#PPBF: Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra – Music for Children

Posted on March 6, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday. For more great picture book reviews, hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill and a list of over 1000 reviews and activities on her blog.

The story I chose was inspired by a video I saw.

http://www.worthytoshare.net/little-girl-donates-coins-street-musician-gets-best-surprise-return

Don’t you wonder why music education is the first to go when school budgets are cut? The beauty of the video is as much in seeing the reactions of the children as it is to listening to the wonderful music.

And, after you read this picture book to your kids, perhaps they will be inspired as well.

Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra

Written and illustrated by Stephen Costanza

Publisher: Henry Holt (2012)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Music, cooperation, appreciating our talents, helping others

Opening Lines:

“In Venice of long ago, there lived a man who daydreamed in music.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon: “Every day, Antonio Vivaldi composes a new orchestral piece, and every day, the orphan Candida transcribes Vivaldi’s masterpiece into sheet music for the Invisible Orchestra. Nobody notices Candida or appreciates her hard work.

But one day Candida accidentally Continue reading →

#PPBF: Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di at the Night Safari – Teaching Cooperation with Picture Books

Posted on February 27, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday, but I have some exciting news to share first…I just completed Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic class.

I can honestly say that I learned more about writing picture books during the one month online course than I did in the last two years. More importantly, it was a hands-on experience ALL THE WAY – personally mentored by the lovely Susanna and filled with amazing comraderie and feedback from the other attendees…thank you to Jeanine, Carrie, Dana, Linda, Heather and Kirsten…for your support, encouragement and inspiration.

Don’t you love getting packages in the mail?

Yesterday the doorbell rang. The mailman had a package for me…I had to sign for it because it was from Singapore. I opened it carefully and took a deep breath, hoping I could bring back the scents of that beautiful city.

I wasn’t able to detect anything in the air, but the contents more than made up for that. TWO PICTURE BOOKS from leading Singapore author, David Seow! Hip hip hooray!

I don’t want to overwhelm you, so I’m reviewing one today and will save the other for another time. I read this one to my grandson last night…he loved it and wanted to hear it again…and we all know that is the sign that Continue reading →

#PPBF – Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli – Helping Fussy Eaters

Posted on February 21, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – and that means that Susanna Leonard Hill has set up a linky for picture book reviews. To see more great book reviews and activities, please click here.

I also want to announce the winner of a copy of My Warp Speed Mind by Donalisa Helsley.

Drumroll….the winner is….Jaymie Shook!

Congratulations, Jaymie…please contact me and I will get your book in the mail right away.

This afternoon, I saw a video of awesome food art, I knew I had to find a book that would address the problem of fussy eaters. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the video – you will be amazed.

Do you have any fussy eaters in your house? I can sympathize because I was one…and so was my oldest son. If picky eating was one of the sports in the Winter Olympics, would your child win the gold medal?

Here’s a great picture book that might help your child try new foods.

MONSTERS DON’T EAT BROCCOLI

Written by Barbara Jean Hicks

Illustrated by Sue Hendra

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (2009)

Ages: 3-7

Synopsis: From School Library Journal:

“Kids generally don’t like eating broccoli. Apparently, neither do monsters. Sure, they like tractors, rocket ships, and boulders. Only don’t give them artichokes, lima beans, or anything green. When the “monsters” eat giant maple trees, though, they discover Continue reading →