The Land of Smaerd Blog
THE LAND OF SMAERD - Authors and Illustrator to be at Village Books, Bellingham, WA - 12/14
A place where dreams live while they are waiting to come true, THE LAND OF SMAERD is, in essence, an enchanting metaphor for the limitless realm within the heart and soul of every dreamer. While suggesting the importance of being clear and thoughtful about what we ask for, the story of SMAERD encourages optimism through its assurance that…
No dream is impossible, too big or too small.
Any dream can come true, any dream at all!
Land of Smaerd Wins 2008 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award
Know Wonder Publishing is proud to announce…
is the
2008 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award
Silver Medal Winner
in the category of
Mind - Body - Spirit
The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. Awards are given in 30 categories covering the full range of subjects, styles and age groups that children’s books are written and published in today.
As our society has gotten more complex and growing up has become more complicated, children’s book authors and publishers have risen to the occasion, creating books that not only celebrate the joys of childhood, but also help kids and families deal with its challenges. The Moonbeam Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians - and to children themselves.
Denny Smithson Interviews Illustrator Bryn Barnard for Cover to Cover, KPFA 94.1
On Monday, October 6, THE LAND OF SMAERD illustrator Bryn Barnard spoke with Denny Smithson for Cover to Cover on KPFA 94.1. Barnard gives an overview of THE LAND OF SMAERD story and how he was selected to work on the project; he also discusses other works he has illustrated.
Interview with THE LAND OF SMAERD Illustrator, Bryn Barnard, in East Bay Express
Introducing THE LAND OF SMAERD
In this structured world, we often forget the importance of imagination. It then becomes all too easy to impart those structured beliefs to our children and forget that we have so much to learn from them. For example, when children feel stressed or disturbed in some way, it only takes a moment for them to redirect their attention to something more fun and creative; to pick up a crayon, a piece of paper, perhaps a bedroom wall, and begin traversing realms unknown.
The purpose of The Land Of Smaerd story is to allow children the freedom to develop their expansive imaginations, enabling them to become greater creators. When children are encouraged to dream freely, their natural tendency is to “make believe’–a tool for us all, really–we make what we believe.
Everything in existence today, was once imagined, or began as someone’s dream. We as humans, have the phenomenal capacity to create anything we desire to experience in our lives. In this busy, multi-faceted world we live in, it can become challenging to focus—sometimes on things that matter the most—matters of body, mind and soul. Sprit!…the very essence of what our children embody.
It is our responsibility to continue to encourage their minds, so that they can create a beautiful future.
Dr. Roxanne Interviews Angela Russell, the Original Creator of THE LAND OF SMAERD
At age 10, Angela Russell wrote the original THE LAND OF SMAERD story. Years later, Russell collaborated with her sister Andrea von Botefuhr to bring to life their debut children’s book, THE LAND OF SMAERD.
Dr. Roxanne Daleo, a former professor at the Harvard Medical School, interviewed Russell for her MindWorks for Children show and dug into the origination of SMAERD. This radio show offers children ways to tap into their inner life and fully express their thoughts, ideas, and spiritual nature. Through discussing themes of nature, music, energy, and mindfulness practice, children reveal the presence, depth, and power of inner-life and gifts.
Author Andrea von Botefuhr Lands Front Page Coverage in the Bainbridge Review
The Bainbridge Review Lifestyles Section gave Andrea von Botefuhr and her debut children’s book THE LAND OF SMAERD front page coverage on September 27. In the article, Von Botefuhr discusses the collaboration with her sister Angela Russell to create THE LAND OF SMAERD and bring this dream to life 40 years later!
