Perfect Picture Book Friday: FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Posted on October 6, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Fall is here in New England…leaves are changing color and the temps are decidedly chilly when I get up in the morning.

2017 has exploded with amazing children’s books and I’m thrilled to bring you one that will help older siblings when the new baby arrives. Author Lori Alexander is offering a copy of her newest picture book as a giveaway. Please make sure you leave a comment below and come back tomorrow to double your entries when she stops by to chat about the writing life.

FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Written by Lori Alexander

Illustrated by Aurelie Blard-Quintard

Published by Sterling Children’s Books (2017)

Ages: 4-7

Themes: Sibling rivalry, family dynamics, self-worth

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.

Why I like this book:

A story that engages from the opening lines to the last page.
Fabulous bold illustrations that invite the reader into the action.
A universal theme that never loses its appeal.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Make a Family Newspaper

Photo courtesy: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/

You will need: Paper, ruler, pencil/pen, markers/crayons, family photos, scissors, glue

What fun! Each family member can write a column for this newspaper!

For detailed instructions: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2010/04/make-a-family-newspaper-to-talk-about-family-news/

Please make sure you come back tomorrow when we chat with Lori Alexander on Write for Cookies. And don’t forget that one of the greatest gifts you can give an author is to review their books on Amazon or Goodreads.

For more great picture book reviews and activities, hurry over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: SHOW ME A STORY – WRITING YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOK Plus Giveaway

Posted on September 29, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday!

WHAT BAD LUCK! My scheduled blog post had to be pushed because the author’s book was pushed

And then a happy accident happened. If any of you ever watched the late great Bob Ross painting on TV, you’ll remember that he said there were no mistakes, only happy little accidents.

WHAT GOOD LUCK! I reached out to dear writing friend Suzy Leopold and she stepped up to the plate. Suzy put together an awesome Will Write for Cookies post, created a super journal-making craft, and is giving away a personalized journal! More than that, she shared the name of a picture book she uses in her school visits. I fell in love with it and plan to use it with students next year when my debut picture book launches.

SHOW ME A STORY: WRITING YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOKS

Written by Nancy Loewen

Illustrated by Christopher Lyles

Published by Picture Winow Books/Capstone (2009)

Ages: 7-9

Themes: creating stories, writing your own book

Synopsis:

From Amazon: Ready to build a picture book? First, you’ll need the right tools. Open this title in the Writer’s Toolbox series and discover plenty of tips and tools to get you started. Soon you’ll be writing and showing stories like a pro!

Why I like this book:

Humorous story that serves as an example
Great illustrations that will engage kids
Breaks down the main elements of a picture book in simple terms

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Journal-Making by Suzy Leopold

Materials Needed:

One composition notebook or student journal

Three pieces of 12 X 12 inch scrapbook paper

Glue stick

Hot glue gun

Scissors

Paper cutter (optional)

Ruler

Embellishments

Di cut letters or letter stickers

Ribbon or Rick Rack

Directions:

Using three sheets of scrapbook paper, cut two pieces of scrapbook paper 8 X 12 inches.
Apply a generous amount of glue to the journal, position the scrapbook paper and smooth out any bubbles.
Wrap and fold the extended edges of the scrapbook paper, creating mitered corners and secure with a generous amount of glue.
Cut two pieces of scrapbook paper 9 X 6 inches. Using a glue stick adhere to the inside covers of the journal.

5. Open the journal to the middle section of the notebook that reveals the stitching. Hot glue two or three 14 inch pieces of ribbon on the top edge. Drape the pieces of ribbon across sections of the notebook to become a bookmark. Tie a knot at the bottom of each piece of ribbon.

6. Time to embellish your journal with scrapbook stickers and cutouts, etc. Use additional scraps of scrapbook paper. Recycle greeting cards. Use buttons and babbles. Be creative.

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Suzy and I are both passionate about encouraging kids to read at home. She shared the info-graph below. I totally 100% agree with her…I used to hand out flyers to the students to bring home, asking parents to spend 15 minutes a day with their kids, reading, crafting, or cooking. But I like the 20 minutes better!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. For more picture book reviews, head on over to Susanna Hill’s website. But before you go, please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a personalized journal made by the queen of craft herself…Suzy!

And don’t miss tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies when Suzy shares her thoughts about using journals for this writing life and more.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: GRANDMOTHER THORN + Giveaway

Posted on September 15, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends!

Before I share this heartfelt story with you, we have some books to give away.

Author Alayne Kay Christian offered a copy of her chapter book, SIENNA, THE COWGIRL FAIRY. And the winner is…

KEILA DAWSON

Author Ariel Bernstein offered a copy of her debut picture book, I HAVE A BALLOON. and the winner is…

DAMON DEAN

Author Penny Parker Klostermann offered a copy of A COOKED UP FAIRY TALE. And the winner is…

CAROLE GERBER

Author Nancy Churnin offered a copy of MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN. And the winner is….

ALI EARLE PICHARDO

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! AND HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS MY BLOG. YOUR COMMENTS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED! I’LL BE IN TOUCH TO CONNECT THE WINNERS WITH THE AUTHORS.

AND NOW…OUR PERFECT PICTURE BOOK FRIDAY REVIEW!

GRANDMOTHER THORN

Written by Katey Howes

Illustrated by Rebecca Hahn

Published by Ripple Grove Press (2017)

Ages: 5-8

Themes: Friendship, acceptance

Synopsis:

From Amazon: Grandmother Thorn treasures her garden, where not a leaf, twig or pebble is allowed out of place. But when a persistent plant sprouts without her permission, Grandmother begins to unravel. “Her hair became as tangled as the vines on her fence. Her garden fell into disrepair. One morning, she did not rake the path.” A dear friend, the passage of seasons, and a gift only nature can offer help Grandmother Thorn discover that some things are beyond our control, and that sweetness can blossom in unexpected places.

Why I like this book:

Heartfelt tale that reminds me of the old fables I loved as a child.
Wonderful illustrations that create an atmosphere of mystery.
Message of friendship and acceptance subtly woven throughout the story.

Related Activities:

Gardening with Kids

Photo courtesy: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com

There are so many indoor and outdoor gardening activities we can do with kids. Grab an old toy truck, fill with soil, and plant some seeds. Use empty eggshells as your ‘pot’ and store in the egg carton for stability. Whenever you eat a fruit that has a pit, plant it…who knows what beautiful greenery might flourish. Growing things with kids helps them learn about life, death, and responsibility.

For detailed instructions on many planting activities: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/03/outdoor-nature-gardening-activities.html

I’m excited for tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies when a very special kidlit friend of mine and fellow Storm sister, GRANDMOTHER THORN’S author, Katey Howes, will stop by to chat with us. Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of an autographed copy of her book! And remember that Amazon reviews are important and also much appreciated by the author!

For many more picture book reviews, hop over to Susanna Hill’s website this week.