Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I’ve been absent for a couple of Fridays…and I have to share how touched I was that three kid-lit friends actually reached out to make sure I was okay because they were concerned. I did go away for a long weekend with my family on a nostalgia road trip to visit some familiar places in Connecticut where my kids grew up. But I am back today – and turning the spotlight on a wonderful picture book from Annette Schottenfeld, OBI’S MUD BATH. And the lovely Annette is offering a super giveaway of a copy of the book and some book swag!
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! The warmer weather reminds me of many happy summer days spent on the beach at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York where I grew up. And thinking of the beach reminds me of many snacks lost to marauding seagulls! When I saw this new book by the lovely Michelle Vattula, I knew I wanted to share it with you.
Today’s featured book is going to touch your heart – and if you leave a comment and share the post on social media, you might be the lucky winner of the copy of I WISH YOU KNEW that author Jackie Azua Kramer.
Launching May 25, 2021
I WISH YOU KNEW
Written by Jackie Azua Kramer
Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Published by Roaring Brook Press
Ages: 4-7
Themes: Deportation, immigration, family
Synopsis: From Amazon:
When Estrella’s father has to leave because he wasn’t born here, like her, She misses him. And she wishes people knew the way it affects her. At home. At school. Always. But a school wrapped around a hundred-year-old oak tree is the perfect place to share and listen. Some kids miss family, Some kids are hungry, Some kids live in shelters.
But nobody is alone.
A story about deportation, divided families, and the importance of community in the midst of uncertainty.
OH MY GOODNESS…this is a must-have book for schools and homes and libraries! And there is also a version in Spanish!
Make a Pair of Listening Ears: Why not make a pair for each member of the family – and when your child feels he or she isn’t being listened to, they can grab the listening ears and give it to the person they want to talk with. Or make a game for the family – during story time or discussion time, everyone wears the listening ears except for the person who is speaking. For detailed instructions on how to make this craft: https://fourlittlefive.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/my-listening-ear/
Please remember that the best way to thank an author for a book that you love is to buy the book, review the book (reviews REALLY help), tell friends about the book, ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway! Did you ever feel you weren’t being listened to? Please share.
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend. Please stay safe and be well and stop by tomorrow when author Katie Frawley comes by to chat.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 