New York, April 26, 2001 -- Ballantine Books today held their highly anticipated annual TAKE YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY PUBLISHING WORKSHOP, a unique interactive program designed to open up the amazing world of publishing to the children of Ballantine employees. This year saw the largest attendance yet for the workshop, with 14 children -- ranging from 5 to 12 years old -- participating. "The workshop offers the kids a wonderful opportunity to learn how a book gets made by participating in every part of the process. I'm thrilled by this year's turnout and can't wait to read this year's books!" said program co-founder and organizer Christine Cabello. "Ballantine Books has long had a tradition of nurturing new writers, so this program fits right in."
As in previous years, all the books were written, contracted for, edited, copy-edited, typeset, proofread, designed, and produced in the course of a single day. This year the children were even able to help design their own covers. The books were also illustrated throughout with the children's own artwork.
After opening remarks by Ballantine Publisher & President Gina Centrello, the children learned about -- and signed -- a contract, and were then paid a small advance for their work. Throughout the rest of the day, the children got a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process as they followed their books through all steps of production. Creative writing and individual editing sessions in the morning were followed later by sessions about cover and interior art. While the children were at lunch, the books were then typed, copy-edited and put into a page-layout program. The program continued after lunch with sessions about advertising, promotion, and publicity. Finally, the kids were able to assemble all of the components and create their own finished book. The titles of the finished books were:
My Trip To Martha's Vineyard by Dylan Heningburg, a memoir about a family vacation
A Ballerina by Niki Constantine, the story of a ballerina who overcomes stage-fright
Snowflake by Elizabeth Mydlowski, the adventures of a Maltese puppy in the woods
Mysterious Clowns by Julia Silverman, about a boy's trip with his mother on his birthday
My Trip To New Hampshire by Dalia Toth, an adventure story based on real life
Acrostic by Matthew Volini, contemporary, edgy poems
Sammy Sosa by Danny Constantine, a biography of the baseball player
Bunny Dreams by Lauren Volini, traditional and pictographic poetry
Eggs In The Incubator by Jesse Kling, non-fiction title about a science experiment
Sweet Souls & Kisses by Chiara Morrison, traditional and prose poems
A Sense of Home by Katie Lannigan, a book of poems
Muffin's Day by Ariel David, a true story about one of the author's dogs
The Secret Mansion by Kristen Lange, a scary adventure story
Mr. Smokey by Conor Reidy, about a boy who gets math tutoring from a dragon
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jesse Kling, age 5, is the son of Ballantine Editor-In-Chief Nancy
Miller; he enjoys playing with trains, and is an accomplished artist.
When he grows up, he wants to be a dad.
Ariel David, age 9, loves libraries and has plans to one day be an artist; she is the stepdaughter of Del Rey Editorial Assistant Kathleen O'Shea.
Kristen Lange, age 10, is working on her plan to take over her aunt Christine's job; Aunt Christine Cabello is Ballantine Senior Marketing Manager.
Lauren Volini, age 11 and Matthew Volini, age 8, are the children of Ballantine Executive Vice President and Deputy Publisher Ed Volini. Lauren is a talented poet and plays soccer; Matthew also likes playing soccer but prefers baseball.
Niki Constantine, age 6, and Danny Constantine, age 8, are the children of Ballantine President and Publisher Gina Centrello and have traveled extensively. Niki likes traveling to Italy. Danny plays baseball and already knows how to use a computer.
Elizabeth Mydlowski, age 5, is the daughter of Ballantine Art Director Gene Mydlowski. Shell be in kindergarten starting next year, and has a Maltese puppy named Snowflake.
Conor Reidy, age 12, is the cousin of Ballantine Editorial Assistant Megan Casey. He has wonderful penmanship and really likes to write.
Dalia Toth, age 7, is the daughter of Ballantine Associate Art Director Barbara Leff. Dalia has a very vivid imagination and also has two dogs. Julia Silverman, age 7, is a friend and writing colleague of the aforementioned Dalia. She has a puppy she is very fond of.
Chiara Morrison, age 12, and Dylan Heningburg, age 6, are the niece and nephew of Ballantine Editorial Assistant Elizabeth Hines. Chiara is an actor and has appeared in numerous stage and television productions; she is also a good swimmer and is now learning how to surf.
Katie Lannigan, age 12, is a practicing Buddhist, and aspires to be a journalist or photographer; she is a friend of Chiara, as well as a fellow poet.
For more information, please contact Colleen Lindsay at 212-782-8282
or via e-mail at clindsay@randomhouse.com.
To receive review copies, please fax your request to 212-782-8438.