TTBCC: The Traveling Book Club for Children

TTBCC – The Traveling Book Club for Children was founded by Author Layne Case.   Statistics tell us that as children advance in grade, their literacy proficiency drops, which increases the likelihood of dropping out of high school.  Statistics also tell us that 3 out of 4 people on welfare, unemployed, and in our state prisons cannot read.  In fact, some states use the literacy stats of children in elementary school to determine the future number of prison beds they will need.  So, Layne is on a mission to improve those skills so that children will have every possible chance to be successful. 

According to the NH Granite state Reading Council, parents are discouraging their children from taking books out of the library because if they are lost or damaged, they will have to pay for them.  So, Layne designed this book club so children could “own” a book, donated by a local business, because she knows if children have book, they will read.  

By all means, visit our website and see what TTBCC is doing to make sure that “no child is left behind”.  It’s easy and affordable to join.   Remember, our children are the future of the world!

 

 

 

Autism Resource

Amazing what persistence and determination will bring.  I am proud to announce that The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism is now listing my “Feeling Book Package” on their website bookstore.   Check out www.flutiefoundation.org/About-Autism-Books.asp .  Who would have thought that 37 years ago, when I wrote my “Charlie” book, it would be used to help autistic and special needs children understand that being different is okay.  That our emotions make us think crazy things and act in crazy ways.  And, that making decisions when we are emotional is not a good time to do so.  I’m honored to be associated with such a worthwhile organization.  I can only imagine what’s to come this year.  Already hired to bring my literacy programs into 4 schools.  That old saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”…was never so true.  Keep trying.  Oh, and don’t forget to pray.  I don’t want anyone to think I did this all on my own!  Did I tell you about my Bible Study class I’m teaching?  Next time…

READ UP! WRITE ON! LITERACY RULES!

My literacy programs are starting to make their way into schools.  I am offering 4 programs so to be able to fit into the different schools needs.  Perserverance is paying off.  Book release party was well attended.  More book signings scheduled.  And, guest author at a “Christmas English Tea Party” at a local restaurant.  Oh, what fun!  Expecting good things for 2010!!!

Marketing Tips

Well, I had to get creative since, as a self-published author, I’m on my own.  Bookstores are not interested, small shops are but want a huge discount.  So, I designed literacy programs where I teach children how to write and publish children’s books.  After all, that’s what I know.  It’s really quite rewarding to get children to want to read and write.  Who would have thought after all these years I’d be back to teaching..which has always been a passion of mine!

APPLAUD WOMEN ARTICLE

I’m pleased to announce that I will have a published article in the fall issue of APPLAUD WOMEN On-line Magazine.  I decided to write about how my career as an author actually began…with one little song/poem I wrote over 25 years ago.  “Storybook of Life” … my very first poem in my book, Inspirations from My Family and Friends.  Visit my website (www.amitypublications.com)  and read the article…and my poem.  I hope you like it…would love to hear from you if you could relate!

Obstacles

Okay, so how does one get over the obstacles that fall in ones way through no fault of their own???  Just when I’m starting to make progress…boom!!!  This time?  Strained back from lifting a bath towel off the floor.  Who, do you ask, could be that weak?  Yes, it was me in spite of my daily workouts.  I spent two days in bed, two more days home bound.  Urggghhhhh!  Set me back a ways.  And, more obstacles to climb…husband’s surgery, mother’s surgery, husband’s surgery again.  On a more positive note,  Charlie and His New Friend is now in print.  Now to get it into the hands of the readers!!!.

Teaching about Writing & Publishing a Book

Who better to teach how to write and publish a book than an author who has done just that!  Well, that would be me!  Of course,  knowing how to write a book depends on the genre of book.  I’m sticking with what I know when I head into classrooms – children’s books.  Charlie and Charlie and His New Friend…great message and great illustrations (thanks to my sister).  Of course, I also wrote and published a poetry book BUT because I included Bible versus to compliment my poem, I can’t take this one near a public school.  Too bad…it’s a great spirit lifting book called Inspirations  from My Family & Friends.  Thank you to all who inspired me to write!

Story-telling

Gosh, I have so much fun story-telling!  Tonight, I was the invited author for a 20 year celebration at a local child care center in a church.  The children ranged from 18 month to 9 years.  Watching those little faces as I turn each poster board illustration is priceless.   Looking forward to doing more and more of this.

Charlie and His New Friend

Well, I’ve put the final approval on the proof for my next children’s book, Charlie and His New Friend.  Books should be here in about two weeks.  Cute story about how Charlie meets his new friend…who is very different from Charlie.  Charlie knows that being different doesn’t matter.  What matters is being kind and helpful – that’s what makes a good friend.  Can’t wait to share this book!

Literacy Grant Writer

Okay…it seems I’m in need of someone who knows how to write grants and can find those that will help fund my literacy program.  School budgets are frozen.  If we’re ever going to keep literacy alive, we need to bring programs INTO schools because teachers and librarians are overwhelmed.  Just spoke to an elementary school librarian…when I asked what type of literacy programs does she offer, she said she doesn’t…she just reads to the kids…didn’t know who did!  That really scared me.  So…I need help finding money so I can bring my program READ UP! WRITE ON! LITERACY RULES! into schools and keep children exciting about books!