with white coats, candy apples, and balloons in The Happy Hocky Family or Paul Revere, the loud talking underwear salesman in John, Paul, George… Continue

Oh my kids love Skippito Friskito, (clap-clap)

A cat that thinks he's a perrito (clap-clap)

They love his funny rhymes

which make for some good times

each time we pick up the books to read-o. (clap-clap)



Judy Schachner uses the rhyming pattern above numerous times in her beloved books about a siamese cat, "whose ears are too beeg for his head and his head ees too beeg for his body." After bouncing on his bed Skippyjon Jones peers into the mirror and sees… Continue

Last night, I attended my first children's literature writing critique group meeting.   In my absence, my wife was excited to have the opportunity to read books at bedtime with our two oldest children.  After I returned home, and we had a chance to talk about our evenings, I realized that my wife and I had similar experiences.  At the meeting, I jumped at the chance to read my own picture book manuscript that I have worked on since last fall to a group of talented writers.  At home, my wife…

Continue

Many of the benefits of reading non-fiction books with children are right on the surface.  Children are exposed to labels, timelines, charts, and graphs.  A non-fiction book teaches new vocabulary and concepts.  Additionally, children are encountering material that is similar to what they have or will experience in reading textbooks in school. I view all these benefits as secondary to a non-fiction book's ability to spark a meaningful conversation between an adult and a child.…



Continue

The beginning of August signals to our family that school will be here very soon.  Initially the flip of the calendar is disheartening. Yet, it reminds us that we must enjoy each and every day of these next few weeks.



Our summer bucket list still has many things without a checkmark.  However, this week we were able check one activity off the list when the whole family visited our community swimming pool.  I do not like swimming all that much (Don't tell my children!).   But, this…

Continue

Continue

Continue

Continue

Continue

Continue

In May 2010 we met Sherry Ellis when she was featured during a… Continue

Continue