Hi everyone!  Sorry it's been a while since my last entry; I just got moved into college and the past few weeks have been a flurry of packing and unpacking boxes and getting my new room situated.  I'm taking my first Creative Writing class -- Intro to Fiction -- this semester, and I'm excited to share my experiences with all of you!

         Summer always makes me think of kids' lemonade stands. Just last week we drove by a lemonade stand -- and my dad bought out their whole inventory.  He's always supported youngsters who dream.  And he's taught my brother and I to do the same.  Granted, I'm only a sophomore in college, and my brother is just a junior in high school -- but to elementary school students, we are Role Models.  I write notes of congratulations and encouragement to young writers I read about in the newspaper who have won writing contests, and I teach writing camps for kids during the summer.  My brother, a cross-country runner, cheers on kids at youth track meets. 

         In the same spirit, I want to tell you about a book I just read by young writer Baxter Graham.  I met Baxter when he contacted me through my website, and he sent me a copy of his children's book, Old King Stinky Toes.  I was blown away!  Every so often you discover one of those rare books that really speaks to you, that rejuvenates you, that you finish reading and promptly turn back to page one and start reading again because you loved it so much.  For me, Old King Stinky Toes is one of those books.

        Baxter is only eleven years old, but he already has figured out how to tell a great story!  This picture book, written in rhyme, is about a "good and kind king" ... except for one thing: his toes stink!  His subjects make fun of him, which upsets the king.  This story of Old King Stinky Toes is a humorous tale with a bigger life lesson: embracing all of yourself – even your "stink" – and turning disadvantages into advantages.  Combined with beautiful illustrations by Baxter's teacher James R. Martin, this is a gem of a book that will have you smiling from ear to ear.