WORLD RECORD WOMEN- Present and Past: PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER

 Recent news has heralded the excitement of sailing woman COLE BRAUER finishing second in a field of sixteen solo (male) sailors in a race to circumnavigate the world's oceans. Click above to read more details if this has somehow missed you. It's a powerful story of defying expectations and overcoming obstacles. Brauer's accomplishments are impressive in any times, even "these days", though it is apparently still somewhat "shocking" to many people that "a woman" could accomplish this, or even attempt it. 

From the report above:

"Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light, 29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself." 

Brauer was following early paths and inspirations of women breaking social "rules", examples provided by many other women in the past who had also seem potential in themselves that others dismissed, actively challenging themselves to do things others found incredible. One difference is that news coverage and shared stories about such groundbreaking women could not reach women globally. 

Calkins Creek, 2024
An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers

The story of one such woman is revealed in PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the World, written by the talented (and curious) researcher, storyteller, author VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, with fabulous illustrations by Alison Jay.  The subject of this event-focused bio/profile was known as Annie Londonderry, though her actual name was Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, married jewish mother of three who saw a poster with a daring opportunity, and set out to improve her family. 

The central story is that two rich men decided to pose a monetary prize (ten thousand dollars, at a time in which that translates to more than a quarter million modern dollars!). Terms of the challenge were specific, including that it must be bicycle strip around the world (allowing for ocean liner travel), that the woman must earn five thousand dollars during the trip (within the fifteen month limit), as well as restrictions related to accepting donations and other supports. 

Kirkfield incorporates excerpts from Annie's own accounts, directly connectING readers to Annie's personality, intentions (to improve prospects for her family's future) and perseverance. Kirkfield carries readers rapidly through Annie's record-setting narrative journey: learning to ride a bike, recognizing the immeasurable restrictions of biking in layered skirts and a corset on a man's-weight bike, plotting the best route (doubling back to restart after hundreds of miles), being waylaid and robbed, and so much more!

Incidents and anecdotes along the way are each revealing and informative about her clever approaches to meeting each of the strict criteria spelled out in the details of the contract challenge. Her awareness of NELLIE BLY's recent trip around the world offered examples embraced by and expanded by Annie, including selling signed photos along the way, lecturing groups about her travels, and, in fact, adopting the surname LONDONDERRY and displaying that non a sign on her bicycle to be the first female athlete compensated for advertising. 

If you've figured by now that Annie succeeded, you'd be right, but that fact barely scratches the surface of what I learned about her through this entertaining picture book, in the main narrative, through extended back matter, and by examining these stylized but remarkable illustrations. The story demands an initial read-through, but invites repeated readings during which the detail-rich illustrations reveal countless background facts about that time period and the various aspects of society around the globe. insights about standards of dress, style, occupations, attitudes, transportation, response to gender challenges, and so much more. I found it especially exciting that Kirkfield did not end the narrative at the end of that challenge journey, but included ways in which Annie's experienced shaped the remainder of her perusal and professional life.

Current news about sailing success COLE BRAUER has the benefits of digital media and "going viral". In fact, many kinds of advertising and reporting about women who broke new ground were common in the real time of the last century and more as women challenged struggles and successes. Those public records allowed modern day researchers to find reports and archival evidence of the impact each accomplishment had. The wonder, today, is how many author/researchers (many of them women) are making it their mission to find reliable sources, including primary sources, to share inspiring stories about women/girls who recognized difficulties but refused to see gender as a barrier to their horizons. Picture book format offers an ideal platform and intended audiences, reaching and affecting young female AND male perspectives before limitations and stereotypes ossify. In the next few posts I'll offer a few look-backs at examples of some of my favorite examples from recent years.

Book Launch Giveaways, and Illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch

 It has been a busy few days since my first picture book launched on Tuesday, July 6. On that book birthday Vivian Kirkfield, author and inspiration to many in the world of children's books, welcomed us to  celebrate the book birthday on her blog, including a  giveaway, HERE.  Still time to get in on the drawing as of this post on 7/12/21!

I'm solely responsible for a glitchy digital fail on the ZOOM launch event. Thanks to Becky (illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch) for being so quick on her toes. We managed a fun discussion of the back-story behind bringing IS IT OVER? to the world. The short and lively conversation was recorded, and I think everyone who had hoped to attend live received a link to catch up at their convenience. If you would like a chance to view it, leave a comment saying so and I'll send it directly.

We were able to conduct the drawing for the raffle from among registered folks, whether they attended or not. Witnesses confirmed that the winner was the mom of this delightful and delighted young reader, Miss K. (Photo used with permission of her parents.) 

If you are feeling as excited as K. is to win a signed book/stuffed IVAN toy, opportunities are limited. The linked post above might still be live when you read this. If it has ended, another blog drawing (including IVAN) will appear later in this book birthday month (7/23/21 at Beth Anderson's blog, HERE).

We'll have another raffle at a live book birthday party for those in the SE Wisconsin area on Sunday, July 18. If you'd like to join us, add a comment requesting details and I'll send you a direct invitation. Lots of fun for kids who come, too, including art activities with Becky!

Speaking of Becky, I invited her to share some of her thoughts and reactions about working on this project, and she agreed!

Becky: I was honored when Sandy emailed me last August and asked if I’d be interested in illustrating this book. Working on this project was a bright spot in a difficult and uncertain year, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of it.  

An early challenge came during the character development.  I knew I wanted the readers to understand Daddy was a veteran, but I wanted them to come to that realization along the way.  So I did a bit of research online and decided to give the character a prosthetic leg.  It tells us why Daddy has a difficult time with loud noises without him ever having to mention it.

SB: Becky, if you want to share a favorite interior spread, would you tell us why?

Becky: This spread is my favorite from the book.  It is one of those rare pieces that comes out on paper (or in this case, digitally on screen) exactly the way it was in my head.  I knew when I pictured this image that I would be able to illustrate this story.

SB:  Thanks for your thoughts, Becky, and for tapping into the heart and emotional core of this simple little story. You brought it to life far better than I could ever have imagined.

Rebecca S. Hirsch is a picture book author and illustrator.  She strives to capture the magic and the playfulness of childhood in her work.  She is an active member of the Wisconsin chapter of SCBWI.  She lives with her husband and children in Waukesha, WI. She came in Second Runner-up in the 2017 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Illustration contest.  Her illustration received the “People’s Choice” award at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference May, 2019. As of 2021, Rebecca is the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI-WI. She can be found online at www.rhirschillustration.com or on Instagram as rhirchillus.

Speaking of veterans, I celebrated the release this week by mailing copies of IS IT OVER? to ten veteran/family support groups for use within their programs or to share with a family they thought might especially enjoy it. Before the end of this launch month I'd like to mail out (at least) ten more copies. If you are aware of a veterans' group or family support group that might appreciate having a copy, please offer that suggestion in the comments. I'll curate the list for authenticity and then do a drawing to proceed with those donations. At the end of the month I'll post a list of the organization recipients.

For now, I'm back to work on more party preparations and ongoing writing. I posted that amazing nonfiction elephant title I promised, HERE. If you haven't read it yet, I hope you will. I'll return soon with more picture book recommendations and reviews, and hope you'll be here to read them!

July 20, 2021 addition to post: 

Just updating here to indicate that the end of the month arrived and I will be mailing out one book to each of ten different FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION homes from coast to coast. If you aren't familiar with this remarkable service organization for veterans, check them out HERE.

 

 

learn the details.

FROM HERE TO THERE: a Journey of Ten Thousand Years

I've been immersed in fiction picture books while narrowing down Round One Cybils finalists among two hundred nominees. It's exciting to take a break from that category to share the news of an upcoming nonfiction picture book release. It's written by the amazing Vivian Kirkfield. I'm an avid fan of her nonfiction picture books, and I'll get to this newest title in a moment.  

First, though, I want to sing the praises of the author herself, someone who always goes the extra mile. Vivian's website is loaded with amazing content, including her blog about wonderful authors, celebrations of "book birthdays" by other creators, and information about her own extensive catalog. She offers school visits (virtual, for now, but still lively and loaded with learning), provides supplemental materials about her books, and has a tab to access critique services for aspiring writers. She volunteers enormous amounts of time via social media giveaways of mentorships and other coaching. Read more about her HERE. 

HMH BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
January, 2021

The important thing for readers to know about Vivian is her ability to take deep dives into nonfiction content and then share her discoveries with irresistible storytelling skill. FROM HERE TO THERE: Inventions that Change the Way the World Moves is an impressive example of that, times ten. As her introduction explains, until mobility inventions developed, the only way to get from one place to another was to walk, run, be carried, or swim. As soon as animals were domesticated, the "be carried" idea caught on. 

In this excellent compilation, nine significant methods of more recent transportation developments are explored, with the "tenth" multiplier being the supplemental content at the end of the book. 

Opening endpapers launch readers eight thousand years into the past, when Inuit people developed canoes and kayaks. A select timeline begins there and takes giant steps forward, a few thousand years at a time, through skis, sailboats, riverboats, chariots, and even kites, wheelbarrows, and parachutes. The timeline reveals the eras in which evidence of such innovations were confirmed.

Kirkfield's full text takes a deeper dive into specific contributors to modern transportation. After reading nine detailed and delicious chapters, extensive back matter invites further exploration. Kids are challenged to consider creating their own inventions, with resources provided for further support in their efforts. An index makes this book a useful reference tool, including a selected bibliography providing chapter-by-chapter resources for each profile. Some diagrams and technical drawings from the original development of various devices are provided. Also included are source notes for quotations and excerpts embedded in the body of the text for each chapter. 

I'm making a point of these supplemental materials to stress the foundational strength of this book with its appealing and intriguing storytelling: accuracy and fact reliability. As we are guiding young readers through a world in which statements and stories "ring true" or may even seem too amazing to be true, it is important that they learn to take a closer look at those stories. Some may be constructed from questionable cloth (or thin air). This book serves as an outstanding example of ways that facts can be sorted from fiction, how questions can be answered with confidence. 

Now, to the chapters themselves. 

Each profile is placed in chronological sequence from the early 1700s to present day, and relates the story of the inventor(s) of these comparatively recent transportation inventions. Each reveals personality quirks, personal needs, inspiring moments, partnerships, struggles and setbacks. Each chapter can be read as an intact story, in any order. Each also integrates related content in useful sidebar text, an efficient and interesting way to provide societal context, impact, connections, and other details without disrupting the flow of very entertaining stories. The overall effect makes these contributions from the past feel relevant and important to present day life.

Chapter One begins with manned hot air balloon flight (1700s), moving on to the bicycle (originally the "running machine"!), the steam locomotive, gasoline-powered automobiles, interstate bus company services, liquid fuel-propelled rockets, folding wheelchairs, industrial robots, and computer-generated ship designs. In each case, the inventions are ones we take for granted (if we bother to think of them at all) but the stories of their inventors reveal how innovative and truly unprecedented these ideas were in their times. Each offers examples of persistence, cooperation, and visionary drive. There is variety and diversity among the inventors, and in every case their personalities will resonate with and inspire readers.

The final endpapers provide a select timeline of transportation inventions from the past two centuries, ending with the driverless automobile. I grew up in Ohio not far from the home of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Other than some fun field trips, I can't say that inventors of various forms of transportation ever intrigued me. Now, though, the remarkable characters profiled in each chapter of this book filled me with curiosity about the untold stories behind those pictured inventions on the timeline. I suspect many young readers will have similar reactions and they may dive into their own deep research about those untold stories. 

Why am I featuring a nonfiction "chapter book" in a picture book blog? Because it is, in reality, a sort of anthology of separate picture books, with the illustrations carrying important elements of the individual profiles. I was provided an advance PDF file of this forthcoming book, so the images throughout were in black and white. Even so, the art illustrations by Gilbert Ford suited this work beautifully. His retro-style and action-packed scenes enhanced both the history and the propulsive quality of each invention. In some places the images revealed the drama or emotional content of the related text. In many instances the images take on more technical detail to clarify and support understanding of science or mechanical elements within the profiles. 

This book is a prime example of ways that literary content can be used for STEM education and too-often neglected social studies. I urge you to get your hands on this book as soon as you can. (It's available for advance orders now, HERE). While you are waiting to read it, you can learn more about Vivian by reading her other books, which I love, including posts about two of them HERE and HERE.

Writer for children—reader forever…that’s Vivian Kirkfield in five words. Her bucket list contains many more than five words – but she’s already checked off skydiving, parasailing, banana-boat riding, and visiting critique buddies all around the world. When she isn’t looking for ways to fall from the sky or sink under the water, she can be found writing picture books in the picturesque village of Bedford, NH. A retired kindergarten teacher with a masters in Early Childhood Education, Vivian inspires budding writers during classroom visits and shares insights with aspiring authors at conferences and on her blog, Picture Books Help Kids Soar where she hosts the #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest and the #50PreciousWordsforKids Challenge. She is the author of many picture books including Sweet Dreams, Sarah, a 2020 Notable Social Studies Trade Book Selection, Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe; and the upcoming From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves, already a Junior Library Guild Selection that launches from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on January 19, 2021. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Linkedin, or just about any place people with picture books are found.

Social media links:

www.facebook.com/viviankirkfield

www.twitter.com/viviankirkfield

www.instagram.com/viviankirkfield

MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: Allies Matter

little bee books, 2020

Countless lessons can be learned from stories shared during BLACK HISTORY MONTH.  MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, with words by Vivian Kirkfield and art by Alleanna Harris, reveals a story I had never about an important connection between two iconic women who are widely (and rightly) admired. 
Count me among those admirers. 
After exploring the book, including the informative author notes at the back, I admire both women even more. 
I'm equally impressed by the storyteller. Within the limited word counts and pages of a picture book, Kirkfield has provided a parallel-then-intersecting story that reads with all the drama and excitement of a fictional plot. Its power is magnified by some lesser-known details about these two talented and courageous lives. 
Within the limited format of a picture book, Kirkfield has presented each of their early struggles and the circumstances that led to their "discovery" and eventual fame. Each experienced injustice and prejudice, for different reasons. In each case, those unfair treatments limited opportunities and outlets for their talents. 
The fact that they were fans of each other, from a distance, was an appealing detail that led to their eventual friendship. Marilyn's effort to learn from Ella's singing opened doors for her professional movie career. 
Ending the story there would have been interesting, but that would have ignored the more important story of two iconic allies.
I was impressed that Monroe took intentional steps to convey her gratitude, to use her position of privilege to support Ella's crossing of color barriers and career advancement. Harris's approach to illustration offers nuances of intense color tones, soft edges, theatrical lighting, and glossy pages that suit the story perfectly. Kirkfield has used the back pages to enhance the main text with rich and deeply researched details as well as providing resources that work for young readers and adults to learn more. 
There are plenty of reasons to share this during theme months of February (Black History) and March (Women's History). This nonfiction book traces a path from fandom, to ally-ship, to lifetime friendship. Its value serves readers well throughout the year to inspire us all to follow a similar path. 
Not likely to fame and stardom.
This revelation of the mutual support between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe offers a guide for present day, everyday decisions. It can inspire us by increasing awareness of ways to serve as allies. 
Certainly, its natural to do so in the lives of those we know and care about. Our challenge should be to do so across the margins of our usual contacts, to those who cross our path but to whom we owe nothing. Who knows what might develop?
At the very least we can extended a hand of support to someone else. 

This is not a new video, but it is one worth sharing. 
(Scroll down to the active clip. It only takes a few minutes, and is worth it.)

Burger King NO-BULLY campaign, 2017

For more details and praise from others, check reviews from KIRKUS (here), and Darlene Beck-Jacobson's blog (here).