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Children's author Heller has local book signingsAug. 11, 2008 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's Dr. Janet Ruth Heller, author of the award-winning children's book "How the Moon Regained Her Shape," will autograph copies of her book and answer questions at two Kalamazoo-area book signings this month.
"How the Moon," which addresses bullying and self-esteem, can be used as a tool for parents and educators to discuss bullying with children. During their school years, most children will experience bullying, which can not only hurt children physically, but can also damage the victims' self-confidence. "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" is a favorite in the children's fiction category. It won a Book Sense Pick in 2006, was a Children's Choices selection for 2007 and won the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Award in the category of interior design. Most recently, the book won a Gold Medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Award competition. Heller, who teaches English and women's studies, joined the WMU faculty in 1998. She is a widely published writer of poetry and articles for professional journals, but "How the Moon" is her first venture into children's literature. Heller is a founder and editor of Primavera, a literary magazine based in Chicago that publishes contemporary literature and artwork. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Wisconsin and earned a doctorate in English language and literature from the University of Chicago. "How the Moon" is colorfully illustrated by artist Ben Hodson. It is available locally at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Kazoo Books and Michigan News Agency. It can also be purchased online through amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. More information about the book and an essay on bullying by Heller are available at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com. Related story Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News |
