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!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK Plus CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 13, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends!

We’ve got another super picture book review PLUS an awesome craft for kids PLUS an amazing picture book critique giveaway (or school Skype visit if the winner is a teacher) from debut author Julie Segal Walters who will be stopping by to chat tomorrow with loads of insights and a yummy treat recipe.

However, first we have some books to give away!

Author Katey Howes is giving away a copy of GRANDMOTHER THORN. And the winner is…

Jarm Del Boccio!

Suzy Leopold is giving away a personalized journal. And the winner is…

Maria Marshall!

Lori Alexander is giving away a copy of FAMOUSLY PHOEBE. And the winner is…

Barbara Cairnes!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! A huge thank you to our authors and illustrators…we’ve had 44 giveaways this year so far, and that doesn’t count the ones for #50PreciousWords and the Skype visits that were awarded to seven schools after #50PreciousWordsforKids. And of course, a huge thank you to all of my wonderful readers who bless me with their comments! I’m honored that you spend your precious time here at Picture Books Help Kids Soar. And I know you are waiting patiently for today’s selection…so here it is.

THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK

Written by Julie Segal Walters

Illustrated by Brian Biggs

Published by Simon and Schuster (October 2017)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Animals, humor

Opening Lines: “Animals can be classifed into groups by their unique traits. Continue reading →

Perfect Picture Book Friday: FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Posted on October 6, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Fall is here in New England…leaves are changing color and the temps are decidedly chilly when I get up in the morning.

2017 has exploded with amazing children’s books and I’m thrilled to bring you one that will help older siblings when the new baby arrives. Author Lori Alexander is offering a copy of her newest picture book as a giveaway. Please make sure you leave a comment below and come back tomorrow to double your entries when she stops by to chat about the writing life.

FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Written by Lori Alexander

Illustrated by Aurelie Blard-Quintard

Published by Sterling Children’s Books (2017)

Ages: 4-7

Themes: Sibling rivalry, family dynamics, self-worth

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.

Why I like this book:

A story that engages from the opening lines to the last page.
Fabulous bold illustrations that invite the reader into the action.
A universal theme that never loses its appeal.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Make a Family Newspaper

Photo courtesy: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/

You will need: Paper, ruler, pencil/pen, markers/crayons, family photos, scissors, glue

What fun! Each family member can write a column for this newspaper!

For detailed instructions: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2010/04/make-a-family-newspaper-to-talk-about-family-news/

Please make sure you come back tomorrow when we chat with Lori Alexander on Write for Cookies. And don’t forget that one of the greatest gifts you can give an author is to review their books on Amazon or Goodreads.

For more great picture book reviews and activities, hurry over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend!