Category Archives: Perfect Pictture Book Friday

Perfect Picture Book Friday: GOD’S WONDER-FILLED WORLD

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. It’s always a joy to spread the news about new books…and it’s an especial pleasure when the book creator is someone I’ve know for a long time. And we are so very lucky because author Judy Cooper is stopping by to chat with us to share a bit about how her debut picture book, GOD’S WONDER-FILLED WORLD came to be.

GOD’S WONDER-FILLED WORLD

Written by Judy Cooper

Illustrated by Amanda Hillier

Published by OSV (March 9, 2026)

Ages: 5-8

Themes: Nature, Wonder of Creation, Bible verses

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books that show children the beauty of nature and how they are part of it.
2. I love books where the illustrations are joyful and engaging.
3. I love books that encourage kids to be thoughtful about their world and to believe they are an important part of it…brave and brilliant!

ME: And now, as promised, let’s welcome Judy!

JUDY: Dearest Vivian, Thank you for inviting me to share about my debut picture book. You have been my inspiration for years. So it is an honor to chat with you here.

Summary:

Long ago…
God created light and saw it was good.
But that was just the beginning.

In a fresh and lyrical style, God’s Wonder-Filled World: The Story of Creation tells the story of the beauty and wonder embedded in creation from the foundation of the world.

Inspired by Sacred Scripture, this book shows children their heavenly Father’s joy-filled love for them and lets them know they are part of the ongoing story of God’s creation.

What inspired me to write this book:

Many years ago, I had read a line in a book written by Stormie Omartian that said, “God didn’t say oops when you were born.” I felt that thought was so powerful and at the same time, kid-friendly. I tussled for years trying to figure out how to weave that concept into a picture book.

I then came up with an idea about an oops-filled family that showed ‘everyone says oops sometimes, but that God never says oops ‘, and wove the Creation story in to illustrate the point.
Well, after a mentoring session with Lynne Marie, she suggested that I drop the family angle and research what picture books about Creation were already on the market. I found that none were out there using the same approach I envisioned.

A challenging moment I faced on the path to publication:

Oh, there were many challenging moments in the revision process after my editor, Kate Camden, first contacted me with her interest in the manuscript. She said she could envision this book being a classic on their list but wanted a few revisions before taking it to her acquisition team. Some were very basic word tweaks. No problem. But then, on one spread, the text was simply, “God’s words twirled and whirled weaving you into life.” Kate asked if I could make that more specific to a child.

I was perplexed. How to make it specific to one child if you wanted the text to resonate with a multitude of children? I tossed around suggestions from my critique partners. But nothing was hitting the mark. Then I went into prayer and asked God, “What do You want me to say here?” Miraculously, the text downloaded into my brain within seconds. I grabbed a pen and jotted down the words before they escaped me.

So now the text on that spread reads:

Then God spoke these words…

Be brave and brilliant.

Be kind and caring.

Be wise and wonder filled.

God’s words twirled and whirled,
weaving you into life.

This spread is now one of my favorites in the book. The illustrator created an amazing image for it that you can see here.

There were several more revision challenges along the way. Some times I felt like I just wanted to quit because it was so difficult. But I’m grateful I persevered. Seeing my words come to life through Amanda Hillier’s illustrations is such a blessing.

Here is another example of her beautiful work.

Here’s a little bit about Judy

Judy Cooper’s debut picture book, God’s Wonder-Filled World: The Story of Creation, is scheduled for release on March 9, 2026. A FL-SCBWI Rising Kite Award recipient, Judy has designed and implemented a PreK-4th grade arts enrichment curriculum. Her short story, The Candy Monster, was featured in a Make-A-Wish Foundation anthology publication.

Judy works as the Manuscript Coordinator for Rate Your Story. She is also a Curatorial Writer and a Docent, specializing in tours for fourth grade students at a Smithsonian Affiliate Art Museum in Central Florida where she marvels daily at its stunning sunsets, swaying palms and leaping lizards – all a part of God’s wonder-filled world.

Here’s a little bit about illustrator Amanda:

Amanda Hillier is an illustrator, printmaker, and designer inspired by the wonder of landscapes and nature. Formally trained as a graphic designer, illustrator, and textile artist, Amanda has over 30 years of experience working for prestigious clients on projects including giftware, puzzles, books, and stationery. Her eclectic style utilizes watercolors, painting, vintage finds, and hand printing to create unique art pieces licensed around the world.

ME: Thank you so much, Judy! We all love to hear the story behind the story. Hearing about challenges that others have overcome always gives us hope for our own manuscripts.
And, dear friends, this beautiful book is launching March 9th…I’m excitedly waiting for my copy…and you can Preorder NOW on Amazon at https://a.co/d/06TAuq7u

Remember…we can help beautiful books become a success:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (share on your social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

And to find out more about Judy:
Wedsite: www.judycooperwrites.com
Personal Facebook page (Facebook)
Author Facebook page: Judy Cooper, Author’ Facebook page. (Facebook)

Thank you all for spending your precious time with us. And speaking about PRECIOUS…

Make sure you come back on Monday, March 2 for the opportunity to enter the #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest…you will have TWO DAYS to submit your story…March 2 and March 3…please check out the guidelines in the Heads Up post: https://viviankirkfield.com/2026/02/07/heads-up-the-50preciouswords-2026-international-writing-contest-is-coming-soon/

Perfect Picture Book Friday: STORY POWER! Plus Giveaway

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I always love featuring books that entertain and educate. We talk a lot about reading with children – but what about writing with them?! Author Stephanie Wildman and I have been “kid lit network friends” through many of our books. And so, when I discovered that the fourth book in her Flor, Roberto, and Luis series — titled Story Power! – had been coauthored with her grandson, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Stephanie stopped by to share the story behind this story and she is pleased to offer a book as a giveaway. So, make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win.

Story Power!

Written by Stephanie Wildman and Simon Wildman Chung

Illustrated by Estefanía Razo

Published by Lawley Publishing, October, 2025

Ages 3 and up

Themes:  How to Write a Story; Hero/Heroine’s journey; healthy eating

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books that entertain and educate. Readers will see the characters write a story. Then children can write their own stories by following the helpful guide in the backmatter.

2. I love books that can be enjoyed at home as well as used in the classroom! Story Power! provides both a remedy for boredom at home and a tool for classroom instruction.

3. I love books that provide young readers with great illustrations!

And now the promised treat…a visit from author Stephanie.
ME: Welcome, my friend! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us. Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and how it came to be?

STEPHANIE: Thank you, Vivian! I am so honored to have Story Power! as part of your Perfect Picture Book Friday series!

Synopsis: Twins Flor and Roberto and big brother Luis return for another adventure. What does Luis have up his sleeve this time when the twins are bored? Discovering the thrill of storytelling, the twins craft a tale for their beloved Abuelito. Bonus content includes a road map for creating your own story along with craft activities.

Story Power! is my sixth picture book – the fourth in the Flor, Roberto, and Luis series that started with Treasure Hunt. In Treasure Hunt the twins Flor and Roberto are bored and want to watch TV or play video games. Big brother Luis engages them in a treasure hunt to find objects they can recycle and reuse as puppets. The ideas in this book came out of pandemic lockdown activities, during time I spent with two of my grandsons. The next books in the series also came from a sleepover bedtime routine and another grandson’s questions about loss of a beloved pet. I thought I was done with Flor, Roberto, and Luis after three meaningful books.

I was eager to turn my focus to a middle grade novel I have been working on, and I asked grandson Simon if he would listen to me read the beginning. He was seven at the time. I warned him that there were no pictures and that he should stop me if he was bored. I paused every few pages and he said “go on” each time. 

At the end of the chapter, I said, “You didn’t stop me.” 

“Well,” he said, “Grandma you need more action!”

“Thank you,” I answered, shuffling to put away my papers. “That’s super helpful.” My mind was already traveling to rewrites.

“But,” he continued, “I have an idea for another Flor, Roberto, and Luis book.”

I looked at him – remember he was seven – and asked what was his idea. Well, I can say it was brilliant, because it wasn’t my idea. Simon told me that in this next book Flor and Roberto would be bored again, but this time they would write a book themselves.

My mind started whirling with the possibilities. Simon himself loved writing. Maybe a picture book could help other children see that they, too, could write stories by watching these characters – Flor and Roberto – write their own book.

Related activities: Write with the young ones in your life! Help them develop the writing habit. Dr. Shawna Della Cerra, educational consultant for Lawley Publishing developed Research-informed Strategies and Activities to Cultivate the Writing Habit, available on my websitehere.

My website also includes coloring pages and worksheets for Story Power!

And watch for Story Power! coming in Spanish in April 2026 as ¡El Poder de los Cuentos!, translated by Cecilia Pópulus-Eudave.

Bios: 

Stephanie Wildman, author of six children’s books, became a Professor Emerita after serving as the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Chair at Santa Clara Law School. She is a grandmother, mother, spouse, friend, and good listener, who can sit “criss-cross apple sauce” thanks to her yoga practice. Learn more about Stephanie at: stephaniewildman.com

Simon Wildman Chung is an elementary school student who loves writing stories, reading books, swimming, and playing with his brother.

Estefanía Razo has a Bachelor of Graphic Design degree from the University of Guadalajara. She is passionate about illustration, books, and art in general. During her free time she enjoys reading children’s books with her nieces and watching movies accompanied by her cats. Estefanía can be found on Instagram @estefania.razo.r


And now, dear blog friends, let’s do our part to help this book get into the hands of young readers. We can:
Buy the book – anywhere books are sold online or support your favorite indie bookstore!

     (I include here the link for bookshop.org, because the book doesn’t show up by searching Stephanie’s name!)
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (PLEASE share this post on social media)
Ask local libraries to purchase copies for their collection


Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Story Power!

Thank you for spending your precious time with us…I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: WOODY’S WORDS: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows Plus PB Critique GIVEAWAY

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s author is a longtime kidlit friend of mine…we both debuted in 2019 and have been friends ever since! She has graciously offered a giveaway for a Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming under 600 words). So, please make sure you leave a comment.

WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS

Written by Lisa Rogers

Illustrated by Susan Reagan

Published by Calkins Creek/Astra (September 9, 2025)

Ages: 7-10

Themes: Perseverance, accepting help, the power of words

From Astra: The life of Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Rawls, the author of the children’s classic Where the Red Fern Grows, is revealed in this nonfiction picture book for ages 7 – 10 that celebrates persistence, creativity, and chasing dreams.

When Woody Rawls read The Call of the Wild, a classic novel about a stolen mistreated dog and a kindly man, his life was forever changed. Maybe it was because he loved his own dog, or maybe it was because the story reached deep into his heart and stayed there. From then on, Woody was determined to learn to write and become a teller of tales.

Woody didn’t care that he couldn’t afford pen and paper. He would use a stick in the sand if he had to. Woody trusted his heart and used his imagination to create his stories, which he shared with Rowdy, his trusty hound. Woody never stopped writing even when it was hard to and when life got in the way. He went on to write several novels and publish two books for children– including the timeless classic Where the Red Fern Grows. This story of hard work creatively presented by author Lisa Rogers and illustrator Susan Reagan will resonate with young readers and adults alike.

Why I Love This Book
1. I love books about authors of classic books!

2. I love books that take me to a different place and time!
3. I love books filled with heart – Wilson Rawls’ struggle to realize his dream of becoming an author is relatable and makes his achievement one to celebrate!

ME:I was chatting with Lisa and mentioned that we all love to hear about the path to publication for our Perfect Picture Book Friday books…and she graciously stopped by.
Welcome, Lisa! Can you share a bit about why you wrote this story and how it came about?

Lisa:  Thanks for sharing WOODY’S WORDS today, Vivian! I have a special story about the impetus for writing this book.

During my career as an elementary library teacher, I read thousands of books. But I had never read Where the Red Fern Grows, the classic story of a boy and his hounds, until one of my students told me how much it moved him.

That afternoon, I brought home the book and could not put it down. The story held my attention from its start to its heart-rending finish. But I gasped aloud as I read the note about its author: “Though he didn’t have access to real books until he was of high-school age…”

I had to know more. I instantly was captivated as I listened to Rawls telling his life story—a priceless treasure, made available online, thanks to Woody’s wife, Sophie Rawls, and read-aloud champion Jim Trelease. I was drawn to Rawls’ world just as I was drawn into Where the Red Fern Grows.

There was more to Woody’s story, though, which I discovered during extensive research, including interviews with family members. That research made Rawls’ achievement even more impressive than I could have imagined.

What struck me, though, was not just his achievement. It was that he gave up—completely abandoned his dream–until he found encouragement from Sophie.

That struggle resonated with me. Growing up, I shared Woody’s dream of becoming a published author. I had advantages that Woody did not have, but I didn’t try writing until I was in my second career as a librarian. I almost gave up, but our wonderful kidlit writing community encouraged me.


I think Woody’s story is a wonderful example for anyone — child or adult — with a dream. Almost no one reaches a goal without some kind of help. If Woody hadn’t trusted his wife to help and encourage him, we would not have Where the Red Fern grows to cherish and read over and over again. Look for his acknowledgement of that help in the dedication to Where the Red Fern Grows.

Woody’s Words is beautifully and tenderly illustrated by Susan Reagan. Susan’s art is gorgeous and so evocative!!

I’m sharing an activity for practicing writing like Woody did. It’s from my Woody’s Words Activity Kit, which anyone can obtain by signing up for my newsletter at lisarogerswrites.com.

ME: WOW…thank you so much, Lisa. I loved hearing your path to publication for this book. And thank you for providing the writing activity! What could be better than encouraging readers to write?

RELATED ACTIVITY:

Write like Wilson Rawls!

Woody learned to write as a child in the Ozarks of Oklahoma by noticing what was around him. Find a spot that is special to you or imagine that you are there. What do you see, hear, touch, taste, smell? Use as many senses as you can.

Write down one or two words for each sense. Then, choose more specific, “juicy” words to describe what you imagine. For example, you might “see” a bird flying. How does it move? Does it soar, swoop, circle, dive?

Then, use your beautiful words to write a poem or description of your special place.

Keep all of your work, even if you don’t think it’s your best. As Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Lies says, “Practice makes better.” Keep writing. Keep noticing. With practice, maybe you will become a cherished author, just like Wilson Rawls!

ME: I’m so excited to add this beautiful book to my special shelf of books by dear friends. And honestly, I am also going to get a copy of WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS…I’m sure I read it years ago…but it feels like a story that will become a faithful friend…there when you need inspiration or encouragement…the perfect book for these difficult days.

To order your OWN copy from Lisa’s local indie bookstore:

Buy link: https://www.wellesleybooks.com/book/9781662680298

Website: https://lisarogerswrites.com

And here’s a little bit more about Lisa:

Lisa Rogers’ career as an elementary library teacher inspired her to write for children. She’s the award-winning author of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow,” Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony, and the brand-new Woody’s Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows. A former news reporter and editor, Lisa received degrees in English Literature from William & Mary and Boston College and a master’s in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2024, she served as a PB Rising Stars mentor. A four-time runner of the Boston Marathon, she daydreams, runs, paints, and has adventures with her hound near Boston.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your precious time with us. Please don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to WIN the fabulous giveaway: A Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming, under 600 words) from the lovely and talented Lisa. If you have read it, maybe you can share your thoughts about Where the Red Fern Grows…and if you haven’t, perhaps you can share the title of another childhood favorite that inspired and encouraged you.

Have a wonderful weekend!