Christina Francine
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author of a variety of work for all ages. When not weaving tales, she teaches academic writing at the college level writing and workshops. She also is a licensed elementary teacher. Other work includes her analysis on the level of students’ writing across America published Spring 2016 in Journal of Literacy Innovation. Students’ level isn’t where it could be. Christina believes connecting writing with play is linked to higher creativity and invention. She also believes raising her two daughters is the best thing she has ever done.
Special Memory is a picture book meant for all children (especially those about to begin kindergarten) and for anyone who needs a reminder of the power of special memories. Fiery five-year-old Emily is semi-cooperative when her mother announces the idea of making a SPECIAL MEMORY one summer morning. She doesn’t want to get used to getting up early for kindergarten. Despite herself, Emily finds dancing in the warm rain with her older sister and mother while wearing pajamas fun until the storm changes. Emily’s mother then pulls her daughters indoors and teaches them how special memories make a difference in our lives. Emily doesn’t think a SPECIAL MEMORY will help in kindergarten until her first day when she remembers sticky wet pajamas and hair, along with warm mud squishing between her toes. Phrase for Special Memory “Readers will find “this tender story confidently illustrates the notion in a way that will be heartening to both child and adult. Parents will thank Christina Francine for her accessible gift of wisdom, which hides a transformative life skill in its gentle pages. Create a special memory to help balance the fear. Special Memory is a modest story about helping an apprehensive child overcome her worry. It sounds easy enough.” ---Nina Fosati, Literary author and editor Young readers learn two lessons in this charming story (Special Memory). One, special memories can be deliberately created; and two, memories are great tools for offsetting fears and anxieties. And as a bonus, there is an activity guide at the back of the book that explores the themes therein, and, since the particular memory in the story is weather related, it also includes a great introduction to some climate essentials. —Joan Schweighardt, No Time for Zebras, and several novels. Mr. Inker the Talking Pen Finds a Home Step 3 Waldorf Reader is perfect for boys and girls ages 5-8.This is a story about a young immigrant boy who misses his friends from Pakistan. When he receives a fancy pen for his birthday, he discovers his new best friend, a talking pen. Sometimes Mr. Inker is too proud and can be a real stinker, but he helps Rafiq with English words, makes him laugh, and finds a way to connect Rafiq with his old friends through traditional letter writing. Be sure to look for other books about Mr. Inker who is sometimes a stinker. A unique idea - a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will like the learning within each story and the learning section at the back of the book. |