What have we been doing while staying at home during the COVID-19 crisis?
First of all, Michael has been busy reading books recommended by his 21-year-old sister, Ally, who was sent home from college in March. Those books include the Hunger Game series by Suzanne Collins, the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and the Warriors series by Erin Hunter (He had begun reading the Warriors series over the summer).
Everyday, we have gone for walks in the forest near our house, bringing along Hudson, our lovable golden retriever, who appeared in our last book and also did some voice-over barking in our latest audiobook. He was an expert at swimming in spring mud.
While we walked, we brainstormed ideas for a YouTube channel Michael wanted to create. What kind of art would he use? What would he call the channel? We mulled over ideas for weeks.
Back at home, we completed many perler bead projects, some of them depicting characters in the Warriors book series. We invited other kids to join in the fun via computer. We also took part in virtual book clubs.
Computer art projects were next. Michael began using FireAlpaca software to create characters that he planned to use in his upcoming YouTube channel.
Then came animation. Using the software Algodoo, many marble races were created.
The culmination of the art and animation projects was a new YouTube Channel, Eclipse Rants and Races based in part on the many YouTube channels that feature book lovers’ analysis of Warriors books. We listen to these often; they teach kids excellent literary analysis skills. I especially enjoyed one segment in which Firestar, a character in Warriors, was compared to Moses.
Eclipse Rants and Races aims to provide marble races and rants about books–especially the Warriors and Wings of Fire books.
Just this week, Michael released his first two videos–both marble races created in Algodoo. They feature Michael’s art and his older brother’s music.
We invite you to subscribe and comment. Here’s the first video:
Please subscribe here: Eclipse Rants and Races
Meanwhile, we’re working on our fourth book and audiobook.
Now we’re wondering: What are you doing while staying at home? Please email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com and tell us what you’re up to!