Perfect Picture Book Friday: Tibby the Tiger Bunny

Posted on January 2, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Happy New Year to all!

Today is Friday – I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.

One of my blogging buddies, author Emily Lim, has a whole series of books that address important issues that young children can relate to. One of her newest is Tibby, the Tiger Bunny.

TIBBY, THE TIGER BUNNY

Written by Emily Lim

Illustrated by Jade Fang

Publisher: Epigram Books (October 2013)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Friendship, getting along with others, being different

Synopsis:

From Emily’s blog: “All Tibby ever wanted was some friends to play with, but the other rabbits found him too strange. After all, he could pounce and roar like a tiger. But he also had long floppy ears and could hop like a bunny. Was Tibby a tiger or a bunny?”

Why I like this book:

Great read-aloud for younger children…older kids will enjoy reading it themselves
Wonderful message about friendship, getting along with others and being yourself
Lovely illustrations by the talented Jade Fang

How a parent can use this book:

Great read-aloud
Opportunity for discussion about what it means to be a friend and why it is important to be yourself

Related Activities:

Arrange play-dates for your child…especially if he or she is not in preschool yet…a little socialization goes a long way towards helping kids learn how to get along with each other and discover their own strengths.

PAPER PLATE TIGER/BUNNY

Photo courtesy http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Plate-Bunny

You will need a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, glue and markers.

Cut out ears and whiskers from construction paper.
Glue in place.
Use the marker to add the bunny’s features.
You can turn the plate over and create a tiger face on the other side.
Let your child role-play with each side – how does he act and sound when he is a tiger? A bunny?

NEW SERIES COMING TO A BLOG NEAR YOU – GOAL BUSTERS

On the first Monday of each month, we be taking a peek at the goals we’ve made and the steps we are taking to reach them. This month, I’ll share my goals for 2014, the steps I’m taking to reach them…and how I plan to reward myself when I reach each goal! In February, author Alayne Christian will take the spotlight and in March, author Clarike Bowman-Jahn will be featured. Please join us for GOAL-BUSTERS!

If you write or illustrate, parent or teach…I know you have goals! Please share them in the comments or contact me (viviankirkfield@gmail.com) if you’d like to be featured in a blog post.

A Picture Walk through Tibby The Tiger-Bunny’s Birthday Bash (mummumstheword.wordpress.com)
Thank God Friday #12 – Bunny, Balloons & Book Birthdays (mummumstheword.wordpress.com)
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Reflections on My Writing Year (mummumstheword.wordpress.com)
20 Of The Best Children’s Books Of 2013 (buzzfeed.com)

National Bullying Prevention Month – PPBF

Posted on October 17, 2013 by viviankirkfield

We’ve been so busy with our move, the fact that it is National Bullying Prevention Month almost got past me. We read tragic stories in the media about kids who suffer from bullying so much, they can think of no other option but to take their own lives. The campaign to prevent bullying starts with each one of us. What will you do to help?

One of the things I do is to encourage parents to help their young children develop strong positive self-esteem. Kids who believe they are valuable and worthwhile are much less likely to be bullied. Spending time with your children, whether you are reading, crafting, cooking or simply having a conversation with them, is an important way. Please check out my award-winning parent/teacher resource for quick and easy activities that are fun for the entire family.

Another important element in building self-esteem is feeling loved and accepted. One of the stories on my grandson’s bookshelf is all about this.

THE KISS BOX

Written by Bonnie Verburg

Illustrated by Henry Cole

Publisher: Orchard Books (2011)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes:

Separation anxiety, feeling loved

Opening Lines:

“Mama Bear was always home, and that’s how Little Bear liked it. But sooner or later, all mama bears need to go away, even if it’s just for a little while.” Continue reading →

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Posted on September 13, 2013 by viviankirkfield

It’s time for a Happy Dance!!!!

Children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill, founder of Perfect Picture Book Friday, is resuming her picture book review link-up after a well-deserved summer hiatus.

Last weekend, I attended a special book event at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver.

Award-winning author/illustrator Peter Brown is touring the country to help launch his new picture book, Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. From left to right: Stacy Jensen, Julie Rowen-Zoch, Sheri McCrimmon, me and Julie Hedlund. Oh, and of course, front and center is Peter Brown!

We all enjoyed hearing him read the story…and the little art demo he did for the kids (and us) was FANTASTIC! Peter empowered all of us to believe we COULD draw…maybe I will have to give it a whirl.