Perfect Picture Book Friday: MY SCHOOL STINKS Plus Giveaway

Posted on July 9, 2021 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Kids often complain about their school. They don’t like the teacher. Their best friend isn’t in their class. And the work is too hard or too boring. The pandemic didn’t help matters – going to school with a mask or attending remotely was definitely a challenge for kids as well as parents and teachers. But it’s Becky Scharnhorst to the rescue with this hilarious new book about a school where the challenges are WILD! And the lovely Becky is offering a super cool giveaway: a copy of this awesome book or a picture book critique – winner’s choice! Make sure you leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.

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Perfect Picture Book Friday: Hello, My Name is Tiger PLUS Giveaway

Posted on August 25, 2017 by viviankirkfield

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is coming just at the right time!

But before we get to the review, we have TWO giveaway winners to announce!

I feel blessed that our author guests and their publishers have been so generous this year.

The winner of a copy of CHICKEN WANTS A NAP by Tracy Marchini is….

INGRID BOYDSTON

And the winner of a copy of A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY by Sara O’Leary is…

LILY ERLIC

CONGRATULATIONS, dear ladies. I will contact you ASAP.

And now for our Perfect Picture Book!

School is just around the corner for many kids…and it may have already started for some. Whether it’s the first ever day of school, the first day at a new school, or the first day in a new class, kids often have a lot of anxiety. Will they make new friends? Will other kids laugh at them? Will they find their way around? Will they like their new teacher?

HELLO, MY NAME IS TIGER

Written and illustrated by Jen Goldfinger

Published by HarperCollins (2016)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: first day of school, anxiety, be yourself

Synopsis:

From Amazon

A reassuring picture book for back-to-school jitters!

Toby likes being a cat more than he likes being a boy. So when it’s time to go to school, he becomes a timid kitten. But when Toby finally gathers the courage to join in with the other kids, he finds out that everything is more fun with friends.

Why I like this book:

Wonderful text
Bold bright colorful illustrations
Super message for kids

Related Activities

Photo courtesy: http://www.dltk-kids.com

Paper Plate Tiger

If you’ve visited my blog before, you probably know I LOVE paper plate crafts for kids. They are quick, easy, and inexpensive…plus kids really enjoy making them and they can be hung up and displayed proudly or used for role playing or children’s theater.

You will need: Paper plate, markers or crayons, scissors, glue, construction paper.

For detailed instructions: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/metiger.html

And one of the best things we can do for our children when they are anxious about something is to LISTEN, really listen.

Thank you so much for stopping by today…I hope you’ll be back tomorrow when author/illustrator Jen Goldfinger is in the Will Write for Cookies house with an eye-opening Q&A and a yummy original take on the classic Toll House Cookie recipe.

Dont forget to leave a comment to qualify for Jen’s giveaway of a copy of HELLO, MY NAME IS TIGER.

For more wonderful picture book reviews you will find hundreds on Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book site.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Chrysanthemum

Posted on August 26, 2016 by viviankirkfield

The summer is winding down. Even though there is still another month until the official start of fall, I feel the crispness in the air when I go out early in the morning.

With the end of the summer comes the beginning of the new school year. As a child, that was heralded by the purchase of a school outfit, a shiny pair of shoes, and brand new school supplies. Many years later, as a teacher, I busied myself with preparing the room for a new flock of kindergarteners.

Parents…you have a difficult job…helping your child adjust to a new teacher, a new class, perhaps even a new school. And today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is a great story to read, especially if your child seems to be having a problem transitioning to the new situation.

Chrysanthemum

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (1991)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes:

Teasing, acceptance, self-esteem

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

Opening Lines:

The day she was born was the happiest day in her parents’ lives.

“She’s perfect,” said her mother.

“Absolutely perfect,” said her father.

And she was.

She was absolutely perfect.

Why I like this book:

Kids need help dealing with the challenges of childhood…Kevin Henkes understands this perfectly and he delivers a story that every child and every parent will be able to relate to.
I love that this book provides an opportunity for open communication about what might be bothering your child.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

YouTube reading of Chrysanthemum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2pCR8YHszM

Teaching guide on Kevin Henkes website: http://www.kevinhenkes.com/book/chrysanthemum-2/

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

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, dear friends and readers. We will be announcing the winner of the copy of Jill Esbaum’s If a T-Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party next month…and stay tuned for lots more book giveaways because there will be one with every Will Write for Cookie post. I’m SO VERY EXCITED about the line-up of authors and illustrators for the rest of the year: Joan Leotta, Sylvia Liu, Emma Bland Smith, Jessica Lawson, and on the third Saturday in December…Duncan Tonituah. Right now, I’m putting together next year’s schedule…and I can tell you that March 2017 is going to be one busy month…with Marcie Colleen spotlighting as our Will Write for Cookies author, the #50 Precious Words Contest (oh my gosh…do you think we will have another incredible turnout…will we surpass last year’s 128 entries?), and the launch of my own debut nonfiction picture book, Sweet Dreams, Sarah.

I’m eating lots of Wheaties in preparation for all of that!!!! And I sure do hope you all join me!