Perfect Picture Book Friday: The Bath of Least Resistance PLUS Giveaway

Posted on December 1, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Hello dear friends. Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday!

Before we get started, thanks to the generosity of author Patricia Toht, we have a copy of PICK A PINE TREE to give away. And the winner is…

LIZ (who mentioned she had read a library copy of it with her 2-year old daughter)

CONGRATULATIONS, LIz! Now you’ll have a copy for your daughter’s own bookshelf!

And heads up, all of you writers out there! Next week, Susanna Hill will be hosting her Holiday Contest. If you are interested in participating, go here for details and guidelines. There are going to be some fabulous prizes, I know! I’m busy writing and revising manuscripts for that book whose name shall still be nameless since I can’t yet shout out about it because the contract isn’t signed, but…busy or not, I’ll be hopping around to read as many of the entries as I can. The Halloweensie stories were awesome…and I know the holiday ones will be as well.

Today I want to share a lovely picture book by a friend who has participated in many of the writing contests and challenges in this wonderful kidlitland. And when I received a copy of his latest picture book, I knew I had to share it. Please don’t forget to leave a comment because author Greg Bray has generously offered to do a giveaway.

THE BATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

Written by Gregory E. Bray

Illustrated by Steve Page

Published by MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing (2017)

Ages: 5-8

Themes: Ingenuity, pets

Synopsis:

From Amazon: THE BATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE is told from the perspective of Bogie the puppy as he watches his brother’s attempts to get him into the bath. It’s filled with laughs, loves and the incredible friendship between a little boy and his dog. THE BATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE is also an excellent way to coach your little ones about the joys of taking a bath…just in case you need a little help.

Why I like this book:

Kids will love the story of a dog who doesn’t want a bath.
I love the single-mindedness of both the dog and the boy.
Fun illustrations filled with color and action and adorable expressions on both the dog and the boy.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Photo courtesy: https://buggyandbuddy.com/sponge-painting/

Sponge Painting

Kids love painting…and sponge painting is so much fun! With the holidays coming soon, you could sponge paint large sheets of paper…or even newspaper…for inexpensive homemade wrapping paper. For detailed instructions: https://buggyandbuddy.com/sponge-painting/

And please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway of a copy of THE BATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE!

Thank you so much, dear friends, for stopping by. I truly appreciate the time you spend here and hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES,TOO Plus Giveaway

Posted on November 10, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday!

At many How-To-Write-A-Picture-Book presentations, I’ve heard mentors say, “Pick a character kids want to read about and ask yourself the question…what if?” And today’s book is a perfect example of a writer who did that and got it right.

ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES, TOO!

Written by Katy Duffield

Illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Published by Candlewick (2017)

Ages: 3-7

Synopsis:

From Amazon: Ahhh-flying-saucer-shooting-star-CHOO! Laughter is the best medicine when you’re a little alien feeling under the weather.

Little Alien is sick. And sick is extra-terrestrial bad when you have two scratchy throats, five ears that hurt, and three runny noses. Splatch! Sputter! Spurt! Luckily Mama and Daddy Alien have an arsenal of lunar decongestants and meteor showers on hand to make him feel a little better (not to mention a Milky Way milkshake to help the medicine go down). Even so, the family’s alien pooch, Mars Rover, can’t stand to see his little buddy feeling out of sorts. Can a loyal pup’s funny tricks finally coax a smile?

Opening lines:

“Little Alien was sick. And sick is extra-terrestrial bad when you have two throats, five ears, and three noses.”

Why I like this book:

Great text…the author uses all the time-honored outer space sayings that kids will know and love.
Awesome illustrations.
Full of humor and heart.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Photo courtesy: http://frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/alien-crafts-and-activities/

Please check FrogsandSnailsandPuppyDogTail for detailed instructions on whichever crafts you choose.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Don’t forget to leave a comment for an entry into the giveaway of a copy of ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES, TOO!

And come back tomorrow when author Katy Duffield rockets over to chat about her writing journey.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends!

Picture Book Review and Activity: LONG MAY SHE WAVE plus Giveaway

Posted on May 19, 2017 by viviankirkfield

I’m always happy when Friday rolls around – because it means it’s time for Perfect Picture Book Friday. And today’s book is amazing. In fact, it was just selected as a Fall 2017 Junior Library Guild selection!!!!

But first, some blog housekeeping. BTW, did you know this is blog post #700 for Picture Books Help Kids Soar? Where has the time gone?

Last week, Chana Stiefel offered a copy of her debut picture book, DADDY DEPOT. And the lucky winner is…

PATRICIA NOZELL

Congratulations, Patricia…let’s connect and I will put you in touch with Chana so she can get a copy of the book out to you!

Today’s book is close to my heart for two reasons. I am a lover of nonfiction picture books…it’s what I love to write…and the author is actually the guru of writing nonfiction picture books. In June of 2014, I took Kristen Fulton’s Nonfiction Archaelogy class and it was a life changing experience for me. Kristen, who will be here tomorrow on Will Write for Cookies, is offering a copy of the book. So, if you’d like to be entered in the giveaway, please don’t forget to leave a comment.

LONG MAY SHE WAVE

Written by: Kristen Fulton

Illustrated by Holly Berry

Publisher: Simon and Schuster (Margaret McElderry Books – 2017)

Ages: Preschool – Grade 3

Themes:

U.S. history

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Discover the story of the girl who sewed the American flag that inspired the lyrics of the National Anthem in this beautifully illustrated celebration of our country’s iconic symbol for freedom.

Caroline Pickersgill came from a family of the best flag makers in Baltimore. She and her family proudly stitched the grand flag that gallantly whipped in the wind over Fort McHenry.

But when the British attacked Baltimore on September 12, 1814, would those broad stripes and bright stars still wave strong? Would America still be free and remain the home of the brave?

Why I like this book: