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Perfect Picture Book Friday: GRANDMOTHER THORN + Giveaway
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends!
Before I share this heartfelt story with you, we have some books to give away.
Author Alayne Kay Christian offered a copy of her chapter book, SIENNA, THE COWGIRL FAIRY. And the winner is…
KEILA DAWSON
Author Ariel Bernstein offered a copy of her debut picture book, I HAVE A BALLOON. and the winner is…
DAMON DEAN
Author Penny Parker Klostermann offered a copy of A COOKED UP FAIRY TALE. And the winner is…
CAROLE GERBER
Author Nancy Churnin offered a copy of MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN. And the winner is….
ALI EARLE PICHARDO
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! AND HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS MY BLOG. YOUR COMMENTS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED! I’LL BE IN TOUCH TO CONNECT THE WINNERS WITH THE AUTHORS.
AND NOW…OUR PERFECT PICTURE BOOK FRIDAY REVIEW!
GRANDMOTHER THORN
Written by Katey Howes
Illustrated by Rebecca Hahn
Published by Ripple Grove Press (2017)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Friendship, acceptance
Synopsis:
From Amazon: Grandmother Thorn treasures her garden, where not a leaf, twig or pebble is allowed out of place. But when a persistent plant sprouts without her permission, Grandmother begins to unravel. “Her hair became as tangled as the vines on her fence. Her garden fell into disrepair. One morning, she did not rake the path.” A dear friend, the passage of seasons, and a gift only nature can offer help Grandmother Thorn discover that some things are beyond our control, and that sweetness can blossom in unexpected places.
Why I like this book:
- Heartfelt tale that reminds me of the old fables I loved as a child.
- Wonderful illustrations that create an atmosphere of mystery.
- Message of friendship and acceptance subtly woven throughout the story.
Related Activities:
Gardening with Kids
Photo courtesy: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com
There are so many indoor and outdoor gardening activities we can do with kids. Grab an old toy truck, fill with soil, and plant some seeds. Use empty eggshells as your ‘pot’ and store in the egg carton for stability. Whenever you eat a fruit that has a pit, plant it…who knows what beautiful greenery might flourish. Growing things with kids helps them learn about life, death, and responsibility.
For detailed instructions on many planting activities: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/03/outdoor-nature-gardening-activities.html
I’m excited for tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies when a very special kidlit friend of mine and fellow Storm sister, GRANDMOTHER THORN’S author, Katey Howes, will stop by to chat with us. Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of an autographed copy of her book! And remember that Amazon reviews are important and also much appreciated by the author!
For many more picture book reviews, hop over to Susanna Hill’s website this week.
Perfect Picture Book Friday: Hello Goodbye Dog PLUS Giveaway
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday. Actually, for me, every day is a perfect day for reading a picture book. And today we have one that will win everyone’s heart. It’s brand new…not even out yet…and I was lucky enough to get a copy of the F&G’s…but if you leave a comment on this blog post today, you might win a copy of the real thing.
But before we talk about today’s featured book, we need to announce the winner of Susanna Hill’s giveaway from last week’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post. And the winner is…
SANDY PERLIC!!!!
Congratulations, Sandy! I’ll send a joint email to you and Susanna so she can mail your prize to you.
And now it’s time for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick.
HELLO GOODBYE DOG
Written by: Maria Gianferrari
Illustrated by: Patrice Barton
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (July 2017)
Ages: Preschool – Grade 3
Themes:
Friendship, pets
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
For Zara’s dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side.
Hello, Moose!
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at school and Moose has to go back home.
Goodbye, Moose.
But Moose can’t be held back for long. Through a series of escalating escapes, this loyal dog always finds her way back to Zara, and with a little bit of training and one great idea, the two friends find a way to be together all day long.
Why I like this book:
- Great text and page turns
- Wonderful illustrations
- Full of humor and heart
- Perfect launch pad for discussions about relationships, friendships, and how animals help us
RELATED ACTIVITIES
PAPER BAG PUPPET – DOG
Photo courtesy: http://www.dltk-kids.com
Just give me a group of young children, a stack of paper bags, and some scissors, glue, markers and construction paper – we’ll be happy for hours.
And to make this adorable dog puppet, that’s all you’ll need.
For detailed instructions, go here: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/pets-dogs.htm
Other activities:
Check out your local library…ours has a therapy dog that comes once a week to listen to the children read.
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway for a copy of HELLO GOODBYE DOG. And there is more picture book awesomeness afoot!
Tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies post has a special giveaway…a Picture Book Manuscript CRITIQUE from author Maria Gianferrari. DON’T MISS IT!
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!
Perfect Picture Book Friday: Little Red Rolls Away PLUS Giveaway
Welcome back, dear friends. It’s been busy around here with TWO Book Birthday posts earlier in the week. And now it’s Friday already. Time for another Perfect Picture Book review.
Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing 2017 picture books to review. We’ve got a really special one today that is quite dear to my heart because it reminds me so much of one of my all-time classic favorites, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.
But first we need to GIVE AWAY A BOOK! Last week, Lori Richmond offered a copy of PAX AND BLUE.
AND THE WINNER IS…
KATHY ELSTAD
Congratulations, Kathy! Please contact me so I can get your mailing information to Lori.
I also wanted to ask everyone to continue to spread the word about the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge. I got a wonderful email today from a mother who wanted to know if she could write the story as her 5-year old son dictated it to her. I assured her that YES…of course she could. As long as the parent or teacher is not telling the story or changing the story, there is no problem with that. I’m grateful to everyone who has shared on social media and with their elementary and homeschool connections.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday also has a giveaway…so don’t forget to leave a comment. I also have a favor to ask. If you have not yet signed up for my email list, please do! Subscribing to my email list is different from signing up to follow my blog. I hope everyone does both!!!! Please click on the sidebar logo to subscribe to my email list. Below that, you can click to get a notification every time I do a blog post. And I know you don’t want to miss out on that!! If you already do both, that is awesome. If somehow you missed out, here’s your chance. And I thank you so very much.
As I mentioned, today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday reminded me so much of one of the classics I love. But author Linda Whalen totally changed it up in such a timely and relevant way. I hope you enjoy my review.
Little Red Rolls Away
Written by Linda Whalen
Illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Ages: Preschool – Grade 3
Themes:
Dealing with change, moving, friendship
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
When Little Red Barn wakes one morning, he finds his animal friends have gone. He’s empty and alone. And then big noisy machines lift him up and put him on a truck. As Little Red is transported across the countryside, down a major river, and through city streets, he feels anxious and a little afraid. Where is he going? Who will be there when he reaches his destination? When Little Red does finally reach his new home in a surprising location, he finds things are even better than before. The story of the little barn’s relocation and adjustment to a new place will reassure and comfort young readers facing changes in their own lives.
Why I like this book:
- The text is picture book perfect! I love the element of threes which the author uses so well. The story is absolutely delightful.
- There is short guide at the back of the book for parents and teachers.
- The illustrator managed to show the emotion of the main character…A BARN. Hats off for that accomplishment! And the colors on each page are bright and bold.
- This book would be a wonderful launch pad for discussions on anxiety over the unknown, moving, and the importance of friendship.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
MAKE A LITTLE RED BARN
Photo courtesy: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/
You will need: Cardboard box, construction paper, glue, scissors, markers or crayons.
For detailed instructions: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/little-red-barn/
There is also a wonderful little guide at the end of the book that will help parents and teachers address young children’s issues with dealing new places and things.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends…don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY…and please come back tomorrow when we get a chance to Q&A with the author of LITTLE RED ROLLS AWAY:
Will Write for Cookies
Linda Whalen
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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.
