# data[].attributes.body
Made with Google Slides

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A list of books by author, illustrator, and zoologist Jess Keating. All of Jess's books are designed to help kids feel curious and confident to explore their passions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
★ 2024 Illinois Reader's Choice Award Nominee

★ 2023 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

★ 2022-2023 Arkansas Diamond Primary Award Nominee

★ 2022 North Carolina Children's Book Award

★ 2021-2022 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Preschool Master List

★ 2021 Wanda Gág Read Aloud Honor Book

★ 2021 Anna Dewdney Read Together Book Award Honor

★ 2021 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Title

★ 2021-2022 Virginia Reads Picture Books

★ ALSC Notable Children's Book 2021

★ Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year 2021

★ 2020-2021 Charter Oak Children's Book Award Fiction Nominee

★ 2020 Society of Illustrators Original Art Selection

★ The Washington Post - Best Children's Books of 2020

★ Book Riot - Best Children's Books of 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Simran Jeet Singh Reads "Fauja Singh Keeps Going"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Martha Brockenbrough Talks New and Old in THIS OLD DOG

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
the somewhat true adventures of sammy shine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
the twelve days of christmas in virginia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome to Henry Cole's Website | HenryCole.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Henry Cole is the celebrated illustrator of many books for children, including the Bad Boys series by Margie Palatini, and is also the author and illustrator of the novel A Nest for Celeste.

# data[].attributes.headline
Read this interview to gain some interesting tidbits to share with students, staff, and parents.

# data[].attributes.subject
Read this interview to gain some interesting tidbits to share with students, staff, and parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
June 5, 2020

We are excited to feature author-illustrator Alison Oliver and her recent picture book, THE BEAR'S GARDEN, written by Marcie Colleen (Imprint/Macmillan March 2020). Enter to win a copy!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

I am a graphic designer and an illustrator who has always loved children's books and never stopped collecting them. My love affair with them began when I was a kid and used to check out Ezra Keats' books from the library, over and over and over and over. I really couldn't get enough of "The Snowy Day" and "Whistle for Willie." I think it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to give it a try but I ended up starting a design studio and focusing on that for quite some time before I did.

Congratulations on your recent picture book, THE BEAR'S GARDEN. Tell us about the book and how you researched it to illustrate it.

Thank you so much, I really love THE BEAR'S GARDEN and was thrilled to work on it. The first time I read Marcie Colleen's manuscript it made me cry. It is so sweet and powerful in a way you don't see coming. The thing that really excited me about it is that it is a based on a true story about real community garden in New York City. Fortunately, I live there!

The first thing I did was research the history of the garden and I found the original newspaper clipping about the bear that had been found in an empty lot with a note. We put an author's note about that article in the back of the book with an illustrated recreation of the photograph. I illustrated our bear to look like that bear, a stuffed panda. Next I went to the actual garden so I could get a sense of the space and it's relationship to the neighborhood around it; how big it was, how it had grown, what the buildings around it looked like. I took a ton of photos. It's a really beautiful garden.

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

It was kind of in-between. Marcie and I were represented by the same agent, so she matched us ahead of trying to sell it so I could make sample art to go with the manuscript. Once we finally had all that together I would say it was not too long of a process. And we worked with Imprint which was a really good collaboration. Editor Erin Stein and Art Director Natalie Sousa both added so much; they came up with the brilliant idea of the doing the satellite-style maps in the endpapers which I adore.

What projects are you working on now?

I am working on a board book series and a graphic novel. Both are in the early stages so I'm keeping it under wraps.

What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?

Just keep making art all the time. The artist Corita Kent said, "The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It's the people who do all of the work all of the time who eventually catch on to things." I think that is really the best advice. And don't be frustrated when you make work that you don't like, we all do but it serves a purpose of figuring things out. I think these days we all have the expectation that every time we sit down we need to make a finished piece of art that we love.

One other thing I would say is keep of list of people you would love to work with, editors and art directors in publishing or beyond, and from time to time send them a new piece of art. You never know when it will land in front of somebody at exactly the right time. I have gotten so much work that way.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I am an avid food preserver, especially canning.

Where can people find you online?

Alison Oliver is the author-illustrator of MOON AND SUN, and the illustrator of 30 BabyLit board books. She is also author-illustrator of the BE BOLD, BABY! board book series, featuring biographies of inspiring women, and the illustrator of the newly released picture books, THE BEAR'S GARDEN and THE BREATHING BOOK. Alison lives in New York City, where she runs a studio called Sugar that focuses on design, illustration and painting.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
June 5, 2020 We are excited to feature author-illustrator Alison Oliver and her recent picture book, THE BEAR'S GARDEN, written by Marcie Colleen (Imprint/Macmillan March 2020). Enter to win a copy! Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today's Perfect Picture Book is truly a treasure-the story of Mary Walker's 121 years of perseverance, all the while holding onto her dream to learn how to read. Don't miss it! And come back next Friday to hear from author, Rita Lorraine Hubbard. A momentary pause here to congratulate PATRICIA NOZELL, the winner from last week's giveaway from Vivian Kirkfield!
Title: The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Written by: Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Illustrated by: Oge Mora

Schwartz & Wade, 2020

Suitable for ages: 6-10

Themes/topics: African American history, perseverance, reading, freedom

Opening:
Whenever Mary Walker was tired, she would shield her eyes from the sun and watch the swallow-tailed kites dip and soar above the trees. That must be what it's like to be free, she thought.

Overview:
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who-with perseverance and dedication-proved that you're never too old to learn.

Activities and Resources:
Timelines: Make a timeline of Mary Walker's life. Make a timeline of your own important events. What would you like to do in your future? Put your ideas on your timeline.

History: How did life change during Mary Walker's lifetime from 1848 to 1969? What changes would she have seen in transportation and communication? How did households and schools change during her 121 years? Write or draw about the differences in her early and later years.

Art: Use different kinds of paper to create your own collage about your dream for the future.

Discuss: How does reading give you freedom? What can you do after you learn how to read that you couldn't do before?

Interview: Choose an older person you know such as a grandparent. Write down 5 questions you'd like to ask them about what life was like when they were a child. Report back or write what you learned about their life. How does it compare to your life?

Why I like love this book:
This is such an inspiring story, for young and old, of a hard-working, forbearing, patient woman. Her life is a history lesson, from slavery to emancipation to family responsibility to parenthood, through decades of back-breaking work and caring for others, all the while waiting to learn to read. Most of us today probably take for granted the opportunity to learn to read. This story allows us to see reading as a precious nugget, as freedom. Kids will recognize the steps she goes through and practice that she does as she learns to read and write. Hopefully, they'll realize how lucky they are, seeing reading through Mary's eyes, as a treasure that opens up the joy of learning, as a right that only came with freedom, as a gift that gave her wings. Hubbard brings Mary's incredible strength, dedication, and dignity to each page of this important story. Mora's illustrations are powerful and perfect.

Visit author Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent activities and resources.

Visit the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge on Kid Lit Frenzy on Wednesdays for more great nonfiction books for kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today's Perfect Picture Book is truly a treasure-the story of Mary Walker's 121 years of perseverance, all the while holding onto her dream to learn how to read. Don't miss it! And come back next Friday to hear from author, Rita Lorraine Hubbard. A momentary pause here to congratulate PATRICIA NOZELL, the winner from last...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
'fauja singh keeps going' is the first children's picture book from a major publisher to center on a sikh story - cnn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kid's book about the world's oldest marathon runner is the first by a major publisher to center on a Sikh character

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The book tells the story of Fauja Singh, a British Sikh centenarian who in 2011 became the oldest person believed to have run a marathon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During the pandemic, in-person visits aren't possible. But this doesn't mean you can't bring a writer to your students.

Martha is offering a Virtual Writer In Residence Package tailored to a variety of age and interest levels. You can choose what suits you best and use the materials at a time that fits your schedule and your students' needs.

Each package costs $1,500.

For elementary and middle school: HOW AN IDEA BECOMES A STORY

This: five-lesson series includes you a week's worth of thirty-minute sessions to enrich your school day and enliven your curriculum.

Martha will focus here on the brand-new picture book This Old Dog, which received a starred review from Booklist, who called it "an uplifting and emotional punch."
You'll get exclusive videos that you can play for your students at your convenience, as well as a live, 20-minute Q&A session with Martha at the end of the week (and if we need more time, as often happens, that's possible at no extra charge).

Day 1: How an idea becomes a story, and how a story becomes a book, with readings of This Old Dog. This shows kids a glimpse into the life of a writer and her pets (consistently the most popular part of any presentation). It also includes a special guest appearance by editor Arthur A. Levine, founder of Levine Querido, an independent publisher focusing on underrepresented voices and the best storytellers from around the world. (Arthur is also the beloved U.S. editor of Harry Potter.)

Day 2: How to build a story around a character (geared toward elementary school students). (20 minutes). This teaches kids how to identify, create, and sharpen characters, helping them understand a fundamental aspect of story and the importance of representation in narrative.

Day 3: Voice! The words you pick make your character come alive (20 minutes). In this episode, Martha talks about syllables and how you can create different feelings with words of different lengths. It's great for kids learning syllabification and for more advanced writers.

Day 4: Five writing prompts that highlight research, curiosity, and the imagination. This lesson will teach kids to follow their instincts, reinforcing principles of independent study and lifelong learning.

Day 5: How to draw This Old Dog, a video starring illustrator Gabriel Alborozo plus a Q&A: Plus three 20-minute Q&As with Martha Brockenbrough (suitable for multiple groups).

For middle school and high school: THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE (a look at nonfiction)
A former journalist and high school teacher, Martha Brockenbrough has written nonfiction for decades, including an online humor column for the encyclopedia Encarta, as well as books about Bigfoot, Sharks, Alexander Hamilton, and Donald Trump.

The focus here is on how verifiable facts make for fascinating subject matter and can be found using many sources. We live in a time where this critical set of skills is perhaps more important than it's ever been and Martha loves nothing more than conveying her excitement about how to find great stuff.
You'll get exclusive videos that you can play for your students at your convenience, as well as live, 30-minute Q&A sessions with Martha at the end of the week (and if we need more time, as often happens, that's possible at no extra charge).
- Day 1: An overview of the writer's life: how I choose a topic, and how nonfiction becomes a book (with examples from Finding Bigfoot, Shark Week, Hamilton, and Unpresidented).

- Day 2: What good research looks like: How to tell a quality source from a suspect one, how to interact with librarians to get what you need, how to keep track of everything you learn.

- Day 3: Getting creative with research (sources you haven't thought of): There's more to research than books. Video, music, old advertisements, photo archives, NASA moon phases, weather reports-Martha shows students how to use all of these to create scenes that come to life.

- Day 4: How to start your curiosity engines and ask all the right questions. Understanding something new depends on breaking things down into questions. Using FINDING BIGFOOT as example of a book that was driven by questions, Martha will show students how they can break down a big topic, organize research, and become authors themselves. It's great reinforcement for research papers and practices, linking academic work to real-world enterprises.

- Day 5: Brief reading and Q&A with Martha Brockenbrough. Up to three thirty-minute sessions with different groups.
For middle school and high school: TURN YOUR LIFE INTO STORY: Young Adult Fiction
What do you love? What do you know to be true? This is how authors such as Martha Brockenbrough come up with ideas for novels that are original, layered, and resonant. The emphasis with this week is giving students the tools to see the narrative arcs of their own lives, which is a great complement to writing they do in the classroom and in such things as applications.
You'll get exclusive videos that you can play for your students at your convenience, as well as a live, 20-minute Q&A session with Martha at the end of the week (and if we need more time, as often happens, that's possible at no extra charge).
- Day 1: An overview of how people become writers, and what it looks like as a career, along with the background of how I came to write The Game of Love and Death, a novel set in 1930s Seattle, featuring art and music that changed my life when I was 16.

- Day 2: How to build a story around character. In academic terms, understanding character involves creating protagonists, antagonists, and secondary characters and their changes over the course of a story. In this session, Martha talks about what a character wants, what a character believes, and how those things become the engine of a story's plot. This gives students powerful ways of analyzing literature and understanding theme on a deep and authentic level, making it both an academic and practical lesson.

- Day 3: Scenes are the building blocks of story. In this session, we examine how to create great ones using setting, sensory information, character, conflict, and dialogue.

- Day 4: Revision and how to make your first attempts great. Professional writers know that excellence happens in revision, something students often resist. In this session, Martha shows how to transform scenes and sentences so they sizzle.

- Day 5: Q&A with Martha Brockenbrough: Up to three three thirty-minute sessions with different groups.

And once the pandemic passes:

Martha visits elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. She's happy to tailor a presentation to your students. All of her presentations include games, giveaways, and lots of laughter.

A full-day visit is $1,800. Four presentations fit into this schedule.

For visits where travel is required, the same fees plus travel expenses apply.

Martha can arrange to have books available at a discount through Scholastic, or via a local store.

Martha also enjoys teaching writing to adults, and loves showing teachers new ways to make writing fun for kids (and connect it to the Common Core). Martha used to be a teacher, and her students have published in The New York Times, on MSN, in the Christian Science Monitor, and elsewhere.

She also likes giving teachers the inside scoop on how they can get their own writing published, and has taught writing for adults in the continuing education program at the University of Washington, as a guest lecturer at the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and as a mentor through the Virginia G. Piper Center of Creative Writing in Arizona.

She's in demand at conferences, and has spoken at the National Council of Teachers of English, at the national Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators conference in Los Angeles, at local writer's conferences in the northwest, and in graduate programs for writers.

Martha also offers Skype visits. Her rates: 15 minutes for free, $100 for 30 minutes, or $200 for an hour. Contact Martha directly to set up your visit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School & Library Visits - Martha Brockenbrough - Author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
During the pandemic, in-person visits aren't possible. But this doesn't mean you can't bring a writer to your students. Martha is offering a Virtual Writer In Residence Package tailored to a variety of age and interest levels. You can choose what suits you best and use the materials at a time that fits your schedule and your students' needs.

# data[].attributes.headline
Podcast with Marcie Colleen. Also good for librarians to gain backstory.

# data[].attributes.subject
Podcast with Marcie Colleen. Also good for librarians to gain backstory.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Marcie Colleen (2020) (The Children's Book Podcast #581)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hi. I'm Hayley. I write picture books most of the time. There's a middle grade novel percolating in my head and heart too.

As a kid, I was a constant reader and a truly accomplished daydreamer. I didn't realize that reading and daydreaming were preparing me to become a writer, but they were. They gave me a love of language, strengthened my imagination, and taught me to be curious about people and places. I still spend lots of time reading and daydreaming. It's how I stay connected to this cute kid. She knows all the best stories.

Other than writing, my favorite activity is caring for and riding horses. I spent my childhood reading horse books and galloping around, first on my own two feet and later on four hooves. When I was nine years old, my parents surprised me with a dream come true-a pony. I named her Trish. She taught me about responsibility, respect, and resilience.

My husband and I have one daughter and one son. When they were little, we read lots of books and baked lots of cookies. Now we travel and have grand adventures, but books and cookies are still part of the deal. They make my life a joy.

In this WCAT interview with Colleen Getty of The Room To Write, I talk about starting out as a children's author, my writing process and critique groups, and the importance of finding creative communities like The Writers' Loft and The Room To Write.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi. I'm Hayley. I write picture books most of the time. There's a middle grade novel percolating in my head and heart too. As a kid, I was a constant reader and a truly accomplished daydreamer. I didn't realize that reading and daydreaming were preparing me to become a writer, but they were.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's the most important thing you hope children will learn from your book?

When I was a teacher, I met students from all walks of life, and many of them had been through harrowing circumstances. Many felt that the odds were stacked too high against them and they would never overcome the obstacles before them. I hope The Oldest Student will show children that no matter what the circumstances, no matter what odds you face, it's never too late to pursue your goal, and, in Mary's words, "You're never too old to learn."
A great message! Thank you, Rita Lorraine, for visiting THE KIDS ARE ALL WRITE!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
From A Teacher's Heart: Rita Lorraine HUBBARD's 'The Oldest Student' - Nancy Churnin

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As a former teacher, Rita Lorraine Hubbard encouraged many students over the years. Now as an acclaimed author, she encourages them through the books she writes. And while all those books are special, The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read (illustrated by Oge Mora, Schwartz &

# data[].attributes.body
View the book thru this link and then download the efile to share with students.
https://read.bookcreator.com/2w1lHofrhpSTF385STrsVuhaje83/lPCUWiTFQV-l6B_JC_FjgQ

# data[].attributes.body
Scroll down the page to locate the video.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice!

From powerhouse duo Jess Keating ( Pink Is for Blobfish) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald ( The Bad Seed), Eat Your Rocks, Croc! features hilarious stories, charming illustrations, and awesome true facts that will leave young readers enthralled by the real world of the animal kingdom. Robust back matter, featuring a glossary and photographs of the featured creatures, makes this the perfect fit for the school curriculum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Workshops, Public Speaking, Consulting, and Advising

# data[].attributes.headline
Marcie Colleen reads The Bear's Garden aloud!

# data[].attributes.subject
Marcie Colleen reads The Bear's Garden aloud!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Triton Book Club | The Bear’s Garden (Marcie Colleen)

# data[].attributes.headline
A Chattanooga icon: The life of Mary Walker

# data[].attributes.subject
A Chattanooga icon: The life of Mary Walker

# data[].attributes.body
Local news segment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Chattanooga icon: The life of Mary Walker

# data[].attributes.headline
Book Creator Scoring Packet (View it thru the link and then download the ebook file to use/share with students.)

# data[].attributes.subject
Book Creator Scoring Packet (View it thru the link and then download the ebook file to use/share with students.)

# data[].attributes.body
https://read.bookcreator.com/2w1lHofrhpSTF385STrsVuhaje83/5RlaH1ShRdmNvKQYa1IImg

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Eat Your Rocks, Croc - Insider Secrets!

As you probably know, books don't always end up the way the started! Read on below for a few behind-the-scenes tidbits about the making of this book! (And share them with any kids in your life - it can really help them understand the importance of patience, persistence, and revision!)

1. The very first idea for this book came to me on February 10th, 2016. (I had to check my word docs for that info, it's been so long.) The premise was simply "animals asking life advice", and I knew I wanted an exceptionally cute female animal to be the lead.

2. Dr. Sugar Glider wasn't always Dr. Sugar Glider! The first several drafts included our adorable doctor leading the charge to help animals, but she was known as Dr. Sugarpaws at first! (A few folks thought this name might be a little suggestive, so we changed it!)

3. Originally, I envisioned the book as a series of letters between Dr. Glider and her patients. This was fun, but we quickly realized we would have much more fun sending her on house calls!

4. When I was picturing an illustrator for the book, I knew I wanted someone who could bring Dr. Glider's world to life in a dynamic and hilarious way. Pete Oswald was at the top of my list (he has an incredible way of illustrating animals with such character!), but I never got the chance to share this with an editor. Instead, they came to me and suggested Pete themselves! Talk about a perfect fit.

5. I always knew I wanted Dr. Glider to be a female sugar glider. As a child, I was deeply inspired by many animal loving personalities, including Steve Irwin, and the Kratt Brothers! (I actually dedicated the book to the Kratts!) I will always be grateful to these guys, but I do wish there were more female "creature adventurers" out there in the media. It's so important for girls and boys to see strong women in leadership roles (even if they are sugar gliders!), so I knew she would be a fun, brilliant character to write.

Want more? Grab your free posters below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As you probably know, books don't always end up the way the started! Read on below for a few behind-the-scenes tidbits about the making of this book! (And share them with any kids in your life - it can really help them understand the importance of patience, persistence, and revision!)

# data[].attributes.headline
Video of Fauja finishing London Marathon

# data[].attributes.subject
Video of Fauja finishing London Marathon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
101-year-old Fauja Singh Runs the London Marathon - Horizon: Eat, Fast and Live Longer - BBC Two

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hi. I'm Marcie.

I may have been named after the girl who called everyone "Sir" in the iconic comic strip, Peanuts, but I can relate more to Frieda who constantly reminded us that she had "naturally curly hair". After all, that is how I am most recognized.

In previous chapters I've been a teacher, an actress, and a nanny, but now I spend my days writing children's books!

I enjoy reading, running, watching baseball, and eating ice cream--not all at the same time! Although I never turn down a challenge.

Although I will always be a Brooklynite at heart, I now live with my husband-- LEGO artist, Jonathan Lopes--and our mischievous sock monkey in San Diego, California.

Represented by
Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I may have been named after the girl who called everyone "Sir" in the iconic comic strip, Peanuts, but I can relate more to Frieda who constantly reminded us that she had "naturally curly hair". After all, that is how I am most recognized.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mr. Shu's text interview with the author and illustrator.

# data[].attributes.subject
Mr. Shu's text interview with the author and illustrator.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hello, Dr. Simran Jeet Singh! Hello, Baljinder Kaur! Thank you for visiting Watch. Connect. Read. to celebrate Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon. I cannot wait to share Fauja Singh's inspiring story during upcoming presentations. I hope teachers all around the world read it aloud to their students.

Simran Jeet Singh, what ran through your mind (or your heart) the first time you saw Baljinder Kaur's illustrations for Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon?

Simran Jeet Singh: Upon first seeing Baljinder's illustrations, all I could think about was how happy they would make Fauja Singh. He has lived this incredible life with such courage and grace, and he has inspired so many around the world, including me. And yet, when we spoke several years ago, he mentioned that his biggest regret in his 100+ years of living has been his limited ability to impact young children. I have yearned to resolve that for him, and it always felt like a distant dream until the moment I saw Baljinder's illustrations - she didn't just bring his story to life. She has also brought this extraordinary man a sense of joy and contentment as he approaches the final stages of his life. And for that, I couldn't be any more grateful.

Baljinder Kaur, what ran through your mind (or your heart) the first time you read Simran Jeet Singh's manuscript for Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon?

Baljinder Kaur: My heart very much resonated with the core of the story, to never give up and always keep going. My own mantra that has developed over the years is 'patience, persistence and faith' and I feel that Fauja Singh's life has been an embodiment of that. For me, Fauja Singh champions the heart of the elderly Panjabi community, their resilience and strength through the struggles of migration, their ability to pick themselves and plough through in high spirits, is a virtue I regard highly.

Simran Jeet Singh, what are three facts you want everyone to know about Fauja Singh?

Simran Jeet Singh: I want everyone to know that Fauja Singh is still alive and well! He's 108 today, and will turn 109 on April 1, 2020. And he still walks several miles a day! I would love for people to know that he is a lovely human being, full of energy, kindness, and humor. To this day, he loves fashion, motorcycles, and traveling. This might not match up with our assumptions of the elderly - and that's exactly why his story is so powerful. I also want people to know that he is a generous person who has given his time and treasures to so many good causes over the years. He is an embodiment of humility and charity, a true role model for so many of us today.

Baljinder Kaur, what materials did you use to create the art for Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon?

Baljinder Kaur: The artwork was created digitally using a digital tablet and pen, with fabrics and textures scanned in for collage.

Simran Jeet Singh, please finish the following sentence starters:

I hope Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon helps cultivate inclusive and open-minded thinking for children all across the world. Fauja Singh's life story has so much to offer. The book skillfully and subtly tackles issues of equity, including ableism, ageism, racism, xenophobia, and classism - in a way that is accessible to young children. I believe deeply that it is important to confront these issues during our formative years, and I also believe that storytelling is the most effective avenues for change. All of this together makes me hopeful that Fauja Singh Keeps Going will contribute to nurturing more inclusive and equitable environments.

School libraries are essential! Growing up as avid readers, my three brothers and I were in our school libraries every single day. We tore through the collections, reading everything we could get our hands on. We each set all the school records during monthly and annual reading challenges, and although we just saw that as having fun as children, I realize now that it was experiences like these that instilled a love for learning and reading - a love that has stayed with me throughout my life. I'm forever grateful for this gift, because books have brought me so much joy and happiness.

Mr. Schu, you should have asked me how I first heard of Fauja Singh! I was watching television, and he appeared on an Adidas commercial with two of my sports heroes: David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. I had become so accustomed to seeing people who looked like me depicted as terrorists that I figured I would never see someone with a beard and turban portrayed in a positive light. I felt immediately inspired and wanted to learn everything I could about Fauja Singh. And less than a year later, I was so moved by his story that I signed up for my first marathon!

Baljinder Kaur, please finish the following sentence starters:
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon's endpapers mark the beginning and evolution of Fauja's journey through life, honouring his incredible growth and ongoing victories.

Picture books are the mirrors we see ourselves in and the portals we experience other worlds through. They build bridges of understanding by transcending cultural differences and allow for greater empathy, reflection and deeper connection.

Mr. Schu, you should have asked me if we'll be seeing more children's picture books that explore and celebrate the lives of Sikhs, I hope so :)

Look for Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon on August 25, 2020.

The inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community.

Every step forward is a victory.

Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential.

He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race.

With inspiring text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.

Simran Jeet Singh loves sports and signed up for his first marathon after being inspired by Fauja Singh-and like Fauja, he hasn't stopped running since. Simran is an activist, writer, and scholar who believes deeply in the divine goodness of all people. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and now lives in New York City with his wife and two daughters.

Baljinder Kaur is an illustrator and storyteller. She enjoys observing, exploring, and expressing the simple joys and often seemingly ordinary details of life around her through mixed media. FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING is her first trade picture book.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh and Baljinder Kaur

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hello, Dr. Simran Jeet Singh! Hello, Baljinder Kaur! Thank you for visiting Watch. Connect. Read. to celebrate Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon. I cannot wait to share Fauja Singh's inspiring story during upcoming presentations.

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn the secrets of happiness with Fauj.

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn the secrets of happiness with Fauj.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Secret Of Life Is Happiness Says 104 Years Old Fauja Singh