UPDATES, GOOD NEWS, AND PIPPA’S HANUKKAH HUNT GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Posted on October 7, 2026 by viviankirkfield

Hello dear friends. My blog, which was just selected again by FeedSpot as one of the Top 100 Children’s Book Blogs on the web.https://bloggers.feedspot.com/childrens_book_blogs/, began back in 2010 when my very first book launched…the parent/teacher activity guide, SHOW ME HOW: Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.

Yes, it’s true…even before the thought of writing books for children crossed my mind, I was enthralled with the concept that reading with children…and picture books in particular…could help kids soar. I set out to connect with parents, teachers, librarians…basically all caregivers of young children. I still have copies of this great resource…which I would love to send to anyone (US addresses only) for the cost of the postage…which is about $5. Please reach out in the comments or via email (viviankirkfield@gmail.com) if you are interested in receiving the book that started me on my writing journey. If you are a preschool teacher, daycare provider, parent or grandparent, the book is an excellent resource. If you want multiple copies, I can pack 8 into a flat rate box for $25. And if you are local to me and can swing by and pick them up, I’m happy to give them away for FREE! Books sitting in boxes aren’t doing the job they were created to do.

After that book launched, my son took me skydiving for my 64th birthday and I was empowered to believe that I could not only read and review those picture books…but perhaps I could WRITE them. I’m so grateful to the many mentors who seemed to appear magically…Susanna Leonard Hill with her Perfect Picture Book Friday blog and Making Picture Book Magic class; Julie Hedlund with her 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, Emma Walton Hamilton with her Just Write 4 Kids course, Renee LaTulippe with her Lyrical Language Lab, Tara Lazar with her PiBoIdMo/StoryStorm, Angie Karcher with her RhyPiBoMo…and the legion of critique partners who encouraged me and provided much-needed feedback on manuscripts…Carrie Finison, Tina Cho, Hannah Holt, Alayne Kay Christian, Diane Tulloch, Maria Marshall, Ellen Leventhal, Nancy Churnin, Hanh Bui, Carmen Castillo Gilbert, Beth Gallagher, Beth Anderson, Julie Abery, Pam Courtney, Linda Hofke…well, you get the idea. If I continued listing all the fabulous CPs who helped me become a better writer, this post would never end. Whether I named you or not, please know how grateful I am for your support. And throughout this journey on the path to publication, I’ve met so many of you…more than the writing, I’ve fallen in love with the kid lit community.

Last week, while I was in the Peloponnese, enjoying the incredible beauty of the area and the kindness of the wonderful people, my latest book, PIPPA’S HANUKKAH HUNT, illustrated by the talented Jill Weber and published by the amazing Holiday House team headed by editor Mary Cash, flew into bookstores.

The book continues the adventures of dear Pippa Mouse and her friends…and there is a mystery for our youngest story lovers to solve. In the blog post that went live on launch day, September 29th, I promised a GIVEAWAY of a signed copy of the book…and the winner is…

CARMELA MCCAIN SIMMONS!!
I’ll reach out to you, Carmela, so I can get your address and mail a signed copy to you!

I’m actually still catching my breath from my whirlwind trip to Vienna and Greece…one of my long-time critique buddies, Linda Hofke, traveled over 7 hours by train with her daughter to spend time with me in Vienna…we had a ball!. And because I know that many of you may not be active on social media, I wanted to share some travel photos with you.

Vienna with Peter, Linda Hofke and her daughter, Katarina

As you can see by all the smiles, it was a wonderful trip! And I’ve already booked a trip to Alaska…the one state I’ve never been to…for July 2027…I’m excited. According to WordCat.org, there is already a copy of Pippa’s Hanukkah Hunt at the Anchorage School District Library…and I will be in Anchorage at the back end of my trip.

Other than a couple of book events in November and December, (one is at the Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, MA on December 5th…so if you are anywhere local to the Boston/Southern New Hampshire area, I hope you’ll SAVE THE DATE and stop by).

I’m keeping my calendar free so I can clear my desk of promised critiques…as well as do some writing of my own. Even though the publishing industry is moving at snail speed and all of the manuscripts my agent has out on submission have only received passes, I still have stories to tell…and will continue to hold to my belief that as long as the joy is still there, moving forward is the only way to proceed.

Also on my agenda is to read the dozens of books I’ve received over the past few months from publishers who are hoping their titles will be among the SCBWI Golden Kite finalists. I’m honored to be one of the judges in the Nonfiction for Older Readers and Nonfiction for Younger Readers categories…and when it is all over (Winners are announced in January, I believe), I’ll be donating all of the books to local schools in need. Through the #50PreciousWords Literacy Initiative…and because of the generosity of the kid lit community, we’ve already been able to donate 1200 books!

Speaking of #50PreciousWords…I am excited for the new year. I’ll begin gathering prizes in January…and the Heads-Up-The-Contest-Is-Coming post will go live sometime in early February. If you were a prize last year, I will be reaching out to you again. If you weren’t, but would like to donate a manuscript critique or a 30-minute Ask-Me-Anything virtual chat or some other fabulous prize, you can reach out to me to let me know. Also, if you have/know an agent and/or editor who would like to offer a submission opportunity or a critique or an Ask-Me-Anything virtual chat, please share that info with me. Last year we had 67 awesome prizes (and 677 amazing entries)…and although more prizes mean more time to distribute them, I’m happy to add more to make the event even more exciting for all the participants. Hosting the contest is a joy for me…and I’m thankful to my wonderful judges, many of whom have been part of the event for many years. Maria Marshall, Diane Tulloch, Pamela Courtney, Carmen Castillo Gilbert, Leah Moser, Shirin Shamsi, Amber Lavoie…I’m grateful for them all and hope they will want to return for the 2027 contest.

If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations! It was a long one. The important points to remember:
1. If you’d like a copy of SHOW ME HOW, email me. They are FREE…I only ask for $5 if I have to mail it to you (US addresses only).

2. If you haven’t left a review for PIPPA’S HANUKKAH HUNT, I wish you would: And with Hanukkah just around the corner, perhaps you need to purchase a copy for yourself or for a young story lover you know.
AMAZON
GOODREADS
B&N

3. If you’d like to be a prize for the 2027 #50PreciousWords, please reach out to me. This is such a challenging time for those on the path to publication…I know that the contest is a bright spot of hope and recognition for those who participate.

Thank you for spending your precious time with us. Fall is definitely upon us here in New England…the mornings are crisp and cold…and the trees are sporting headdresses of scarlet and gold. I’m not a fan of the coming winter…but it’s definitely a great time to hunker down with a good book…what book has you turning the pages?

PPBF: Crow Boy and World Read Aloud Day

Posted on February 24, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susannah Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of writers who contribute a picture book review and related resources. Parents and teachers can find the best of the best in picture books…a little synopsis, a thoughtful review, and an activity and/or resources to extend the learning experience. This is a great way for parents and teachers to preview a book before they take it out of the library or spend money buying it.

My selection today is another classic picture book recommended in Show Me How!…this one from 1955…the author/illustrator, Taro Yashima, won the Caldecott Honor Book Award.

World Read Aloud Day is coming up on March 7^th and I thought that Crow Boy would be a perfect choice to get us all in a global awareness mood.

Crow Boy

Written and illustrated by Taro Yashima

Publishers: Viking Juvenile (original edition 1955), Picture Puffins (1976)

Ages: 4 – 8

Themes: Celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, bullying/teasing, mastering tasks and skills, positive attitude, goal-setting, fitting in.

Opening: “On the first day of our village school in Japan, there was a boy missing. He was found hidden away in the dark space underneath the schoolhouse.”

Synopsis: Many years ago, in a small village school in the countryside of Japan, a young boy attends school. Chibi is always perceived as stupid and is treated as an outcast by the other students. When Mr. Isobe, the new teacher, observes Chibi’s strengths and talents (the boy is a wonderful artist and is also the only person with perfect school attendance even though he has to walk seven miles to school each day), he encourages the boy to participate in the school pageant with an imitation of the voices of crows. Does Chibi’s performance have any effect on how the children perceive him? Remember the talent show in Oliver Button is a Sissy.

Why do I like this book:

Wonderful illustrations give the reader the sense of the small rural area in Japan…I love books that give young children a window on the world. The story addresses many important issues as well…bullying/teasing, teacher recognition and encouragement of a student’s gifts and talents, overcoming obstacles in order to achieve one’s goals…as relevant today as it was almost sixty years ago when it was first published.

Related Activities:

Black and White Painting

Although Crow Boy had a difficult time expressing himself verbally, he was able to do so more easily with his artwork. Painting is a wonderful way to allow a young child to express his feelings and to encourage his creativity.

You will need: Paper (construction paper or grocery bag cut open), black and white non-toxic tempera paint, brushes (or Q-tips) and coverups to protect work surfaces and clothing.

1. Cover the work surface and your clothing to protect from splatters.

2. Pour a small amount of black and white paint into two separate containers.

3. Let your child paint several pictures using different size brushes and/or Q-tips.

4. When dry, hang up this amazing art.

5. Tip to parents and teachers: Art is one thing…crafting is another. Art is pure expression. Crafting is following certain rules or steps to produce a particular product. This activity is art…the child is creating whatever he or she desires…if you ask, “What is this?” or you inquire, “Didn’t you forget the dog’s tail?”…you are passing judgement on your child’s creative voice…I beg you, please don’t! You can engage with your child by asking, “Please tell me about your art.” In praising, it is more empowering to say, “I’m so proud of how hard you worked making thick strokes and thin strokes. Was it difficult?” instead of just saying, “That’s nice!”

Crayola official website with lots of arts and crafts activities and print-outs for kids.

Website for the Japanese American National Museum where you can purchase the documentary narrated by Mr. Yashimo, Golden Village.

Taro Yashimo papers in the de Grummond Collection

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.

SAVE THE DATE:

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY…MARCH 7TH

Do you have anything special planned?

You can go to LitWorld’s website to get more information and/or register…there will be events online and in different locales around the world.

They are a global literacy organization that aims to help entire communities through books. We all that that, I know! According to their website:

“LitWorld’s mission is to use the power of story to cultivate literacy skills in the world’s most vulnerable children through Education, Advocacy and Innovation. Lit World creates resilience building reading and writing experiences which connect and fortify communities.”

2012 Positive Parental Participation Reading Challenge Comment Page for February (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
New Picture Book Expert (natashawing.wordpress.com)

Festival of Trees Festive Family Fun Days: A Few Reflections

Posted on November 21, 2011 by viviankirkfield

I spent this past Saturday and Sunday at the DoubleTree Hotel near the World Arena in Colorado Springs.

Sponsored by the Ecumenical Social Ministries, the Festival of Trees Family Fun Days was a many-splendored event.

In the main ballroom dozens of vendors with beautiful tables filled with amazing items provided gift-giving purchase opportunities to the people strolling by.

Gaily decorated Christmas trees were displayed and offered for sale.

Ornaments on the Crayola Tree...a hit with every child!

Santa-land had volunteers doing awesome craft projects with the children…and kids had the opportunity to meet Santa, as well as the Grinch who stole Christmas.

Hundreds of door prizes had been donated by area businesses and the Ecumenical Social Ministries volunteers called out names every half hour…centerpieces, candles, hand-made quilts and gift certificates for free meals at local restaurants were among the wonderful prizes awarded to the lucky recipients. When my name was called, I was thrilled! My prize…the most beautiful handmade Christmas quilt.

On-going live entertainment added to the up-beat party-like atmosphere and we enjoyed bell choirs, drum groups, singers, dancers and more. The entertainment alone was worth the $5 per person entry fee…children 12 years old and under got in for free!

I had a wonderful time at the Show-Me-How table…talking to parents and children about building self-esteem and literacy skills with picture books and how easy it is to spend a little quality time with your child…reading, crafting and cooking. Parents who picked up my book were impressed with how many activities it provides. They loved the easy-to-use format with the picture book summary and parenting tip on the left and the quick craft and child-friendly recipe on the right.

Speaking with hundreds of people in a two-day period can be somewhat exhausting, even when you are passionate about the subject. I’d like to share some of my reflections and observations.

There are lots of parents out there who really care about their children.
Many parents are doing an awesome job of teaching their children important skills, such as saying “Thank you” when someone gives you something. We were giving a free gift to every child who stopped by the table…a fancy new pencil and a bookmark. I was impressed with the parent who told her child, “You need to look at the lady when you say thank you.”
I fear we are moving away from a time when a child would be excited about receiving something new…no matter how small. Most of the children were delighted to come over and pick the pencil of their choice…but a few shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads…perhaps if I had been offering an iPad they might have thought it was a worthwhile gift.
It doesn’t matter how beautiful or uplifting the atmosphere…some people will always bring their negative attitude to a situation. I don’t know whether you will want to laugh or to cry when you read this. I chatted a moment with a woman who stopped at the table to look at the book and after I told her that the book had quick and easy activities to help build self-esteem and literacy skills, she replied, “I’m already an excellent parent!” To me, that is kind of sad…I know how to cook, but that doesn’t mean I will never look at another cookbook in my life or enjoy getting a new recipe from a friend. And I’m always excited when someone gives me a new approach to teaching or a fresh tip on parenting. Life is a journey of constant learning and we need to be open to acquiring knowledge, even on subjects we may have expertise. Another woman looked at the book and when I said it’s for anyone involved in the care and education of young children, she replied, “I hate children…this is definitely not the book for me!” I guess not. :}

If, however, you think this might be the book for you…or you know anyone who might enjoy having 100 picture book recommendations, each paired with a quick and easy craft project and a simple child-friendly healthful recipe, please pass along the information. Show Me How! available on my website: $19.95 for a brand-new copy…and personally inscribed for the holidays if you wish! After observing the children at the Festival of Trees event and those of friends and family, I can tell you that many children have too much STUFF already…they don’t need the latest toy or gadget. What they do need is their parents’ time and attention! Buy the book and give them the gift of your positive parental participation that will last forever.