Perfect Picture Book Friday: CACTUS QUEEN: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park Plus CRITIQUE or AMA Zoom GIVEAWAY

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I’m so glad that March is a long month…31 days…because it’s also Women’s History Month and we’ve been celebrating picture books that feature extraordinary female characters. I’m so excited to share this brand-new book from Lori Alexander and Jen Ely: CACTUS QUEEN: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park. And the lovely Lori, knowing how busy I’ve been with #50PreciousWords, kindly stopped by to share the following information with us – and I just had to add the craft activity. And make sure you hang around to the end of the post and leave a comment because Lori is offering a super amazing giveaway: Winner’s choice of a Picture Book Critique or an Ask-Me-Anything Zoom chat. WELCOME to Lori!!!

Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park

Written by Lori Alexander

Art by Jenn Ely

Published by Calkins Creek/Astra BYR

Ages: 7-10

Themes: Women’s Biography, Environment, Determination

LORI: Discovering a lesser-known historical figure can be quite a treat for a nonfiction picture book author. When I learned about Minerva Hoyt’s unusual means to garner attention for her cause—protecting her favorite spot, the Joshua tree region of the Mojave desert—I knew this was a story kids would love.

In the early 1900s, this area was being destroyed by construction, harvesting, arson, and general carelessness. Minerva’s methods to combat the damage included trains, planes, automobiles, flower shows, scrapbooking, a letter writing campaign, and ultimately delivering her message all the way to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Very impressive, as this was a time when not everyone was open to hearing what a woman had to say.

This story is also meaningful to me as I visited Joshua Tree National Park as a child, which wasn’t too far from my home in San Diego, CA. Now I live with my own family in another desert—the Sonora desert of Tucson, AZ. The issues of conservation that Minerva addressed are still relevant to us today. The back matter in CACTUS QUEEN gives additional resources and tips for the next generation of environmentalists. I hope you enjoy reading about mighty Minerva!

WOW! That was fascinating. We always love to hear the story behind the story.
And here’s a little bit about Lori and links for you to connect with her and buy her books:
In addition to picture books, LORI ALEXANDER writes chapter books about the fascinating history of science and medicine. She won a Sibert Honor Award for All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, and A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book. Her recent release, What’s a Germ, Joseph Lister?: The Medical Mystery That Forever Changed the Way We Heal, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Lori resides in Tucson, Arizona, with her scientist husband and two book-loving teens. lorialexanderbooks.com
Lori occasionally posts to IG: @lorialexanderbooks or Twitter: @LoriJAlexander
Peek into or purchase CACTUS QUEEN here.

Lori is offering a picture book critique OR a 20-minute “Ask-Me-Anything” Zoom to one lucky commenter!

RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Cactus Crafts

Photo courtesy: https://funcraftskids.com/10-cactus-crafts-to-delight/

For detailed instructions on any of these cactus crafts: https://funcraftskids.com/10-cactus-crafts-to-delight/

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend…please remember to leave a comment and share widely on social media for a chance to WIN the awesome giveaway – an opportunity for a critique or chat with Lori Alexander!

Happy Book Birthday: WOMBAT AND THE FAMILY TREE Plus Giveaway

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Step right up! Gluten-free cake lovers on the left. Gluten cake lovers on the right. And in the middle, those who prefer to celebrate with a big bowl of ice cream! (and that’s where you’ll find me!). We are celebrating a book birthday for author/illustrator Marietta Apollonio’s new book: WOMBAT AND THE FAMILY TREE.
I ‘met’ Marietta last year when my NCTE panel, headed up by the amazing Kathy Halsey, was working on our presentation. Kathy was already connected with Marietta and asked if she’d be kind enough to look over our slides with her artist’s eye. She did…and WOW! She was so helpful – our slides were GORGEOUS! We were so grateful to her!
Stick around after you enjoy the cake because the kind and talented Marietta stopped by to chat…and she’s offering a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY.

Written and illustrated by Marietta Apollonio – Published by Tommy Nelson Books

Awww…look at that cover! Wombats are so adorable! Something tells me that this wombat loves to paint. And before we chat with Marietta, here’s a little bit about the story from the Amazon sales page.

Spark curiosity in children about family history, genealogy, and their place within that legacy as Wombat’s family tree project grows into an exploration of his relatives’ wisdom as well as what talent he can add to his community.

Wombat’s family tree assignment turns sour when he realizes that every ancestor has a special something they are good at–everyone except him. He tries all the talents he’s learned about from his family members, from music to carving to cooking, but nothing fits. Then, with a nudge to try again, the family tree branches out to grow into Wombat’s very own something.

Wombat and the Family Tree by Marietta Apollonio is for children aged 4 to 8 and features

  • a heartfelt and fun exploration of what a family tree is while finding a sense of self within your heritage,
  • a sweet and energetic main character who wants to do his best,
  • a supportive family who encourages Wombat to keep trying despite disappointment,
  • whimsical and nostalgic illustrations that enrich the story with delightful details,
  • a note from the author about her own adventures in genealogy, and
  • a blank family tree for children to fill in that allows room for a variety of family structures and caregiving situations.

Join Wombat for an adventure in self-discovery as he answers these questions: Where do I come from? What can I learn from people who have come before me? What are my special skills that I can contribute to my family and community?

ME: WELCOME, Marietta. Thank you so much for stopping by. We all love to hear about challenges on the path to pblication…and also what inspired someone.

MARIETTA: Thank you so much, Vivian. It’s a joy to be here on Picture Books Help Kids Soar.
The most challenging moment during my path to publication was a point when I doubted myself and what I was doing. And wanted to quit. I think a lot of people struggle with self doubt. But if we’re lucky, we have people in our lives that help to propel us forward, to help you quell the intrusive thoughts. Who supports you when you need a break, when things move quickly, through frustration, excitement, and joy. They celebrate the wins and help you through the losses. For me that was and still is the Saucy Supremes, a critique group of some very talented women, who were giving of their knowledge, time, and of support when things were hard in life and dreams. 

Book Inspiration:
The flicker of an idea for Wombat and the Family Tree came before I had an agent and my first published book. At a writing workshop held by the very talented duo, Anika Denise and Chris Denise, we were asked to jot down a list of things that sparked interest for us. Included in my list amongst tiny glass ink jars and dragons, were these two separate items: Wombats (they’re poop is shaped like cubes) and vintage portraits (the kind you find in a basket at thrift or antique shops). We were asked to combine two items from the list. Vintage portraits of wombats. I went home that day and drew one. The outline for the story included a wombat named Wombat, vintage portraits, and included genealogy, which has been an interest of mine for a long time, as I continue connecting the branches of my family’s tree. I particularly like this description from the publisher, TommyNelson Books: 

Join Wombat for an adventure in self-discovery as he answers these questions: Where do I come from? What can I learn from people who have come before me? What are my special skills that I can contribute to my family and community?

Yes, we definitely want to join Wombat!
And here’s a little bit about Marietta and how you can connect with her and learn more about her books:
Marietta Apollonio is the author-illustrator of Jack The Library Cat (Albert Whitman 2023) and Wombat And The Family Tree (Tommy Nelson Books/HarperCollins 2024). Her stories focus on characters who explore their curiosity and are looking for something—a home, acceptance, growth, their place within a family or community, magic. In creating an atmosphere inclusive of diverse characters, her illustrations use traditional materials and digital, with texture, patterns, and vibrant saturated moments pulling readers into universal experiences. Marietta received her BFA in illustration from Lesley University College of Art and Design. She spends her professional time doing what she loves: illustrating and writing for picture books, working with a weekly writers’ group, and mentoring. She is a member of SCBWI, the Boston Authors Club, and the PB23BUNCH. Marietta is a recipient of the 2019 SCBWI Memorial Scholarship for Illustrations, a 2022 PB Rising Stars Mentor, a 2023 PBParty Judge and a 2022 and 2023 mentor with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency’s Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshop. She is represented by Jemiscoe Chambers-Black of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Social Media:
X/Instagram/TikTok/Threads: mar_illustrates
Bluesky: mariettaa.bsky.social
mariettaapollonio.com

And Marietta says: I love supporting my local indie bookshop, https://www.silverunicornbooks.com . Happy to have folks directed to them for purchasing, but also anywhere they buy their books. 

Please remember, dear friends, we can help books become successful when we:
Buy them
Review them
Put them on our Goodreads Want to Read Shelf
Tell friends about them
Ask our local library to purchase copies for their collection

And don’t forget to leave a comment and share on your social media for a chance to win a signed copy of WOMBAT AND THE FAMILY TREE plus some book swag.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: TRICKY CHOPSTICKS Plus Giveaway

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Today’s featured book is only a FEW DAYS OLD! So, let’s all sing a Happy Belated Birthday to TRICKY CHOPSTICKS!!!

TRICKY CHOPSTICKS

Written by Sylvia Chen

Illustrated by Fanny Liem

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 19, 2024)

Ages:4-8

Themes: Determination, Creativity, Asian Culture

Synopsis from Amazon:
Jenny Chow struggles with chopsticks—aiya, those slippery, oh-so-tricky chopsticks! But cousin Victor’s birthday party is just around the corner, along with her family’s annual chopsticks challenge. Jenny doesn’t want to be the only Chow who never learns how to use the utensils. She’ll do whatever it takes to prove she can hold her own in her family’s long-held tradition—no matter how many experiments she wobbles and fumbles through.

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love the humor and the heart that author Sylvia employs as the MC tries so many ways to perfect her use of chopsticks.
2. I love the vibrant palette of illustrator Fanny – the art will keep kids engaged and turning the pages.
3. I love how the book becomes a true windows and mirrors for readers…children whose families use chopsticks will feel seen – and other children will learn about a culture different from their own.

Growing up in NYC, I had many experiences eating all different types of foods. My dad loved eating out – we’d probably go once a week. And the choice was either Italian (my favorite was lasagna), deli (I’d always order a hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard – and a square potato knish) or Chinese. The really funny thing is that I was an extremely picky eater – and would only eat the white rice and crispy noodles – and my parents had to pay an extra 25 cents for my plate because the restaurant had a policy that each person had to order a meal. Of course, now I eat EVERYTHING – and have had octopus and roast chicken for breakfast in Barcelona – and fresh oysters and sea urchin for breakfast in Aix en Provence.

I apologize to Sylvia for getting a bit off-topic…she stopped in to chat and has been waiting patiently to share a little bit about her path to publication for this beautiful book.

ME: WELCOME, Sylvia! Thank you so much for dropping in. And thank you for the lovely giveaway you are offering – winner’s choice of a 30-minute Ask-Me-Anything Zoom OR a signed copy of your book plus surprise swag!
Sylvia, before I went down the rabbit hole of childhood restaurant experiences, you were going to tell us about a couple of humorous moments on the path to publication…can you share?

SYLVIA: Hi Vivian. Thank you so much for having me! And yes, I have two moments to share.
First extra fond (and funny!) memory: Before the deal for TRICKY CHOPSTICKS came true, I had received an R&R opportunity from my editor. After we had the chance to video-chat and clarify some comments and goals for the R&R, I huddled and hustled to revise every moment I could! At the time, my in-laws lived with us, so my cozy writing space was in the closet. Late one night, I kept brainstorming and wordsmithing in the glow of my laptop screen, and along with tweaking the text, I added some art notes. A couple of times that night, a cheeky-but-perfect-for-that-scene art note scurried onto the screen and made me LOL. Each time that happened, I just knew that part of the revision was a keeper. And luckily, my editor agreed and accepted the R&R!

Second LOLOL memory: I was so lucky that every once in a while, my editor would send me sneak peeks of Fanny Liem’s sketches and illustrations. I absolutely love all the amazing and hilarious illustrations she created for TRICKY CHOPSTICKS. I mean, just look at the cover! But I still remember seeing the initial black and white sketch for the first spread in the book and it just made me laugh and laugh and laugh, totally tickled pink! I’m in sheer awe of how Fanny was able to amp up the humor of our book with her incredible illustrations.

Thank you so much, Sylvia. And I agree…the illustrations are AMAZING!

Here’s a little bit about Sylvia and how to connect with her and order her book:
A New Yorker now living in the Seattle area with her husband and two sons, Sylvia Chen is an Asian American children’s book author represented by Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Birch Path Literary. Sylvia is a member of SCBWI and 12×12, a #PBParty Judge (and Ninja Rockstar!) since 2022, a 2023 and 2022 #PBRisingStars mentor, and the creator of #PBStudyBuddy, which features amazing picture book creators and mentor texts (plus occasional #Kidlit giveaways) on Twitter/X, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads for fellow creators, teachers, and librarians. Ever so excited about her debut picture book TRICKY CHOPSTICKS (March 19, 2024; Atheneum/Simon & Schuster), Sylvia loves crafting picture books that spark kids’ interest in STEAM and creative thinking. She often stays up late into the night puzzling away with wordplay and working on quirky ideas. 

Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SylviaiChen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviaichen/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sylviaichen.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sylviaichen
Website: https://www.sylviaichen.com/
Book website: https://www.trickychopsticks.com/
Preferred link to order an author-signed copy of TRICKY CHOPSTICKS via Sylvia’s local indie (US shipping or pick-up only; Sylvia goes to this bookstore pretty often, but please allow for extra time for signing, especially if you specify a personalization request. If you know Sylvia personally, please say so in the order notes too so she can make sure to add a special note if she can):: https://www.brickandmortarbooks.com/item/uhkEB3h562uLvmihVmDOFw

RELATED ACTIVITIES:
There are so many things you can do with disposable chopsticks other than disposing of them. From the simple – making painted lollipops

Photo courtesy: https://www.allabouthope.net/projects/2020/7/20/cardboard-and-chopstick-lollipops

To the more complicated – crafting beautiful doll furniture:

Thank you all for spending your precious time here with us.
Please remember to leave a comment for a chance to win the fabulous giveaway of either a 30-minute Ask-Me-Anything chat with Sylvia OR a signed copy of TRICKY CHOPSTICKS. Book can only be mailed to U.S. addresses…please let us know in the comments which prize you’d prefer if you are the lucky winner.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!