Fun photos and feedback from the St. Louis Art Museum

"Ann’s reading of Adventures of the Treasure Fleet was a wonderful addition to a weekend full of events highlighting Ming-Era China and Chinese culture in general. Her storytelling technique kept children and parents alike rapt with attention, and the book is absolutely beautiful. I cannot recommend highly enough a presentation by this talented author and storyteller." Amanda Mueller, Director of Family Programs, St. Louis Art Museum

Schools Encourage Young Writers by Publishing their Work

I was quite pleased to take part in two celebrations recently. These celebrations were honoring the fine writing that students have produced this school year. It was clear that students at both Rod Kelley School of Gilroy and West Valley School of Sunnyvale were very proud of their published work. They couldn't wait to show guests their awesome books! It didn't surprise me at all that these young published authors had lots of good questions for me! Three cheers for Rod Kelley and West Valley Schools!

It was loads of fun to share my books with Marin County students!

Many people have done a fine job playing the parts of Emperor Yung-lo and Admiral Zheng He during readings of Adventures of the Treasure Fleet. But Edward Malaret and Michele Crncich, teachers at Mary Silveira School, were simply awesome; they brought their characters to life!

Kids wrote their hearts out during "writer's workshops" at Vallecito Elementary.
Lively story readings were enjoyed by all.

St. Louis and the St. Louis Art Museum are Awesome!

I read my book, Adventures of the Treasure Fleet, at the St. Louis Art Museum last weekend. My readings were great; the kids were so very sweet and interested! But the St. Louis Art Museum was amazing! During my stay, I learned that 'SLAM,' as locals call it, is one of our nation's leading comprehensive art museums. It's collections include works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. The museum is currently hosting the fabulous show: Power and Glory, Court Arts of China's Ming Dynasty.

What amazed me most about the museum,beyond its incredble art collection? Admission is free to all, everyday. Special exhibitions are free on Fridays but children can view special exhibitions free everyday. I'm sure that's part of the reason why the museum was packed last weekend. But I believe people come back again and again because the museum has so many wonderful things to do and see.

As an example, last weekend was "Ming Family Festival Weekend" at the museum. The weekend included Kung Fu demonstrations, Chinese theatre, music, and dance performances, storytelling, and many Chinese art activities. But the people's favorite, judging from the lines anyway, were the delicious Chinese teas and treatst hat were served!

The museum is located in Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, it's home to not only the Art Museum but to the Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, History Museum, The Muny theatre, 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, skating rink and lakes. If you are planning a trip, consider St. Louis! To learn more, go to www.slam.org or http://www.explorestlouis.com/

I'll be reading my book, Adventures of the Treasure Fleet, this weekend at the St. Louis Art Muesum.

Here are the details:
Your family is invited by the Emperor and Empress of the Forbidden City to a two-day festival being held at the St. Louis Art Museum celebrating the glory of the Ming dynasty. Each day will feature classical Chinese music and dance, artist demonstrations, storytellers, art projects, treats, and tours.

Please join us for a reading of The Adventures of the Treasure Fleet: China Discovers the World, in Grigg Gallery on Saturday at 1:00 and on Sunday at 12:30.

Chinese history comes alive in this fascinating account of Ming-era discovery! Ann Martin Bowler, author and educator, joins us for a lively reading and signing of her children's book, The Adventures of the Treasure Fleet, which will be on sale in the Museum Shop.

The St. Louis Art Museum is hosting the landmark exhibition,Power and Glory: Court Arts of China's Ming Dynasty. The show is the first to showcase a full spectrum of extraordinary works made during the reign of an imperial house that ruled China from 1368 to 1644. A representative range of architectural fragments, archaeological materials, and decorative arts are featured in the exhibition, as well as paintings; ceramics; jade, gold and silver jewelry; metalwork; lacquerware; textiles; musical instruments; and woodblock printing. Many of the works have never been shown in the United States before.

Schools Celebrate Books during "Read Across America" Month.

I'm sorry it's been so long since I blogged. My life has been full! I've finished a number of new books, (which I'll write about in future posts) I was quite sick but now am well, (thank goodness!) and I've visited many schools. But this last few weeks have been extra special! I spent many days in local schools to help them celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday and "Read Across America" month. The schools I visited had many lively activities going on; volunteers read their favorite books to students, teachers and students wore P.J.s. so they'd be comfortable for their day of reading, families came out in droves for a book fare and story reading and kids had a great time participating in my readings and workshops. But my favorite moments were seeing classrooms full of kids engrossed in their favorite books!

Lots of Cordova Meadows students wanted to play the classic instruments I brought. Those that got to play them did an awesome job!



Thank you to Coyle School's sixth graders who did a beautiful job drawing a fleet of Treasure Ships!
Teaching is the best job in the world!


It never a dull moment for the students who play traditional instruments during my story readings!

Free Reading of Adventures of the Treasure Fleet at S.F.'s Asian Art Museum Sunday, Sept. 7th at 12:00pm

With the Olympics just behind us and our recent focus on Chinese culture,
there has never been a better time to learn about an amazing piece of
Chinese history.

Samsung Hall, Asian Art Museum,
200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA 94102
415 581-3500

The Adventures of the Treasure Fleet is the true tale of seven epic voyages and their larger-than-life commander, Admiral Zheng He. Zheng He and his crew of 27,000 men battled pirates and survived a raging storm. They befriended kings, charted unknown oceans and were awestruck by Africa’s exotic animals. At each port, China’s best porcelains and silks were traded for pearls, precious stones, herbs and medicines. Admiral Zheng He and his crew returned to China as heroes, bringing dignitaries and treasures from far away lands as tributes to powerful Ming emperor.

Participants will enjoy author Annie Bowler’s story reading, which keeps the audience so entertained they barely realize they are learning. Every person has a fun role in Annie’s presentation. It features kids playing classic instruments from around the world, adults showing a bit of drama, a sing along to Annie’s song Adventures and a question and answer session. Afterward, purchase a book in the Museum Store and have it signed by the author.

This program is sponsored by "Target First Free Sundays"

Beginning on May 4, 2008, the Asian Art Museum will offer FREE admission to all visitors on the first Sunday of each month, courtesy of Target. The museum's popular Sunday Storytelling program will be offered at 1:00 pm, along with other family-friendly activities like Anne's reading. For more information go to www.asianart.org