Amy Timberlake
Sterling North Award Recipient for Excellence in Children's Literature
Amy Timberlake is the author of three children’s books: One Came Home, That Girl Lucy Moon, and The Dirty Cowboy. One Came Home was awarded the Newbery Honor and the Edgar Award. That Girl Lucy Moon was awarded by the Friends of American Writer’s Literacy, and The Dirty Cowboy has received a Parent’s Choice Gold Medal and won the 2004 Golden Kite Award.
Her books have made several "best books of the year" lists, and she loves it whenever her books are chosen to be part of a state reading list. (Thank you!) Chicago's Lifeline Theatre has adapted both One Came Home and The Dirty Cowboy for the stage. She's received residency fellowships from Hedgebrook, and the Anderson Center.
Her most recent book, One Came Home, has been called "a True Grit for the middle school set" by Bookpage, "a valentine to sisterhood and a bird that no longer exists" by The Washington Post, and "a rare gem of a novel" by The Christian Science Monitor.
Amy grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin. She had a great time (and learned a lot too) during her years at Mount Holyoke College. She has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English/Creative Writing. She lives with her husband in Chicago.
Her books have made several "best books of the year" lists, and she loves it whenever her books are chosen to be part of a state reading list. (Thank you!) Chicago's Lifeline Theatre has adapted both One Came Home and The Dirty Cowboy for the stage. She's received residency fellowships from Hedgebrook, and the Anderson Center.
Her most recent book, One Came Home, has been called "a True Grit for the middle school set" by Bookpage, "a valentine to sisterhood and a bird that no longer exists" by The Washington Post, and "a rare gem of a novel" by The Christian Science Monitor.
Amy grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin. She had a great time (and learned a lot too) during her years at Mount Holyoke College. She has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English/Creative Writing. She lives with her husband in Chicago.
Dona Ross Pratt grew up in Brodhead, Wisconsin in a family of eight children. Upon graduation from Brodhead High School she furthered her education at Whitewater State Teachers College. She graduated with a degree in kindergarten and primary education. She taught in Columbus, Beloit and Fox Point, Wisconsin before moving to Edgerton, where she and her husband, Dr. Francis Ross, raised their family of four children.
Her true commitment was to family and for years she maintained her love of teaching by being a substitute in the Edgerton School District. In 1984 Dona opened a creative arts preschool which she managed and taught in for fifteen years. She loved watching children creatively expressing themselves through art and music. It was during this time she was inspired to begin writing her first book.
Dona has always been an avid lover of children's literature. She has spent countless hours reading books to children in school and at home to her own children and grandchildren. She believes that reading books fosters children's imaginations and helps inspire them to learn.
Her true commitment was to family and for years she maintained her love of teaching by being a substitute in the Edgerton School District. In 1984 Dona opened a creative arts preschool which she managed and taught in for fifteen years. She loved watching children creatively expressing themselves through art and music. It was during this time she was inspired to begin writing her first book.
Dona has always been an avid lover of children's literature. She has spent countless hours reading books to children in school and at home to her own children and grandchildren. She believes that reading books fosters children's imaginations and helps inspire them to learn.
Home town author, Linda Romblom, is pleased to announce the publication of her new book,
The Adventures of Princess Isabella – The Leprechaun.
The storybook is a charming fantasy of long ago in a land far away. A day beginning with playful puppies and a horseback ride in the country turns into an exciting adventure for Princess Isabella. See if you can figure out what is making the unusual noises in the woods? You may be holding your breath, as the tension builds, getting closer to the mysterious sounds. Are you ready to meet a most interesting character who speaks with a foreign accent? Isabella is thrilled to be invited for lunch, but remembers her promise to be home for lunch with her family. How will she deal with this dilemma?
Come and hear how the book evolved from bedtime stories with her granddaughter Isabella, playing the leading role in the story, to writing and illustrating it. They had such wonderful times creating together, and came up with a way to “Share the magic!” This story book also has a unique interactive section where others can personalize the story, adding the names of their family, friends, and pets, and creating illustrations. In addition there are discussion questions that enhance the bonding experience by connecting ideas from the story with life experiences. Mostly they are about listening to each other’s thoughts and feelings and include topics like: decision-making, cultural awareness, character, and a quest for learning.
Linda has a master degree in education and taught at Stoughton High School for twelve years, including classes in Child Development. This background has influenced the design of her book with a strong focus on elements that enhance cognitive development and creativity in children. Her primary motivation however has been the love for her grandchild and a desire to invest quality time into her life. The book introduction states, “It is the product of love shared. May the sharing of it continue to expand, the love of learning, and the learning of loving to those who participate in the experience”.
The Adventures of Princess Isabella – The Leprechaun.
The storybook is a charming fantasy of long ago in a land far away. A day beginning with playful puppies and a horseback ride in the country turns into an exciting adventure for Princess Isabella. See if you can figure out what is making the unusual noises in the woods? You may be holding your breath, as the tension builds, getting closer to the mysterious sounds. Are you ready to meet a most interesting character who speaks with a foreign accent? Isabella is thrilled to be invited for lunch, but remembers her promise to be home for lunch with her family. How will she deal with this dilemma?
Come and hear how the book evolved from bedtime stories with her granddaughter Isabella, playing the leading role in the story, to writing and illustrating it. They had such wonderful times creating together, and came up with a way to “Share the magic!” This story book also has a unique interactive section where others can personalize the story, adding the names of their family, friends, and pets, and creating illustrations. In addition there are discussion questions that enhance the bonding experience by connecting ideas from the story with life experiences. Mostly they are about listening to each other’s thoughts and feelings and include topics like: decision-making, cultural awareness, character, and a quest for learning.
Linda has a master degree in education and taught at Stoughton High School for twelve years, including classes in Child Development. This background has influenced the design of her book with a strong focus on elements that enhance cognitive development and creativity in children. Her primary motivation however has been the love for her grandchild and a desire to invest quality time into her life. The book introduction states, “It is the product of love shared. May the sharing of it continue to expand, the love of learning, and the learning of loving to those who participate in the experience”.