#50PreciousWords 2020 Contest is OFFICIALLY OPEN

WELCOME, WELCOME to the FIFTH ANNUAL #50PreciousWords Contest!!!

I am so very happy you’ve stopped by!

Art by Vicky Fang

When I first got the idea for this contest back in 2016, I thought a few of my friends might take pity on me and submit a story – to my surprise, there were 128 entries! The winner that year went on to sign with my wonderful agent, Essie White, and the story that won is now part of a beautiful board book series. Several other entries over the years have become books…and I’m thrilled with the positive energy that this contest generates. Continue reading

Perfect Picture Book Friday: I SEE SEAFOOD Plus Giveaway

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, my friends! I really can’t believe it is Friday already…the days are FLYING by, just like the leaves from the trees!

But no worries! We’ve got a super cool book today to review and a generous giveaway from author Jenna Grodzicki.

But before we dive in, we have a giveaway winner to announce. A couple of weeks ago, my fabulous illustrator for Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, Alleanna Harris, offered an original sketch.  And the winner is:

Pamela Harrison!

Congratulations, Pamela…I will be in touch with you shortly!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Are you hungry???? Continue reading

Happy Book Birthday: FINN FINDS A FRIEND Plus Giveaway

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FINN FINDS A FRIEND, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

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Hip hip hooray! There’s a new kid on the block and I’m so excited to welcome him. Finn is a fun-loving lemon shark who comes to life in this brand-new picture book written by the talented Jenna Grodzicki, illustrated by the gifted Alexis St. John and published by the wonderful Callie Smith at Clear Fork/Spork.

A few words about the book from Amazon

Finn is not your typical lemon shark. He likes to frolic and have fun in the water. But his brothers’ and sisters’ idea of fun is lying completely still on the ocean floor – BORING! While out searching for new friends, Finn encounters a sea turtle who hides in a rock cave. Clearly, he must want to play hide and seek. Then he comes across some humans who scream, “SHARK!!!” when he approaches. Obviously, they must be excited to see him. Will Finn ever find a friend who can see beyond his sharky appearance?

I love the message in this book…kids will definitely relate to Finn and how he scares off potential playmates with his appearance. If you want to find out if Finn is successful in finding a friend, grab a copy at your local indie bookstore or on Amazon. And thanks to author Jenna’s giveaway, leave a comment here and you might win a copy!

Another great thing to do is to leave reviews on Amazon and other book review sites for the books you love. I just left one for FINN FINDS A FRIEND!

I hope you all have a wonderful week…thank you so much for spending your precious time with us here.