Welcome back, dear friends. It’s been busy around here with TWO Book Birthday posts earlier in the week. And now it’s Friday already. Time for another Perfect Picture Book review.
Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing 2017 picture books to review. We’ve got a really special one today that is quite dear to my heart because it reminds me so much of one of my all-time classic favorites, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.
But first we need to GIVE AWAY A BOOK! Last week, Lori Richmond offered a copy of PAX AND BLUE.
AND THE WINNER IS…
KATHY ELSTAD
Congratulations, Kathy! Please contact me so I can get your mailing information to Lori.
I also wanted to ask everyone to continue to spread the word about the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge. I got a wonderful email today from a mother who wanted to know if she could write the story as her 5-year old son dictated it to her. I assured her that YES…of course she could. As long as the parent or teacher is not telling the story or changing the story, there is no problem with that. I’m grateful to everyone who has shared on social media and with their elementary and homeschool connections.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday also has a giveaway…so don’t forget to leave a comment. I also have a favor to ask. If you have not yet signed up for my email list, please do! Subscribing to my email list is different from signing up to follow my blog. I hope everyone does both!!!! Please click on the sidebar logo to subscribe to my email list. Below that, you can click to get a notification every time I do a blog post. And I know you don’t want to miss out on that!! If you already do both, that is awesome. If somehow you missed out, here’s your chance. And I thank you so very much.
As I mentioned, today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday reminded me so much of one of the classics I love. But author Linda Whalen totally changed it up in such a timely and relevant way. I hope you enjoy my review.
Little Red Rolls Away
Written by Linda Whalen
Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Ages: Preschool – Grade 3
Themes:
Dealing with change, moving, friendship
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
When Little Red Barn wakes one morning, he finds his animal friends have gone. He’s empty and alone. And then big noisy machines lift him up and put him on a truck. As Little Red is transported across the countryside, down a major river, and through city streets, he feels anxious and a little afraid. Where is he going? Who will be there when he reaches his destination? When Little Red does finally reach his new home in a surprising location, he finds things are even better than before. The story of the little barn’s relocation and adjustment to a new place will reassure and comfort young readers facing changes in their own lives.
Why I like this book:
- The text is picture book perfect! I love the element of threes which the author uses so well. The story is absolutely delightful.
- There is short guide at the back of the book for parents and teachers.
- The illustrator managed to show the emotion of the main character…A BARN. Hats off for that accomplishment! And the colors on each page are bright and bold.
- This book would be a wonderful launch pad for discussions on anxiety over the unknown, moving, and the importance of friendship.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
MAKE A LITTLE RED BARN
Photo courtesy: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/
You will need: Cardboard box, construction paper, glue, scissors, markers or crayons.
For detailed instructions: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/
There is also a wonderful little guide at the end of the book that will help parents and teachers address young children’s issues with dealing new places and things.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends…don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY…and please come back tomorrow when we get a chance to Q&A with the author of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY:
Will Write for Cookies
Linda Whalen
_
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.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This sounds like a great story and the cover illustration is wonderful. I love how the barn has a face– and thosxe eyes!!!
LikeLike
I, too love how the illustrator brought my story to life. The little red barn had me as soon as I saw those eyes.
LikeLike
What a sweet book about moving — something that causes a lot of angst for many kids. Change is part of life and I like how it is handled in this story. Bold and colorful illustrations!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was instantly won over by the cover illustration! I know I’m going to enjoy this book, and I love the red barn art project you included.
LikeLike
Vivian found a great art project!
LikeLike
What a brilliant, fresh way to handle such an emotional topic! I can’t wait to read this book and share it with the little people in my life.
LikeLike
Thanks, I love to be able to help children with my writing.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing Little Red Rolls Away!
LikeLike
This looks like a very sweet book! I’ll have to look for it. I think it would be perfect for my little grandson who starts kindergarten in September!
LikeLike
Thank you. Amazon and Barnes & Noble are having a pre-order sale right now 29% off. Not sure how long it will last.
LikeLike
Moving is such a tough thing for kids to go through. Love this books look and theme!
LikeLike
I agree moving is tough, change is tough (even for adults).
LikeLike
This book looks so cute, and I love the activity. There’s so much fun to be had with books!
LikeLike
And what kid doesn’t love a cardboard box!
LikeLike
What a great little barn! I may have to make one for the bookstore!
LikeLike
I am going to have to build one myself (for my grandchild, oh and me:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the concept, and it’s just in time. My son is moving his family to a different town, and my 5 year old grandson is having a tough time with the move.
LikeLike
I hope Little Red brings your grandson a smile and comfort.
LikeLike
I love the front cover! It looks like a really cute story!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
delightful book! nice craft too
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Aww this is so cute and deals with such an important theme for kids. Love the bold illustrations.
LikeLike
Addressing change in a child’s life is important and I hope Little Red help them along their way.
LikeLike
Love this book!
LikeLike
Thanks Linda!
LikeLike
Vivian, What an adorable cover, book, and game/craft. Great review! 🙂
LikeLike
Vivian is so talented!
LikeLike
Is it possible to fall in love with a picture book when you’re, perhaps, 5 times the recommended age? I’d love to get this for my 3-year-old brother, especially as he goes through new changes. Thanks for the review and the opportunity!
LikeLike
Yes, it’s okay to fall in love with any book 🙂
LikeLike
Really, really cute! Thanks, Vivian, for sharing this story. It gives me renewed hope for one of my manuscripts 🙂 Happy Friday!
LikeLike
Little Red is all about hope (and comfort:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
So wish I’d had this when my kids were young & we moved quite a few times. Moving is so stressful for everyone & picture books that help kids process the changes are so helpful. Can’t wait to read it!
LikeLike