International Day of the Girl: Perfect Picture Book Friday

Posted on October 11, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday and this is my 450th blog post! I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.

We are still surrounded by crates and boxes – moving 2000 miles was exhausting, but so worth it! In the morning, our grandson greets us with a cheery, “Good morning, Grandma! Good morning, Grandpa!”

In the evening, we play games and read stories before bedtime. Last night, we were able to celebrate his birthday, in person!

One of the stories on Jeremy’s bookshelf is an oldie by Russell and Lillian Hoban. It’s PERFECT for International Day of the Girl.

A BARGAIN FOR FRANCES

Written by Russell Hoban

Illustrated by Lillian Hoban

Publisher: Harper and Row (1970)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Friendship, getting along with others

Opening Lines:

“It was a fine summer day, and after breakfast Frances said, ‘I am going to play with Thelma.’ ‘Be careful,’ said Mother.”

Synopsis:

Frances, a young badger, helps her best friend, Thelma, learn about what being a good friend means. When Thelma tricks Frances into buying her old plastic tea set, Frances must find a way to get the tea set she really wanted AND teach Thelma that, ‘Being careful is not as much fun as being friends.’

Why I like this book:

Great read-aloud for younger children…older kids will enjoy reading it themselves
Wonderful message about friendship, trust and getting along with others
Illustrations really show how Frances is feeling

How a parent can use this book:

Great read-aloud
Fun easy reader
Opportunity for discussion about what it means to be a friend
Make up silly rhyming songs like Frances does

Related Activities:

Why not arrange a play-date for your child with a friend? They can help make these Mini-Muffins – and then have their own little tea party, just like Frances and Thelma!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.cookingwithmykid.com/breakfast/mini-multigrain-cranberry-muffins/ Visit the site for many more ideas for cooking with children.

Here’s a kid-friendly simple and nutritious mini muffin recipe from my book which is now on sale on Amazon for only $14.95. Please remember all of those preschool teachers, daycare providers, babysitters, parents and grandparents who would LOVE to receive a copy for Christmas this year!

FROSTED ORANGE SESAME MINI MUFFINS

You will need: 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup white flour, ¼ cup ground sesame seeds, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 eggs, ½ cup yogurt, ¼ cup canola oil, ½ cup honey, 1 Tb grated orange zest, juice of one orange, 2 bowls, 1 oiled mini muffin pan, electric mixer, whipped cream cheese, raisins.

Mix flours, ground sesame seed and baking powder in large bowl.
Beat eggs, yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, honey and oil in another bowl and add to dry ingredients.
Gently blend and then spoon into muffin cups – 2/3 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until muffins are golden.
When cool, frost with cream cheese and decorate with raisins.
Makes 2 dozen – store in airtight container and refrigerate.

Reasons to invite your kids into the kitchen:

Builds self-esteem as they master tasks
Helps picky eaters try new things
Teaches children about where our food comes from
Develops math, science and reading skills

NEW AND EXCITING BLOG SERIES COMING!!!!

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

I’m thrilled about an upcoming project that I have been working on. On the third Saturday of each month, I’ll be interviewing a picture book author or illustrator. WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES will feature authors and illustrators from around the world.

Being around my five-year old grandson, I am reminded daily how CURIOUS young kids are. They are ALWAYS asking questions! In this new series, I’ll be asking five questions – WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY. I hope the answers provided will be educational and entertaining, especially for aspiring authors and illustrators.

In addition, each guest will share their FAVORITE cookie or treat recipe – we all know how important it is to keep up our strength while we

WRITE

REVISE

SUBMIT

Award-winning author/illustrator Iza Trapani has graciously agreed to lead off the series on October 19. Coming up in November will be picture book author and founder of Perfect Picture Book Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill. Author, movie-maker and child advocate Susanne Gervay, RA of SCBWI Australia, will finish off the year in December. I hope you will all stop by and then share the links so others can enjoy the interviews as well.

The blog project will become a book containing a baker’s dozen of these interviews and recipes. If you are an author and/or illustrator of picture books and you would like to participate, please email me at viviankirkfield@gmail.com.

PPBF/International Day of the Girl (clarbojahn.wordpress.com)
Yasmin’s Hammer – International Day of the Girl (childrensbooksheal.com)
6 Reasons Today is International Day of the Girl (mentalfloss.com)
The Mouse and His Child (somanybooksblog.com)
International Day of the Girl (ladyeconomist.com)
International Day of the Girl Child observed on 11 October – Jagran Josh (jagranjosh.com)

38 thoughts on “International Day of the Girl: Perfect Picture Book Friday”

Marylin Warner on October 11, 2013 at 12:22 pm said:

450 posts! Wow! Congratulations, Vivian, Well done.
And you sound so content being surrounded by boxes…and sustained by the hugs of your grandson.

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 4:29 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Marylin…I’m truly sorry we never connected in person while I was in Colorado Springs. Who knows…maybe we will meet at a writer’s conference one day.:)
  It is awesome being here…good for us, good for Jeremy, good for our daughter. ::)
  
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Patricia Tilton on October 11, 2013 at 12:48 pm said:

You didn’t list your book on the PPB website — almost missed. Great choice. Happy to see you focusing on International Day of the Girl.

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 4:31 pm said:
  
  Hi Pat! I’ve been MIA from blogging for quite a while…it’s good to be back.:) I’m glad you liked the choice…it should be on Susanna’s link up now. I’ll try to get to read all the posts.
  
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  - Patricia Tilton on October 11, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:
    
    Yes, I saw it earlier. Check out Clar’s blog too. A few of use focused on International Day of the Girl. And, Malala will be interviewed tonight on ABC 20/20 by Diane Sawyer at 10 p.m.
    
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nrhatch on October 11, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:

I’ve been wondering how the move went . . . sounds like it was the RIGHT MOVE to make! Does your grandson live with you? Or just near enough for frequent visits?

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 4:36 pm said:
  
  So good to connect again, Nancy! It was the RIGHT move. The house is kind of unique…originally a ranch…seven years ago they put on an addition…just like another ranch house, attached with a connecting room which is a 4-season sun room where we can all hang out together. I love to cook…our daughter works all day and doesn’t enjoy cooking as much…so I make enough for all of us and we usually eat dinner together…which is perfect.
  
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  - nrhatch on October 11, 2013 at 4:40 pm said:
    
    That is SO COOL! What a Win-Win for all concerned.
    
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readingwithrhythm on October 11, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:

Wow! You are a busy woman! Your grandson is very lucky to have you so close now. Special times ahead! We have this book on our bookshelf – it has been a favorite here since long before I was around. Thanks for sharing all your fun happenings!

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm said:
  
  I love all of the ‘Frances’ books…kids can really relate to them because they are so true! And yes, I am looking forward to special times…it has been so much fun already.:)
  
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Joanna on October 11, 2013 at 5:01 pm said:

So glad the move went well and you are obviously adoring the closeness to family. I love all the Frances books, too, though did not know this one.

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 5:55 pm said:
  
  It was a new one for me also, Joanna…I found this gem at a town yard sale in the spring when I visited my daughter and grandson. And I’m thrilled that now I don’t have to fly ‘home’…I am home.:) 🙂
  
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Tracy Campbell on October 11, 2013 at 5:06 pm said:

Wow, 2,000 miles away. No wonder you went missing. So happy to hear you’re with your grandson and you were able to celebrate his birthday together. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving, Vivian.

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 5:57 pm said:
  
  It will definitely be a Happy Thanksgiving, Tracy. 🙂 Together. 🙂
  I took a drastic step back from blogging, social media and pb writing…it is good to be back.:)
  
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Beth Stilborn on October 11, 2013 at 7:49 pm said:

I’m so glad your move went well, and you’re settling in nicely.

A Bargain for Frances is the first Frances book I encountered — it was in our church’s library when my mother took over doing the library stuff, and we both enjoyed it very much. So glad you’ve added it to our PPBF list.

Will Write for Cookies sounds fabulous! I will look forward to reading the interviews.

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- viviankirkfield on October 14, 2013 at 11:48 am said:
  
  Glad you discovered the ‘Frances’ books early on…they are so REAL.:)
  
  The ‘Will Write for Cookies’ series will be lots of fun…thanks for your encouragement, Beth! David Seow, Singaporean author of over 20 picture books, is on board for January. 🙂
  
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Jarm Del Boccio on October 11, 2013 at 8:42 pm said:

I remember this one from years ago, and it’s still a winner. Back then, it wasn’t frowned upon to teach a lesson in a PB. It certainly works in “A Bargain for Frances”!

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- viviankirkfield on October 11, 2013 at 11:49 pm said:
  
  How true, Jarm! It is quite confusing – because there are so many of the newer books that lay out the moral and the lesson quite clearly.I love all of the Frances books.:)
  
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Kirsten Larson on October 12, 2013 at 8:46 am said:

Vivian, what a blessing to be close to your grandson. Enjoy every precious moment. And thanks for recommending this classic.

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- viviankirkfield on October 12, 2013 at 7:18 pm said:
  
  It’s a blissful time in my life, to be sure.:) I don’t even mind all the unpacking!Fortunately, we have a 1900 sq ft basement (unfinished) where all of that STUFF can go. We will definitely have to have a garage/yard/tag sale next spring! Thanks for the good wishes, Kirsten. I love all of the Frances books…you are right…they are classics.:)
  
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thiskidreviewsbooks on October 12, 2013 at 10:28 am said:

Can’t wait to read about Ms. Trapani! 😀 Glad you are near your grandson! Great PPBF Pick! 😀

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- viviankirkfield on October 12, 2013 at 7:14 pm said:
  
  Hi Erik! Glad you liked the book choice and are looking forward to the ‘Will Write for Cookies’ series.:) I’m off to read everyone’s posts.:
  
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Stacy S. Jensen on October 12, 2013 at 12:12 pm said:

Love the play date idea! Perfect for kiddos and parents. Glad you are settling in and enjoying the time with your family. We miss you in CO, but am happy we can stay connected in sooo many ways.

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- viviankirkfield on October 12, 2013 at 1:51 pm said:
  
  So true, Stacy! I miss all of you as well…but I’m looking forward to Thursday’s Skype connection (is that like the French Connection? 🙂
  
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Joanne Roberts on October 12, 2013 at 1:40 pm said:

I loved your post from beginning to end. There is little more satisfying than sharing a book with someone you love. Enjoy.

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- viviankirkfield on October 12, 2013 at 1:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Joanne, for the sweet and thoughtful comment! I knew living closer would be joyful…but could never have imagined just how amazing it is. 🙂
  
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julie rowan zoch on October 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm said:

This post has so many cookie and milk style goodies: a favorite book from my childhood, a remindr that we should all have a tea party now and then, snuggly photos and something wonderful to.look forward too

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- viviankirkfield on October 14, 2013 at 11:49 am said:
  
  I know…my posts are always soooo long – it’s hard to write short ones.:) Glad we had a chance to have our ‘tea’ party before I left Colorado, Julie!
  
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patientdreamer on October 12, 2013 at 11:31 pm said:

Whoa! I nearly missed this one. What a beautiful story to snuggle up and enjoy with a grandson. So pleased you have finally made it and everything went well for you. Enjoy all the wonderful adventures ahead with your family. Such a lovely post, Vivian, all those yummy goodies too.

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- viviankirkfield on October 13, 2013 at 9:29 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Diane! I’m looking forward to our pb writers critique round this month…so sorry I missed last month.:( Today was Jeremy’s B-day party…what fun…24 little friends at a ‘My Gym’ facility…the kids had a BALL…there was even a zip line for them to try. I can’t express how filled with bliss I am to be so close.:)
  
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Perfecting Motherhood on October 12, 2013 at 11:41 pm said:

Wow, so much to celebrate! So many posts, so many miles, so many boxes! Did you move in with your daughter’s family? I’m confused, I must have missed something. Your grandson is lucky to have you as a grandma!

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- viviankirkfield on October 13, 2013 at 9:35 pm said:
  
  Hi Milka…yes, we moved to New Hampshire and we are ‘sharing’ a house that is really two separate houses…a ranch of 1100 sq ft with an addition of 1100 sq ft with a 4-season sunroom that connects both houses. So we each have our own kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms…our daughter is newly divorced and shares equal custody…so she has Jeremy every other week and weekend. It was a big move (2000 miles) and a difficult one (350 boxes that I had to pack and now unpack)…but it was totally worth all the hassles.
  
  I took a big step back from blogging and social media for two long months…I’m just getting back into it now. I’ve missed visiting your blog…I’ll be over in the next couple of days.:)
  
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  - Perfecting Motherhood on October 14, 2013 at 10:35 am said:
    
    Wow, that’s a lot of changes but it seems like a wonderful opportunity to be close to your daughter and your grandson, especially in these difficult times. Grandparents are so important in a child’s life, it’s great you can be involved with your grandson so much. I miss that for my kids but that’s life. Congratulations again on this big move!
    
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Beverly Snedecor on October 15, 2013 at 7:47 am said:

Fantastic… I love it when bloggers highlight the oldies but goodies. Thank you and I look forward to reading the Cookie interviews!

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- viviankirkfield on October 15, 2013 at 6:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for stopping by, Beverly! I love those older classic picture books and I’m glad you will be back to read the interviews. We should get some great recipes also!
  
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Susanna Leonard Hill on October 18, 2013 at 11:55 am said:

LOVELOVELOVE this book, Vivian! Well, anything Frances, really 🙂 I had this book on a record (yes, I’m that old!) and I still remember the exact way Frances used to say, “Mother told me to be careful, but Thelma better be bewareful!” Thanks so much for adding this to our list, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying living on the east coast and getting to spend time with Jeremy – so great that you were there for his birthday! 🙂

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belindambrock on October 21, 2013 at 4:43 pm said:

Glad to hear that your BIG move went well…am sure things will keep getting even better.

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- viviankirkfield on October 22, 2013 at 12:19 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Belinda! I went to visit your blog…love your site and what you are all about. 🙂
  
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