![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/elaine%20original3.jpg\")
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How’s this for coincidence?<\/p>\n
Last week\u00a0we emailed the Blue Rose Girls<\/a><\/strong>, asking if they’d be interested in being interviewed.\u00a0 We had no idea at the time that Elaine Magliaro was already planning to launch her very own blog, the Wild Rose Reader<\/a><\/strong>, this very week.\u00a0 What perfect timing!\u00a0 We’re so thrilled for Elaine, and honored to be able to\u00a0allow our readers to get to know this charming, classy, brilliant blogger a little better.<\/p>\n In case you’re not familiar with the Blue Rose Girls<\/a><\/strong> (for the record, our goal is to interview each and every one of them), it’s a blog about children’s literature — the writing, editing, illustrating, teaching, and pondering of it — that is shared by seven women (Alvina, Anna, Elaine, Grace,\u00a0Libby, Linda, and Meghan). And here’s how their story goes: Three of them (all illustrators — Grace Lin<\/a><\/strong>, Anna Alter<\/a><\/strong>, and Linda Wingerter<\/a><\/strong>) forged a bond online through the Internet, and after their children’s book careers began to take off, they named themselves “The Blue Rose Girls” (in a tribute to the Red Rose Girls<\/strong><\/a> who came before them). Eventually, the others — including Elaine — joined the online presence, and, as their site states<\/a><\/strong>, “{w}hile we don\u2019t all live together in a shared studio space, we do, like the Red Rose Girls, depend and feed off each other for inspiration and support.” (We feel like we’re glossing too quickly over these talented women, and we’re obviously not linking to the blog and\/or site of each individual Blue Rose Girl; however, you can read all about them at their site<\/a><\/strong>, not to mention wait for our future thrilling interviews, as we’d eventually like to chat with each one<\/em> of them anyway) . . . Here’s<\/a><\/strong> Elaine’s inaugural post as the Blue Rose Girls’ “first guest blogger,” back in October of ’06. <\/p>\n Since then, Elaine’s Poetry Friday<\/a><\/strong> posts on the Blue Rose Girls have become the stuff of legend.\u00a0 She’s so passionate and knowledgable about children’s poetry, and puts together such thoughtful and detailed posts, with booklists, interviews, and ideas for classroom activities based around the books and poems.\u00a0 Like this one<\/a><\/strong>, a review of Twist: Yoga Poems<\/a><\/strong><\/em> by Janet Wong<\/a><\/strong>, illustrated by Julie Paschkis<\/a><\/strong>, including a fabulous double-interview with the author and artist.\u00a0 Or this<\/a><\/strong> and this<\/a><\/strong>, an excellent two-part post about Joyce Sidman<\/a><\/strong>, winner of the 2006 Cybils Poetry award for Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow<\/a><\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0 Eisha truly\u00a0enjoyed serving on the Cybils<\/a><\/strong> poetry nominating panel with Elaine, because she always brought the same level of enthusiasm and insight to the panel discussions that she\u00a0expresses in her blog posts.<\/p>\n In her\u00a0very first\u00a0Wild Rose\u00a0Reader post<\/a><\/strong>, Elaine has laid out her “High Hopes” for her new blog, with an ambitious list of regular features:<\/p>\n Interviews with Children\u2019s Poets:<\/strong> Two of my favorite poets have already consented to be interviewed!<\/p>\n What Do You Do with a Book Like This?:<\/strong> In these posts, I will give suggestions for activities that can be used as creative extensions for children\u2019s books.<\/p>\n Great Read-alouds for Little Listeners:<\/strong> I\u2019ll talk about some of the picture books\u2014many which are rhythmic and rhyming\u2014that I think are perfect for reading aloud to very young children.<\/p>\n Book Bunch:<\/strong> I love making thematic lists of books\u2014just like Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect<\/strong><\/a>. I did it all the time when I was an elementary classroom teacher. I\u2019d like to continue to do that here at Wild Rose Reader.<\/p>\n A Perfect Pair:<\/strong> I will discuss two books with a common storyline or theme.<\/p>\n Picture Book Imports:<\/strong> I will review picture books originally published in other countries.<\/p>\n I Am Looking for a Poem About\u2026:<\/strong> When I put up a post with this title, readers can ask for help in finding a poem on a particular topic. (I may have to limit the number of requests I can fulfill.)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Good stuff!\u00a0 Oh, and of course, she promises to continue posting on Poetry Fridays, and occasionally drop in on the Blue Rose\u00a0Girls, too.\u00a0She even told us yesterday here at 7-Imp that she’ll be taking the lead from Gregory K. at GottaBook<\/a><\/strong> and will be posting an original poem every day during the month of April at her new site. Woo hoo! We wish her the best of luck, and look forward to the contributions this Wild Rose will make to the kidlitosphere.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong>\u00a0 What do you do for a living?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong>\u00a0 I was an elementary classroom teacher for more than three decades and an elementary school librarian for three years. I retired in 2004. Since 2002, I have taught a children\u2019s literature course at a large University.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> How long have you been blogging?<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> Why did you start blogging? Why do you continue to do it?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> Grace Lin<\/a><\/strong> asked if I\u2019d like to write some guest blogs for Blue Rose Girls. At first, I was just going to post articles occasionally. Then the Cybils<\/a><\/strong> came along\u2014and I really wanted to serve on the poetry-nominating panel so the Blue Rose Girls made me a regular contributor. We thought it would be great to have BRG participate in Poetry Fridays<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 so I became the Friday blogger. I have since become addicted to the kidlitosphere. It\u2019s a great place to hang out. I have the opportunity to write about the kids\u2019 books I love and to share my thoughts with other adults who are equally passionate about children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> Which blog or site would you take to the prom to show off and you love it so much you could marry it?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> I love the variety of voices in the kidlitosphere. MotherReader<\/a><\/strong> is snarky and sassy and makes me laugh out loud. I loved her Tulane\u2019s Readers Theatre<\/a><\/strong> post! Bruce at wordswimmer<\/a><\/strong> has a more contemplative blog about the writing process. A Fuse #8 Production<\/a><\/strong>, Big A little a<\/a><\/strong>, Book Buds<\/a><\/strong>, and Chicken Spaghetti<\/a><\/strong> are four of the blogs I first became addicted to reading\u2026and their authors are always there to keep us informed. There are always interesting discussions brewing at Read Roger<\/a><\/strong>. I\u2019m not just saying this to make you ladies feel good: I enjoy 7-Imp. I like your book reviews, your interviews, and the banter between the two of you\u2014and, of course, your new weekend feature. You often take the time to respond to people who comment on your blog.<\/p>\n I love poetry\u2014so I always follow Gregory K\u2019s GottaBook<\/a><\/strong>. Love his Oddaptations<\/a><\/strong> and Fibbery<\/a><\/strong>. I am also impressed with Cloudscome\u2019s haiku and photo<\/a><\/strong> postings at A Wrung Sponge<\/a><\/strong>. I am a fan of Sylvia Vardell\u2019s blog, Poetry for Children<\/a><\/strong>. Sylvia served with me on the poetry-nominating panel\u2014as did Bruce of wordswimmer<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n There are just too many other blogs I read daily to mention them all\u2014but there is one more I must speak of. I think I have found a kindred spirit in Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect<\/a><\/strong>. We both have a background in education and science. We have both been classroom teachers who now teach young people in college who are studying to become educators. And we both LOVE making thematic lists of books<\/a><\/strong> that teachers can use across the curriculum. I\u2019d take Tricia to the prom\u2014but I wouldn\u2019t wear a tux.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What are your other favorite things to do, other than reading and blogging?<\/p>\n I also attend children\u2019s literature conferences\/festivals\/institutes. The <strong>Keene State College Children\u2019s Literature Festival<\/a> is always wonderful\u2026and affordable. I began serving as a member of the Festival Advisory Board last fall.<\/p>\n I write children\u2019s poetry\u2014have for many, many years. Maybe\u2026someday\u2026someone will publish one of my collections.<\/p>\n I am addicted to a few television shows: The Daily Show<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, The Colbert Report<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, Countdown with Keith Olbermann<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, and Gilmore Girls<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. I love the Iron Chef<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, too.<\/p>\n My husband and I think C-Span<\/strong><\/a> provides a great service to the public. We watch it a lot on the weekends…and on weekday mornings. One of our favorite programs is Washington Journal<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. Thank you, Brian Lamb<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n Both my husband and I enjoy cooking. I like being inventive with food and creating new dishes and desserts\u2014poetry for the palate, if you will.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What\u2019s in heavy rotation on your stereo\/ipod lately?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> I\u2019m sixty\u2026remember? I don\u2019t have an ipod! I listen to WBUR<\/strong><\/a> in Boston. I enjoy Fresh Air<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, On Point<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, Here and Now<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, Talk of the Nation<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, and All Things Considered<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. On Saturdays, I often listen to Car Talk<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u2026 and my absolute favorite is Wait, Wait, Don\u2019t Tell Me<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u2014it\u2019s the best!!!<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> If you could have three (living) authors over for coffee or a glass of rich, red wine, whom would you choose?<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What\u2019s one thing not many people know about you?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> My friends and family know this\u2014but bloggers don\u2019t: I am a silly, sarcastic, wisecracking punster who enjoys laughing and making other people laugh. I was voted \u201cmost humorous\u201d girl in my high school class. At the school where I taught, I was known as the teacher who sang opera and danced on her desk. I was zany\u2014but strict\u2014and my students and I had a lot of fun together.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What is your favorite word?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> I love the word “poetry.” I also loved to hear my daughter say \u201cMommy\u201d when she was little. There was so much meaning and feeling embedded in that two-syllable word the way she said it.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What is your least favorite word?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> It\u2019s a four-letter word that begins with “C” and ends with “T” and it makes me cringe.<\/p>\n 7-Imp:<\/strong> What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?<\/p>\n Elaine:<\/strong> Poetry! Intelligent, stimulating conversation. My family and good friends. The coast of Maine. I sometimes get good ideas for poems when I\u2019m cooking or going for a walk.<\/p>\n![\"logoelainespicks.gif\"](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/04\/logoelainespicks.thumbnail.gif\")
Elaine:<\/strong> I have been a contributor to the Blue Rose Girls<\/a><\/strong> blog since October of 2006.<\/p>\n![\"Cybils\"](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/02\/cybils_medal2.thumbnail.jpg\")
I work diligently on my articles for the blog\u2014constantly revising\u2014and found that writing for the BRG has helped me to hone my prose. I used to spend all my time just working on my poetry.<\/p>\n![\"mra_hdr_blue_296.gif\"](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/04\/mra_hdr_blue_296.thumbnail.gif\")
Elaine:<\/strong> I have really enjoyed being involved with the PAS North Shore Council<\/a><\/strong>, a local affiliate of the Massachusetts Reading Association<\/a><\/strong> and IRA<\/a><\/strong>. This is my second year serving as president\u2014and my third year making arrangements for our council speakers. It\u2019s been a pleasure getting to know the great authors and illustrators I have invited the last few years: Paul Janeczko<\/a><\/strong>, Robert San Souci<\/a><\/strong>, Grace Lin<\/strong><\/a>, Don Brown<\/strong><\/a>, Wendell Minor<\/strong><\/a>, David McPhail<\/strong><\/a>, and Joseph Bruchac<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"Jon](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/04\/book_marathon_jon_scieszka_thumb1.thumbnail.jpg\")
<\/a>Elaine:<\/strong> I already spent time<\/a><\/strong> a few weeks ago with Joseph Bruchac<\/strong><\/a>, one of the authors I would have included on my list. Let\u2019s see\u2026since I\u2019m two or three decades older than most of you kidlit bloggers, I\u2019m going to pull elder rank and pick six authors! I think I\u2019d invite Jon Scieszka<\/strong><\/a> over for some homemade pierogi. I\u2019d love to find out if he is as funny and wacky as his books. I\u2019d also tip a glass of wine with Billy Collins<\/strong><\/a>. I like his attitude about poetry and think Poetry 180<\/strong><\/a>, the website he created when he was Poet Laureate of the United States, is an excellent resource. I\u2019d love to have a long chat with Naomi Shihab Nye<\/strong><\/a>. Her poem![\"Naomi](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/04\/naomi.thumbnail.jpg\")
<\/a> \u201cValentine\u00a0for Ernest Mann\u201d<\/a><\/strong> is one of my favorites. The other three authors I\u2019d invite would be Wislawa Szymborska<\/strong><\/a>, the Nobel Prize winning poet from Poland; Chet Raymo<\/strong><\/a>, a retired physics professor who used to write a wonderful Science Musings<\/strong><\/a> column for the Boston Globe<\/em><\/strong><\/a>; and David McCullough<\/strong><\/a>. You can bet Stephen Jay Gould<\/strong><\/a> would be on my list if he were still alive.<\/p>\n