Learning from the Experts

I just can’t over emphasize the importance of joining Yahoo groups. I truly love one in particular, Children’s Writers Today. They have so many concerned and active members, both newbie and seasoned writers. They are always willing to respond even to what might seem like a trivia post. They also initiate detailed analysis of issues related to the heart of writing for children. One seasoned writer in particular that I am so very proud to call my friend is Children’s Book Author Margot Finke. She has a new book out that I want everyone to learn about. She has furnished me with its write-up and a review that are listed below. Play close attention to the details Margot provides that make for a great book launch.
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April I am thrilled that you want to feature my new rhyming picture book, "Rattlesnake Jam," this week on your website.

My riot of a tale tells about dear old Gran and Pa, and their yen for rattlers. Pa catches 'em, but the problem is that Gran decides how they're cooked up - Gran wants jam, but Pa yearns for rattlesnake pie.

** The story works GREAT at getting those reluctant readers to enjoy a book.

This was a barrel of fun to write: I confess, I giggled all the way through it. And Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations make the characters jump off the page. Just what I would have drawn myself, if I had a fraction of Kevin's talent.
Guardian Angel Publishing published it with tender loving care, as they do all their books.

To launch "Rattlesnake Jam," I'm offering some fun things:

#1 - A writing competition. A free autographed copy goes to the person who e-mails me ( mfinke@verizon.net ) the best account of their encounter with a rattlesnake. So get cracking on those essays!!

#2 - Kids can visit Gran's Kitchen for yucky sounding rattler recipes.
Be careful now - you mom might faint!!!

#3 - Print out a fun rattlesnake puzzle, or a cool coloring sheet from my website's "Rattlesnake Jam" page.

#4 - Take my rattlesnake eating POLL - e-mail me if you've eaten rattler and what it was like.

These 4 fun things can be found where Gran, Pa, and their rattlers hang out:
http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/My%20Other%20Books.htm#other

And you can read two terrific reviews on my website:
http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Rattlesnake%20Reviews.htm#review

Available in soft cover through Amazon, Target, GAP, and other outlets.

Autographed soft cover copies can be purchased on my website:
http://www.margotfinke.com


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Rattlesnake Jam
by Margot E. Finke
Illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier
Guardian Angel Publishing - 12430 Tesson Ferry Road #186Saint Louis, MO 63128 USA

e-Book ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9
MAY 2008
Paperback, 28 pages, $10.95
Ages 4 & Up

Reviewed by Mayra Calvani

Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children’s picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There’s only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam… disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam!

So no matter how cold the weather is, there goes brave Pa hunting after the snakes. And as he hunts them, he fantasizes about the various ways Gran could cook them—hot on a plate, fried, sliced on white rice, hmmm… But no way will his dreams ever become a reality, for as readers will learn “…snake cooked for Pa was not in Gran’s plan. She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam.” Though Gran swears her special jam can cure colds, gout and wheeze, not to mention “troublesome knees”, everyone dislikes the taste of her ghastly creation. Will Gran ever stop? And what would happen to Pa, if she ever did?

Colliers’s colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke’s humorous rhyme perfectly. Gran is grossly comical with her toothless grin, warts, bell pepper nose, and tough exterior. The reader will feel sorry for Pa, who seems completely under Gran’s control. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom—a two or four line rhyme, like this one:

Drop in chunky slices, stir well with a spoon.
Add mysterious spices! Gran hummed a wild tune.
The way to Gran’s heart was through rattlers galore—
Making rattler jam bubble, ‘til it flowed on the floor.

The song-like cadence will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Snakes are reptiles that inspire both fear and fascination, especially in children, and it was clever of the author to use them as victims instead of villains in this book. This is a fine addition to Finke’s series of rhyming books about animals. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again.


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