47-1 (04)
release dates: November 13-19
TM
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Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
© 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
By BETTY DEBNAM
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
2004 Newbery Honor Winner
Meet Author Jim Murphy
jacket photo © 1992 by Henry Groskinsky,
publiished by Clarion
Jim Murphy has written more than
30 books for kids. He won Newbery
Honor Awards for “The Great Fire” in
1996 and for “An American Plague” in
2004.
Although he has written picture
books and young adult novels, most of
his books have been nonfiction.
Background
Throughout his school years, Jim
Murphy wrote stories for his own
pleasure. After college he began
working as a children’s book editor.
After editing for years, he realized
he had a lot of ideas for books. He
decided to quit his job to write.
“The first thing you have to do is
read a lot. For people who want to
become writers, read, read, read and
read some more. Then you have to
write, and have to be willing to
rewrite. You have to have fun
doing this.”
© Arthur Cohen Photography
His wife: Alison Blank is also a
children’s writer and has worked as a
producer of television shows for kids.
Sons: Mike, 13, and Ben, 8
Pets: A feisty frog, which he is
convinced is waiting to attack him,
and a bunch of guppies.
Some favorites
Jim Murphy lives with his family in
Maplewood, N.J.
Hobbies: cooking, gardening
Music: “A huge variety, from jazz to
classical to rock ’n’ roll.” He has to
wait until everyone else has left the
house before he can play his rock ’n’
roll or his bagpipe music as loud as
he wants.
His work
Jim Murphy usually works on
several books at the same time. It can
take years to research one book.
He said: “I really love doing
research. I look at it as a kind of
detective work. I would prefer to
research forever and ever. The hard
part is doing the writing.”
On school days, he and his wife,
Alison, get their sons off to school.
Then he goes up to his home office.
He usually works on one book in
the morning and a different one in
the afternoon. He said this helps him
stay fresh.
cover art © 1993 by Ted Rose, published by Clarion Books
Advice to kids
Personal
jacket art © 2003 by Leslie Evans, published by Clarion Books
“An
American
Plague” is
the true
story of
yellow fever,
the deadly
disease that
nearly
destroyed
Philadelphia
in 1793.
“The Long Road
to Gettysburg”
tells the story of
how soldiers got
ready for this
battle, fought in
it, and dealt with
the sorrow after
it was over. Jim
Murphy quotes
actual journal
entries from two
teenage soldiers.
“Across America
on an Emigrant
Train” tells the
true story of
writer Robert
Louis
Stevenson’s trip
from Scotland to
California. He
traveled all that
distance to join
the woman he
loved.
Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®.
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47-2 (04); release dates: November 13-19
Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
Meet Author Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes has written about
30 books for kids, including chapter
books and picture books. He won a
Newbery Honor Award for “Olive’s
Ocean” in 2004, and a Caldecott
Honor Award for “Owen” in 1994.
Some favorites
Hobbies: running, weeding in the
garden. He said, “I often work out
some writing problems while I’m
weeding.”
Music: classical when he is working
Time and place to read: In the
rocking chair on the back porch,
especially during nice weather. “Any
time is a good time to read,” he said.
Background
Kevin Henkes wanted to be an
artist all through school. In high
school, an English teacher
encouraged him to write as well.
After that he wrote and painted.
He realized he could do both if he
wrote children’s picture books.
When he was 19, he went to New
York to try to sell his first book. He
sold it right away.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
Mini Spy . . .
“For kids who want to write, read.
Read everything you can. Read as
much as possible.
“For kids who want to be artists,
don’t worry about making a
masterpiece every time. Just have
fun and try different things.
“For everyone, be nice.”
Kevin Henkes and his wife begin
the day by reading books to their
kids during breakfast. They read
again to their kids at bedtime.
He works on his books while his
kids are at school, and sometimes
after the kids have gone to sleep.
His studio is in one half of the
attic. His wife, Laura Dronzek, is a
painter and children’s book illustrator.
Her studio is in the other half of the
attic. They have worked together on
one book, “Oh!”
TM
Mini Spy is reading a bedtime story to her younger sister. See
if you can find: • exclamation mark • Easter egg • toothbrush
• olive
• kite
• lips
• peapod
• ruler
• carrot
• number 8
• pencil
• ladder
• lima bean
• letter E
• sailboat
jacket art © 2000 by Kevin Henkes, published by Greenwillow Books
His work
jacket art © 2002 by Cleo Sullivan, published by Greenwillow Books
In “Olive’s
Ocean,”
Martha’s
classmate
Olive dies
suddenly.
Afterward,
Martha
keeps
finding
strange
connections
between
them.
Advice for kids:
Kevin Henkes, 43, lives with his family in
Madison, Wis. He and his wife, Laura
Dronzek, have a 9-year-old son and a 7year-old daughter. The family also has a
golden retriever. Here he stands next to a
sketch of his character Lilly, drawn on a
car window.
Brown
Basset ws
The Ned’s
Houn
TM
In “Wemberly
Worried,” a
young girl
mouse worries
about
everything,
especially
about starting
school. She
worries and
worries until
she meets a
friend.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
BOOK WEEK
TRY ’N
FIND
Words that remind us of kinds of books are hidden in the block below.
Some words are hidden backward or diagonally. See if you can find:
ART, JOKE, MYSTERY, FICTION, FACT, PICTURE, DETECTIVE,
SCIENCE, COOK, MATH, TEXT, REFERENCE, FANTASY,
PUZZLE, MUSIC, HISTORY, ROMANCE, CRAFT, INSTRUCTION.
WHAT
P R E C N A M O R M J A R T S
BOOK ARE YOU
I E H I S T O R Y C U O L L C
READING?
C F T L M T F A R C O S K M I
T E F A N T A S Y Y Z O I E E
U R F A C T H T A M N V K C N
R E T T X E T N O I T C I F C
E N V D E T E C T I V E F F E
C C E L Z Z U P Y R E T S Y M
V E N O I T C U R T S N I M N
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47-3 (04); release dates: November 13-19
Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
TM
Go dot to dot and color.
Rookie Cookie’s Recipe
Fall Morning Cinnamon Biscuits
These are good with hot chocolate on chilly fall mornings.
You’ll need:
For the topping:
• 2 cups baking mix
• 4 teaspoons butter
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 tablespoons brown
sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
What to do:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix and milk.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture to the baking mix
and stir just until mixed.
4. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Place a
dot of butter on each biscuit and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
5. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes until
lightly browned. Makes 6 biscuits.
Note: You will need an adult’s help with this recipe.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
Meet Dominic Scott Kay
When Dominic Scott Kay was 2 years
old, he would put on shows for his family
and friends. At 3 he was singing at
benefits and church. By age 4, his parents
had gotten him an agent.
Dominic has appeared in TV sitcoms
and had a guest-star role in the series
“Power Rangers Wild Force.” He has parts
in several upcoming Hallmark Channel
movies, including “Love’s Enduring
Promise” and “Angel in the Family.” In “Single Santa Seeks
Mrs. Claus,” premiering Dec. 11, he plays the role of Jake.
Dominic, now 8, is an only child. His dad is a drummer
and is also a composer for films. Dominic enjoys writing
songs, playing the piano, singing, and playing the drums
with his father. He also likes swimming, skateboarding and
drawing.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
A KID ’ S
G U I D E T O T HE
WHI T E HO U S E
Betty Debnam
Kids!
Kids!You're
You're
tothe
the
Invited
Invited to
White
White House
House
A Kid’s Guide to the White
House is a terrific behind-the-scenes
look at a very special house.
Written with the cooperation of the
White House Historical Association, the
book is full of fun information, photos
(some in full color) and puzzles that
kids of all ages will enjoy.
To order, send $8.95 plus $3.25 for postage and handling for each copy. Send check or money order (U.S.
funds only) payable to: Andrews McMeel Universal, P.O. Box 6814, Leawood, KS 66206.
Please send ________ copies of A Kid’s Guide to The White House (Item #2153-2) at $12.20 each, including
postage and handling. Toll free number 1-800-591-2097. www.smartwarehousing.com
Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________________________State: ______________ Zip: ____________
TM
All of the following jokes have something in common. Can
you guess the common theme or category?
Bill: What does a slice of toast wear
to bed?
Nairi: Jammies!
Alison: What is the difference between the
sun and a loaf of bread?
Josh: One rises in the east and the other
rises from the yeast!
Tom: Why did the baker hurl an insult at
the bread?
Norm: To get a rise out of it!
Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®.
®
47-4 (04); release dates: November 13-19
Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
Newbery winners
Mordicai Gerstein won the Caldecott
Medal for
“The Man
Who
Walked
Between
the
Towers.” It
is the true
story of a
tightrope
walker
who
performed
between
the Twin
Towers in
New York.
jacket art © 2003 by Timothy Basil Ering, published by
Candlewick Press
Honor Awards
Kevin Henkes
has won many
awards for his
chapter books and
for his picture
books, which he
also illustrates.
jacket art © 2002 by Cleo Sullivan,
published by Greenwillow Books
“An American
Plague” tells the
true story of
yellow fever, a
disease that killed
thousands in the
late 1700s and
1800s in the
United States.
Honor Awards
Margaret ChodosIrvine has
illustrated several
books for children,
including “Buzz” by
Janet S. Wong.
In “Ella
Sarah
Gets
Dressed,”
a young
girl
knows
what she
wants to
wear,
even if
her family
doesn’t
agree.
jacket art © 2003 by Leslie Evans,
published by Clarion Books
Jim Murphy is best known for his
nonfiction books for kids. He has
written more than 30 books.
In “Olive’s Ocean,” a 12-year-old girl learns
about herself when she finds out more
about a classmate who has just died.
jacket art © 2003 by Mordicai Gerstein, published by Roaring Book Press
The Caldecott Medal is
presented each year to the
illustrator of the most
distinguished picture book
for children. This year there
were also three Honor Awards.
The John Newbery Medal
is awarded each year to the
author of the most
outstanding children’s
book. This year there were
also two Honor Awards.
“The Tale of
Despereaux” by
Kate DiCamillo
won the
Newbery
Medal. It is the
funny
adventure story
of a mouse
who falls in
love with a
human
princess.
Steve Jenkins has
written and
illustrated several
nonfiction books for
children. He often
illustrates with cut
paper. He and his
wife, Robin Page, sometimes write
books together.
“What Do You
Do With a Tail
Like This?” by
Steve Jenkins
and Robin
Page looks at
the fun things
animals do
with different
parts of their
bodies.
Mo Willems was a
writer and animator
for “Sesame Street.”
He won six Emmy
awards for his work
on that show. He also
created several
children’s programs, such as “Sheep in
the Big City” and “The Off-Beats.”
He also performed as the voices of
the Angry Scientist and Hector
Sombrero in “Sheep in the Big City.”
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the
Bus!” is his first book.
jacket art © 2003 by Margaret Chodos-Irvine,
published by Harcourt, Inc.
Look through your newspaper for
interesting pictures. Choose one and
make up a story about it.
Next week The Mini Page is about the first
American Thanksgiving.
jacket art ©) 2003 by Steve Jenkins
Caldecott winners
In “Don’t Let
the Pigeon
Drive the
Bus!” a
pigeon tries
to convince
passengers
to let him
drive the
bus.
jacket art © 2003 by Mo Willems,
published by Hyperion Books for Children
“Let’s Book” is the theme of
this year’s Children’s Book Week,
running from Nov. 15 to 21.
The Mini Page looks at the
2004 Caldecott and Newbery
Medals and Honor Awards.
photo by Tim Tucker
Newbery and Caldecott Winners
The Mini Page is created and edited by
Betty Debnam
Associate Editors
Tali Denton
Lucy Lien
Staff Artist
Wendy Daley
Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®.
Read all about
the Newbery
and Caldecott
winners
in
®
Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
by Betty Debnam
Appearing in your
newspaper on ____________.
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam
© 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
(Note to Editor: Above is cameraready, one column-by-41/4-inch ad
promoting Issue 47.)
release dates: November 13-19
47-5 (04)
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The MIni Page Publishing Company Inc.
®
Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
Standards Spotlight:
Meet Author Jim Murphy
Mini Page activities meet many state and national educational standards. Each
week we identify standards that relate to The Mini Page’s content and offer
activities that will help your students reach them.
This week’s standards:
• Students comprehend and respond to a variety of images and text. Students identify
forms and elements of literature. (Language Arts: Reading)
Activities:
1. Think about something that happened in your family that would make a good story.
Write several sentences telling about the story. Then give your story a title. Draw a
picture that would make a good cover for a book about your story.
2. What does Jim Murphy say about how he writes? Describe two things you learned
about writing from Jim Murphy’s comments.
3. Look in the newspaper for news stories that would make good books. Find a news story
about (a) a person who did something unusual, (b) someone who helps others, (c)
someone with a dangerous job, (d) a special celebration or event, and (e) a sports person
or event. Explain your choices.
4. Select the two books in today’s Mini Page that you would most like to read. Now, conduct
a survey among your family members and friends. Ask which of the books they would
like to read. Which books received the most votes? Which received the least? Make a
chart showing your results.
5. Use resource books and the Internet to learn more about the plague that hit
Philadelphia in the 18th century. Use these questions to guide your research: What is a
plague? What is yellow fever? What caused the outbreak of yellow fever in Philadelphia?
How did people try to fight the disease? What caused the plague to end?
(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
(Note to Editor: Above is the Standards for Issue 47.)
TM
from The Mini Page by Betty Debnam © 2004 The Mini Page Publishing Company Inc.
Supersport: Kyle Orton
Height: 6-4
Weight: 226
Birthdate: 11-14-82
Hometown: Altoona, Iowa
Purdue football fans are wild about Kyle Orton, and for good
reason. The Boilermakers’ quarterback is one of the hottest items in
the country and the spark behind his team’s good start. If he keeps
up his nearly 70 percent completion rate, the 6-4 senior will make a strong run
for the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prized individual trophy.
Orton has football smarts and a cannon of an arm. He can fling a football
more than 70 yards though the air. More important, he delivers shorter,
pinpoint passes to receivers.
After finishing Purdue with a degree in history, he may have a career in the
NFL. He also is interested in getting a law degree and running for political
office someday.
To relax, he enjoys bowling, fishing and golfing. He also likes playing with
his dog, Elaine, who is named after the character played by Julia LouisDreyfus on the “Seinfeld” TV show. And speaking of show, Orton is putting on
a big one at Purdue.
(Note to Editor: Above is copy block for Page 3, Issue 47, to be
used in place of ad if desired.)
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