SANDRA J. PHILIPSON
Author
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    Sandra Philipson, is a reading specialist and consultant with an impressive background in the education and publishing fields. Prior to writing Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way, Max's Wild Goose Chase, The Artist, and Max and Annie's Mysterious Campfire, Max's Rules and Forever Home, Philipson published two research papers in medical literacy, an area in which she lectured  for six years.

    Now, as a children's author and literacy consultant, Philipson has presented her educational programs in over 350 schools in Ohio and a number of adjoining states. She has also lectured to a variety of educational groups, literacy conferences, libraries and teachers' events.

    Philipson holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and education from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Arts from Tufts University. Philipson also earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (Masters plus 30) in reading from the University of Connecticut and took advanced courses in reading and writing instruction at Kent State University. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

    In 1982 Philipson was employed as managing editor of The Gamut at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. At Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, New York, she served as a college traveler, Business Editor, and Product-Marketing Manager in the 1970's. Philipson has a background in education as well. She taught history, economics, and sociology as well as tutored adults in reading at a variety of literacy programs in New York City and Hartford, Connecticut.

    In the spring of 2002, TAG Family Entertainment of Hollywood, California, filmed a feature movie. Miracle Dogs, which was inspired by Philipson's first book, Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way. Philipson's real dogs and book characters. Max and Annie, had featured roles in this family film, and Philipson participated as Executive Co-Producer. Miracle Dogs premiered in Cleveland in December 2002 and is currently airing on Animal Planet and various cable channels.

Philipson, her husband, two daughters and the Springer Spaniels, Max, Tak and Trini reside in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Published Books

Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way by Sandra J. Philipson (Author), Robert Takatch (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover Publisher: Chagrin River Publishing Company; 1st ed edition (December 1, 1999)
ISBN-10: 192982100X ISBN-13: 978-1929821006

Based on an actual incident, this is both a poignant and funny story of a nine year old English Springer Spaniel who loses her front leg to cancer. Annie and her high-spirited brother Max experience her illness and recovery in very different ways. Max is in denial and Annie is in a state of sad acceptance. It isn't until they meet Samantha, a three legged Golden Retriever, that they both begin to heal. This is a book about love, loss, friendship and optimism that is appropriate for children of all ages and the young in spirit.

Max's Wild Goose Chase by Sandra J. Philipson (Author), Robert Takatch (Illustrator)Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 49 pages Publisher: Chagrin River Publishing Company; 1st ed edition (December 1, 1999)
ISBN-10: 1929821018 ISBN-13: 978-1929821013
Based on the antics of a real god named Max, Max's Wild Goose Chase is an adventure story set in and around the Chagrin River Valley. Max is an irrepressible Springer Spaniel who is constantly chasing the geese that live along the Chagrin River. Goosie Rough Rock, the goose with a big grudge, plots to get even with Max, but the ending takes an unexpected twist. The book is beautifully illustrated and is appropriate for Kindergarten through fourth grade. The back pages of the book contain fun questions and writing prompts so children can practice writing and create their own stories.

The Artist: A Max and Annie Adventure in Imagination by Sandra J. Philipson (Author), Robert Takatch (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 30 pages Publisher: Chagrin River Publishing Company (November 1, 2000)

ISBN-10: 1929821034 ISBN-13: 978-1929821037

This is a story that explores fantasy and imagination. Max and Annie discover a magical artist in the woods, and he takes each of them on a journey through time and memory. Max and Annie learn that using their imaginations, they can travel through time to have fun, to experience joy, and relive warm memories from their past. As in our previous Max and Annie books, children are invited to create their own stories and explore drawing when they finish reading. This book is appropriate for children of all ages and those with active imaginations.

Max and Annie's Mysterious Campfire by Sandra J. Philipson (Author), Robert Takatch (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover, Publisher: Chagrin River Publishing Company (October 1, 2002)

ISBN-10: 1929821042 ISBN-13: 978-1929821044

In this entry in the series, Max and Annie travel out west and discover the Arizona desert. The desert animals invite the dogs to a mysterious campfire where Max is confronted with a local bully. Max learns that getting caught up in bullying can become dangerous, but with Annie's help, Max learns that he can use his head and his heart to save the spirit of the campfire.

Max's Rules (Max & Annie) by Sandra J. Philipson (Author), Jenny Campbell (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 48 pages Publisher: Chagrin River Publishing Company (October 30, 2004)

ISBN-10: 1929821107 ISBN-13: 978-1929821105
This book stars Max, Annie and the puppy, Tak. Based on an actual incident, this is the story of what happens when a new puppy joins the Max and Annie family. Annie feels motherly, but Max is mad and sad. He feels he has been replaced. The only way to get everyone's attention and to keep the puppy under his control is to devise a set of rules for the new dog. As usual, Max goes too far and makes up too many rules for his little brother, Tak. Annie steps in and helps everyone in the family appreciate each other, and Max sees his brother in a new light.
The book was written in consultation with over 12,000 elementary and middle school students in the Midwest and is appropriate for those bringing home a new baby, a new puppy or anyone who wants a good laugh.

Forever Home [ILLUSTRATED]
by Sandra J Philipson (Author), Jenny Campbell (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 89 pages Publisher: Cleveland Clinic Press (March 1, 2007)

ISBN-10: 1596240806
ISBN-13: 978-1596240803

After five happy years on a West Virginia farm, Trini, the English springer spaniel, suddenly finds herself abandoned when her owner passes away. Rejected by the relatives, this plucky little three-legged dog sets out on a journey to find a new home.

Forever Home, the latest book in the Max and Annie series, follows Trini’s adventures and the obstacles she must overcome to find a permanent or forever home. Trini’s courage and persistence in her quest shows us that hard times can be endured and conquered with humor, determination, and a little help from those who rescue the abandoned and thrown away. Trini’s story will make you cry, laugh and realize that despite the odds, finding a place to belong is possible!

Presentations

PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS

    These educational programs have been give in over 425 schools in Ohio and surrounding states; approximately, 100,000 children have met Max, Annie, Tak and/or Trini and participated in these literacy experiences All the activities listed below have been extensively field tested, and the response of the children, teachers, media specialists and parents to the programs has been overwhelmingly positive.

    Presentations for each program are approximately one hour in length and are designed for two classrooms per session. A one-day school visit is made up of five sessions. Large auditorium programs are usually done in conjunction with smaller sessions. Artist-in-Residence programs are flexible but have a minimum length of one week.

THE CREATION OF A CHILDREN'S ROOK
  (with author or author & illustrator.)

    This program is a combination of hands-on exhibit, interactive activity and illustration lesson. The visual part of the exhibit follows the creation of a book from the germination of the ideas, writing the manuscripts supervising the production, to the final publishing of the books. There is great emphasis on the editing process with the author showing many versions of each manuscript. Children and teachers will be able to look at the following- book prototypes, the artist's rough drawings paired with the finished pages, the make-ready pro-printing pages, the 8 page signatures uncut off the press, unbound proofs, and the final product.

    The interactive portion of the program consists of the children exploring the author's doghouse box which is a storehouse of potential writing ideas generated from art. music, literature, historical objects, folk toys etc. The children and teachers end the presentation with an illustration lesson that produces a drawing of one of the pups using basic shapes. This program is appropriate for grades 1 through middle school.

BUILDING STORY AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (with author & illustrator)

    This is a pre-writing/brainstorming activity designed to demonstrate creativity and story planning The session begins with a student picking a writing prompt from the doghouse box (described above). The item is then discussed by the class, descriptive words are collected and written on the easel, and the illustrator presents some visual images of the ideas expressed. The class then decides on the format and objectives of the story. The actual story can be written as a follow-up to the program and produced in the classroom. This program is appropriate for grades 2 through middle school.

BUILDING STORIES WITH MAX, TAK & TRINI (with author or author & Illustrator.)

    This is a pre-writing/'brainstorming session designed to demonstrate story structure to the students. It follows a collaborative model that was used in creating book ideas for the Max and Annie series. This interactive session brings the class together to create a plan for a book based on the objects Max brings out through his doggie door a compilation of things Annie can still do even though she is a three-legged dog, or an exploration of Tak's entrance into the family. The class collects ideas, decides on the objectives of the book and plans the format. At the end of the session, the class will have a plan for the creation of a children's book that can be produced in the classroom This program is appropriate for grades 3 through middle school.

READERS' THEATER WITH MAX TAK & TRINI (with author)

    In this program, students and teachers will perform a readers' theater production of Max's Rules under the direction of the author. This book is already set up for the production, but some pro-visit work would be done in collaboration with the author. Children would be assigned parts and simple costumes and props would be created ahead of time. The author and the real dogs will introduce the classes to the ideas behind the book and talk about the development of the concepts the writing of the manuscript and the production of the book, as time and interest allows. This program is appropriate for grades 3 through middle school.

READING AND DRAWING WITH MAX, TAK & TRIM (with author)

    This presentation is designed for Kindergarten and is 30 minutes in length. The author will read one or two books, ask questions about the stories, share ideas, and let the children meet the real book characters. Max, Tak and Trini. The children and teachers will also produce a drawing of the dogs using basic shapes.

PARENT AND CHILD PROGRAMS - EVENING

    This program is meant to reinforce the author's visit to the school. We will discuss with the parents what the children have been doing with the author, show examples of the children's work, enjoy a sing-a-long, watch a power point presentation and socialize with the dogs and the author (and illustrator, if applicable). Books are available for purchase and autographing.
Fee: $200.00/evening

ARTIST(S)-IN-RESIDENCE - THE CREATION OF A LITERARY MAGAZINE

    In this program the students will write in a variety of genre, poetry, prose, short story, news articles, etc. using a wide range of writing prompts presented by the author, Sandra Philipson. The author will collaborate with the classroom teachers involved in the project and will read and critique all pieces of student work. There will be time built in for individual students to meet and work with the author. After the written piece has been created, it may be possible to work with the illustrator to create a related illustration of the piece and to work on cover art. The end result will be the creation of a literary magazine of highly crafted student work. Coffee house performances of student pieces are possible. This program can be completed in two weeks and is appropriate for grades 3 through 7.
Fee-$2,000.00/week

ARTIST-IN.RESIDENCE - BUILD A BOOK

    This activity is designed to take place over an extended time period. In that time, under the author's direction, the children will create their own children's book based on the characters of Max, Annie, Tak or Trini. They will be guided through the writing process as well as the designing and illustration phases of book production. The emphasis will be on collaboration among the students who will become experts in certain areas of book production. This program is appropriate for grades 3 through middle school and may be done in collaboration with the illustrator and other technical support persons.
Fee: $2,000.00/week

FEES

Author Visit: 750.00/day + mileage

Author & Illustrator Visit: $1,000.00/day + mileage

Overnight accommodations are required if the school is 2 or more hours from Cleveland. If applicable, hotel and mileage must be added to the cost of the program.
Fees for the Artist-in-Residence programs are negotiable.
Doggie Fees: Treats and lots of petting!

DOG WALKERS

    Max, Tak and Trini need to have special friends to be with them during the workshops. They have trouble paying attention in class and need to go out visiting other rooms, playing outside, and socializing with anyone and everyone! Usually, PTO volunteers are their special friends.

Contact

Sandra Philipson
21 E. Summit St.
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Phone (toll free) (888) 299-8728
mailto:sandy@maxandannie.com

Website http://www.maxandannie.com

10/03/07 date this page was last edited      Click HERE to return to state page