Author Archives: Amanda Schrader

Ohana Festival

Posted on by Amanda Schrader

If you’ve seen Disney’s Lilo and Stitch (or you’re kama’aina or malahini), you know that Ohana means family. To many, Las Vegas doesn’t seem to be a place for families; most people think of the strip, the casinos, the shows. Touted as an Adult Playground, most people outside of the city don’t see Las Vegas as a very family friendly destination. Lucky for those of us that live here, that isn’t entirely correct.

Springs Preserve (333 S Valley View Blvd, www.springspreserve.org) provides many opportunities for family entertainment. Yesterday (May 7), I was happy to attend their Ohana Festival celebrating Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History Month. The sights, smells and sounds of this festival brought back many happy memories of my adoptive home. I love Hawaiian food! Unfortunately for me, most of it is made with shoyu (soy sauce), and is therefore not Mandie friendly (I’m Celiac). Fortunately for me, shave ice and ice cream are okay, so I was able to enjoy a much loved Hawaiian treat. I was also able to watch a hula class and learn how to play a few ukulele chords and talk to several vendors selling their wares. There were glitter tattoos, a photo booth and other games for the keiki and live island music. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.

So whether your live in Las Vegas or are planning a trip here, make sure you check out Springs Preserve and the fabulous exhibits and festivals there. Las Vegas isn’t just for adults.

Book Review – The Library Book

Posted on by Amanda Schrader

Title – The Library Book: The Story of Libraries from Camels to Computers

Author – Maureen Sawa

Illustrated by – Bill Slavin

Have you ever wondered what early libraries looked like? This book covers libraries from the days of Aristotle all the way to the digital libraries of today. It talks about the earliest forms of writing as well as the physical forms these writings took from stone or clay tablets through papyrus scrolls and stitched bundles or parchment to the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press. This well written book takes you on an adventure through the history of printing and libraries.

Book Review – The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell

Posted on by Amanda Schrader

Tittle – The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell

Author – Chris Colfer

I started this book really hoping that it would be wonderful. I really enjoy Chris Colfer, and was excited to read his literary offering. As a writer, I really hate to write bad reviews. It makes me feel bad and a little bit guilty. As a trained librarian, I hate the idea of people picking up a poorly written book. So, I will present you with an honest opinion and let you draw your own conclusions.

First of all, let me say that the premise of this story is wonderful. The thought of actually falling into a book and exploring the fairy tales in their true (and sometimes scary) form would be awesome. The problem I have with this book isn’t the story it’s trying to tell. The problem is purely in the writing. I made it to page 86 before I gave up. In that 86 pages, I put the book down and walked away probably close to 80 times. The metaphors were plentiful, and usually just so “wait, what?” that I couldn’t stay in the story. I also don’t buy that the twins are in sixth grade. I actually just had to go back and look that up because I could have sworn they were in elementary school and not middle school. The dialogue is stilted and not very believable. Granted, I didn’t finish the book, however, the part I did make it through read more like a first draft than a finished novel. The language could have been much tighter and pared down into something quite enjoyable. I, however, do not have the ability to gloss over poorly written prose that makes it hard for me to suspend belief. Anyone who has looked at my list of read titles knows that I don’t read only highbrow literature. I read books in a lot of genres and age ranges, and I love well written books. Unfortunately, this book just doesn’t fit into that category for me.

I give Mr. Colfer mad props for finishing not just one novel, but several. That is no easy feat, and I applaud him for that. I will not, however, be recommending this one.

Book Review – Sailor Moo Cow at Sea

Posted on by Amanda Schrader

Sailor Moo Cow at Sea by Lisa Wheeler, Art by Ponder Goembel

A Richard Jackson Book / Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Very cute. This is the story of Moo,  a cow who wants to go to sea. The first crew she joins is made up of cats. She becomes the ship’s cook and befriends some manatees, the cows of the sea. During a storm, Moo ends up being thrown overboard, and her manatee cousins help her to another ship run by Red Angus… who isn’t exactly what she expects.

The pictures are absolutely gorgeous.  I enjoyed the “Yo-ho-ho and a shiver-me-be” refrains that end each section of the story.  The rhyme scheme lends to easy reading and will be easy for children to pick up and “read along” with.  The story is cleverly done and enjoyable.

This would lend itself well to a classroom or a storytime about the sea or pirates.

Welcome

Posted on by Amanda Schrader

Welcome to Keiki Crossing!  I am so excited to meet you!

Here you will find book reviews, fun recipes, the occasional craft idea, and an introduction to a colorful cast of characters like Steve the Centipede and Noelani the Nene.

There will also be writing prompts and links to places that encourage young writers.  It’s never too early to start writing.  Flex those imagination muscles, and who knows where you’ll end up!

Be kind to others please.  Opinions are welcome, but not everyone will always agree.  Creativity is encouraged as is constructive criticism, however if you can’t say something nicely, please keep it to yourself.

Now… let’s have some fun!