Category Archives: book giveaway
Perfect Picture Book Friday: THE MANIC PANIC Plus Giveaway
Hello dear friends. I hope I am not confusing everyone in the middle of the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge by posting a review for Perfect Picture Book Friday. But when I found out about this story, I knew it was one I had to share with all of you!
Picture this: you walk into a restaurant and notice a family already seated. Mother. Father. And a couple of kids. But something is odd. They are not talking with each other. Oh no. Each one is holding an electronic device. Tablet. iPhone. Video game player.
I’ve seen this scenario many times. Have you? Believe me, as a parent of three children, I do understand the desire to have a peaceful meal. We used to bring crayons and paper…some restaurants even provided these supplies. I’m not sure if they do that now…maybe they just supply WiFi because they assume that even the youngest kids will be connecting electronically.
And yes…I agree…our kids need to be tech savvy…but screen-time is addictive and with this comes the inevitable disconnect with real people. And that is too, too sad. So, when I read Richa Jha’s fabulous THE MANIC PANIC, I realized she had found a way to put a humorous spin on this and perhaps, help everyone put down their devices and reconnect with life. PLUS…thanks to the generosity of Richa and Creston Books, we have a GIVEAWAY! Please leave a comment to be entered.
MANIC PANIC
Written by Richa Jha
Illustrated by Mithila Anath
Published by Creston Books (2018)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Family interaction, limiting screen time
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Some grown-ups have so much screen time that they just can’t cope when the wifi goes out. Luckily the grown-ups in Manic Panic live with a smart kid who loves to read and an adventurous grandma who knows how to have fun without the internet. Manic Panic is a wry look at the value of unplugged family time, even when someone is resistant to the real world. The illustrations add depth to the story, helping us to see all the small things we can miss when we’re glued to our phones.
Why I like this book:
- Hilarious text that just about every modern parent and child will be able to relate to as the parents and child in the story switch roles.
- Great illustrations that really help show the child’s frustration with her WiFi addicted parents.
- This is the perfect story to start a discussion on the importance of limiting screen time and increasing together time.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
- Visit CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMERICAL-FREE CHILDHOOD: http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/blog/who-needs-screens-70-ideas-family-fun
- Make a list of things your family can do instead of screentime and then do them!
- Set screen-time rules and stick to them.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway of a copy of MANIC PANIC thanks to author Richa Jha and her publisher, Creston Books! And remember that there are several things we can all do to help our favorite authors:
1. If we can, buy a copy of their books.
2. Write a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book reveiw sites.
3. Ask our local library to purchase a copy for their collection.
4. Tell friends about the book.
There is still time to send in stories for #50PreciousWordsforKids International Writing Challenge – please email your child’s precious words by Monday, May 7 at 11:59pm. I will be posting all of the stories next Friday, May 11.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I truly appreciate you spending your time here. And if you want to read more picture book reviews, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
Perfect Picture Book Friday: SELFIE SEBASTIAN and A CAMPFIRE TAIL plus GIVEAWAY
I had a lovely surprise the other day. I received two beautiful picture books in the mail. Written by author Sarah Glenn Marsh, they are bright and bold and so much fun. I knew I had to share them with you today. One is about taking selfies. How awesome is that! And the other is about camping and finding the courage to be a real friend. And because my bookshelves are overflowing, I plan to give both of these away. So please make sure you leave a comment. And don’t hop off until you scroll through the entire post BECAUSE after the picture book review, I’ll be giving everyone a heads up about #50PreciousWordsforKids which is COMING ON MONDAY!!!
SELFIE SEBASTIAN
Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Illustrated by Florence Weister
Published by Sterling Children’s Books (2018)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Friendship, travel
Synopsis: From Amazon:
You can’t take the perfect selfie if you’re all by yourself.
Sebastian is one handsome fox—and he really, really loves to take selfies. But somehow, no matter how camera-ready he is, his pictures always lack a certain something. And he can’t put his paw on exactly what. So Sebastian sets off on an elaborate quest to take the perfect selfie, dashing from a glamorous red carpet in Hollywood to the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. He even zooms to the Moon! Still, none of Sebastian’s photos make him happy. Could it be that the secret to his special selfie is right where he started . . . at home, with his friends?
Why I like this book:
- I loved the relevant theme of taking a selfie…even young kids want to do it.
- I enjoyed the travel/geography layer to the story – kids will love to guess where Sebastian is.
- GREAT illustrations – the front and back covers are amazing!
A CAMPFIRE TAIL
Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Illustrated by Ana Gomez
Published by Sterling Children’s Books (May 1, 2018)
Ages: 4 and up
Themes: Friendship, courage, camping
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Ever been stuck with a friend who’s totally uncool—and worried that it will rub off on you?
Welcome to Camp Wildwood! It’s Dragon’s first day, and his buddy would LIKE to show him a good time. But Dragon doesn’t seem to fit in with the boys and girls. He overturns the boat, ruins the puppet show, and even sets the tent on fire. Then, just as his buddy is about to give up, Dragon comes through in a pinch. This sweet, funny picture book teaches an important lesson about the true meaning of friendship—and in accepting the strengths and weaknesses of others.
Why I like this book:
- I love friendship stories!
- The illustrations are fantastic…just love the main character!
- Text is full of heart and humor…great combination for a picture book!
Activities for both stories:
- Make a list of how to be a good friend.
- Take selfies with friends and create an album of friendship.
- Role play with your kids…different scenarios where being a good friend might be difficult.
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway. If you’d like to see more picture book reviews, please go to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture book Friday link up. And remember the best gift we can give the authors of our favorite stories is to buy their book or ask the library to order their book or write a review on Amazon or other book review sites.
And now, dear friends, a few words about #50PreciousWordsforKids! Last year, I hosted an international writing challenge for kid writers in grades K-6. I invited them to create a story for children in 50 words or less. #50PreciousWordsforKids drew participants from 15 states and 4 foreign countries. What amazed me was the incredible creativity that was unleashed by the restrictive word limit. Click here to see the stories from last year’s challenge.
MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT!
As a former kindergarten teacher, I’ve always been on a mission to help kids become lovers of books and reading. What a thrill it was to invite them to become their own storytellers!
This writing challenge is ALL-INCLUSIVE and INTERNATIONAL!
#50PreciousWordsforKids coincides with Children’s Book Week, April 30-May 6. Every child in grades K-6 is invited to participate. Teachers can have each child write a story of 50 words or less…then the teacher and/or class will choose one story to submit. Last year, some classes formed teams and wrote collaborative stories – that is totally fine. Parents who homeschool their children can submit one story per child. The official #50PreciousWordsforKids post will go live on Monday morning!
Here are the guidelines.
- Each child, grade K-6, writes a story of 50 words or less.
- Title not included in word count.
- Story must have a beginning, middle, and end.
- Happy or sad, silly or serious, true or make-believe.
- Teachers/students choose one story to submit per class.
- Homeschooling parents submit one story per child.
- Please email story to: viviankirkfield@gmail.com by May 7 at 11:59pm.
- Stories post on my blog: viviankirkfield.com on May 11.
- Teacher/parent receives a certificate to copy and present to each child who wrote a story.
- Giveaway of seven mini-Skype author classroom visits.
Questions? Contact me at viviankirkfield@gmail.com
I’m asking all of you who have connections with elementary schools or homeschooling families in any state and any country to please spread the word. Last year, I contacted the Children’s Book Council and they agree – it’s a perfect activity for Children’s Book Week. Click here to read last year’s stories.
The challenge runs April 30-May 6 and the stories need to be emailed to me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com by 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 7th. I’ll post those stories on Friday, May 11th. Teachers and parents will receive a certificate that can be copied and personalized with the name of each child who participated. And there will be mini-Skype author classroom visits randomly awarded—one per grade level if I get enough volunteers.
Let’s help our kids stretch and grow their imaginations.
Which brings me to the next request…I still need volunteers to do mini-Skype author or illustrator visits. If you would like to donate a mini-Skype author or illustrator visit, please contact me ASAP either by email or on FB or Twitter. It’s a wonderful way to connect with our audience of parents, teachers, and kids!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Perfect Picture Book Friday: IF YOU WANT TO FALL ASLEEP is on a Book Blog Tour Plus Giveaway
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends!
I’m really happy because today we are part of author Jackie Azur Kramer’s book blog tour! If you’d like to check out the other stops: https://www.jackieazuakramer.com/iwfa-blog-tour
Before we get to today’s wonderful book, I have THREE important announcements.
- We have a copy of TERRIFIC TONGUES by Maria Gianferrari to give away. And the winner is…
DEE KNABB!
Congratulations, Dee. I’ll connect you and Maria so she and her publisher can get a copy of her fabulous book to you
2. #50PreciousWordsforKids is coming SOON! I’ll be inviting children in grades K-6 to write a story in 50 words or less. You all know how much fun that is! Last year we had a wonderful response – 15 states and 4 foreign countries participated! So, please spread the word to teachers, parents, homeschools. This is an activity that perfectly aligns with National Book Week…and there will be SEVEN AUTHOR SKYPE visits as prizes. I do need more volunteers for those…please contact me if you’d like to offer one or if you have any questions: viviankirkfield@gmail.com. And if you want more details, take a peek at Darlene Jacobson’s blogpost: https://darlenebeckjacobson.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/vivian-kirkfield-presents50-precious-words-for-kids-contest
3. I’ve got a gift pack of several picture book advance copies that I’d love to share…one of them is today’s wonderful story…please leave a comment on today’s post and you might be the lucky winner!
IF YOU WANT TO FALL ASLEEP
Written by Jackie Azua Kramer
Illustrated by Lisa Brandenburg
Published by Clavis (2018)
Ages: 4-6
Themes: Bedtime routines, sleep problems
Synopsis: From Amazon:
It’s bedtime, but Little Mouse isn’t sleepy. He has tried reading, and snacking, and snuggling, but nothing is helping him fall asleep. Maybe Mama Mouse can help? If you want to fall asleep, what do you do? A wish and a hug and it’s finally time to dream.
A lyrical bedtime story for sleepy little mice ages 4 and up.
Why I like this book:
- Most kids have trouble winding down…I love this rollicking adventure that is sure to help them do that. And if it doesn’t, it is sure to entertain them while they are up!
- The illustrations are bold, vibrant, and filled with humor.
- We always need fresh new bedtime stories.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Paper Plate Mouse
Photo courtesy: http://www.dltk-kids.com
Most of you know how much I love crafts made with paper plates. And here is a new one, a perfect extension activity after reading IF YOU WANT TO FALL ASLEEP.
For detailed instructions: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/m-plate-mouse.htm
For more picture book reviews, why not hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
Thank you for stopping by, dear friends! Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the book giveaway. And please share the upcoming #50PreciousWordsforKids info as well.
Happy Weekend to All!
