Wednesday, April 9, 2025

AUTHOR VISIT TO WPC PRESCHOOL: Hooray for Wiggle and Waggle!

Wiggle and Waggle Sock Puppets

A week ago I made my annual visit to the Westwood Presbyterian Church Preschool, Los Angeles, California. This year, rather than meeting with the children in their classrooms as I usually do, I met with the two- and three-year-olds and their parents as part of their pancake breakfast, and I met with the four- and five-year-olds, outside on the rug in the play yard. The children are always eager to hear about my books. With both groups I read the first two stories in Wiggle and Waggle, inviting the children to sing the Wiggle and Waggle song with me and do the hand motions while I performed the song with my sock puppets. (A link to the pattern for making stick puppets and other Wiggle and Waggle activities is at my website.)
Wiggle and Waggle (Charlesbridge, 2007) and stick puppets.

And, as a tradition that began many years ago, I finished by reading The Terrible Hodag and the Animal Catchers, a tall tale about the Hodag, a creature with the head of an ox, feet of a bear, back of a dinosaur and tail of an alligator. With many thanks to Brianne Naiman, the WPC Preschool Director, and to the preschool teachers, for inviting me and coordinating my visit. It is always a pleasure to visit the school and spend time with the children and their teachers.
The Terrible Hodag and the Animal Catchers (Boyds Mills Press, 2006)


Sunday, April 6, 2025

STAND UIP FOR OUR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES: Hands Off! March at City Hall in Culver City, California

Hands Off! March, Culver City, California.

On Saturday, April 5th, I joined thousands of other marchers at City Hall in Culver City, California, to protest the defunding of so many federal programs that people depend on, including services to schools and libraries. It was a day to stand up and be counted. We need our Democracy!




Monday, March 31, 2025

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOK: Presentation to Teachers at the Southern Nevada Early Childhood Conference

My exhibit table at the Southern Nevada Early Childhood Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.

I spent an enjoyable day last Saturday with Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade teachers at the Southern Nevada Early Childhood Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, an annual meeting attended by teachers from all over the state. This year’s theme was “Growing Young Learners.” I gave a presentation called “Think Outside the Book: Projects and Activities Reinforce Reading” to an enthusiastic audience, sharing many of the projects inspired by my books that have been used in classrooms over the years, ranging from songs, art projects, science experiments, hands-on activities, and much more. I also had a table with the other conference vendors where I could chat with teachers during their breaks between sessions and where they could buy my books. 

I thank Suzie Hindrichson of the Southern Nevada Professional Development Program and her volunteer staff for inviting me and for doing an excellent job of organizing the conference. I don’t get to Nevada very often, and it was a pleasure to be able to connect with so many educators at the conference. A bonus of the trip was the opportunity to visit Red Rock Canyon, a magnificent conservation area just outside Las Vegas, which I did on the day before the conference. Look for my report about that soon on my travel blog, The Intrepid Tourist.

One of the many hiking trails at Red Rock Canyon.

Caroline at Red Rock Canyon


Monday, March 24, 2025

AUTHOR VISIT AT ESPERANZA SCHOOL: Hands-On Science in the Natural Habitat School Garden

Principal Rumble with students in the Esperanza School Natural Habitat Garden.

Located at the edge of downtown Los Angeles, Esperanza Elementary School seems like a surprising place to find a natural habitat garden filled with California native plants. It is home to a variety of insects, birds and other wildlife. For the students at the school it is an opportunity for hands-on science as they observe the cycle of life through the seasons.

Welcome sign for my visit.

Since my first visit to Esperanza School in 2018 and getting a tour of their natural habitat garden I have been going back almost every year to meet with students and find out how the garden has been growing. Last week I met with third-grade students and their teacher Elizabeth Williams. We began in the library where I did a presentation about my books and what it is like to be an author. I was impressed by the students’ enthusiastic response and by their knowledge of the natural world. When I asked if they knew the word for animals that are active during the daytime, they knew that it was “diurnal”. Nighttime animals are "nocturnal".

Teacher, Mrs. Williams; librarian; Principal, Brad Rumble, in the school library.

After the presentation we all went on a tour of the habitat, led by Mrs. Williams and by Principal Brad Rumble. Recent rains had promoted new growth and spring wildflowers were beginning to bloom. Huge patches of lupins were sprouting everywhere. 

These bright red blooms are a favorite flower for hummingbirds. Below, lupin sprouts on the ground.

Mr. Rumble, an avid birdwatcher, has turned the students into expert bird watchers too. On our visit they spotted a number of species, including a pair of house finches. In class the students are learning to distinguish the differences between Anna’s hummingbird and the Rufous hummingbird. They told me that more than 80 species of birds have been identified in the garden.

Student discovering a small clump of wild grapes.

It is always a treat for me to visit Esperanza. It is a delight to see the students learning about the natural world and becoming young scientists. I thank them for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with me. And I thank Brad Rumble for his leadership at the school and in the community.  

The Schoolyard Habitat Program is sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.

The Esperanza garden is a National Wildlife Federation certified Wildlife Habitat. The property provides the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover and places to raise young.

Monday, March 10, 2025

STAND UP FOR SCIENCE: We Need STEM and STEAM! March in Los Angeles 2025


Last Friday I joined hundreds of other card-carrying demonstrators at the Federal Building in West Los Angeles to protest the cuts being made to NIH and other federal institutions. This was one of dozens of demonstrations held in cities across the United States. My card, saved from the March for Science in Washington, D.C. in 2017, had two sides:

On the front: 
STEM and STEAM. 
Today's KIDS --Tomorrow's SCIENTISTS! 
Children's Book Writers March for Science.

On the back:

SUPPORT SCIENCE EDUCATION

Grades K-12 and Beyond


We need to preserve robust science education in our schools and universities. Today’s kids are the leaders of the future. Knowledge is power!

Support STEM and STEAM!


Wednesday, March 5, 2025

READERS' COMMENTS ABOUT SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL


Nothing makes an author happier than to hear from readers how much they liked their book. I am gratified by the good response I continue to get from readers of my book SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL: Growing Up in the 1950s at North East Neighborhood House, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Some of the comments are from friends and classmates, but many are from people I have never met. Some grew up in Northeast Minneapolis like I did, but many grew up elsewhere but share similar experiences. Here are just a few of the comments:

North East Neighborhood House

Your book allowed me to relive precious moments of my childhood. I loved every word and didn’t want it to end.

Your early life experiences, although unique from the Settlement House aspect, mirror many of our own--a stamp collection, a Schwinn bike, a Brownie camera, June Allyson paper dolls, the corner store for sweet treats and the freedom we had to just hop on our bikes and go anywhere.

I loved all the photos!

Another glowing facet of the book is that her parents' dedication as social workers is beyond admirable.

Throughout the book I was struck by the riches to be discovered in the memories of a modest life.

I learned so much about you—but also about the Settlement House!

I can relate to playing outside until the streetlights came on, shopping at a small neighborhood grocery store, ice skating on an outdoor rink in the park…

As I read, there were many eureka moments…. And of course the skating—all day long—entirely on our own—no parents hovering to make sure we didn’t fall.

For me, Camp Bovey provided father figures, learning to appreciate nature, camping, canoeing, and swimming…

I too am a Hodagger!

The Hodag, mascot of Camp Bovey (formerly Camp Hodag).



Wednesday, February 26, 2025

AUTHOR VISIT AT LA CRESCENTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Glendale, CA

Authors and Illustrators Day at La Crescenta School, Glendale, CA.

On Monday, February 24th, I had a good visit at La Crescenta Elementary School in Glendale, California for Authors and Illustrators Day. The day was sponsored by the Glendale Assistance League, who not only brought in the authors for the day and gave each teacher a copy of one of our books, but also gave a generous check to the school for the purchase of books for the library. I was one of four authors visiting classrooms--Tao Nyeu, Joe Cepeda and Tracy Holczer were the others. I gave presentations to first and second grade students.

Entrance to La Crescenta School.

I was pleased by the good response to my presentation by the students and teachers. We started with my book A Zebra’s World, followed by a discussion of my cut-paper art illustration process. We measured wingspans in connection with Hatching Chicks in Room 6, and sang along with Wiggle and Waggle.


After sharing my book Planting a Garden in Room 6 I was pleased to learn that there was an extensive school garden--one just for butterflies! The children especially liked my new book My Friend From Outer Space, enthusiastically helping to count down from 10 before shouting, BLAST OFF!

Special thanks go to Linelle Vicenti and Kathy Blyth for coordinating everything and making sure the day ran smoothly! I also thank all the Glendale Assistance League volunteers who helped--introducing me in the classrooms, helping out with the book signing, and bringing the delicious snacks and lunch. Many thanks to the Glendale Assistance League for another successful Authors and Illustrators Day! 

Butterfly garden, with plants for attracting butterflies.

Vegetable and herb garden.


 

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

MEMORIES OF MY CONDOR BOOK, Photo at the Los Angeles Zoo

L-R: Los Angeles Zoo Director, Betty White, Caroline Arnold, GLAZA President, Michael Wallace. At the Los Angeles Zoo, 1993.

In 1993 I published my book ON THE BRINK OFEXTINCTION: The California Condor, illustrated with photos by Michael Wallace, then the director of the condor recovery program at the Los Angeles Zoo. At the time, fewer than one hundred condors remained in the wild. The only hope to increase their numbers was to raise them in captivity and then release them into the wild. My book chronicles that process. Today there are more than five hundred flying free in the wild!

My friend Brenda Scott Royce, editor of Zoo Magazine, recently shared this photo with me that she discovered in their photo archive. In it I am celebrating the publication of the book with Mike Wallace, zoo supporter Betty White, the President of GLAZA, and the zoo director. It brought back many memories of that project. The book has long been out of print, but you can still find it in libraries. Condors are magnificent birds, with the widest wingspan—more than nine feet!—of any land based bird in North America. If you are lucky, you might see one soaring high over the mountains, forests, and coast of California, or perhaps over the Grand Canyon in Arizona and other places where they have been reintroduced into their historic territory. 

On the Brink of Extinction: The California Condor (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1993)


Monday, February 10, 2025

THANK YOU LETTERS from students at Big Lagoon School, Trinidad, CA


I am always delighted to receive thank you letters from students after I do an author visit at a school. In October I visited Big Lagoon School in Trinidad, California, as part of the bi-annual Humboldt County Children’s Author Festival. After my visit the children in Ms. Rebecca’s class wrote letters and created illustrations to tell me how much they enjoyed my visit. Just a few of the comments: “Thank you for coming. It was fun.” “I like that you enjoy writing about animals.” “I liked when we did our wingspan.” “I hope you come again.”

I’m glad the children had a good time during my visit. Perhaps some of them will become authors one day!



Saturday, February 1, 2025

CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR ALTADENA: Vroman's Book Drive to Help Children and Families Affected by the Wildfires


A week ago I brought a number of my books to Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena as a contribution to the book drive for children and families of Altadena who have been affected by the recent terrible wildfires. Vroman's is partnering with Children's Books for Altadena. I could see by the number of huge boxes of books already collected that many people have contributed. I know the books will go to good use. I was happy to help.



Wednesday, January 29, 2025

LUNAR NEW YEAR: The Year of the Snake--Time to Read Books about Snakes!


Today, January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the New Year on the lunar calendar and is celebrated by the Chinese and many other people.

Much like the snake sheds its skin, 2025 marks a year when individuals and communities can let go of old patterns and embrace innovation. The Year of the Snake serves as a call for thoughtful action and strategic change.

A number of my books for children have snakes in them. In 1991 I published SNAKE, illustrated with photos by Richard Hewett, featuring a Rosy Boa that was used in educational programs at the Los Angeles Zoo. It was one of my most popular animal books. The hardcover book is out of print, although you still may be able to find it in some libraries. (LAPL has six copies.) The ebook of SNAKE is available at Amazon and other ebook outlets.

People have long been intrigued by snakes, and today they are one of the most popular attractions at any zoo. But in the wild, some species are now endangered-because the snakes are hunted for sport or profit, or because their habitats are being destroyed. Filled with forty intriguing photographs, Snake is a delightful first look at these slithery, scaly, limbless reptiles.

Rosy Boa





Thursday, January 23, 2025

AUTHOR VISIT to Raise Money for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief


Update: Bidding has been extended to Tues Jan 28 8pm PST/11pm EST.

You can help! The children’s book community is rallying to help victims of the recent terrible fires in Los Angeles by holding an online auction. From in-person and online author visits, books and children’s book art, to critiques from editors and agents and more, there are more than 300 items to bid on.  I am offering a full day in person author visit to an elementary school anywhere in Los Angeles County. Money raised will go to the LA Fire Department Foundation, LA Regional Food Bank, California Community Foundation, and the Animal Wellness Foundation. From my page, click on the little square with the house for more information about KidLit for Los Angeles.

With many thanks to the following for organizing this fundraiser: 

Caroline L. Perry 

Charlotte Offsay 

Tara Luebbe 

Jocelyn Rish

Original art and logo design by Sydney Hanson 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

WHAT ABOUT BACK MATTER? HOW MUCH TO INCLUDE: A Look at the Back Matter in SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL


I love back matter. At my recent children’s nonfiction picture book group meeting we discussed how back matter is used to expand the main text—from author’s notes, time lines, vocabulary lists, websites, further reading, and more. In some books the back matter was clearly for a parent, teacher or older reader, whereas in others it was at the same level as the main text. Each book we discussed had its own approach.

In my own books for children I have always liked to include back matter and my memoir, SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL (for adults), is no exception. In fact, one quarter of the 200 pages of the book is back matter. The main text of the book is written in first person present tense and meant to be read as a story. The back matter (written in past tense) is intended to fill in the names, context, and other historical details that are relevant but would slow down the pace of the story. When the two are read together it creates a richer narrative.

Author’s Note

The back matter of SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL begins with an author’s note in which I explain the roots of the story, how it grew out of a children’s book called CHILDREN OF THE SETTLEMENT HOUSES (Carolrhoda Books, 1998), about early settlement houses and their impact on children in immigrant communities. My memoir is “a story about me and my family set in the context of a functioning settlement house” and “a window on childhood and social customs of the 1950s.” In the author’s note I am explaining myself to you, the reader.

End Notes

The next section of the back matter is End Notes, a chapter by chapter listing of pertinent facts and other relevant material. In an early version of my manuscript these were footnotes, but I found them cumbersome and decided to move them to the back of the book. A major resource for the book was a collection of letters written by my parents and other documents they had saved. The end notes were my solution for including this source material in the book.

Appendix

The appendix is my catch-all for things I want to share with the reader but don’t fit in the main part of the book. To begin with I felt it was important to include the history of North East Neighborhood House. When I found a newspaper article that described all the activities at the settlement house at the time I lived there, I wanted to include it too. My short story, Growing Up, written when I was in high school, provides insight into my life at home with my brothers. And the final section, The Beginnings of Camp Bovey, written by my father, I felt was important to include as background for the four chapters in the book about my years at Camp Bovey.

About the Author

The final item of the back matter is a short biographical paragraph, About the Author. I also included a photo of myself as I look today—in contrast to the historical photos in the book. (As a reader I am always curious to see what authors look like.) I did not create an index for this book. The dedication and photo credits are at the front of the book along with a Table of Contents.

Whether you are writing a children’s nonfiction book or a nonfiction book for adults, the inclusion of back matter increases its value for the reader. How much or how little to include depends on your subject, your preferences, and the number of pages you have available.

North East Neighborhood House, Minneapolis, MN.


Monday, January 6, 2025

CALIFORNIA STORIES: Caroline Arnold Books about California


I live in California, and not surprisingly, the subjects of nearly fifteen percent of my 170 books for children are found in California. The books range from one of my earliest publications, The Biggest Living Thing (1982) about giant sequoia trees in the Sierra Nevada, to Keeper of the Light (2022), about Juliet Fish Nichols, the lighthouse keeper on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay from 1902 to 1914. 


Recent titles, including the three books in my Room 6 series, can be purchased from my publishers or online. But most of my older books are out of print. Many of them are now available as e-books. And most of my books, even many of the old ones, can be found in public libraries.

I love learning about the world around me. As I researched the subjects in each of these California stories, I discovered new and fascinating things about the state I call home.

Here are the titles of my books connected to California history, people, places and animals, with links to my website or to updated or e-book editions.

Keeper of the Light: Juliet Fish Nichols Fights the San Francisco Fog (2022)

Planting a Garden in Room 6: From Seeds to Salad (2022)

Butterflies in Room 6: See How They Grow (2019)

Hatching Chicks in Room 6 (2017)

A Day and Night in the Desert (2015)

Trapped in Tar: Fossils from the Ice Age , original (1987 and updated (2017)

A Bald Eagle’s World (2010)

When Mammoths Walked the Earth (2002)

Baby Whale Rescue: The True Story of J.J. (1999)

Bobcats (1997)

Bat (1996)

Fox (1996)

Stories in Stone: Rock Art Pictures by Early Americans (1996)

Killer Whale (1994)

Sea Lion (1994)

Watching Desert Wildlife (1994)

On the Brink of Extinction: The California Condor (1993)

House Sparrows Everywhere (1992)

A Guide Dog Puppy Grows Up (1991)

Tule Elk (1989)

The Golden Gate Bridge (1986)

Saving the Peregrine Falcon (1985)

Pets Without Homes (1983)

The Biggest Living Thing (1983)

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 from CAROLINE ARNOLD ART AND BOOKS

Caroline, ice skating at Bottineau Park, Northeast Minneapolis, 1950.

"By New Year’s Day, the pine needles of the Christmas tree are dry and brittle. It is time to take the tree down. After the lights and ornaments are removed and boxed for next year, we take the tree outside to the roof deck, propping it up in the snow. Decorated with strings of bread cubes and cranberries, it is ready for the birds to enjoy. With the excitement of Christmas over, it is now time to write thank-you notes and to enjoy skating at Bottineau Park, sledding at the Columbia Park golf course, and other winter activities."

From Chapter 7: Family Christmas at NENH, SETTLEMENT HOUSE GIRL: Growing Up in the 1950s at North East Neighborhood House, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I have fond memories of celebrating the holidays when I was a child in Minneapolis. Now, many years later, from my home in California, I send best wishes to you and all my faithful readers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025