Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! I’m continuing on my journey through the fabulous debut picture books of 2018. And today, you are in for a treat. I think most of you know how much I LOVE non-fiction picture book stories. And here is one that is going to go to the top of the charts!
THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY: The Creations of Diamonds & The Life of H. Tracy Hall
Written by Hannah Holt
Illustrated by Jay Fleck
Published by Balzer & Bray (October 2018)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Inventors, curiosity, bullying
Opening lines: “A ROCK named graphite. A BOY named Tracy.
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Told in a unique dual-narrative format, The Diamond and the Boy follows the stories of both natural diamond creation and the life of H. Tracy Hall, the inventor of a revolutionary diamond-making machine. Perfect for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer, and On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein.
Before a diamond is a gem, it’s a common gray rock called graphite. Through an intense trial of heat and pressure, it changes into one of the most valuable stones in the world.
Before Tracy Hall was an inventor, he was a boy—born into poverty, bullied by peers, forced to work at an early age. However, through education and experimentation, he became one of the brightest innovators of the twentieth century, eventually building a revolutionary machine that makes diamonds.
From debut author Hannah Holt—the granddaughter of Tracy Hall—and illustrator Jay Fleck comes this fascinating in-depth portrait of both rock and man.”
Why I like this book:
- Based on the life of her grandfather, the author had access to fabulous research resources…and it shows. The book has an authenticity that you don’t often find, even in nonfiction.
- I love that there are so many layers in this story…the life of the diamond, the life of H. Tracy Hall, bullying, staying true to who you are, following your dream.F
- The talented Jay Fleck brings the story to life with vivid colors and fabulous illustrations.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Diamond Shaped Craft for Kids
courtesy: http://cleverlearner.com/shapes/diamond-shape-activity.html
For detailed instructions and other crafts: http://cleverlearner.com/shapes/diamond-shape-activity.html
Diamond facts for kids: http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/diamond.html
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a picture book manuscript critique from Hannah Holt. It will be a priceless gift to one lucky winner!
PLUS…I’m adding another giveaway…a brand new copy of THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY. Here’s the back story: I ordered a copy from Amazon months and months ago. And then, for some reason, I forgot (life has been a bit busy and distracting for me this year)…and so I ordered one from my local indie bookstore. And I picked that one up a few weeks ago…and then the other day, I got a message from Amazon saying my book order would arrive on Thursday. So, now I have two copies and I want to share the joy! I’ll choose one winner for the critique and a different winner for the book. Make sure you comment on today’s post and tomorrow’s and Tuesday’s Book Birthday post. That way you will have three chances.
And I want to thank everyone who shared and/or commented on my Facebook post about the new cover and corrected launch date for Sweet Dreams, Sarah…I’m getting really excited about 2019…I’ve received the hard copy of Pippa’s Passover Plate and I can’t wait to share the cover of Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book…I think it will be ready to reveal in the next month or so!
For more wonderful picture book reviews and activities, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
Enjoy your weekend, dear friends! The autumn leaf colors are deepening. If you are driving or traveling, please be safe.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Looks fascinating! Congratulations Hannah! And thanks Vivian for all you do for the KidLit community!
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Fascinating! I had no idea there was a machine to make diamonds! And the parallels of a rough childhood turning into a success adult and graphite turning into a diamond is perfect. Way to go!
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I also love nonfiction. I enjoy writing, reading and researching nonfiction. It’s amazing when one can weave a creative element throughout nonfiction and make it fascinating for the reader. What joy and excitement it brings!
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Congratulations Hannah on your debut picture book. NF with heart – I love it! Thank you Vivian for sharing this.
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I love the family connection in this book! I would love to win a picture book critique or the book! Thanks so much for the giveaway, Vivian!
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Congratulations Hannah! The format sounds so interesting. I’m looking forward to reading it.
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I’m intrigued by the dual stories in your new book, Hannah. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations! Thanks, Vivian, for introducing us to another perfect picture book. Bon Voyage!
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Sounds like a heartfelt story. Can’t wait to read it.
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I also love nonfiction. This one sounds amazing. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
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Love it! Err. I didn’t know we could make diamonds. Sheesh. Or if I knew, I forgot. Maybe I better read this book! Thanks, Vivian!
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I love the way this book is structured. I cant wait to see it.
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I love that Hannah shared her grandfather’s story about being an innovator — that isn’t so long ago. Great themes for kids to follow their dreams and not give up.
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Another GEM debut from Epic 18! I love it when authors play with structure. Congratulations, Hannah!!
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What an inspiring and interesting story! Congrats to Hannah and thank you for this great interview Vivian!
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I am excited to read this book. The format intrigues me as a nonfiction writer and I must check it out.
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This one is NOT on order at the San Francisco Public Library. I just suggested it. Can’t wait to read this!
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This sounds interesting and educational. I’ll be looking for this one to read.
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Congrats, Hannah! This sounds both fascinating and full of heart! And I’m intrigued by the dual-narrative format. Can’t wait to read THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY.
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Great post Vivian. This is such a great book and I love your activities.
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I’ve been excited about this book for some time. So lovely to see it now out in the world. And your post is great, Vivian. I can’t wait to read Hannah’s book with its unique structure and powerful story. Without children’s authors, these amazing stories would most likely be untold.
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Congrats to Hannah on the book release!
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Congratulations, Hannah, on your debut #PB! Can’t wait to read it!
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Brilliance – a bright, sparkling gleam that passed from one generation to the next and now shines from the pages of Hannah’s book. What a treasure! Congratulations.
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Love this book. I’d love a copy for my classroom.
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I can’t wait!!! Congratulations!
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