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Today is Friday…my day to review a picture book and link it to Susannah Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Before I get to the review of Spaghetti Eddie, I wanted to share with you an amazing resource for authors. Whether you have published many books already or are just thinking about writing a book, Sandra Beckwith’s Building Book Buzz workshop is a must! You know, it’s very rewarding to write a book…even more rewarding to see it in print. But once your book is published, you don’t want the books to sit in their shipping cartons…you want them in the hands of your target market. So how does that happen? How do you write a press release about your book? What social media should you use…Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+? As the cartoon personality Cathy would say…AAACCKKKK!
If you are planning to self-publish, then taking this course is, without a doubt, the best $199 you will have ever spent. (Sandy has some discounts available) But even for those who are published by major houses or have many published books under their belt, it is still usually up to the author to do the lion’s share of marketing and promotion….unless, of course, you are a famous celebrity or politician. In those instances, the publishing house may ante-up with bigger dollars for advertising and publicity to insure a return of the big advance they probably paid. Sandy has a blog and she just did a post on how to get free publicity that may make a big difference in how your book is perceived. She is always providing free tips in the articles she writes.
I hope that anyone who is thinking about getting a book out there will take a look at Sandy’s online workshop…the information will help you know what you have to do…before, during and after the publishing process…and will give you more confidence in your own marketing ability…and her personal attention and expertise are priceless.
And now…on to the review of Spaghetti Eddie.
Spaghetti Eddie
Written by Ryan SanAngelo
Illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic
Publishers: Boyds Mills Press
Ages 2 – 7+
Themes:
Valuing one’s own strengths and qualities, creative problem-solving, helping others.
Opening:
“This is Eddie. He eats spaghetti every day except Sundays. On Sundays, he eats ravioli.”
Synopsis:
When Eddie’s mom sends him to the store to buy frosting for his father’s birthday cake, Eddie takes his ever-present bowl of spaghetti and meatballs along. As he walks to the store, Eddie meets several neighbors and he suggests ingenious spaghetti-solutions to their problems. For example, one friend has a broken shoelace and Eddie offers a strand of spaghetti to replace it. As Eddie approaches the grocery store, a robber runs out, holding a bag of stolen money. Will Eddie be able to do something to save the day? (Hint: you will stand up and cheer for Eddie when you find out)
Why do I like this book:
What a hilarious story! I loved this book because I was a very picky eater when I was little (unfortunately, I LOVE EVERYTHING now) and I was able to identify with Eddie, who loved spaghetti so much that he had it every day. Young children will also appreciate Eddie’s peculiar eating habits… many children have stages where they love or hate a certain food. Eddie’s ingenious use of his bowl of spaghetti and meatballs will encourage kids to open their creative minds and see new possibilities in the commonplace. The book is just plain funny…and the illustrations truly capture the spirit and voice of the story.
Related Activities:
Pasta-Covered Treasure Box
Most children have a stash of small keepsakes…a special pebble, a shiny coin, a super-friend’s ring. Here is a perfect container to keep those items in. This project also makes a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
You will need: 1 clean container with lid (a one-pound margarine or cottage cheese container works well), white glue (glue stick won’t work), dry pasta (spaghetti, macaroni and/or other interesting shapes), markers. Depending on the age of the child, you may want to cover the outside of the container with craft or construction paper and decorate the lid with pasta. Older children may have the patience and dexterity to put pasta on the outside of the container.
1. Spread white glue on the top of the lid and press pasta shapes in desired design.
2. Spread white glue on the outside of the container and cover with paper or pasta.
3. When the glue is dry, you can use marker to color some of the pasta. Optional: the pasta can be painted with non-toxic tempera paints.
This post is part of a series for parents and teachers. Perfect Picture Book Fridays is hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I”m familiar with Sandra’s book buzz and bought a book of templates from her for when my book is published. They are all usable and seem very useful. I am glad I have it. I have used the bio form already and sent it to my publisher. Thanks for bringing this up. I may blog about it, too sometime.
And the book sounds adorable. A definite read.
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Glad you liked the book selection. 🙂
Happy you’ve already connected with Sandy on some level…I’ve been so impressed with the scope of her knowledge and the amazingly personal attention she gives each person…I’ve never met her in person, but I consider her a true friend.
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Just the title Spaghetti Eddie makes me want to read the book. But solving problems with pasta? Perfect. 🙂
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Hi Julie,
BTW, thanks for the clarification on the 12×12 manuscripts. 🙂
This is such a funny book…and wonderful for helping young children “think out of the box”. In addition, it’s a great addition to any school library as it portrays an urban inner city kid…not a lot of that out there, I think.
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I’m adding lots of titles to my list — this one included. Sounds like a fun book. I have a bread-aholic at my house. Perhaps it will give us an idea of how to expand our food choices. (My son eats more than bread, but you know what I mean ….)
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Also great to see the feedback on the BookBuzz. I always wonder how it works in ‘real life.’
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Stacy, I’m sorry I didn’t do the Book Buzz workshop BEFORE my book was published. You learn so much and it really helps you focus on what needs to be done before, during and after the book comes out. But I’m thankful I saw a little blurb about it and took the leap in the summer of 2010. Sandy is a special lady…warm and giving and knowledgeable.
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I do know what you mean. 🙂 As I said in the review, I was a picky eater…and my oldest son was also…he ate mac and cheese, orange juice (NO PulP), hamburgers, canned spaghettios (ugh), almost any kind of cheese, chicken drumsticks from Kentucky Fried Chicken, hot dogs, English Muffin pizza….and any kind of bread or rolls. Of course, when writing this list, it sounds like he ate a lot of things…but if I made meatballs or meatloaf or steak or roast beef…forget about it. 🙂
Glad you liked the book selection…it’s a really fun story…with a great message!
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This book looks like lots of fun, as does the activity. I don’t know what’s up with the link for you, but I’m going to try to add your link now. If you get a chance, hop over and see if it worked! Thanks for a great book 🙂
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You are amazing!!!! Thank you Susannah…I really don’t know what the problem is…but if it doesn’tload next week, I will email the link to you right away. 🙂
Glad you liked the book and craft!
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What a fun book! Spaghetti is big with my kids, I’m sure they would love to read it. Thanks for the review and fun activities you suggested.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer. I think spaghetti is a universal favorite with kids. 🙂 And lots of adults as well!
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Such a fun selection, Vivian. This book sound like a book giggling kids would want to read again and again. The problem solving with spaghetti sounds wonderful. And your actities were very creative. I had a friend whose daughter would only eat spaghetti. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Pat!
It is a funny story…and kids really do love humorous books. 🙂
Glad you liked the craft…I’ve also done pasta mosaic on cardboard…very pretty and lots of fun!
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What a cute book! And I love, love, love the activity you included! What fun for kids! 🙂
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Hi Natalie,
Thank you so much! I think if I was stranded on a desert island, all I would need would be a stack of picture books, a box of craft supplies and a gaggle of giggling kids. 🙂 Oh, and some food, I guess. 🙂 Maybe spaghetti and meatballs…do you think Spaghetti Eddie will share?
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Have made a note of Building Book Buzz Workshop and as soon as resources are flowing a little more, I shall follow up on your recommendation. Thank you.
Love the story and your fab craft idea.
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Joanna, glad I was able to provide a resource as awesome as Sandy and her workshop to Susannah’s PPBF group!
Thanks for the kind words about the craft activity. 🙂
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Interesting story and read… 🙂
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Thanks, Eliz. It is a fun story…helps kids think outside the box!
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I always told my mom all the problems of the world could be solved with spaghetti. This books will make kidlets giggle for years to come. This is a MUST (GOTTA) have it book. That craft activity is awesome! *waving*
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Oh Robyn…I love your term…kidlets!!!!
Spaghetti is definitely one of the top comfort foods…and thank you so much for your kind words of praise on the craft project.:) I”m all about reading, crafting and cooking with kids to build self-esteem…to improve literacy skills…to strengthen the connection between parent and child…to encourage children to become lovers of books and reading…and…because it’s just plain fun for everyone!
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What a great book! My boys have all one through noodles only stages and I can see us having fun with this book. Fun activity, too!
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Hi Heather…
Yup…I think they all love “noodles” of one kind or another. Hmmm…Noodles of One Kind or Another…sounds like a great picture book title. 🙂
Glad you liked the activity…I’ll try to keep them coming!
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