Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends.
Oh dear, such sadness in the world…and now with the recent events in this country, it’s even more important to give children books that mirror kindness and inclusion.
And that’s why I’m thrilled to feature this book – I was lucky enough to get an early peek at the ARC when I paneled with Lindsay Leslie at the NCTE last November. And Lindsay is generously offering a DOUBLE GIVEAWAY…one person will win a copy of the book…and another person will win a Picture Book Manuscript Critique…the book is a treasure…and I can tell you that Lindsay gives brilliant critiques!
DUSK EXPLORERS
Written by Lindsay Leslie
Illustrated by Ellen Rooney
Published by Page Street Kids
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Summer fun, ingenuity, diversity
Synopsis: From Amazon:
It’s that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood….What outdoor adventures await? Join a diverse group of suburban kids as they dash and dodge in classic street games like tag and kick-the-can and reconnect with nature’s simple pleasures catching frogs, hunting fireflies, and climbing trees. These explorers play, laugh, and make the most of their own front yards right up until their parents call out that “It’s time to come home!” But when the sun begins to set tomorrow, they’ll be back for more evening excitement!
This ode to the timeless magic of summer evenings spent outside will remind kids of the fun and friends that wait just outside their doors and leave adults smiling with nostalgia for their own dusk explorations.
Why I love this book:
- Wonderful text that invites kids to enjoy the great outdoors on summer evenings – I can definitely remember being outside all day…running in for dinner when called…and then playing outside again until it was bedtime.
- Fabulous illustrations show us a beautifully diverse neighborhood.
- And just take a look at the super cool trailer…
We all know how important it is to get the word out about new books. And these days, with the cancellation of book festivals and bookstore events, I hope you will support your favorite books however you can. Buy and review them, tell friends about them, and ask your local libraries to purchase copies for their shelves.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
So many craft ideas to choose from! Which ones will you and your children try?
For detailed instructions: https://www.artycraftykids.com/craft/50-nature-crafts-kids/
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the double-your-pleasure, double-your-fun giveaway…why not share what your favorite outdoor pastime was when you were a kid: jump rope, hop scotch, hit-the-penny, stoop ball (if you lived in NYC), or what? If you share the post on social media, you get extra tickets in the giveaway hat. (But please remember that FB is not allowing us to share the url link for this blog post. You can share on Twitter and hopefully on Instagram…and then you can share your Twitter url on FB…or you can share my FB post.)
And for more picture book recommendations and activities, hop on over to Susanna Hill’s blog.
Please stay safe and well!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This book looks like so much fun! Very energetic! Congratulations on this new book!
LikeLike
Hi Vivian and Lindsay!
My kids and I love Dusk Explorers! I get to relive my childhood in this story and also get to become a dusk explorer with my children. Thank you for this post Vivian and for your book Lindsay!
LikeLike
Can’t wait to get this! Flashlight tag!!
LikeLike
Beautiful words and illustrations. It definitely gives me that kid again feeling! Congrats!
LikeLike
We love this book! Brings back so many wonderful memories and inspires new ones (especially this summer when we are pretty much sticking to our backyard)! I loved catching fireflies when I was a kid.
LikeLike
Can’t wait to read this!
LikeLike
This book looks lovely – and so necessary this summer for young readers who need some adventure after being stuck inside!
LikeLike
What’s better than a book or a critique :0)
LikeLike
How fun. A book or a critique. Can’t beat either for a win!
LikeLike
My kids love being dusk explorers (or any time explorers if it means being outside). They will love getting to read this book.
LikeLike
Oooh, love the trailer! Congrats! I was definitely a dusk tree climber, firefly lover, and flashlight tag player.
LikeLike
Oooh, love the trailer. Congrats! I was definitely a dusk tree climber, firefly lover and tag player.
LikeLike
I was magically transported back to my childhood. The hours we spent after dinner playing Tip the Can. Every child should become a Dusk Explorer.
LikeLike
This book looks fun! I remember playing hide and seek once it started to get dark outside with all the neighborhood kids. That’s when my love of running really began!
LikeLike
This book looks like so much fun! I remember running around playing games in the dark with my siblings and the entire neighborhood. I still have a scar on my knee from falling one of those nights!
LikeLike
I can’t wait to get a look at this book.
LikeLike
This looks like a great book, Leslie. Good topic and nice book cover. I can’t wait to read it.
Vivian, I love that rock snake craft.
My favorite outdoor activities as a child were riding my bike, hiking in the woods, and searching for bugs, salamanders, etc. during the day. At night, we liked to watch fireflies and camp out in the backyard.
LikeLike
I’m excited for this book. We need more books about summer.
My favorite outdoor night activity was catching fireflys!
LikeLike
I loved jump rope!
This book looks amazing, I can’t wait to share it with my first graders!
LikeLike
I love a book that captures a feeling. My favorite outdoor activity? Fishing with my dad:) Dusk= time to prepare the glow -in-the-dark bobbers!
LikeLike
This is a perfect book for some summer fun! I like seeing if I can spot the beaver’s activity in the evenings.
LikeLike