Welcome! Welcome, everyone! I’m so glad you are here because today we are going to be singing a Merry (because it’s a funny book) Happy Birthday to THE BATTLE OF THE BUTTS by talented author Jocelyn Rish and illustrated by the brilliant David Creighton-Pester. And it’s also a Merry post because Jocelyn stopped by to chat with us AND she’s offering a SIGNED COPY of the book as a Giveaway! WOW!
Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon sales page, although I think you can pretty much figure out what the book is about just from the cover.
Did you know manatees swim using farts? Or that herrings communicate by passing gas?
Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and even killing in the animal kingdom. Focusing on ten different animals and their derrières, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and “posterior power,” this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Which animal has the coolest butt power? That’s up to you to decide!
ME: Oh my gosh! I know a bunch of kids who are going to LOVE this book! And the lovely Jocelyn was kind enough to stop by to share a little bit about how this book happened. Howdy, Jocelyn! It’s lovely to have you here.
JOCELYN: Hi, Vivian! It’s lovely to be here. Confession: I didn’t read much nonfiction as a kid. Or as an adult. I’ve always loved learning, especially about science and animals, but I always read bite-sized trivia rather than nonfiction books. So when I started writing, of course it was going to be fiction.
When I took a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature over fifteen years ago, we had to turn in a nonfiction assignment, and mine was terrible, clearly written in the voice of one of the adults from Charlie Brown “Wah Wa Wa Wah Wa Wa.” My poor instructor was like: Okay, clearly you’re a fiction writer, so we’ll focus on that.
And focus on fiction I did. Until I had the idea for BATTLE OF THE BUTTS. And I knew it was THE ONE. So then I figured out how to utilize my fiction-writing skills to make the book funny !and voice-y. And I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I can’t believe it’s now released into the world today. I hope y’all have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!
That’s great, Jocelyn! We never know where along our writing journey we will find the ideas that become books. I’m excited that you used the skills you already had to fine-tune this one!
To find out more about Jocelyn:
Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who never imagined her cheeky sense of humor would lead to a book about animal butts. When she’s not researching fanny facts, she tutors kids to help them discover the magic of reading. Jocelyn has won numerous awards for her short stories, screenplays, short films, and novels and lives in South Carolina with her booty-ful dogs. Learn more at: www.jocelynrish.com
Links:Website: www.jocelynrish.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JocelynRish.AuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/JocelynRishInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynrish/
And remember, dear friends. The best way to thank an author for a book that you love is to: buy a copy, review it, tell friends about it, ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection. Make sure you leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. Maybe you can share what animal make you smile.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
I am smiling thinking of all the students in my class that will enjoy reading this book. It is certain to spark some very interesting conversations. I can’t wait to get a copy for my classroom library.
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I hope your students have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!
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Such a fun book, and will definitely put it on my library request list!
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Thank you!
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I am looking forward to reading this, I know so many kids who love tushy jokes.
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I hope kids have fun learning AND laughing!
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Ha! Have to read this one. Congrats, Jocelyn!
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Thank you!!!
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This sounds hilarious! I also want a copy at my library. Thanks for sharing your journey and congratulations 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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I have to say, I am NOT a grandma that likes “potty” books, or encourages the talk…but one that TEACHES my 15 grandchildren something and will keep their attention…now THIS is a book I would buy over and over for them!
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I hope it makes them laugh and learn!
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Ha, my twins are going to love this one, looks so fun!
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I hope they have a blast reading it!
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Love the premise – such a novel idea! Congratulations, Jocelyn! I’m looking forward to reading this.
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Thanks so much!
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This book looks absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you!
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I have wanted to read this book as mentor text since I first heard about it. I want to be able to incorporate humor into my nonfiction writing too–I know I always remember facts better is I’ve laughed while learning them.
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Awww, thanks so much, Danielle!
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I am so excited to read this! I love the angle you took.
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Thank you!
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Is there a 10 yr. old boy in the entire world who would not LOVE this book?! Congratulations, Jocelyn!
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I hope they have fun reading it! And thanks!
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Haha! I love it! Congratulations!
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Thank you!
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What a fun premise. I was never a big non-fiction reader as a kid either, but my 10yo daughter loves it. This is a book we can both enjoy!
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I hope it makes both of you giggle (while learning something new)!
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Such a clever premise and one that will appeal to so many kids and adults! I’m really looking forward to learning some interesting facts!
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I hope you learn something fanny-tastic!
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This looks like a great book, mixing humour with educational information.
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I hope you enjoy it!
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