Margo's Musings: An Astronaut Painting the Moon?

We had a curbside delivery of books at our local library, so we ordered what we wanted ahead. Usually my little sister, Margo, loves running around and looking at the displays, and she picks the books we read. She still gave her thumbs up or thumbs down when we looked at the catalog, but her favorite book from this week's haul was one I requested, The True Story of Alan Bean: The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon. 

Looking up at the night sky is one of my family's favorite activities. It's a special time when we check out the constellations and the Moon. The Moon is amazing, and I think it would be fantastic to be an astronaut. The title grabbed my attention right away.

The True Story of Alan Bean: The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is written by Dean Robbins and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. It tells the story of Alan as a boy, how he thought things looked, and his dream of becoming a pilot one day. When grew up and became a pilot, he also took painting classes. It was interesting to learn that he painted what he saw and let his imagination take over.  

As an astronaut he couldn't believe what the Moon and Earth were like from space.  He took pictures and even performed experiments on the soil. Once back on his home planet, Alan felt the pictures didn't do the Moon justice; they didn't show the magic. Alan set up Moon models and worked like a scientist to get everything right. Then he started painting what he saw and he let his imagination run wild.  He worked and worked until he felt his painting showed how the Moon made him feel. It was fascinating to learn about the ways he enhanced the textures in his artwork. 

Alan is an inspiration as an artist and an astronaut. The book has biographical information at the end, which I liked, but I think most of that went over Margo's head.

The pictures in the book caught our attention, but Alan's story made us fall in love with the Moon all over again. Margo and I set up easels and painted the Moon. I used a brush to paint, but my sister used her hands. Next week we'll do paintings of Earth.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who like space, painting, and using their imagination. You are sure to be inspired.

Has anyone else read The True Story of Alan Bean: The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon? Or have you read any other books written by Dean Robbins? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~F

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: To The Moon!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Next week we'll be gazing at the moon. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

One is new, no need to stare. Two, a sliver if you care. Three a quarter first at hand. Four pulls water toward the land. Five is full; power at your door. Six is less, but still has more. Seven is third, yet second half. Eight wanes slightly on the path.

What am I referring to? Answer: The Moon! 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations

Fairday's Riddle: Phase Out

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It has a lot of pull on things. ;) ~ F

One is new, no need to stare. Two, a sliver if you care. Three a quarter first at hand. Four pulls water toward the land. Five is full; power at your door. Six is less, but still has more. Seven is third, yet second half. Eight wanes slightly on the path.

What am I referring to? Stop by Friday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!

Author Interview with Lisa Schmid

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Lisa Schmid . Lizzy reviewed her book Ollie Oxley and the Ghost, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Lisa!

What inspired you to write Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold?

Growing up, I moved around a lot. As a result, I didn't have lasting friendships, so books became my constant companions. I wanted to write a story that might help someone else get through a difficult time. So many authors gave that gift to me. I wanted to pay it forward. 

How long did it take you to write Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold?

It took me six years. I'd never written anything before I began working on Ollie Oxley. One day, I decided to write a book, and I just sat down at my computer and started pounding away. I learned how to write as I went along. I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, got critique partners, and started attending conferences and workshops. It was a long process, but I never gave up. I was committed to writing this book and getting it published.   

What is your writing process like? Do you listen to music? Write in a special place? Edit as you go or write and then edit? 

My process has not changed much over the years. I tend to work at home. No music, I like it quiet. When I started writing Ollie Oxley, I only knew how the story would begin and end. It took me a while to figure out everything in between. Moving forward, I plan to be more of a plotter than a  pantser. I have just started working on a new middle-grade book. It took a while to get Ollie Oxley out of my head, but I have finally found my new characters, and they are starting to come to life. And yes . . . I am one of those tedious writers who edit as I go. I hope to break that horrible habit while writing this next book. Wish me luck! 

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

I love, love, love The Chronicles of Narnia. To this day, I read the series at least once a year. I've also read all of the Oz books, starting with, of course, The Wizard of Oz. I am a massive fan of Roald Dahl. Danny, The Champion of The World, was my favorite. But I think the book that resonated with me the most was The Velvet Room by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. It was about the daughter of a migrant worker. I related to her hopes, fears, and dreams on so many levels. 

If you could live during any time period in history, when would it be? Why?

I am going to get really specific. I would love to live during the 1950s in a Cotswold village. I am obsessed with all things British. I love the show, Father Brown. If I am not reading or writing, I am probably watching something on BBC. 

If you could befriend a character from your book, who would you befriend? Why?

I love Teddy—the ghost. He's loyal, funny, kind, brave, and mischievous. All the qualities I look for in a friend. 

Is there anything you've learned along your path to publication that you would like to share with new writers?

I became a better writer when I involved others in my process. I joined SCBWI, met other writers, and found my critique group. I've learned so much about writing from the people who have critiqued my work. But I have also learned a great deal by critiquing theirs in return.  I am fortunate that some of my best friends are writers. They are my support system. Writing can be such a solitary experience, but it doesn't have to be. 

 

Where can we buy your book?

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid

12-year-old Ollie Oxley and his younger sister, DeeDee, are moving again. Ever since their dad left there’s been a lot of moving. Each place turns out to be about the same- Ollie doesn’t make any friends and he gets in a bit of trouble. He also knows he’s not at any school long enough that it will make a difference. But now their mom has a new job, a permanent job, at a theater in Granite City, CA. When they get to their new home Ollie is less than happy about the color of it, and inside seems a little spooky. Then, for the first time ever Ollie connects right away with a boy named, Teddy. Maybe this town will be okay. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before Ollie has a run-in with the school bully, Aubrey. Finding out that Teddy is a ghost only makes Ollie more nervous that he’s going to be targeted. He doesn’t want to be the weird kid who talks to a ghost, but he also likes Teddy’s company and sense of humor. Being friends with a ghost who lived during the California Gold Rush does have some perks, like the possibility of a buried treasure that could change the course of Ollie’s life. If only Teddy knew where the treasure was, but he can’t even remember where he lived in the town when he was alive. Is there really a buried treasure? Will Ollie and Teddy be able to find it if it exists? Is there any way to get Aubrey to stop bothering him? Pick up this fast paced book to find out!

After my grade Skyped with Lisa Schmid for World Read Aloud Day I knew I needed to checkout her debut book from my school library. I was hooked as soon as she talked about the writing process and the fact that she lives in a town where the Gold Rush began. Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold looks like a spooky book, but it's a story filled with a lot of humor. Ollie and DeeDee have a typical sibling relationship. They fight, but they get along too. I loved that Ollie made a friend, but I also worried that kids wouldn’t be kind if they thought he was talking to himself or a ghost. Teddy likes to crack jokes, so I think he is a great friend for Ollie, plus he helps push Ollie out of his comfort zone. I was really intrigued by the buried treasure. I know I am always up for a mystery and searching for buried gold- sounds like a lot of fun to me. I got to discover the clues with Ollie and Teddy, and it was exciting trying to piece together the puzzle. I would recommend this book to anyone ages eight and up who likes to laugh and enjoys a good mystery. Now I am hoping there will be more adventures for Ollie and Teddy in the future! I bet their town has a lot more to discover!

Has anyone else read Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Stop back on Monday for our interview with the author. 

Happy Reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog