Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday. Before I share an amazing book that has JUST hit the shelves…I want to encourage you to hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog where you will find TEN amazing fractured fairytales that are the finalists in the March Madness Writing Contest. READ THEM! They are GREAT! And then you can VOTE for your favorite!
I think writing children’s books is probably the most enjoyable AND the most difficult occupation a person can have.
And that’s why I am always so impressed when I see a writer with multiple books out there. You have to be tenacious and talented…and that describes the author of Sam, Sebbie and Di-di-di – A Day with the Duchess to a tee.

Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di – A Day with the Duchess
Written by David Seow
Illustrated by Soefara Jafney
Publisher: Epigram Books (2014)
Ages: 4 and up
Themes: Problem-solving, siblings, teamwork

Opening Lines
“Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di live in sunny Singapore. While Sebbie and Di-Di-Di like soldiers,pilots and action heroes, Sam likes princesses. She even named one of her hamsters Kate, after her very favorite princess in the whole wide world, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge .”
Synopsis
Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di are three siblings who love doing things together. When Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is visiting Singapore, the siblings try to meet her. Unfortunately, they have brought their hamster, Kate. The hamster is scared by the crowds and runs away and hides in the Duchess’s bouquet of flowers. Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di follow the princess all over Singapore to try to get Kate back. And when they find Kate, they get to spend time with the Duchess as well.
Why I like this book:
• Bold vivid illustrations
• Wonderful message of siblings working together and supporting each other
• Another gem from the multi-published author David Seow
• A perfect book for any little girl who loves princesses or any little boy who loves adventures
How a parent can use this book:
• Talk about how the siblings supported and helped each other
• Look at a map of the world and find Singapore and England
• Talk about the steps we can take when we want to solve a
problem

Available at: http://closetfulofbooks.com./

Related Activities
Every child needs to feel special…how about making your child prince or princess for a day.
Here’s a quick and easy crown craft.

You will need: Construction paper, scissors, markers, glue.
1. Cut a strip of construction paper…fit to your child’s head.
2. Cut points along one edge.
3. Cut out jewel shapes from construction paper and color with markers.
4. Glue onto the crown.
5. Staple the ends so the crown.
6. Let the prince or princess decide what is for dessert and which story to read for bedtime.
For many more prince and princess crowns, please go to http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/princesscrown.html

PLEASE COME BACK ON MONDAY FOR GOAL-BUSTERS
WITH
SHERI MCCRIMMON
Sheri is a dear friend, awesome critique buddy and a powerful writer.
I’m looking forward to seeing how her year is progressing.

A NOTE TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS: I am partnering with Jill Vetstein for a Nurturing Parents and Teachers teleseminar on April 1 at 7:30pm. Jill is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Developmental & Early Intervention Specialist and Certified Infant and Toddler Teacher as well as a writer, blogger and professional speaker. She has been empowering families and educators for over thirteen years, focusing on children from birth through age eight. We connected and decided to pool our talents for a powerful look at building self-esteem. Register for the teleseminar here: http://tinyurl.com/buildingselfesteembook
• We will help parents change their children’s mindset of ‘I can’t do it!’ and ‘I’m not worthy!’
• Parents and caregivers will walk away from this workshop with a clearer concept of how to use story time and other activities to build their children’s self-esteem.

Please note: I gave the incorrect information about RhyPiBoMo. It takes place from March 30 to May 3…just three more days…if you already write in rhyme or ever thought you might take a stab at it, this is an event you won’t want to miss! http://angiekarcher.wordpress.com/rhypibomo-countdown/