NEW BOOK IN THE WORKS!

I have just finished working on the prototype of a new children's photo book. It traces the coming of age of a baby goose literally from egg to young adulthood. It tells a simple story in the goose's voice as he learns to walk, eat grass, swim, cross the road, and get along with other animals, all under the watchful tutelage of his Mom and Dad, with an extended family of grandparents, aunts and uncles looking on. Along the way, he has close encounters with squirrels, nutria and a very scary snake. My intention is to charm and amuse young readers (and their parents), but the book also contains some messages about families, nurture, growing up, and learning to function socially. The hero is a thoughtful and sensitive little goose who sometimes gets into trouble but always feels the love and protection of his family as he tries to figure out the world he was born into. Above all, he loves to have fun!

"SOME BIRDS"—THE FILM

My presentation and reading of "Some Birds" at Octavia books went well, thanks mainly to some very bright and attentive kids who interacted with me as I showed and talked about the photos in my children's book. They were especially impressed by the Anhinga spreading his wings like a vampire, but also liked the Whistling Ducks kissing each other on the beak and the ducks trying to read the "No Fishing" signs in Audubon Park lagoon. Thanks to the parents who brought these wonderful kids, and to all who showed up to chat and buy the book. And a big thank you to Tom Lowenberg and Judith Lafitte for welcoming me and "Some Birds" to Octavia books.

For a video recap of my presentation click here:

To buy now online:

http://www.octaviabooks.com/product/some-birds-sylvaine-sancton

See my website: sylvainesancton.com

MY BOOK IS OUT!

I'm excited! My new children's photo book, "Some Birds..." (Pelican Publishing) has just come back from the printers and is available in a bookstore near you. I am preparing to do signings and presentations starting in early October. Please visit the Facebook page I have set up for "Some Birds...", befriend it, click the "like" button early and often, and tell your friends about it. Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SOME-BIRDS-by-Sylvaine-Sancton/277423012401411

In addition to information about the book, you will find details about my author events at local bookstores. Please check it out, and come to my events. Some little one(s) you know will be glad you did.

Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

Learn about the funny lives of birds! Each species of bird is different. Some birds like to float along, others like to splash, and some like to fly up high while others fly down low. The author's amusing photographs capture the quirky characteristics of birds at work and at play in the New Orleans area. Pelicans, cormorants, ibises, among other local birds are featured in this delightful picture book. The book also includes a brief index of the birds and their habitats.
...And from the back cover:

Some birds are shy, and some birds are show-offs. Some birds make friends, some birds are copycats, and some birds even try to read. But all birds are beautifully featured in this sweet and simple book designed for children. Read along and learn about the funny lives of birds found in the New Orleans area, including pelicans, wood ducks, egrets, anhingas, and herons. This entertaining and educational introduction to the fascinating world of birds includes a brief index of the birds, their habits, and their habitats.


You can find the book in local bookstores, or order it online at the following sites:


Pelican Publishing
http://www.pelicanpub.com/products.php?cat=1526&filter=sancton

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvaine-Sancton/e/B00E94R6U0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

And please have a look at my website:

sylvainesancton.com

Where are the Egrets?

I'm worried about the egrets. Last week, I was sure they were going to return to the island in Audubon Park as in years past. I spotted three  couples building nests and mating, so I was sure that baby egrets would be coming along in a matter of weeks. On arriving at the park last Tuesday, I was surprised by their absence from the island. Same thing on Wednesday. They seemed to have completely abandoned the site after beginning to nest and breed there. On Thursday, camera in hand, I ventured across the foot bridge and onto the golf course (which is allowed as long as the pedestrian takes full responsibility if he or she is brained by an errant golf ball). I was happy to find five egrets perched on the bare branches of trees on that side of the lagoon. But if they haven't abandoned the area, they have not yet settled into the nests that they had started to build on the island. I am still hoping to see them return en masse to that site. Stay tuned.

Have the Egrets returned?

While shooting birds in Audubon Park recently, I spotted four couples of great egrets. It was a welcome and unexpected sight. Until two years ago, the island in Audubon Park lagoon was covered this time of year with nesting egrets. Then a film crew arrived in the park with noise, bustle, and lights to shoot nocturnal scenes for Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, one of the stupidest movies ever made and a well-deserved box office flop. All that commotion disturbed the sleep of the egrets, who apparently decided “there goes the neighborhood” and disappeared overnight. That was in 2011. I hadn’t spotted more than the occasional egret in the park since then and lamented their absence. I am hoping my sighting of the four couples signals a return en masse to their island.

visit my website: sylvainesancton.com