Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, my friends! I had a fabulous time at the NESCBWI conference in Springfield, Massachusetts last weekend. The keynotes were amazing…Jane Yolen, Patricia MacLachlan and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. My presentations went really well…I think folks walked away feeling they had gotten something of value. And getting to hug lots of kidlit friends was so much fun!

Today’s book  is so much fun also and it’s from one of my fellow #Newin19 teammates, Mia Wenjen who hosts the fabulous Pragmatic Mom blog.

But, before we get to the review, we owe someone a book. Two weeks ago, Jodi McKay offered a copy of her newest picture book, PENCIL’S PERFECT PICTURE, and the winner is:

KATIE WILLIAMS

Congratulations, Katie. Be on the lookout for an email.

And guess what? Today’s author, Mia, is generously offering a copy of her brand-new picture book to one lucky winner…so please leave a comment for a chance to win.

SUMO JOE

Written by Mia Wenjen

Illustrated by Nat Iwata

Published by Lee & Low (2019)

Ages: 5-8

Themes: Gender equality, sibling relationships, sumo wrestling

Synopsis: From Amazon:

In this sweet and funny story, Sumo Joe and his friends enjoy pretending to be sumo wrestlers. But when his little sister wants to join their boy-only game, what should Sumo Joe do?

On Saturday mornings, Sumo Joe is a gentle big brother to his little sister. But on Saturday afternoons, he and his friends are sumo wrestlers! They tie on makeshift mawashi belts, practice drills like teppo, and compete in their homemade dohyo ring. They even observe sumo’s ultimate rule: no girls allowed! But when Sumo Joe’s little sister wants to join in the fun, Sumo Joe is torn between the two things he’s best at: sumo, and being a big brother.

Fists, feet, and martial art forms collide in this sweet yet spirited rhyming story by author Mia Wenjen and illustrator Nat Iwata.

Why I like this book:

• Text that keeps us moving with great rhythm and rhyme
• Fabulous illustrations
• Timely topic of inclusivity and girl power

And please don’t forget that the best gift to an author is for you to: buy the book, review the book, tell your friends about the book, and ask your library to add the book to their collection.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Photo courtesy: http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2018/06/quirky-origami-sumo-wrestlers.html

Wow…this looks like fun…make a couple of origami sumo wrestlers. For detailed instructions: http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2018/06/quirky-origami-sumo-wrestlers.html

Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of SUMO JOE by Mia Wenjen…and please remember that the best way to thank an author for writing a book that you love is to: buy the book, review the book, ask your library to purchase the book, tell friends about the book!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. For more wonderful reviews, please head on over to Susanna Hill’s website for Perfect Picture Book Friday.