PPBF: The Story of Black Beauty – The Year of the Horse

Posted on January 17, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.

January 31^st starts the Chinese Year of the Horse. In honor of that…and because I’ve always loved horses, I offer a picture book version of one of the most beloved of all horse stories.

The Story of Black Beauty

Written by Anna Sewell

Illustrated by Alan Marks

Publisher: Usborne Publishers Ltd (Picture Book Classics – 2008)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Friendship, horses, animal welfare, treating others with kindness and consideration

Synopsis:

From Amazon: “Anna Sewell’s classic story of a young horse’s journey from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the dark, cobbled streets of London, retold for young children in picture book form.” Black Beauty grows up on a pleasant farm, surrounded by loving caretakers and good friends. But Continue reading →

Penguin – A Picture Book Review About Communication

Posted on November 22, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Thanksgiving is next week…it is a time for being thankful for those we love…but sometimes, because of a lack of communication, there can be misunderstanding and unhappiness.

My picture book choice echoes that theme.

PENGUIN

Written and illustrated by Polly Dunbar

Publisher: Candlewick Press (2007)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Communication, friendship

Opening Lines:

“Ben ripped open his present. Inside was a penguin. “Hello Penguin!” said Ben.” Continue reading →

Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa: Developing Imagination

Posted on October 24, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Do you remember the old Wrigley’s commercial – two, two, two mints in one? Two beautiful young women, obviously twins, represented the combination of flavors – spearmint and peppermint – found in the popular chewing gum.

Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m showcasing a pair of books by Sarah Mounsey. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely author of this dynamic duo at the 2013 AFCC in Singapore.

Purple Paw Prints and Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa

Written by Sarah Mounsey

Illustrated by Jade Fang

Publisher: Brindal Books (2012 and 2013)

Opening lines: Paw Prints: “Eddie knew as soon as he finished painting Oscar purple that it was a big mistake!”

Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa: “Eddie, stop jumping on my brand new sofa!” said Mum for the gazillionth time. “And get the dog off there too!” But when William came to play, strange Continue reading →