children’s books

The Las Vegas Book Festival!

| Bonnie Kelso

Last Saturday was the Las Vegas Book Festival! I went for the first time and helped host the Nevada SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) information booth with other volunteer members. I was so impressed with the amount of vendors, speakers, and activities. The Historic 5th Street School makes for a lovely venue with its Spanish architectural details.

I think we recruited a dozen or so new members; networked with booksellers, librarians, and teachers; and I even booked a school visit! We were encouraging visitors to “READ LOCAL!” and support Nevada authors and illustrators. It was also the most beautiful fall day we’ve had after a long and dreadfully hot summer.

There was even a special appearance by Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie. At our booth we had activity sheets from my book Nudi Gill and I taught kids how to make a zine from one piece of paper.

All in all it was a great experience and I look forward to attending again next year. I highly recommend checking it out. In my humble opinion, the nicest people in the world seem to be book people!

See you at the Las Vegas Book Festival next year!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

Professional Critiques

| Bonnie Kelso

I am part of several critique groups and some of the members are published authors. I have learned so much from each critique partner and when I look back at my earlier drafts I realize that my work has improved dramatically over the years because of the help of fellow writers.

When I get really stuck with a manuscript, I’ll even pay for a professional critique. And sometimes, every now and then, I win a professional critique. BONUS!!!! That’s what I’m going for now. If you write for children and you want to enter as well there is still time. Here’s the link:

https://www.pbspotlight.com/pbcritiquefest

You’ll have to pick a manuscript ahead of time that you want critiqued, and even tougher, you’ll have to choose a few pros from the long list of authors, illustrators and agents who have generously donated their time to help lowly unpublished writers such as myself to get just a little closer to reaching their publishing dreams.

So, thanks to each and every one of you, because writing this post earned me 20 extra entries! Whoo-hoo!

Hope everyone is staying healthy and creative.

Lots of love,

Bonnie

Happy Halloweensie!

| Bonnie Kelso

This Halloween I decided to enter a writing contest (frenzy) for fun. Below is my entry. It had to be 100 words or less, which was a challenge. My shortest story yet!

(Here’s the link to the contest info, in case you are curious.)

Halloween Forever!

Harper, the witchling loves Halloween!

            One cobweb,
            six candy corns,
            a sprinkle of dust-everlasting.

She sips and waits…

Knock, knock!
Children shout, “Trick or treat!”

As they leave more appear.
“Trick or treat!!”

On and on it goes…
Harper grows weary.
The children line up down the street
and around the corner.

“I must sleep,” yawns Harper.
Slam!
Lights off.

Bang, bang!
“TRICK OR TREAT!!!”

Frantic, Harper stirs a new potion.

            Two cobwebs,
            three candy corns,
            a sprinkle of normal-essesnce.

Gulp!

Knock, knock!
Peeking out…
Empty streets!
The sun rises.

“Whew, maybe Halloween is better once a year.”
Harper collapses.

###

True As Blue

| Bonnie Kelso

Deep in my heart I’ve been wanting to write a Children’s Picture Book about global climate change and our role as stewards of this beautiful planet we live on. I’ve been waiting for a story to come to me ever so patiently. Then, just yesterday it appeared! As I sat in my backyard and wrote in my journal next to my favorite tree, the words came through my hand and I don’t even really know how. I believe it may have been from a source outside of myself. It felt like an out of body experience. I love it when that happens!

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Reading and Writing

| Bonnie Kelso

As a writer I find it embarrassing that I was never an avid reader as a kid. I was much more interested in going outside. It didn’t really matter what I was doing, as long as it was outside. Mostly, I wandered. I looked at things, smelled flowers, tried to talk to the birds, and when I felt really brave, I would lift up a rock and see what I might find hiding underneath. I didn’t really become a recreational reader until I graduated from college.

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Fearless Frida

| Bonnie Kelso

My sons and I have been crafting a story about our cat since summer break started. This morning we had a brainstorming session and they helped me come up with this character sketch. It’s actually kind of funny, because our real Frida is terrified of thunder and lightning (or as we call them, the “Boom-Booms”).

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Igniting Artemis

| Bonnie Kelso

Happy Thanksgiving!

I always feel that I have so much to be grateful for. I really do, even when things are not so awesome. Gratitude is what has kept me going over the years. It’s what keeps me connected to spirit and source.

I was recently gratitude-gifted with a beautiful smoky citrine generator crystal. Isn’t it just gorgeous? (note: buy crystals from nice people) This act of gratitude compelled me to start igniting my new character, Artemis. I’m getting amazing results already. So much inspiration is starting to pour in, it’s hard to keep up with it all.

So on this full moon Thanksgiving, I’ve set up a little altar by my workspace. I even created my own little 3D Artemis out of sculpey. She’s got her magician’s cloak on and we’re ready to make some serious children’s book magic. In addition to the altar, I’ve got a moon calendar starting tonight. So, this cycle will go from full moon to the winter solstice.

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Paint -> Play -> Discover!

| Bonnie Kelso

 

Enjoy!

x,

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates children’s books that celebrate diversity, creativity, and all the special qualities that make each of us unique. Her book EVER OPEN is now available on Amazon in print and for kindle.

EverOpenCoverTiltDeep in the heart of the Everglades, 26 tiny eggs are beginning to hatch in a giant nest under a tall cypress tree. The fourth alligator to see the light of day is about to embark on a classic hero’s journey. Join Baby D as he explores his world through the innocence and wonder of a natural dreamer. Discover what makes him special while pondering what it might be that makes you special, too.

Ritual

| Bonnie Kelso

Ritual_Bonnie_Kelso
She’s coming! Look out, world. #themouse

I made a wish last night under the New Moon. It was a wish for help in manifesting my next children’s book. This one I wish to be even better than the last. That’s how I push myself, that’s how I grow and get better at this creative life thing. I’m not doing it alone this time. I’m reaching out for help. It feels good to ask for help, not something that has ever come naturally to me. It’s humbling and awesome and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

May you whole heartedly engage in the reverent ritual of creative manifestation.

Love,

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates children’s books that celebrate diversity, creativity, and all the special qualities that make each of us unique. Her book EVER OPEN is now available on Amazon in print and for kindle.

EverOpenCoverTilt

 

Deep in the heart of the Everglades, 26 tiny eggs are beginning to hatch in a giant nest under a tall cypress tree. The fourth alligator to see the light of day is about to embark on a classic hero’s journey. Join Baby D as he explores his world through the innocence and wonder of a natural dreamer. Discover what makes him special while pondering what it might be that makes you special, too.