#PPBF: G.G. Rock Climbs

Posted on October 9, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday.

I am doing a review of a chapter book for ages 6-10. I know that many parents are moving towards chapter books as their children begin reading on their own. And, although I believe that picture books are wonderful for elementary grades even when kids are reading themselves (for so many reasons), I also know that great chapter books continue the engagement of young readers with the world of books. My favorites were Little Women, Black Beauty and ALL of the Nancy Drew series. And, if G.G. Rock Climbs by Marty Mokler Banks had been around then, I know I would not have been able to put it down.

G.G. ROCK CLIMBS

Written by Marty Mokler Banks

Photo Illustrations by Alisa Mokler Harper

Publisher: Switch Monkey Press (2014)

Ages: 6-10 (But I was totally engaged!)

Themes:

Friendship, self-esteem/self-confidence, overcoming challenges, rock climbing

Opening Lines:

“Does your mom let you have cake? With thick creamy frosting. And little flowers on top?

Well. My mom does not!

Oh, all right. Maybe on special occasions. But it seems like never. Mom says sugar is Not Good for a Healthy Body.

Boring!

So when I first opened Stinky Sarah’s birthday party invitation, I immediately thought: CAKE! I get CAKE!”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Eight-year-old G.G. climbs all over stuff—from the couch in her apartment to the boulders at the park. So when she’s invited to Stinky Sarah’s birthday party at Rock Star climbing gym, G.G.’s up the wall in no time. G.G. likes it so much, she and her friend, Isaac, take a rock climbing class. When they head outside, things are suddenly more difficult. Can G.G. brave those steep rock faces up Zoo Canyon?

Why I like this book:

Well-written, exciting page-turner that will keep kids engaged from the first page to the last
Love the photo-illustrations – placed at just the right points in the story – really connects you to the story and the characters
Great message about friendship, facing and overcoming fears, the importance of challenging ourselves

How a parent can use this book:

Read it with your child – great opportunity to talk about things your child would like to do but maybe is afraid to try
Talk about how Isaac and G.G. supported and encouraged each other

The book is available on Amazon.

If you’d like to connect with Marty Banks (she the co-coordinator of southern Colorado SCBWI) or learn more about her other books, please visit her website: http://www.martymoklerbanks.com/

Or her blog where she reviews all things chapter book: Chapter Book Chat

Related Activity:

Why not visit a local gym or play center that has a rock climbing wall for kids?

Photo courtesy: http://www.ssww.com

For AMAZING crafts and activities using rocks, stones and pebbles, please visit: http://www.kidactivities.net/post/ideas-with-stones-and-rocks-for-kids.aspx

If you are looking for more wonderful book reviews, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog. If you are a mom, teacher or librarian, please check out Susanna’s amazing Perfect Picture Book page with over 1000 categorized picture book reviews and activities.

And, because today is my grandson’s sixth birthday, here’s a yummy birthday cake – please help yourselves to a BIG slice!

#PPBF – Millie Fierce Sleeps Out

Posted on June 6, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday – I review a picture book, provide a simple fun craft you can do with your kids and then I link up with dozens of other writers, moms, librarians and other lovers of picture books on Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.

I enjoy reading the classic picture books that I grew up with – but I also love finding brand-new ones that will be classics one day. So I was excited to receive a copy of today’s selection from the publisher…and I’m really thrilled to be presenting it to you – hot off the press!

MILLIE FIERCE SLEEPS OUT

Written and illustrated by Jane Manning

Publisher: Philomel Books (May 29, 2014)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes: Expressing feelings, appropriate behavior, camping out, overcoming fears

Opening Lines:

“Being good wasn’t easy. But Millie knew that being fierce ruined parties, and made people mad, and even made them cry. So Millie had kept herself fierce-free all summer long.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Little girls can be strong and fierce and brave—and sometimes their ferocity is just the thing they need to save the day.

Millie is strong. Millie is fierce. But Millie has learned to keep her fierceness in check. And since she’s been sweet all summer long, Millie gets to have a sleep-out with her friends. One where she promises to be well behaved. But things don’t go as Millie planned, and our fierce little heroine is not happy. Still, she tries her best to keep her fierceness inside. But when the scary dog from next door howls at the girls’ tent Continue reading →

#PPBF: A Day With The Duchess…of Cambridge

Posted on March 28, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday. Before I share an amazing book that has JUST hit the shelves…I want to encourage you to hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog where you will find TEN amazing fractured fairytales that are the finalists in the March Madness Writing Contest. READ THEM! They are GREAT! And then you can VOTE for your favorite!
I think writing children’s books is probably the most enjoyable AND the most difficult occupation a person can have.
And that’s why I am always so impressed when I see a writer with multiple books out there. You have to be tenacious and talented…and that describes the author of Sam, Sebbie and Di-di-di – A Day with the Duchess to a tee.

Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di – A Day with the Duchess
Written by David Seow
Illustrated by Soefara Jafney
Publisher: Epigram Books (2014)
Ages: 4 and up
Themes: Problem-solving, siblings, teamwork

Opening Lines
“Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di live in sunny Singapore. While Sebbie and Di-Di-Di like soldiers,pilots and action heroes, Sam likes princesses. She even named one of her hamsters Kate, after her very favorite princess in the whole wide world, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge .”
Synopsis
Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di are three siblings who love doing things together. When Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is visiting Singapore, the siblings try to meet her. Unfortunately, Continue reading →