Picture Book Review and Activity: IF I WEREN’T WITH YOU

Posted on April 25, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Hello friends!

A few weeks ago, we celebrated a book birthday for IF I WEREN’T WITH YOU. There was a Q&A with author Rosie Pova. And a fun giveaway of a teddy bear and swag package.

Today we’ll review that wonderful picture book to honor Mother’s Day which is just around the corner, because the book is all about Willy Bear and the deep love his mama has for him.

IF I WEREN’T WITH YOU

Written by: Rosie Pova

Illustrated by Philip Martineau

Publisher: Spork (2017)

Ages: Preschool – Grade 2

Themes:

Mother-child love, curiosity

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Mom, if I weren’t here, what would you do?” Willy starts a conversation with Mama Bear while he’s on the move, acting like a natural youngster. In a series of simple and direct questions, the bear cub seeks and receives his mother’s reassurance of love and security as the two take a walk in the forest. Mama Bear uses imagery of the forest to communicate her feelings to her cub.

Why I like this book:

A perfect book to reassure young children that their parents will always love them.
Wonderful read-aloud!
Lyrical language combines with lovely illustrations that speak of gentleness and safety.

There is also a short trailer for the book right here.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Paper Plate Bear

You all know how much I love paper plate crafts for kids. And Rosie loves them also. This craft idea is from her!

You will need: 1 paper plate (colored if you have it, otherwise you can use markers or crayons or paint), construction paper or felt (depending on what you have and how you want the bear to feel), glue, scissors, markers to add the details, googly eyes if you have them.

Cut paper or felt for the face, muzzle, nose, ears, and eyes.
Glue onto the plate.
Add details with the marker or crayon.

I know how busy parents are these days…but kids really love doing stuff like this. Cutting out shapes and gluing googly eyes on a paper plate is more than just about crafting something to hang up…it’s about crafting a lasting relationship with your child.

We build lasting relationships with our friends also. The NESCBWI conference in Springfield, Massachusetts was a perfect opportunity to do just that. It was great seeing old friends and making new ones. The presentations and workshops were incredible. I attended a revision workshop with Harold Underdown, founder of The Purple Crayon, that I know is going to make me a better critique partner. I listened to a program given by Candlewick editor Carter Hasewaga entitled Failure that was uplifting and encouraging. One of the highlights was the thirty minutes I spent chatting with Jane Yolen during my stint as a volunteer in the AskAMentor Round Table session. OMG! I thought I had lots of energy and passion for what I do. But she puts me to shame. And she is almost ten years older. Maybe one day, when I grow up, I can be just like her.

Thank you so much for hanging out here today. See you all at the end of the week for a Perfect Picture Book Friday review of one of Tara Lazar’s new books!

Perfect Picture Book Friday Review and Craft Activity: Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 PLUS Giveaway

Posted on April 14, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. This is a very special time of year, when two of the world’s major religions celebrate important holidays…I wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Passover and a Happy Easter. If only the people of the world could come together like our incredible kid lit community does.

To add to the celebrations, we have books to give away. THREE OF THEM!

Last week, Linda Whalen offered to give away a copy of her wonderful debut picture book, LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY.

AND THE WINNER IS

SHERRY ALEXANDER

Congratulations, Sherry! Please contact me so I can get your mailing information to Linda.

We also have a copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL to award thanks to author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.

AND THE WINNER IS

VIRGINIA FRAZIER

Splish-splash! What fun. Congrats, Virginia! Let’s connect so Patricia can send you your prize.

And last, but certainly not least, author Rosie Pova is gifting a teddy bear and swag package to celebrate the book birthday of IF I WEREN’T WITH YOU.

AND THE WINNER IS

ZARA

Hurray! Zara, we will connect so that Rosie can send your prize.

I also wanted to ask everyone to continue to spread the word about the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge. Hand the flyer to teachers you know – post it on homeschool forums – we want to enable as many children as possible to participate because Magic Happens When You Make Every Word Count.

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday also has a giveaway…so don’t forget to leave a comment. And shout outs on social media are always appreciated by the author!

MRS. MCBEE LEAVES ROOM 3

Written by Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan

Illustrated by Grace Zong

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (2017)

Ages: Preschool – Grade 3

Themes:

Saying goodbye, dealing with change, working together, diversity

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Join the children of Room 3 and Mrs. McBee as they find their own ways of helping each other get ready to leave and say good-bye. It’s not just the end of the school year at Mayflower Elementary. It’s time to say goodbye to Mrs. McBee, who is leaving the school. Jamaika, William, and the other kids in Room 3 have to figure out a special way to celebrate their beloved teacher. But everyone has a different idea. How can they arrive at an agreement? Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan brings readers an amusing and touching story about transitions and the importance of observing them. With Grace Zong’s charming illustrations, the distinct cast of lively characters comes to life on the page.

Why I like this book:

As a former teacher, what’s not to love about a book that tells how kids are trying to do something nice for their teacher?
I also love seeing how the diverse characters and personalities find their own ways to say goodbye…and especially how Mrs. McBee helps each of them feel special. The author did a masterful job showing us this.
Great illustrations…full of color and emotion…they really help us connect with the characters.

One of the best ways we can help authors, other than buying a copy of their receives a certain number of reviews (30 or perhaps 50), Amazon gives a bit of marketing/promotion help. Click here for the Amazon link to today’s Perfect Picture Book.

I know that Gretchen appreciates every review the book receives.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Make a School or Classroom Craft

Photo courtesy: http://mollymoocrafts.com/back-school-crafts-shoebox-school/

Young kids really love doing crafts. And the time they spend with a parent, cutting, coloring, creating…that is time that is well spent! It’s why I included 100 quick and easy craft activities in the parent-teacher book I wrote years ago. Why not grab an old shoe box or small shipping carton and build a school with your kids?

You will need: 1 box (shoe box, USPS priority box, even a large cereal box), construction paper or gift wrap or any paper that will cover the box OR you can paint it OR you can cover it with brown shipping tape, scissors, markers, glue.

Cover the box as you and your child desire.
Cut windows and doors
Use markers or crayons to add details.

You can also create a classroom using a shoebox turned on its side. Line the ‘walls’ with wrapping paper as wallpaper. Cut pictures of furniture and people from magazines to glue in place.

For more great online crafts: http://mollymoocrafts.com/back-school-crafts-shoebox-school/

Another activity: Teachers work so hard for our children. Why not sit down with your child to write a thank you note to include with the end of year gift. I can guarantee the teacher will treasure that note long after the flowers die or the candy is eaten. I know I still have notes from the children I taught.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends…don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of MRS. MCBEE LEAVES ROOM 3…and please come back tomorrow for:

Will Write for Cookies

Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan

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.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Little Red Rolls Away PLUS Giveaway

Posted on April 7, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Welcome back, dear friends. It’s been busy around here with TWO Book Birthday posts earlier in the week. And now it’s Friday already. Time for another Perfect Picture Book review.

Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing 2017 picture books to review. We’ve got a really special one today that is quite dear to my heart because it reminds me so much of one of my all-time classic favorites, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.

But first we need to GIVE AWAY A BOOK! Last week, Lori Richmond offered a copy of PAX AND BLUE.

AND THE WINNER IS…

KATHY ELSTAD

Congratulations, Kathy! Please contact me so I can get your mailing information to Lori.

I also wanted to ask everyone to continue to spread the word about the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge. I got a wonderful email today from a mother who wanted to know if she could write the story as her 5-year old son dictated it to her. I assured her that YES…of course she could. As long as the parent or teacher is not telling the story or changing the story, there is no problem with that. I’m grateful to everyone who has shared on social media and with their elementary and homeschool connections.

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday also has a giveaway…so don’t forget to leave a comment. I also have a favor to ask. If you have not yet signed up for my email list, please do! Subscribing to my email list is different from signing up to follow my blog. I hope everyone does both!!!! Please click on the sidebar logo to subscribe to my email list. Below that, you can click to get a notification every time I do a blog post. And I know you don’t want to miss out on that!! If you already do both, that is awesome. If somehow you missed out, here’s your chance. And I thank you so very much.

As I mentioned, today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday reminded me so much of one of the classics I love. But author Linda Whalen totally changed it up in such a timely and relevant way. I hope you enjoy my review.

Little Red Rolls Away

Written by Linda Whalen

Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Ages: Preschool – Grade 3

Themes:

Dealing with change, moving, friendship

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

When Little Red Barn wakes one morning, he finds his animal friends have gone. He’s empty and alone. And then big noisy machines lift him up and put him on a truck. As Little Red is transported across the countryside, down a major river, and through city streets, he feels anxious and a little afraid. Where is he going? Who will be there when he reaches his destination? When Little Red does finally reach his new home in a surprising location, he finds things are even better than before. The story of the little barn’s relocation and adjustment to a new place will reassure and comfort young readers facing changes in their own lives.

Why I like this book:

The text is picture book perfect! I love the element of threes which the author uses so well. The story is absolutely delightful.
There is short guide at the back of the book for parents and teachers.
The illustrator managed to show the emotion of the main character…A BARN. Hats off for that accomplishment! And the colors on each page are bright and bold.
This book would be a wonderful launch pad for discussions on anxiety over the unknown, moving, and the importance of friendship.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

MAKE A LITTLE RED BARN

Photo courtesy: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/

You will need: Cardboard box, construction paper, glue, scissors, markers or crayons.

For detailed instructions: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/

There is also a wonderful little guide at the end of the book that will help parents and teachers address young children’s issues with dealing new places and things.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends…don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY…and please come back tomorrow when we get a chance to Q&A with the author of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY:

Will Write for Cookies

Linda Whalen