Did you know that almost every day is a national holiday of sorts?
It’s true! Yesterday was Mutt Day. And tomorrow is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day…and also National Beer Day…I guess you can take your pick, depending on what you love the most.
But the entire month of August is NATIONAL FAMILY FUN MONTH. Which is perfect for residents of the Northeast, where I live. The temps rise and the sun shines and it is wonderful to get out and do things, especially if you have young children. Today I’m sharing a lovely book from a dear writer friend of mine that is all about spending time with family and having fun. He was kind enough to send me two books…one for me and one for…a giveaway! Please leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win!
A WONDERFUL DAY
Written by Michael Samulak
Illustrated by Louise Pulvera
Published by: Pen It (2019)
Ages: 3-7
Themes: Zoo animals, family togetherness, diversity
Synopsis: A child wakes and discovers that today the family is taking a trip to the zoo. Page by page, we travel alongside, seeing all the animals and also, all of the other zoo visitors. And when the day ends, the last page turn provides a sweet closure, as the tired child is tucked into bed.
What I love about this book:
- It’s an easy reader – so an older child would be able to read it to a younger sibling.
- Colorful illustrations harken back to a kinder gentler time
- Diverse families populate the story
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Photo courtesy: https://iheartcraftythings.com
PAPER BAG ANIMAL PUPPETS
I’m a big fan of paper bags as a craft supply to keep on hand when you have little ones. They are inexpensive, safe, and oh so versatile.
For detailed instructions: https://iheartcraftythings.com/20-paper-bag-animal-crafts-for-kids.html
Here’s a mini bio about Michael:
Mr. Samulak obtained his bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Michigan State University (’96) and finished his master’s in Reading Curriculum and Instruction at Cleveland State University (’12). He’s been working as a full-time youth minister and educator for almost 20 years.
Michael uses his formal education, experiences, world travels and life’s adventures to write award-winning children’s picture books.
The author currently resides in the city of Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and five children.
Michael is also the author of two other books: A IS FOR AFRICA, illustrated by Sswaga Sendiba. Plus there is a companion coloring book that contains the same text, but the illustrations aren’t colored in, so children can use their own imaginations to create fantastical creatures.
To find out more about Michael and his books: http://www.michaelsamulak.com/
Thank you for stopping by, my friends. The selection process for the #PBChat Mentorship organized by Justin Colon has ended…but the mentorship itself is just beginning. I received over 100 amazing applications and manuscripts…writers poured their hearts onto the pages…and for the past two weeks, I have been struggling, not only to read them all (100 manuscripts is a lot of manuscripts!), but also to choose the ONE person I thought could benefit most from my help. Oh my, if only I was able to clone myself!
In the end, just under the wire, I did choose…Helen Ishmurzin. I am so excited to work with her over the next three months. And she speaks five languages….so I know that I will be learning a lot from her.
I also have been making plans for my trip to Colorado in August. And guess what? The day I am in Denver, I will be doing a book event at 10:30am on August 23rd at Second Star to the Right, an awesome bookstore on S.Pearl Street. Huge thanks go to our very own Laura Roettiger, author of the fabulous ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON, who was a major player in arranging this…I owe you big time, Laura!!! I’m hoping that lots of Colorado friends will be able to come…what better place for kidlit folk to meet than at a children’s bookstore, right? And maybe after the event, we can walk up S.Pearl Street and find a little cafe to sit and chat before I have to head off to meet up with my family and fly back home.
And before I let you go, last night on Facebook I announced the winner of Laura Roettiger’s wonderful book. Congratulations, Ellen Leventhal…you will be receiving a copy of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON, thanks to dear Laura.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend – stay safe and stay cool! Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of Michael’s book!
Sounds so sweet! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy CO Vivian, my sister is there right now and loves it!
Also, Laura, you’re so wonderful!
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Thanks, Kaitlyn!
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Thank you for the kind words! Sweet is one of the things I was going for with this book — my daughter’s favorite place to be when I was writing this one!
Thank you for the support!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Sounds so great! Thank you for sharing this book with us!
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I’m happy you have taken notice and to do hope you are able to find it at your local library — if not please request that they carry it. I would very mucj appreciate it. 😇❤️
Thank you sincerely!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Oh Viviane, I’m so happy to be part of your return to Colorado! Again, thank you for hosting me on your blog. This book looks cute and I love paper bag puppets!
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Thank you Laura for taking interest in the book! The illustrations are very cute and kid friendly. Let me know please when you have been able to read a copy!
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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This book sounds like a great one for families! And thank you Vivian for being a mentor in PBChat. I feel honored that you read my work.
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I was so proud of everyone who gathered the courage and the effort to fill out that application and send their work and I honored that you applied to me, Rose! It was painfully difficult to choose…I got over 100 applications and manuscripts. I enjoyed your story about Carlton…and I do intend to email each person and give a bit of feedback for each manuscript…it will take me a while…but I will do it. 😉
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Thank you Vivian! I admire your endless energy! You are an inspiration.
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Thank you Rose!
Yes!! Since the book is an early reader, it is indeed meant to be shared with others while your emerging reader is practicing her decoding, phonics, and text-to-self reflection strategies with another loved one in the family.
An early ready that is engaging as well as educational!
Thanks for the support.
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Thank you so very much for sharing. What a wonderful concept. Thanks for all you do for kidlit, Vivian!
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I so appreciate the kind words and do hope you are able to have and share the book with the book and zoo lovers around you!!
All the best!
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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This post is chock-full of goodness! What a wonderful way to start the last month of summer! And the perfect day to share A Wonderful Day! I especially liked your comment about the illustrations, Vivian, because I completely agree. When I look at that cover, I want to be IN the picture. Congratulations, Michael and Louise. Vivian, have a great time in Denver!
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Thank you for the kind words and support!!
I LOVED what Louise did to make my own vision of the book come to life!
I do hope you are able to find the book at your local library so you can see the book first and all of the beautiful illustrations first-hand!
Sincerely
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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This sounds like a lovely book. It’s on my ‘to get’ list. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Linda for the support!
I hope someone eventually fulfills that request and you have a copy of your very own. Who knows…maybe from this “Give Away”.
Thank you for the support!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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I love the idea that this is an easy reader. The only thing more fun than reading to a little one yourself is when you peek around a corner and see a 2 year old sitting next to her older cousin who’s reading to her!
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Yes! Yes! And Yes!
As an educator I can so relate to this joy. My brother send me a picture not too long ago of his 3yr old son in bed, flashlight in hand, and “sneaking” some late night reading — of his “Uncle Mike’s” book. It took my breath away!
All the best to you and yours!
And
Thank You for the support!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Thank you for introducing us to this book. It sounds inviting.
Also, thank you Vivian for offering to be a PBChat mentor and congratulations to Helen!
Enjoy CO!!
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It was my honor to be asked to be a mentor, Mary…and I loved your Whoosh! Crash! Roar! I will definitely be reaching out to each person who send a manuscript to me with some feedback…it may take a while since there were over 100 who applied to me…but I promise I will do it before the year is out. 😉
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You are so kind Vivian! Thank you so much for all you do!! ( not sure how you do it all 😀)
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Thank you Mary!
It was my hope that it would be enjoyed by so many and that they would be able to see themselves and their families in the book!
Thank you for the support.
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Thank you for introducing me to another author, Vivian. And I’ll be thinking of you at Second Star to the Right since it’s my 49th wedding anniversary.
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Oh my…congratulations, Mary! Happy 49th anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment!
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Thank you as well Mary for being a fellow reading and writer! We cannot have enough in this world!
I’m always happy to connect with kindred-spirits on FB or Twitter!
Wishing you every success!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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I wish this lovely book had been around when I was teaching. We need more kinder, gentler easy readers!
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Thank you so much, Carmela.
BTW…I am in LOVE with the manuscript you sent for the #PBChat mentorship. Did you know you were one of my runners up? You’ve got a book there, for sure and I’m glad Justin is arranging for you to get it critiqued.
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Thank you Carmela for your kind words.
I do hope the book brings a bit of sweet nostalgia to many who are able to read and enjoy it together!
Thank you again for the support!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Congratulations, Michael! Sounds like a sweet book. Thanks, Vivian, for all you do for writers!
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Thank you! And I do hope you are able to find a copy to read and enjoy with a loved one!!
Who knows?! Maybe via posting here.
😇☺️
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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It’s always fun going to the zoo! Congrats! Thanks for sharing about this book. Fun in the sun! Congrats to the mentees as well. 🙂 Due to personal circumstances, I was unable to meet the app deadline this year. But there is always next year!
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Totally next year…I’ll be rooting for you, Angie. Life happens and we need to go with the flow…but that window of opportunity will open again next year…and I’ll bet Justin has even more mentors on board.
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Thanks, Vivian! On my way this month to a week long writing residency. I am way beyond excited! 🙂
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Thank you Angie for the interest and support!
I wish you all the best in your own endeavors with writing and publishing.
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Zoo trips were our favorites when the kids were little. This sounds like a great book to read as well as give to older siblings when they have a new baby in the house.
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Yes Danielle!
As an early-reader the book makes for a perfect shared experience for younger and older siblings!! As a father to five, I love to find those books, games, activities that help to bring the family together on many different levels.
Thank you for the kind words and support!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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How exciting you’ll be on the move again. That’s amazing how many applicants you had. I don’t know how you did it. This book sounds very kid-friendly and a great read to compliment a trip to the zoo. I always enjoy following along on your adventures. Enjoy!
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Indeed Ashely and thank you!
I have been told that the book inspires as well as helps follow-up a wonderful day out and about! Talking about the shared experiences and/or looking forward to the next time.
Peace be to you!
Very Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Hi Vivian,
I love reading your newsletters! On this one my favorite feature was the related crafts with paper bag puppets. Did you get permission to use their photo, or go ahead and use it since you gave them credit? I’m curious, and would love to get your advice.
All the best from sunny Wapakoneta, Rinda Beach
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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That is a great question, Rinda. We are supposed to reach out and ask the blog owner if we snag a photo from their blog, even if we give photo credit. I have asked several…they’ve all said yes…but once in a while, I do use one that I didn’t have time to get permissions. But my advice would be to reach out and ask. 🙂
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Thank you also Rinda!
I too love to connect with fellow readers and writers.
Find me and follow on Twitter for a Follow Back!
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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This book looks charming! Zoos are one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely keep a lookout for this book!
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My daughter loves the zoo as well!
Actually — all my kids ☺️☺️
Thank you for your interest and support.
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Michael–this looks like such a heartwarming book! I love that it is gender-neutral so any kid can imagine themselves into the story. What a great alternative to actual zoo days too. My 3-yr-old adores the zoo, but we do not go often because it is hard wrangling two toddlers by myself. I can see zoo-loving kiddos like mine building up the anticipation of another zoo trip and maybe even planning out which animals to see at their next outing. Vivian–thank you so much for all you do. You are amazing to reach out to all of your applicants. I can’t imagine the level of exhaustion you are going to have at the end of this #PBchat season, but what a difference you are making in the kidlit community! It was an honor just to participate and get so much encouragement.
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Thank you Mary for your kind and insightful words!
Indeed the main character is referred to only by the term of endearment, “Love” along with the many families and even colors as well being an inclusion as possible!!
Having rainy day alternatives are great aren’t they!! As a father to five. my wife and I are always on the look for all kinds of healthy ways and means to keep up with the little ones.
Thank you for the support and all the best in all you do!
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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You are on the move again, Vivian! What a lovely book for any family with young children or grandchildren. Take care!
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Thank you Jarm!
I believe the book is indeed perfect for families of all sizes and kinds.
Thank you for the support and all the best to you and yours!
Sincerely,
Michael, author
On Twitter@MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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Thank you Vivian for the extra attention and support shown!! Thank you all for the kind words.
Sincerely,
Michael Samulak, author
A Wonderful Day!
A is for Africa
@MichaelSamulak
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Michael…you can see from the comments that everyone loves your book! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to share it with all my kidlit friends. 😉
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Great sharing on this book. Will keep an eye out for it.
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I do hope that you are able to get a hold of a copy at your local library!!
I sincerely appreciate the support and interest!
Yours truly,
Michael, author
On Twitter @MichaelSamulak
http://www.michaelsamulak.com
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