Stop! Don’t Throw That Book Away!

Last weekend I witnessed something that I didn’t know could really happen. Someone was actually about to throw a stack of perfectly good books into the (gulp) trash. As a children's author, this was a total shock to my system. To back up the story a bit, my husband is a certified appraiser who is often called upon to help people downsize and liquidate their estates. Since I am an avid lover of “junque” I accompany him as often as I can. We arrived at the house of a couple of empty nesters, ready to offer them advice about their estate. While eyeballing their “stuff” I noticed a large pile of children’s books by the back door. The pile included about 15 Dr. Seuss Books, a few Richard Scary books, 2 Eric Carle books, and an assortment of other very desirable children’s titles. I admired the books and (luckily) asked where the pile was headed. I almost fainted dead on the floor when these otherwise intelligent people announced that no one in their family wanted the books, so they were going into the trash. Expletive! Expletive! Expletive!

Here’s what I can’t understand. Aren’t we all aware of the high rate of illiteracy in this country? Don’t we want better education for our children? Don’t we realize that any education has to begin with the ability to read? Don’t we realize that many children in this country have never owned a book?

Don’t worry. The books that were destined for the trash are now safe with me. I’ll make sure they make it into the right (little) hands. There are literacy groups all over the country and probably right near where you live. For a start, just Google the word “literacy” along with the name of your city. There are also homeless shelters that would love to have your books. And there are daycare centers for homeless children in most large cities. There are pre-schools, elementary schools and libraries that would welcome you with open arms. You can even advertise for free on Craig’s List and people will come to your house to pick up the books.

If your children have outgrown their books, donate them. If you purchase a book for a birthday gift, purchase a second one to donate. If you are an author or publisher, donate your slightly damaged books.

C’mon people. Tell all your friends. Together we CAN make a difference.

Bobbie Hinman
http://bestfairybooks.com

I Don't Want To Be A Mummy

I’ve always been fascinated with the history of ancient Egypt. I have marveled at the early technology involved in the building of the pyramids and aqueducts. I have laughed to myself as I picture the early authors writing novels on stone tablets. And I have always been especially fascinated with the mummies, wrapped with tender loving care and sent forward into the future.

I’ve often said that if I could go back to college and do it all over again, there’s no doubt that I would study archeology. I can hardly imagine the thrill and excitement of uncovering something (or someone) that has been untouched for thousands of years, just waiting for little old me to make the discovery.

I have always joked about my desire to be buried in a fancy tomb surrounded by all of my favorite perfume bottles. Also a pile of unread books, the manuscript I’m working on for my next fairy book, and some cookies that contain lots of preservatives (to keep them fresh for our “trip”). I have also planned to take as much money with me as my heirs are willing to part with – just in case I need to purchase something at the other end.

Today I was reading with fascination an online article describing another big discovery of mummies in Egypt. I have to admit, it made the hairs on my arms tingle. However, the article also reviewed other recent finds, including a stash of ancient gold coins and other artifacts that were found in the remains of a collapsed building under what is now a parking lot. That’s when it hit me that I don’t want to be a mummy after all. Thousands of years under a parking lot? Not for me. And, have you seen what a mummy looks like after all that time without even one manicure? And such dry skin! The article states that some mummies don’t even arrive in this millennium with all of their body parts intact. Nope, there’s nothing in that department I can part with.

So, I think I’ll live this life to the fullest, enjoy what I have now, look at my favorite perfume bottles everyday, take care of my body parts and continue to write fairy books that make children smile. That’s really what it’s all about.

Bobbie Hinman
www.bestfairybooks.com

I Need a Government Bailout!

Seriously, as a self-employed author with my own publishing company, I would like to apply for a government bailout. My needs are relatively small. I’m sure I will be able to squeak by on three or four million dollars – a mere pittance compared to what other companies are requesting. I will use the money to further education by visiting schools and teaching writing workshops all across the country. In addition, I will donate books to our libraries. I will work hard to create and support literacy programs right here in our country. I will create a “Books For Babies” campaign and ask for each family in America to donate just one book to help children in need.

As CEO of my own company, I will even be willing to forego the corporate jet and settle for the ability to fly on Southwest Airline whenever a school needs me. I don’t need a limousine. A new van will work just fine. And, as far as corporate retreats, I’m fine with Holiday Inns. Extravagant meals? Heck, I’m a vegetarian, so that part is easy. (My friends even joke about me being willing to stop and graze by the side of the road!)

I promise to remain transparent, or whatever the new buzzword is. I will do whatever I can to educate our youth and, in addition, I guarantee to make them smile.

If you think I deserve a bailout, please boost my ego by leaving me a comment.

http://bestfairybooks.com

If YOU Were a Fairy, Which One Would YOU Be?

Do you believe in fairies? Just ask a child that question and watch their eyes sparkle. We all know that children are believers. Too bad we’ve lost some of our beliefs.

As a children’s author, I have the distinct pleasure of spending a lot of time with children. As I often say, children have crystal clear imaginations. Add to this their hearts of gold, and the result can’t be beat. When I visit kindergarten through second grade classes, I read my two fairy books, The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy. I talk with the children about the characteristics of fairies, a topic they seem very familiar with. There’s always a child who is proud to announce that “Tinker Bell’s wings are green” or “the Sock Fairy made holes in my socks and my underwear.” One child even shared his intimate knowledge of the Tooth Fairy: “It’s really a man, he’s in his underwear, and after he leaves money, he goes into my mother’s bedroom.”

I enjoy talking to the children about the mischievous ways of fairies, ideas that children readily identify with. One of my favorite exercises after the readings is to ask the children what fairy they would like to be if they could magically become a fairy. The answers are imaginative and often quite funny. Here are a few recent answers to the question, “What fairy would you be and what would you do?”

•UPS Fairy –I would drive a tiny brown truck.
•Earring Fairy – I would find lost earrings and decorate my Christmas tree.
•Fashion Fairy – I would buy all the clothes and my sister couldn’t wear them.
•Mud Fairy – I could bring mud in the house and blame it on my dog.
•Homework Fairy – She would do all my homework.
•Underwear Fairy – Because I have a hole in my underwear.
•Food Fairy – She would bring me candy and then eat my vegetables.
•Ice Cream fairy – I could have all the ice cream I want and eat it all day.
•Messy Desk Fairy – I would sneak into school at night and mess up all the desks.
•Remote Control Fairy – She is a sneak.
•Dorito Fairy – She eats my Doritos.
•Mean Fairy – He punches people.
•Punch Fairy – He makes me cry and cry and cry.
•Tonsil Fairy - So I can bring them home in a jar like my brother.

Now it’s your turn. Think of something mischievous that you have always wanted to do or a mystery that you would like to solve by blaming it on a fairy. Would you be a good fairy or a not-so-good fairy? Which fairy would you be?

Choose Your Heroes Wisely

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hero as “a man or woman admired for their achievements and noble qualities; one that shows great courage.” Both of these qualities have to be present in order for me to call someone a hero. This brings me to the hotly debated topic of our latest athlete (Michael Phelps) to hit the ranks as a “fallen hero.” In case you haven’t watched the news for a few weeks, Phelps has admitted to smoking marihuana. Is he a kid? Yes. Does this excuse him from breaking the law? No!

I think this is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to talk to their kids about “true heroes.” Is someone a hero if he or she is a great athlete? A movie star? A rock singer? A character in a story? The answer is “possibly.” The real test is whether or not they also possess the following qualities: loyalty, courage, dedication, selflessness, bravery and honesty. I’d like to accent the last one – honesty. How can we call someone a hero if he or she breaks the law? We can call them talented people, great athletes, amazing singers, but, if they are dishonest, if they are selfish, if the break the law, they shouldn’t be called heroes. Let’s pass this message on to our children loud and clear.

I’ve been thinking about the people who would be on my own list of true heroes. These came to mind: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King. As far as movie stars, there are Christopher Reeve and Paul Newman. In the news, there's Chesley Sullenberger. In sports, there are Cal Ripkin and Michael Jordan. Add to the list most police officers, firefighters and teachers. Also the brave men and women in our military. Of course my Mom and Dad. Then there’s Dr. Abendroth, the college professor who taught me to love children’s literature. There’s even Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Who is your personal hero? I’d love to hear from you.

Don't forget to visit my website and see my fairy heroes.

Business Cards For Kids? What if Your Clients Are Children?

As an author of children’s books, I am always looking for eye-catching promotions. We all know that business cards are a traditional tool that can be used to promote most businesses. Cards are attention getters. They let people know who you are and what you have to offer. Giving out business cards is crucial to marketing your skills or services. But, what if many of your clients are children? Why not have a special card to give to children so they will be reminded of you?

I have found that colorful postcards, like the one pictured above, work well as business cards for this purpose. I hand them out to children that I meet at schools, libraries, book fairs and the grocery store. Yes, the grocery store. I carry the cards wherever I go. I have always been the type to strike up a conversation with people I meet in the grocery line or at nearby tables in restaurants. Now I introduce myself to the parents and make sure each child I meet goes home clutching a colorful fairy postcard. Many parents have thanked me for providing this diversion for fussy children.

Here are some of my marketing tips for my “Cards for Kids” program:

•Make sure the cards are colorful and attractive.

•Be sure to include your name, website and other contact information on the card, as well as the ISBN numbers of your books.

•Insert a card inside every book you sell.

•Be generous. Hand out lots of cards.

•Never leave home without them. Always have extras in your car.

•Maximize every "per chance" meeting.

•Print a special discount offer or coupon on the back.

•Use them as bookmarks so you'll always have them readily available if you meet someone at school, at a book club or in the gym.

•Have your spouse, family, and friends carry your cards to give to people they meet.

There are a number of online companies that offer great prices on cards. I have been very happy with the quality and service from Vistaprint.com. You can do a lot of marketing for your money if you use the cards wisely and abundantly. Short of renting a helicopter and dropping books from the air, this is a great way to spread the word.

Does Your Family Need a Visit From Miss Manners?

I don’t mean to sound like an old fogie, however, as a children’s author and grandmother of ten, I have the good fortune (usually) to come in contact with many, many children. This has led me to ponder a huge question – “What ever happened to manners?

Do people teach manners today? I see evidence that many do, and for that, society is grateful. I personally thank you, however I think you may be the exception, rather than the rule. I only wish that everyone would consider the ways their offspring may be interacting in the world outside their homes.

Manners have changed greatly since the early days of Emily Post . If you aren’t familiar with this lady of etiquette, I urge you to check out one of her older books from the library. These books seem quite funny in today’s world, just as cell phones would seem outrageous in past generations. But she was on the right track.

Etiquette used to involve placing your silverware on the table correctly and helping old ladies cross the street. Of course, today most “old” ladies are busy working out at the gym and doing yoga, and could probably carry YOU across the street. So, in today’s busy high-tech world, manners need to keep up with the changes.

Aside from the expected good manners that include the words,” please”, “thank you” and “let me hold the door for you”, today we really should concentrate on teaching our children cellphone manners, ipod manners, and texting manners. Let’s use our common sense here and help our children learn the difference between doing what kids do and being rude to others. It’s really uncomfortable talking to a child who is listening with half an ear while texting away. My son is a doctor and often treats young patients who are busy texting during their examination. Really! The parents are always present in the room and not one has ever told their child to put the phone away. And, speaking of phones, let’s teach our children to say “Hello, this is Ray. May I please speak to Justin?” That’s so much nicer than some of the grunting messages I’ve heard lately. Also, no matter how “amazing” the song is that you are listening to on your ipod, please put it on hold if someone (especially an adult) wants to speak to you.

Not difficult. Not rocket science. Just bring back the manners. Please!