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Inside Thoughts

Author Talk with Ronni Diamondstein

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Why She Can’t Wait for you to Stop By the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival! 

By Maggie Mae Pup Reporter

I’m a dog–a very special dog. I’m a black-and-white, Toy Parti Poodle. My name is Maggie Mae, and I was the Inside Press Roving Pup Reporter for many years. With a nose for news, I gave the dog’s eye view of Chappaqua and beyond. I love to talk to authors so I’m excited to interview my mom Ronni Diamondstein about her debut picture book Jackie and the Books She Loved, and her experience at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

This is your second year participating in the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. What is it like?

As someone who was involved in the festival from the very beginning and having been a board member, it was a dream come true to be there last year with my first book and to be back again this year. Last September I was there with pre-pub copies of my book that debuted in November 2023. As a volunteer and board member in the past I knew how well the authors were treated and it was so great to experience it myself. I was thrilled to meet young readers and to see former students and colleagues, and friends come from far and near for a signed copy of the book. I’m looking forward to meeting more readers this year.

Why did you write Jackie and the Books She Loved and who is the audience?

I was always inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former first lady of the United States and wanted to tell a new and different story about her for kids. While young children are the audience for this book, older children can use it as a resource in studying famous women. I am also finding that so many adults love this book. I’ve signed a lot of copies to grandparents who grew up knowing about both President Kennedy and Jackie. As they wrote in the book’s review in Kirkus magazine, “History fans and book lovers of all ages will adore this.”

What is the book about and are there any dogs in the book?

Jackie and the Books She Loved is about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and how her love of reading and writing were important in her life–from writing poems and stories as a child to her career as a journalist, and on to her work as a book editor having edited nearly 100 books for people of all ages. As for dogs, Jackie loved all animals, especially dogs and horses. As a child she wrote stories about her blasé black poodle General de Gaulle and George Woofty, Esq., a spirited terrier. You can read about them in the book.

Art by Bats Langley Copyright:Sky Pony Press

You’re a retired teacher and librarian. Any advice for kids, teachers, and parents on how to use the book?It’s great to read a book purely for pleasure, and I hope young people will feel that way when they read Jackie and the Books She Loved.  You can go to my website to find follow up interactive activities like BE A JOURNALIST LIKE JACKIE and BE AN INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER LIKE JACKIE. Teachers can use the book to launch Readers’ and Writers’ Workshops. All can be found in the EXTRAS section of ronnidiamondstein.com.

You can find Ronni signing copies of Jackie and the Books She Loved in the Courtyard of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, September 28, 10AM-4PM at the Chappaqua Train Station. She’ll be alongside Stephanie Calmenson, the author of lots of dog books including her latest Oodles of Poodles and Doodles and May I Pet Your Do? and beloved author Laura Numeroff of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie fame who also wrote a dog book, If You Give a Dog A Donut.

Ronni Diamondstein          Randi Childs Photography

Sixteen-year-old Maggie Mae Pup Reporter has lived in Chappaqua since 2008. For more about her go to ronnidiamondstein.com 

 

 

Back-to-School Advice from a Parent with Three Decades of Experience

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Full disclosure – I have no one going back to school this year; none of my sons nor any of their significant others. Not nursery school, K-12, college, or graduate school. I will only know when school is back in session when I see yellow busses around town.

However, having done back-to-school for three decades, I do have a few things to say.

I clearly remember starting each school year with a mixture of dread and excitement. Dread because I never knew what the next ten months would bring. Would my children like their teachers? Would they do their homework? Would I survive all the projects, activities, carpooling, etc.? I have three sons, each five years apart, and I was always all over the map. Different schools, different activities – I needed a flow chart to keep it all straight.

With my older sons, there was no portal, no online anything. When they weren’t doing well, I found out the old-fashioned way – a phone call or email from their teacher. And there were plenty of those.

But despite the bumps in the road, I also found the school year a little magical. Seeing my sons’ excitement when they learned something new. Attending their concerts and marveling how much better they got year to year. Discovering which subjects they were drawn to. Middle son loved history so much he majored in it in college. I had to force my youngest son to do his reading logs… not surprising that he chose math as his college major.

I always thought there needed to be a better way to ease into the school year – after a relaxing summer, the first few weeks of the new year always felt jolting. Like jumping into an icy pool. The forms that needed to be signed, the supplies that had to be procured, the assignments that came fast and furious. But perhaps jumping in is better than dipping a toe – there’s no time to contemplate what’s ahead.

In any event, I recall that soon enough, we all got in the groove. By the time I attended back-to-school night, the lazy days of summer were a distant memory.

Each year was its own separate experience. Sometimes I knew what might be ahead based on first or second-hand knowledge of the teachers. But even that wasn’t a guarantee of success or failure. The middle school science teacher who had made my oldest son’s life a living hell (and in turn mine) didn’t even seem to notice my youngest son when she had him ten years later – he tended to fly under the radar in school. I also told him never to mention his oldest brother and, if it came up, deny that they were even related.

I think if I had one piece of advice to give younger parents whose kids are starting the school year it would be, “Be prepared for the unexpected. And keep your sense of humor about all of it.” I guess that’s two pieces of advice. You especially might need that second recommendation when you find yourself helping your child with a huge assignment they haven’t started that’s due the next day.

For anyone who is thinking, “My child would never not do an assignment” – when it comes to kids, never say never. And for those who are saying, “I would make them do it themselves or accept the consequences of not doing it,” please don’t judge me. Every parent needs to figure out how best to survive the school year. Yes, I may have enabled my sons, but they all made it through. And more importantly, I did too.

My wish for you all is a successful 2024-25 school year with as little stress as possible. And I will think of you when I see the yellow busses go by.

Happy Back-to-School!

The Chapters of my Life at the Chappaqua Children’s Festival

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I have, quite literally, grown up with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

I was just 5-years-old when the very first CCBF took place, and it was here that some of my earliest and most cherished memories formed. Walking through the arch-decorated with festival-themed balloons, I felt like I had entered a whole other world – a world filled with imagination and creativity.

I browsed through countless books, selecting the ones that piqued my interest. Later, at home, I read those books 100s of times, imagining the words coming off the pages and the characters filling my room, thus the beginning of my love for reading.

The very next year I asked to volunteer for the festival with my mom. Even at the ripe old age of 6, I remember how good it felt to be a part of something that I knew was larger than myself. I loved standing at the information booth, greeting friends, neighbors and excited strangers, handing out information and maps and feeling the buzz and excitement surrounding me. I felt grown up and proud to be a part of it.

The next few years I remember it finally sinking in that the kind, engaging people at the tables ACTUALLY WROTE THE BOOKS! Thinking back, I probably took for granted that so many of these renowned authors lived right in my town! I watched in awe as they wrote a dedication to me, fostering a connection that is so rare and I was so lucky to experience.

My mom always said that the only thing you can never have enough of is books, and so many from the festival still grace my bookshelves. They will always be treasured.

I recognized the real impact an author can make. They plant seeds of wonder in the minds of kids that never stop growing. When I helped work the line for Pinkalicious – always a festival highlight – I was amazed by the never–ending line of exuberant young readers waiting their turn to meet their hero. I felt humbled by Victoria Kann’s patience and grace as she greeted every fan and signed books long past her scheduled appearance.

The next few years I had even more interaction with these esteemed authors, working as a greeter, and often escorting authors to readings throughout the day. I was so appreciative that these famous and creative minds would take the time to ask about me. These interactions gave me confidence in both conversational speaking and also inspired me to write.

As the years went on, and sports and activities made it harder to volunteer, I still made time to go – “graduating” to bagging and working as a cashier with my friends, something that I always watched the older kids do as an attendee. Each book I bagged or order I processed made me feel like I was making a difference, getting books into the hands of those who otherwise can’t afford them and planting those seeds of curiosity in their minds. Everyone should know the joy of a new book!

On the 10th anniversary of the CCBF last year, as an intern, I helped produce videos for social media after interviewing area businesses about what the festival means to them. The tasks reminded me of what this festival means to me – bringing this amazing community together, giving back, and celebrating a shared love of reading and books.

THE 2024 CHAPPAQUA CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL

Join us as we celebrate our 11th year of connecting authors to readers!

September 28, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chappaqua Train Station

The CCBF, with over 8,000 visitors each year, has become one of one of the largest children’s book festivals in the country.

The annual event, which dazzles and delights readers of all ages, will this year feature 160 authors including Laura Numeroff (the If You Give a Mouse a Cookieseries), 2024 Caldecott Medal winner Vashti Harrison, festival favorite Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Dan Gutman (the My Weird School series) and so many more!

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is grassroots, all-volunteer effort, with community members working together so children and teens can be inspired by their favorite authors. The festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters and to appreciate that there is a real person behind the art and the words on the page.

The celebratory day includes food trucks, activities and more for all to enjoy. For more information, a list of authors, or to volunteer, visit ccbfestival.org or follow the CCBF at facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival

Peeping Mom

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If you happened to see a figure some 26 years ago hiding in the bushes looking into the window of my daughter’s first day of nursery school, it was me. That was my first ‘letting go’ and I was reassured that she was not wailing as some children were, but happily playing at the sand table. Some might have called me crazy (which I could have been) but I took great joy in parenting this child and only wanted her to feel loved and safe.

I am reminded of a special moment with my dad who gave me my love of horses. Whenever we would take summer road trips, he would always take me to a riding barn for a few lessons and a trail ride because no facility existed close to our home. Mom told me years later that on one outing, I was on the last horse as the group went out on the trails. He swiftly grabbed and saddled up a mount – as he was anxious that I might get overlooked at the end, and so he followed the group to keep an eye on me. He thoughtfully stayed back just far enough away so that I wouldn’t know he was there. I think, in retrospect, that became my approach to parenting: Don’t hover but always be there to catch.

Luckily, I got over the peeping mom period as my daughter grew into a confident girl and played by most of the rules as a teenager. Then college came, and well, you know how that goes. Tears that ran unannounced from both of us were soothed by multiple fun trips to Bed Bath & Beyond. I made sure she had a first aid kit, birth control and gave all the lectures about not walking back to the dorm alone at night and not drinking from red cups already filled. I felt she was safe along the well-lit paths until her first off campus apartment with her besties across from a run-down cemetery. All my fears went into overdrive with visions of zombies rising from the graves a la Thriller or creepy men lurking to grab her (I think zombies would have been safer, I mean at least they could dance). She survived and, better than that, she thrived.

I know I’m a genetic worrier (you didn’t know my mom!), but I think her knowing she could call me anytime day or night or even to talk as she walked home in the dark made her feel she could take risks knowing she could always reach me. I had determined myself to not project my own fears onto her.

College is a huge step for both parents and children. Some kids rebel and let loose, drink too much, or skip classes as they try out their freshly minted wings. Others hit the books and join clubs but, from what I’ve observed, most find their place somewhere in the middle. If I had to name one thing that makes the college years easier it would be having a strong history of communication. Problems, concerns and even intimacy issues can be openly talked about as well as listening to the endless complaints about boring teachers or obnoxious friends. Listening to everything without judgment keeps the door open for when one has parental wisdom to impart or aims to guide a situation that is beyond their scope.

My daughter is now long graduated, finishing pandemic-delayed graduate school, and preparing to be married. The lessons learned about the balance between autonomy and closeness developed during the college years now serve us well. They have helped maintain our great friendship as she still comes to me when she has concerns or just needs to know how long to boil an egg. I figure we have done pretty well – at least on my end. You’ll have to ask her how she thinks we did. Better yet, don’t ask!

Middle Aging … Expanding Into the Life You REALLY Want

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“Hi, My name is René Syler. I have spent the last three decades of my life in front of the camera as a news anchor/TV host but I really want to produce and direct.”

This is how I introduced myself on the group Zoom call.

How did I, a 61-year-old mother of two grown children, end up on a call with a bunch of 20 and 30-something creatives?

I’m glad you asked.

I spent years in local news as a reporter and anchor, before moving on to CBS where I was one of four co-hosts for the network’s morning show. From there, it was on to talk shows and a vacation reality show during which time I was also creating content for my website, goodenoughmother.com.

But there was an undeniable pull, and the more I created, the more I wanted to create. But where to start? And was it too late?

I think a lot of us fall into that familiar trap at middle age; feeling like we are too old. Society expects this is the time when we, especially as women, are supposed to get S-M-A-L-L. We have worked the best years of our lives, and now it’s to shrivel up until we are dust and then blow away into the wind, with no one being the wiser.

Nope. Not me.

And not you either.

Tired of the unpredictability of content creation, I decided to go back to work full-time. I was hired to be the brand manager of Traffic Sales and Profit, an Atlanta-based company that supports Black entrepreneurs through its programs and live events. They had launched a streaming network and needed someone to oversee that; I took the job and went to work.

And thus began what I call, my “Middle Age Expansion”. Not pivot because I didn’t stop on a dime and go in a completely different direction. I am expanding on the skills I have used the last three decades and found ways to utilize them differently.

To my new gig, I bring 30 years of TV experience. I know how to communicate on camera which means I know how to coach others. I have written for TV news which means I know how to write for clarity. I picked up knowledge from great producers so I work with the entire production in mind. And watching photographers closely taught me how to think visually. I use each and every one of these skills in my new job.

Here are three things that worked for me as I expanded into Middle Age

1. Stop the clock. I think this is really big for women especially because our lives have been dictated by the biological clock or society telling us we needed to be married and settled by a certain time. I am here to tell you this is a big, fat lie. You stop when you’re ready to stop and not a moment before.

2. Exercise regularly. This is HUGE! I get my best ideas when I am exercising. I also feel unstoppable. Make sure you are incorporating weights into your routine; nothing will make you feel like more of a bad*ss than slinging iron.

3. Get a mentor who is younger than you. This is super important. Everyone on my team is 15-30 years younger than me. I share my knowledge with them, but I get so much more! I am continually learning new trends and ways of viewing things.

For this year, I have a big goal. I want to be part of the writing, producing, or directing team of a short film. Frankly, I don’t see why I cannot.

It’s time for us to dream again and to remember they only die when we stop chasing them.

Let’s E-X-P-A-N-D!