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Apr 3, 2009: Linda Gerdner to Speak at Hmong National Conference

By
Renee Ting
on April 3, 2009 3:58 PM | | Comments (1)
Linda Gerdner, author of Grandfather's Story Cloth, will be speaking at a symposium at the 14th Annual Hmong National Conference on April 3, 2009. She will be giving an individual presentation on her book.

14th Annual Hmong National Conference
April 3, 2009
Appleton Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
Appleton, Wisconsin

Mar 7, 2009: Linda Gerdner to Speak at University of Wisconsin at Madison

By
Renee Ting
on March 7, 2009 3:54 PM | | Comments (0)
March 7, 2009: Linda Gerdner, author of Grandfather's Story Cloth, will speak at the University of Wisconsin at Madison as an invited presenter. She will be talking about the translation of research findings into a Hmong-American children's book to promote understand of persons with Alzheimer's Disease.

Reading of Grandfather's Story Cloth at Hmong Cultural Center

By
Linda Gerdner
on July 16, 2008 10:23 AM | | Comments (0)
The Hmong Cultural Center in St. Paul, Minnesota hosted a book reading for Grandfather's Story Cloth on June 11. This was my very first book reading so naturally I was a bit nervous.

The age span of the audience was diverse. The majority were adults but many also brought their children or grandchildren. Because Hmong was the primary language for many attendees, we gave a bilingual reading, with lots of smiles and conversation along the way. As the text was being read, I walked around the room so the corresponding illustrations could be viewed from a closer vantage point. Participants pointed to the rich detail that Stuart has created in these water color paintings, this was especially true of the two-page spread of the story cloth itself and the scene in which Grandfather is burying a silver bar in his garden. Each time, I waited with anticipation and then eyes would rise from the page and give me a broad smile. I interpreted this as a sign of approval.

After the reading I presented the center's library with a copy of Grandfather's Story Cloth. Next, Lia Yang presented me with a beautiful, intricately stitched story cloth that she had made. Next we had refreshments of egg rolls (delicious!!!) and white gourd drink (delightful!). I will forever cherish the new friends that I made that day and the beautiful story cloth stitched by Lia Yang.

I thought it might be fun to share the "story collage" of some of our memories from that day. Find it here.

Grandfather's Story Cloth Reading in St. Paul June 11

By
Renee Ting
on June 6, 2008 8:23 AM | | Comments (0)
Scholar and Author Linda Gerdner will read her new Children's book, Grandfather's Story Cloth at the Hmong Cultural Center on June 11, 2008 from 10 AM - Noon in a special event for children and families. Snacks will be served.

Grandfather's Story Cloth Reading June 11, 2008 10AM Hmong Cultural Center 995 University Ave., St. Paul MN
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"...it would be a wonderful addition to a teacher's library at a school with students of Hmong heritage."

-Education Week

Linda A. Gerdner was born in Iowa and is a registered nurse. She is dedicated to helping persons with Alzheimer’s disease and the family members who care for them. Although Grandfather’s Story Cloth is her first children’s book she has published extensively in professional journals and received international and national awards for these contributions. Gerdner has traveled to northern Laos where she visited three Hmong villages in the rural province of Xieng Khouang. The bonds and friendships established with members of the Hmong American community have enriched her life and expanded her world.

Sarah Langford is currently a student at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She is especially interested in the health care needs of immigrants and refugees living in United States. She has a long-standing interest in childrens’ literature and has enjoyed the opportunity to combine her talent in this area with her nursing focus.

Stuart Loughridge lives and works in St. Paul, MN. Most of his waking hours are spent in his studio, drawing, painting, printmaking, and filling the bird feeder. His work can be viewed at www.stuartloughridge.com. This is his first children's book.

Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia.

Through books, we can share a world a stories, building greater understanding and tolerance within our increasingly diverse communities as well as throughout our continuously shrinking globe.