Crafts for kids | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

What’s with all those letters in the headline?

Well, Thanksgiving is only one month away. I looked out on my front lawn this morning and I do believe these turkeys have gotten the word…they are on the run.

Finding turkeys in the front yard is one thing…finding a whale in your swimming pool is way more unusual…author/illustrator Joyce Wan was definitely thinking outside the box when she came up with her latest book. So the first bunch of letters in the headline are for Perfect Picture Book Friday. You’ll have to read to the end of this post to discover what the other letters are for.

The Whale in My Swimming Pool

Written and illustrated by Joyce Wan

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux (2015)

Ages: 2-6

Themes: problem solving, creative thinking, whales

Opening Lines:

“Race you to the pool! Whoa…a whale?”

Synopsis:

From Amazon
“One sunny day, a little boy heads outside for a swim, but his pool is already taken . . . There’s a big whale in the water and it’s not budging! The boy tries everything to get the whale to leave. Nothing seems to work. Not fetch. Not tag. Not even offering his allowance. What’s a boy to do? Luckily, he comes up with the perfect solution: he decides to chill out on a spray of water over the whale’s spout.”

Why I like this book:

Simple sparse text is perfect for young listeners and new readers
Bold bright illustrations grab a child’s attention
Encourages problem solving and thinking outside the box

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Photo courtesy: http://tangrila.blogspot.com

You will need: A paper plate, construction paper, markers or crayons, scissors, glue, (optional: googly eye)

If you want a blue or gray whale, you can paint or color In the paper plate. For a simpler project, leave the plate uncolored and make a white whale.
Cut construction paper tail and fin.
Glue on tail and fin.
Add features with marker or crayon.
For more detailed instructions and more wonderful crafts for kids, please visit: http://tangrila.blogspot.com/2012/04/whale-paper-plate-craft.html

Find out about where whales really live: http://www.whalefacts.org/whale-facts-for-kids/

And more information and activities here: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales/

AND NOW FOR THE PIBOIDMO REVEAL

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, Thanksgiving is just a month away…which means that the month of November is just around the corner.

And if you love picture books, you will love PiBoIdMo!

A month-long challenge: Picture Book Idea Month

http://taralazar.com/2015/10/05/lotsa-winners-and-piboidmo-update/

I want to share a bit about Picture Book Idea Month or PiBoIdMo. I discovered the amazing Tara Lazar and her fabulous picture book idea challenge back in 2011…I was just starting to dip my toes into the world of writing for children. I lurked in the shadows that November, reading the guest posts and leaving a couple of comments. When 2012 rolled around, I wasted no time. I signed up, got a new notebook, and actively participated by reading and commenting and jotting down my story ideas.

And every year since then, I’ve looked forward to November because I know that PiBoIdMo is coming. To be honest, this challenge played a big role in sparking my enthusiasm for writing picture books. So don’t hesitate! It’s free! It’s fun! It’s fabulous! Whether you are a newbie, just thinking about writing for children, or a multi-published author or illustrator, this is the one challenge you don’t want to miss.

What you need to do:

Sign up on her blog.
Read and comment on each of the inspirational posts written by authors, illustrators, and other lovers of picture books
Keep a journal or notebook, jotting down at least ONE story idea for each day of the month

What you get in return:

A notebook FULL of great story ideas that will keep you writing
30+ inspirational posts from people who are passionate about picture books
A community of generous caring supportive people who are happy to share their knowledge and expertise
Oh…and did I mention the prizes? Oh yeah! Books and critiques and all kinds of good stuff!

Registration opens REAL SOON! So hurry over to Tara’s website: http://www.taralazar.com

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends!

Are you ready for a brisk fall weekend?

That’s right…it’s FRIDAY!

And you know what that means—a Perfect Picture Book to review.

I mentioned last week that I’m writing a book about a boy who wants to play on his tablet more than anything else. He’s had enough of school, soccer, and all the other activities his mom wants him to do.

So when I found this awesome book, I knew it was another one I could use as a mentor text. And the funny thing is, even though I had never read it before, the activities the boy in this book wants to avoid, are pretty much the same ones as my main character. I guess that goes to show what many writing classes have taught me…there are only a couple of stories in the world. And my mission, should I choose to accept it (just saw Mission Impossible 4), is to put a unique spin or twist on it and tell it in my own voice.