By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 22, 2011

Interview with the author and photographer behind Kiki & Coco in Paris—a child’s exciting adventures in the City of Light

Nina Gruener is the author of three children’s books Above San Francisco and Above New York and most recently Kiki & Coco in Paris. Stephanie Rausser is a lifestyle photographer who has had her work featured all over the world. Together, they created Kiki & Coco in Paris, the tender story of a young girl visiting Paris for the first time with her doll.

Nicki Richesin: Congratulations on your beautiful new book Kiki & Coco in Paris. I’m sure it will make a delightful gift for little girls this holiday season. Could you tell us about how you began the project and a bit about your collaboration?

Nina Gruener

Nina Gruener: Stephanie had this beautiful idea to bring a sweet rag doll along on her trip to Paris with her daughter Kiki. I didn’t see the images until a few years later when her slideshow of the trip was all over the blog world and written up in numerous magazines. I had no idea that we lived in the same town, but had a bee in my bonnet to turn these beautiful shots into a children’s book. There was something so Velveteen Rabbit about the look on Coco’s face. We finally met through Stephanie’s aunt and the rest is history…

Stephanie, you dedicated the book to the late photographer Debra McClinton who was your dear friend. Debra had such a vibrant personality. She was alive and so open to new experiences and people.  Her playful spirit is perfectly captured within your book. Could you talk a little about your friendship and how it inspired this project?

Stephanie Rausser

Stephanie Rausser: Debra was my camera assistant for many years and she was the most upbeat, positive, and refreshing person I had ever worked with and met. Her death not only left a hole in my heart, but it also left me baffled as it all made no sense. I had never experienced anything like this and so I looked for ways to explore my grief and confusion. I had always imagined I would have a girl -somewhat like Pippi Longstocking- who would love to be photographed so I figured I would test that out. I picked the place I had most loved visiting when I was younger and I went there with my daughter. The book definitely has Debra’s spirit and creativity in it and there were days we would return to our Paris flat and the doll’s arm would have fallen off while we were out and I would sit there in tears sewing the arm back on. I just remember thinking about Debra so much on the trip. I still do.

Nina, your grandfather Robert Cameron started Cameron + Company in 1964 and you and your husband Chris took over the business after he passed away in 2009. You’ve continued the writing tradition in your family with your first book as a tribute to his legacy, a children’s adaptation of your grandfather’s Above San Francisco, and you just published Above New York. Could you tell us about his influence on your life and what you have planned for Cameron + Company in the future?

NG: My grandfather (Grok as many of us called him) always seemed larger than life. He believed that anything I touched was golden. I was once in a terrible student film and he told everyone it was headed for Sundance – it was not. But he loved us that way, with flair. And he lived his life and shaped this company in the same fashion. Every time we finish a project that I’m proud of, I think of him and how much he loved beautiful things. I am excited to keep growing our children’s line with a focus on photography and art.

Stephanie, I briefly spoke with your daughter Kiki about her favorite memories of your trip to Paris and she showed me the image from the book of her getting a new coiffeur at the hair salon. What was your favorite memory from the trip?

SR: My favorite memory of the trip was going to the fair at the Tuileries. Part of the deal was if I got to take photos of Kiki and her doll for forty-five minutes, then we would go to the fair before the sun went down. It was a great place for me to people watch and Kiki just was so excited to go there and go on the rides. We went almost every afternoon. Getting her haircut was a short second favorite memory. We took the subway across town after finding a kid’s salon and Kiki almost fell asleep in the chair. It was just the perfect thing to do on a Paris trip, a makeover.

Jess Brown created a lovely ragdoll in Coco. I understand life-sized dolls like Coco are gracing the windows of Bottega Veneta around the world. Would you consider doing a Kiki & Coco in London or Rome, or maybe San Francisco? What projects are you both working on now?

SR: I would consider it, but unfortunately Kiki is not theatrical -like Pippi- and she would prefer not to be photographed so really for me to be interested I would have wanted Kiki to do it with me. Jess thought it would be so great if we did “Kiki and Coco in Tokyo” mostly because it just sounds so great and rolls off the tongue. I have some other projects brewing but they are still in the works.

NG: I defer to Stephanie on that one! Kiki and Coco was a moment in time, and sadly, children grow up. But Stephanie’s work really does capture childlike wonder so I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more concepts up her sleeve.

I am just about to tackle the children’s adaptation of Above Chicago, which will be released in the fall of 2012. But there are a few other concepts I’m toying with. I am on a constant quest to find projects that both the adult and child reader will enjoy.

Thank you so much for your time and best of luck to you both with your future projects!

Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust, Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 31, 2011

Ready to be globally inspired? Explorers and travelers and those open to new and wonderful discoveries will revel in the journey of this journal—an enjoyable trip through the rich culture of China. We have two (2) copies of My China Travel Journal to giveaway and both are signed by author Laura Barta! Giveaway begins August 31, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 27, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Paperback: 32 pages

Book overview: Emma and Joe are curious about everything on their trip to China.  My China Travel Journal tells the story of the fascinating, and sometimes quirky, people and places they encounter.  Join them while they fly kites with Chinese friends, spot strange new vegetables in the market, and eat candied crab apples from a street vendor.  This book answers questions about China, inspires children with hands-on activities, and sparks their curiosity about the world.

About the author: Laura Barta lived on four different continents during her years living and working overseas, Upon her return to the U.S. looked for books and toys to continue her families’ interest in world cultures.  Since she couldn’t find what she wanted, she decided to do it herself.  She is intensely interested in other people and how they live, continues to travel, is the mother of two and is putting her product development experience to good use developing World Village Playsets.

How to enter:

• Fill out the required fields below

• Maximum entries: Three (3)

Giveaway Rules:

• Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States or Canadian address.

• Giveaway begins August 31, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 27, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. View our privacy policy.

Sponsored by Laura Barta.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 10, 2010

Monika Schröder

TCBR: Saraswati’s Way, is your second published novel. It’s set in India, where you currently live. Tell us about the book and its main character, 12-year-old Akash.

Monika Schröder: The book tells the story of 12-year old Akash, from the rural northern Indian state of Rajasthan. He has a gift for math. Numbers line up in his head easily, arrange themselves in patterns, and move in formations. In order to develop his gift for numbers Akash wants to go to a school in the city. But Akash’s family is poor and doesn’t understand his longing for learning. He prays to the Hindu gods Ganesh and Saraswati. When circumstances become so dire that his dream seems forever unattainable he makes an extreme decision, and runs away. After an adventurous train ride, he ends up in the New Delhi station, where he joins a gang of street kids. Finally, with the help of a newspaper vendor he learns that Saraswati will only help him if he deserves it.

TCBR: How did you develop the idea for this book?

MS: By the time I started SARASWATI I had already lived in New Delhi for six years and knew that my next book would take place in India. Most contemporary fiction for children set in India has female protagonists but I wanted to write about a boy. To learn more about the street children who end up in the New Delhi train station I went to the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO that works with these kids. Here I listened to some of the children’s stories and tried to imagine what circumstances forced them to leave their families and to embark on an often dangerous journey to New Delhi. So I wanted to explore how a young Indian boy can find the strength to overcome his fear in pursuit of something he wants desperately.

TCBR: What were the challenges you faced while writing this book?

MS: I grew up in Germany, a predominantly protestant country, where in school I learned bible stories and went to protestant confirmation at the age of 15. Writing about a Hindu boy was the biggest challenge while working on SARASWATI’S WAY. By the time I started the book I had traveled to Rajasthan several times so I knew the setting. Though I never became fluent I have also taken Hindi classes for four years and my Hindi teacher, whom the book is dedicated to, taught me a lot about religious customs and festivals. While writing the book I frequently asked her and other Indian friends if my depictions of a particular event were correct. One of the most challenging scenes to write was the funeral for Akash’s father. I have never attended a Hindu funeral and relied completely on the description given by Indian friends and colleagues. Trying to bridge this cultural divide was a challenge, but I also learned a lot about my host country while researching and fact checking the details for the story.

TCBR: Your first novel, The Dog in the Wood, was published in November 2009 and Saraswati’s Way comes out just one year later. Do you have another book in the works? Can you tell us a little bit about it?

MS: My next book is called, MY BROTHER’S SHADOW. It will be published by Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux in September 2011. The novel is set in Berlin 1918 at the end of World War I. 16-year-old Moritz works in the print shop of a Berlin newspaper and longs for the old times, before the war changed everything. While his mother participates in the socialist revolution that sweeps away the monarchy to make way for a democracy, Moritz falls in love with a Jewish girl of socialist convictions. When his older brother returns a bitter, maimed war veteran, ready to blame Germany’s defeat on everyone but the old order, Moritz has to chose between the allegiance to his dangerously radicalized brother and his love for the women around him who are enthusiastically ushering in the new democracy. This will be my first YA novel. Just as in, THE DOG IN THE WOOD, the novel deals with an important transition period in German history and shows the horrible consequences of war.

TCBR: How has your current role as the elementary school librarian at the American Embassy School in New Delhi helped you with your writing career?

MS: Obviously, as a librarian I read a lot of children’s books and reading is the best preparation for any writer. But it is also helpful for a writer to watch kids’ reactions to stories, their tastes and preferences. I read parts of my own novel drafts to our fifth grade classes and they have made some great comments. In the future, I would like to write a picture book and hope that having read many picture books to our students over the years will help me in shaping my own story.

TCBR: So, as a children’s librarian, you read a lot of children’s books, but you also make time for adult literature—mostly historical fiction novels. What book are you reading now?

Since I am planning to write another historical fiction book, this one set in India in the 1830s, I am currently reading diaries and travel reports written by missionaries and merchants who traveled in India at that time. I also very much enjoyed reading Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh, a novel set in India during the time of the Opium Wars. The main character of my new book will travel by boat from Boston to Calcutta, so I am also reading books that describe sea voyages, such as Richard Henry Dana’s Two Years Before The Mast.

To learn more about Monika Schröder, visit: www.monikaschroeder.com

The Author Showcase is a place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works. This article is a feature in our showcase. Read more …

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 6, 2010

Attention travelers and explorers: Marshall Explores Arizona is the first book in a new series about the United States.

We have two signed copies to giveaway!

Reading level: Ages 3-12

Hardcover: 32 pages

Book overview: This is the first book in a series about the United States.  Marshall the Eagle will visit all 50 states and teach the reader about the state in a fun and exciting way.  William Kirschner’s wife and co-author, Angela, is a former teacher and has prepared lesson plans, worksheets, and assessments that are tied to Arizona’s education standards and may be downloaded for free from www.kirschnerbooks.com to accompany the book.  This will be done for each state.

About the authors: Like Marshall, Angela and Bill Kirschner enjoy traveling and learning. Bill lived in six states while he was growing up, and Angela grew up in Michigan and Nevada. They have an adventurous spirit, a passion for education, and a deep appreciation for this wonderful country—between them, they have visited all fifty states! Both graduated from Hillsdale College in Michigan. After graduation, Bill went into banking and Angela worked in advertising before becoming a teacher. They now live in Arizona with their son, Ethan, and two dogs.

How to enter:

• Leave a comment in the comments field below.

• An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter. (Maximum entries: 3)

Giveaway Rules:

• Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the United States or who can accept their prizes by mail.)

• Giveaway begins August 6, 2010, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends August 30, 2010, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details.

Sponsored by Kirschner Books.

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 14, 2010

In honor of Bastille Day, the French national holiday which is celebrated in July 14—La Fête Nationale.

I wish I had time to give my own reviews of each of these books but I’m about to whip up a batch of crêpes for some hungry visitors. I’ve provided the synopsis of each of these French flavored favorites:

Everybody Bonjours!

by Leslie Kimmelman

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 8, 2008)

Synopsis: Shop a fancy France-y store. Eat a pretty petit four. Discover! Sightsee! Explore! On this fun and friendly tour, everybody says “Bonjour!” Whether at a soccer stadium (“players scoring”), a crêpe stand (“batter pouring”), or strolling the Champs d’Elysee (where folks “bonjour” in every store), a little girl and her family are welcomed everywhere with the signature French greeting. Jump into these pages and enjoy the trip! Through lilting words and lively images, Everybody Bonjours welcomes young reader-travelers to a Paris that isn’t just for artists, grown-ups, and dreamers–it’s for kids!

Add this book to your collection: Everybody Bonjours!

Adele & Simon

by Barbara McClintock

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (September 5, 2006)

Synopsis: When Adele walks her little brother Simon home from school he loses one more thing at every stop: his drawing of a cat at the grocer’s shop, his books at the park, his crayons at the art museum, and more.

Note: This book is set in early 20th century Paris.

Add this book to your collection: Adele & Simon

This is Paris

by Miroslav Sasek

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Universe (April 24, 2004)

Synopsis: This is Paris, first published in 1959, brings Paris, one of the most exciting cities in the world, to life. There are famous buildings, beautiful gardens, cafés, and the Parisians-artists, concierges, flower girls, and even thousands of cats. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, through the galleries of the Louvre, and to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Add this book to your collection: This is Paris

Leave us a comment: Which books do you think best appease a true Francophile?

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 7, 2010

The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle

by Patrick Carman

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 176 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 11, 2009)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Mystery, Action, Suspense, Babysitter, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Orphans

Kids from all over the world—United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and India—are reading this global series that offers a taste of historical fiction.

Book 5 is exciting from the very beginning. The opening chapter holds no recap—author Patrick Carman (an avid reader and thrill seeker) just gets right down to the nitty-gritty action. In the previous books you could jump in and work out, mostly, what the heck was going on and jostle your memory, if needed. However, now you’re up to book 5, you’re at the half-way mark for the series, you’re hooked … and you’re in it ’til the end.

This time, Amy and Dan are in Russia searching for clues—a country that is rich in history. Readers will learn more about Irina Spasky—whose character development has been building—and more about Amy and Dan’s parents. This installment keeps the story going at a strong pace and certainly has me even more curious for how this series will end; kind of like watching a great TV series and hoping that the time you’re investing is going to be worth it—I have my fingers crossed.

About the author: Patrick Carman is the author of  the New York Times bestselling The Land of Elyon series, as well as the Atherton and Elliot’s Park series. He lives in Walla Walla, Washington with his wife and daughters. For more information about Patrick Cartman, visit www.patrickcarman.com

Add this book to your collection: The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle

Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book One: Maze of Bones

Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book Two: One False Note

Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book Three: The Sword Thief

Read our review of The 39 Clues Book 4: Beyond the Grave

Visit the 39 Clues website to win prizes: www.the39clues.com

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 3, 2010

From shamrocks to Leprechauns to fiddle music to the color green, these three books have St. Patrick’s Day (March, 17) covered. Oh, and in-case you’re wondering why people where shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s because regular rocks are too heavy. *drum roll—ba-DUM-ching*

St. Patrick’s Day

by Anne Rockwell (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (January 26, 2010)

This is a very kid-friendly explanation of what St. Patrick’s Day is all about. The story is told from a child’s perspective and is set within a school classroom (most likely a kindergarten class). The class is led in a discovery type learning experience and encouraged to make group presentations, which gives a very familiar feel to the readers. The illustrations are colorful and energetic—a good representation of this lively Irish holiday. A wonderful introduction to Irish traditions and culture!

Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter

by Mary Pope Osborne

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 12, 2010)

Magic Tree House is a favorite amongst early readers and fluent readers. This installment finds Jack and Annie on an Irish adventure that is fit for a St. Patrick’s Day read. The bother and sister duo have been sent on another mission by Merlin the magician. They have to find a girl named Augusta and inspire her to discover her hidden talents. On their quest to fulfill their mission, they encounter many a creature from Irish folklore. It’s a very entertaining read—Magic Treehouse fans will not be disappointed.

Magic Tree House Research Guide #21: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter

by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 12, 2010)

A great companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter, but certainly a first-rate stand-alone non-fiction resource for learning about Leprechauns and Irish folklore. The combination of text, fun facts, photos, and illustrations make this an enjoyable way for children to gain knowledge.

Updated Post (March, 6) to include a 4th book:

Calendar Mysteries #3: March Mischief

by Ron Roy

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 80 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2010)

A great choice for those looking for an introduction to an easy-to-read chapter book. The author, Ron Roy, is extremely popular with both kids and parents—especially the mystery book lovers. This particular installment is about the luck of the Irish. Thumbs-up!

Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite St. Patrick’s Day book or activity.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Amanda Lynch, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 27, 2009

Down by the Station

by Jennifer Riggs Vetter (Author) and Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrator)

Reading Level: Baby-Preschool

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (April 14, 2009)

What to Expect: Trains, Animals, Noisy Read-Aloud, Repetition, Counting

Stories that contain repetition and onomatopoeia are often great for early literacy.  Such is the case with Down by the Station, a noisy and fun read-aloud book that is perfect for babies, toddlers–and anyone who loves planes, trains, and automobiles!

The lyrical text easily turns the book into a sing-along, and the bright colors of the illustrations make the book an easy and fun read.  Frank Remkiewicz’s images all feature animals, from the pilot duck and his son to the sea-faring turtle with his little one.  I also liked the fact that the illustrations will be appealing to both boys and girls–too many times stories involving transportation are geared more towards the boys, but this book is much more gender neutral.  The text is actually based off of a classic rhyme, but expanded to make it more modern for today’s young travelers.  I think it would be particularly sweet as a bed-time story, for it does remind us that “everybody’s sleepy at the end of the day.”

Add this book to your collection:  Down by the Station

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Travel, photography, adventure, and animals are what this series is all about. Barrington Bear is a plush toy bear who really enjoys traveling – even during winter when all of the other bears are sleeping. He travels with a suitcase, his favorite hat, and his camera. It seems that Barrington has a real talent for photography, the photos throughout these books are awe-inspiring. It’s pretty fun to think that a plush toy bear can truly take photos, but it turns out the real talent belongs to Keith Szafranski. Keith not only takes the photographs, he writes the stories, and even designed and sewed Barrington. Pretty clever if you ask me!

“Barrington likes traveling around the world and seeing new places. He enjoys making new friends and trying new things.” If this sounds like you, then I think you will truly appreciate this series.

Take a look at the publisher’s synopsis of the first two books from the series:

Barrington Bear Visits the Emperor – The Emperor Penguin That is

by Keith Szafranski

Hardcover: 48 pages

Reading Level: Ages 4 – 8

Publisher: Small Bear Publishing; 1st edition (February 26, 2008)

Publisher’s Synopsis: Join Barrington Bear as he travels to Antarctica to visit and photograph the Emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world. Barrington Bear has a real adventure learning about these magnificent birds. Join the fun as Barrington walks, talks and plays with the penguins. Learn how the Emperor lives in this frozen world and what it is like to be a young penguin in the land of ice and snow.

This is the first book in the Travels With Barrington Bear Series. Fun for all ages!

My notes: The text is educational, and includes a glossary page and an Emperor Penguin facts page. There is also a map to track the travel path that Barrington takes to get from Montana to Antarctica. The pictures of the baby penguins are adorable.

Barrington On Safari

Hardcover: 48 pages

Reading Level: Ages 4 – 8

Publisher: Small Bear Publishing; 1st edition (February 26, 2008)

Publisher’s Synopsis: Barrington Bear On Safari is the second book in the Travels With Barrington Bear series. Join Barrington Bear (a little stuffed teddy bear) on safari as he travels to Kenya in East Africa. Barrington makes a new friend and photographs many interesting animals. He even gets to visit a native village. Learn about life on the African Savannah. See lions, hippos, elephants and more. Lots of fun for young travelers of all ages. Illustrated by dozens of stunning photographs. Fun and adventure for everyone!

My notes: I love that words can be learned in the Swahili language. Jambo (jahm’-boh) is Swahili for hello. The attention to detail when it comes to photoshop work on the pictures is dynamite -  I loved seeing Sokwe the monkey’s reflection in the side mirror of their safari jeep, not to mention spotting the cheetah in the view finder of Barrington’s digital camera.

Links: www.TravelsWithBarringtonBear.com

Keith’s website: www.mostlywildlifephotos.com

A review by The Reading Tub.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.