For this review, I was gifted a copy of “From My Window”- by Otavio Junior and Illustrated by Vania Starkoff. Picture Book
First published in Brazil by Companhia das Letras, San Paulo in in 2018. Translated and Published by Barefoot Books in the US and the UK in 2020.
From My Window is a vibrant, joyful, colorful look at the thing seen from the main characters’ own window. Their neighborhood, or Favela as it is called in the book, depicts people of various shades doing very common everyday things. Bike riding, playing soccer, talking on the phone, and reading all as seen through the main characters’ window.
Given this year of home bound, lock down activities, I’m going to take a page from the author and take a look From My Window.
It’s been a while since my last post but 2020 has started off with a few surprises for me and I’m catching up now.
Non Fiction Festival -February
I completed the NF Fest in February. I’m truly thrilled to say I completed the 28 Day challenge and feel inspired to continue focusing on my non-fiction manuscripts. A bit of a new focus for me, but certainly one of great interest.
I live in New York State and as an adoptee, I was not able to obtain my original birth certificate. By law, adoptees received a “post-adoption” birth certificate listing their post-adoption name, birthplace and birth date. Only the birthplace and date were accurate, and the name on that certificate was the name given by the adopting parents.
The Governor of New York signed a bill in 2019 allowing all adoptees, over 18, to apply for and receive their original birth certificate. The law took effect on January 15th in 2020. I was so excited. By 8:30 am on the 15th, I had already applied online and received confirmation that my request had been received. I later saw news stories of hundreds of people lined up to apply in person and that was only in New York City. New York is a big state and I realized this was a big deal and not just for my own curiosity. Thousands of people were also wondering about their biological history.
My Birth Certificate arrived about three weeks ago. Much sooner than expected! So, now what?
I have my biological mother’s name, the time of my birth, her address at the time of my birth, and where she was born. I’ve shared some of this information with a biological cousin I found through DNA. The journey is just beginning.
Francine Semon (left), Sandi Brewster-Walker (center) and myself (right)
Armed with this scant information, I signed up for an African American Genealogy workshop at the Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead, NY. Sandi Brewster-Walker, Historian / Genealogist and former Deputy Director of the Office of Communications in the Department of Agriculture during the Clinton Administration, guided us through some useful tools for Genealogy researching. Before the start of the discussion many participants, were surprised to learn we had multiple connections to the town of Huntington. Myself included, since I grew up there. After the discussion, the connections continued. Over cheese and crackers, I accidentally found out that I was in this workshop with a relative of my brothers’ brother. Weird but true! My brother reconnected with his biological family a couple of years ago. Luckily, I still had photos on my phone to share. After some very reunion like laughter and stories, I left there with more family than I when I woke that morning. I also left with the tools, education, and support to seek even more. I can’t wait to find the next surprise.
This weekend I was blessed to be included in the reunion of my brother with his biological brother. That’s right, my brother met his brother.
I should have mentioned that my siblings and I are all adopted from different biological families. DNA testing kits made it possible for this event to happen. One of my sisters located her mother a few years ago. I’ve located very general information of my own biological beginnings so I’m still digging. This reunion this past Saturday affirms for me that it can be very satisfying to meet the long-lost relative or family.
This was a very special day!
Thompson / Jones Reunion July 28, 2018
My picture book, David’s Flamingos was released on May 1, 2018. I’ll be working with my publisher to host a Facebook Live event in September. I’m also working on presentations for school visits. Hopefully this will be a busy few months as we speed towards the end of the year.
The official release date for my picture book, David’s Flamingos. It’s been a journey and I’d do it all again (and again). Multiple revisions, multiple submissions and plenty of hope, prayers, and love, now finally I’m published.
Thanks to my critique groups, publisher (Spork) and the wonderful illustrator, Jeanne Conway. You are my village.
I am very much behind on any marketing that I should be doing but thanks to a very loyal group of colleagues, the day was spent with many verbal reminders and other conversation about the book. All of that has fed my ambition to get something together SOON to get the sales rolling.
I’ll be at the Highlights Foundation for the North East Pennsylvania Pocono Retreat this weekend. I’ll be participating in workshops throughout the weekend but there will be time set aside for book sales. I can’t ask for a friendlier forum for my first direct sales. Wish me luck!
David’s Flamingos is a heartwarming multi-generational story that speaks to the connection and love between grandparents and grandchildren. Jeanne Conway’s illustrations are soft and endearing. She brings the text of Pam Jones-Nill to life from the very first page.
David’s Flamingos – Available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com
I can hardly believe that I’m lucky enough to be here on the fringe of a book launch.
My book launch.
I received my proof copy and cried when I saw my name as author on an actual press printed bound hardcopy book. I first wrote this story three years ago and with the support of my wonderful critique group, multiple revisions and persistence, my manuscript was purchased by Clear Fork Publishing for their Spork imprint.
Special thanks to Jeanne Conway whose illustrations have brought my characters and story to life.
Since its black history month, I’m sharing my DNA results. Not because it only revealed my African ancestry but because it also reveals my non-African ancestry. 500 new cousins also share some versions of my DNA, according to ancestry.com. I connected with some via email. I’m very pleased about that. Afterall, aside from learning where in the world one comes from why would you not want to make connections.
Being adopted, I learned why one would not want to connect. I imagined numerous scenarios about my biological beginnings before I got my DNA results. None of them reflected the actual results of my DNA spit test.
What my DNA results confirmed for me – Why?
Love the color green
Adore to Irish / Gaelic music
Love to hear bagpipes
Crave Corned beef and Cabbage on March 17th
I’ll look forward to more connections but in the meantime, I will reflect on what I’ve learned so far.
This year I’m proud to be participating in the Multicultural Children’s Book Day, January 27, 2018. In celebration of that special day, I am posting a review of not one but two beautiful picture books. Check out all the wonderful Multicultural titles available with the links posted below.
#ReadYourWorld
Pam’s Review
Hats of Faith – Written by Medeia Cohan and Illustrated by Sarah Walsh.
Published by Shade 7 Publishing 2017.
Hats of Faith Written by Medeia Cohan Illustrated by Sarah Walsh
In Hats of Faith, Medeia Cohan starts a basic conversation with the youngest of readers about religions and culture.
What parent hasn’t found themselves scrambling to answer that question, “What’s that on her head?” or “Why is that man wearing a hat in the summer?” As any parent knows, kids ask questions all the time – waiting on line in the grocery store, on a bus or simply walking in the park. Hats of Faith is a concept/board book that helps provide a simple platform to discuss, with respect, the varied articles of clothing worn as head coverings and pairs them with their specific religion. That connection helps make the book complete and meaningful. The phonetic pronunciations provide confidence for parents or readers throughout the board book.
Sarah Walsh created beautiful, colorful illustrations that help focus attention on the unique head coverings with simple text that helps open communication and give parents a tool to help answer the most curious children.
Diversity in our world is as necessary as air and water. We need both air and water to survive as much as we need diversity to help us thrive. Hats of Faith helps us start at the beginning to teach diversity and ultimately empathy.
Pam’s Review
Wash Day – Written by Barbara H. Cole and Illustrated by Ronald Himler.
Published in 2004 by Star Bright Books.
Wash Day Written By Barbara H Cole Illustrated by Ronald Himler
Ms. Cole has captured a world where blacks and whites coexist very naturally. Yes, Miss. Ett, is black and is working for a white family as a washwoman but the commonality of life in this story is that they are all poor and they look out for each other. Wash Day uses parts of our history and finds a warm story to share. Miss Ett goes about her job with care and pride. The Grandpa, of the white family for which Miss Ett is working, shares his love of music with his granddaughter but also Sherman, the grandson of Miss Ett. Even Miss Ett is touched by his music, noting that the work is harder once the music stops because he is not able to play any longer.
Wash day may be just another day of the week…sure; but this story is a warm, reflective, gentle story. Mr. Himler’s beautiful watercolor illustrations are full of joy.
As the daughter of a WWII Veteran, I found the details of the American flags on every grave familiar and comforting. Himler’s soft and muted colors are a fabulous paring to the words of Ms. Cole.
Although it takes place in the Depression-era United States, current events of 2018 make Wash Day a good resource illustrating that caring for the people around you, no matter the color, race, or other physical difference they may have is an important life lesson.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2018 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in the home and on school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents, and educators.
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm.
This year I’m proud to be participating in the Multicultural Children’s Book Day, January 27, 2018. In celebration of that special day, I am posting a review of not one but two beautiful picture books. Check out all the wonderful Multicultural titles available with the links posted below.
#ReadYourWorld
Pam’s Review
Hats of Faith – Written by Medeia Cohan and Illustrated by Sarah Walsh.
Published by Shade 7 Publishing 2017.
Hats of Faith Written by Medeia Cohan Illustrated by Sarah Walsh
In Hats of Faith, Medeia Cohan starts a basic conversation with the youngest of readers about religions and culture.
What parent hasn’t found themselves scrambling to answer that question, “What’s that on her head?” or “Why is that man wearing a hat in the summer?” As any parent knows, kids ask questions all the time – waiting on line in the grocery store, on a bus or simply walking in the park. Hats of Faith is a concept/board book that helps provide a simple platform to discuss, with respect, the varied articles of clothing worn as head coverings and pairs them with their specific religion. That connection helps make the book complete and meaningful. The phonetic pronunciations provide confidence for parents or readers throughout the board book.
Sarah Walsh created beautiful, colorful illustrations that help focus attention on the unique head coverings with simple text that helps open communication and give parents a tool to help answer the most curious children.
Diversity in our world is as necessary as air and water. We need both air and water to survive as much as we need diversity to help us thrive. Hats of Faith helps us start at the beginning to teach diversity and ultimately empathy.
Pam’s Review
Wash Day – Written by Barbara H. Cole and Illustrated by Ronald Himler.
Published in 2004 by Star Bright Books.
Wash Day Written By Barbara H Cole Illustrated by Ronald Himler
Ms. Cole has captured a world where blacks and whites coexist very naturally. Yes, Miss. Ett, is black and is working for a white family as a washwoman but the commonality of life in this story is that they are all poor and they look out for each other. Wash Day uses parts of our history and finds a warm story to share. Miss Ett goes about her job with care and pride. The Grandpa, of the white family for which Miss Ett is working, shares his love of music with his granddaughter but also Sherman, the grandson of Miss Ett. Even Miss Ett is touched by his music, noting that the work is harder once the music stops because he is not able to play any longer.
Wash day may be just another day of the week…sure; but this story is a warm, reflective, gentle story. Mr. Himler’s beautiful watercolor illustrations are full of joy.
As the daughter of a WWII Veteran, I found the details of the American flags on every grave familiar and comforting. Himler’s soft and muted colors are a fabulous paring to the words of Ms. Cole.
Although it takes place in the Depression-era United States, current events of 2018 make Wash Day a good resource illustrating that caring for the people around you, no matter the color, race, or other physical difference they may have is an important life lesson.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2018 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in the home and on school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents, and educators.
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm.
The official release date for my picture book, David’s Flamingos. It’s been a journey and I’d do it all again (and again). Multiple revisions, multiple submissions and plenty of hope, prayers, and love, now finally I’m published.
imagined numerous scenarios about my biological beginnings before I got my DNA results. None of them reflected the actual results of my DNA spit test.
Pam Jones-Nill - Children's Author 