Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, my friends. It’s been a couple of weeks – a bit of a summer blog break, plus with the #PBChat Mentorship applications and manuscripts, I knew I’d be a bit buried for a while. I’ve started working with my mentee, the lovely Helen Ishmurzin – and we are both enjoying connecting and finding out more about each other.
Life here is busy as usual – I received a phone call from the publicity department at Little Bee. We chatted about the plan for Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe which launches in less than SIX MONTHS! The F&Gs arrived this week also – and I am loving every page of the book!
Speaking about books…we have two books to giveaway.
The lovely Laura Roettiger is giving away a copy of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON. And the winner is…
ELLEN LEVENTHAL
The magnificent Michael Samulak is giving away a copy of A WONDERFUL DAY. And the winner is…
RINDA BEACH
CONGRATULATIONS ELLEN AND RINDA. I’ll reach out to you, Rinda, to get your shipping address…and I believe that Laura and Ellen have already connected.
I’m starting to pack for my Colorado trip – my son and I will be fly-fishing at Eleven Mile Canyon and at the Dream Stream…so I’ve got to bring rods, reels, and all manner of fly-fishing paraphanelia…it’s a good thing Southwest Airlines lets you check two bags for free.
Another good thing is the brand new picture book I am reviewing today!
CAN U SAVE THE DAY?
Written by Shannon Stocker
Illustrated by Tom Disbury
Published by Sleeping Bear Press (2019)
Ages: 5-7
Themes: Getting along, respecting others, alphabet
Synopsis: From Amazon:
“B is an awfully boastful bloke and when he and the rest of the alphabet get together, he can’t help but tease the vowels about their small numbers. So the vowels begin to take off, one by one. The consonants–and the rest of the farm–see just how important vowels really are. With disaster looming and B seeing the error of his ways, can U save the day and set the alphabet right again?”
Why I love this book:
- Funny – funny – funny…and kids love funny books!
- So many lessons under the humor…respecting and valuing each other and getting along.
- Fabulous illustrations!
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Photo courtesy: https://crystalandcomp.com/letter-of-the-week-crafts-for-preschoolers/
Check out all of these cool alphabet crafts – for detailed instructions: https://crystalandcomp.com/letter-of-the-week-crafts-for-preschoolers/
Please don’t forget to leave a comment below to be entered in the giveaway of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique from the lovely Shannon Stocker! Her debut picture book, CAN U SAVE THE DAy, JUST LAUNCHED yesterday…so let’s show our support and add this book to our picture book collection, ask local libraries to purchase it for their shelves, and share this post on social media.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend…I leave on Monday for a week in Colorado with my family…looking forward to those beautiful Rocky Mountains…and a bookstore event at Second Star to the Right in Denver on Friday, Aug 23…I know that Julie Hedlund will be there…and Laura Roettiger and several other Colorado kidlit folk…if you are in the neighborhood, please do stop in to say hello.
Thanks again for featuring ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON! I know Ellen received it and she loved it which makes my writing heart so happy. Looking forward to seeing you next week! And as far as this week’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection – wow! I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at this book and all I can say for those who haven’t bought it yet: what are U waiting for? It’s a lovely story written with a beautiful rhyme and an important message that doesn’t hit you over the head. A critique with author Shannon Stocker would be a most welcome prize for any writer, including me!
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Awww… thank you, Laura! I loved that you had a book giveaway in this post, too. Congrats to Ellen!
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What a cute new book. Can’t wait to read it with my great-nephew!
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Congratulations on your new picture book Shannon! I love the cover and really want to read it to find out if ‘U‘ can save the alphabet :o)
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LOL… U will have to read the book to C! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
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Oh, I’m already in love with that book! Two of my all time favorite books are Alphabet Rescue and B is for Bulldozer. It sounds like it is in much the same vain. Congratulations!!!!
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As a letter/word geek, I love all alphabet books! Be sure to look me up and let me know what you think about it and thanks for the comment!
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If U can save the day, I thinks it can too! Congrats Shannon!
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LOL – thanks, Sue!
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Sounds like a great fun book. Very colorful illustrations. Congrats Shannon. Happy travels Vivian.
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Thanks, Diane! I had tons of fun writing it and Tom nailed the illustrations. Very grateful!
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Such a clever concept–can’t wait to check it out. Have a great time on your trip.
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Thanks, Carrie! I hope you love it!
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Your trip sounds wonderful, Vivian! Enjoy the fly fishing! I’ve just been looking at a bunch of new books for our state Book Award Committee and Can U Save the Day sounds like one to review. Love the concept. Congratulations, Shannon!
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Thank you so much! I’d be honored to be included and would love to hear your thoughts! ☺️
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Definitely a winner! And a perfect picture book! Thank you for saving the day, U — Shannon and Vivian. Wishing you both all the best!
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Awwww… thanks, CP! Love ya!
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Congratulations Shannon! I read it yesterday and I agree with Vivian. It has humor, the importance of how we treat each other, and everyone has an important and unique role. Such a great idea!
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Oh wonderful! Thanks so much, Ashley. I appreciate the read. If you have a moment and would be willing to leave a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon, I’d really appreciate it. I know the warehouse is having an issue right now and copies are on delayed shipping, but positive feedback is wonderful (and so appreciated) for momentum!
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Yes of course. I just happened to find the book is available on Hoopla late last night. I’m not sure how authors feel about Hoopla, but your book was there 🙂. I’m going to put a request for the library as well.
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Congrats Shannon! I heard you reading a little of this on the PB Palooza webinar and its fantastic! I am also a rhymer so I’m always super excited to see a new fabulous rhyming book come out into the world! Can’t wait to read the entire book!
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Oh, wonderful! I’m so glad you participated in Mira’s class and hope you had tons of fantastic webinars. Hers was one of the first that I ever took. Keep on rhyming!
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My 2 year old grand-daughter is just learning her ABC’s and I bet she’d love this book! Thanks for the review. I can’t wait to read it to her. As always, thanks for a great and enlightening blog post, Vivian! Have a fun trip!
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Thanks, Beth! I hope she adores it. Heads up that the warehouse is having a bit of a shipping issue right now, but it should be fixed soon. I’m grateful for your comment!
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Congratulations Shannon! Your book sounds like great fun. I hope you enjoy a wonderful trip Vivian.
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Thank you, Mary! Much appreciated!
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Congratulations on the book Shannon! Can’t wait to get it! And have a great trip Vivian!
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Awwww…thank you so much! I appreciate the love!
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So happy for your Shannon! It’s sounds like a great read with a pinch of humour. Well done. Wishing Vivian a wonderful fishing retreat in the mountains.
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It’s so much fun to hear kids making animal noises without the vowels. Thanks for the comment!
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Love the title and humorous premise of this picture book, Shannon. Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it!
Safe & happy travels, Vivian! Hope to see pictures from the bookstore visit!
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Thank you so much! I hope you love it. And yes, Vivian, post lots of pictures!!
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Congratulations, Shannon. Can’t wait to read it! It looks absolutely adorable. Have fun in CO, Vivian!
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Thank you, Tracy! I’m so grateful for all the people who want to read it. Heads up that there’s a bit of a warehouse issue (that’s translating to a shipping delay), but I so appreciate reviews and feedback whenever it does fall into your hands!
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Can’t wait to read this, Shannon! Congratulations and thanks for the great post, Vivian!
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Thank you, Elizabeth! And your hat in the photo is so cute. Appreciate your feedback so much!
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Congrats on your book. It sounds great!
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Thanks so much!
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Congrats, Shannon! Sounds like a fun read!
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Thank you, Kim! I appreciate it!
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Congratulations on your story, Shannon! It looks fabulous! Can’t wait to find a copy. Thanks for the critique giveaway as well. What a kind way to support the kidlit community.
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Thank you so much! I appreciate all purchases or recommendations to libraries so very much, and would love to hear what you think about it!
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Being a lover of our “inconvenient” alphabet, I can’t wait to see this book!
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Right?!? I love quirky alphabet books! Thanks for the comment!
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Bravo, Shannon, on the birth of your book! U must be thrilled. I’ll definitely write up a purchase request at our local library and order a copy for myself. Your themes embedded with humor sound the perfect mix for a picture book story. Sending you inspiration and energy for your continued success.
Heat up the frying pan, Vivian! The Rockies and their rivers will be swollen with water and trout. Lucky you to breathe in that pine mountain air! Your bookstore visit will be an extra treat for your trip. My “Bucket List” has two more wishes: Hug Vivian Kirkfield and Meet Julie Hedlund in person. You both are bright inspirations for Kidlit folk.
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What an incredibly sweet and thoughtful comment! And I agree – I’d like to meet both Vivian and Julie in person. Love them both! I don’t know if you’ve read my #InHERview with Vivian, but head over to my website (www.shannonstocker.com) if not and check it out. I loved my chat with her so much – she’s inspirational beyond measure. ❤
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You are always so kind and thoughtful with your comments, Marsha. I love them! And in order to fulfill your bucket list mentioned above, just hop on a plane and be at Second Star at 10:30am on Friday, August 23…you will get both of your wishes. 🙂 🙂 😉 If only we had a Star Trek transporter and could say: Beam me up, Scottie.
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Oh, fun! I love alphabet books! As a former kinder teacher, I lived for any type of fun book highlighting letters. Thanks for sharing! And have fun in Colorado, Vivian! Yay for relaxing on the river (if you enjoy fly fishing that is). 🙂
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Yay! I love them, too! I so appreciate the comment.
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Congrats to the winners!
I’m waiting not so patiently for this book to arrive. I saw Shannon’s “unboxing” video (without the box), and it made me cry happy tears. Yay!
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LOL – you and me both, Jilanne! I have a call with my editor and the publisher on Monday to answer questions about warehouse/shipping issues. Hopefully we will both know when our books are due to arrive soon! I’m just grateful right now that the B&N got them in time for the launch party tomorrow. Wish you lived closer! Sending hugs. ❤
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Hope you have a fabulous launch! I’d be there if I didn’t live a few thousand miles away!
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You’ve been so supportive – it means the world. Truly.
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Congratulations on your book, Shannon! It sounds like it will be a lot of fun to read, as well as having multiple layers. Best wishes with it!
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Thank you, Mia! I appreciate the comment. 🙂
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This book looks very fun. Lots of winning elements all smashed together. I look forward to it.
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Thanks, David! I enjoyed the smashing. 🙂
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I love clever alphabet books, and I can’t wait to read yours, Shannon. It sounds wonderful!
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Thanks, Arlene! Let me know what you think of it once you’ve read it!
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Can’t wait to read this book. Looks like so much fun!
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Thank you, Sarah!
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Biggest congratulations to you, Shannon. This is on my reading list. So looking forward to LISTEN too!
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Oh, yay! Thanks, Dea! I look forward to hearing what you think!
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Congratulations on your book Shannon. Will check out this lovely rhyming story.
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Thank you so much, Jay!!
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What a fun book! I am adding it to my wish-list right now. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
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Oh, wonderful! I’m so appreciative of all the support. Thank you!
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I’m looking forward to finally meeting Vivian in person next week! I’m also really anxious to get my hands on a copy of Shannon’s book–sounds like a clever read.
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Thanks, Sandy – and I’m jealous that you get (got?) to meet Vivian in person. I have two young kids, so I’m thinking I might have to bribe her to come to Louisville… 😉
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Lots of good news in this post! Congrats to all. Enjoy your trip.
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Thanks for reading, Lauri!
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Oh, I just love the concept of this book. It sounds like a fun, clever read.
Congrats, Shannon!
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Thanks, Linda! ❤️
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Congratulations Shannon. Sounds so fun❤️
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Thanks, Emmie!!
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