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A Joyful Noise

American Girl

American Girl’s Luciana Vega: Our doll giveaway contest winner!

May 26, 2018 by Melodye Shore

It was so much fun to introduce American Girl’s Doll of the Year 2018, and to spotlight my guest blogger, Payton Rowley. She did an amazing job, don’t you think?

Here’s a couple of highlights…

When Payton filled JoyJars® for the Jesse Reese Foundation, she took Luciana with her.

They also toured the Air and Space Exhibits at the California Science Center. An aspiring astronaut of Chilean-American descent, “Lucy” dreams of being the first person to set foot on Mars.

(Click here to see the original post and read the contest entries.)

We have lots of entries, and wow, your comments really touched our hearts. Thank goodness it’s a drawing and not an essay contest—it would’ve been impossible to pick one entry over another! So now, without further ado: Payton and her brother Logan created this video to announce the winning entry!

Here’s what our winner wrote about Luciana Vega:

She’s a beautiful doll that both of my daughters would love. I’m glad to see a girl that’s into space and science which my oldest daughter loves. She loves her story has read the book already and would love the have the doll! It’s wonderful to see a doll that can inspire young girls to go into the space and science industry. This why I love American girl! My daughter is into space right now had her own star chart, this past week she was telling me about worm holes. Fingers crossed that we can get a chance to welcome her into our home!

Congratulations Erin Wyllie! Please send your mailing address to me, so I can pass it along to American Girl. They’ll ship your Luciana doll to you directly, so be sure you put out the welcome mat for her!

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Posted in: American Girl, contest, Luciana Vega, Payton, writing Tagged: Air and Space Exhibits, American Girl, astronaut, California Science Center, contest winner, doll, Logan, Luciana Vega, mars, Payton, prize giveaway

American Girl’s Luciana Vega, and a doll giveaway contest

May 20, 2018 by Melodye Shore

Yes, I know. This weekend’s really all about The Royal Wedding. A fairy tale, for sure! Did you watch it in real time, like I did? Without a doubt, my Nana of Nottingham would’ve enjoyed all the pageantry and hoopla. And how much did we love that Prince Harry and Meghan Markel intertwined their unique stories into one–symbolic nods to the past, with subtle nudges toward the future.

We’re wishing the very best to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, of course. We wouldn’t dream of intruding on their fairy tale. But if you’ve reached your quota of  tea and petit fours, I’m thinking we might chat about something else. Just for a little while, and then we can reprise it together. You see, I’m eager for you to meet two lovelies from this side of the Pond: American Girl’s Luciana Vega, and my new friend, Payton (who is, coincidentally, celebrating her 9thbirthday today).

Luciana (“Lucy”) skyrocketed to fame only just recently, as American Girl’s 2018 Girl of the Year. Like her American Girl counterparts, she arrived on the scene with an interesting backstory. In brief: She’s an aspiring astronaut of Chilean-American descent who dreams of being the first person to set foot on Mars. When she wins a scholarship to Space Camp, she makes lots of friends. She’s a little shaky in the self-confidence department, but as she explores the unknown, her self-confidence grows. Isn’t that always the way?

Lucy likes to push the boundaries of fashion, as you can see. Straight out of the box, she’s wearing a galaxy-print dress, holographic boots, and an edgy purple streak in her hair. Not included, but still covet worthy, our space traveler owns an entire wardrobe of STEM-inspired outfits and accessories, including a flight suit for intergalactic travel. Sweet, smart, creative, curious… Lucy’s destined to make her mark on this world (and perhaps other galaxies), same as our birthday girl.

Lucky me, I was invited by AG to introduce this newest superstar to you. But when I was hobbled by a foot injury, I decided to loan my Cinderella slippers to Payton.  She’s been my blogging assistant for this project, escorting Lucy around town and then reporting back.

Images say far more than words sometimes….so let’s do a recap of their adventures.

On warm afternoons, they enjoyed lounging by the pool with AG’s boy character doll, Logan. (Payton’s grandmother made Lucy’s swimsuit.)

They also filled JoyJars® for the Jesse Reese Foundation. Over the course of a “Year of Joy,” kids diagnosed with cancer (and their family members) receive these treasure troves. It’s a labor of love, the gift of joy–an ongoing tribute to Jessie Reese, who created the Never Ever Give Up (aka: NEGU®) campaign while she was battlng brain cancer. Volunteers like Payton help keep Jessie’s wish alive.

True to form for two science buffs, they visited the California Science Center. Natch, the Air and Space Exhibits were the star attraction!

No word on whether Payton learned to moon walk, but she returned with lots of fun stories to share.

Maybe Payton will become a space explorer, who knows? Maybe one day, inspired by Luciana Vega, she’ll be the first woman to walk on Mars.

To help encourage that futuristic way of thinking,  American Girl created an entire galaxy of Luciana-themed adventures. They, in turn, were inspired by NASA’s missions to outer space.  Scholastic’s in on the action, now. You’re invited, too!  Space simulations, quizzes, photo challenges, Space Camp, book excerpts, STEM projects and more…you’ll find everything on the American Girl game app and website. Oh, the places we’ll go, when we let loose our imaginations!

And now…drum roll please!–here’s the scoop on our Luciana Vega doll giveaway contest.

One lucky person will win a Luciana Vega doll, provided by Mattel/American Girl. To qualify, you must answer at least one of these questions: 1) What do you like about Luciana Vega? or 2) What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever learned about space travel?

Type your entry into a comment box, below. Be sure your sign-in includes your name and email address, so I’ll know how to reach you. All entries must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, May 23th, 2018 (Pacific). I’ll post the winning entry on Friday, May 25.  Good lucky, everyone!

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Posted in: Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Payton, writing Tagged: American Girl, California Science Center, doll, duke and duchess of sussex, Giveaway contest, Luciana Vega, mars, nana, NASA, Payton, royal wedding

In the Author’s Tent: Catherine Pearlman chats with me about GUY STUFF

September 14, 2017 by Melodye Shore

Y’all remember my blog post about Logan Everett, right? American Girl’s first-ever boy doll? Well…ta da! In yet another first, they’ve just published a book for guys!

Written by Cara Natterson

GUY STUFF is a down-to-earth, quick read that covers everything boys want to know about their developing minds and bodies–from healthy eating to hygiene, hormones, emotions and peer pressure, GUY STUFF covers it all. And psst, because I know you were wondering: American Girl isn’t mentioned on the cover, the title page–anywhere, for that matter. This is a boy book, through and through. 

Illustrations by Micah Player

Whew! It’s about time, don’t you think? As a proud mama of two sons, I searched high and low for books like this. Slim pickings, back in the day. But here’s to life, always changing for the better! And hurray for American Girl, stepping up to meet that need.

I think GUY STUFF fills a very important space, on bookshelves and in family conversations. But as Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow used to say, “Don’t take my word for it!” Professionals like Dr. Catherine Pearlman* wholeheartedly agree.

I’ve invited Catherine to join me in The Author’s Tent, to share her unique perspectives on this book. She’s my friend, but she’s also the founder of The Family Coach and an author in her own right, having just released the critically acclaimed IGNORE IT.  Hope you enjoy our Q & A session below  And don’t miss the Lightning Round at the end!

 

Q: How can a book like Guy Stuff help kids and parents talk about puberty?

Catherine: Talking about our bodies can be difficult for grown-ups as well as for kids. Sometimes there’s shame and embarrassment. Often parents don’t feel comfortable using proper names for genitalia. Some parents may also be scared to talk about the changes coming for boys. Believe it or not some parents might not even know what to expect during puberty. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys can facilitate the learning process and open up the discussion for both parents and boys. The book offers an excellent introduction to all that is to come for boys. It covers hormones, physical changes, acne, hair, self-care and much more. The pictures and tone are upbeat, nonthreatening and fun. This book provides an easy introduction that many parents and boys will appreciate partly because it is so well done. The cartoon drawings are adorable but informative.

Why do they even need a book?

For many parents talking about puberty is a struggle. Parents might not be sure when to start or what to say. Likewise, boys might have a hard time asking questions directly to their parents due to embarrassment. But puberty doesn’t wait for parents to become ready to talk. And if boys don’t learn all about the changes from their parents they will likely learn from the kids at school. The problem is often boys are misinformed or only know parts of the truth. Some points may be exaggerated or presented in a scary manner. Other important points may be skipped altogether. The book is such a helpful guide for parents. Sure, the talk can happen without the book. But it just helps parents know all of the topics to cover.

How do parents know when it’s time to introduce this book?

There is such a wide range of ages when boys begin to go through puberty. And it moves at a snail’s pace.  Still, it’s important to introduce the concepts of puberty before it begins. This book is geared for boys in the 9 – 12 year old range. In my opinion, 12 is much too late to begin to have the puberty discussion because even if your child isn’t there yet, one of his friends could be. It’s better to be proactive telling boys all they need to know so they are ready when it begins. I’d begin thinking about the talk and book around 9-10 years old.

Should parents just give it to kids or review it together?

It really depends on the particulars. Parents should feel free to review this book with their sons. However, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys could easily be read and understood by a boy in the recommended age range. It would be perfectly appropriate to give a boy this book. He will secretly devour it. But if a parent doesn’t review it with the child it would be a good idea to make sure the boy knows the parent is open to discussion or questions any time. And I’d recommend the parent following up every now and then to see if any new questions or concerns turn up. One main benefit of this book is that it’s incredibly useful if a parent or child is too bashful to discuss puberty.

What should parents do if they are too embarrassed to talk to their kids about puberty and the birds and bees?

There are two good options here. The best option is that parents take time to read up about puberty and sex and how to talk about these topics with kids. Being informed can help ease anxiety about the discussion. Ask for help when needed from a doctor or use books and articles to help share information. It’s important to remember the talk about puberty and sex shouldn’t be a one and done kind of talk. It should slowly evolve over time to include more age-appropriate information. It can get easier over time.

The second option is to find another grown up who would be willing to have the talk for you. This isn’t the best option but it’s certainly better than not discussing these issues with kids. For some parents this can be a good option if it is just too uncomfortable to have this discussion.

The worst option is for parents to just avoid discussing the topic altogether. Kids will be forced to learn about their bodies from the bits and pieces their friends bring up on the playground. Or they won’t learn at all. It’s too important to help kids through this process. And it’s even more vital that they know about sexually transmitted diseases, how babies are made and about consent. Don’t leave this up to chance that your son will be informed. Fight through the embarrassment and fear and do it anyway.

Do boys need men to help them learn about their body changes and puberty? What if a parent is a single mother of boys?

Boys absolutely do not need men to learn about their bodies and sex. Sometimes it might be easier for boys to talk to a man who has been through the same experience. But not always. Mothers can do an excellent job relaying this information based on what’s available in books and from their own experience. However, if a mother is taking on this role it’s a good idea to offer a grown man as a possible option for the boy if he has additional questions or concerns.

Thanks for spending time in the Author’s Tent with us today, Catherine. Your answers are as genuine and thoughtful as you are! And now…it’s time for the LIGHTNING ROUND! Whatever pops into your head, give it to us as a one-word answer.

Jersey Subs or California Rolls?  
California rolls.
Paddleboard or snowboard?
Paddle board.
Favorite American Girl BeForever doll?
Addy.

 

*Catherine Pearlman, LCSW, PhD is the founder of The Family Coach, a private practice specializing in helping families resolve everyday problems related to discipline, sleep, and sibling rivalry, among other issues. Her syndicated Dear Family Coach column has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and many regional parenting magazines. She has appeared on TODAY and her advice has been featured in Parenting, Men’s Health and CNN.com. Dr. Pearlman is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children and families for more than twenty years. She is an assistant professor of social work at Brandman University, and her new book, IGNORE IT, is widely available. 

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Posted in: American Girl, Book Reviews, Cara Natterson, Catherine Pearlman, Ignore It!, Logan Everett, Micah Player Tagged: American Girl, authors' tent, book review, Cara Natterson, catherine Pearlman, guy stuff, Ignore it!, in the author's tent, logan everett, Micah Player, throwback thursday

And the winner is…

March 18, 2017 by Melodye Shore

We promised we’d announce our contest winner on St. Patrick’s Day. Sure and begorrah, we’re going to do just that!

But first, how about a couple more pictures, taken aboard the high-tech, high-speed Manute’a?

Logan Everett, American Girl’s first-ever boy doll

So much fun (and so many firsts!) on Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale-watching Safari.  Special thanks to photographer/naturalist Craig DeWitt, who shared with me/us these spectacular images from our trip.

Common dolphin seen during Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point, California

Magnificent, aren’t they? The marine mammals and these photos!

Gray whale seen during Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point, California

And now, without further ado…the lucky lass is Marjorie Light!! American Girl will be sending her a set of books featuring Logan and his bandmate, Tenney Grant. (Preview here: TENNEY and TENNEY IN THE KEY OF FRIENDSHIP)

Congratulations, Marjorie! And thanks, everyone, for your encouraging words on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and (of course) my blog entry about Logan Elliot! I know you won’t be surprised when I tell you that Logan’s already got quite the fan base on social media, and has captured the hearts of many.

Posted in: American Girl, Book Giveaway Contest, Capt Dave's Dolphin and Whale-watching Safari, doll, dolls, Dolphins, Manute’a, marine mammals, Tenney Grant Tagged: American Girl, book giveaway contest, boy, Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale-watching Safari, common dolphin, dolphins, Logan Elliot, Tenney Grant, Whales

From Motown to La La Land: Meet American Girl’s newest doll, Melody

August 28, 2016 by Melodye Shore

Meet Melody Ellison, a 9-year-old African-American girl who loves gardening, singing in the church choir, and listening to Motown music. Her story, No Ordinary Sound, is set in 1960s Detroit during the height of the Civil Rights movement. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches about equality, American Girl’s newest BeForever™ character picks “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for her very first solo performance. Change is in the air, and when the unspeakable happens in the Deep South, Melody’s voice is silenced.  Can she recover it before her upcoming solo? Enter the book giveaway at the end of this blog post, and be among first to find out!

Most girls choose dolls that look like them. They want dolls that spark their imagination and inspire them in some way. Melody and I aren’t twinsies, but then again, I didn’t look like my beloved clothespin doll (Miss No Name), either. But we share the same name, and our stories are similar. Best of all, Melody Ellison’s built for adventures, just like me.

She arrived in her “meet” dress, accessorized here with a pillbox hat, cat-eye sunglasses, and a patent leather handbag.* Motown all the way, but ready for her adventures in La La Land.

We took a quick tour of my backyard first, because that’s what gardeners do. So flattering, the California sunshine on her beautiful hair and skin!  I tucked some flowers into her handbag and then we headed to the beach.

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Lovely view, don’t you think?

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Melody opted quickly for a more casual look, ditching the handbag and slipping out of her patent leather flats.

#CaliforniaDreaming

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She scrambled up the lifeguard stand…

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…and splashed in frothy waves.**

Salty breezes tousled her hair, and her sunglasses slipped down her nose.

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We explored the tide pools together, collecting sea glass and ocean-smoothed rocks.

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Then we leaned against this outcropping, watching the surfers and listening to the seagulls.

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Melody didn’t bring a beach hat, but she protected her curls with this fetching little number. A passerby pivoted, called over his shoulder: “Hey, isn’t that the doll I saw on the news?  She smiled and waved, like the celebrity she is.

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It was a memorable day, start to finish–lots to write and talk about when we got home!

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We had so much fun on our beach adventure, and I can’t help but think that girls of all ages will fall in love with Melody Ellison.

Kudos to American Girl for designing this beautiful doll, who reflects so well the changing face of history. Author Denise Lewis Patrick should be congratulated, as well, for adding No Ordinary Sound to the growing collection of diverse books.  Melody isn’t just a doll–she’s a phenomenon. In lifting her voice for positive change, she’ll inspire girls of all ages to do the same.

 

*American Girl collaborated with a six-member advisory board that provided input on all aspects of Melody’s appearance and storyline, including her outfits, accessories, hairstyle, historical events and settings.

**Thanks to videos like this one, I knew ahead of time that American Girls don’t like to get drenched. Not to worry, though: If Melody gets water-damaged, the AG hospital can fix her up, good as new.

And now for the book giveaway contest! You have until Labor Day to enter–good luck!

No Ordinary Sound: A Melody Classic Book Giveaway

Posted in: American Girl, beach, california, Denise Lewis Patrick, Detroit, dolls, joyful noise, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Melody, music, Orange County California Tagged: Adventures, American Girl, Detroit, equal rights, laguna beach, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Melody doll, photography

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