April 2025 Issue #49
Happy April!
Welcome to issue #49 of The Simpsonian Muse. I am your scribe, Martha Seif Simpson, Author and Children's Librarian. As the header says, this monthly newsletter will feature:
- News – Mine as well as other interesting tidbits
- Views – A few photos from my world travels
- Stuff to Amuse – A mish-mash of activities, crafts, recipes, videos or whatever I am excited about sharing
Thanks for joining me on this adventure. I hope you will find something to inform and entertain you.
~ NEWS ~
At last, I can make the announcement – A Ring for a King: A Tale of King Solomon is published! I received my author copies a few days ago, and it's available in stores and online. If it isn't in your local store, please request it. And if you like it, please post a kind review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Author/Educator Sarah Aronson wrote this blurb for the book that appears on the Wisdom Tale Press site: "What are the words that could make a sad person hopeful or a proud person humble? Martha Simpson's "A Ring for a King" does more than answer that question. Her story offers young readers a chance to think about the role of leadership and how kindness and listening can help you solve big problems. This is a book of hope."
I did some blog interviews for my book.
Barbara Bietz posted hers on March 30 at Jewish Books for Kids.
Two of them posted on April 1st.
Maria Marshall interviewed me for The Picture Book Buzz.
Here's the link for my interview with Deborah Kalb Books.
But wait, there's more!
I made an unboxing video. It's kind of dorky, but if you have 2 and a half minutes to spare, you can watch it here: Unboxing A Ring For a King.
BOOK SHARE
Stacy Nockowitz included my book in the April edition of #NewJewishKidlit.
Since Sarah, Barbara, Deborah, and Stacy were kind enough to promote my new book, I'm returning the favor by listing some of their books.
Books by Sarah Aronson:
Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug (CaulkinsCreek/Astra, 2024)
Brand-New Bubbe (Charlesbridge, 2022)
Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines (Beach Lane Books, 2019)
Books by Barbara Bietz:
Challah, Challah, for You and Me (Apples & Honey Press, 2024)
Apples, Apples, All Year Round (Apples & Honey Press, 2022)
Sweet Tamales for Purim (August House, 2020)
D.I.J – Do It Jewish: Use Your Jewish Creativity (Intergalactic Afikoman, 2020)
The Sundown Kid: A Southwestern Shabbat (August House, 2017)
Books by Deborah Kalb:
Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat (Schiffer, 2020)
John Adams and the Magic Bobblehead (Schiffer, 2018)
George Washington and the Magic Hat (Schiffer, 2016)
By Stacy Nockowitz:
The Prince of Steel Pier (Kar-Ben, 2022)
~ VIEWS ~
In December of 2023, John and I went on a cruise that left from San Francisco, CA and went to 4 ports in the Mexican Riviera. This is the second part of our cruise.
On December 18, we arrived at Mazatlan.
John and I took a boat ride around the harbor. Our tour guide told us about some the rock formations and the birds and sea animals that live there. Do you see the white observation platform at the top of this mountain?
Here's another view, closer to the cave on the left.
This is what the platform looks like from underneath. It's probably a great view, but I don't think I'd want to hang over the mountain top like that!
Here's our guide as we got close to a cave on the sunny side of the mountain.
We moved on to this group of white rocks.
A closer look reveals that the white coating is bird droppings. It must be a popular place to roost!
Along the way, we passed this seal. He was very territorial about that rock and barked angrily at us as we went by.
As we headed back to shore, we stopped to see a couple of brave (or crazy!) guys dive off this stone tower, past all the rocks, into the water.
I got one dive on video, if you want to take a look.
The divers asked for tips afterwards. Apparently, this is their livelihood.
Back on land, we saw some booths selling seasonal items and gifts for Christmas.
Our last port was Cabo San Lucas.
We got on another boat to go on a whale watch. First, we went past these rock formations. John really liked the arch, which is behind me near the center of this photo.
We did see a whale or two. I caught the end of a tale at the left of this photo. But the main fun was enjoying a beautiful day on the water.
We had better luck seeing sea critters when we got back to the dock, where this group of seals and pelicans were hanging out.
After the cruise, John and I visited with family in the Los Angeles area before heading back home to the cold Connecticut weather.
This wrapped up our 2023 travel adventures. But more sights awaited us in 2024. Come back next month to see where we landed next!
~ STUFF TO AMUSE ~
We went on boat tours when we visited Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. These two websites give you an overview of things to do on land.
The Common Traveler provides a list of the 23 Best Things to Do in Mazatlan.
Visit Los Cabos has a beautiful website with lots of sites to see.
On a serious note, you should know that many of the institutions that Americans have enjoyed for years are now at risk, including libraries. Among other things, the current administration wants to dismantle the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The American Library Association has information on the executive order as well as actions library supporters can take to save libraries.
At the same time, books are being censored and our freedom to read is being threatened. Unite Against Book Bans has an informative website where you can learn more about this important issue.
As an author and a librarian, I urge you to check both of these links and do what you can to support libraries and the freedom to read.
That'll do it for this month.
Until next time, remember to enthuse your muse!
~ Martha