Hello dear friends! I hope you haven’t given up on me. With a March 1st deadline, I’ve been writing and revising for the past three weeks. I’m happy to say that four of the manuscripts for the compilation book are already on the editor’s desk. I have one more ready to go, another almost there, a third that needs a bit more research, and a fourth…well…let’s just say that one is still a rough draft.
January was also Tara Lazar’s STORYSTORM challenge and I now have a notebook with 30+ new story ideas. If you didn’t get a chance to hop over to read my post, you can click here. I shared how I got ideas for all of the books that are now under contract – and a few that are out on submission. If you are writing with the view to getting traditionally published, I urge you to read Jane Yolen’s post – I am always inspired by her words.
Speaking of being inspired…our Perfect Picture Book Friday selection does exactly that! The text by award-winning author Sigrid Schmalzer is glorious and the illustrations by debut picture book illustrator Melanie Linden Chan are incredible!
MOTH AND WASP, SOIL AND OCEAN: Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming
Written by Sigrid Schmalzer
Illustrated by Melanie Linden Chan
Published by Tilbury House Publishers (2018)
Ages: 6-9
Themes: Sustainable farming, Chinese culture, conservation
Why I like this book:
- A true gem of history that will inspire adults and kids
- A beautiful diverse story that will help children get a better picture of life in other places and times
- Incredible illustrations from debut picture book illustrator Melanie Linden Chan…just incredible!
- I love the message of sustainable farming!
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Plant Seeds
Photo courtesy: https://www.prekinders.com/category/themes/plants-seeds/
One of the favorite activities of my kinders was planting seeds. They loved getting their hands in the soil, pressing the small beans, peas, or other seeds with their fingers. Best of all, the loved watching the little green sprouts push up and flourish. For detailed instructions, go here: https://www.prekinders.com/category/themes/plants-seeds/
For more wonderful picture book reviews, please go to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog. And for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up, go here.
And while you are there, why not check out her Valentiny Contest that starts soon!
And last, but definitely not least, if you’d like to get a peek at the 2018 Debut Picture Books, please visit the Epic Eighteens website.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend. Stay warm or stay cool, whichever you prefer.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
If anyone can write and polish so many manuscripts in such a short time, it’s you, Vivian! Thanks for highlighting another interesting book.
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Thanks so much, Sandy! And get ready because you and our Goodnight Moons will probably be seeing one or more of those manuscripts very soon. 😉
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can’t wait to see them 🙂
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Thanks for review of what looks like an interesting, beautiful book. I look forward to seeing your books, too, Vivian!!
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This looks like a book I gotta read – thanks for sharing it. and definitely looking forward to your books, Viv.
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This book looks so interesting! Thanks for bringing it to my attention. And good luck writing and revising. Sounds like you are hitting this new year running!
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Ooh I can’t wait to read that one! Thank you. And thanks for the post. You sure have been busy!!! Exciting times. Congratulations Vivian. 🙂
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Gorgeous book! And interesting story! OK, Now get back to work, Vivian!
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As a farmer’s daughter, I love the concept of this book! And it’s a topic I know absolutely nothing about (except for understanding what sustainable farming is). So I’ll be seeking this one out. Thank you!
Also, love how the seedlings are leaning toward the light—phototropism. Thanks for putting this book in your radiant spotlight, Vivian!
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After reading your review I jumped over to my library online to reserve a copy but sadly, it isn’t in their system… Looks like I’ll have to do a little sleuthing to find a copy. Having grown up in the heart of farm country, I have a love of farming stories and illustrations. This looks like a story that will win my heart.
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Great choice to germinate little growers, esp as seed catalogs are being delivered everywhere!
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I’ll have to check this one out, Vivian. I love the sustainable farming theme and history here. And congrats on all your new books — well done!
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Wow, I love that this is about sustainable farming. Also, the title is so intriguing.
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I have always been intrigued with sustainable farming. Must check this one out. We have a historic farm (state park) in Ohio, Malabar Farm, where many ideas were practiced by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. Love the cover and title.
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Oh! I saw something about this late last year & it looks great! Thanks for the reminder, Vivian!!
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Interesting book. I am looking forward to reading this one. Thanks Vivian. Good luck on all your drafts. 🙂
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I love diverse books. Thanks for sharing this title. I am going to try to get a copy. Great idea to plant seeds. I loved doing that in elementary school.
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What a beautiful book choice Vivian. I’m looking forward to all of your new books as well!
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As soon as I read your post I knew I wanted to read this book … just for myself. But my library doesn’t have it! Will have to check the local bookstore.
Thanks for sharing, Vivian!
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You are one busy lady, dear friend. Lovely book. I’m hoping our little Korean boarders will enjoy getting in the garden when they arrive tomorrow.
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Thanks for the helpful links, Vivian. Glad your patience is paying off. . . Congrats! 😊
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I am so impressed with your working habit of all that writing and revising.
Great book showcased here, too. Also, love your craft. It reminds me one does not need to buy the store’s seed planter pods to have nice plants in their garden. 🙂
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