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!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Can’t wait to read this one! I see a TV mystery series addition with private I and these silly, irrational numbers lol. That would equal even more fun! I would certainly LOVE a critique! 🙂 Congrats!!
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This book sounds so so funny. It’s on my list!
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Just got this book and absolutely love the wordplay!! Total fun!
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My family LOVES puns. I cannot wait to read this book! This one’s going in our school library! Thanks for the review, Vivian! And thanks, Tara, for bringing this story into the world!
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I LOVE Tara Lazar’s books! This looks like a keeper, too.
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I am so looking forward to this one. Such a great idea.
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What a fabulous post on a book I desperately NEED! 😉 And thank you for the chance to win a critique with Tara!!! Another successful review, Miss Vivian!
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I Can. Not. Wait. To read 7 ATE 9! I love Tara’s books and have head great things about this one. I requested it from our local library, so I’ll get my hands on a copy soon.
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This concept is brilliant, and I loved the synopsis. Can’t wait to update my Lazar collection with this one. 🙂 Congrats on another one, Tara, and thanks for sharing, Vivian!
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Love your sensory craft idea, but when I think of one particular kid in my storytime group, I know he would try to eat anything we glued to the board! Maybe when he is a bit older! Great pick, Vivian!
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Hmm…maybe you can use Cheerios and glue with a water/meringue powder mix: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/clear-edible-glue…the powder is dried egg whites…you could also put a thin layer of either pudding or cool whip (not the heathiest) in a tray and let the child press the Cheerios into it in any design he wants…if he eats it, no worries. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the craft idea, Julie!
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Wow, yes! That sounds like a great idea! tahnsk, Vivian!
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I used to do that with the little ones in my day care…also in my kindergarten. We also fingerpainted with chocolate and vanilla and strawberry pudding…what fun. 😉
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Oh my goodness. What fun puns in Tara’s book, 7 ate 9. Kids and adults will love reading it over and over. A+ for re-readability! I just know there has to be a sequel.
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I was hopping to review 7 Ate 9 but somehow I forgot. I am so disappointed in myself. Tara’s books have all been fun. And she is the master of picture book ideas–her books prove that. Congrats, Tara.
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Yes, my five year old and I definitely need to giggle together over math puns in Tara’s new book! He is currently a bit number obsessed, so 7 Ate 9 will be a perfect fit. Looking forward to reading it, and thank you for the review Vivian, I really appreciate your blog 🙂
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This looks great! I can’t wait to get a copy.
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I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. The sample I downloaded was hilarious. As Jennifer Sniadecki posted on her blog, “it’s comic genius in picture book form!”
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I’m looking forward to reading this one! I think my kindergarteners will love it!
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I’m a big fan of Tara and everything she does for the community – can’t wait to read this book!
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Looks like a great book!!! I love puns!!!
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I need to get to a bookstore stat! 7 Ate 9 sounds fantastic. A book full of puns? Right up my alley 🙂
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This book sings energized fun, which we all know is Tara to a tee! 🙂 😉 Love to get my hands on a copy.
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