A targeted and insightful guide to the stages of writing fiction and memoir without falling into common traps, while wisely navigating the writing life, from an award-winning author and longtime teacher “A book-length master class.” —The Atlantic Writing well does not result from following rules and instructions, but from a blend of spontaneity, judgment, and a wise attitude toward the work—neither despairing nor defensive, but clear-eyed, courageous, and discerning. Writers must learn to tolerate the early stages, the dreamlike and irrational states of mind, and then to move from jottings and ideas to a messy first draft, and onward into the work of revision. Understanding these stages is key. The Kite and the String urges writers to let playfulness and spontaneity breathe life into the work—letting the kite move with the winds of feeling—while still holding on to the string that will keep it from flying away. Alice Mattison attends also to the difficulties of protecting writing time, preserving solitude, finding trusted readers, and setting the right goals for publication. The only writing guide that takes up both the stages of creative work and developing effective attitudes while progressing through them, plus strategies for learning more about the craft, The Kite and the String responds to a pressing need for writing guidance at all levels.

Cultivating kindness is easy when you try. Spread a little kindness and watch empathy ripple through the community... spreading happiness like sunshine, connecting diverse groups like a footbridge and lifting hope like a kite string. How can YOU lift others with kindness? This compelling book illustrates simple, yet impactful ways, to spread kindness and brighten the lives of others. Through poetry, the inspiring words uplift young readers, planting seeds of empathy, kindness and community support. The best book for positively teaching kindness. Kindness is a Kite by Michelle Schaub carries the key message of kindness as well as how to teach similes and metaphors supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It'll sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other books that focus on the power of kindness. Like the work of Diane Alber (Scribble Stones) and Brandon Walden (Trees) This book comes with a free Reader's Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the publisher website. Lesson plans, activities and discussion questions to allow parents, teachers and caregivers to explore the topic further and deepen comprehension.

Homan Walsh loves to fly his kite. And when a contest is announced to see whose kite string can span Niagara Falls, Homan is set on winning, despite the cold and the wind—and even when his kite is lost and broken. Homan's determination is beautifully captured in this soaring, poetic picture book that features Terry Widener's stunning acrylic paintings. Both author and illustrator worked with experts on both sides of the falls to accurately present Homan Walsh's story. The book also includes an extensive author's note, timeline, bibliography, and further resources.

On a windy spring day, Bear sniffs the air. Could it be. . . Kite day? Rushing home he tells Mole, and the two fast friends get to work building a kite of their own. They study, and collect, and measure, and construct—and soon, their kite is flying high above the meadow. But when a storm rumbles in—SNAP!—the kite string breaks, and all their hard work soars away. Chasing after it, Mole and Bear discover all is not lost—wedged in the branches of a tree, their kite protects a nest of baby birds from the pouring rain. Will Hillenbrand's Bear and Mole series is the perfect choice for storytime sharing or reading aloud. Strong verbs, repetitive phrases, and fun-to-read sounds keep young listeners and readers engaged with the story, while the gentle illustrations add detail and quiet humor. Kids will delight in poring over these books again and again. Don't miss the other Bear and Mole titles, including All For a Dime, Spring is Here, and First Star!

Everyone I met in the family thought it was a strange hankering I had. To do something. What? You get married, you have children, and you manage your house. What else can you do? I was asked sceptically. I didn know. I knew Ammi and Abbu wanted to get me married. And here was Imtiaz, after the same thing too. Have you ever known what it is like to be on the brink of freedom and not taste it? Like a kite that flies in the blue skies but cannot escape because of the string that tugs it down? Who holds that string? Can the kite escape eventually? Will it have to be cut down by another ruthless kite before it can fall to the ground gracelessly? Kite Strings is the story of Mehnaz, a Muslim girl from an orthodox South Indian family where despite the trappings of education and reluctant modernity, she realises that she is not allowed to make the important decisions of her life on her own. Easy to spot is her constant tussle with her mother over what Mehnaz's priorities should be. But not so easy to understand is the constant yearning for direction in her life. As a novel of self discovery, Mehnaz encapsulates the lives of many such girls who are not even aware that they too can do something worthwhile with their lives.

Oliver seeks his eccentric great-uncle Gilbert's help in creating a kite for the all-important kite festival, but when Gilbert suddenly disappears, Oliver is guided by one of Gilbert's kites in a quest through different worlds to find him.

An enchanting story about Nu Dang, who flies his kite and lives in Thailand on the banks of a muddy river.