29 Mar Sadness, Hope, Peace, and Happy “Almost Birthday” to A FLOOD OF KINDNESS

Welcome back to “Writing Outside the Lines.” I know it’s been a while, and don’t worry, I will be back to highlighting and celebrating a lot more Kid Lit writers and illustrators. There are so many wonderful things happening in Kid Lit Land, so STAY TUNED!

Today, however, I want to catch you up on a little bit of what I’ve been doing. To be honest, I’ve mostly been fretting about the state of our world. It’s been hard to focus on writing with all the sadness. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had a problem with turning from the news to writing a fun and uplifting story. I know many of us have been wondering how to help heal the world. Yes, we can donate money to causes that are important to us, but perhaps continuing to write books where kids can see themselves and others, ask questions, or laugh out loud is also a way we can help.

On another note, I’m thrilled to be back doing presentations in schools. In-person! My first “back to in-person visit” was to Tornillo Elementary and Intermediate Schools. It was exhausting yet invigorating. The kids and staff were great, and I hope I get to go back there again. Oh, and the lunches…YUM! Thank you, Tornillo ISD! I have a few more visits lined up for the rest of this year, and I am ready to fill my schedule for next year! For me, hanging out with my grandkids or the students I present to, gives me hope for the future. I”m looking forward to sharing my love of literacy, laughter, kindness, and hope with a lot more kiddos!

Speaking of hope, it’s hard to believe that it’s almost the one-year birthday of A FLOOD OF KINDNESS written by me and illustrated by the talented Blythe Russo.

I believe the book’s message of kindness, empathy, empowerment, and HOPE is timeless.  I invite you all to help me celebrate the upcoming birthday (April 13) in whatever way you’d like! Share the book, ask your library to get it, eat some cake, or most importantly, perform an act of kindness. The world needs that more than ever now. I’ll never forget the kindness shown to me and other”floodies.” Those kind people inspired this book.

And now… A

Please comment on this post about an act of kindness you did or observed. I will have my trusty random number generator choose a winner. The winner will receive either a copy of A FLOOD OF KINDNESS or a picture book critique. Winner’s choice!

Thanks so much for helping me celebrate, and until next time,

Best,

Ellen

If interested I’d love you to check out my website, http://www.EllenLeventhal.com to learn a bit more about me, my books, and my school visits.