Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! I met the author of today’s featured book back in 2020 via a critique I did for one of her manuscripts…THIS ONE! Yes, it was a PB bio about a real boy who was making a difference…a boy named Braeden. And now that manuscript is a BOOK that is launching in just a few days on September 5th. I’m thrilled we are celebrating JUST ONE PEBBLE: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger.
![](https://viviankirkfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/61uvt1bw5pl.jpg?w=769)
JUST ONE PEBBLE: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger
Written by Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky
Illustrated by Sara Casilda
Published by Clavis Publishing (September 5, 2023)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Compassion, hunger, activism
Synopsis: From Amazon:“Anyone can change the world as long as you dream big.” The true story of a boy who ignites awareness and provides aid for hunger relief in his community. For children ages 5 years and up.
One day, on his way to the store, Braeden Mannering sees a man sitting by the side of the road. He has no home, no belongings, and no food. “Somebody should help him,” he tells his mom. “You’re somebody,” she replies. Braeden thinks about it. Maybe he can help!
Why I Love This Book
1. I love that this is a TRUE story about a REAL kid who found a way to make a difference!
2. I love the engaging text – the author finds a way to explain homelessness and hunger in a child-appropriate and child-relatable way.
3. I love the wonderful illustrations that help us feel the emotions of all of the characters.
And I love that the author has been in touch with the main character and their family…she shared a bit of the back story about that:
Dianna: I first read about Braeden on The Hunger Network in the Fall of 2020 and I knew instantly that I wanted to write his story. I began researching news articles and Braeden’s 3B Facebook page and began writing within days. When the story was finished, I reached out to his mom Christy and received their full support. Clavis bought the story in June, 2021 an the Dutch version was published Fall 2021. Once again, the stunning illustrations of Sara Casilda bring my words to life, and we are thrilled to share Braeden’s story with the world.
That’s amazing! Thank you so much, Dianna. We are thrilled that you are sharing Brayden’s story, too!
RELATED ACTIVITIES
![](https://viviankirkfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blessing-bag-craft.jpg?w=564)
For detailed instructions on making a blessing bag and other activities young kids can do to help the hungry and the homeless, please check out this wonderful post: https://littlethings.com/family-and-parenting/kids-help-homeless-projects
The book launches on September 5th, but it is available for PRE-ORDER right now
And it also helps to add it to your I WANT TO READ shelf on Goodreads.
A big thank you to Dianna and her publisher for offering a copy of JUST ONE PEBBLE as a giveaway. Please leave a comment on this post and share on your social media for more tickets in the giveaway hat.
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!
Congratulations to Dianna, Brayden, and anyone who gets a blessing bag. What a great name for a gift like this 🙂
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I love it! Congrats! What a great way to give a tangible blessing.
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Thanks, Marci. Braeden is a special kid, for sure!
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Thanks so much, Rinda! Braeden’s 3B bags have been a blessing to over 15,000 people!
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Thanks so much, Rinda!
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What a great subject for a picture book! Looking forward to reading about Braeden and his pebbles of kindness.
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I love this – pebbles of kindness! Thanks for that 🙂 I hope you enjoy the book!
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Congratulations, Dianna. This looks like such a beautiful and important book.
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Thank you, Rose. I do feel that Braeden’s story is important. I hope you enjoy his story!
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Good companion to Saturday at the Food Pantry. https://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Food-Pantry-Diane-ONeill/dp/0807572365
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Wonderful companions!!
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This sure looks like a book for every school counselor’s read aloud list. Congratulations!
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Oh thank you, Joyce. I hope this will indeed be the case!
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This is a wonderful book! I love that it is based on a real boy who steps up when he sees a need. Congratulations, Dianna and Sara!
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Thanks for all your support, Angie!!
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An important story for so many reasons. Congratulations! I’m so glad children will get to read this book – making the world a better place.
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Thank you, Annette. I think it is important for our kids to feel empowered to make a difference.
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This story is sorely needed!!! The more people read about this problem the more people will hopefully understand we humans NEED to help each other! Thank you for writing such a perfect way to do random acts of kindness. 🙂
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This is so true, Karen. Thanks for your kind words. The world needs more Braedens!
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Fantastic subject for kids to see how an example of someone like them made such a huge difference for others. My daughter’s Girl Scout Troop packed similar bags every year for a nearby shelter. I shared on tumblr to help spread the word about this inspiring book.
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Oh thank you so much, Danielle! I appreciate your kindness. We want as many kids as possible to see this and start thinking of their own ways to make the world a little bit better. Thanks again!
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What an inspiring story! I will definitely mention this book to our children’s librarian. What an important topic to handle sensitively.
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This is much appreciated, Deena. I’m hoping this book will get into many libraries. Thanks for your support!
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What a beautiful and meaningful book! Congratulations! (And thank you for answering my questions about the publisher!)
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Thanks Rachelle and you are so welcome!
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Amazing story, amazing Braedon! Thank you for sharing this story! Congratulations, Dianna and Sara! 🙂
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He really is amazing! I hope you’ll enjoy his story. Thanks!
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Thanks so much for this, Vivian! You are a star
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Just grateful to be in this spectacular kidlit galaxy of beacons of light like you, my friend!
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I’m so happy that this topic is in a book! Kids can make a difference!
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