Introducing Our New Free Lesson Plans!

By Dani Greer

Click to buy

When Rana DiOrio envisioned her What Does It Mean To Be…?® series of picture books for children, she wanted a springboard by which teachers and parents could initiate meaningful conversations about the issues of the day. Further discussions would expand on basics themes within each topic, and adults could guide the conversations to emphasize aspects of the themes they felt were most important. Because that “next step” could involve a bit of time and energy, the team at Little Pickle Press has long planned to offer lesson plans to go with each title.

After considerable research, planning, writing, and teamwork, we are thrilled to announce our first lesson plan for teachers and parents! The What Does It Mean To Be Global? lesson plans offer additional guidance to adults to expound on the basic themes within this picture book, and includes three projects teachers can use to build values and create positive understanding about issues that affect people all over the world. Building on commonalities, while also pointing out differences, children explore other cultures and develop values that foster understanding and cooperation.

The lesson plan aligns with the Common Core State Standards Initiative for Speaking and Listening. The Common Core was recently adopted by the majority of states and is especially pertinent for educators in the United States.

And guess what? The lesson plans are free to download from our webpage! Click on the link here and download it now!

We’d love to know what you think of it, how your classroom projects turned out, and any ideas and suggestions you might have for us to incorporate into other lesson plans. Please leave us a comment here or at the lesson plan link above. We hope you find our contribution useful and a fun way to build on the themes What Does It Mean To Be Global? initiated.

If you are not familiar with the book, please watch the book trailer:

To purchase a copy of the book, please click here. Also available in French and in Spanish.

Being Global According to Kids

By Cameron Crane

When Rana DiOrio, released her first title What Does It Mean To Be Global?, she hoped that it would encourage children to explore, respect, and cherish the world’s diverse cultures, traditions, languages and ways of life. The concept of being “global” is still a fundamental part of who Little Pickle Press is today, and we have spent the month of October discussing what it means to raise global citizens. Today, let’s find out what children have to say about what it means to be global.

Do you know what it means to be global?

Alex (6 years old): “It means picking up trash on the street, even if it’s not yours picking it up.”

Jacquelyn (6 years old): “It means being a part of the world.”

Katie (8 years old): “Well one of the things I know about a globe is that it shows you where everything is. It shows you the whole world.”

Ryan (7 years old): “It means trying different types of food from all over the world, and meeting new people from all over the world. And it means learning different languages.”


How are you global? Are you learning to speak another language in school?

Alex: “In school we are learning how to talk in Spanish, up to ten.”

Katie: “Sometimes we learn to say some things. Like we learned how to say ‘Hi’ in Japanese. And ‘Aloha’. That means goodbye and hello.”

Ryan: “No, not really. I want to. I really want to learn French. Because it’s fancy.”

What is your favorite type of food to eat that is from a different country?

Jacquelyn: “I like pizza. Pizza is from Italy.”

Katie: “I really like pop-stickers.”

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Alex: “I would want to go to Australia”

Jacquelyn: “I think I would go all over.”

Ryan: “Paris.”

Katie: “Well I saw the Lion King. It was in 3D. So I think I would go there to see the animals.”

Do you think it is important to learn about people from other countries?

Alex: “Kind of.”

Jacquelyn: “I think it is important because that’s how we know who is there in the world.”

Ryan: “Yes. Well, it’s important to know that people are different and people speak different languages. And where they come from and stuff like that.”

Katie: “Yes, it is very important to learn about. Some of my family are from Germany and they came and told us about what it is like.”

What is the most important thing for people to know about the world or being global?

Alex: “That there are many different types of people in the world and to be nice.”

Jacquelyn: “You should always try your best.”

Ryan: “That if you read the book Sofia’s Dream, you will see that you shouldn’t litter to the world.”

Katie: “Everybody should be treated fairly. You have to take turns and be nice so that nobody gets their feelings hurt. You can hurt someone’s feelings without knowing.”

Pictures of Girltopia

Leslie Iorillo will be manning the Little Pickle Press booth #1012 at Girltopia today, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, click here. Be sure to follow all the action on Twitter using the hashtag #Girltopia to search. 12,000+ participants! Go Girl Scouts of America!

What Does It Mean To Be Global?

Watch our book trailer to find out.



And stay tuned for a special global treat coming soon!

Sense & Sustainability and the Green Prize Awards

By Cameron Crane

Thursday, October 27, 7:00 p.m.
MLK Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA

Just last month, Little Pickle Press received the exciting news that one of our favorite titles, What Does It Mean To Be Green? by Rana DiOrio had won the Santa Monica Public Library Green Prize for Sustainable Literature in the School Age Nonfiction category. As a company that works very hard to maintain sustainable practices, we were honored to be recognized for our efforts by a program that is as passionate about protecting the planet as we are. And what is equally as exciting is that this evening, our Chief Executive Pickle will be accepting her award at the Sense & Sustainability and Green Prize Award Event.


Tonight's event will be attended by a panel of local experts on sustainability, as well as several Green Prize recipients. The event will focus on today's sustainable trends, and will incorporate the 2011 Green Prize-winning books, which were selected by the Santa Monica Public Library as the best green titles of 2010. The Green Prize also serves to recognize titles that "broaden public awareness of sustainability." Here are the winners that will be in attendance with Little Pickle Press:

• Alison Formento, Author of This Tree Counts! (Youth Picture Book)
• Sarah Snow, Illustrator of This Tree Counts!
• Debbie Cook, Board President of Post Carbon Institute for The Post Carbon Reader (Anthology)

The event will begin with an introduction to the Green Prize, and an award acceptance ceremony for this year's winners. An exciting panel discussion about sustainability will follow, covering topics ranging from eating local to sustainable policies. A reception with refreshments and conversation will wrap up the night.

Tonight's program is free and open to the public. We encourage anybody who will be in the area to come discuss this important issue, celebrate, and meet the cherished founder of Little Pickle Press. Space is limited, so it is recommended that guests arrive at least 15 minutes before the program starts.

For more information call (310) 458-8600 or visit smpl.org/Green_Prize.aspx. We look forward to seeing you there!

__________________________________________


In the Santa Monica area, but can't make tonight's event? Not to worry! Rana DiOrio will be back on Wednesday, November 9, to give a presentation on the newest title in her award-winning series, What Does It Mean To Be Safe?. The event will be held at the Santa Monica Public Library at 3:45 p.m.. Come and learn life-skills that will assist children stay safe when encountering real-life situations. Meet a real police officer, too!

Thinking Globally – Acting Locally as Homeschoolers

By Steven David Horwich

How do we become aware of other people, other lands, other ways of life?  Awareness of others, their differences and similarities to one’s self, starts with exposure.  Exposure happens best when one travels.  In lieu of travel, education is the next best thing.  Unfortunately, most history taught to school children, at least in the U.S., is local in nature.  Children are taught American history, but very little about world history.

Education creates perspective.  Education makes our place in the global scheme of things clearer.  An understanding of the world, its history and geography, changes one’s view of our relation with others. An example – whatever one thinks of the United States making war in Iraq, what we were doing was marching into the land where the oldest civilizations existed, the first cities and states.  More wars have been fought over that land than can be easily imagined, and the United States is now a part of a very long river of history that flows from the fertile crescent, found in Iraq.

Homeschoolers are not limited to the state’s mandate on what, when, and how to teach a child.  As homeschoolers, we are free to make certain that our children receive a broader understanding of the world, one that started long before 1776.  Homeschoolers are free to understand world history, and to investigate its relevancy today. We are free to look as we see the need to look, to look at others and consider their lives, their culture, even their beliefs.  A homeschooler is, in fact, as free to be exposed and to understand the world as his or her parents allow and support.
 
So the limits of understanding of the world that a homeschooling child will grow up with are determined by mom and dad.  I would argue that, as the student moves toward adulthood, there is little about history, other lands and their interactions with our own that it would not be wise for a child to understand.

There are numerous ways to approach teaching with a global perspective.  One might begin with the idea that world history should be the focus of history studies.  I believe in following the timeline in teaching history, rather than jumping around in “units” – today the ancient history of some particular group, tomorrow something else 500 years later in history.  I don’t think such studies help the student understand the actual flows and interplays of history.  If a student “starts at the beginning” and works forward (over several years of study, without the “deadlines” schools insist upon), he is likely to not only “learn” history, but to understand it and be able to apply his understanding to today’s issues.

I always ask students to apply what happened in the past to their own judgment and intelligence.  For instance, Alexander the Great tended to do two things with defeated cities.  He either made them allies and left their own people in charge, or he burned them to the ground.  Both approaches have value and flaws from a military or human standpoint, so I ask the student which approach he or she would take, and why.  I do this sort of thing when teaching any part of history.

I also often ask the student to apply lessons in history to today’s situations, and in current events studies to apply the lessons of history locally to solve global problems.  For instance, the world has a “food” crisis today - around a billion people go to bed hungry each night.  Students are asked to investigate poverty and hunger in their own country, and how it is addressed.  They then investigate how their country either creates world hunger or help alleviates it, and what organizations are active in solving this crisis.  The student then investigates such organizations to determine in what ways he may wish to contribute or get involved.  These are a few ways a student can use studies to think locally but act globally.

As our children become adults, they will determine the shape of international relationships.  Ignorance, bigotry and insulation lead to a lack of understanding of the world and of others, and most likely to conflict.  An exaggerated patriotism enforced through education, a sense of national entitlement and “me first”, inevitably lead to a combative nation.  After all, a nation is no more than its people, their education, their understanding of the world and how they apply it.  THAT’S how important a global perspective in education is.

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Steven David Horwich has been an educator for almost four decades.  He has well over 20,000 hours of classroom time.  He started homeschooling his two children in 2002, and has spent the last decade authoring Connect the Thoughts, a homeschool core curricula covering life and study skills, history, science, creative writing, the arts, current events, and literature for ages 5-adult. To discover more about CTT, visit his site at http://www.connectthethoughts.com. You can also connect on Twitter and Facebook.

The Global Homeschooler - Meet Khadijah

By Khadijah at Yemeni Journey.com

When people hear that I grew up Catholic in a village of 600 in southwestern Wisconsin, they wonder how on Earth I got to where I am now- a Muslim woman living in a Yemeni coastal town with my African-American husband (his father is from Benin) and our little tribe of eight children. The answer is that I was raised to think globally, an attribute that I strive to pass onto my children.

The Kickapoo Valley is a vibrant place. “Hippie” type back-to-the-landers co-exist with a well established good old boy network. In the fall migrant workers came to pick apples, and when they came into town I was fascinated, listening to their rapid-fire Spanish. While tension would sometimes exist between these groups, in general they all lived together fairly companionably.

My parents raised me to be open-minded and curious about the world around me. That being said, it was a difficult thing for them to cope with my marriage; mostly, I believe, because they thought it would make my life somehow more difficult, being in an interracial marriage. They ultimately accepted it, though, just as they accepted three out of their five children becoming Muslim. Our family was incredibly diverse once we all started getting married. My eldest brother married a Jewish woman, my other brother married a Pakistani, and one of my sisters married a Moroccan. Can't get much more global in a family than that, right?

My parents were right, though - things were difficult for us in some ways, not only due to the mixed race issues, but because of the anti-Islam backlash after 9/11. While I was busy teaching my children to learn about and understand that we don't live in a box, a lot of other people seemed to be moving backward into their own little mono-culture worlds. This is not only depressing, but dangerous. When we moved to Yemen I thought some of our problems would be solved, but they were not; they simply changed to different prejudices and intolerances.

I homeschool my children for a number of reasons, but one of the greatest benefits is raising them to understand that we live in a huge world full of different ideas, values, cultures and experiences. They must see the good they can bring not only to themselves, but to the world and the people in it. A positive, proactive approach empowers them as individuals to work towards bettering themselves and the world they live in.

Here are some of the things that I have found help them relate to our global community:

1. Life is a bit like one of those huge sampler boxes of chocolates. You don't know what you're getting when you first encounter one, and each one is unique in its own way. You don't have to like every single one, and certainly you will have a favorite, but it's good to know about each one and what makes it special.
   
   
2. There are numerous examples throughout time of different peoples and tribes co-existing peacefully. I teach them this from both world history and, more specifically, Islamic history. We have to learn to deal with people who don't look like us, or believe like us, in the correct, just, fashion- and this is a lesson that is sorely needed in the world today.
   
   
3. I teach them to value each person as an individual, not to always think in terms of groups- “us” and “them”, “good guys” and “bad guys”. They have to understand that individual people are faced with choices every day in which they can make a difference. Every group is made up of these individuals. So while it is easy to vilify a whole group, it is not one solid unit. Rather, it is made up of strong people and weak people, educated and uneducated people, leaders and followers; by thinking of them all as one unit, we devalue and dehumanize them, and it is easier to slip into an “enemies” mentality. I want my children to celebrate the diversity within themselves, as well as understanding the diversity of humanity as a whole.

These are just some of the approaches I take when trying to instill an understanding of global community in my children. Some may resonate with you, some may not. I would love to hear some of your ideas and experiences concerning this vital issue in our world today.
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You can read more about Khadijah's creative homeschooling ideas at Riehl Life where she regularly guest posts, and shows us that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

The Global Homeschooler - Meet Pamela Price

By Pamela Price

If I tell you that I'm a native Texan who homeschools her kid outside San Antonio, then you may draw a lot of conclusions right away.

For instance, you may think that:

1. I reject both evolutionary theory and the idea of climate change as hogwash.

2. I regard non-native speakers suspiciously and call them all "foreigners."

3. I support the idea of a border fence between Texas and Mexico.

4. I say "y'all" a lot.

Only one of those statements is true. I’ll try now to tip you off to which of the three are incorrect:

We’re striving to provide our Kindergartner with an open-minded world view.

I guess, in a word, that's teaching a child to be "global."

So how does one go about nurturing an appreciation for a wider world and the people in it when the teacher’s desk is the kitchen table?

Well, it's a lot easier than you might think. For starters, we decided to teach Spanish as a second language beginning with Kindergarten. We had other options, of course. We’ve already dabbled in French and Chinese. Latin and Greek are really big among homeschoolers. Yet here in Texas--an hour or so as the crow flies to the border--Spanish is at once accessible, cosmopolitan, and downright friendly.

A few weeks ago my son and I encountered a Mexican gentleman shopping with his family. My son, using his elementary Spanish knowledge, struck up a conversation. It was brief but warm. The man was charmed and my kid was ecstatic that they could converse together one-to-one.

Later in the car my son and I discussed the man's cheerful reaction. We puzzled through how and why we humans like to be "met" with familiar words, especially when we're away from home. We reflected too on how during a recent trip abroad that even the most feeble of attempts at French were greeted with enthusiasm. At the center of the impromptu lesson the notion of "respect" was revealed. We discussed that, too. A rich, post-Target expedition talk resulting from the kind of chat summed up at the front of every college-level Spanish textbook:

¡Hola! ¿Como se llama? Me llamo Pablo. 

It was pure gold. A remarkable teachable moment right there on the linoleum next to racks of cheap Missoni textiles.

Eat your heart out, Socrates.

Once one opens that kind of door to the world through language, of course, some new issues may arise over time. For instance, when he's old enough to understand that “border fence” idea, we may have to parse through some heavy issues related to language, race, and nationality. Given that San Antonio proper was founded by Spanish speakers and much of the older architecture reflects Spain more than England, Scotland or Denmark (our ancestors' homelands), I can envision a heart-to-heart about who "decides" who must be kept at bay with that fence. What are the political motivations for the respective parties? Financial incentives? What are the alternatives? How do facts counter stereotypes? Or, for instance, what does the rest of the world fail to understand about the the many otherwise "conservative" landowners along the border who oppose the fence? How and where does language come up short in explaining an individual point-of-view?

Will we use Spanish to discuss these ideas? Maybe. Or we may have moved on to Russian or Italian. In whatever language we use to converse and debate important world matters as our son matures, we'll definitely take into those conversations one of the best lessons learned through the study of a foreign language: Showing respect opens wide one's windows to the world.

Yep, even if one still breaks out with a hearty "y'all" in everyday conversation.

Pamela Price is an award-winning regional journalist and the founder of RedWhiteandGrew.com, where she covers a variety of topics. She can be found on Twitter @redwhiteandgrew and Facebook.

Featured Customer of the Month: Twin Parks Montessori Schools

By Cameron Crane

For the month of October, we are pleased to honor Twin Parks Montessori Schools as our featured customer. Twin Parks Montessori Schools has three facilities in New York: Central Park Montessori, Park West Montessori, and Riverside Montessori. Today, we welcome Dr. Kathy Roemer, Executive Director, to the Little Pickle Press blog.

Guided by the Montessori philosophy, we gently help children learn how to learn in a secure, prepared environment, laying a firm foundation for them to become confident, caring and successful human beings. – Twin Parks Montessori Schools’ Mission Statement

Please tell us briefly about Twin Parks Montessori!

Our schools have been accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES) and are members of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Independent School Admission Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), and the Parents League, as well as affiliate schools of Columbia University. Our programs invite children to develop a love of learning for a lifetime. All of our children are nurtured, valued, and respected. Children are free to learn independently at their own pace; and learning is allowed to occur naturally. Parents can feel comfortable knowing that their children are cared for in an encouraging learning atmosphere—one that is supportive of intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.

The same meaningful love of learning happens at all of our Twin Parks Montessori Schools, so a family’s choice of one school over the other is generally driven by the convenience of geographical location.

Is there something about your school that separates you from other Montessori Schools?

The fact that we begin with children 3 months of age sets us apart from other Montessori Schools in NYC. In addition, we have a generous Professional Development program for our teachers and parents. We offer several speakers throughout the year that teachers and parents participate in.

How did you hear about Little Pickle Press?

I heard about Little Pickle Press from Dr. JoAnn Deak (award-winning author of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain). Dr. Deak has spoken at Twin Parks to teachers and parents three times over the past two years. We all looked forward to her book coming out.

Can you describe your experience with Dr. Deak?

I introduce Dr. Deak as a brain research synthesizer. She is able to take current research in its written, raw and presented form all help educators and parents bring that research into action into schools and homes. Her knowledge is invaluable especially to those people working or living with children under 10 years of age at which time most development takes place. I have heard Dr. Deak speak at conferences over the past four years both in the U.S. and abroad to packed audiences who never get enough and wonder when she will return.

Anything else you'd like to add?

The quality of the Little Pickle Press books is outstanding. Everyone loves to touch the stone paper! Little Pickle is the best publisher for books about and for young children. I am so glad you are out there!

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About Kathy Roemer

Kathy is in her 8th year as the Executive Director of Twin Parks Montessori School. She is also the current President of the American Montessori Society's Board of Directors. She earned a Doctorate in education from the University of Memphis; a Masters degree in Montessori education from Christian Brothers University in Memphis; and a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Temple University in Philadelphia. She is certified as an early childhood director and holds a certificate for advanced professional education from the AMS. From 1995 to 2004, she held the position of Head of School at Lamplighter Montessori School in Memphis, Tennessee. She has written articles and a column that are published in Montessori Life, the journal of the American Montessori Society.

Land Wilson Has a Dream

By Land Wilson

A decade ago, I set out on a goal of creating a tool to help our youth to want to protect Earth against pollution and frivolous waste. I found that astronauts had dramatic things to say about caring for earth. For my research, I interviewed three Apollo astronauts. Then, I wrote what would one day become Sofia’s Dream. My research and book publication then inspired me to accelerate my outreach by founding a non-profit organization called, The Earth View Society - a California Corporation organized to promote environmental stewardship through education - www.earthviewsociety.org

Since the publication of Sofia's Dream, my interest in statements by astronauts hasn’t stopped. I have found that generations born after the Apollo program are in need of more content to fully understand the significance of the insights and knowledge that Apollo astronauts brought back to the world after their experience of seeing Earth from afar. Even generations who were around during the Apollo missions are inspired by reminders of what astronauts shared 40 years ago about the need to protect Earth.

The Earth View Society has just launched The Apollo Legacy Project on the funding platform, Kickstarter. The project aims to obtain and share with the world each Apollo astronaut's one statement they believe would most impact others to become better stewards of Earth. The statements will be shared in a free educational e-book with images from the NASA photo archive. The free e-book will include:

• Prefaces by one or more astronauts and one world-renowned planetary hero
• A foreword by Pierre Cousteau
• An introduction by Land Wilson

The eBook is scheduled to be released in late 2012.

Kickstarter is an amazing on-line service and ranks as the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. But much of the fundraising success boils down to the support that the creator generates among their community. It is an honor to be part of the Little Pickle Press community and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to share this project with you. Will you help make The Apollo Legacy Project a reality with a donation? Thank you!
For details go to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/709234307/the-apollo-legacy-project
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We're happy to share our latest news: Sofia's Dream just won a Gold Medal Moonbeam Award in the environmental category! Congratulations to Land Wilson, Sue Cornelison, and the entire Little Pickle Press production team.

Perspectives of the Boston Book Festival

By Tony Ritzie

Little Pickle Press took part in the third annual Boston Book Festival on Saturday, October 15, on Copley Square.  More than 100 authors were represented, and content covered every subject imaginable. The weather mostly cooperated, but it's autumn in New England so anything is, and was, possible. The leaves were 10 days shy of perfect coloring, the apples were crisp and tart, and the pumpkins were ready to be carved. The crowds came out in force throughout the day, from all over the northeast, and some from as far as San Francisco. Many knew why they were there and others just luckily stumbled upon the event and thought it a good idea. They were justifiably confused, as it was not empirically obvious what Chevrolet, the Rockettes, yogurt, cupcakes, and a touring company of Peter Pan have to do with books, authors, and publishing.

There was a little something for everyone who came out to honor "the book".  And a book is no longer just a book, in the traditional sense. The commonality is the respect and passion for the written word. What is different is the approach to delivering the content of the book to the end user, the reader. Audiobooks were just a few booths away, and traffic to the booth was steady throughout the day. At the other end of the Square were e-books, which had their own loyal following. There were long lines for book signings, and to my knowledge, a substitute for an author's black sharpie on a hand-held, bound tome has yet to be developed, but I'm certain someone is working on it.

The Book Festival also hosted some terrific workshops. I was lucky enough to attend one regarding the graphic novel. The panel was comprised of:

• Seth, whose current book is The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists; 

•  Alison Bechdel, guest editor of The Best American Comics 2011, amongst several other very notable and much deserved achievements; 

• Daniel Clowes, whose latest effort is The Death Ray, the content of which made for an interesting juxtaposition at the event venue, the Trinity Church Sanctuary.

Each presented a slightly different take on both the current state and future of the medium, but all agreed it is here to stay, and is gaining in respect and credibility. If the number of devotees lined up for Seth's autograph are any indication, they are onto something.

Little Pickle Press also participated in the Children's Passport event, where the kids got to lead a scavenger hunt amongst the various booths that catered to them, with their parents in tow. A completed passport spelled out a secret message and yielded a prize when completed and turned in at the spectacular Trinity Church. I can't divulge the message or the prize, as it wouldn't be fair to all the young folks and all of their hard work, but they were all quite pleased.

Overall, it was a great way to spend a beautiful day in Boston, catch up on a bit of new technology, and add a title or two to one's book collection.

One World FutBol Project

By Dani Greer

Children everywhere and throughout history play games, and kicking a ball is as universal as laughter. In a sports-oriented country like America, it’s hard to imagine that in many parts of the world children don’t even have a simple ball to play with – they tie up bundles of rags and string and kick that around.

Poster available at One World Futbol

It was just such an experience in which young Darfur refugees were engrossed in a makeshift game of soccer, which led Tim Jahnigen, an inventor, song-writer, and music producer, to envision a never-goes-flat soccer ball for children. With the help of his friend, the musician Sting who contributed crucial R&D funding, OneWorld Futbol came to be. The name of the ball and of the project were based on the song “One World,” written by Sting.

The Project markets the One World Futbol via retail channels through a ”Give One, Get One” offer, whereby for each ball purchased, another ball is donated to organizations in the field. Non-governmental organizations may also buy the ball directly in large quantities from the Project at steep discounts, and the Project actively seeks corporate and other sponsors to help generate balls for distribution to worthy organizations.

Billed as the world’s most durable sports ball, other important features include these:

• Uniquely ultra-durable. Unlike any inflatable ball on the market, the One World Futbol requires no pump and will never go flat even if punctured. The ball is made using state-of-the-art technology that requires no stitching and is designed to have the same rebound characteristics as a traditional soccer ball. It’s the same size and weight as a standard soccer ball, but it can also be used for netball, volleyball, and many other games.
• All-terrain. The One World Futbol is ideal for any playing surface, not just grass or regulation soccer fields: indoors, on concrete, on blacktop, on grass, on a beach, on dirt, or even on a rocky field. The ball can withstand the harshest conditions without deflating.
• Give One Get One. When you purchase a One World Futbol through the “Give One, Get One” program, they will donate a second ball to an organization working with deserving youth and communities around the world.
• No child labor. Many traditional soccer balls are still stitched together by hand by children and adults working under deplorable conditions in Pakistan, China, and India. The One World Futbol is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology that does not require stitching.

Photo: Coaches Across Continents

Already, One World Futbols have been delivered to 77 countries through nearly 100 organizations. If like me, you don’t really want your very own soccer ball in the Give One/Get One option, you can donate both or simply contribute $25. Please consider bringing true and lasting joy to a young child somewhere in the world. You give the gift of play when you donate. Click here for more information about how to give and please be generous. 

One World Futbol on Twitter

One World Futbol on Facebook

One World Futbol blog

Back to School for Rana DiOrio

The Henry Barnard School is a laboratory school located on the Rhode Island College campus, and offers one of the most prestigious teaching programs in the country. Part of the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the school gives future educators an experiential learning environment while offering children ages Pre-K-5 an innovative and excellent educational experience.

Chief Executive Pickle, Rana DiOrio, attended the Henry Barnard School during her grade school years, and today returns to her alma mater to share with current students her journey to becoming an award-winning children’s book writer and owner of her own publishing company. Here is her presentation schedule at the school today:

Presentation to 4^th & 5^th Grade Classes at 8:15 am

In her presentation of Forging a Relationship with Writing, Rana encourages children to explore their writing selves and to embark on a personal and lifelong writing journey.  Students have an opportunity to reflect upon how and why writers write, as well as the diverse genres and forms that writing assumes.  Rana introduces children to their relationship with writing through an illustration of her continual evolution as a writer, from childhood through motherhood and beyond. Rana’s Forging a Relationship with Writing  presentation exposes students to the positive impact and collaborative dialogue that their writing can spark.  Rana rounds out the presentation with an invitation to students to share their writing on a broader scale here at the Little Pickle Press blog.

Presentation to K & 1^st Grade Classes at 9:30 am

In her presentation of What Does It Mean to Be Global?  Rana helps students develop an appreciation for the unique life experiences of children throughout the world.  Through a multimedia, interactive discussion, students explore the diverse manifestations of language, shelter, food, art, dance, music, and play, while simultaneously building an understanding of the common bonds of childhood and humanity.  The What Does It Meant to Be Global?  presentation teaches children about the beauty of diversity, how we are similar amidst our differences, and the importance of being open-minded in an increasingly global world.

 Presentation to 2^nd & 3^rd Grade Classes at 10:45 am

In her presentation of What Does It Mean to Be Safe?  Rana promotes children’s awareness of safety in their own lives. Students learn about the myriad realms in which safety occurs on a daily basis. Through illustrations of physical, social, emotional, cyber, and political safety, children reflect on how they can identify and establish a safe, positive environment in their worlds. Rana teaches the message of safety by encouraging students to listen to their inner voices and seek the help of trustworthy adults if they encounter an unsafe circumstance or atmosphere. The What Does It Mean to Be Safe? presentation helps build confident, conscientious, and responsible decision-making skills for children.

She said her curiosity about the world began in a claw-footed bathtub full of pillows in her kindergarten classroom at Henry Barnard School, where she learned about Western access to China and panda bears. Her fourth-grade teacher, F. Haven Starr, Jr., is currently Henry Barnard’s assistant principal. She plans to donate some of her books to the school library.

To purchase any of the books in Rana's What Does It Mean To Be...? series, please visit the Little Pickle Press website.

Being a Global Student

By Xinyi Li

Good morning Little Pickle Press! I am an international student from China, and today I am going to talk to you about my experience as a global student.

I came to America for school in 2009. I was very excited to come here because finally I had the opportunity to go to college, two years after I graduated from high school. My mind started to change when I arrived at the San Francisco airport. It was so different than what I thought it would be! I go back home every summer and Christmas break, because I like to stay with my family. Family in China is different than American culture, which encourages children to be very independent.

I like studying here, and it will help me to find a job easily when I go back to China after graduation, but it can be difficult too. My major is International Business, so studying helps me learn more about foreign culture. The U.S. is a very multi-cultural country. However, the classes can stress me out, and especially the English class. Sometimes, I am shy to speak in public. I feel my English is poor, so it is hard to be self-confident when I present in front of other people. Although the school here is good, I still miss being in China. In China, we have to study for twelve years just for the university entrance exam, which is just once a year. I spent 12 years for an exam, but I didn’t end up going to college in China. Sometimes that makes me sad.

There are times that I feel lonely to be here. I could not go home for Chinese New Year, and that is very important to Chinese culture. I have not celebrated Chinese New Year with my family for 2 years. I love the connections I have made here, but it is a trade-off because I am missing the chance to make friends at a Chinese college. It will take me more time to build a network when I go back to China after I graduate.

I have lived on campus for a year and half, and I have learned a lot about American culture from my roommates. I always hang out with them, and they are my friends, but sometimes I still have culture shock. American students are more independent than Chinese students, because they don’t go back home that often. Also humor can be difficult to pick up on. Sometimes I don’t understand the jokes that they talk about. I feel it is not easy to be a student in a foreign country.

Even though I am not always happy to be here, there are some things I have really enjoyed about it. I got the opportunity to meet my idol closely, when I went to my favorite singer’s concert. There was an autograph opportunity for audience that would have been impossible in China. Also, I have been able to meet other students from different countries, and learn a little bit about their languages and lives. Also I have been able to eat all different types of food!

This has been my experience as a student in the U.S. Being an international student has both positives and negatives, but I learn more each day, and I am happy to have this opportunity.

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Xinyi Li is currently a 21 year old student at Dominican University of California, majoring in International Business. After graduating in 2013, she hopes to return to China to start her career.

Social Studies and Global Transformations

By Dani Greer

Terraskin poster available at http://www.littlepicklepress.com

Social Studies and Global Transformations

Boring title, huh? Almost as dry as this definition:

Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies.

Makes you just trip over your feet trying to sign up for that class. I don’t think so.

Fortunately, I had good social studies teachers in elementary school, most of whom were Americans living and teaching in Germany for the global cultural experience.

Mrs. Jolly, my homeroom teacher, loved the German culture because that was her ethnic heritage. Mr. Cool was there to travel and experience Renaissance art and architecture and especially loved Italy. Miss Drystick was… well, boring and very strict, and we all felt sorry for our little friends who had to be in her class.

One spring, the three teachers hatched the idea of having one big social studies class for a day exploring various countries and cultural aspects. It was a big deal because it required special permissions, movie and audio equipment, and an entire afternoon in which we were sequestered and away from other school activities. 

The day of the event started in my classroom with Mrs. Jolly in her traditional dirndl and talking about all things German. It was a little ho-hum because we all lived there, and most of what she was teaching wasn’t really very new to us. But I still remember feeling a little happy about her enthusiasm and very connected to the German culture which is my heritage, too. Plus the whole day was a big novelty and very exciting.

Mr. Cool’s class was totally different. He dressed in Medici costume and talked about art and architecture and made it all seem terribly interesting. I’m fairly certain his lesson inspired my deep appreciation of the arts and architecture of Italy, to the point that I even named a business Ghiberti Art Glass & Metals after the baptistry doors at the Florence Cathedral.

And Miss Drystick? We could hardly wait to end the day in her class (how boring would this be?), but were we ever in for a huge surprise! We all crammed into the room, and were greeted with strange exotic music, and curious scents of spices, and she herself glowing in a stunning silk sari from India. Is that really you, Miss Drystick? She looked beautiful! 

We listened to the music while looking at and learning about the sitar and other instruments, sniffed the aromatic spices, tasted foods she had concocted for us to taste, and handled the assortment of luscious silks she’d brought for us to touch and drape ourselves in. We couldn’t bear to tear ourselves away at the end of the class. To this day, my judgment of fine fabric comes through my fingers, I know a good spice by my nose, and my design style especially in jewelry-making is decidedly ethnic. I also learned about the power of the senses in teaching a lesson. I’m sure I owe all that to Miss Drystick who wasn’t even my teacher except during that short day.

The best part of the experience looking back, now that I’m twice as old as Miss Drystick? Remembering how the study, respect, and love of another culture can transform a person into a being of passion and beauty. She became an Indian goddess right before our very eyes. That I shall never forget!

What about you? Was there a global grade school lesson that you vividly remember? How have you made social studies come alive for your children? Please share your experiences in the comments.

What Does It Mean To Be Safe? The New Book Trailer!

We are pleased to introduce the book trailer for What Does It Mean To Be Safe?, the newest title in Rana DiOrio's series for children.



To purchase a copy of the book, please click here.

Review of Our Global App By a Library Media Specialist

By Diane Darrow/Library Media Specialist at Reed Union School District

Hello, hola, ciao, shalom, and bonjour Little Pickle Press. A big resounding welcome to the world of app books! Your exceptionally written and illustrated printed books are now embarking on a journey into the playful land of interactive book apps.

When I initially opened LPP’s first book app for What Does It Mean To Be Global? I was immediately drawn to the book’s jubilant world music and encouraged to join in and interact with their world-wide party. Users can choose to either read the book by themselves or have it read to them. Including an option to see each word highlighted in red as it is read aloud is an extremely valuable feature. Assistive options such as this will help readers recognize the isolation of individual words and models print directionality. Many readers unconsciously perform these reading tasks without problems, but for others it is a daily challenge. The inclusion of assistive technology within a digital book grants many children access to books and reading that would otherwise be blocked. 

In addition to the digitizing of this original book by Rana DiOrio, a few interactive features have been added. Children will enjoy coloring in pictures and playing word games that teach users how to say "hello" in nine different languages. I have heard rumors of additional features such as the ability to create personal avatars, travel journals, and interactive maps. In the meantime, open up the app song lyrics, then turn up the volume and start singing!

The folks at Little Pickle Press continue to impress me with their creative abilities. This app is just the first step towards a bright future developing digital books. Congratulations, Little Pickle Press, for your recent induction into the world of app development.

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To download the $2.99 What Does It Mean To Be Global? application for Android click here. Please be sure to tell us what you and the children enjoyed most about the experience. We welcome your comments!

Book Review: If the World Were a Village

By Cameron Crane


Written by David J. Smith
Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press; 2 edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554535956
Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

At the beginning of this month, Little Pickle Press launched our exciting new title, Snutt the Ift: A Small but Significant Chapter in the Life of the Universe, written and illustrated by Helen Ward. The story is about two brave explorers from different backgrounds, who find between themselves a universal connection. This inspired us to focus our theme this month on raising global children. If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People is a book that aims to foster world-mindedness in children.

The Story: If the World Were a Village helps us understand who we are as a global community, from the languages we speak to the religions we practice, and even the conditions we live in. In order to do so, David J. Smith gathers everybody in the world into one village, with 100 people representing the world’s population of 6.9 billion. Smith then invites the reader to “come and meet the people of the global village”. The book also offers helpful guidelines and examples for parents, teachers and group leaders to raise globally-minded children.

The Rhythm: Although this book is only around 30 pages, it is broken down conceptually into chapter format. Each chapter offers a new topic, from food to health, air and water. In each ‘chapter’ we are given an eloquent description of a scene in the village, followed by interesting facts and numbers representing what life is like for the people living in it. The organization and language used in the book is somewhat sophisticated, and is definitely intended for older children.

The Artwork: Mirroring the content of the book, Shelagh Armstrong’s beautiful artwork seems to be universal. The bold use of color helps to create almost a stained-glass version of the village, where faces are indistinguishable and the world exists in peace.

The Message: Smith’s message is one of understanding. If we think of the world as global village, we can learn to recognize that we are all impacted by the conditions of people world-wide. According to Smith, “‘world-mindedness’ is an attitude, an approach to life. It is the sense that our planet is actually a village, and we share this small, precious village with our neighbors. Knowing who are neighbors are, where they live and how they live, will help us live in peace.” If the World Were a Village is intended to take this monumental message, and break it down into concepts that children can absorb.

My Only Issue: As this book discusses the environment, it would be more aligned with its message if it were printed in a more environmentally-friendly manner and without a dust jacket. Also, while I appreciate the forthright way Smith approaches today’s issues, I think some topics require additional explanation for children to truly understand.

Conclusion: If the World Were a Village is a wonderful tool for parents, teachers and mentors to address world issues and help to foster globally-minded children. It is a great book to read with your children and family as a conversation-starter. Because it teaches lessons about what we have relative to other global citizens, it would be an excellent read before Thanksgiving, to help your children recognize what they have to be thankful for. Buy If the World Were a Village from Amazon, your local bookstore, or loan it from your local library and let the learning begin!

Growing the Next Generation of Global Citizens

By Rebecca Bernard Aguiar

From the day our children are born their primary job, outside of basic survival, is to make sense of their world. Just watch an infant as she explores her uncle's new beard for the first time, or a toddler as he manipulates a new toy. As adults, we might overlook the novelty of these discoveries because for us they have become commonplace. For young children, however, their distinctions are wondrous and start to shape their vision of the world and the people that live in it.

What we learn from our parents and surrounding society in our formative years lays the foundation for us to feel secure in the world. Due to advancements in technology and travel, the world has become a much smaller, yet increasingly diverse place, with different religions, foods, customs, clothing, values, etc. As our children continue to explore their world, they will have to understand how this fits, or does not fit, into their own senses of "self". Inevitably, these experiences can cause them to question the truths of their own small worlds, which can at times be daunting and confusing. As parents, there is a lot that we can do to alleviate their discomfort around differences and help them process these experiences in a positive way.

Raising our children to be globally-minded is about helping them to feel safe while exploring our diverse globe. It is also about instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for our cultural and ethnic differences. This begins with us, as parents, who must evaluate our own position on diversity and be mindful of the way we convey our biases and prejudices to our children. The more we are willing to get out of our comfort zones and share new experiences with them‹trying various foods, learning about other cultures, etc., the more equipped they will feel to confront these experiences on their own. Ultimately, it is about exposure. In providing our children with opportunities to experience the diversity of our world from a place of respect, love, and appreciation, we can foster a future generation of compassionate and tolerant global citizens. 

Rebecca Bernard Aguiar is the Chief Cultivator of The Cultured Seed, a community of parents growing globally-minded children through cultural enrichment.


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Spanish version collector hardcover edition is here.

French version collector hardcover edition is here.

MPIBA Fall Conference Wrap-up

By Dani Greer

 

Last Wednesday, we posted about the Mountains & Plains IndependentBooksellers Association Fall Trade Show, and our plans to attend for the first time. A relatively small show by industry standards, the organization nonetheless has a strong following in the middle United States and specifically exists to support brick-and-mortar book store owners and other independent booksellers from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. The show also attracts authors, teachers, librarians, and publishing representatives.

The conference was a mix of author presentations, speaker panels in various subjects with industry professionals leading panels and discussions, and an exhibition hall where Little Pickle Press had a booth next to Random House, Inc. Chief Executive Pickle, Rana DiOrio, and I sampled all of these events, but were specifically there to meet book store owners and managers, and gain their interest in the very special Little Pickle Press collection. I’m happy to say that we were able to attract and impress some very knowledgeable and interesting people. Buyers who were looking for something new and different were the gems who bought books on the spot or placed orders. Rana exhibited her excellent iPad order processing skills (it worked like a dream!) and I would encourage everyone to say good-bye to lesser forms of order taking. Suffice it to say that we were very cool. Here’s a peek at Rana and the set-up:

Other highlights of the show? The best for me, of course, was to finally meet in person the woman I’ve talked to weekly in a team conference call for the past 14 months – Rana herself. I love that I can contribute to the company from miles away, and using the technology that allows us all to connect across the country is a gift, but it can never replace spending a few hours face-to-face with another person, working in the same space together, looking someone in the eye while talking, sharing  a laugh, and maybe even a tear. That was the biggest gift to me in this event.

I also got to meet the two new additions to the book family: What Does It Mean To Be Safe? by Rana DiOrio (and 4^th in her series) and Snutt the Ift by the fabulous UK author and artist, Helen Ward, both made their public debuts at this show. Both received more than a few oooohs and ahhhhs as did Sofia’s Dream and What Does It Mean To Be Present? which were the two top sellers.

Surprisingly for me, the author breakfast turned out to be another highlight of the show. Why surprising? I am not a morning person being comatose until ten, but it took no more than a few seconds to become completely captivated with the gracious and humble Loren Long who spoke about the creation of his books (which include Of Thee I Sing, illustrated for Barack Obama and the bestselling Otis picture books). By the time Jon Scieszka finished with us, almost everyone was doubled over with laughter. Have I laughed this long and so hard before 9 a.m. ever? Maybe not since I was a kid. It was great fun!

An author tea the next afternoon gave us an opportunity to chat at numerous tables with other attendees and a half dozen writers in smaller, more casual groups. I’m totally taken with this idea and was pleased to have at our table several members of the Tattered Cover team including Jackie Blem with whom I’ve had a few Facebook conversations!

On the topic of social media, Rana and I attended a discussion with industry reps and found ourselves in an impromptu sharing of the Little Pickle Press system of using blogging, Facebook, and Twitter daily to connect with fans and customers. We, along with Random House, Inc., were two of the most active and enthusiastic about these online tools for informing and engaging the book-reading public. I was also delighted to find interesting book people to interview for blog posts, and you’ll met them here and at the Blood-Red Pencil in future posts.

Other surprises:

• Some unusually open and innovative book sellers exploring all aspects of industry changes including digital products like e-books and apps.

• Libraries like the ones in Douglas County, Colorado, seeking connections with publishers to add buy links to their online catalogs (how cool is that?).

• Kindred spirits who were seeking innovative themes and wholeheartedly embraced our environmental commitment to printing sustainable picture books - these are exactly the customers we want to serve.

• The Renaissance Denver Hotel - outstanding in providing genuine and excellent service to attendees. Everyone from the valets at the door, to wait staff at the excellent Italian Vivace! Ristorante, to the conference manager who tried to find an allen wrench to fix our sign – such a tremendous crew. Did I mention the pillows – no less than six. What more need I say?

What would I have changed about this particular trade show experience? More time in the exhibit hall to sell books which was limited to daily doses of four hours. As always, a greater focus on recycling would have been appreciated, especially from exhibitors who were unloading printed materials in this manner:

Does anyone else think about the energy embedment of producing and printing paper goods? We strongly believe this is an old-school industry habit that needs to change. At least it went into the hotel’s recycling bin. An additional comment from hotel staff after the conference: an entire large dumpster was filled with dumped books thrown away by many exhibitors. It's a common industry practice that still shocks me. How can a bookseller de-value their product in this manner? Who else was shocked? The hotel, which invests in greening their facility. Let's stop this now, shall we? Put it on your pre-conference to-do list that any extra books will be donated to a local cause that can well use the contribution. Don't throw new books away. Period.