Posted by Morgan B. on September 30, 2009 8:22 AM in Reads
This morning I tied a bright pink scarf around my neck to brace against the autumn weather that's (sort of) descended upon New York City. When I got to work and glanced at the towering stacks of books that are slowly taking over my office, I realized something: my scarf is the same exact shade of pink as the Candy Apple logo.
Fate? Maybe. I was, after all, about to write this very blog post about how much I love tween books like Life, Starring Me! and Accidentally Famous and, of course, the entire How I Survived Middle School (HISMS) series. And then as I took off my scarf (it's kind of warm in here in the mornings) I got to thinking, wow, the Candy Apple and HISMS books are similar in a lot of ways, with characters I can relate to, school problems I totally remember, and plot lines that make me stay up late reading. And THEN, readers, I decided to compare the two series in a one-on-one competition.
I've narrowed down the choices in this first ever face-off between these two favorite series. Take a look, and let me know in the comments which ones get your vote!
Funniest Title:
vs.
Candy Apple's Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa
HISMS #1: Can You Get an F in Lunch?
Most Eye-Catching Cover Art:
vs.
Candy Apple's Miss Popularity Goes Camping
HISMS #9: Caught in the Web
Coolest Character:
vs.
Aubrey from Candy Apple's Making Waves
Jenny McAfee from HISMS
Juiciest Plot Line:
vs.
Candy Apple's Callie for President
HISMS #10: Into the Woods
Best Secret Identity:
vs.
Andie and Caitlin in Candy Apple's The Sister Switch
Madame X in HISMS #3: I Heard a Rumor
As for me, it's a toss-up. I can't decide! Luckily, there's enough intrigue, drama, hilarity and homework in all of them!
A while back we scheduled an interview with B.O.B. from Monsters vs. Aliens, and we asked YOU what questions you would ask. Well, to celebrate today's DVD release of Monsters vs. Aliens, B.O.B. is here to tell us about his experiences as a movie star monster.
Hi B.O.B. We are so honored that you could come to Ink Splot 26 for this interview. Thanks for agreeing to answer our questions. What was it about the movie Monsters vs. Aliens that made you want to be a part of it?
B.O.B.: Hi there! Thanks for the questions! Usually people scream and run away from me, so this is my first time answering questions. Actually I’m pretty nervous about this. Shoot! Did I say that? Hang in there B.O.B. it’s going to be okay! OK! I’m ready for questions now. Hi there! Okay my first question for you is, what color are your shoes! Wait, I forgot, these questions are for me! AMAZING! So, um, I wanted to be in this movie because I always wondered what Aliens tasted like. And now, I know! Lima beans and toothpaste!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What did you do to prepare for this role? Did you have to work out or go on a diet?
B.O.B.: I went on my own special diet program I call
“Snackin' to the Oldies” It's where you eat everything and anything
that has past its expiration date.
Dewdrop 208 asks: What was it like working with Dr. Cockroach and the rest of the gang?
B.O.B.: EWW! I hate cockroaches!
Dewdrop208 also asks: Was the Dance Pad scene really fun?
B.O.B.: I'm glad you mentioned the Dance Pad. It was more fun than eating a barrel of monkeys. Now THAT is fun!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Which scene was the most difficult for you? Which was the most fun?
B.O.B.: WOW!
GREAT QUESTIONS! The hardest scene was when I forgot how to breathe,
because… I couldn't breathe of course. The most fun scene was when I
remembered how to breathe, because I had honestly forgotten and it was
not fun.
Elephantlover5 asks: Would you crack jokes all the time or did you have to stay completely on script? Thank you for your time.
B.O.B.: There was a script? I was wondering why they kept feeding me paper. Oops…
Bookwink asks: Did you have a stunt double or did you do all your own stunts?
B.O.B.: Not only did I do my own stunts, but I did stunts for the stunt double as well. I really pay for it later though, let me tell you. I'm just covered in blue bruises.
T-T asks: You rock B.O.B! And I love the color of your gelatin. What shade of blue is it?
B.O.B.: I'm told it's a Marine Blue, but I don't seem to remember ever joining the Marines…Oh wait! General Monger's a Marine and he turns blue every time we try to escape!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: How long did it take for you get into costume and make-up before your scenes?
B.O.B.: HOURS! It's really hard to prepare the
make-up and costumes for a 49 ½ foot woman. Wait a second – that was
Susan! I didn't have any make-up – I'm B.O.B! I don't even have a
costume; I was naked during the whole movie! OH NO! I WAS NAKED DURING
THE WHOLE MOVIE! OH NO! I'M NAKED RIGHT NOW! SOMEONE GET ME SOME
PANTS!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: In the movie, we saw B.O.B. the brainless blob, but tell us about B.O.B. the man. Could you describe a typical day off-camera?
B.O.B.: I'm the man? THANK YOU! My typical day starts with breakfast, lunch and dinner, followed by a nap and then lunch, dinner and breakfast, followed by dinner, breakfast and maybe lunch if there's time before my nap.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What would your fans be surprised to learn about you? What are some little known facts?
B.O.B.: My favorite flavor of ice cream is rocky road (literally rocks and roads) and I'm afraid of unicorn babies. (I don't trust those sharp horns, no matter how cute they are!)
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Are you dating? Is there anyone special in your life?
B.O.B.: I met a cute little blue SLUSHIE at the convenience mart but she gave me the cold shoulder.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Do you think monsters get a bad rap? What would you want to tell the world about so-called "monsters"?
B.O.B.: I would tell the world that they should give monsters a second chance. A second chance to scare them! Ha ha, just kidding! But seriously, we are really good. Good at scaring you! Ha ha, just kidding again! But seriously…
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Who is your role model and why?
B.O.B.: Susan is my role model and I haven't the foggiest idea why.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
B.O.B.: WOW! This just happened to me yesterday. Link farted, I laughed at him, then I realized that I farted and Link laughed at me! And Susan was there! AMAZING!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What has been the happiest moment of your life so far?
B.O.B.: Wait for it…. wait for it…RIGHT NOW!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: One last question B.O.B. What are your plans for the future?
B.O.B.: One day, I hope to star in a movie called Monsters vs. Aliens. WAIT, A SECOND…. That already happened didn't it? AMAZING! Thank you for all of the questions. I enjoyed asking them and look forward to interviewing you again!
Monsters vs. Aliens TM & (c) 2009 DreamWorks Animation
L.L.C. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision
Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
I think The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen ranks not only as one of the best Holocaust fiction books for children, but as a general all-around well written book. In addition to other Holocaust survivor stories such as Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Journey to America by Sonia Levitin, and Daniel's Story by Carol Matas, Yolen's story was so emotionally capturing that I couldn't stop reading.
Readers of any age will become captivated with Hannah Stern's story as she is transported from modern day to the time of the Jewish Holocaust – a time of hardships, struggles and ultimately death for the Jewish people of Europe.
What I found so fascinating and different about this story is that Hannah also holds the memories of her life in modern times. All of these memories become a sort of facade as she spends more and more time in the Nazi concentration camp. This depiction of draining memories of those who survived in the concentration camps is an accurate telling of how the Nazis wanted the Jews to live; to drain them of their past and happy lives and only follow the rules.
One of my favorite quotes in this sad and heartfelt story is when Hannah says to Gitl, "How can you laugh?" to which Gitl replies, "Without laughter, there is no hope. Without hope, there is no life." This particular quote especially struck home for me. Thinking about all of the sad events that have happened, there has always been one family member who has tried to make our family laugh.
Lastly, after reading this book you'll also take away the following message:
"Don't take what you have for granted because you never know when it will be stripped away." This message is certainly one worth keeping.
Brejé, the 13-year-old rapper/singer/dancer/actor from Boston, has been touring the country getting the world to "Twist Wit It," (that's his hit song and dance) playing everywhere from California to Maine with artists from Ne-Yo to the Jonas Brothers. But he had time this summer to stop by Scholastic to chat with Matthew from the Scholastic Kids Press Corp.
Brejé got Matt up and dancing to his hit song, "Twist Wit It." And you can learn it too! Get up and dance with (or just watch) this exclusive Scholastic video:
Now that you're totally hooked on "Twist Wit It," here are five more must-know things to know about Brejé:
If you're wondering about the name, Brejé, it's pronounced bre-zay and is French, meaning "protector" and guardian".
Brejé gets his inspiration from his family. And Michael Jackson.
Brejé gives great advice. One piece of advice? "Usually, we wait for someone else to make the change. Instead of waiting, why don't you make the change yourself?"
Brejé's favorite subjects in school are math and social studies.
The books Brejé would recommend to other kids are the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson.
Posted by Nick M. on September 26, 2009 8:39 AM in Authors
Hi Ink Splot 26 Readers,
Two girls from completely different walks of life had the same desire to meet the creator of The Hunger Games (a book for ages 12 and up).
Amanda is a young girl who dreamed about meeting her favorite author, Suzanne Collins, but never thought her dream would be a reality. Thanks to Scholastic and the Make-A-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to kids with life-threatening medical conditions, Amanda got her wish.
Kayley is the winner of the Hunger Games Writing Contest, in which she answered the question, “How would you survive the Hunger Games?” (Read Kayley’s winning essay about being “the girl with the silver tongue.")
Over the summer, both girls traveled to the Scholastic headquarters where they each spent an afternoon with Suzanne. Here are their stories in their own words.
— Nick, Scholastic Staffer
Amanda's Story
My heart was racing as I rolled along, seemingly calm behind the bubbly and kind publicist Sheila Marie. I couldn't believe that I was finally here to meet Suzanne Collins, my idol, whose works have been my obsession for the past five years. It had been almost a year since I asked Make-A-Wish to help this dream along, but with all the confounded procedures, surgeries, and pain, I had to postpone until today. Well, anyway to the fun stuff! I was so excited and nervous at the same time that I felt I was being pushed on a conveyor belt to something I wasn't quite prepared for, but was eager to see all the same. I found myself uttering the words "help, mommy help" in a voice resembling Minnie Mouse with a severe sore throat. It didn't seem real, like someone fantasizing about the stereotypical life—new Mustang, high-paying job, mansion, and that drop-dead gorgeous husband deal—but never believing they could get it. Well I was getting it and I couldn't believe it.
My experience with Suzanne Collins was absolutely breathtaking. As soon as I spoke with her, my nervousness melted away. Despite the lights, cameras and teleprompters, she made me feel at home during the video shoot. She was so sweet and said that she was afraid that she was going to be a boring wish. My first thoughts were, "I'm honored just to be within ten feet of you, and you're nervous about being my wish! Man, is she nice!" She was getting her makeup done so I was afraid of disturbing her, but she assured me that I could talk. To my amazement, I could speak calmly as if I were talking to a friend, not my idol whose writings have consumed my mind and heart ever since I read her first book. She even hugged me. Oh my God! Did Suzanne Collins actually hug me!? She touched me! The creator of Gregor the Overlander, Katniss the clever, Ripred the obnoxious, actually touched me and is smiling at me, this inconsequential nothing. Then they asked if I would mind being in a video shoot with her. Would I mind? I have spent the last five years rounding up, forcing, hounding, and pounding people to read these books! While my mother was reading the book in her room I would sit at the door waiting to hear her laugh and then say, "What was so funny? What part are you at?” I was ridiculous, annoying and relentless. My mom called me a “Gregor stalker.” And now they were asking me if I would like to do a video shoot with the woman who started it all, creating the little book monster also known as me. Of course I wouldn't mind! Then she asked me if we should say "Happy birthday Scholastic." Trying to be as polite as possible, I suggested that we say "Happy birthday Scholastic. Fly you high!" During the shoot she let me hold her sword. She likes swords! I'm crazy about them! We have something in common! I wonder if she has a three-sided one like Luxa talks about in Gregor the Overlander. Oh my God, I get to go and talk to her now! I think I'm having a panic attack!
Here is the amazing thing. This beautiful lady went out of her way to get her favorite books for me (because reading is the start of writing), along with a few personal items that are now treasures in my eyes. She had piled up a world of keepsakes for me. It was unbelievable! We talked about writing techniques, and she shared some of her most useful secrets. We were originally allotted one hour to talk by ourselves. Well, that hour went completely out the window. I spent close to six hours with Suzanne and I loved every minute of it. I felt completely and utterly at ease with this woman that I idolized. It was a dream come true and I am happy to say that I miss Suzanne, not only as a fan but as a friend as well, and I thank everyone involved for bringing us together.
Kayley's Story
It’s hard to put into words just how brilliant my experience at the Scholastic headquarters was. From making Hunger Games twitter jokes, to David Levithan’s thoughts on the pairing of Haymitch and Katniss, it was a day that I will never forget. Promptly upon arrival, my mother and I were met in the reception area by Adrienne Vrettos, the lovely woman we had been in constant communication with since I won the contest which brought me over 3,000 miles to New York City. We were taken to the roof of the building where Suzanne Collins was being photographed for a newspaper article, and I joined her in a few of those before we went down to one of the coolest rooms I have ever entered. On the walls were large pictures from tons of books that I had grown up reading and loving. The Wild Things, Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh were among the illustrations making up the wall décor in this room fondly referred to as Scholastic’s living room.
For the next couple of hours we all ate great food and had even greater discussions. About ten people, including my mother and me, surrounded a large table and talked book recommendations, Greek mythology, funny college anecdotes, and first New York City apartment stories (I have a lot to look forward to, it would seem). It was beyond excellent; I could have sat there for hours.
Unfortunately, the afternoon was drawing to a close, and Suzanne had to dash off, but not before giving me a few precious treasures. She gave me a lovely copy of Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, the book which gave Katniss Everdeen her surname, and a spider ornament representing a character from her other book series, The Underland Chronicles. In addition, she signed two advanced readers copies of Catching Fire, to ensure minimal scrabbles for the book on the flight home between my mom and me, and the entire Underland series. I was given a number of other books that I simply cannot wait to read, including Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater which, based on all of the strong recommendations, should be awesome.
A few more photos were taken and goodbye hugs were given. I cannot remember the last time I was surrounded by so many genuine and kind people. Thank you, Scholastic for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and thank you Suzanne Collins for writing such a fantastic story—I can’t wait for more! Interning or working at Scholastic would be such an incredible experience; one day I hope to do one of the two. Now, off to finish Catching Fire!
Many of you know this phrase, and I'm gonna bet your parents do too (I dare you--ask them where it's from!). So get ready for Fame, the reinvention of the 1980 original Oscar-winning movie. The old one was more gritty and rated R, but this one is rated PG and it's totally hot! The cast and creators themselves seem to be living their own “Fame” stories. It comes out in theaters today and we've got the inside scoop.
First a bit about the movie. It follows a group of talented singers, actors, and musicians over four years at the New York City High School of the Performing Arts
(based on the real life NYC school: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts!) It's a diverse powerhouse where students from all walks of life get a chance to live out their dreams. But even with hard work, discipline and talent, not everyone will make it. Plus they've got to deal with all the normal high school stuff like homework, insecurity and romance.
Check out this behind-the-scenes video Fame: Backstage, then READ ON for more inside scoop.
We sat down with three of the stars of Fame: Naturi Naughton who plays Denise, a classical pianist who can rock the microphone. Collins Pennie who plays Malik, an actor/rapper whose family has had too much drama and not enough money. And Cody Longo who plays Andy, an actor whose fame goes to his head.
Q for Naturi: What did you like most about your character, Denise? Naturi: I really liked her innocence. I remember when I was that age — you don't really know who you are. I felt like I could use this character to help other young people figure out what they want to do and how to stand up for what they love, even if it's your parents that you have to stand up to.
And I think that it's really hard to do that when you're sixteen or seventeen years old and you don't really know what direction you want to take your career.
Q: Any obstacles that you met when you were in your teens that might help other kids?
Naturi: Yeah, I went through a few obstacles. I was a recording artist at fifteen.
[RATHA: Naturi was in the girl group 3LW in the early 2000's. They sang a song I totally loved “No More (Baby I'm a Do Right”) and toured with Destiny's Child and Jessica Simpson!]
So one of the things I think could help other teens was being told that I wasn't good enough or marketable, or I didn't have the right look. And in my business it's all about packaging and a product and how you look and how you dress. It's very materialistic and as young people we all get caught up in that. But at the end of the day I learned that I can't rely on people to tell me who I am.
People might say, “You're not smart enough to get into the AP classes. . . or to be a doctor.” Whatever it is that someone is telling you you can't do, don't let that stop you and don't let them dictate your ability. You have to be strong enough to say, “I'm going to work hard, and if I put my mind to it and believe in myself, then I can achieve anything and no one can stop that.”
[RATHA: You go girl! Totally true!]
So all the young people that are going through that now, it's only temporary, trust me. You will get through it and you will prove all those haters, for lack of a better word, you'll prove them wrong.
Q: Does your name have a special meaning?
Naturi: Yes it does. Naturi — it means “Nature's Girl, Natural Woman.” My parents gave that to me.
[RATHA: I love that! Do any of you guys out there have unusual or exotic names? Let us know in the Comments!]
Next, we spoke with Collins Pennie, who plays Malik. He has an equally inspiring story. He spent much of his childhood in foster care, where he discovered his passion for performing.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about the challenges that you faced living in foster care?
Collins: I would just say that coming out of being in foster care, there's a lot of things that you go through. You want to be at home with your family, so it's a struggle, because you're in another person's home. It's not your own, but I worked hard and I had a dream and that kept me alive. It allowed me to focus on something else.
Q: And then at fifteen you went out on your own. How did you make money? How did you live?
Collins: By that point I had some friends that I was staying with from my dance school, or just some friends in general. It was rough, but I had a dream and I followed it and I'm here.
[RATHA: He is truly living a real life Fame story! I vote they should make a movie about Collins' life. How inspiring!]
Q: When did you know that performing was something that wasn't just fun, but would be a career for you?
Collins: I always knew. I mean growing up, watching Michael Jackson, who I love, I knew I always wanted to perform. I didn't know if I could act [but] I knew I wanted to sing and dance. My stepdad Ronald Lawson, he put me in an acting class when I was about seven years old. And it was like every Saturday. Some Saturdays I didn't want to go, but basically it was so the kids could get out of the house and have something to do instead of sitting in the house.
Q: What challenge that you faced are you most proud of?
Collins: Probably performing arts. I didn't have much support being on my own at that early age - going after what I believed was right for myself. It was very rough, but I never gave up on my dream and I'm very proud of that because look where I am today.
Q: Do you have a personal motto that encapsulates who you are?
Collins: I never give up and I always work hard. I believe in my work. I believe that it pays off. You stay focused and you work hard.
[RATHA: Absolutely! A colleague who was like a mentor once told me this:
Work hard. Learn a lot. Earn your keep. When the time is right – blossom and move on.]
Q: Talking about working hard, describe Malik. What is he like?
Collins: Malik is a guy who comes from a background of struggle and he uses that as motivation to push himself forward. To succeed. He basically wants a chance to get his mom out of the projects, to get himself a better life. So he's a very determined guy, and he decides that he's going to audition for this performing arts school. Malik has a lot of walls up, because of all the things that he's been through. He doesn't want to be judged or hurt so [his teacher] Dowd challenges him. Throughout the process of working with Dowd he really opens up and finds his voice as an artist.
Q: Do you keep in touch with the members of the cast?
Collins: We're all very close friends. We basically did our own little performing arts camp before the movie even started going into production. We spent so much time together in rehearsals and filming that we really formed this very close bond. . . and that really reflects in the movie.
Q: Do you like to read?
Collins: I have to read everyday, I get so many scripts! But yes I do love to read. I love to lose myself in a book. I wish I had more time to do so.
Q: What would you like your fans to know about you?
Collins: That most of all, everything in life wasn't always perfect but I believed in myself and I followed my dreams and I never gave up.
[RATHA: Much like his character in the movie! Will Malik's character be one of the few to achieve fame? We'll have to see the movie to find out!]
We also spoke with Cody Longo, who plays the controversial character, Andy.
Q: Tell us how playing your character in Fame was challenging.
Cody: In Fame I played a character named Andy Matthews. He goes down a road from being this actor in school who's a great, great actor and appreciates the work and is really focused. Then he books a [role] on a big hot teen show and he starts down the road of stardom. He gets caught up in his head, and getting involved in drugs and alcohol.
Q: Would Andy be a friend of yours?
Cody: I live in LA and I have friends that — we'd audition and we'd get on certain shows that really blow up and some of us get really caught up in that stuff. I try to stay away from this LA lifestyle and all the partying and stuff, because it's so easy to get caught up in. It's so much fun, there's cool people around and it's easy to kind of lose yourself in it. Sadly, I've seen too many of my friends go down that road. I think in the beginning, sure, Andy would be my friend. But if people go down that road and they're not coming back, I can't be involved with that.
Q: Do you have any advice to kids who want to perform?
Cody: One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is just be passionate in everything that you do. I think that if you're going to be involved in the arts and it's a way to express yourself, really use it to express yourself and don't question yourself and don't be embarrassed like nobody's watching but you. So I really think that just being passionate about everything you do, and once you step up on that stage let all your guards down.
Are you fired up to see Fame? I know I am! These kids are so chock full of talent, I wouldn't be surprised if they are the next superstars of tomorrow. As for me, I still aspire to learn to play piano some day. What are some of YOUR own personal dreams? Let us know in the comments!
I'm Sam, producer of The 39 Clues Madrigal Maze App for the iPhone™ or iPod touch®! We know a lot of Ink Splot 26 readers who are 39 Clues fans so this blog will give you a sneak peek into the new app. When we started working on The 39 Clues app, we knew we wanted to tell a different side of The 39 Clues story. If you read the books, you know about the Madrigals -- the shadowy group that thwarts the Cahills in their search for the clues. But what is it like to actually be a Madrigal? Our app explores the idea of becoming part of this secret organization.
The app puts you through a recruitment test to become a Madrigal. As you'd expect, it's not easy. You get locked inside a labyrinthine Aztec pyramid and have to survive all kinds of perils in order to get out. The game is a test of wits and strategy as you attempt to successfully navigate a series of 39 mazes inside the pyramid. As you progress, each maze gets more challenging.
We wanted a combination of pulse-pounding action and brain-teasing puzzles, just like the books. You know how Amy and Dan are racing speedboats through the canals of Venice one minute, then solving an elaborate puzzle the next? Our game has the same feel. On one level you're weaving through a pack of guard dogs, and on the next, you're figuring out the right path that won't trigger deadly boulder traps in the maze. You'll have to be very quick and very smart to make it all the way through. Some mazes even have time limits on top of all these obstacles.
But how hard is too hard? When the game was almost done, we tested it with kids and adults and adjusted a lot of the levels. We wanted to make sure that the early and middle levels were fun and not too hard for the casual gamer. We won't lie to you, though – some of the final levels are very tough. We'll be interested to see how many players make it all the way through!
The final ingredient of any great 39 Clues story is secrecy, and we worked with the books' editors to work in some good secrets. If you make it to a certain level of the game, you'll unlock a secret Madrigal Encryption Key on www.the39clues.com. We don't want to say too much, but if you're interested in the Madrigals, you'll definitely want to get that Key before you finish the game!
Posted by Carly H. on September 23, 2009 8:59 AM in Trivia
Dear Di- (that would be giving it away),
Today I made a Guess the Book trivia blog entry! I took little squares of book covers from five different books, put them in a grid and numbered them. The books all have something in common (a something that they share with the way I'm writing this entry).
If you're reading this entry, you should leave a comment guessing what book covers the cropped pictures come from. I'll bake everyone who gets them right a virtual cookie.* You'll find out if you're right next week when I post the answers.
<3s
Carly H., STACKS Staffer
*Virtual cookies involve no baking or no actual cookies. One could argue that virtual cookies don't exist. They might be right.
I'm Karen, the Art Director for the I SPY Riddle Race and I SPY Spooky Mansion Apps for the iPhone™ and iPod touch®. Bringing the beautiful I SPY books created by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick to life in interactive games is always a terrific privilege! You heard from Jennifer last week. Now it's my turn to give you a look inside these apps from an art point of view.
The first challenge for the I SPY Riddle Race was the game board. I SPY Riddle Race is a compilation of the very best I SPY picture riddles ever! These picture riddles are all different from each other, so a big part of our job was to create a setting where all of them could exist together. We knew we wanted this app to combine I SPY play with a board game. So, the question for us became “What would the game board look like?” We came up with the idea of using an old wooden game board. I sketched out two versions of the game board, then added color and details in PhotoShop. This helped us visualize how to tie the game concept together.
At this point, we could see that the bright reds and oranges in the curvy design were working really well. We also really liked the left image but the colors seemed too drab and boring. So we took the best of both and created this final sketch.
As you know, I SPY is all about realistic photographs, so in order to match the style of I SPY, our next step was to photograph a wooden box and other wooden objects that we could use to bring my design to life. Here's the final version that appears in the game.
The squares represent the picture riddles on the game board but we also had to design a way for the player to enter each riddle area. I realized a way to do this would be to use of one of the coolest iPhone features--the accelerometer. The accelerometer is what allows you to tilt the iPhone to affect the gravity in the game. Tilting the game board in I SPY Riddle Race sends your marble spinning down the paths into the riddles.
I SPY Spooky Mansion presented us with a similar challenge in that we needed to create a way for players to move through the riddles. The only difference was that this app, unlike I SPY Riddle Race, encompassed one single adventure through a creepy mansion. We came up with the idea of using a map for the house and surrounding grounds. Touching areas on the map would lead the player to the different riddles. Like with Riddle Race, we had to first sketch the idea, making sure that the riddle areas such as the graveyard, laboratory and living room could all be represented in the map.
Once we got just the right perspective, we used PhotoShop to give the map the same eerie and spooky mood that you see in the picture riddles. Here's the final version of the Spooky Mansion map!
There you have it! Hope you had fun reading this tour through the unique aspects of creating art for the I SPY Apps!
Posted by Morgan B. on September 21, 2009 8:11 AM in Reads
I've always loved the look and feel of really old books – you know, the ones with frayed canvas covers, precarious binding, and decades of smudges and memories. The first old book I purchased was a collection of poetry, and it sat on my shelf, surrounded by its younger (and some would argue, prettier) peers, for a few years. Until one day I found another special old book, and another after that. And then, a collection began to take hold.
So you can imagine my thrill when, just a few weeks ago, I scored BIG at a random garage sale I passed. The first thing I look for in any store or sale is the book section, so obviously I scanned the junk to see what bookish treasures lurked there. Soon my arms were full, but I didn't even know which specific titles I was scooping up – all I needed to see was that little “Nancy Drew” lettering on the binding.
Here's the thing about Nancy: she's an icon. She's always in style, she's had movies made about her, and everyone knows her name. But here's my confession: I haven't really read any Nancy Drew books.
So I thank you, garage-sale-proprietors, for charging me a mere $5 for a collection of antique books that I will now read and, hopefully, finally appreciate. (And, sorry to break it to you, but I think you seriously undercharged me.) Because now, these old (very, very old – 1942! 1937!) books have become new again.
Any readers out there who've scored some new-old books? Did you find them at yard sales, or maybe hidden deep inside your parents' or grandparents' attics? Leave a comment and let us know what they were!
If you loved Kate DiCamillo's books: Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, then you won't want to miss her newest book The Magician's Elephant.
Scholastic Kid Reporter, Chloe A., got the inside scoop for this article. "As a young girl, DiCamillo wanted to be a veterinarian, but she soon
realized she didn't have what it takes to work with sick animals all
day. She never dreamed then that she would become an award-winning
author whose books would be made into movies. She thought she would be
lucky just to get one book published." Read the rest of Chloe's article to find out what Kate DiCamillo says about her new book, where she gets her ideas, and what advice she has for kids who want to write.
And for more information about DiCamillo's new book including videos and a sample excerpt, check out the official website for The Magician's Elephant. You can also register there for a live webcast with the author on October 25. I know I can't wait!
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A fast cost-effective way to build a complete classroom library!
Now shipping with NEW Classroom Books Library Bins!
Offering books in a wide range of genres, topics, authors, and subjects, each Ready-To-Go grade-level library is comprised of three 100-book collections, each focusing on a different area of emphasis.
Posted by Carly M. on September 19, 2009 10:36 AM in Reads
Dreading the beginning of the school year is only natural. You have your classes, homework, schedules, friends and of course, trends to worry about. Fortunately you can now scratch one of those worrisome items off of your list because we're giving you a head start on all the trends for fall 2009. From books to clothes to movies, you'll rule the halls with your up-to-date trend-setting knowledge and appearance.
Book Trends for Fall '09 Catching Fire: The second installment in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series for ages 12 and up, Catching Fire, has already sparked tons of buzz in the literary world and will certainly be a conversation starter among fans.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days: This awesomely funny series by Jeff Kinney continues on October 12, 2009 with the fourth book, Dog Days. Just when you thought summer vacation was over, you'll get to see how Greg Heffley spent his summer. Whether you’re an outdoor or indoor person, you’ll love reading this book.
The Magician's Elephant: The new book by Newbery Medalist author Kate DiCamillo has been gaining notoriety from kids, parents and reviewers. It's even already in talks to becoming a feature film! I suppose it's time to jump on the bandwagon and read this book.
Fall Fashion Trends for Girls AND Boys
Distressed denim jackets and jeans: Be hip and cool with this rock n' roll style look. Plus, if don’t want to go out and spend money on this look, it's easy enough to do at home on your old jeans. Just have your mom or dad create this look by using a utility knife.
Plaid is the new preppy: The recent popularity of the Disney Channel show, Jonas, has inspired the new plaid and preppy attire. You can add your own flare by adding funky accessories.
The "It" colors: With fall just around the corner, it's time to put away the pastels and neon colors and pull out anything that has black, deep reds and purples. Metallics, such as gold, silver and bronze, are also in style for those who really like to stand out.
Movie Trends for Fall '09 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs(Rated PG): Any movie based on the best-selling book by Judi and Ron Barrett that has action, comedy and tons of food is must see this fall.
Fame (Rated PG): You'll definitely want to check out this remake of Fame coming out on September 25, 2009. Not only does it have all new actors and music, but it also puts modern day twist on great classic film.
Where the Wild Things Are (Rated PG): This childhood classic by Maurice Sendak is finally hitting the silver screen on October 16, 2009! With a star-studded cast and amazing special effects, this is a movie even your parents will enjoy.
Other Trends for Fall '09
Being green: Though this is an ever popular trend, being green is now more important than ever. With such efforts as Disney's "Friends For Change", and Nickelodeon's "The Big Green Help", getting involved in your community by recycling, picking up litter and reducing electricity/energy is a definite must!
Staying fit and healthy: While eating a balanced diet and being active has always been important, it's more important nowadays with our busy schedules and new advanced technology keeping us indoors. So let's make sure we keep our bodies healthy by eating enough fruits and vegetables and making sure we get at least thirty minutes of exercise everyday.
Washing your hands: Now more than ever, it's extremely important that you wash your hands! With the recent outbreak of what is known as the Swine Flu, one of the most important and preventative actions you can take, according to the American Medical Association, is to wash your hands with soap and warm water as much as possible.
That concludes my top fall trend picks of 2009. If you'd like to weigh in on my choices, feel free! Besides, the Stacks users aka YOU, are always one step ahead of the curve.
