PPBF: The William Hoy Story PLUS Winners

Posted on February 26, 2016 by viviankirkfield

I looked at the calendar and realized that we are just about at the end of the month. Didn’t I promise a couple of giveaways would happen then?

You bet I did! I hope you all love jam…because this is going to be a jam-packed post. First I want to congratulate the winners of Susanna Hill’s First Annual Almost World Famous Valentiny Writing Contest. Did you vote? It was pretty hard to decide…I hope all of those wonderful writers will take their stories and turn them into picture books. Writing contests are a great way to exercise your writing muscle.

Talking about writing muscle, both of the books we are giving away are full of writing muscle…Dianna Aston’s An Egg is Quiet and Doris Burn’s Andrew Henry’s Meadow. Both are classics and are books that can be read over and over again…for the text, for the illustrations, for the messages that will constantly be uncovered each time you turn the pages.

We’ll get to announcing the winners shortly, but first we should talk about our Perfect Picture Book Friday pick. One of the really neat things about being in this kidlit community is that I get to connect with lots of writers. And those writers write books. And those books get published! How cool is it to hold a book in your hands that was written by a friend? Totally cool!

The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

Written by Nancy Churnin

Illustrated by Jez Tuya Continue reading →

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’

Posted on November 20, 2015 by viviankirkfield

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, I wanted to offer up an oldie but a goodie that was originally published in 1982 and has been revised and re-released this year. You go, Eileen Spinelli and Maryann Cocca-Leffler! Plus, Maryann, who is the illustrator for this book, will be our featured Will Write for Cookies guest in tomorrow’s post.

Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’

Written by Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Publisher: HarperCollins (1982, 2015)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, family togetherness

Opening Lines:

“Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ was always a big day. Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ meant, of course, the Tappleton family.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Thanksgiving is always a big day at the Tappletons’. But this Thanksgiving each task is interrupted by calamity and hilarity: first the turkey slips away . . . then the bakery is sold out . . . and so on, until Uncle Fritz and Grandfather Tappleton despair of ever eating dinner at all!

It’s not until Grandmother Tappleton reminds everyone, “there is more to Thanksgiving than a turkey and trimmings,” that the Tappletons begin to improvise . . . and end up enjoying a most unusual holiday “feast.”

Delicious drawings add to the merriment of this warm, contemporary tale, whose mirth and message youngsters will savor.”

Why I like this book:

Great read-aloud…with so much humor. Kids will be laughing and so will parents.
Each character shows so much personality…I feel there could be spin-off books about each of them.
A heartfelt message that is timely and timeless.

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud.
Great book to encourage discussion of the importance of family.
Springboard for talking about what we are thankful for.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Gratitude Jar

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

You will need: A jar, paper, pen and/or markers, glue, scissors.

For detailed directions for this and other wonderful crafts, please visit: http://www.somewhatsimple.com/gratitude-jar/

And for more wonderful picture book reviews, please hop over to to Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

Make sure you come back here tomorrow! I spent an hour chatting with our Will Write for Cookies’ guest last weekend at a book signing for her newest release, A Homemade Together Christmas. I’ll be reviewing that for Perfect Picture Book Friday in a couple of weeks.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Will Write for Cookies

TOMORROW!

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend. Remember, the holidays are about love, peace, and friendship. Reach out to those who need your smile.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Dot.

Posted on September 25, 2015 by viviankirkfield

Are you ready Perfect Picture Book Friday?

I am!

I found a book that our kids these days can definitely relate to. And since I’m writing a book about a boy who wants to play on his tablet more than anything else, I’m using it as a template text.

DOT.

Written by Randi Zuckerberg

Illustrated by Joe Berger

Publisher: Harper (2013)

Ages: 2-7

Themes: Life balance, electronics devices

Opening Lines:

“This is Dot. She knows a lot. She knows how to tap, to touch, to tweet, to tag.

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Dot’s a spunky little girl well versed in electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap . . . to swipe . . . to share . . . and she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. Dot’s tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot really does know lots and lots.

Why I like this book:

Young kids will just about be able to read this by themselves.
Simple language combines with bold fun illustrations
Love the message of life balance – there is a place for electronic devices, but we mustn’t forget that kids need outdoor activities as well.

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud
Great book to encourage listening and literacy skills
Encourage discussion about enjoying all types of activities

RELATED ACTIVITIES

LEAF COLLAGE

Getting kids outside is really important. They need the fresh air and the large muscle movement that is hard to allow in the house. While you are outside with them, why not go on a leaf hunt. There will soon be plenty of leaves to collect. See how many different types you can find.

You will need: Piece of construction paper or cardboard, glue stick, leaves.

Collect different size, shape and color leaves. (that’s a whole other lesson in categorizing)
Let your child arrange the leaves on the paper.
Glue each leaf in place.
Hang up in a place of honor.

Does your child have a bulletin board or place where he can display his creative work? Even a fridge will work…all you need are some magnets.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you all have a beautiful weekend.

If you are looking for more picture book reviews and activities, please stop by Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog: http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2015/09/perfect-picture-book-friday-how-sun-got.html