Children's Book
Danny the Dragon – A Judge’s Commentary
Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy was entered in the 17th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. Below I am sharing with you a wonderful, professional judge’s commentary on the book:
“What a terrific cover illustration! Danny the Dragon is wonderfully drawn and is sure to appeal to kid readers; Skipper and Jimmy are wonderfully drawn, too. The interior illustrations are as wonderful: bold, bright, comical, full of amazing detail, quirkily fun – wonderful for the story and wonderful on their own. The story itself is delightful. What child wouldn’t be intrigued by a talking shell – that turns out to house a talking dragon? Kids will love that the mother very calmly and casually invites Danny and Skipper to stay for dinner and even agrees to let the dragon spend the night. (They’ll wish their own moms would be so accommodating.) Danny is loveable and polite (a nice, subtle lesson in manners for the kids reading this book); Jimmy and Sally’s reactions to his appearance in their household ring true (it’s also nice that they’re shown, without comment, cleaning up after themselves – a nice lesson for kid readers that is done subtly enough to not seem like a lesson). The story sets up itself for a series of future adventures. Children will enjoy reading about Danny again and again.”
Danny the Dragon Contest Winner- February
William Morris is my February contest winner for a Danny the Dragon gift basket full of fun stuff from Danny the Dragon. Here is what William and his family had to share about his winning a basket like this:
I’m sending Danny the Dragon a picture of me. I hope he can come to my house soon. I love him.” Thank you Tina! -William Morrison Age 4
Q and A session with a HS in Albany, New York
I am often asked many queston on the radio, in a school, or libarary about the many aspects of writing, the book itself, the characters etc. I decided to share a Q and A emailed to me which I had with a HS in Alabany. My answers are after the numbered questions short and sweet but I share my sincere opinion as an Artist and Author to everyone below these questions-especially aspiring writers.
Teacher: Hi Tina, I hope your trip was enjoyable! We did do a read-aloud with your book and the students had a number of questions in both classes about process as well as choices. I’m giving you their questions as they (as a class) created them.
Period 5:
1. How did the author and the illustrator decide on the illustrations?—especially the expressions on the characters
I envisioned them myself and directed my illustrator to create MY characters. I delevoped all the characters. It was a unique experience.
2. What kind of creature IS Skipper?
You name it. It is not important to a child to be specific about this. Some call him a p-wog, some a frog. Kids NEVER have asked me.
3.Why did you choose a dragon to emerge from a sea shell? (this was troubling for Seniors who wanted an egg
Kids are imaginative. Why are there space ships in the ski, how can a refrigerator talk in a cartoon, who can prove any of that? The writer, in my case is imaginative. The seashell will be told in future stories. Obviously this story CONTINUES……hence, the ending which leaves room for future books.
4.What was the inspiration for the book?
My own life and surrounding of a playful , creative and imaginative life I wish others to have and experience…..fun!
5. What is the significance of the RED sneakers and YELLOW backpack?
None. Simply a decision.
6.What is in the backpack? (we kind of got caught up in the details and not your role as author—sorry)
You will find out in future stories.
7. Why are the parents so accepting of a dragon?
It is a Good story, he is a good dragon…no demons and bad guys.
8. How and why did you choose the illustrator?
Long story but in a nutshell, she is European and in Latvia. Speaks no English and I adored her and decided I really wanted to work with her.
9.How long did it take to finish the book in its entirety?
approx. 2 years- NOT full time
10.What lesson, if any, was the book trying to teach?
I leave that open to the reader.
11.Does the theme have to do with manners?/…………..Why is the dragon so polite? That is his character.
I leave that up to the reader
12.Why doesn’t Danny act like the dragon (I’m not sure what they were asking here—I can ask for clarification)
Can not answer this………..this is sort fo a silly question, sorry.
13.Are you concerned with the logic of Danny shrinking in water? (the discussion was Danny ate soup which is watery and yet he does not shrink from eating liquid—or must the water be salt water?) The explanationis is in the book and in this story.
14.Is there a significance to the pictures—7:10 for dinner clean-up, license plate FL-1, feather on the picture of a boat, grandparent picture in the background . . . ?
No significance at all.
Period 3 Class
1.Same as #4 in 5th period
2. Same as #5
3. Why did you choose imaginary characters (dragon) rather than realistic (hermit crab)?
Boy, …..because I am a writer / author and as a writer I make my decisions as I choose. I am able to create ideas and imagination and place this on paper for others to envision my words. That Iisan authors job and capability. This is what writing is all about.
4. Was the book meant to be an independent reader or a “read-to” book?
From the Reviews all Lower School ages seem to be reading it as well as being read to.
5.Why is there no real conflict in the book? (we are High School and used to looking for conflict)
Smart point. In many books there are conflicts and especially at the middle, turning point. The turning point is the evolving from a shell.
Keep in mind this is a 32 page children picture book so they may look at the halfway point, or there-about.
6.How long did it take you to write the book? above
7. Is there a significance to choosing (the name) Danny the Dragon? (They know Danny and the Dinosaur) above
8.Was the book written as a stream of consciousness? No.
I tried not to answer their questions, or guess what your response would be. They were inspired from your introduction of your own writing at 16 that they could illustrate and/or write their own best-selling children’s books! Good. Thank you so much for willingness to share. Thank you, Karon
Additional comments to teacher from me- my views: Hi Karon, These answers above are short and sweet. With this many question there is usually a live phone interview. I tried to answer quickly as I just eloped a plane after a 18 day tour. Many of these questions are goood. The spirit of writing, having fun, playing with your reader and in this case young children, is the main purpose. You can break some rules IF your story communicates. Never allow the students to fail in writing by getting so caught up in the “rules’. The questions as to why does he act so nice, like a dinosaur and am I concerned with him shrinking….well, I can say that the magic did not convey to som fo these kids, maybe due to them be HS students? They are looking at a book trying to dissect it as an educational tool, which is terrific but due to the nature of the questions, they may loose sight of the magic of writing if they need a WHY to all points in a book and on its pages, especially a childrens’ picture book. Writing can be much simpler and fun.Working with my illustrator was a magical experience. I am an Author and love to write, my illustrator is an Award Wining illustrator and this particular book is the opening to Adventures. The rest is sure to come. Thank you for your questions and time. I wish all the children in your classes with a true goal to be a writer all the best os success in their endeavor. Those with a goal to be a children’s picture book writer will need perseverance and stamina and I feel anyone with enough perseverance can make it.
All the Best, Tina Turbin Author
Encourage Social Skills in Children: Danny the Dragon Author Offers Tips
One of the ways parents can increase involvement is by supporting their child’s education and helping him achieve academic success. An important part of this, which parents don’t often think about, is teaching your kids the social skills they’ll need to succeed in school. Here are some tips for parents on how they can send their child to school with the social skills they need to successfully interact with teachers and other students.
First, it’s important to teach your child to ask for what he needs. How can he get help unless he’s able to admit he doesn’t understand something? A great way to instill this in your child is to practice it at home.
One of the most important things you can teach your child is manners. Teachers may attempt to teach students politeness and social skills, but if it’s not being practiced in the home, the child will not successfully absorb these lessons. Your child should be taught when to say, “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Have him practice sharing things, taking turns, and waiting his turn in line.
Point out good examples of behavior to your child when you see it. If you’re watching a movie or out in public, you can say to your child something such as, “Did you see how the man held open the door for the lady? He was being a gentleman.”
Finally, rehearse at home anything your child may feel awkward saying or doing with other people. In such a way, you’ll be able to get your child interacting with others with ease.
Success in school isn’t only determined by academic skills and knowledge. By following the helpful tips above in the time you spend with your child, you’ll notice an improvement in your child’s education experience in no time as they become more comfortable in their learning environment and better equipped to flourish in it.
Children Need Good Literature
The fact that kids need good literature is not a new one. Just look at the number of awards available in the United States alone to reward authors for superb children’s literature. The long list of such awards includes the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, and Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. With such an extraordinary effort made to celebrate good children’s literature, there must be something important about it.
I know how short the attention span of a child can be yet how thrilling it is to watch a child’s imagination partake in an exciting adventure story. However, why should a child read good literature rather than watch an “educational” television show or an entertaining children’s movie? The answer lies in the benefits of reading to your child.
Research continues to support that reading benefits children of all ages in a number of ways. Reading helps to build your child’s vocabulary, develop his imagination, and improve his ability to communicate. In fact, there is a direct relationship between how many words an infant hears in a day and his language skills, and even his intelligence quotient. Reading is crucial in exposing your baby or young child to a variety of words. The images and colors in children picture books and illustrated books are also stimulating of the imagination. This is part of the reason why I spent a whole year interviewing illustrators after writing the first book in my series, Danny the Dragon—I knew from reading to my own children just how much children appreciate art in children’s literature.
So the next time you’re shopping for the kids at Wal-Mart, think twice before you get them another DVD, remember the pleasure you get from curling up with a good book, and pick out some high-quality children’s literature instead.
Helpful Tips to Encourage Learning in Your Children
First of all, read to your children! Studies show that reading to your child can begin before the age of six months, as soon as they’re able to enjoy the images and pictures inside of their books. Children have varying attention spans and you should keep in mind not to push too far past these limits and not to force them to read, as children tend to dislike things they are forced to do when it’s not on their own determinism. You can read to your child or have them read you, or take turns.
Play board games to stimulate an interest in learning. Not only are they tons of fun, but they help your child develop his reading skills and practice following rules.
A family day at the museum, library, or other stimulating place will encourage your child to be interested in his environment and take a hands-on approach to learning. Ask your child questions about the artwork he sees at museums, such as “Why do you think the painter chose this color?”
Volunteer at your child’s school whenever possible. You can go along on field trips, help decorate for class parties, or read to the class. This will show that you care about your child’s schooling enough to go to his school yourself.
Finally, make sit-down dinners a regular part of your family’s evening, turning off the TV and cell phones so you can sit and talk without distractions. Take advantage of this time to show a genuine interest in your child’s schooling and in academic subjects in general. Ask him lots of questions, tell him funny anecdotes about when you were in school, or tell him what you thought of the book he’s reading in his literature class when you read it in high school yourself. This gets across the important message that learning is important, one of the most valuable lessons you’ll teach your child and which will help ensure his success in all his future endeavors.
Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education
First, make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed. A well-balanced diet, with nutritious meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and healthy snacks after school, has been shown to improve academic performance in children. Kids also need to be well-rested in order to focus during the day.
Next, take advantage of every opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, such as parent-teacher or open-school nights. Not only will you make sure you’re not missing vital information, such as what the teacher expects of your child’s homework assignments, but you’ll show your child and his teachers that you care about his education.
Familiarize yourself with your child’s daily routine by making a copy of his schedule. If you know gym class is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can make sure your child brings his gym clothes on these days.
Check your child’s backpack and planner to make sure you see teacher’s notes, important dates, permission slips, and graded assignments and tests. You prevent your child’s embarrassment in school by making sure your child is prepared for the special events and activities you’ll find out about through your backpack inspections and can provide your child with help for anything you find he may need help with.
Stay connected with other parents. Sometimes your child’s perception of what’s occurring in the classroom may not be accurate, or perhaps your child hasn’t been mentioning some essential information. By forming connections with other parents, you can ensure that you’re not missing out on vital data.
A Mother from Nigeria Reviews Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy
Full time mother and business woman Consolata Ugboko from Nigeria took the time last month to post a review about Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy.
And a pleasant review it was! I do hope you’ll visit her site to read the review and leave her a comment. Click here and scroll down to the blog entry from January 21st 2010.
Thank you!
Tina Turbin
Shriners Hospital of Tampa: My Visit, Visits, Reading and Creative Time With the Kids
Last year I had the pleasure of visiting and sharing my delightful Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy children’s book with the children at Shriners Hospital of Tampa. Keep reading to hear all about this wonderful experience:
To my surprise most of these kids I visited at Shriners had flown in from all over the world for the intimate care at Shriners. Shriners caters to kids under 18, accepts no payment from parents or insurance companies and all their money is raised by donations and the hard work of the Shriners.
Half of the children I visited spoke little English and were under care to receive prosthetics or some type of surgery , due mostly to being born with a certain defect.
These kids were bright and creative as we made our own “book” to leave in their hospital library. They titled their “combined-efforts book”, Danny and Friends to go with my book, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy.
It was an amazing day, to say the least. The knowledge I gained afterwards truly opened my eyes to the many needs and the various ways to help out in society.
Note: The little girl sitting in the wagon next to me (above photo) had no legs “yet” but she handle this with pride and in her own way. She hid an assortment of chocolate pudding, bags of candy and 3 cans of Gatorade as well as all sorts of stuffed animals tucked under her blanket covering her legs. I am smiling at her as she had taken a break from our coloring to get a bit too much pudding on her face rather than in her tummy. She was a charm and the staff were amazing with all these kids!
Enjoy!
Tina Turbin
Getting the Kids to Listen
First of all, maintain eye contact, looking at your child when you talk to him, Tina says. Talking over his shoulder while he watches TV or calling to him from another room is not conducive to communicating effectively. Turn off the TV for a minute and kneel down to your child’s level so that you’re facing each other, Tina advises, and then go ahead and talk to him.
Be realistic in what you’re asking him to do. Sometimes I see parents who ask their children to do age-inappropriate things that they’re just not yet capable of, and it overwhelms them. You may just be asking too much of them.
How do you get along when you’re starving or after a poor night’s sleep? If you suspect your kid is hungry, get him a high-protein snack to give him a blood sugar boost, and then go ahead and repeat your demands.
Next, when you offer your child choices, only give him one or two at a time because too many choices can overwhelm him. Instead of asking, “What do you want to do?” ask “Would you rather help with the laundry or set the table?”
Finally, be positive and supportive when your children do what you want. When they do listen, say thank you or tell them they did a good job. You’ll get more of what you support with positive remarks.
Developing listening skills in your children isn’t usually an overnight task, but by following these tips, you’ll find that soon there will be a recognizable change in how your kids respond to what you say.
