Perfect Picture Book Friday: DOLL TROUBLE Plus Giveaway

Posted on August 14, 2026 by viviankirkfield

Hello dear friends! Happy Perfect Picture book Friday! I’m thrilled to share a BRAND-NEW picture book with you. And we are so fortunate because…author Kim Larson stopped by to share the story behind the story…her inspiration for this book AND she and the publisher are offering a GIVEAWAY…later in the post I’ll explain how to enter the giveaway AND how to receive an extra ticket in the giveaway hat!

Title: Doll Trouble

Written by: Kim A. Larson

Illustrated by: Nataša Vertelj

Publisher: Clavis Publishing

ISBN#: 979-8890631220

Suitable For Ages: 3-8

SYNOPSIS:
A heartwarming story about loss, courage, and empathy.
Emma takes her beloved doll Mia everywhere she goes. They play, laugh, and cry together, but one day something happens that makes Mia look less than perfect. The children in the neighborhood tease Emma about her broken doll, so she hides Mia and plays with her new, beautiful doll instead. But no matter how hard she tries, Emma can’t forget Mia. When she meets Sophia, who doesn’t have a doll, Emma suddenly knows what to do.

WHY I LOVE THIS BOOK:
1. I love heartwarming stories that inspire children to be kind and compassionate.
2. I love books that are filled with glorious illustrations that help kids engage with the story.
3. I love stories that empower young readers and listeners to hold strong, even when they have to stand alone.

ME: And now it’s time to welcome author Kim A. Larson! Hello, Kim! Thank you for stopping by. We always love to hear the story behind the story. Can you share what inspired you to write this book?

KIM: Thanks so much for helping me celebrate the beautiful book, Vivian. I’d be happy to share.
As the oldest of five siblings, my toys rarely “lived” to see old age. Between a house full of kids and a particularly destructive brother, I spent a lot of my childhood figuring out how to keep loving my dolls after they ended up with missing limbs or shaved heads. Those early lessons in empathy—loving something even when it isn’t “perfect”—became the heart of this story.

But the spark for Doll Trouble really ignited when I watched the kids next door playing while their dad mowed the lawn. It brought back the memory of my cousin, who lost several toes in a lawnmower accident as a child. I wanted to weave those two worlds together: a story that celebrates the resilience of a well-loved toy, while gently alerting children to the very real dangers of lawnmowers. It’s my way of helping kids stay brave, empathetic, and most importantly, safe.

ME: THANK YOU SO MUCH, KIM! I love the intention you brought to writing this story.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:
DIY DOLL-MAKING TUTORIAL

Here’s a little bit about author Larson:
Kim A. Larson writes humorous and lyrical picture books and more. She is the author of Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing, 2026) and Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (The Little Press, 2024). She was honored to receive the SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, two Minnesota State Arts Board grants, and three Lake Region Arts Council grants. Kim lives in Minnesota, and when she’s not writing, you may find her gardening or playing Sequence with her husband. Visit Kim’s website to learn more about her and her work, or connect with her on social media via linktr.ee.

To order a copy of DOLL TROUBLE, you can go here.

To be entered in the giveaway of a copy of DOLL TROUBLE, please leave a comment and share this post on your social media platforms. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian addresses only.
To qualify for the Bonus Giveaway
Subscribe to Kim’s newsletter by August for another chance to win (US & Canada only). You’ll also receive a PDF copy of her first published book of short stories and poems: Love, Laughter, and a few Happily Ever Afters.

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

Perfect Picture Book Friday: A FOREST BEGINS ANEW Plus Giveaway

Posted on May 8, 2026 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I was thrilled when author Louise Aamodt reached out to tell me about the upcoming launch of her debut picture book (in just a few days on May 12). She reminded me that I had done a manuscript critique for her many years ago…and now she has several other books in the pipeline…not that I had anything to do with that…that is all Louise’s talented writing! But I love to hear stories of dedication that leads to success…and I know that all of you do, too. And happily, Louise stopped by to share the story behind the story…PLUS…there is a GIVEAWAY. Make sure you scroll to the end of the post and leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway…and PLEASE, share the post on your social media to help get the word out about this absolutely beautiful book!

A FOREST BEGINS ANEW

Written by Louise M. Aamodt

Illustrated by Elly McKay

Published by Astra Books for Young Readers (May 12, 2026)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Ecology, Forest Rebirth, Hope

Synopsis: Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest’s renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature’s ability to survive against the odds.

WHY I LOVE THIS BOOK
1. I love books that help young readers develop a love of and an appreciation for the wonders of nature.
2. I love books that engage readers with lyrical text…this one is in rhyme…and it is SO GOOD!
3. I love books where the art is such a large part of the story…with illustrations that keep readers turning the pages…and with art that embraces unique media choices.

ME: And now we are so lucky, because Louise is here to chat with us! Welcome to Picture Books Help Kids Soar, Louise…and this book, filled with optimism and hope, is sure to help many kids soar. Please share a little bit about the book and why you wrote it.

LOUISE:
My curious brain never quiets down, so when I came across a few sentences stating that fires can lead to beetles, then woodpeckers, then bluebirds, I needed to know more about that cause-effect relationship. The deeper I dove, the more I felt compelled to share this information with young people, including ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ fires, the balance of nature, and an overall message of cooperation, renewal, and– ultimately– hope.

A humorous incident on the path to publication:

The week my editor was ready for the first round of edits, I was volunteering at Boy Scout summer camp. After making sure the kids didn’t have any bear-attracting snacks in their tents for the night, I’d hike through the dark up to the main camp headquarters to pick up wifi for a surface-level initial fact-check and to download any editor’s comments. Then I’d hike back and padlock my laptop inside the troop’s trailer. The next day, I’d get the boys situated practicing their first aid or fire starting skills, and then I’d draft new stanzas in my ratty notebook. As zany as the process was, it was also the perfect setting to work on a forest story.

The book has been so well-received…here’s a glowing review from Kirkus:

“A devastating wildfire transforms into a story of ecological resilience and hope in this lyrical meditation on nature’s capacity for renewal… A beautiful testament to nature’s—and our own—ability to flourish after devastation.”

Read the full review here.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Louise M. Aamodt (rhymes with ‘comet’) has taught English Learners in public schools for over 25 years. As both a writer and a teacher, she loves igniting curiosity and making complicated concepts accessible. She can be found in the kids’ section of the library, or out watching bugs somewhere. Learn more about her debut picture book, A FOREST BEGINS ANEW, at https://www.LouiseAamodt.com.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elly MacKay is an acclaimed paper artist and award-winning children’s bookmaker. She is the author and illustrator of a number of picture books. Before pursuing a career in picture books, she taught in schools and was an educator in galleries. Elly lives in the winter kingdom of Owen Sound, Ontario, where she and her family often search for snow dragons in the gardens and fields nearby.

Social media links
Website
Author’s Facebook
Goodreads
Bluesky
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ME: Thank you so much, Louise. We love hearing how beautiful books get their start!
And now, dear friends, make sure you leave a comment and share on social media to help this beautiful book become a success…and as you help the book, you’ll be qualifying for a chance to win a copy of A FOREST BEGINS ANEW.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Please come back on Sunday for a SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY blog post that will share the many amazing #50PreciousWordsforKids submissions from all over the country and a few from other countries!

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