Has it been a busy summer for all of you? It definitely has been for me! In July, I attended the WOW Retreat in Georgia! Kristen Fulton organized a conference that was chock full of top notch authors, agents, and editors.
Presentations, Round Tables, One-on-One Critiques, and close up and personal attention from the faculty just about 24/7 all combined to provide a fantastic week of writing. And I even got to spend quality time with my very own agent, the incredible Essie White.
Then, earlier this month, I went to Dana Farber/Brigham Women’s in Boston for my surgery. I truly need to speak out about the power of positive thinking and prayer. When I woke up from the operation (a bilateral mastectomy), I felt great and continue to do so, without any pain medication whatsoever. Two days after the surgery, I was discharged from the hospital and stopped off for lunch at one of Boston’s Indian restaurants with my son and daughter.
A bona fide miracle! Thank you to EVERYONE who sent healing thoughts, cards, gifts, and most of all, love. According to my surgeon who is a veritable magician, I am CANCER FREE!!!! So back to writing, back to revising, back to critiquing, and back to blogging.
But before we proceed to our Perfect Picture Book Friday review, we need to announce the winner of a copy of Pat Zeitlow Miller’s brand-new picture book, Sophie’s Squash Goes to School.
AND THE WINNER IS:
JESSICA LAWSON
Congratulations, Jessica…I loved hearing about the dead squirrel you brought to school…and thank you so much to everyone who shared their strangest school show and tell. Jessica, please email me with your address so I can get the book right out to you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
And now for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick!
If a T-Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party
Written by Jill Esbaum
Illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (August 2016)
Ages: 4 and up
Themes:
Birthdays, dinosaurs
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
You never know what will happen when a T. Rex crashes your birthday party. Sure, you’ll be super excited when he turns up at your door. But then he’ll stomp. He’ll ROAR. He’ll look at you as if he’s wondering how you taste with a little mustard. In the end, though, you just may find yourself asking him to come back next year!
Why I like this book:
- So funny…and full of tongue in cheek humor…and I’ve found, from reading hundreds of picture books with my grandson, that kids LOVE funny books!
- Great illustrations – bright, simple, and lots of color!
- Dinosaurs, birthday parties…need I say more?
RELATED ACTIVITIES
From the author’s website, an activity kit for a birthday party: http://www.jillesbaum.com/assets/t.rex-party-kit.pdf
Other reviews of this book:
Interview with the illustrator and a giveaway on Jill’s blog:
http://picturebookbuilders.com/2016/08/if-a-t-rex-crashes-your-birthday-party-and-giveaway
This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, dear friends and readers. And please don’t forget to come back tomorrow for:
Will Write for Cookies
With
JILL ESBAUM
AND A
GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
Vivian, I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well. Yay! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Great ladies deserve great things!
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Thank you so much, Lauri! It’s definitely been a unique summer. 😉 Thanks for stopping by…it’s pretty funny because while you were reading my blog post and commenting, I was reading yours. 😉 😉 Great minds think alike, I guess. 😉
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I’m so glad that your had no trouble with the surgery and are cancer free. You look great. And, I’m a great believer in positive thinking and prayer!
Your PPBF choice looks hilarious. I know a grandson who would love this T-Rex!
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Thanks, Pat…and I’m glad you enjoyed the PPBF choice…my grandson will love this one also. 😉
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You sound full of vim and vigor! So glad you are excited to get back to work!
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I am, Beth…and so much inspiration around with wonderful friends and critique buddies like you. 😉
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Hi, Vivian! I’m glad to see you healthy and smiling. Thanks for sharing pics from the WOW Retreat too. And I love all of Jill’s books, so I’m sure “If a T-Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party” will be another great mentor text. Take care.
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I should really do a whole post on the WOW Retreat, Manju…I had a ball. I’m sure you will enjoy Jill’s newest…she is so prolific! And thank you for all of your good wishes for my health…it’s been an amazing adventure. 🙂
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So grateful to hear about how well you’re doing, Vivian! You are our very own rainbow in the world! ❤ Can't wait to see you soon!!!
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Ditto about being a rainbow, dear Beth…your rainbows and daily quotes are a ray of sunshine and inspiration to many in the kid lit community. And yes, I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. 😉
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Great to have you back & blogging & WELL, Vivian. Great choice to celebrate today!
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Great review! I’m glad your surgery went well! 😀
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Things have been beyond crazy for us too this summer! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
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