Perfect Picture Book Friday: The Retired Kid

Posted on October 2, 2015 by viviankirkfield

Are you ready for a brisk fall weekend?

That’s right…it’s FRIDAY!

And you know what that means—a Perfect Picture Book to review.

I mentioned last week that I’m writing a book about a boy who wants to play on his tablet more than anything else. He’s had enough of school, soccer, and all the other activities his mom wants him to do.

So when I found this awesome book, I knew it was another one I could use as a mentor text. And the funny thing is, even though I had never read it before, the activities the boy in this book wants to avoid, are pretty much the same ones as my main character. I guess that goes to show what many writing classes have taught me…there are only a couple of stories in the world. And my mission, should I choose to accept it (just saw Mission Impossible 4), is to put a unique spin or twist on it and tell it in my own voice.

THE RETIRED KID

Written and illustrated by Jon Agee Continue reading →

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Dot.

Posted on September 25, 2015 by viviankirkfield

Are you ready Perfect Picture Book Friday?

I am!

I found a book that our kids these days can definitely relate to. And since I’m writing a book about a boy who wants to play on his tablet more than anything else, I’m using it as a template text.

DOT.

Written by Randi Zuckerberg

Illustrated by Joe Berger

Publisher: Harper (2013)

Ages: 2-7

Themes: Life balance, electronics devices

Opening Lines:

“This is Dot. She knows a lot. She knows how to tap, to touch, to tweet, to tag.

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Dot’s a spunky little girl well versed in electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap . . . to swipe . . . to share . . . and she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. Dot’s tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot really does know lots and lots.

Why I like this book:

Young kids will just about be able to read this by themselves.
Simple language combines with bold fun illustrations
Love the message of life balance – there is a place for electronic devices, but we mustn’t forget that kids need outdoor activities as well.

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud
Great book to encourage listening and literacy skills
Encourage discussion about enjoying all types of activities

RELATED ACTIVITIES

LEAF COLLAGE

Getting kids outside is really important. They need the fresh air and the large muscle movement that is hard to allow in the house. While you are outside with them, why not go on a leaf hunt. There will soon be plenty of leaves to collect. See how many different types you can find.

You will need: Piece of construction paper or cardboard, glue stick, leaves.

Collect different size, shape and color leaves. (that’s a whole other lesson in categorizing)
Let your child arrange the leaves on the paper.
Glue each leaf in place.
Hang up in a place of honor.

Does your child have a bulletin board or place where he can display his creative work? Even a fridge will work…all you need are some magnets.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you all have a beautiful weekend.

If you are looking for more picture book reviews and activities, please stop by Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog: http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2015/09/perfect-picture-book-friday-how-sun-got.html

Perfect Picture Book Friday: The Sock Thief

Posted on September 18, 2015 by viviankirkfield

As lovely as summer is, fall in New England is definitely glorious. And there is something special about getting back to the routines. Kids are back in school and little ones at home need activities…what could be better than reading a Perfect Picture Book?

Today I’m thrilled to feature a story by tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies author, Ana Crespo. It’s sweet, it’s funny, it multicultural—who could ask for more?

THE SOCK THIEF

Written by Ana Crespo

Illustrated by Nana Gonzalez

Publisher: Albert Whitman (2015)

Ages: 3-8

Themes: Problem solving, creativity

Opening Lines:

“In a small Brazilian town, Felipe leaves home earlier than usual. He walks a long way to school.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Brazilian boy Felipe doesn’t have a soccer ball. So, when it’s his turn to take one to school, he uses a little bit of creativity… and a few socks. Felipe is the sock thief, but finding socks is not that easy and the neighborhood pets make it even harder. “Au, au, au!” a dog barks in Portuguese. Felipe wonders if he’ll play soccer with his friends today or if he will be caught by a tattle-tale parrot? Along the way, Felipe leaves delicious mangoes in exchange for the socks he steals. After he swipes each pair, he twists and turns them into an ever-growing soccer ball. At the end of the day, he returns each pair of socks with a note to say thank you.”

Why I like this book:

Simply wonderful text
Engaging illustrations
Appeals to a child’s sense of humor
Multicultural

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud
Great opportunity to talk about problem solving – you could even play a game with your child…what would you do if…?

Related Activity:

Paper Bag Bean Bag Toss

Photo courtesy: http://www.teachpreschool.org

I couldn’t find a picture of bean bags decorated like soccer balls, but it wouldn’t be difficult to use black marker or crayons on a white lunch bag. And filling them with socks instead of beans would be fun for kids to do.

For exact instructions, please go here: http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/02/paper-bean-bags/

For more awesome picture book reviews and activities, don’t miss Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.

And please please please don’t forget to come back tomorrow to meet and greet our Will Write for Cookies guest:

ANA CRESPO

She’s got a lot to share…including a yummy Brazilian dessert!

See you tomorrow! We’ll also be announcing the email subscriber winner of a copy of Show Me How!