Month: October 2016

Sparking the Imagination

One delight that has come from the numerous school and childcare reading done by the author, has been the smiles of the young children. While on the recent road trip to North Dakota, author, Paula Helgerson, made repeat visits to both Immanuel Lutheran Christian Children’s center (preschool classes & after school kindergarten) and Holy Family/St. Mary’s school (kindergarten class).

Once in Grand Forks, illustrator, Kimberly Forness Wilson also joined Ms. Helgerson. Our creative team was able to enrich the story book reading with insight into the making of the adventure. The delight continued as these children saw inside the story.  They learned how a picture evolved that would be used in the final book. It seems so simple when Ms. Wilson describes the process.

This road trip was a celebration of National Book Month. From preschool to Kindergarten… Li’l Al was shared with 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders at Holy Family/St. Mary’s School. What? A preschool story to students reading chapter books? Yes, …because of this story’s ability to cultivate imagination. Taking journaling into creative writing is a natural progression. That’s how our author began; back in the day when SHE attended Holy Family parish school.

However, writing is not a forte for everyone. Say it with pictures – was the answer for Ms. Wilson. It was easy for her to draw, or to paint. From this she launched her career. Ms. Wilson shared with the older students more creative ideas for drawing supporting pictures to their own writings (their stories). They, too, could draw a caricature.

Then there was a brainstorming of fresh ideas! “You could see the wheels in their minds turning,” remarked Helgerson. The classes reflected on how Li’l Al was more than a simple story. It is a statement about living life with joy and discovery. The question was posed: What else should Li’l Al explore? Where else could Li’l Al venture? Who else might Li’l Al meet along the way.

At this rate, the children have Li’l Al off for at least 4-8 additional books above and beyond our next adventure in Book #4. Watch for THAT adventure to be coming in Summer 2017. Our author and illustrator have a long list of ideas to consider. What YOUR idea? Feel free to make comments on our Contact Us page. We look forward to hear where you think Li’l Al should go, meet, discover.

Supporting the Indie Book Seller

The Adventures of Li’l Al found itself at StoryTime at the Grand Forks public library on October 11. Author, Paula Helgerson was joined by illustrator, Kimberly Forness Wilson, when they visited the weekly StoryTime event. They were welcomed again, as they were at their April 2016 appearance, by the numerous children who attended along with parents or childcare staff. The change in season combined with the chill in the air made it the perfect morning to share Li’l Al’s latest adventure to the Pumpkin Patch.

Several of the children attending recalled Li’l Al from last Spring’s visit. They were delighted to hear and see his new adventure. Our creative team shared the benefits of continued friendships through the years. As these two have been friends since youth, they have carried this into a partnership with our storybook character. Likewise, the friendships that these little people are forming can continue long through their lives.

This is the second story shared at the library’s StoryTime, but the third book about Li’l Al. They talked about the changing seasons and that these first stories of Li’l Al reflect the seasons. They discussed where Li’l Al may be off to in his NEXT adventure. Ms. Helgerson, upon request, also read Li’l Al and the Snowy Day, the first story.  These three stories are now available in the children’s section of the Grand Forks library; as well as for purchase at the two independent Book stores in Grand Forks.

Traveling to Grand Forks makes it a prime opportunity to check in at both Indie Book Stores in that area. In the Spring and over the Summer the Li’l Al Adventure series was made available through both Ferguson’s Books and More, along with Book World. These two Indie Book Sellers were updated recently with the third, and NEWEST story in the Li’l Al collection. Please visit these stores when you’re in the area.

Connections Translate to Personal Appearances

October my see many of us heading to pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Author, and creator of Li’l Al Adventures, Paula Helgerson, was on the road. What better way to celebrate National Book Month then to travel? Ms. Helgerson hit the road and journeyed to North Dakota for several school appearances.

Li’l Al stories were introduced to the youngsters in Steele, ND, as well as one school in Bismarck. These were the first public readings of the newest story: “Li’l Al Meets Big Jack.” They liked it! We were welcomed by kindergarten, first grade and preschool classes in Steele.  Yes, pumpkins are a fun subject this time of year.

Their school library is enriched now with the donation of “Li’l Al Meets Big Jack.” We shared with the children how old friendships are renewed when you stay in touch with those you met years ago. As it is with my friend, Brenda Eichele, teacher at the Kidder County School. Through her invitation, we structured this road trip to include stopping off at her school.

On to Bismarck, as the road trip moved West across the state. Here we spent a day visiting Martin Luther School. Connection from years ago made this visit possible, too. Andrea Pansegrau is one of the teach aids at his school. An author visit is an excellent way to enrich education; and a children’s author to boot! Several of the preschool teachers heightened the appearance by reading the first two Li’l Al stories to the children in the days leading up to Ms. Helgerson’s visit. The children were excited to actually MEET the person who wrote the stories they had heard! They knew who Li’l Al was when when she arrived.

What fun for them when they saw and heard the NEWEST in the Li’l Al stories! “Now I know a real author,” remarked one little boy as I sat down to read, said our author.

The three preschool classes, the first and second graders all enjoyed a slight diversion to their day. This small school can now boast it has a full set of Li’l Al Adventures stories in it’s library; all signed by the author of course…. More on this road trip to follow.

….Roast up those Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, now what? What ever does one do with all the seeds you clean out of the pumpkin as you prepare to carve your Jack-o-Lantern? Don’t throw them away. Have you ever roasted them to eat as a snack? It’s easy to do; and a fun activity to do with the kids.

Wash your seeds that are removed from your Jack-o-lantern.  Placing the in a colander helps.  Separate the “pumpkin guts” from the seeds, keeping only the seeds.  In the colander, it’s easy to shake dry. Note: using a paper towel to dry them can produce seeds sticking to the paper and creates a mess.  Simply shake.

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.  Spread seeds on a buttered or oiled cookie sheet. Toast/roast in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden.  When roasted, remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with salt. Li’l Al’s mom prefers Rock Salt.  Eat when cool enough to touch. If you’ve never had roasted pumpkin seeds before, they are similar to roasted sunflower seeds, but you don’t have to crack open any shells (less messy).

Celebrating National Pumpkin Seed day could become a family activity. Use this as a window to discuss with your children uses for seeds – what other seeds do we eat? Sunflower seeds, popcorn, sesame seeds are just a few. What do they taste like? Why do we eat seeds? Did you know pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and magnesium? So, you don’t just have to throw away all the insides of your Jack-o-Lantern.  Good eats can come from it all!