Catherine Stier

Lesson Plan Ideas for Presidents' Day: Introducing the New If I Were President Curriculum Guide

2012-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that just in time for Presidents’ Day and the upcoming election year, there is a new If I Were President curriculum guide based on the picture book by the same name available for free to educators and parents.

The guide was created by Leigh Courtney, Ph.D., who teaches first and second grade in the Global Education Program at a public school in San Diego, CA. She holds a doctoral degree in education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction.

The curriculum guide offers activities in creative writing, map skills and cooperative problem solving, while also familiarizing students with the responsibilities and the perks of the Office of President of the United States.

To access the guide, please visit my website’s homepage at http://www.catherinestier.com/. Below the star icons, you’ll find the link at Click here for free curriculum guides!

Newly Released: The Terrible Secrets of the Tell Club in Paperback with a New Cover!

2011-09-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

The fresh, funny ‘tween novel is now available in paperback! This new release features an eye-catching new cover, with two of the fifth grade characters in profile against a backdrop of the fifty tell-all questions.

Visit Albert Whitman Publisher’s website to read the great reviews from Kirkus, Horn Book Guide, School Library Journal and Children’s Literature at www.albertwhitman.com

See You at Cynsations!

2011-02-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

I am very honored to be featured this week in a “New Voice” interview on the Cynsations blog at:
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com:80/2011/02/new-voice-catherine-stier-on-terrible.html
The popular Cynsations website and blog offer a wealth of information on the world of Children’s, Middle Grade and Young Adult Lit, presented by inspiring, New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Celebrate Presidents' Day at the San Antonio Children's Museum

2011-02-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

Author Catherine Stier stops by the San Antonio Children’s Museum on Monday, February 21 for a fun-filled Presidents’ Day event. Stier will read from her honor-winning book, If I Were President, and invite kids to imagine what they would do if they were President of the United States.

The museum will also offer exciting Presidents’ Day crafts and activities.

Date: Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011
Time: 1 pm and 1:30 p.m.
Place: The San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston, San Antonio, http://www.sakids.org/
Phone (210) 212-4453

A Memorable Day at the San Antonio Children's Museum

2010-11-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to the enthusiastic families who stopped by for the storytelling event at the San Antonio Children’s Museum on November 6. I shared the book If I Were President. Then the visiting kids wrote and illustrated their own ideas of what they would do if they were president!

Young visitors to San Antonio -- and those who live in the great city, too -- should check out this exciting interactive museum. There’s a pretend grocery store to shop, an awesome treetop to climb, a trolley to hop aboard, and tons of other cool things for kids to explore. For awhile, I greeted guests at the front desk and watched kids nearby having a blast as they made colorful balls rain down from above!

You can check out the museum and their amazing activities at their website at http://www.sakids.org/

One more note -- for a limited time, the gift shop will have signed copies of If I Were President and If I Ran for President available for purchase.

The San Antonio Children's Museum to host author Catherine Stier

2010-11-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the President of the United States? Join award-winning author Catherine Stier at the San Antonio Children’s Museum on Saturday, November 6 as she reads and signs her book If I Were President. Afterwards, kids can take part in a fun, presidential-themed craft activity. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. and a book signing will follow. For more information, visit http://www.sakids.org/

New Podcast series features author Catherine Stier

2010-09-09T12:16:00.001-07:00

Publisher Albert Whitman has started an exciting new Podcast series, and invited me to be a part of it. During the online interview, Albert Whitman’s Melissa Ackerman and I talk about the title Bugs In My Hair?! and discuss how the character of perfectly groomed Ellie deals with a case of lice. The interview was posted just as the new school year begins, as the book addresses a common classroom issue and depicts how little Ellie is at first dismayed by “the horrid things hanging out in her hair” and then discovers a way to help others. To hear this and other interviews conducted by Melissa Ackerman with Albert Whitman author and illustrators, visit http://albertwhitman.wordpress.com/category/author-podcast/

Senior Advisor to the President reads Stier's Book at Dept. of Ed. Event

2010-08-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was honored to learn that Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President on disability policy, recently read the Braille version of If I Ran For President to children at a U.S. Department of Education’s “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” event, according to a U.S. Department of Education website article.

The “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” program encourages children to develop a healthy mind and body and is part of the Obama administration’s “Together We Serve” initiative. Hosted by education secretary Arne Duncan, the July 30, 2010 event featured other esteemed guests including U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin and actor Quinton Aaron, who starred in the film "The Blind Side."

Children in attendance included students from the Stafford Public Schools, the Maryland School for the Blind, the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and other schools, The article may be viewed at http://www.ed.gov/blog/2010/08/congressman-actor-and-advisor-to-president-join-secretary-duncan-for-lets-read-lets-move

Patriotic book signing

2010-08-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by the Twig Book Shop in San Antonio last month during the patriotic book signing on July 3. And thank you to all those young people who colored the activity sheet and shared their ideas of what they would do if they were President!

Gone to Washington!

2010-07-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Last month I made my very first trip to Washington D.C. for the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference. Not only did this visit offer up-close views of many of our nation’s most impressive landmarks, but it also afforded opportunities to attend some exciting children’s lit events.

First, just for fun -- who could resist this photo op? One Washington D.C. gift shop has a mock-up of the Oval Office where visitors can pose, appearing very presidential. I felt as if I’d just stepped into the cover of my book, If I Were President.

On Friday, June 25, the wonderful people of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Mid-Atlantic chapter hosted a fun ALA Kid Lit Drink Night at a local meeting place, the R.F.D. Washington. SCBWI members, editors, writers, illustrators, librarians -- in fact, anyone interested in children’s literature -- had the chance to mingle at this evening event. Such a great idea!

Publishers Albert Whitman and Company invited their authors to join staff members for a get-together on Saturday, June 26. We took a brisk walk to the White House for this memorable picture (Alison Formento, Josalyn Moran, Margaret Read McDonald, Dori Butler, Margaret Coffee and me). Publishers Weekly even featured a photo just like it on their website’s slideshow of ALA. For a peek, visit http://tiny.cc/amkna

On Sunday, June 27, I had the honor of conducting a book signing at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for my two presidential themed picture books, If I Were President and If I Ran for President. What a treat to meet people from all over the country! The museum’s impressive collection includes the Inaugural Ball Gowns of our First Ladies, Lincoln’s top hat and the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem that became our National Anthem.

An author I truly admire, Kay Winters, had a book signing at the museum that day, too, for her books, Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books and Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak. I first met Kay at a Highlights Workshop in Honesdale, Pennsylvania awhile back and it was so nice to be reacquainted with this lovely lady.

Finally, on Monday, June 28, I made my way to ALA, a huge, inspiring, book-filled event! Albert Whitman and Company made me feel most welcome at a book signing at their booth.

During this quick trip, we also fit in some family sight-seeing and lunch with an awesome librarian friend I don’t get to see nearly often enough.

While it was ALA that led us to head to Washington D.C. this summer, the time spent with family and friends, the wealth of history, the abundance of literary events -- and the World Cup playing on big screens in establishments throughout the district -- all contributed to a most unforgettable visit to our nation’s capital. So glad I headed to D.C.!

Book signing at San Antonio's Twig Book Shop

2010-07-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Twig Book Shop, located at 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 124, San Antonio, Texas, will host an upcoming book signing event with local children’s author Catherine Stier.

On Saturday, July 3, 2010 from 10 a.m. - noon, to commemorate the Independence Day holiday, Catherine Stier will sign her two patriotic and presidential themed books, If I Were President and If I Ran for President, as well as her new ‘tween novel, The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club.

The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club was named a “Teacher’s Picks” by Scholastic INSTRUCTOR Magazine. Kirkus Reviews stated that the book “…deftly addresses the high interest topics for fledgling teens…such as peer pressure, handling bullies and the true nature of friendship.”

The event takes place near the lively outdoor Farmer’s Market at the Pearl Brewery.

For more information, visit the The Twig Book Shop at thetwig.indiebound.com or phone (210) 826-6411.

Long-distance visit brings author up close with hometown students

2010-06-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

For an author, a first ever Skype-type visit with a classroom is sure to be an unforgettable experience. But my May 10th over-the-computer exchange with the wonderful students of Mrs. Suida's fourth grade class at Peck Elementary School of Warren, Michigan was an extra, extra special event for so many reasons.

First, it was the warmth and welcome of their principal, tech director, teacher and the students themselves that made this visit so memorable. Mrs. Suida had read my novel The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club to the class. During our visit, each student approached the camera and microphone and asked an insightful question about the book or about being an author: "How long does it take to write a book?" "What inspired you to write the novel?" "Which character did you identify with the most?" (That one really made me think!)

The students had also started their own club, one that offered the classmates a chance to share their stories and opinions while emphasizing important values of friendship and respect. I was so touched to learn about this wonderful idea and their excitement in creating the club.

What else made this visit out of the ordinary? The school is located in the city of Warren, Michigan, where I grew up and went to school, had my first job, attended junior college and first contributed articles to a community newspaper. In fact, Peck Elementary is just one mile from the house I lived in as an elementary student myself. I shared memories of my childhood in Warren, including the stores, restaurants and movie theater I'd walk to with my friends, and the McDonalds where I worked to help pay for college.

And Mrs. Suida said she remembered some of these places, too!

Following our visit, I emailed the class a photo of myself when I was about their age, and the age of the characters in the book. (That's me!)

Finally, there was one more special surprise that made this visit so remarkable -- my Aunt Pat (she's also my Godmother), came to the class to be part of the fun. Because we live so far away, my aunt and I haven't seen each other for quite awhile, and it was great to have her support and the chance to re-connect. My aunt works at the school, and she introduced Mrs. Suida to my book.

A big thank you Mrs. Suida's Class for a fun, inspiring time, one I won't ever forget!

New novel named to school reading list!

2010-05-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club was named to the required reading list of St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, San Antonio, for fourth graders going into fifth grade.

Great Fun at St. Gregory the Great School

2010-05-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the students and staff at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in San Antonio, Texas! I was welcomed as a Guest Author not once but twice -- for an April 27th school visit and again at their amazing May 5th Family Literacy Night.

During April’s morning school visit, the students showed such enthusiasm and warmth! Two students at each presentation played the role of presidential candidates and offered their ideas about the issues they would address to the American people. And two more students presented amazing performances as the President of the United States. I wonder if there was a future mayor, senator, governor or even president in the audience that day…

And what a treat to be invited to a Family Literacy Night on May 5th, along with two notable and accomplished San Antonio authors, Diane Gonzales Bertrand and Lupe Ruiz-Flores. I also met San Antonio’s own Book Fairy, who enchanted the crowd and encouraged an appreciation of stories and books. Two book store staff members and a San Antonio librarian shared information on their summer reading programs, too.

Finally, some students drew pictures on activity sheets, illustrating their imaginative ideas of what they would do if they were president.

It was truly an honor to be invited to such fun and inspiring events!

2010 TLA in San Antonio!

2010-04-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience! The 2010 Texas Library Association Conference held in San Antonio April 14 - 17 brought publishers, authors, illustrators and Texas librarians together at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center -- and afforded me two very exciting opportunities.

First, I was honored to conduct a book signing at the Albert Whitman & Company booth.

Librarians and parents graciously shared with me the ways they made use of my books in their classrooms and with their own families. It’s so gratifying to learn that my book Bugs in My Hair?! had helped some children feel better while dealing with a case of lice, or that The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club was read aloud to an attentive and enthusiastic classroom.

I also had the chance to meet other Albert Whitman & Company authors, including Dori Hillestad Butler. In the photo above, we each hold up one our latest titles at the Albert Whitman & Company booth (that’s Dori on the left).

And how wonderful to visit at TLA with my gracious editor, Abby Levine, and to meet for the first time in person our dedicated promotions coordinator, Michelle Bayuk.

As special events co-coordinator of the San Antonio chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), I also had the chance to be part of the team that organized this year’s SCBWI Texas Chapters booth at TLA.

During the compilation of our new “Book an Author! Book an Illustrator!” SCBWI speakers sourcebook of Texas and regional members who conduct school visits, I corresponded with many esteemed and award-winning SCBWI authors and illustrators. I learned much about their books and their background.

The “Book an Author! Book an Illustrator!” booklet, designed by our chapter’s talented Jennifer Zinsmeyer Murillo, featured elements many of us remember from the libraries of our childhood: Each author’s and illustrator’s bio appeared on a card catalog-type card, and the cover sported a stamped, check-out card. Many librarians brought home a copy, enthusiastic to learn about the exciting programs of our local members.

Our chapter’s creative Regional Advisor Heather Powers carried on the elegant library theme, adorning this year’s SCBWI booth with richly textured and colored fabrics draped on tables displaying our members’ published titles.

And a highlight of our booth -- our raffle bestowed a collection of ribbon-wrapped books signed by Texas authors and illustrators to many lucky winners!

Throughout our days, we met librarians from all over the state and enjoyed visits from SCBWI members from across Texas and across the country. We were also assisted by SCBWI members from not only our own San Antonio based chapter, but from the Austin, Brazos Valley and Houston chapters as well.

A big thank you to all who volunteered or visited our booth and made the event a success!

(SCBWI booth photo credit Heather Powers)

Bugs in My Hair?! Now Available in Paperback

2010-04-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Catherine Stier announces the March 2010 paperback release of her book, Bugs In My Hair?! illustrated by Tammie Lyon and published by Albert Whitman & Company.

Originally released in hardcover in 2008, the book was named a Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year. School Library Journal called the title “a charming story that demystifies the fears and false information surrounding lice infestation.”

Storytelling festival offers teachable moments for children's authors

2010-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

I can offer one BIG reason why children’s authors should consider attending a storytelling festival, such as the one held this month on March 6 at the University of Texas at San Antonio: Much in the art of storytelling can be applied to creating an engaging author school visit.

But that’s not the only reason to attend. More on that later.

Sponsored by the University’s Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching, the Sixth Annual UTSA Storytelling Festival was both free and open to the public -- and offered invaluable insights to those who wish to share stories with children.

A dynamic keynote speaker, teacher and storyteller Mary Ann Blue, spoke on connecting cultures through storytelling. Through a lively tale told in both English and Spanish, she showed just how that was done.

The festival also offered attendees a choice of exciting break out sessions that explored subjects such as “Storytelling Basics: A Brief How-To,” “Unique Ways to Get the Kids Storytelling” and “Bringing History Alive Through Storytelling: Connecting Through Emotions” to name a few.
During the half day program, I watched carefully how each speaker engaged the audience, and how the facial movements, gestures and the variances in vocals kept us all attentive and entertained.

Props, rhythmic instruments, pictures and puppets also enhanced some of the tales the storytellers weaved for us. Again, from my seat in the audience, I considered carefully how these elements might add some spunkiness and sparkle to my own author presentations.

Further, I learned about fables, folk stories, fairy tales and myths and how each offered something vital to a particular age group. I will keep these important insights in mind as I craft my own stories for varying audiences.

But finally, it was fun -- fun to hear several good, poignant or rib tickling stories, and fun to be drawn by a skilled presenter into another time, another place, another adventure.

Authors, educators share insights on school visits

2009-11-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who attended the “Successful School Visits with Author Catherine Stier” presentation and book signing October 17, 2009 at the Barnes & Noble, 321 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas. Following the program, authors, librarians and educators shared their questions, insights and experiences during a lively and informative discussion.

During the book signing, I had the opportunity to meet with educators from all over San Antonio to discuss author school visits and my newly released novel, The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club. One teacher told me she was looking forward to introducing her real live fifth-graders to the fifth-grade characters in the book.

A special thank you to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators-Southwest Texas (SCBWI-Southwest Texas) and Barnes & Noble for arranging and hosting the event.

For more information on upcoming SCBWI-Southwest Texas events, visit their website at http://www.scbwi-swtx.org/

New Program! Successful School Visits with Author Catherine Stier

2009-10-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Successful School Visits with Author Catherine Stier

SCBWI-Southwest Texas
October 17, 2009 - 1 - 3pm
Barnes & Noble
321 Northwest Loop 410
San Antonio, TX

Join published author Catherine Stier for an informative program on how to create a school visit that captures your audience and how to work with the school to ensure a productive event. This talk will also include information for librarians and educators on ways to find local speakers and create excitement for an author visit.

Join us at Barnes & Noble on San Pedro, across from North Star Mall. Our event will be in conjunction with Educator Appreciation Week at the store. Catherine will also sign her new book.

Catherine Stier is the author of If I Ran for President, If I Were President and Bugs In My Hair?! Her latest book is The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club, a tween novel. Visit her website for more details on the author.

Newly Released: The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club

2009-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club
By Catherine Stier

A fresh, funny novel about friendship and being who you want to be.

From Kirkus Review: Picture-book author Stier transitions to tween novels with this savvy exposé of the perils of clandestine groups...the author’s inclusion of male and female protagonists makes this tale accessible to audiences of both genders…The author deftly addresses the high-interest topics for fledgling teens as her characters struggle to cope with such universal issues as peer pressure, handling bullies and the true nature of friendship. (Fiction. 9-13)

Appearance at SCBWI-New Mexico Retreat

2009-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to serve as a Guest Critique Leader at an upcoming SCBWI-New Mexico event in October 2009. It sounds like a beautiful location for a writer's and illustrator's retreat. Here are the details:

SCBWI-New Mexico Writer’s and Illustrator’s Retreat

in Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

Children's book writers and illustrators of all experience levels are invited to a working Writers’ Retreat at Hummingbird Music Camp near Jemez Springs this autumn. This annual retreat is sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

October 23-25, experienced authors will lead small groups in a weekend of intensive critiquing, revising and writing. As an extra bonus, author Suzanne Morgan Williams will lead a Saturday afternoon discussion and workshop focused on Fabulous First Chapters. Williams is the author of the middle grade novel Bull Rider and the nonfiction books China’s Daughter’s, Piñatas and Smiling Skeletons, The Inuit, and Made in China. The other critique group leaders are Lucia Zimmitti, a freelance editor and writing coach at www.ManuscriptRx.com, and author Catherine Stier.

A member of SCBWI-Southwest Texas, Stier’s picture book, If I Ran for President sold more than 130,000 copies since its Fall 2007 release and led to a book signing at Mount Rushmore. Her other books include If I Were President, named an IRA Los Angeles’ 100 Best Books, the award-winning Bugs in My Hair?! and a new middle grade novel, The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club.

In addition to the intimate group critiques, participants can get a written critique from Kate Fletcher, an associate editor at Candlewick Press, one of the largest independent children’s book publishers in the world—a great chance to get feedback from a professional editor, and make a contact at a respected publishing house.

The weekend also includes networking, a fireside reading, book sales, a silent auction, and personal time for reflection and working on your writing and illustrations.

The retreat is October 23-25, Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, with an optional extra day on Friday. The enrollment deadline is September 20.

The cost is $200 for members of SCBWI and $220 for non-members. This includes a private room and six meals. Writers and illustrators who don't want to participate in critique groups can work on their own for the discounted price of $175. The Optional Early Working Day Retreat and professional manuscript critique from Kate Fletcher are each an additional $45. To register or for more information, go to www.scbwi-nm.org or email fallretreat@scbwi-nm.org.
www.scbwi-nm.org
www.suzannemorganwilliams.com
www.ManuscriptRx.com
www.catherinestier.com

Coming Fall 2009

2009-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club
By Catherine Stier
Albert Whitman & Company Publishers

No one at school had ever thought up a club like this. All you had to do to be in it was answer some questions and share them with the rest of the club. Questions like: What is your favorite salad dressing? Who is your BFF? What was your most embarrassing moment?

There were plenty of reasons to be in the Tell-All Club. Kiley, T.J., Josh, and Anne each had a different motivation: One of them wanted to fit in, one wanted revenge, one had something to hide, and one of them was dying to find out another's secret.

Told in four different viewpoints, this funny, touching novel explores friendship, social pressures, bullying, and other anxieties of 'tween girls and boys alike.

My Book in Braille

2009-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Recently the National Braille Press selected If I Ran For President to offer in a Braille format for their children’s book club. The book is also available to purchase in this format at their website at http://www.braille.com/
These books have both the original text and illustrations, as well as the identical text in Braille on transparent plastic sheets.

And a National Braille Press Book Signing, Too

A big thank you to the National Braille Press for the invitation to appear at a book signing at their booth at the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired conference held at the Sheraton Gunter in San Antonio on March 27, 2009. I enjoyed myself, met some wonderful people, and learned quite a bit about available resources.

Quite an Inauguration Day Honor

2009-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

This week, on Inauguration Day, Lackland Air Force Base’s Lackland School in San Antonio invited me for a visit as Guest Author. What an honor to celebrate such an exciting, historic, eventful day with a group of bright and enthusiastic students!

I have also learned that several schools, home school programs and libraries have featured If I Were President and If I Ran for President as part of their lesson plans, Election Day or Inauguration Day observances and recommended reading lists. It is quite wonderful to know that parents, teachers and librarians are sharing these books with kids all over our country! I hope these books help young people to better understand the electoral process and the challenging and important job of President of the United States.

If you have introduced these books to kids, I’d love to hear about it! Send me a note at info@catherinestier.com
To check out one cool lesson plan idea from Social Studies and the Young Learner visit:
http://members.ncss.org/yl/2102/21028

The Big Move!

2008-09-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of updating my website to include news of my new location. This summer, I relocated from the Chicago area to South Texas, on the edge of the beautiful Hill Country.