Costume Party & Book Release Party at Barnes & Noble in Worcester on August 1

Tomorrow, August 1, from 9 p.m. to 12;30, the Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Plaza In Worcester is hosting a release party for Stephenie Meyer's new book Breaking Dawn. The bookstore will be having a costume wedding party. There will be a prize for best costume. Bella and Edward excluded. The event is free. For additional information call 508-853-2236

Winner: Autographed In My Backyard Book

Congrats to Kristen Gustafson of Oxford, who is the winner of the autographed copy of the book In My Backyard by Massachusetts author Valarie Giogas.
A reader of Bay State Parent magazine for the past three years, her favorite features are the calendar, Day Trip Destination and Parenting 1-2-3.
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To enter current, exclusive contests offered by Bay State Parent magazine, visit http://www.baystateparent.com/common/contests.html
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About the book: Baby dogs are puppies and they belong to a litter, but what is a baby skunk and what is the name of its group? This clever, rhythmic story tells us just that! Counting from one to 10, familiar backyard animals are introduced by baby and family group name. Each stanza also tells a bit more about each animal by providing clues as to what they eat, how they sound or where they live. The “For Creative Minds” section includes more animal fun facts, information on keeping a nature journal and how to watch for wildlife in your own backyard.
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About the author: Giogas has been writing since she was a child. As a teacher, her favorite part of teaching was the books. She’s been writing for children ever since she discovered that she could combine her love for children’s literature with her passion for writing. The idea for In My Backyard began when her son was in preschool. They always drove by a gaggle of geese, and he would giggle when she told him the group name. When the geese had goslings, the idea for this book was cemented.
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About Sylvan Dell Publishing: Based in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., it is on a mission to create picture books that excite children’s imaginations, are artistically spectacular and have educational value. The company specializes in “Science and Math Through Literature” and provides free supplemental parent/teacher resources for every title. Founded in 2004, Sylvan Dell’s family has grown to include more than 55 authors and illustrators in the U.S. and Canada, and 35 titles – honored as nominees, finalists or winners of more than 50 book awards – line their bookshelf. For more information about Sylvan Dell’s books and free parent/teacher resources, visit http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/

June 23: Usborne Summer Reading Club Kick-off

Usborne Books Summer Reading Club will kick-off on June 23. The club is seeking young readers who want to read, or be read to, this summer to make a difference.
The Usborne Books Reach for the Stars Reading Club is a pledge-based summer reading club.
The goal is to have children, ages 0 – 15, develop and reinforce a regular reading habit. The children earn books for their personal enjoyment and experience the satisfaction of sharing books with children who do not have books available to them.
This year the organizers will match 25 percent of the children’s contributions with a book donation to Community Teamwork’s family shelters in Lowell -- Milly’s Place and Merrimack House.
Chelmsford-area Usborne Independent Consultants and Reading Club Organizers, Edie Gale and Shelly Outwater, agree that “establishing an early love of reading is so important for every child. The club allows children to put their downtime to good use this summer and maintain reading skills they developed during the previous school year. While the children are enjoying their self-selected books, they are also helping less fortunate children in our community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
To include your child (or children) in the Usborne Books Reach for the Stars Summer Reading Club, or for more information, contact Edie Gale at 978-250-3705 or Shelly Outwater at 978-256-2520.
There is no cost to participate or enroll.
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STEGOSAURUS BOOK: Thursday, June 19 is Book Signing at EcoTarium & Enter Bay State Parent's EXCLUSIVE Contest To Win An Autographed Copy

Siegfried the Stegosaurus, who recently went AWOL from the EcoTarium to take a ramble through downtown Worcester, is now safely back home, and a book chronicling his adventures will be launched on Thursday, June 19 with a party and book signing at the Worcester museum.
The book about Siegfried's odyssey was born when Ann "Cookie" Nelson, who designs the EcoTarium's annual fund materials, learned from EcoTarium President Stephen Pitcher that this year the museum would have a new exhibit, DinoTracks. "Whatever happened," she asked Steve, "to Siegfried, the dinosaur that my children loved when the museum was on Elm and Cedar Streets?"
She learned that until very recently, Siegfried, a life- sized sculpture, had been exiled to a spot in the woods on the EcoTarium's grounds, but that now he was located in a more prominent position near the museum entrance.
What if Siegfried, discontented at being alone in the woods, had decided to walk away from the EcoTarium and explore Worcester, visiting the city's famous landmarks? That thought has turned into a colorful children's book written by Cookie Nelson and illustrated by Michael McMenemy, a Worcester artist and graduate of the Pratt Institute whose whimsical illustrations brought Siegfried and the sights of Worcester to life.
The EcoTarium is celebrating the publication of Siegfried with a party and book signing on Thursday, June 19 at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The party is free and includes light refreshments and a chance to chat with the creators of the book. Siegfried will cost $10.95 and will be sold at the EcoTarium's Museum Store and other local shops.
And what did happen to Siegfried when he ran away? He investigated Mechanics Hall, the Worcester Art Museum, the restaurants of Shrewsbury Street and lots more. To find out all the exciting details, you have to read the book!


EXCLUSIVE CONTEST: The EcoTarium has generously offered 5 autographed copies of Ann "Cookie" Nelson's new book Siegfried the Stegosaurus to Bay State Parent magazine readers.
5 readers, drawn at random, will each win an autographed copy.
To enter, please fill out the form at: http://www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html
Please select Siegfried book in the pull down menu.
The deadline to enter is Sunday, Aug. 10 at 11:59 p.m., EST.
Winners will be announced on the magazine's blog. Books will be mailed to winners.

About the EcoTarium: EcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, is a unique indoor-outdoor museum offering three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, a digital planetarium, and a narrow- gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For information, visit http://www.ecotarium.org/.
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CONTEST: Win An Autographed Copy of In My Backyard Book

Local Massachusetts children’s book author, Valarie Giogas, and her publishing company Sylvan Dell Publishing have generously offered a AUTOGRAPHED copy of Giogas' critically-acclaimed book In My Backyard for an exclusive contest for Bay State Parent magazine readers. In My Backyard , published in 2007, is highly recommended by Martha Stewart Living Radio, and it has been reviewed by such nationally recognized publications as School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and The Horn Book Guide. To enter, fill out the form at this link www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html

Click OTHER in the pull down box. The deadline to enter is Saturday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m. EST The winner will be announced on the blog. The book will be mailed to the winner.

About the book: Baby dogs are puppies and they belong to a litter, but what is a baby skunk and what is the name of its group? This clever, rhythmic story tells us just that! Counting from one to 10, familiar backyard animals are introduced by baby and family group name. Each stanza also tells a bit more about each animal by providing clues as to what they eat, how they sound or where they live. The “For Creative Minds” section includes more animal fun facts, information on keeping a nature journal and how to watch for wildlife in your own backyard.

About the author: Giogas has been writing since she was a child. As a teacher, her favorite part of teaching was the books. She’s been writing for children ever since she discovered that she could combine her love for children’s literature with her passion for writing. The idea for In My Backyard began when her son was in preschool. They always drove by a gaggle of geese, and he would giggle when she told him the group name. When the geese had goslings, the idea for this book was cemented.

About Sylvan Dell Publishing: Based in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., it is on a mission to create picture books that excite children’s imaginations, are artistically spectacular and have educational value. The company specializes in “Science and Math Through Literature” and provides free supplemental parent/teacher resources for every title. Founded in 2004, Sylvan Dell’s family has grown to include more than 55 authors and illustrators in the U.S. and Canada, and 35 titles – honored as nominees, finalists or winners of more than 50 book awards – line their bookshelf. For more information about Sylvan Dell’s books and free parent/teacher resources, visit www.SylvanDellPublishing.com

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Satuday, June 7: Local Author to Sign Critically-Acclaimed Book

Local Massachusetts children’s book author, Valarie Giogas, will be signing her critically acclaimed book In My Backyard at Borders in Marlborough, Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m.
In My Backyard was published in 2007 by Sylvan Dell Publishing. It comes highly recommended by Martha Stewart Living Radio, and it has been reviewed by such nationally recognized publications as School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and The Horn Book Guide.
Baby dogs are puppies and they belong to a litter, but what is a baby skunk and what is the name of its group? This clever, rhythmic story tells us just that! Counting from one to ten, familiar backyard animals are introduced by baby and family group name. Each stanza also tells a bit more about each animal by providing clues as to what they eat, how they sound or where they live.
The “For Creative Minds” section includes more animal fun facts, information on keeping a nature journal and how to watch for wildlife in your own backyard.
Mrs. Giogas has been writing since she was a child. As a teacher, her favorite part of teaching was the books. She’s been writing for children ever since she discovered that she could combine her love for children’s literature with her passion for writing. The idea for In My Backyard began when her son was in preschool. They always drove by a gaggle of geese, and he would giggle when she told him the group name. When the geese had goslings, the idea for this book was cemented.

About Borders: Borders in Marlborough is located at 739 Donald J. Lynch Blvd. For directions, call 508-490-8521.
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Celebrate Arthur's 8th Birthday This Weekend at Boston Children's Museum

On May 24 & 25 Celebrate America' favorite aardvark's 8th birthday -- Arthur Read -- at the Boston Children's Museum from 1 - 4 p.m.
Meet the famous aardvark as he celebrates his 8th birthday yet again).
At 1:30 & 2:30 p.m., make your own Arthur ears crown, and decorate the pretend cake. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 2-15.
For additional information, visit http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/
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CONTEST: Win a Copy of Counting in The Garden

This month, Bay State Parent magazine introduced a new department focusing on reading -- Mother N. Goose. Check it out at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2008/0501/articles/006.html

Inside the May Mother N. Goose article is a recommendation for the Scholastic book Counting in the Garden by author Kim Parker.
Scholastic Inc. has generously offered 3 copies of the book for Bay State Parent readers.
To enter to win a copy of the book visit http://www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html and fill out the survey form. Make sure to select Counting in the Garden.

The deadline to enter is Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 at 11:59 p.m.
Winners will be notified and posted online at the magazine's blog at baystateparent.blogspot.com/search/label/contest
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Today is National Mother Goose Day

Today, May 1, is National Mother Goose Day. Inside the May issue of Bay State Parent magazine (http://www.baystateparent.com/) we are launching a new column called Mother 'N Goose, which will highlight books for children. The column's author is writer Lisa D. Welsh, who also appears as Mother Goose at school and events. Visit her Web site at http://www.motherngoose.com/ for more information on birthday party appearances, field trips, or other events.

Her column will appear regularly in Bay State Parent magazine. You can read this month's column at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2008/0501/articles/006.html

So celebrate Mother Goose Day with your family by reading together!

Consider entering Bay State Parent magazine's book giveaway featuring Scholastic's Counting in the Garden book, highlighted in the premiere Mother N' Goose column. For details visit: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2008/0501/articles/007.html

Who Was Mother Goose?
The answer is many different writers. The term Mother Goose has been traced back to 1650 when a French book carried the line, Like a Mother Goose story.
It was first used in the title of a nursery rhyme collection about 1765 when Mother Goose's Melody was published. The name caught on, and nursery rhymes have been attributed to Mother Goose ever since.
In 1860 Elizabeth Goose; wife of Isaiah Thomas who published The Spy, the first newspaper in Central Massachusetts, became the Boston Mother Goose.
Another account is that the originator of the tales was Elizabeth Goose - the great-grandmother of publisher Isaiah Thomas's wife. Whether Thomas' wife or a great, grandmother, a tour of the Freedom Trail in Boston includes a stop at the headstone of Elizabeth Goose and she is given credit as the real Mother Goose.
The fact is that Mother Goose rhymes are from many sources, passed down in folklore fashion (some even written by famous authors) and perpetuated by publishers, frequently without author attribution.
So, origins of Mother Goose terminology are vague - and authorship of the verses is known to be varied - yet, we all know that Mother Goose is - somehow - real.

Congrats to Our No Child Left Inside Contest Winners

Congrats to:
Heather Fernald of Westford & Leslie Genova of Melrose

They are the winners of Bay State Parent magazine's
NO Child Left Inside contest. Each will receive a copy of Bill Thompson III's Peterson Field Guides' The Young Birder's Guide to Birds of Eastern North America book.

Congrats to everyone who entered the contest and thanks to Houghton Mifflin Company for generously giving the magazine two copies of Thompson's book for the contest.

Thompson spoke at Harvard University's Museum of Natural History on Sunday.
Like so many parents, Thompson, who is editor of Bird Watcher's Digest, was worried that his kids were not getting outside enough. How could he open their minds to the world outside the window? In writing this book, Thompson found the answer to that question. He spent three years working with his daughter Phoebe's elementary-school class to create The Young Birder's Guide.
The book, written for children ages 8 to 12, is kid-friendly and meant to be durable enough to carry outdoors. The book highlights 200 of the most common birds in eastern North America. Each species is engagingly described on a full page that is jam-packed with information. There are 300 color photographs, 200 black-and-white line drawings, and easy-to-read range map and lots of facts!
There is even a box at the bottom of each page for a child to check off they discovered the bird and to write when and where.
The book is not yet available to the public. Its release date is April 30. It retails for $14.95
To pre-order visit: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Young-Birders-Guide-to-Birds-of-Eastern-North-America/Bill-Thompson-III/e/9780547119342/?itm=1

Rainbow Child Development Center Celebrates El Dia De Los Ninos

Rainbow Child Development Center in Worcester celebrated El Día De Los Niños/El Día De Los Libros (children’s day/book day) by having volunteers read to preschoolers and toddlers on Wednesday, April 30. Volunteers include, Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, Director of Community and Intergovernmental Relations from Congressman James P. McGovern’s Office, Worcester Police Officer Gerald O’Connor, Worcester City Council Philip P. Palmieri, Ann E. Brown ,and Pamela Reidy, who are both on Rainbow’s Advisory Board.
The event was one of many taking place across the country promoting bilingual literacy, bridge cultures, and highlight the vital role our nation’s libraries and books play in helping new Americans find the resources they need to better their lives.
“Día will provide children and families with an opportunity to explore new worlds,” said Kathleen T. Horning, president of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. “Libraries are the perfect family destination, offering parents and children an opportunity to explore the world through multicultural book collections, diverse cultural programs and free access to the Web.”
Rainbow Celebrates Children’s Day - El día de los niños/El día de los libros is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy.

Rainbow Child Development Center provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 290 children – ages 6 weeks to 13 years – from families in the Worcester area. Now located at 10 Edward Street, Rainbow is able to provide even more children and their families the support they need. A Capital Campaign is currently underway to enable Rainbow to better support its children, and to extend its programs and services to additional children and their families. For more information about Rainbow’s programs and services, visit www.rainbowcdc.com or call Barbara Guthrie or Martha Pardo-Testa at 508.791.6849

May Issue, Featuring Mother's Day - Family Dining Guide - Adoption Guide, Is Off to the Printers

We shipped the May issue to the printers this afternoon.
Inside the issue is our inaugural Family Dining Guide. More than 75 restaurants are included in the kid-friendly dining guide chart. Freelance writer Leslie Castillo called local and chain restaurants and compiled 6-pages worth of information for families -- which restaurant has a kid's only menu, which offers free or discounted meal nights, which provide entertainment for children, which give free drinks or desserts, which have birthday or kids clubs?
Consider the chart a work in progress. I'm sure there is a restaurant that is a favorite of your family that may not be on it. Feel free to e-mail me at editor@baystateparent.com with additions or tell me about eating establishments that you didn't think were family-friendly.
Also inside our first Family Dining Guide, freelance writer Marguerite Paolino explores why families are trying to revive the tradition of eating dinner together and a second report on how to teach your toddler through teenager basic table manners.
Finally, our May issue would not be complete without a few Mother's Day articles.
Being a mom comes with a lot of titles. One title that always gets a reaction - be it positive or negative - is Soccer Mom. Freelance writer Michelle Xiarhos Curran, in her first article for Bay State Parent magazine, talked to moms who are proud of the title, and reported on the debate surrounding Soccer Moms and the stereotypes attached to the title.
Also inside the issue is a report on the trend of helicopter parenting and an interview with I Love You Like Crazy Cakes author Rose A Lewis. Lewis, a Needham resident, in a Q&A with me talks about adopting her daughter from China, motherhood, and her latest book Every Year on Your Birthday.
The issue should be at your favorite location in Eastern & Central Massachusetts next week.

Arthur-Famed Author/Illustrator Takes on Childhood Obesity

Famed childhood authors Rosemary Wells (Max & Ruby) and Marc Brown (Arthur) have teamed up to tackle the family obesity problem in this country through a new children's book The Gulps. About 60 million Americans, or 30% of the adult population, are considered obese by the U.S. government. Since 1980, overweight rates have doubles with children and triples with teens, according to the Center for Disease Control. Statistically, 45 out of every 100 elementary-aged children are overweight or obese. Created over dinner on the Vineyard, the book is written by Wells, a Connecticut resident and self-proclaimed vegetable addict. In fact, one of her daughters is a chef and the other is an organic farmer. Illustrated by Brown, the book tells a tale of an overweight family off for a roadtrip. The plump, sedentary family, with the exception of the youngest daughter, packs the car with cartons of junk food and even stops at a drive-thru fast food restaurant for a snack. The Gulps adventure hits a roadblock when the car refuses to go. The youngest child declares the family is just to fat to roll. A friendly farmer family invites the Gulps to stay at their home and have dinner - vegetable fare. The family is horrified but through a series of more mishaps in the farm and at a country fair, the Gulps learn that exercise and healthy foods make for more family fun. The book is an innovative way to tackle nutrition and obesity with children in preschool & kindergarten.
The hardcover book will hit bookstores this week, (Little Brown Young Readers, $16.99). The book can be ordered online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com

I posed questions to Brown about his new book with Wells, his beloved Arthur character, and his love of Massachusetts inside the March issue of Bay State Parent magazine.

Parent: How do you think The Gulps can help to combat this country's childhood obesity problem?
Marc: "We hope that by reaching young children, perhaps it will help them think early on about the choices they are making."
Parent: Truthfully, what is your junk food of pleasure?

To find our Marc's answer and to read more of the interview visit: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/013.html