Jennifer & Matthew Holm Sister and brother author/illustrator team

Objectives: MVSC 1.A.1.b. Practice using age appropriate computer/online resources to locate information to meet their need. MTLS 3.A.1.a. Use technology tools to learn new content or reinforce skills. Know: Online resources can be used to locate information. Do: View a slide presentation and explore information from the web about Jennifer & Matthew Holm. YWBSI: You can tell a friend something about Jennifer & Matthew Holm and their books from the online resources.

KWL Have you ever heard of Jennifer or Matthew Holm? Do you know the titles? Our Only May Amelia Penny from Heaven Babymouse

Newbery Honor Books by Jennifer Holm Our Only May Amelia is based on Jennifer’s great-aunt’s diary. It was her first book, a Newbery Honor Book Award in 2000, and is an ALA Children’s Notable Book. Penny from Heaven depicts 11 year old Penny in the summer of 1953 and her Italian family. It received 2007 Newbery Honor Book Award and is an ALA Children’s Notable Book.

Boston Jane Series by Jennifer Holm The Boston Jane Series of books tell of adventure and romance for 16 year old Jane Peck living in the Washington frontier. ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Other Books by Jennifer Holm The Creek is a thriller about a bully that was sent away and then comes back. Terrible things start to happen and the town knows the bully is behind the crimes. Penny and her friends set out to find proof needed to put the bully away forever. Grades 7 and up. Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf chronicles Ginny’s life in the 7th Grade with post-its, photographs, and notes. Ages 9-13.

The Stink Files Series Jennifer wrote these books with her husband Jonathan Hamel. They are about a cat that is a British spy.

Short Story Gary Paulsen asked authors to help contribute stories for this book. Shelf Life is a collection of original short stories that mention a book in the story. The proceeds benefit Proliteracy Worldwide. Jennifer wrote a short story about a girl living on Mars that wants to return to Earth for the book Shelf Life.

Babymouse Graphic Novels by Jennifer & Matthew Will BM learn to play dodge ball or will she be a hero? Will BM be invited to the slumber party or will she spend the night with Wilson the Weasel? Will this Valentine’s Day dance be fun or will BM have a ”typical” day? Will BM have a great summer vacation at the beach or will she be shark bait? Will BM be the star flute player or will she only squeak?

Babymouse continued What kind of trouble can BM find at camp? Will BM have the scariest costume or will she follow the “in“crowd? What kind of luck will BM have with a puppy? Finalist for 2009 Children’s Choice Book Award Will BM be good at skating? Will BM get the lead in the school musical?

Babymouse Not Published Babymouse Burns Rubber Due out January 12, 2010 Babymouse Dragonslayer Due out August 25, 2009 Will BM be able to slay the dragon? Will BM win the car race?

Babymouse Visit the Babymouse website for fun Babymouse activities mouse/ mouse/

A Day in the Life of Jennifer Holm yinthelife.htmlhttp:// yinthelife.html

Jennifer Holm She gets her ideas from her childhood Ruffy, a pet dog that chased skunks Sneaker, a pet hamster that would fall asleep in her hair FOUR brothers They grew up in Audubon, Pennsylvania She was an avid reader as a child Began writing in college Broadcast producer of television commercials and music videos After her first book, Our Only May Amelia, she became a full- time author. She writes Babymouse stories in storyboard format and sends it to her brother Matt.

Matthew Holm Lives in Portland, Oregon Graphic designer & freelance writer Draws mice all day Babymouse Makes suggestions Get OK from Random House Draws Babymouse three times 1. Thumbnail rough sketch in pencil. Sends it to Jenni, she cuts and pastes in a layout. 2. Re-draws the illustrations full size on a piece of paper with a Sharpie. Sends it to Random House for approval. 3. Draws final version on the computer using a special drawing tablet and adds the pink.

Matthew Holm Books Both of these books are co-written with Jonathan Follett. The authors traveled across the country to write them. Gray Highway chronicles their interviews with people about UFOs. Suburbageddon tells about preparing for the end of the world. Both books are humorous and for adult readers.

Conclusion Graphic novels can be a way to hook reluctant readers. Please turn and tell your neighbor something you learned about Jennifer & Matthew Holm or something about their books. Visit the web sites on your handout to learn more about the author & illustrator.

Bibliography "Babymouse." Random House Children's Books. Available from Internet; accessed 25 June Holm, Jennifer. ”Jennifer Holm." Available from Internet; accessed 25 June Holm, Matthew. "Official Blog and Web Site of Author/ Illustrator Matthew Holm." Available from Internet; accessed 25 June Salsman, T.J.. "The State Journal-Register." Available from r.com/features/x /Educators-and-authors-discuss-ways-to-get- children-reading. Internet; accessed 25 June