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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.
Perfect Picture Book Friday Review and Activity: PAX AND BLUE plus Giveaway
Today is the last day of March…and you know what they say…it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
We will keep our fingers crossed for good weather, blue skies, and balmy temperatures. But I don’t think I have enough fingers, because they say there is a blizzard coming today.
In the meantime, please sit back and relax. I’ve got a wonderful Perfect Picture Book Friday for you!
Oh wait! Last week’s wonderful author, Catherine Bailey offered a super-duper prize package of a signed copy of LUCY LOVES SHERMAN plus a lobster cookie cutter and a bookmark.
AND THE WINNER IS…
PAULA MOWERY
Congratulations, Paula. Please contact me so I can get your mailing information to Catherine.
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! One day, I PROMISE, I will be sending out a newsletter…and hope to have coupons for critique discounts for writers and other neat stuff for teachers and parents and kids. And all of that goodness can be yours…but only if you click on the sidebar logo. Many of you are already followers of my blog, but the email list is different. It allows me to email you directly. If you follow my blog, but aren’t subscribed to my email list, please click on the Positive Parental Participation logo. I thank you!
And now, on to our fabulous 2017 debut picture book from Lori Richmond.
PAX AND BLUE
Written and illustrated by Lori Richmond
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster (2017)
Ages: Preschool – Grade 3
Themes:
Friendship, thoughtfulness, kindness
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
“A young boy makes an unlikely friend on his way to school. One thing is for sure. Pax is the littlest everywhere he goes. In school. At playtime. On the train. Then Pax meets a pigeon at the park—he names him Blue and makes a friend who knows what it’s like to be small. And understanding each other can lead to the best friendships.”
Why I like this book:
- The text is so simple…how did the author say so much with so few words?
- It definitely helps that she is also the illustrator…and a darn good one! There is a purity and a simplicity in the illustrations that lets us discover the true message of the book.
- And the message is one that we want to share with children every day…how to be a real friend! This book will be a wonderful launch pad for discussions about friendship at home and in schools.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Rainbow Pigeon Mobile
Photo courtesy: https://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamsps/moonbeams-birds-nest/
You will need: Piece of construction paper, feathers or colored tissue paper or other scraps of colored construction paper, markers, glue, string.
- Cut construction paper in shape of bird.
- Glue feather or crumpled pieces of tissue or construction paper onto bird.
- Use marker to draw eyes, beak.
- Punch hole at top and thread string through it.
- Hang in the breeze and watch the bird flutter and fly.
For more wonderful bird craft ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamsps/moonbeams-birds-nest/
Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends…don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of PAX AND BLUE…and please come back tomorrow for:
Will Write for Cookies
LORI RICHMOND
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.
