Women's Focus - December 2007 - (Page 54)

focus on H E A LT H Love of Reading WITH YOUR CHILD THIS SHARE A Shanghai Shadows by Lois Ruby Kansas children’s book authors agree that kids should read for fun. “How a book affects the reader is really important,” Lois Ruby says. “I want kids to think about things.” She has a master’s degree in library science and is a frequent speaker at library conferences and children’s literature festivals. Lois visits 30 schools and libraries each year to talk about literacy and teach creative writing workshops. “I love to talk to the kids,” she says, “to find out what they think about; what they’re reading.” Lois has published 13 young adult novels in her 30-year writing career. The most recent, Shanghai Shadows, won a 2007 Notable Kansas Book award and Selected Street Book award for 2007. Shanghai Shadows is a novel about two children of Jewish World War II refugees that escape to China and join the resistance. “Of all of my books, Steal Away Home has sold the most copies and is still in print after 10 years,” Lois says. Polly Basore knows the impact stories can have on people. “You don’t ignore a problem just because you think you can’t solve it,” she says. For that reason, she has written three middle-grade children’s books featuring a cat named Simon. Santa’s Stray, A Piano for Christmas, and All is Bright are stories about children who find simple ways to deal with difficult things. “Simon knows what’s in the hearts of children; that’s why he is adopted by Santa,” she says. All proceeds from the sale of these books go to local charities. “Everything I do is about kids,” Polly says. In 2003 she left a lucrative job in journalism to start Angelworks, a philanthropic organization that partners with local nonprofits to help disadvantaged children. Polly is a frequent speaker and teaches creative writing to schoolchildren through Wichita’s Art Partners. Dian Curtis Regan has published more than 50 children’s books in her 21 years of writing. They target all ages of young readers through picture books, middle-grade chapter books and teen novels. Her published works include Peek-a-Boo Zoo, Monster of the Month Club, and The World According to Kaley. Christmas Santa’s Stray by Polly Basore W o m e n s F o c u s • w w w. F o c u s O n . c o m • D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 Her best-selling young adult fantasy novel, Princess Nevermore, has been updated and expanded from the first edition written 12 years ago. The sequel, Cam’s Quest: The Continuing Story of Princess Nevermore and the Wizard’s Apprentice, was written in response to the enormous request of fans to find out what happened next. Dian was awarded Member of the Year for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and is honored to have a library in South America named after her. “I’ve been blown away by readers’ responses and all the wonderful letters telling me how much my stories touched their lives,” Dian says. Copies of these and other books written by Lois Ruby, Polly Basore and Dian Curtis Regan are available at local bookstores. So give a gift that will keep on giving for years to come. Peek-a-Boo Zoo by Dian Curtis Regan ~B.D. Tharp 54 http://www.FocusOn.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Women's Focus - December 2007

Women's Focus - December 2007 Contents BEAUTY & FASHION Quick Change Wichita's Next Top Model Contest FACTS & FUN 12 Months of Shoes Organizing Christmas Stocking Stuffers and Last Minute Gifts Indulge Yourself: Harley Davidson Save the Date FLAVOR Christmas Entrees in Focus Winter Vines FAMILY & FRIENDS Cathy Carrier Forget Me Not Gal: Brenda Glidewell In Her Shoes: Larry Doss Kissin' Tells: KZSN Survey Results Sierra's Stars: Daniel Richardson Social Circle HEALTH Ask Dick & Jane Austism and A Gluten-Free Diet Endometriosis & Infertility Lexi's L.A.M.B.S. Losing Big HOME & GARDEN Crafts: Gingerbread Ornament Don't Bark Up the Wrong Tree This Christmas Holiday Homes Poinsettia Passion That's A Wrap Winter Wonders TRAVEL & LEISURE City Culture Share a Love of Reading with Your Child

Women's Focus - December 2007

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