Is it Friday already?
Good thing, because I’m excited to share another 2017 picture book with you. The author, Tara Lazar, is a dear picture book mentor for this kid lit community. Her Storystorm Challenge (formerly PiBoIdMo) helped more than 1600 writers gather ideas this January. And she was a Will Write for Cookies guest back in 2014.
Since then, she’s had a bunch of picture books launch…and I’m thrilled to bring you her latest for Perfect Picture Book Friday.
AND GUESS WHAT TARA IS OFFERING AS A GIVEAWAY?
A PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE! OH YES! So please, tell all your friends and even people who aren’t your friends, to come on over and leave a comment. One lucky person is going to get that fabulous prize!
But first, we have a another fabulous prize to give away! Last week, Kristen Fulton offered a copy of her debut picture book, LONG MAY SHE WAVE. And the lucky winner is…
Ali Earle Pichardo
Congratulations, Ali…let’s connect and I will put you in touch with Kristen so she can get a copy of the book out to you!
And now for our Perfect Picture Book Friday review!

7 ATE 9: The Untold Story
Written by: Tara Lazar
Illustrated by Ross MacDonald
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion (2017)
Ages: 4-7
Themes:
Mystery, numbers, humor
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
6 has a problem.
Everyone knows that 7 is always after him. Word on the street is that 7 ate 9. If that’s true, 6’s days are numbered. Lucky for him, Private I is on the case. But the facts just don’t add up.
It’s odd.
Will Private I put two and two together and solve the problem . . . or is 6 next in line to be subtracted?
Why I like this book:
- It is funny. More than funny. It is one of the funniest books I’ve read. And kids LOVE funny.
- Great illustrations…perfect for the text.
- The story will engage kids from the first page to the last!
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Sensory Art with Numbers
Photo courtesy: http://handsonaswegrow.com/40-number-activities-for-preschoolers/
You will need: Cardboard (you can even use the side of an empty cereal box), glue, marker, your choice of sand, rice, oatmeal, Cheerios, or glitter.
- Draw numbers on the cardboard.
- Trace over the numbers with a glue stick.
- Sprinkle with your choice of topping…sand (might be messy in the house), rice, oatmeal, Cheerios, or glitter (will definitely be messy in the house).
- Let dry.
- You can do this with letters also.
For many more number activities, click here: http://handsonaswegrow.com/40-number-activities-for-preschoolers/
Thank you all for stopping by today. My generous author friends have connected with the #50PreciousWordsforKids teachers and parents. Maybe we will get some feedback by next month and find out how much fun everyone had, connecting adult authors and kid writers on Skype.
And don’t forget to leave a comment today if you would like a chance to win a MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE FROM TARA LAZAR. Please share this post on your social media…and if you have read Tara’s book, please leave a review for her on Amazon.
Happy Memorial Day, dear friends…please be safe if you are traveling…and I will see you again in JUNE! Lots more picture book reviews, giveaways, author/illustrator Q&A’s!
I can’t wait to read this book! My kids and I LOVE funny and I know this won’t disappoint! Congrats Tara!
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I can’t wait to get my hands on this MS. Sick a great concert. Bravo, Tara
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Such a great concept. Ugh
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I was first attracted to the Title because well….I am a Trekkie and one of my favorite characters is 7 OF 9 from Star Trek Voyager. Of course the artwork (based on the cover art) must be fabulous! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one!
Gabrielle
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I can’t wait to read it! I love funny picture books.
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Just picked this book up at the library! I can’t wait to read it.
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Sounds hilarious with fun word play and great math facts! Congratulations:)
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Oooh, congratulations Tara, looking forward to reading it! And thanks for your generosity in providing the critique.
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Huge congrats, Tara! What a fun and playful concept–looking forward to reading your newest!
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Congratulations, Tara! This funny book is a 10, and destined 2 be 1 of the best of 2017 … 4 sure!
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I’m so looking forward to reading this book! I love Tara’s sense of humor and predict it will be a big hit with my kiddos. Thank you for the opportunity to win a critique!
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Sounds sooo funny! Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
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Have not read this book but I’m contacting my library today and ordering.
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Thanks for hosting this contest! I’d love a critique from Tara.
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I was browsing through a little independent bookstore last week and was thrilled to see Tara’s book. Of course, I found a comfy chair and read it on the spot. And then… I bought it. This is a wonderful review of a super fun book.
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This book looks wonderful! I would have loved to use it in my classroom when I was teaching elementary school teacher (I’ll have to recommend it to the librarian where I used to teach!) A critique from Tara would be such a treat!
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*when I was teaching elementary school. (Goodness, one cup of coffee is clearly not enough this morning!)
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I can’t wait to read this book! Congratulations, Tara – this idea is genius! Thank you for the opportunity of a critique
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This one is already is on my bookshelf and my review on Amazon! Such a fun lol book – both text and illustrations. Congrats on another winner, Tara!
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Can’t wait to read this to by numbers obsessed grandson. Thanks, Tara and Vivian!
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So funny. Does this mean we are “great minds”? Don’t include me in the giveaway, I already have the book! Great review & activities Vivian. 🙂
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I have my review ready for next week, lol Maria and Vivian! I think I will post it anyway. Some people (like me!) need to see something over and over before they respond and Tara’s book is a winner. 🙂
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