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.
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VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 