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New & Noteworthy News!

Schools --Here I come!

April 7, 2010
April is always my busiest month for visiting schools and I love it! What better way to turn students into lifelong readers and writers? Connecting kids to an author or illustrator that actually created the book can be an unforgettable experience for students--and for the author.

I get so inspired by what media specialists  Read More 
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My Eighth Picture Book Now Available!

March 30, 2010
It’s here! I have always been fascinated with the subject of animal migration and decided to write a book in verse about some of these amazing animals. I hope you'll agree that "Going Home" published by Dawn Publications, captures mystery as well as science. I love how illustrator, Jennifer DiRubbio, shows the determination of these remarkable animals as well as the vastness of landscape as they travel by land, sea and air.

In the book, I focus on ten migrating species: loggerhead turtles, monarch butterflies, Florida manatees, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Pacific salmon, Canada geese, California gray whales, caribou, Arctic tern, and emperor penguins. It has already gotten some wonderful reviews and I had a great time introducing my new book at Barnes & Noble in Jensen Beach this past weekend. I'll be making some amazing journeys myself, sharing this book,along with my others, in the months to come. See more on my home page and also at

HREF="http://www.dawnpub.com/our-books/going-home-the-mystery-of-animal-migration/"> Dawn Publications
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Featured Artist on Dawn Publications site

March 20, 2010
This time of year schools often invite authors/illustrators
to participate in "Young Authors' Workshops" and I am delighted be presenting some in April and May.

I love it when when media specialists or reading teachers give kids an opportunity to learn about a visiting author before they appear in person. It makes the visit so much more meaningful when students have already read some of my books. Now that the internet is such a massive force, many of us write blogs, are on FACEBOOK, etc. Your students may want to go on to Dawn Publications to read "Conversations with the Artist." My editor, Glenn Hovemann, asks about my books and why I write them. Hope you enjoy it!
HREF="http://www.dawnpub.com/conversations-with-the-artist-marianne-berkes/"> Dawn Publications
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"Over in the Ocean" Scholastic version

March 19, 2010
I recently learned that the Scholastic version of Over in the Ocean, in a Coral Reef published by Dawn Publications is again available in the March issue of "Firefly."

This time the book is grouped with three other books about Rhyme and Repetition: Denise Fleming's Beetle Bop , Michael Elsohn Ross's Snug as a Bug , and Lisa Westberg Peters' When the Fly Flew In. Did I ever dream I would be in such great company?

Teachers can get all four for only $15. See the "Learn to Read" page in the flier, or go to:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pdfs/march/firefly.pdf

Best "fishes,"
Marianne Read More 
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Opportunity to get Dawn books--free!

March 10, 2010
Dear Educators,
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Dawn Publications is giving away $350 in books to teachers and their students. Educators are encouraged to share their experiences – both inside and outside the classroom – on connecting kids with nature, using Dawn books.

If you are familiar with my books, let Dawn Publications know how you use them in your classrooms, in nature centers, in zoos and aquarium workshops, etc. It's a great opportunity to get free books (not just mine)that will connect kids to nature, which is more important today than ever before. Many children today, who spend too much time indoors, are deprived of nature experiences. As David Sobel said: "If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it."

Click here for more information about the Earth Day Contest from Dawn Publications.

HREF="http://www.dawnpub.com/earth-day-contest/"> Dawn Publications

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"Over in the Ocean" Book Connections

February 28, 2010
Yesterday I participated in the Treasure Coast Annual Children’s Conference, similar to the one I did earlier this month at Sanford Community College, for early childhood educators. I am always amazed and delighted at how many people are familiar with my “Over in the Ocean, in a Coral Reef.” (A Scholastic reprint makes it more affordable at $4.95, and it was featured in their See-Saw and Firefly Book Clubs.) Dawn Publications has linked extension activities that I wrote for that book to their website. There are 20 “story stretchers” that can be downloaded. Enjoy!

HREF="http://dawnpub.com/activities/OverInTheOcean_Activities.pdf"> Dawn Publications

See you next month! Yikes, that’s tomorrow!! Read More 
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Nature Writers Blog Post on November 1

November 17, 2009
The "Wild About Nature" Trio reviewed my "Marsh" books published by Lerner (The Millbrook Press)recently saying, "This symphony of music is both educational and beautiful." See more at:
Nature writers blogsite
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See you at NSTA?

November 5, 2009
October was filled with wonderful literary events in NY, CT and back in Florida. It got by me without updating my blog. But I need to tell you about the upcoming NSTA Conference in Ft.Lauderdale before it is over. Check out NSTA website Hope to see you there! Read More 
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FRA Conference - Reading Rockets You to the Future

September 8, 2009
Janeen Mason and I are looking forward to presenting "Beam Up to Reading with Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun" this coming Friday at the Annual Florida Reading Association Conference at the Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. We'll share how this creative book about the planets gives students a chance to further their language development as they read. Book Signing will follow the presentation so teachers have the opportunity to have their books autographed by both the author and the illustrator. See FRA website.  Read More 
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Tour of Braille International

August 14, 2009
What a special day today was! Linda Wiggins at Braille International gave me a tour of their facility and I learned how "Over in the Ocean, in a Coral Reef" was put together in braille. Linda advised that they have had responses from 28 counties in Florida who serve blind students and that 345 books have been distributed to schools, students and teachers throughout the state of Florida. Over 100 schools are involved! I wish with all my heart that these kids could see the amazing illustrations, but it is so rewarding to know that my words can tell my story and that blind students will "see" and "feel" the illustrations through the eyes of teachers and students who are sharing my book with them.

I am very grateful to the Treasure Coast Children's Museum in Stuart, Florida, who with a grant, made this all possible.  Read More 
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