Perfect Picture Book Friday: Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets PLUS Critique Giveaway

Posted on June 9, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Hurray for June…school will be out soon for many children, but that doesn’t mean they stop reading—at least I hope not. My plan is to continue with Perfect Picture Book Friday throughout the summer…I’ve already got every weekend scheduled with some of 2017’s best picture book releases.

Today’s book is special for a couple of reasons. It originally launched in 2009, but there was such a demand for it, it’s been reissued, bigger and better than ever before (after all…it’s about Texas Bluebonnets, right?). I’m thrilled about this because the author, Ellen Leventhal, is one of my dearest critique buddies and she’ll be stopping by to chat with us tomorrow. She’s also agreed to do a giveaway of…A PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE! Yes! I know how much everyone loves getting feedback from a published author. And having been on the receiving end of MANY wonderful critiques from Ellen, I can promise you that the lucky winner is in for a TREAT!

DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS

Written by: Ellen Leventhal and Ellen Rothberg

Illustrated by: Joel Cook

Publisher: Spork (2017)

Ages: Preschool – Grade 3

Themes:

Responsibility, decision-making, getting along with others

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets is the story of Sue Ellen, a cow with a mind of her own, who loves the taste of bluebonnets. When she gives into temptation and eats every yummy bluebonnet, she must figure out a way to get them back. After several humorous attempts to make things right, Sue Ellen learns the importance of responsibility and decision making.”

Why I like this book:

The text is filled with heart and humor. This is a truly funny book.
Wonderful read-aloud!
Great illustrations.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

MAKE A PAPER PLATE COW

Photo courtesy: http://www.housingaforest.com/paper-plate-cow/

You will need: Paper plate, construction paper, scissors, glue, markers or crayons, googly eyes (optional…you can also use construction paper).

Cut pink circle for muzzle of cow. Glue in place onto plate.
Cut splotches of black construction paper. Glue into place.
If you have googly eyes, glue those on. If not, just use construction paper and glue in place.
Use marker or crayons to add feature details.

For detailed instructions and more crafts: click here

Please remember to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway of a critique from Ellen! And come back tomorrow when she shares her journey…and something sweet…on Will Write for Cookies.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Picture Book Review and Activity: GRACE HOPPER: Queen of Computer Code

Posted on June 2, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Hurray! Another nonfiction picture book hot off the presses for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! And it is about another Mighty Girl! Woo-hoo!

But first, it’s time to award Tara Lazar’s special giveaway of a PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE.

There were over 80 comments on that post…Tara’s critique is a fabulous prize!

And the winner is…

LINDA HOFKE!

Congratulations, Linda! And thank you so very much, Tara, for providing this plum of a prize. I’ll reach out and connect you both.

Speaking of awards, today’s picture book is definitely going to win some! And tomorrow we’ll be chatting with the author, Laurie Wallmark.

GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE

Written by: Laurie Wallmark

Illustrated by Katy Wu

Publisher: Sterling Books (2017)

Ages: Kindergarten and up

Themes:

Computers, science & technology, mighty girls

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“If you’ve got a good idea, and you know it’s going to work, go ahead and do it.”

The inspiring story of Grace Hopper—the boundary-breaking woman who revolutionized computer science—is told in an engaging picture book biography.

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys.

Why I like this book:

Wonderful STEM story.
Great illustrations.
I love the way the author sprinkled in actual quotations from Grace…I felt I really got to know the amazing woman she was.
We get to see many of the moments in Grace’s childhood that show how she loved math and science and finding out how things worked.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

MAKE A COMPUTER MODEL

creatifulkids-paper-laptop-HelloRuby-3 Photo courtesy: http://www.creatifulkids.com/paper-computer/

You will need: Piece of cardboard, paper, markers or crayons, scissors, glue.

For detailed instructions: http://www.creatifulkids.com/paper-computer/

Watch a documentary about Grace Hopper here: http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-queen-of-code/

And Laurie Wallmark and I will see you tomorrow for her Will Write for Cookies Q&A.

And don’t forget that one of the nicest things you can do for an author is to give them a great review on Amazon or Goodreads: Grace Hopper on Amazon

Picture Book Review and Activity PLUS CRITIQUE Giveaway: 7 ATE 9

Posted on May 26, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Is it Friday already?

Good thing, because I’m excited to share another 2017 picture book with you. The author, Tara Lazar, is a dear picture book mentor for this kid lit community. Her Storystorm Challenge (formerly PiBoIdMo) helped more than 1600 writers gather ideas this January. And she was a Will Write for Cookies guest back in 2014.

Since then, she’s had a bunch of picture books launch…and I’m thrilled to bring you her latest for Perfect Picture Book Friday.

AND GUESS WHAT TARA IS OFFERING AS A GIVEAWAY?

A PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE! OH YES! So please, tell all your friends and even people who aren’t your friends, to come on over and leave a comment. One lucky person is going to get that fabulous prize!

But first, we have a another fabulous prize to give away! Last week, Kristen Fulton offered a copy of her debut picture book, LONG MAY SHE WAVE. And the lucky winner is…

Ali Earle Pichardo

Congratulations, Ali…let’s connect and I will put you in touch with Kristen so she can get a copy of the book out to you!

And now for our Perfect Picture Book Friday review!

7 ATE 9: The Untold Story

Written by: Tara Lazar

Illustrated by Ross MacDonald

Publisher: Disney/Hyperion (2017)

Ages: 4-7

Themes:

Mystery, numbers, humor

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

6 has a problem.

Everyone knows that 7 is always after him. Word on the street is that 7 ate 9. If that’s true, 6’s days are numbered. Lucky for him, Private I is on the case. But the facts just don’t add up.

It’s odd.

Will Private I put two and two together and solve the problem . . . or is 6 next in line to be subtracted?

Why I like this book:

It is funny. More than funny. It is one of the funniest books I’ve read. And kids LOVE funny.
Great illustrations…perfect for the text.
The story will engage kids from the first page to the last!

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Sensory Art with Numbers

Photo courtesy: http://handsonaswegrow.com/40-number-activities-for-preschoolers/

You will need: Cardboard (you can even use the side of an empty cereal box), glue, marker, your choice of sand, rice, oatmeal, Cheerios, or glitter.

Draw numbers on the cardboard.
Trace over the numbers with a glue stick.
Sprinkle with your choice of topping…sand (might be messy in the house), rice, oatmeal, Cheerios, or glitter (will definitely be messy in the house).
Let dry.
You can do this with letters also.

For many more number activities, click here: http://handsonaswegrow.com/40-number-activities-for-preschoolers/

Thank you all for stopping by today. My generous author friends have connected with the #50PreciousWordsforKids teachers and parents. Maybe we will get some feedback by next month and find out how much fun everyone had, connecting adult authors and kid writers on Skype.

And don’t forget to leave a comment today if you would like a chance to win a MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE FROM TARA LAZAR. Please share this post on your social media…and if you have read Tara’s book, please leave a review for her on Amazon.

Happy Memorial Day, dear friends…please be safe if you are traveling…and I will see you again in JUNE! Lots more picture book reviews, giveaways, author/illustrator Q&A’s!