Perfect Picture Book Friday: YOU GO FIRST Plus Giveaway

Posted on June 9, 2023 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Here comes another book from a dear kid-lit friend, Ariel Bernstein. I met Ariel when my first book, Sweet Dreams, Sarah was supposed to come out in 2017 and I joined the Picture the Books 2017 debut picture book author group. Of course, it turned out that my book was pushed back, first to 2018 and then to 2019. But the other members invited me to stay in the group – and I did. And guess who some of those other members were: Andrea Lonely, Marcie Colleen, Katey Howes, Chana Steifel, Carter Higgins, Jannie Ho, Annie Silvestro…and so many more with long lists of award-winning books…but that was the first year for all of them! So, dear writer friends, if you are in the trenches, searching for an agent or waiting for that first book deal, please take heart…every published author didn’t have any books until they did.
And I know you are going to love this new one, YOU GO FIRST!

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Cover Reveal: SOMETHING WILD

Posted on September 12, 2022 by viviankirkfield

I’m sure all of you have favorite authors and illustrators. And when they have a new book coming out, you can’t wait to read it, right? Well, one of my favorite illustrators is Molly Ruttan – and when I found out that her author/illustrator debut picture book was launching in February of 2023, I couldn’t wait to share it with you all. [Correction: not sure how I missed Molly’s 2020 book, THE STRAY. That was her author/illustrator debut – but all that means is there is more Molly Ruttan goodness in the world!)

READY! SET! GO! COVER REVEAL for SOMETHING WILD!

Written and illustrated by Molly Ruttan – Published by Nancy Paulsen Books – February 2023

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Perfect Picture Book Friday: SHARK NATE-O Plus Giveaway

Posted on April 6, 2018 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends.

First, some announcements.

Congratulations to Amber Hendricks. She was the winner of Patricia Valdez’ wonderful JOAN PROCTOR, DRAGON DOCTOR…and she has already received it…thank you so much, Patricia…you are FAST!

And the winner of Laura Sassi’s DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE is…

ANNE IVERSON…Congratulations, Anne…I’ll connect you and Laura so she can mail you the book.

Today’s wonderful picture book is by debut picture book author, Tara Luebbe and her sister, Becky Cattie. And guess what? Tara and her sister have TWO picture book debuting this year! And guess what else? Tara will be stopping by to chat with us tomorrow and share a yummy gluten-free recipe for a cookie that doesn’t have to be baked. AND, can you stand one more piece of awesomeness? Tara is graciously offering a copy of SHARK NATE-O as a giveaway prize. So, please don’t forget to leave a comment today and tomorrow.

SHARK NATE-O

Written by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

Illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Published by Little Bee Books (April 2018)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Swimming, sharks, overcoming fears

Synopsis: From Amazon:

Nate loves sharks. He reads shark books every day, watches sharks on TV, and talks about them nonstop. He even likes to pretend he’s a shark wherever he goes! However, there is one small problem. . . .

Nate can’t swim.

When his older brother points this out, Nate works hard to overcome his fears and learn how to blow bubbles, use a kickboard, and finally swim without help, as quickly and as gracefully as a shark. Will he be able to beat his brother in a swim tryout and get his bite back? Kids will love this jawsome book complete with vibrant and whimsical art and a list of shark facts in the back!

Why I like this book:

I totally identify with Nate…I, too, was a nonswimmer…and had to overcome my fear of the water when I took swimming in high school and college. I’m still not a fan, but perhaps I could save myself if I had to.
Great text from the opening lines to the satisfying ending.
Super cool illustrations.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

For detailed instructions, please go to: www.frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com

Please make sure you leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway. And come come tomorrow to join us for Tara’s Q&A on Will Write for Cookies.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

If you have a few minutes, don’t forget that writing a review on a book site like Amazon or Goodreads is a wonderful gift to your favorite author.

And for more picture book reviews and activities, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.