Perfect Picture Book Friday: BRAVE WITH BEAUTY Plus Giveaway

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I always love writing these blog posts, but right now, this a welcome break for me…every day this week I have been sorting through stuff and clearing out closets and cabinets…the house closing is Monday. I’m also excited because I love meeting new author friends…and Maxine Rose Schur, the author of BRAVE WITH BEAUTY, was introduced to me by another author friend, Arlene Schenker. And it turns out that Maxine is also the author of several other picture books including MARIELLE IN PARIS…a story about a little mouse who is a fashion designer in Paris. Now this is where things get really interesting. My 7-year old granddaughter goes to the French school in Chicago…and loves to design clothes for her dolls and I knew she would LOVE this book. And Maxine very kindly and generously inscribed a copy for Sophie and sent it to her. Maxine is also offering a copy of her new book as a giveaway for this post.AND she’ll be stopping by tomorrow to share some insights into her writing journey and a favorite cookie recipe! We are all in for a treat! But for now, let’s find out more about BRAVE WITH BEAUTY.

BRAVE WITH BEAUTIY

Written by Maxine Rose Schur

Illustrated by Patricia Dewitt-Grush, Robin Dewitt, Golsa Yabhoobie

Published by Yali Books (2019)

Ages: 7-9

Themes: Women in Stem, diversity, Queen Goharshad

Synopsis: From Amazon:

This is the extraordinary story of Queen Goharshad, a 15th century monarch, who many historians now believe was the most powerful woman in world history.  Ruling from the Timurid artistic and cultural center of Herat in western Afghanistan, Queen Goharshad ushered in a remarkable, rare period when poetry, music, calligraphy, painting and the sciences flourished as never before. A poet and an architect, she designed a complex of buildings that were considered to be some of the most beautiful structures ever built on earth.

Why I love this book:

  1. A true story of a young girl who chose to spend her time learning and creating even though most girls in those days did not do that.
  2. The writing hooks you in from the first page – this is a fascinating story of action and determination.
  3. The illustrations are exceptional…rich with detail and color.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Photo courtesy: https://creativefamilyfun.net/watercolor-tiles-exploring-afghanistan/

How about making a mosaic of watercolor tiles? For detailed instructions: https://creativefamilyfun.net/watercolor-tiles-exploring-afghanistan/

And here’s a link from the Yali Books website: https://yalibooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Flyer_Islamic-Tiles.pdf

Find Afghanistan on a world map…look up information about it – what type of climate does it have? Are there any animals that are native to this country? What types of fruits or vegetables grow there?

I know that many children will be returning to school soon…but school will look very different this September. Whether your child is attending remotely, on-site, or some hybrid model, the time you spend reading will go a long way to developing literacy skills in young children and sparking the curiosity of older ones. A book like BRAVE WITH BEAUTY would be a wonderful launch pad for a discussion about diverse cultures, their contributions to the world, and how they enrich our lives.

Please remember to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of BRAVE WITH BEAUTY, thanks to our generous author, Maxine Rose Schur. And make sure you are here tomorrow when Maxine stops by to chat about her fascinating writing journey.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Please stay safe and well!

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19 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday: BRAVE WITH BEAUTY Plus Giveaway”

  1. How can I have never heard of this woman?! Thank you, Maxine, for showcasing her in this beautiful book, and thank you, Vivian, for hosting. Best wishes in your sorting and moving!

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  2. It is wonderful to be reminded of the accomplishments of Afghan women from days past. I was fortunate to be able to write a book that showcases the contribution to society of a contemporary Afghan women — Razia Jan– who started the Zabuli Education Center about 12 years ago — and now hundreds of girls are getting an education and breaking the cycle of illiteracy. Razia’s Ray of Hope: One Girl’s Dream of an Education. (Vivian, happy to participate in a give-away of this title if you’d like!)

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    • Thank you Donna! There are so many unsung great people in our world and it’s an adventure seeking them out. I am also a travel writer and I see you love travel and write about it as well. One day we’ll be out in the world again and in the meantime we can travel in the world of the mind.
      All the best to you!

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  12. I have never heard of this queen nor this picture book. I cannot wait to read this & learn more about her.

    Vivian, I hope the move proceeds well – such a difficult but necessary process, and I’m sure you & your family will be much happier when you’re all in the new house. Two of my children moved (are moving) this month. The 37th & 38th moves I’ve helped with in the past 36 years! Yes, there’s a book in there…

    Liked by 1 person

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