A Different Kind of Gold Medal
I often struggle to focus on one goal at a time. I envy people who are able to put heart and soul into one direction, and end up doing amazing and impossible things! I was reminded of that while watching the Olympic athletes this past month. The years and years of training they go through, the endurance and determination they have are inspiring… and discouraging. I wonder if I can ever achieve my goals.
There is one thing that I do love and I am willing to put years and years of dedication and determination into: being a good mom. I am thankful that I am able to be at home with my kids when they come home from school. When they are happy or upset, I get to share that time with them. I am willing to do millions of loads of laundry (which is getting stinkier as they get older!). I enjoy cooking meals, and I put up with cleaning dishes afterwards.
My favorite times as a mom are when I get to share books with my kids. When the day is winding down and we all gather together and read the Bible and our latest read-aloud. When they sit beside me and we snuggle up with a good book. When we adventure into a new place and time, together.
When I have trouble deciding whether my time would be better spent writing a new story, or drawing illustrations, or making a YouTube video, or trying to call up stores or schools for author visits… I know one decision I don’t need to think about. I will end today with my family and with a book.
A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.
- C. S. Lewis
Author/Illustrator Updates:
This past month I gave a presentation at the Tulsa SCBWI Connect meeting, speaking on Storytime Secrets: How to Plan, Pitch, and Lead Book Events. I also recorded my presentation for YouTube, so you can learn the secrets, too!
I’ve been scatter-brained on my projects, but slowly I am finishing my next picture book. I have also been sketching more, and writing, but mostly trying various ways to market my writing/illustration. If you know anyone in need of writing skills or illustrations, I am available for work.
Upcoming Events:
March 6, 2026 – 10am
Playgroup Storytime at Building All Children, Tulsa OK
April 13, 2026 – 10:30am
Storytime at Grove Public Library, Grove, OK
April 18, 2026 – 9am
Speaking at SCBWI OK/AR Spring Conference
April 26, 2026 – 11am to 2pm
Tulsa Lit Book Fair
Want an event near you?
I am currently booking storytime events and author visits.
These events are fun, interactive, and engaging with songs, fingerplays, and reading for preschool-aged kids. I can also do author/illustrator chats for elementary aged kids. If you know any stores or schools who might be interested in an event such as this, I would love to connect with them.
|
Book Reviews:
Jack goes through a whole series of attempted apologies to a girl in his class because his teacher is making him write her an apology. The teacher won’t let him get away with a poor apology though, and he has to keep trying again and again.
Read Review • Purchase
A great pick for a middle grade reader about a boy who is all alone in the world and finds connection with mechanical devices, and eventually, with other people who are able to change his life forever. 2008 Caldecott winner, this large book is filled with prose and hundreds of beautiful drawings.
Read Review • Purchase
What I love the most about Pride and Prejudice is that the heroine and hero both screw up terribly, and after confronting each other with the truth, have to look at themselves and realize that they were wrong. They change their ways, reconcile, and live happily ever after: but the real value is in seeing how two people can both push one another towards being the best version of themselves. This is what happens in the best kind of marriage, since all of us mess up and fail repeatedly, but with the right person, those failures can result in growth and deeper love.
Read Review • Purchase
Until next time, keep reading!
Charlotte Glaze
|
This newsletter is a free resource to help you in building up families with books. If you want to support this newsletter and Charlotte’s work as an author/illustrator, you can share it with a friend, purchasing a book, buying a book I recommend, or leaving me a tip.
Disclosure: Product links may be affiliate links, and purchases made through those links help support this newsletter.
Thank you - now go read with your family!
|
