Clara Bowman-Jahn, author
Claudia Wolf, illustrator
eTreasures Publishing, Fiction, 2012
Suitable for: Ages 5 and up
Themes: Birthday, Counting Concepts, Time
Opening/Synopsis: “Already awake and excited, Annie heard the alarm go off. The clocked showed 7 o’clock in the morning, and the sun painted her bedroom walls and toys with a golden glow.” It’s Annie’s birthday and she is determined to make the most of each hour. Follow Annie through her day as every hour is filled with a new activity. At four o’ clock her brother plays and sings Happy Birthday to Annie. At 5 o’clock, her mommy is preparing her special birthday meal. At 7 o’clock Annie’s friends arrive for a sleep over and surprise her with presents. At 8 o’clock birthday cake is served. Her birthday celebration goes well into the night and ends with sunrise. Will she manage to mark each hour?
What I Like About this book: Clara Bowman-Jahn has written a delightful concept book for children learning to tell time. Each illustration features a clock. This is a book that kids will want to read over and over. The story is written with simplicity, so a child could read it on his/her own. Claudia Wolfe’s illustrations are colorful, lively and expressive. They really are beautiful and capture each hour of Annie’s special day.
Author Interview with Clara Bowman-Jahn
I am so delighted to chat with author Clara Bowman-Jahn on my website today about her very debut book. It is a treat for me because I feel like I have followed her journey this past year from contract to publication and promotion. Now it’s here and I’m holding the finished product in my hands. It will ultimately be a Christmas gift for my six-year-old great-granddaughter.
Welcome Clara! Tell me a little about Annie’s Special Day?
It is a concept book. Instead of relying heavily on plot it is primarily teaching a concept about telling time and clocks. Each page shows a different clock rather than focusing on a story line with a character solving a problem or conflict. It helps teachers and parents show children how to tel time in digital as well as analog clocks. It is similar to the old Hickory Dickory Dock book, but different in that it is a child going through her day with her activities in 24 hours rather than a mouse on a farm. Most children don’t live on a farm anymore and don’t recognize the activities that take place to keep a farm running like they did 40 years ago.
What did you think when you first saw the cover and illustrations?
I was so impressed with Claudia’s talent. She captured my vision and did a such a beautiful job. I was thrilled.
When did it sink in that you are an author?
A month ago my sister attended an author presentation I was giving. She kept telling me I had done a great job and then contacted my brother’ family and told them. It brought the author role home to me. My family didn’t know me as an author — it’s something new for them. But her telling them instead of me, was a big plus.
Do you have a special interest in writing books in a certain genre?
Well, I actually write memoir as well as picture books. It just so happened that I finished this particular picture book and had a contract for it first. I guess I have concentrated on picture books and you can see why in this blog post of mine. I feel the definite need to set goals and manage my time so I can meet them. I’ve scheduled time for both genres on my calendar, setting time aside for writing and setting time aside to do the business part of writing.
What is your writing process?
I’m a panster! I have an idea and jump in and begin to write.
What did you learn about writing Annie’s Special Day?
That I can’t write a book in just one month. It takes me years. But, the experience of writing and publishing has definitely been worth it.
Anything special on the horizon?
I have a book I’m prepping for a query. And I’m writing another picture book. I’ve just returned from the mid-Atlantic SCBWI conference where a took a class on memoir. I just can’t turn away from memoir altogether yet. There’s still a story to be told there.
You may purchase Annie’s Special Day is available from the eTreasures Publishing website and Amazon. You can also visit Clara Bowman-Jahn on her Facebook author page.
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Clara’s blog tour schedule:
http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/clarbojahn-presents-guest-post-from-illustrator-claudia-wolf/ a post from Annie’s Special Day illustrator, Claudia Wolf on November 20
http://joannamarple.com/?p=4575#comments the illustrator story of Annie’s Special Day from Clara’s side. on November 14
http://stacysjensen.blogspot.com/2012/11/special-guest-author-clara-bowman-jahn.html, author Clara Bowman-Jahn’s publishing story of Annie’s Special Day on November 15
http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-idea-behind-story-clara-bowman-jahn.html#disqus_thread the idea to story by Clara Bowman-Jahn of Annie’s Special Day on November 19
Clara, if Annie’s Special Day is any sign of your writing talent, we can expect to read more books from you in the future! I enjoyed the book and wish you many happy book sales! Thank you for being a guest on my blog today. — Patricia
Great interview, Pat and Clar! I really enjoyed getting to know this side of Clar a little more – it’s fun what new details come out when someone else asks the questions 🙂 So exciting to have your book out in the world, isn’t it? Good luck with your sales and visits, and can’t wait to have you on my blog 🙂
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Thank you Susanna. Her book is special and I hope it sells well.
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Ditto what susanna said. This is indeed a lovely interview and very special review of your book Clar. Nice getting to know a bit more about you. Thankyou Pat.
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Yes, it is fun getting to know Clar better. One thing I learned is she’s been very, very busy!
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Sounds like a fun book. Talk about seizing the day, that’s how to seize the birthday!
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Love your comment Genevieve. Annie does seize her day!
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I agree, Pat, it is so much fun watching an author through the process of publishing and promoting a book. This book is a fun way for children to learn the time and I wish Clar much success with this first picture book.
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Thank you Joanna. I’m sure Clar will apreciate your comments. It’s a fun book!
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Bravo Clar! Wonderful interview Pat!
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Thank you Cathy. Enjoyed getting to know her better.
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The other thing that children’s books do that is seldom talked about is they get children interested in art. These colorful pictures encourage them on their own to begin to draw and think creatively.
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Great comment Michael. The cover is so inviting. It just may spark some atistic creativity.
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I love hearing more about Clar and her lovely book which is now number one on to buy list, Yay!
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Catherin, I was so excited to get my hands on a hard copy as I wanted to give to my great granddaughterfor Christmas.
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I love this interview, Patricia. And Clara’s cover is my all time favorite. It has such kid appeal. I am also a huge fan of Clar’s blog. Great to discover more about her from your interview.
Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
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Margot, the cover is very unique and very appealing! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Great interview and review guys! I love the idea of you book Ms Bowman-Jahn. Reading clocks is a hard thing for kids to learn. really enjoyed reading this!
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Glad you enjoyed the interview and review Erik. She was so lucky to have a great illustrator!
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A special author and a special book! Thanks for spreading the word about Clara and her book. A great interview!
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Darlene, Clar is special and it was a pleasure to highlight her and her book today.
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I just received the copy I ordered from eTreasures!!!! Clar…it is so lovely…I can’t wait to share it with kindergarten classes next semester when I do school visits. 🙂 I also posted a review on Amazon. Best of luck with the book!
Pat, I loved the interview…I agree with Susanna…it is so nice to find out more about each of the people in this wonderful kidlit community.
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Vivian, am glad you received your copy too. It is an exceptional book and I think it is great you are going to share it during school visits.
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Yes, I am excited to use it next semester…I know the kids will love it. 😉
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Great interview! Always enjoy reading about an author’s writing journey.
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Glad you enjoyed the interview with Clar. Her book is so much fun!
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I’m a pantser too with picture books. Then, I worry about structure. I always enjoy learning more about your process.
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I’m sure Clar appreciates your remarks.
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Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments and good words to say about Annie and about me, the author. So appreciate it.
Thanks, Patricia for hosting me and for the interview. It was truly an honor. 🙂
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It was my pleasure Clar. Annie was a wonderful book!
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