For Teachers: Lesson Ideas From Around the World

From decorating doughnuts to acting out plays to learning about geography and jungle themed Reading Corners, TEACHERS from the UK to Australia have invented CREATIVE LESSON PLANS and FUN ACTIVITIES based on my books.

In response to the many emails I've received from teachers, I've created a web page devoted to lessons and activities especially for teachers, librarians and booksellers.

Most of these lesson and activity ideas are suitable for KS1 (ages 5-7) pupils, but they can also be tailored for younger pupils. I have indicated a recommended age group next to each lesson based on my experience from school events, but you can tailor them for just about any age group.

Press HERE to visit the corner of my site that's especially devoted to teachers and librarians.

Have fun!

Broadwater Primary School pupils showing off their new headgear in a musical parade. (Photo by Emerson Wimsey)

Broadwater Primary School pupils showing off their new headgear in a musical parade. (Photo by Emerson Wimsey)

Very First Sketch of Betty

Hey, look what I found while rummaging through some old drawings, the very, very first sketch of Betty. And now she's an international superstar (or at least she thinks she is).

The title might have been BETTY'S BAD DAY but BETTY GOES BANANAS is so much better.

The title might have been BETTY'S BAD DAY but BETTY GOES BANANAS is so much better.

Number 1 bestselling children's book in Taiwan.

Number 1 bestselling children's book in Taiwan.

NY Times Review

NY Times Review

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

A scene from the sequel - BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

Betty Goes Bananas Contest Entries and Winners

"Cue knowing sighs from parents everywhere..." The Bookseller

"Cue knowing sighs from parents everywhere..." The Bookseller

Today BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS is published, which means it's time to announce the two winners of my 'Draw Betty' contest and post all 39 entries! Each winner will receive a signed copy of BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS.

Thank you to Daily Doodle for setting the 'draw Betty' challenge on Twitter. It's been so fun seeing all of the wonderful and wacky Betty drawings on my Twitter feed.

Without further ado, here are the entries, followed by the winners! All of the entries came via Twitter, so I've embedded each twitter post, so that you can easily visit (and follow) each talented entrant.

 

AND THE TWO WINNERS ARE...

 

CONGRATULATIONS Alejandra Tilve and Fiona Lumbers!

Alejandra, I love the fun concept of your illustration.

Fiona, Teddy's drawing of Betty is absolutely adorable.

Please send your address details to betty@steveantony.com, and a signed copy of BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS will be sent to you!

THANK YOU to everyone that took part! They're all fantastic! I honestly wish I could pick more winners, as I know that a lot of time has gone into these drawings.

Please look out for other contests. Those of you who already follow me on Twitter will know that I hold regular contests there. Also, if you don't already, follow Daily Doodle for daily sketching fun!

DRAWING CONTEST: Win Betty's new book!

For your chance to win a signed copy of Betty's new book all you have to do is draw a picture of Betty and send it to betty@steveantony.com (or tweet me) along with your name and age (optional). All ages are welcome!  Two winners (one child, one adult) along with all of the entries, will be posted on my website on June 4th, so be sure to check to see if you've won! The deadline is June 2nd.

Below is a little lesson in how to draw Betty, but feel free to draw her in any which way you like!

Go bananas!

Betty Goes Bananas in her Pyjamas will publish by Oxford University Press on June the 4th.

Disclaimer: By entering this competition you acknowledge that the copyright of 'Betty Goes Bananas' text and illustrations is owned by Steve Antony.

Betty Goes Bananas hits Number One in Taiwan!

For me, one of the most exciting things about getting published is seeing my work translated into different languages. The very idea of reaching into the lives of people thousands of miles away, in countries I've never visited, and in languages I can't speak, is hard to comprehend. But books can do that. 

Today, I was thrilled to receive the exciting news that Taiwan's edition of 'Betty Goes Bananas' is number 1 on the bestselling list at books.com.tw, Taiwan's largest online bookstore, and Kingstone Bookstore, one of Taiwan's major bookstore chains. Wow. 

Below is a pic of the Taiwanese edition of 'Betty Goes Bananas', along with some screen shots of Betty's number 1 status and her very own fun filled web page, along with and a video featuring an expressive banana talking about Betty (which has had no less than 6000 views in less than a month)! 

Thank you to all of Betty's new fans in Taiwan!

Betty is number 1 bestselling children's book at books.com.tw

Betty is number 1 bestselling children's book at books.com.tw

Betty is number 1 bestselling children's book at Kingstone 

Betty is number 1 bestselling children's book at Kingstone 

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See Betty's very own website HERE.

See Betty's very own website HERE.

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See Betty's very own website, all in Chinese, by pressing HERE.

See Betty's very own website, all in Chinese, by pressing HERE.

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Cambridge Lit Fest & Wokingham Libraries

Last week, I held three events with Wokingham Libraries and one event at the Cambridge Literary Festival. All of the events were much fun. Pictures were drawn, stories were told and photos were taken. Below are some photos from each of the events, plus captions.

The programme and my author pass for the Cambridge Lit Fest, last Saturday.

The programme and my author pass for the Cambridge Lit Fest, last Saturday.

What great company to be in. I got to meet some of the authors in the green room and watch some of their events.

What great company to be in. I got to meet some of the authors in the green room and watch some of their events.

You can see how sunny it was!

You can see how sunny it was!

Heffers kindly provided the books.

Heffers kindly provided the books.

Drawing different hats for the panda.

Drawing different hats for the panda.

We made up a new Mr Panda story.

We made up a new Mr Panda story.

Lots of budding artists!

Lots of budding artists!

Amazing mermaid drawings, by Aiden.

Amazing mermaid drawings, by Aiden.

A quick shot of outside the window of the signing room at Cambridge Literary Festival.

A quick shot of outside the window of the signing room at Cambridge Literary Festival.

Last Thursday, in Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley.

Last Thursday, in Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley.

All set for my first event with Wokingham Libraries last Thursday.

All set for my first event with Wokingham Libraries last Thursday.

With the lovely Cathy MacLennan at Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley.

With the lovely Cathy MacLennan at Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley.

My first event of the day with Wokingham Libraries.

My first event of the day with Wokingham Libraries.

Signing a book for Harry.

Signing a book for Harry.

Event poster.

Event poster.

I read the next Betty book at the Wokingham Library events.

I read the next Betty book at the Wokingham Library events.

I gave a sneak peek of the sequel to 'The Queen's Hat': 'The Queen's Handbag'.

I gave a sneak peek of the sequel to 'The Queen's Hat': 'The Queen's Handbag'.

Professor Banana Reviews Betty Goes Bananas

Professor Banana calls 'Betty Goes Bananas' a "masterpiece"! Wise words from a wise banana (or Travis Jonker, elementary school librarian in Michigan, reviewer for School Library Journal and 2014 Caldecott committee member). Read his full review HERE! It's the most amusing review I think I've ever seen.

My first ever podcast interview, ever.

Why is Mr Panda so hot on manners? Is he just a grumpy, old bear, or is he just misunderstood. And what's up with Betty's anger issues? 

In this interview with The Busy Librarian I talk about all three of my published picture books - 'The Queen's Hat', 'Betty Goes Bananas' and 'Please Mr Panda'.

We chat about publishing and how I'm still learning about this complex industry, the real reason why I stick with limited colours, and lots of other stuff.

Thanks, Matthew Winner (AKA The Busy Librarian) for interviewing me!

You can check out the podcast, along with lots of others, here: http://www.busylibrarian.com/2015/01/steve-antony-lgbpodcast-ep-115.html

 

Betty published in the USA TODAY!

'Betty Goes Bananas' is published today in the States by Schwartz & Wade (Random House)!  

To celebrate, here's a contest (accompanied by a Q&A about Betty) at the brilliant blog, Raising a Literate Human. Follow the link below to see how you can win a copy of 'Betty Goes Bananas'!

http://raisealithuman.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/antony/

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And I just have to share this tweet.