Category Archives: Perfect Picture Book Friday

PPBF: Fire Prevention Week Special: The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz

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Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review.

October is a month that is jam-packed with great events.

Has your child decided on a costume for Halloween yet?

Will it be store-bought or home-made?

Fire Prevention Week is another important October event.

When I was a little girl, we lived on the seventh floor of an apartment house…I can remember my parents doing fire safety drills with me and my older sister…what to do if there was a fire and where we would meet if we got separated.  Even though parents need to practice what to do in case of disasters, it’s important to reassure children that, no matter what happens, there will always be someone to take care of them.

To help celebrate Fire Prevention Week, I’m spotlighting a book by children’s author Patrick Milne…he was part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s mini-series on self-publishing several months ago.

The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz

Written by Patrick Milne

Illustrated by Stephanie Faye

Publisher: Fayemous Books

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Believing in yourself, courage, determination, fire-fighting

Synopsis:

From Amazon: Lucy Snigglefritz, world-famous circus dog, is the star attraction of Amazing Avido’s Circus. But when ticket sales slump, Lucy is left behind by the circus to fend for herself.
On her own for the first time, Lucy sets out on a new adventure.
What can a circus dog do without a circus?
Maybe Sooty, a Dalmatian at the local firehall, will have the answer…
Why do I like this book: 

  • Wonderfully engaging main character that young kids can relate to.
  • Brilliant illustrations that truly tell the story.
  • Great text that entertains AND provides a lesson in believing in oneself.

It’s fun to find out a little bit about how a picture book is born.  The author has graciously shared a little bit about his writing journey and how “Lucy Snigglefritz” came to be!

I asked Patrick to talk about the main character and her challenge in this story.

“Lucy’s a dog that’s grown up in the circus. It’s all she knows. Though she’s very famous early on, as she gets bigger and older, her popularity wanes, and her boss, Avido Padrone fires her in favor of a newer, younger, cuter dog. The first book explores how Lucy picks herself up and figures out what’s next for her. “

One of the really interesting things is that the author worked with his sister during the entire process…she is the illustrator!

“This was my first time writing a children’s story so the whole process was pretty trial and error. The words came first and then Stephanie and I separated them onto different sheets using 32 pages as our template. Once we were happy with how the story read, we started to brainstorm illustrations. Now, for Lucy 2, which we’re currently working on, I’ve written the words and included some ideas for illustrations. If she wants to use them, fantastic. If not, I’ll try not to be too hurt.”

Patrick, I love the educational angle to your books…can you share that?

“The educational concept behind Lucy is that each story revolves around her meeting a breed of dog that’s suited to a certain job. In Book 1, she met Sooty the Dalmatian and found out why dalmatians make such good fire dogs. In Book 2, we explore why poodles make such good show dogs, so there is a strong educational angle. I learn a lot when I research for each one.

The second concept is one that revolves around self-confidence and self-belief. It’s the series arc and we explore this in more detail with each book as Lucy meets new characters, experiences a new life beyond the circus, and gradually finds out she’s good at a lot more things than just jumping through fiery hoops.

Where can readers find your book?

It’s currently available on Amazon for the Kindle right here. We’re working on getting it into other online stores. An iBook version is coming with different interactive parts but that’s a ways off yet.

Print copies of the book are also available at select stores….you can find out here.

I want to thank Patrick so very much for letting me share “The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz”…we eagerly await the next book in the series!

Related Activities:

FIRE SAFETY DOOR HANGER

Photo from Easy Kids Crafts

In an emergency, people often panic and forget the simplest things.  Why not make a door hanger for your child’s doorknob…with important phone numbers and information on the back side…911 and perhaps a close family member and also a nearby neighbor whom your child can call upon for help. 

You will need: 1 piece of heavy-weight construction paper (or card stock), 1 piece of white paper, markers, glue and scissors.

  1. Cut the construction paper in a rectangle and then cut out a circle near the top.
  2. Decorate one side with fire-fighting pictures (you can cut these out from magazines and paste them on or draw them with markers or crayons).
  3. Cut a sheet of white paper to fit the back side and glue in place.
  4. Write important phone numbers with the name of two or three of the people your child will feel comfortable and safe with…putting a photo of the person next to their phone number will help very young children identify who it is.
  5. Hang on your child’s doorknob!

Lots more fire prevention week crafts here.

Do a fire safety drill once a month.   The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Two Ways Out”.  Do you have two exits from every room in your house?

Lots of activities for kids (and maybe some prizes) here.

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill.  Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.

This is an unbelievable resource for any parent, teacher or children’s librarian.

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PPBF: Hooway for Wodney Wat…Believe in Yourself!

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Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review and related resources for parents, teachers and children.

Can you stand some really good news?  Actually, two good newses…is that a real word?

GOOD NEWS NUMBER ONE: Julie Hedlund, founder of 12×12 in 2012, put together a cornucopia of amazing prizes to reward the people who are participating in her picture book writing challenge.

The prizes ranged from manuscripts critiques to autographed picture books to query critiques to helpful books on creative writing to…Emma Walton Hamilton’s 8-week online picture book writing course.  This last is something I have been wishing I could take…tongue hanging out as I visited the “Just Write For Kids” website and scrolled down the awesome list of lessons. 

Can you imagine how thrilled I was when I saw my name as winner of the gift certificate (provided by the generous Emma Walton Hamilton) that entitles me to take the course FOR FREE?  I don’t think you can…my husband came running downstairs, sure that some terrible catastrophe had befallen me, as all he heard was me yelling at the top of my lungs (and I have a pretty healthy set there), “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!!!!!

I’ve already connected with Emma and have downloaded the first week’s lesson…Hooray!!!!

GOOD NEWS NUMBER TWO: Kathy Ellen Davis is having an October challenge…31 in 31 .  She is encouraging everyone to read 31 picture books during the 31 days of October.  Needless to say, Kathy had me from ‘read picture books every day’.  If you are interested, you can click on her link or on her cute ’31 in 31’ button on my sidebar…I know she would be thrilled to have more people participating.

 To date, I’ve read “Neville” by Norton Juster, “Cloudette” by Tom Lichtenheld, “The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff” by Laura Numeroff and “Knuffle Bunny Too” by Mo Willems.  It’s been a lot of fun reading the newer books…and I just put two dozen more on hold at the library…all published in 2012!  I do have to say that there is a BIG difference between the classics of years ago and the new generation of picture books.   I notice that many of the newer books have humor that probably goes over the head of the young child…I guess parents are really having a great time while they read these stories to their kids…and that’s a good thing!

Since October is National Bully Prevention Month, I want to continue to highlight some amazing books and other resources that address this important issue.

If you stopped by last Friday, you might have seen my spotlight on a new anti-bullying app: AWESOME UPSTANDER.  Here’s the link: http://www.awesomeupstander.com for those of you who might have missed it.

I encourage anyone who is involved with kids to visit the website at http://www.awesomeupstander.com.  There are free downloadable info sheets for parents and teachers that address positive action plans for kids and adults.  You can follow Awesome Upstander on Twitter or on Facebook.

The game identifies the participants to a bullying problem…the bully, the target and the bystanders.  The key to the game (and perhaps an important key to putting an end to bullying in real life) is to turn the bystanders into ‘Awesome Upstanders”…people who get actively involved to help the target or victim and stop the bullying.

And, as with my Perfect Picture Book Friday pick last week, the concept of group dynamics brings me to today’s choice.

Hooway For Wodney Wat

Written by Helen Lester

Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Bullying, teasing, self-esteem, creative thinking, cooperation, group dynamics, being comfortable with who you are

Synopsis:  

From Amazon: “Poor Rodney Rat can’t pronounce his R’s and the other rodents tease him mercilessly. But when Camilla Capybara joins Rodney’s class and announces that she is bigger, meaner, and smarter than any of the other rodents, everyone is afraid. It seems she really is bigger, meaner, and smarter than all of the rest of them. Until our unwitting hero, Wodney Wat, catches Camilla out in a game of Simon Says. Read along with Wodney as he surprises himself and his classmates by single-handedly saving the whole class from the big bad bully.”

Why do I like this book: 

I love books that celebrate each individual’s uniqueness!  We each bring special gifts to the table of life…and Rodney Rat seems to embrace that concept.  Every child will understand how difficult it is to be different.  Rodney had a strong positive self-image and this helped him triumph over the bully.  The illustrations show us how each character is feeling…even I wouldn’t want to cross paths with Camilla Capybara!  What a wonderful story to read to a class during National Bully Prevention Month…or to a child who is having a hard time feeling good about himself.

Related Activities:

RODENT PAPER BAG PUPPET

Photo from www.EnchantedLearning.com

Role playing with puppets is a fantastic way to help kids express their feelings.

Here’s an easy paper bag hand puppet that even the youngest child can make!

You will need: 1 brown lunch-size paper bag, 1 brown oval piece of construction paper, 1 smaller pink oval, 2 small white circles, 2 smaller black circles, 1 small red circle, 1 black rectangle, scissors, glue and a marker.

1.      Cut the brown oval in two pieces and paste each at the top of the paper bag for the ears.

2.      Cut the pink oval in two pieces and paste each on top of the brown ears.

3.      Paste the white circles for eyes…then paste the smaller black circles on top for the pupils.

4.      Paste the red circle for the nose.

5.      Cut the black rectangle into six strips and paste on for whiskers.

6.      Draw in the mouth.

7.      Now read the story again and let your child use the puppet to speak Rodney’s words.

Play ‘Simon Says’…this is a wonderful game to help a young child learn to listen carefully and follow directions!

Lovely lesson plan from Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/hooway-wodney-wat-lesson-plan

A lesson plan for second and third graders: http://www.drforgan.com/Adobe%20files/Hooway_For_Wodney_Wat_sample.pdf

 

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill.  Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.   This is an unbelievable resource for any parent, teacher or children’s librarian.

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Picture Perfect Book Friday: Frizzy the Fearful

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Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review and related resources for parents, teachers and children.

I usually pick books that I have recommended in Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.  If you click on the link, you will visit the wonderful blog of Kimberley Moran’s First in Maine.  This former preschool teacher did a lovely review of my book yesterday. 

I know it’s hard to think about the gift-giving holidays of winter when we are just entering these scarlet and gold days of autumn…but Christmas and Hanukkah and Kwanza will be here before we know it.  If you are needing a great gift for a teacher, parent or grandparent of young kids, a daycare provider or anyone who loves reading, crafting and cooking with children…or anyone who might be a little hesitant about doing activities with kids, please direct them to my website.  They can grab a copy of this award-winning resource that makes planning fun-filled educational self-esteem building activities a snap…and we are offering FREE SHIPPING and a small BONUS gift for the next 30 days!  THIS IS A GIFT THAT REQUIRES NO BATTERIES…IT’S POWERED BY A CHILD’S IMAGINATION AND A PARENT’S POSITIVE PARTICIPATION!

Young children are often beset with many different fears: fear of the dark and going to sleep, fear of monsters, fear of separation and getting lost, fear of new experiences and new places and fear of illness and death. 

Do you have a young child who is afraid of something? 

Is that fear keeping him or her from joining activities or socializing? 

Sitting down and talking to your child is a good step to take to try to help your child overcome that fear.  But sometimes it’s hard to start a conversation about difficult topics.  That’s why picture books are so valuable because they set the stage for a relaxed discussion about almost anything. 

For this situation,a wonderful choice would be Frizzy The Fearful by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat.  This little tiger is afraid of EVERYTHING, but with the help of his friends and mother, he learns that he can cope with those fears.

 

Frizzy the Fearful

Written by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Illustrated by John Wollner

Publisher: Holiday House (1983)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Acknowledging and overcoming fears, helping others, self-esteem, friendship

Synopsis:  

Poor little Frizzy Tiger!  He is afraid of almost everything…high places and low places, the dark, loud noises and pits in fruit.  He avoids going places with his friends and misses out on many fun-filled activities because he doesn’t want anyone to know how frightened he is.  When he climbs a tree to help a friend, even though he is terrified, Frizzy realizes that everyone has fears, and he begins to feel a little better about his own situation.

Why do I like this book: 

Children love to hear about others who have experiences and feelings similar to their own.  This is a wonderful book to share with any child, but especially one who has some fears…Frizzy Tiger has so many.  Young kids will be able to relate to the little tiger and will cheer him on, hopefully acknowledging and perhaps overcoming their own fears as they do so.  The illustrations keep pace with the text and will help a young listener identify with the many situations that frighten Frizzy.  During the story or afterwards, the adult reader will have a great opportunity to listen with respect to what the child has to say.  Perhaps sharing an experience from your own childhood will also help the child understand that everyone has fears.

Related Activities:

A BADGE OF COURAGE

Here’s a quick and easy craft project that any young child would love to make.  Perhaps your child has been to the dentist and was very brave in the chair…or maybe she finished her first week of nursery school and even though she was hesitant at first, she has made the adjustment and is enjoying her day there.  Pin this badge on to affirm his willingness to overcome his fears and his acceptance of life’s challenges.

 Education.com has instructions for a bravery badge: http://www.education.com/activity/article/bravery-badge/

You will need: Construction paper, aluminum foil, glue stick, ribbon, scissors, crayons or markers and one safety pin.

1.      Cut out 3 circles of different sizes.

2.      Glue the circles, one on top of the other.

3.      Glue the ribbon on the back.

4.      Write the child’s name on the smallest circle. 

5.      Cut out small stars from aluminum foil or draw stars or use gummed star

stickers.

Cooking with kids is another great way to extend the learning experience that starts with reading the book.

Here’s a simple fruit salad that is a nutritious snack or lunch.  We all know how important it is to encourage young children to eat healthy foods.  We need to make every meal count…especially snacks!

CHILD-FRIENDLY PIT-LESS FRUIT SALAD

 

You will need: 1 banana, a small bunch of seedless grapes, 1 pear, 1 navel orange and a few leaes of lettuce to use as the base.  You can substitute any fruits your child enjoys…just try to add one or two new ones that he can try.

1.      Wash all the fruit and lettuce and put the lettuce leaves in the bowls.

2.      Slice the apple and pear and arrange on the lettuce.

3.      Peel the orange, separate into sections and arrange on the plate.

4.      Peel the banana, slice and add to the arrangement.

5.      Cut each grape in half and add to the salad.

6.      Serves 2-3 as a main dish (add some grilled chicken strips or cheese cubes for protein).   Serves 4-6 as a side salad or snack (add a couple of whole grain crackers).

 

The Show-Me-How School Initiative is still looking for A FEW GOOD SCHOOLS.  Please leave a comment on this post, telling which school or other child-care facility you would like to nominate to receive a free copy of Show Me How!

 

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill.  Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.   This is an unbelievable resource for any parent, teacher or children’s librarian.

And please don’t forget to visit my website for a chance to get a copy of Show Me How!…FREE SHIPPING AND A FREE BONUS GIFT FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS!!!

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