The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden, illustrated by Allan Drummond

Many years ago, two Jewish artists from Germany met in Brazil, started a business, fell in love, and got married. The Brazilians could not pronounce their German names, so the couple shortened them to H.A. and Margret Rey. While honeymooning in Europe, the Reys decided to stay in Paris so H.A. could pursue a career as a children's book author and illustrator. During this time, H.A. started developing stories about a curious little monkey, influenced by the many monkeys he saw in Brazil. But Hitler's forces delayed H.A.'s plans for the little monkey until he and Margret could safely escape Europe.

Written and structured in the simple style of the Curious George stories, Borden unveils the tale of this amazing duo who endured much to bring about a priceless picture book story. Along with Borden's concise text, Drummond's watercolor illustrations capture the Rey's hope and perseverance as they carefully made their escape from Europe. Included in the book are maps showing their travels, H.A.'s daily agenda entries, Margret's photographs, original manuscripts for Curious George, and early concept art for several of H.A.'s children's books. Unlike the Curious George books, this is not a story for very young readers. However, The Journey That Saved Curious George is a rich resource for older elementary readers who grew up enjoying the mischievous escapades of a curious little monkey.

Across the Blue Pacific: A World War II Story by Louise Borden, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker

Through the years, Molly and her little brother become close friends with their neighbor's son, Ted Walker--a recent Naval Academy graduate. Life is carefree as they enjoy time with Ted. However, this lifestyle ends when WWII breaks out. Ted is ordered to the South Pacific on the submarine USS Albacore. While Ted faces the dangers of war, Molly faces an easy, secure existence. But Molly's life changes when the Walkers receive a telegram from the United States Navy. 

Borden's WWII story is not about heroic deeds accomplished by extraordinary people when facing insurmountable odds. This book is an unspoken tale that is shared by thousands of children who lived through WWII. Like Molly, many children felt that the war was too far away for them to worry about. Some didn't experience any effects of the war until they lost a loved one in distance battles. Once this occurred, these children began fighting their own internal wars to understand why the loss happened. A thought-provoking but quiet picture book appropriate for ages 6 and up.   

Baseball Is. . . by Louise Borden, illustrated by Raul Colon

Baseball is a complex sport riddled with rich history, monumental players, and loyal fans. But baseball is more than just a game. Baseball creates memories for it's fans with sitting in the bleachers, listening to commentators, cheering for a team, eating peanuts and hotdogs, singing familiar songs, and watching the American flag wave over the field. Baseball is an integral part of our culture that all are welcome to experience.

Borden's succinct, poetic words and Colon's colored pencil illustrations capture the purity of the all-American sport. Borden highlights baseball's memorable past, engaging present, and promising future in catchy prose, mimicking the pace of the game itself. Any fan--old or young, pro or rookie, boy or girl--will have their appetite for baseball quenched as they read Baseball Is....         

Allen County Young Authors 2015

Just experienced another great year at the Allen County Young Authors Celebration! This year the two authors that joined us were Louise Borden and Mike Graf.
 
Louise is the author of several picture books, early readers, and biographies. She writes a wide variety of stories from losing your first tooth to celebrating our custodians to showcasing true stories from World War II. She gains much of her inspiration from the students she meets, the history she loves researching, the schools she visits, the stories from her family, and the experiences of her past.

Louise didn't always want to be an author. When she was young she wanted to be a composer. Her music teacher supported Louise's efforts, even though Louise wasn't the best pianist. But Louise never lost her love of music and composing. She sees writing her books like composing beautiful music.

Mike Graf has been an elementary teacher, a college professor, and a TV weatherman. During these professions, he has started up his love of writing by creating non-fiction and fiction books for children.

Lately he has been writing a fiction series based on the National Parks. Readers follow the Parker family, with their twins Morgan and James, as they experience adventures like dodging scorpions in the Grand Canyon, hiding from a grizzly in Yellowstone, and avoiding mountain lions in Arches and Canyonlands.

Friday these stellar authors visited schools in Allen County talking about their books, the importance of reading, and encouraging the students with their own writing.

In preparation for these authors coming, elementary and middle school students wrote their own books, thanks to the support of their dedicated teachers. These books were then submitted to and judged by the Young Author committee. The committee reads ALL the books in the county (I think there were 700+ books written this year). Then they decide which books stand out in each grade level. The chosen authors are awarded a medal and an opportunity to attend the Young Authors Celebration on Saturday morning. During Saturday's events, these students get to meet other winners, share their own stories with their peers, and hear more presentations by the Louise and Mike. Later they can get their books signed by the visiting authors.

Last weekend was the 16th year of the Allen County Young Authors program. I have been volunteering to help with the program for almost all of it's 16 years. This is hugely in part to my amazing mother who developed this outstanding program those 16 years ago. And this year went without a hitch! Louise and Mike definitely inspired the kids to be better writers and readers!

Here I am with Louise while I was volunteering on Saturday. She was so awesome to meet! She was so good celebrating the kids for writing their own books.



Then here I am with Mike Graf. I loved hearing more about our National Parks! He made all who listened to him want to make a trip touring these gorgeous places.



So another successful year, thanks to these fabulous authors, the students, the teachers, and the dedicated Young Authors committee. Well done everyone!