HAPPY PERFECT PICTURE BOOK FRIDAY, DEAR FRIENDS!
2017 is winding down…it’s been a whirlwind for sure. And here are some numbers to prove it:
# of blog posts in 2017: 112
# of followers (blog/Twitter/Facebook) : 4000
# of views: 44,565
# of picture book reviews: 56
# of giveaways: 96
# of picture book manuscripts written: 12+
# of book deals done: 3
Phew!
Right now, I’m participating in Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas…a challenge that is inspiring and helpful as we move ahead to a new year – and you can still sign up – Julie will send you emails for the days you missed.
I also urge all writers and illustrators to join in with Tara Lazar’s Storystorm…a month-long challenge starting January 1st that will help you brainstorm new story ideas.
And what’s up for today? One of the most beautiful and relevant books of 2017…a book that will hopefully encourage this divided world to come together in love. To find out more whyconnecting is important, check out Cheryl Keely’s 12×12 featured author post from January of this year.
Written by Cheryl Keely
Illustrated by Celia Krampien
Published by Sleeping Bear Press (2017)
Ages: 5-8
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Bridges are some of the most fascinating structures in our landscape, and they come in all forms. From towering suspension bridges to humble stone crossings, this book visits them all in sweet, bouncing text with expository sidebars. But while bridges can be quite grand, this reminds us that their main purpose is bringing people together. This is perfect for budding architects, as well as readers who can relate to having loved ones who live far away.
Why I like this book:
Please read the Publishers Weekly review and you will know why:
Keely makes her children s book debut with a contemplative exploration of bridges, citing real-life examples, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Peru s Puente de Piedra, and more metaphorical ones, including the arches created by backbends and rainbows. The straightforward central narrative ( Some bridges join country to country, making a big world seem smaller ) is supplemented by facts and details about the specific bridges that appear in Krampien s artwork ( The Three Countries Bridge at the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland only truly connects France to Germany. But Switzerland is only a hop, skip, and a yodel away! ). In her first picture book, Krampien uses a fresh, contemporary cartooning style to create expansive panoramas that showcase the bridges sizes and spans, as well the activity of the humans and animals they serve particularly in the wildlife bridges of Banff National Park, which allow bears, wolves, and other creatures to cross highways safely. Keely s tender closing example of the bridge formed through the simple act of holding hands cements the message of togetherness and connection that bridges (of all kinds) make possible.
To order a copy or leave a review for A BOOK OF BRIDGES go here.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
If you live near a bridge that can be walked across, take a field trip and do it.
Make a paper bridge that can hold lots of pennies! For detailed directions and to read comments by kids who constructed one: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/paperbridge.html
Photo courtesy: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/paperbridge.html
Dear friends…thank you for spending time with me this year…I’m wishing all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year! Please come back on Monday and Tuesday for special Book Birthday posts and Giveaways!
Congratulations on a fabulous year, Vivian. Best wishes for 2018.
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Vivian, you’ve been so busy. Congrats on the success of your blog!
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Vivian, you are a kidlit force! Thanks for all of your work, and for introducing me to this fine book.
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Yay for a wonderful year! Cheryl’s book is wonderful! Hope you have an inspirational new year, Vivian!
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Thank you for your amazing blogs, Vivian! I’m so excited to see that Sleeping Bear Press not only accepts unsolicited manuscripts, but also accepts rhyming stories!! Who knew?
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Yet another intriguing book that you’ve showcased, Vivian! I hope 2018 is even more successful for you than this past year.
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Great book to end 2017. Congrats on all your amazing success. Here’s to an amazing 2018! ❤
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Vivian, you are setting the bar high! You’ve accomplished so much. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews and blog posts in 2017! I have looked forward to reading them and reading your thoughts on the many intriguing picture books you’ve mentioned. Wishing you an amazing year in 2018!
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Congratulations Vivian- amazing numbers! I am so appreciative of all you offer to the kidlit community. Here’s to another great year. And I am ready to Storystorm too!
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What a big year you’ve had! Congratulations! I really like this book because it can be used in so many ways with a child. Building bridges to communities…people/connectivity…healing and so on.
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Thank you for a wonderful year of blog posts! I enjoyed them all! Happy New Year!
Best
Lily Erlic
Children’s Author
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