Happy Book Birthday to Wombat
Wombat Underground is on sale this week! And as a book birthday present, a stunning STARRED review from Shelf Awareness:
In an emotionally strong picture book based on natural science, a wombat generously opens his home to other Australian creatures fleeing from a bushfire. Thomson’s dramatic, terse language quickly communicates the serious situation. Santoso’s digital illustrations are striking and tense, making the life-or-death situation the animals face painfully clear. . . .Wombat Underground will likely engender discussion about animals in such precarious situations, but also about how people can protect others (human and animal) in times of danger.
They also called me “prolific” (thanks! I think? One could be a prolific writer of bad prose, I guess, but I am choosing to take it as a compliment) so overall this review thrills me to my toes.
So glad to know what Wombat is out in the world and finding his way to the readers who love him!
Read MoreAffect and Effect and Why We Hate Them
I think this is everybody’s least favorite grammar conundrum–affect or effect?
Granted, it’s annoying…but for the moment there is still a distinction between the two and you’ll look like a super cool style maven if you can remember it.
Here’s the trick:
“Affect” with the A is always a verb (with one exception*) and it always means “change” or “alter.” If you can swap the word in question with “alter,” the one you are after is “affect.” LIKE THIS: “The magical spell affected Eloise in startling new ways, such as her taste for munching on raw mice.”
“Effect” with an E can be a noun, which “affect” cannot. If the word in question is a noun, you want “effect.” LIKE THIS: “The effect of the magical spell was quite noticeable at dinner parties.”
“Effect” with an E can also, alas, be a verb, meaning “to bring about or cause.” LIKE THIS: “Will the magical spell effect a rupture between Eloise and her beloved Antonio?” But please note that this verb cannot be replaced with the verb “alter.” It is therefore “effect” with the E.
So your first question, when confronted with the affect/effect conundrum, is: noun or verb? If it’s a noun, it’s easy: effect. If it’s a verb, can it be replaced with “alter“? If so, “affect.” If not, “effect” again.
* The exception: “affect” is used by psychologists as a noun to mean “appearance or demeanor.” This is something you can ignore unless you are a psychologist.
* Also an exception: “Affect” can also mean “choose to wear or do in a pretentious and silly manner.” LIKE THIS: “Antonio affected a dashing hat with a feather to draw Eloise’s attention.” This is rare and can generally be ignored. If you’re using “affect” like this you presumably know what you’re doing.
Read MoreHappy Holidays
One of my holidays gifts was the recent news that WOMBAT UNDERGROUND will have a French edition. With the help of Google Translate, I have learned that the French word for “wombat” is “le wombat.”
This fills me with delight.
May the dark of winter bring you restful nights, and may the slowly returning light bring us all into a new year where hope continues to bloom–perhaps in unexpected places. And where even grumpy wombats can do a surprising amount of good.
Read MoreSLJ Star for A Pandemic Is Worldwide
Utterly thrilled to say that School Library Journal has given A Pandemic is Worldwide a starred review! They say:
Read MoreIn simple terms and with lots of explanatory illustrations, this addition to the “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out” series offers an objective view of a pandemic that is easy to understand…. Stating that a pandemic is caused by a bacteria or a virus, the book describes ways in which readers can actively inhibit the spread of the disease through handwashing, covering injuries, and staying away from sick people; it emphasizes the importance of isolation with a very helpful chart, and even includes directions for proper handwashing technique…. VERDICT: This slender volume may alleviate fears and help readers understand how illness spreads, while its underlying message is that those who wear masks, wash their hands, and stay home can help to end pandemics.
Sarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly