Monday Writing Magic – PiBoIdMo Success!

Posted on December 2, 2013 by viviankirkfield

I’m happy to say I completed Tara Lazar’s Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo).

I now have more than 30 ideas for new picture books – some good, some bad and some downright ugly!

The challenge: write 30 picture book ideas in 30 days

The inspiration: read 30+ posts by authors, illustrators and others who are successful in the field of kid lit.

Some days it was hard to make the time to read the post and comment…but I didn’t miss a day.

My family thought it was hysterical every time I jumped up from the dinner table and ran willy-nilly to grab my PiBoIdMo notebook and jot down a phrase or catchy book title.

True story: We moved to New Hampshire at the end of September. I’ve been reading AND telling my 5-year old grandson LOTS of stories. This morning, Jeremy could not find Continue reading →

Sunday Post: Focused Attention…Does Your Child Get Yours?

Posted on January 26, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is FOCUSED ATTENTION.

Photo by Sven Zarek for National Geographic

Birds do it!

Photo by Malou of the Netherlands

Bees do it!

Even precious little kids do it!

Have you ever watched young children coloring a picture? Head close to the page, crayon gripped in their fingers, tongue clenched between their lips…they are focusing every fiber of their attention on what they are doing.

Observe your children next time they are learning a new task or playing ball or dancing…you will see how their entire body is involved.

Do you give your children YOUR focused attention when you are reading a story with them or participating in some activity or just listening to them tell you about something that happened at school?

So often, parents are busy and listen with ‘half an ear’.

All dressed up in her Easter finery…Carrie at age 3.

I remember, years ago, when our daughter was about 6 years-old. She had come home from school and her father, who was sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper, asked her how her day had gone. Carrie began telling him what she had done in school. After a minute or so, she stopped. “Daddy” she complained. “Listen to me!” “I am listening to you” replied her father. “No, Daddy!” our pig-tailed poppet responded as she pulled the newspaper away from him. “You have to look me in the eye when I talk to you!”

Five Tips for Great Parent-Child Interaction

1. Give your child your focused attention

2. Maintain a positive up-beat attitude

3. Choose an activity that is age-appropriate for your child

4. Communication is a two-way street…TALK AND LISTEN

5. Have FUN!

If you need a book that will give you and your young children many positive, age-appropriate quick and easy activities, please buy a copy of my award-winning parent-teacher resource, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.

And, if you didn’t see the video of Ray Bethell, grand world-champion multiple kite-flyer, you MUST watch this: http://youtu.be/E69flRylQRo His performance is a perfect example of FOCUSED ATTENTION.

You will be entertained for five minutes…and inspired for the rest of your life!

Want more information about Jake’s Sunday Post?

http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/

SUNDAY POST : Focused attention (jakesprinters.wordpress.com)
Focused attention (artifactsandfictions.wordpress.com)

PPPF: Arianna and the Strawberry Tea…Celebrating Uniqueness

Posted on December 7, 2012 by viviankirkfield

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.

Did you know that December is READ-A-NEW-BOOK MONTH?

The holiday season is upon us…I know that many bloggers will be reviewing holiday-themed books. Here’s one that celebrates, not Christmas, but a child’s unique qualities.

Arianna and the Strawberry Tea

Written by Maria Faulconer

Illustrated by Katy Arnsteen

Publisher: Ideals Children’s Books (Hambleton Hill Publishing) 1998

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Believing in oneself, confidence, rule-bending

Synopsis:

One snowy evening, Arianne and her parents arrive at a posh hotel. While her parents are dealing with the taxi and the luggage, little Arianna walks into the hotel and charms the housekeeping staff, the doorman, the manager of the hotel dining room and all of the restaurant patrons. When her parents discover her in the dining room and inform her that this hotel does not allow children, all of Arianna’s new friends refuse to let them leave and Arianna and her parents are given the Presidential Suite.

Why do I like this book:

As I read this story, I was reminded of the Fancy Nancy series. The illustrations and story are charming…and Arianna charms everyone she meets. This is a wonderful book for children who need an infusion of confidence…and, at the back of the book, are some recipes for the items Arianna ordered, an infusion of Strawberry Tea and delicious-looking Chocolate Tarts.

Related Activities:

MAKE SOME CHOCOLATE TARTS

Photo courtesy: http://www.devonportchocolates.co.nz

The recipe in the picture book calls for heavy cream and is, perhaps, a little complicated for very young children and busy parents. Here’s a much easier way to do it so that your child can help and it will take only a few minutes.

You will need: One package instant chocolate pudding, milk, small ready-made tart shells, can of whipped cream and a bowl. If you want to make this treat a little healthier, you can use organic pudding mix and whipped cream.

Make the chocolate pudding according to package instructions.
Spoon chocolate pudding into each tart shell.
Top with whipped cream, if desired.
You can decorate the whipped cream with candy sprinkles or other mini-candies for a more festive look.
Keep in the refrigerator in a covered container.
These make lovely gifts for neighbors or teachers.

Why not have a tea party for your child and a few of his or her friends?