Sometimes things are just meant to be.

A couple of months ago, I noticed author/illustrator Brian Lies was promoting a new book and offering a signed copy and an original illustration sketch as a giveaway. All you had to do to enter was to share the post. Of course, everybody knows I love sharing the word about new picture books…so I did. And guess what?

I won! The book is  AMAZING! And the sketch will be hung in a place of honor in my home. But even more special is that I got to connect with Brian. And when I asked if he’d like to participate in a Will Write for Cookies Q&A, he said: YES! Plus, because Brian is a generous soul as well as being a super talented author/illustrator, he’s doing a DOUBLE giveaway…a copy of THE ROUGH PATCH and a copy of his other new book that just launched, GOT TO GET TO BEAR’S. So, please make sure you leave a comment here and also come back tomorrow when Brian stops by to chat with us.

THE ROUGH PATCH

Written and illustrated by Brian Lies

Published by Harper Collins/Greenwillow Books (August 2018)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Loss, grief, friendship, hope

Opening lines: “Evan and his dog did everything together.”

Synopsis: From a Starred School Library Journal Review:

“Lies taps into the powerful nature of love, loss, grief, and hope in his latest picture book. Evan, a fox, and his dog are best friends and in a series of acrylic, oil, and colored pencil vignettes, they are shown attending a fair, playing games, and, most important, working in Evan’s meticulously groomed garden. These loving scenes are abruptly cut short by a large spread of white space with spare text stating: “But one day, the unthinkable happened.” On the opposing page, white space surrounds a grieving Evan as he mourns the loss of his dog. In his grief, Evan destroys the garden that reminds him so much of his friend and weeds grow in its place. When a pumpkin vine sneaks into the garden, Evan allows it to take root and with it, hope returns. With lyrical figurative language, Evan transitions from being devastated by heartache to a being willing to step back into the world again. With his pumpkin, Evan rejoins his friends at the fair. Although it’s not the same without his best friend, he enjoys himself again and even wins a prize for his pumpkin. His prize and the hope of all those who suffer love’s loss is a chance to love again with a new puppy. While best suited for independent readers or shared moments during a loss, this poignant picture book provides an exquisite depiction of grief and hope. VERDICT A remarkable first selection for all libraries and a helpful guide for children and adults who are going through their own rough patches.”  –-Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI

Why I like this book:

• The subject: we need more books that will help young kids cope with loss and grief – this book is perfect for a parent or teacher to use as a vehicle for opening a discussion when a child is going through a rough patch.
• Even more importantly, I think, because of the fabulous illustrations, it is a book a young child can ‘read’ just by turning the pages and looking at the pictures. THIS is a book where every picture is worth a thousand words.
• And the words that Brian does use, are absolutely perfect, setting just the right tone and pace for loss, grief, and finally, hope. This is a wonderful book for writers to use as a mentor text if they are looking to write a picture book about loss.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Photo courtesy: https://iheartcraftythings.com

Paper plates, paper bags, and just plain paper – that’s what you’ll need for most of these fun fox crafts, plus scissors, glue, and maybe a couple of googly eyes. I even see one that uses autumn leaves. How cool is that! Hop over to get detailed instructions here: https://iheartcraftythings.com/10-adorable-fox-crafts-for-kids.html

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway for a chance to win one of the two books.

Brian’s newest book, GOT TO GET TO BEAR’S (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) actually launched last week. This author/illustrator is on fire!!! And one lucky person is going to win a copy of it. Here’s a short synopsis from Amazon:

Bear never asks for anything. So when she sends a note to Izzy urgently requesting her presence, Izzy can’t refuse! But a blizzard begins and slows Izzy’s progress.  As the snow accumulates, so do her friends, helping her on her way to Bear’s place.  
     This heartwarming tale from best-selling author and illustrator Brian Lies shows readers the rewards of counting on friends to get you through, snowstorm or not.

And please do come back tomorrow when Brian shares insights, inspiration, and a lovely cookie recipe with us that has been in his family for THREE generations!

Speaking of family, I just booked a last-minute flight to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with my son and his family. I have to honestly say that Brian’s book, THE ROUGH PATCH, was part of the push to do that because it makes you realize how very important friends and family are.  We need to enjoy them and cherish them while we can. And when my 5-year old granddaughter heard I was coming, she told me she will be doing the cooking of the salad, turkey, and dessert. I am surely in for a rare treat!