Perfect Picture Book Friday: STORY POWER! Plus Giveaway

Posted on October 24, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I always love featuring books that entertain and educate. We talk a lot about reading with children – but what about writing with them?! Author Stephanie Wildman and I have been “kid lit network friends” through many of our books. And so, when I discovered that the fourth book in her Flor, Roberto, and Luis series — titled Story Power! – had been coauthored with her grandson, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Stephanie stopped by to share the story behind this story and she is pleased to offer a book as a giveaway. So, make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win.

Story Power!

Written by Stephanie Wildman and Simon Wildman Chung

Illustrated by Estefanía Razo

Published by Lawley Publishing, October, 2025

Ages 3 and up

Themes: How to Write a Story; Hero/Heroine’s journey; healthy eating

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books that entertain and educate. Readers will see the characters write a story. Then children can write their own stories by following the helpful guide in the backmatter.

2. I love books that can be enjoyed at home as well as used in the classroom! Story Power! provides both a remedy for boredom at home and a tool for classroom instruction.

3. I love books that provide young readers with great illustrations!

And now the promised treat…a visit from author Stephanie.
ME: Welcome, my friend! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us. Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and how it came to be?

STEPHANIE: Thank you, Vivian! I am so honored to have Story Power! as part of your Perfect Picture Book Friday series!

Synopsis: Twins Flor and Roberto and big brother Luis return for another adventure. What does Luis have up his sleeve this time when the twins are bored? Discovering the thrill of storytelling, the twins craft a tale for their beloved Abuelito. Bonus content includes a road map for creating your own story along with craft activities.

Story Power! is my sixth picture book – the fourth in the Flor, Roberto, and Luis series that started with Treasure Hunt. In Treasure Hunt the twins Flor and Roberto are bored and want to watch TV or play video games. Big brother Luis engages them in a treasure hunt to find objects they can recycle and reuse as puppets. The ideas in this book came out of pandemic lockdown activities, during time I spent with two of my grandsons. The next books in the series also came from a sleepover bedtime routine and another grandson’s questions about loss of a beloved pet. I thought I was done with Flor, Roberto, and Luis after three meaningful books.

I was eager to turn my focus to a middle grade novel I have been working on, and I asked grandson Simon if he would listen to me read the beginning. He was seven at the time. I warned him that there were no pictures and that he should stop me if he was bored. I paused every few pages and he said “go on” each time.

At the end of the chapter, I said, “You didn’t stop me.”

“Well,” he said, “Grandma you need more action!”

“Thank you,” I answered, shuffling to put away my papers. “That’s super helpful.” My mind was already traveling to rewrites.

“But,” he continued, “I have an idea for another Flor, Roberto, and Luis book.”

I looked at him – remember he was seven – and asked what was his idea. Well, I can say it was brilliant, because it wasn’t my idea. Simon told me that in this next book Flor and Roberto would be bored again, but this time they would write a book themselves.

My mind started whirling with the possibilities. Simon himself loved writing. Maybe a picture book could help other children see that they, too, could write stories by watching these characters – Flor and Roberto – write their own book.

Related activities: Write with the young ones in your life! Help them develop the writing habit. Dr. Shawna Della Cerra, educational consultant for Lawley Publishing developed Research-informed Strategies and Activities to Cultivate the Writing Habit, available on my websitehere.

My website also includes coloring pages and worksheets for Story Power!

And watch for Story Power! coming in Spanish in April 2026 as ¡El Poder de los Cuentos!, translated by Cecilia Pópulus-Eudave.

Bios:

Stephanie Wildman, author of six children’s books, became a Professor Emerita after serving as the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Chair at Santa Clara Law School. She is a grandmother, mother, spouse, friend, and good listener, who can sit “criss-cross apple sauce” thanks to her yoga practice. Learn more about Stephanie at: stephaniewildman.com

Simon Wildman Chung is an elementary school student who loves writing stories, reading books, swimming, and playing with his brother.

Estefanía Razo has a Bachelor of Graphic Design degree from the University of Guadalajara. She is passionate about illustration, books, and art in general. During her free time she enjoys reading children’s books with her nieces and watching movies accompanied by her cats. Estefanía can be found on Instagram @estefania.razo.r

And now, dear blog friends, let’s do our part to help this book get into the hands of young readers. We can:
Buy the book – anywhere books are sold online or support your favorite indie bookstore!

(I include here the link for bookshop.org, because the book doesn’t show up by searching Stephanie’s name!)
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (PLEASE share this post on social media)
Ask local libraries to purchase copies for their collection

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Story Power!

Thank you for spending your precious time with us…I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Book Birthday: MY BACKYARD USED TO BE Plus GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 23, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Lalalala! I’m getting my voice ready to sing a joyous Happy Book Birthday to MY BACKYARD USED TO BE, written by Lynn Baldwin, illustrated by Megan Elizabeth Baratta and published by Tilbury House Press. I’m especially excited about this book because I saw an early draft of this years ago and I told Lynn…this is a book! And now it is! And guess what!! The lovely Lynn is offering a GIVEAWAY…a brand new copy of MY BACKYARD USED TO BE for one lucky WINNER. Just leave a comment on this blog post.

WOW! This is a fabulous story…and kids will connect with it because it’s all about what came before us…whether a kid lives in a city or rural farmland, they can imagine what it was like before they were there…and the book goes WAY back in time…fascinating! And, what’s also fascinating is that author Lynn stopped by to chat with us – and share the story behind the story.
ME: Welcome, Lynn! Thank you for stopping by Picture Books Help Kids Soar. Can you tell us a little about the story and how you came to write it?

LYNN: Thank you so much for inviting me, Vivian. And thank you for helping to celebrate the book birthday of MY BACKYARD USED TO BE.
Here’s a short synopsis of the book:

My backyard is where we play and learn, but it wasn’t always my backyard…

Hit rewind on the view out your backdoor as this story zips back in time, showing readers how people, lifestyles, and land have changed over time. My Backyard Used to Be makes history feel current and accessible to young readers―and encourages them to discover what their own backyard used to be.

About the Story:

I’m so excited to be celebrating the release of my first picture book on your blog, Vivian! It’s especially meaningful because I hired you to do a critique of this story early on and I’m sure some of your suggestions helped improve the story☺

I had several sources of inspiration for this story. A few years back, I read the amazing picture book Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome and loved how she told the story backwards. I tried a few different ideas using that framework, but nothing clicked…until I remembered that a neighbor had mentioned that our neighborhood used to be a farm. One day, I was thinking about that, and about how important it is for kids to be active outdoors. As I kid, I loved playing in my backyard with my sisters and friends, and I also have many happy memories of backyard fun with my son when he was younger. All of these ideas came together to create My Backyard Used to Be.

This story is loosely set in Ann Arbor, MI, where I live but it’s not tied to a particular piece of land. My goal was to write a lyrical book that would be fun to read aloud. As it evolved, I realized the story could help kids think about the joy of playing outside, the history of their own backyard and what we can all do to make sure our backyards can be enjoyed by the next generation.

The interesting thing about this story is how quickly it came together! I connected with editor Sarah Rockett through an SCBWI critique event and actually signed the contract for the book one year to the day of the first draft! Then, the story went from acquisition to publication in less than a year-and-a-half! I know this is highly unusual and likely won’t happen again, especially as most of my other stories have been “in the making” for years. However, it didn’t feel that fast because I’ve been writing and working toward publication ever since my son was a toddler…and he’s now a teenager!

I’m really thrilled with what illustrator Megan Elizabeth Baratta added to the story, and I’m really looking forward to a launch event at my local independent bookstore and school visits.

Author Bio:
Lynn Baldwin is a picture book author who lives in Ann Arbor, MI, with her husband and teenage son. She writes in a purple office under a “Create with Joy” sign or on her deck surrounded by trees. Lynn loves being outdoors – whether exploring the world or in her own backyard. My Backyard Used to Be is her first book. To find out more about Lynn and connect with her: https://www.lynnbaldwinbooks.com/

Illustrator Bio:

Megan Elizabeth Baratta is a children’s book illustrator and winner of the School Library Journal’s inaugural 2022 Endies Award for Best Map. She lives in central New York with her husband, daughter, and son. Her books include Most Days, I Begin with Spring and The Secret Stream.

ME: What a talented team! The book is beautiful, Lynn…and I’m thrilled for you – and for all the kiddos who will enjoy reading it!

And now, dear blog friends, let’s do our part to help this book get into the hands of young readers. We can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (PLEASE share on social media)
Ask local libraries to purchase copies for their collection

And, if you want to purchase from Lynn’s local indie:
Link to Purchase from Schuler Books, my local bookstore: https://www.schulerbooks.com/book/9781668955239Thank you for spending your precious time with us…and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to WIN a copy of MY BACKYARD USED TO BE…maybe you can share what you see when you look in your ‘backyard’.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Tomorrow I will be meeting Laura Knoy, the host of ReadLocalNH, a podcast direct from Concord, NH. Laura has invited me to join her to chat about ONE GIRL’S VOICE…I’m excited!

Book Birthday: UNIQUE LIKE YOU Plus Giveaway

Posted on September 16, 2025 by viviankirkfield

From idea to published book…what a process! It takes passion, practice, preparation, patience, and perseverance! And that’s why our Book Birthday posts are so very special because we are celebrating all of that hard work – and we are thrilled that the story we hoped to share is ready to fly into the hands of young readers. More than anything, our children need books that will lift them up and empower them to believe in themselves…so, when I heard that UNIQUE LIKE YOU, written by Allison and Rafael Rozo and illustrated by Angie Alape, I knew I had to share it with you.

And guess what? Allison stopped by to share the story behind the story…and to offer a wonderful GIVEAWAY…one lucky person will receive a copy of the book AND an adorable stuffy!

ME: Dear friends…that’s a cover to sing about, right? So, let’s welcome Allison who co-wrote this story with her husband…and she’s going to talk about how that process unfolded also. Allison, thanks for stopping by Picture Books Help Kids Soar!

ALLISON: Thank you so much Vivian for helping us celebrate the Book Birthday of UNIQUE LIKE YOU, a story that is near and dear to our hearts! We would be thrilled to do a Giveaway of a signed copy of our book!

SHORT SUMMARY OF UNIQUE LIKE YOU

What makes you unique?

While helping her Mamá collect empty cans, old newspapers, and other recyclable treasure to sell, Lina discovers a wall of graffiti with the words ÚNICO COMO TÚ, UNIQUE LIKE YOU. This discovery sends her on a quest through Bogotá, Colombia, to find treasure where she least expects it, and to discover what makes her unique.

With Spanish vocabulary woven throughout the story, Unique Like You transports readers to the colorful streets of Bogotá and encourages them to look at the world with curious eyes. What unique treasures wait to be discovered around us? What makes each of us unique? A helpful glossary in the back of the book makes it an accessible read for all.

WHY WE WROTE UNIQUE LIKE YOU

UNIQUE LIKE YOU was inspired by a photograph I took in 2009 on a trip with Rafael to Bogotá, Colombia of recicladores (a mother, her young daughter, and their donkey who collect reusable trash to sell or trade) in the middle of the bustling capital city as they stopped in front of a wall of graffiti with the words ÚNICO COMO TÚ, UNIQUE LIKE YOU. The image sent us on a journey of looking at our own world with new eyes, seeing special things that are all around us every moment.

Rafael is from Bogotá, and together we created a story that represents our family and incorporates pieces of his beloved city, including graffiti art. It shows how one small moment on an average day can inspire a journey of discovery about how each one of us is unique, from a far-off country to our own neighborhood. As youths, it would have been invaluable to have a relatable character, like Lina, who speaks a different language, and is impoverished, but sees trash as treasure, opening our eyes to the beauty that is hiding all around us.

It’s our hope that readers of UNIQUE LIKE YOU discover, not only what makes them unique, but the special things in others that make them unique as well. It doesn’t have to be big, or even one thing. Many little things make each of us unique if we take the time to look. Treasure can be found where you least expect it, in the people we talk to everyday to discarded trash collected on the street. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we wanted this book as a piece of art itself. Angie Alape’s illustrations are stunning and more beautiful than we ever imagined! You truly feel immersed in the city and find new things to see on each page.

THE WIFE & HUSBAND COLLABORATION

It is a dream come true to have this book out in the world, especially since we wrote it together. Rafael and my writing process is that I usually come up with an idea I want to explore, and I write a rough outline of the story arc or plot. Then we discuss what is working and what can be revised. When we write bilingual books, we craft the story in a way to include Spanish words and try to weave them seamlessly into the manuscript. We always add a glossary at the end of our books, but it is our intent for the words to be understood from the context and illustrations. We include moments from both of our childhoods, Rafael growing up in Colombia, and my childhood in the Midwest. We often hit walls on things that don’t translate, so we decide if it’s a language barrier or if it simply doesn’t make sense. It is a fun process, and we love creating stories that connect readers to people, places, and words that perhaps they’ve never seen or heard of before.

SHORT BIO FOR ALLISON & RAFAEL

Allison and Rafael Rozo are authors who write bilingual English and Spanish picture books to weave together their Hispanic and American cultures. They are proud to create books that represent their family—including their two children Vivian and Gianluca. The Rozos began writing when they lived in Chicago, IL, and are currently living in Akron, OH. You can go to rozobooksart.com to learn more about both Allison and Rafael.

SHORT BIO FOR ANGIE ALAPE

Angie Alape grew up drawing on cardboard boxes to build worlds to play win with her siblings. Now she illustrates picture books! When not illustrating, she loves playing with her adopted dogs and trying new restaurants. Angie was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and still lives there today.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram:
@allisonrozo
@angie.alape

Bluesky:
@allisonrozo.bsky.social

Facebook:
@allison.rozo.books

Twitter:
@allison_rozo
@AngieAlape

Link to Purchase https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506492544/Unique-Like-You

UNIQUE LIKE YOU

ME: Thank you so much, Allison, for all of the insights you shared…and for the giveaway!
To grab you chance to win a copy of UNIQUE LIKE YOU and that amazing little stuffy, please leave a comment. And please share this post on social media so that more folks will find out about this beautiful new book.