The End

I recently published my first edited book,  Labor of Love: A Literary Mama Staff Anthology ,  with  Small Harbor Publishing . It's an anthology of writing from  Literary Mama  staff over the past 20 years. It's a beautiful collection and I am proud of the writers and proud to share the book.  It seems a fitting moment, as I pondered sharing about the book here on the blog, to reflect on my life as a blogger, and acknowledge that it is time to officially end this blog.   I started blogging in about 2007, when my baby was learning to toddle, when I was learning how to be a mother and stepmother, when I was just starting to see my way as a writer. I needed it back then. I craved it. I had a variety of blog iterations--family, art, creativity, writing things I delved into. There's a freedom in blogging, a casualness, an easy familiarity that's lacking (for me anyway) in other kinds of writing. I loved blogging and the words came pouring out.  Over the years since then, some
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A Rock is Lively


A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long, published by Chronicle Books, is the fourth book in the series by this team.  I enjoyed the other ones, but having some experience with geology, and my own significant rock collection, I found this newest book to be particularly compelling.  

One does not generally think of rocks as particularly lively, but Aston's words, and Long's illustrations take us on a journey around the earth (and even into space!) to see just how varied and changing and full of life rocks really are. The illustrations are perfection, full of color and detail, and capture the essence of a wide variety of rocks.  Everything from the "mixed up" Lapis Lazuli, to the "galactic" rocks that fall from space, to the stunning insides of geodes are offered up to the reader with gusto.  Aston's words are poetic and yet simple.  She skillfully captures the facts that make this book nonfiction, while at the same time giving them to us with a bright and clear voice.

I loved this book, and I think it might be my favorite of theirs.  It is a beautiful example of nonfiction picture book done well.  And one that my son and I can read again and again, continuing to be amazed at the stunning liveliness of rocks.

STEM Friday
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Comments

Sue Heavenrich said…
I love her books - definitely want to read this one! Thanks for sharing.
July 12, 2013 at 8:52 AM
Amanda K Jaros said…
I love her books too- and I love Dianna! She's awesome:)
July 12, 2013 at 9:40 AM
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