Redlands, CA - Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (ASCBWI) SCHMOOZE—Author, Catherine Osornio, speaks on writing her first book, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z. Published by Pelican Publishing Company, this is a picture book with a difference. 

Date: Saturday, March 27

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Place: Barnes & Noble, Redlands, CA. 

Beautiful illustrations by Layne Johnson add to the attraction of Catherine's book, which will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation. Catherine will share the process of writing her book from beginning to end and discusses why she chose an alphabet book format. She will also discuss on how to promote one’s work, following publication. 

Catherine's work includes over 90 short stories for an early reader program, both fiction and nonfiction stories and articles for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, and numerous inspirational articles. The Declaration of Independence is her first published book.

Don't miss this informative and entertaining Schmooze! Please R.S.V.P to Marilyn Donahue, Schmooze Coordinator, at Sanayeh@aol.com to assure that adequate seating arrangements are available. Anyone with an interest in writing is welcome to attend, it is not necessary to be a published writer.

ABOUT CATHERINE OSORNIO’S WORK:

The following review was aired on WBF AM and FM from Feb. 12 to 16 on the Doc Kirby's Book Bit program:

"This alphabet book teaches the early history of our nation . . . any time you can teach reading and history in the same book, it's a good thing, and the story of how we earned our freedom is inspiring and challenging."

Teach With Picture Books Blogspot (http://teachwithpicturebooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/crossroads-of-revolution.html) says: 

"The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, written by Catherine Osornio with paintings by Layne Johnson, is an excellent look at the political intrigues behind the Revolution. While students (especially boys) will want to jump to the battles, the truth is that most of the Founding Fathers made their mark on history off the battlefield. This terrific book celebrates those who worked tirelessly to create on of the world's most important documents."

From the SBCWI website. For more information, visit http://www.scbwi.org

“Founded in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based children's writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Several of the most prestigious children’s literature professionals sit on the SCBWI Board of Advisors.

The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. It serves as a consolidated voice for professional writers and illustrators the world over.  As a unified body, the SCBWI acts as a powerful force to effect important changes within the field of children's literature, promoting new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists, and fair contract terms.  There are currently more than 22,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regional chapters writing and illustrating in all genres for young readers from board books to young adult (YA) novels, making it the largest children's writing organization in the world. 

SCBWI sponsors two annual International Conferences on Writing and Illustrating for Children as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. The bi-monthly magazine, SCBWI Bulletin, offers awards and grants for works-in-progress, and provides many informational publications on the art and business of writing and selling books for young readers. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for the best fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, and the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor.”

Schmoozes are regional events held for the purpose of encouraging writers and providing informative discussions and marketing information. It is not necessary to be a member of SBCWI to attend a Schmooze. Events are held monthly in Redlands at the Barnes and Nobel bookstore. Marilyn Donahue, author of 31 books, editor and owner of Writing Unlimited Editorial Services, Inland Area Writing Project instructor, and conference speaker. Marilyn also teaches weekly English as a Second Language and Memoir Writing classes. She recently signed contracts for four books.