Perfect Picture Book Friday: THE PRINCESS AND THE WARRIOR

Posted on December 16, 2016 by viviankirkfield

Today we have a fabulous Perfect Picture Book Friday review.

But first…some winners! Last week I promised to give away a copy of Jessica Lawson’s middle grade mystery Nooks and Crannies.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Sherry Howard

Congratulations, Sherry…I will contact you for your mailing address.

We also had a giveaway last month for a copy of Emma Bland Smith’s Journey: The Most Famous Wolf in the West.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Mona Pease

Congratulations, Mona…I’ll get it in the mail ASAP. No guarantees, but considering I’m in NH and you are in Maine, you might even get it in time for Christmas!

There will also be info coming soon on the voting for Susanna Hill’s Holiday Contest…I will share that as soon as I get it. Did you get to read any of the entries? They are FABULOUS!

The Perfect Picture Book Friday spotlight is on one of my favorite books of 2016. And tomorrow, the award-winning author/illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh, will be our Will Write for Cookies guest.

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanos

Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Abrams (2016)

Ages: 6-9 (this is the recommendation on Amazon…but I think the book is appropriate for younger AND older kids)

Themes:

Courage, loyalty, accepting others for who they are

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico’s cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes were formed: Iztaccíhuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatépetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.

Opening Lines:

“Once upon a time, there lived a kind and beautiful princess named Izta.”

Why I like this book:

First of all, I not only like this book, I LOVE it. The illustrations, done in Duncan’s familiar style, are AMAZING! The text is deceptively simple…on each page, with short succinct sentences, Duncan weaves a compelling story. AND he provides us with an authentic voice, giving us the names of various objects in the Nahuatl language, which is the language the main characters would have spoken.
I’m a great fan of folktales…this would be a perfect first folktale for young children…courage and loyalty are two traits we want to encourage kids to develop.
I remember studying about those two volcanos when I was a student…how fabulous to discover there was a legend…and thanks to Duncan’s wonderful glossary in the back, now I know how to pronounce the names.
This book won the Pura Belpre Award which was established in 1996. It is presented to a Latino/Latina (or as Duncan would say, Latinx) writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. I love books that help multicultural children see themselves…and just as importantly, help all children learn about different peoples and cultures.

RELATED ACTIVITIES for Parents and Teachers

Find other folktale picture books and read them with your children.
Pick an animal, object, or place and make up a folktale about how it came to be.
Make a volcano…for quick and easy instructions go here: http://www.preschoolinspirations.com/2014/05/28/easy-baking-soda-and-vinegar-volcano-eruption-for-kids/

Photo courtesy: http://www.preschoolinspirations.com

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.

And please don’t miss tomorrow’s post when we will welcome our Will Write for Cookies guest:

DUNCAN TONATIUH

Make sure you stop by and leave a comment – you’ll be entered into the giveaway of a copy of The Princess and the Warrior. Do you have a favorite folktale from your childhood? I’d love to hear about it.

Stay safe and warm, dear friends. I’m wishing the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons to all of you!

PPBF: Sophie’s Squash Goes to School

Posted on July 15, 2016 by viviankirkfield

Perfect Picture Book Friday…hurray! I must apologize for being somewhat absent from the blogging scene these last two months. With the exciting WOW Retreat in just a couple of days (WOO-HOO!) and my surgery looming at the beginning of August, preparing for both has gobbled up my time. But I’m thrilled to feature a brand new picture book from one of my favorite authors who will be our Will Write for Cookies guest tomorrow.

Before we get to the picture book review, we have some unfinished business to take care of. Last month I promised to give away a copy of Diana Murray’s, City Shapes. I asked that you leave a comment telling your favorite city. And you did…Boston, London, New Orleans, Singapore, Louisville, Toronto, Anchorage, Vancouver, Chattanooga, Amsterdam, Sarasota, Dublin, and New York City.

AND THE WINNER IS….

JENNIFER COLE JUDD

Congratulations, Jennifer. Please contact me at viviankirkfield@gmail.com so I can get that wonderful book to you ASAP.

And now for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick!

Sophie’s Squash Goes to School

Written by Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrated by Ann Wilsdorf

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade (2016)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes: First day of school, friendship

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

This charming sequel to the beloved Sophie’s Squash is the perfect antidote to the back-to-school jitters. Sophie goes to school for the first time and has no interest in making friends that aren’t squash. Here’s a gently humorous read-aloud that proves that making friends, just like growing squash, takes time.

On Sophie’s first day of school, nobody appreciates her two best friends, Bonnie and Baxter, baby squash that she grew in her garden. Even worse, one classmate, Steven Green, won’t leave Sophie alone. He sits by her at circle time. He plays near her during recess. And he breathes on her while she paints. Steven just wants to be friends, but Sophie isn’t interested. Still, Sophie knows that her squash friends won’t last forever. Maybe it would be nice to have some human friends after all.

Why I like this book:

Many children face the same issues of being attached to something they can’t bear to part with and not knowing how to reach out and make friends.
I love that it is a first day of school story.
The author does a fantastic job of engaging the listener/reader…and the illustrations marry perfectly with the text.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, dear friends and readers. And please don’t forget to come back tomorrow for:

Will Write for Cookies

With

Pat Zietlow Miller

AND A

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: What About Moose?

Posted on August 14, 2015 by viviankirkfield

Can you believe it? It’s already the middle of August. A couple of trees have taken on a tinge of the autumn that is yet to come. I’ll be sad to see summer disappear—I love long sunny days. So I might be asking,“What about making summer longer?”

But instead, because it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m asking, “What About Moose?”

WHAT ABOUT MOOSE?

Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez

Illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (2015)

Ages: 3-8

Themes: Teamwork, social skills, friendship

Opening Lines:

Fox met her friends, with her toolbox in hand.

“Time to start building! Now here’s what I’ve planned.”

She divvied up jobs, and then Moose trotted in.

“I’m here,” he announced. “Let construction begin.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“It takes a team to build a tree house—but what if that team includes one very bossy moose?

When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. But when bossy Moose barges in and upends their plans with some of his own, his friends become more and more frustrated…until things go hilariously awry!

This lively rhyming picture book is pure, bouncy fun even as it imparts a subtle lesson about teamwork. Young readers will love to chant along: “But what about you, Moose!”

Why I like this book:

The incredible rhyme and humor of Corey Rosen Schwartz and her co-author, Rebecca Gomez
Bold colorful illustrations of Keika Yamaguchi
Addresses teamwork and sharing
Encourages friendship building

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud
Great book for kids who are having a problem with sharing the load and teamwork
Talk about how to be a good friend – what are the qualities we want in a friend…those are the same qualities a friend wants in us

Related Activity

MAKE A PAPER BAG MOOSE PUPPET

Photo courtesy: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-crafts-activities

I’m a big fan of using inexpensive materials for craft projects with young kids…with a paper bag or a paper plate, you can have a barrel of fun!

You will need: One paper lunch bag, one piece of construction paper, markers or crayons, scissors, glue.

Help your child trace his handprints on a piece of construction paper.
Glue at the top of the lunch bag – these are the antlers.
Draw moose features with markers or crayons.
Role play with your child and retell the story – you can take turns being moose. Acting out the story is a great way to develop literacy skills like comprehension and vocabulary.

There are several other simple moose crafts here: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-crafts-activities/61650-four-moose-crafts-for-preschool

And guess what? I’ve got a special treat in store for you TOMORROW.

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

WELCOMES

REBECCA J. GOMEZ

CO-AUTHOR OF TODAY’S PPBF, WHAT ABOUT MOOSE?

Please don’t miss it—she’s got lots to share, including a stellar recipe for gingersnaps!

Thank you all for visiting – I look forward to your comments – please share this wonderful book and activity with parents, teachers and librarians – they are always looking for great books and quick & easy activities that educate and entertain.