#PPBF: Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di at the Night Safari – Teaching Cooperation with Picture Books

Posted on February 27, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday, but I have some exciting news to share first…I just completed Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic class.

I can honestly say that I learned more about writing picture books during the one month online course than I did in the last two years. More importantly, it was a hands-on experience ALL THE WAY – personally mentored by the lovely Susanna and filled with amazing comraderie and feedback from the other attendees…thank you to Jeanine, Carrie, Dana, Linda, Heather and Kirsten…for your support, encouragement and inspiration.

Don’t you love getting packages in the mail?

Yesterday the doorbell rang. The mailman had a package for me…I had to sign for it because it was from Singapore. I opened it carefully and took a deep breath, hoping I could bring back the scents of that beautiful city.

I wasn’t able to detect anything in the air, but the contents more than made up for that. TWO PICTURE BOOKS from leading Singapore author, David Seow! Hip hip hooray!

I don’t want to overwhelm you, so I’m reviewing one today and will save the other for another time. I read this one to my grandson last night…he loved it and wanted to hear it again…and we all know that is the sign that Continue reading →

#PPBF – Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli – Helping Fussy Eaters

Posted on February 21, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – and that means that Susanna Leonard Hill has set up a linky for picture book reviews. To see more great book reviews and activities, please click here.

I also want to announce the winner of a copy of My Warp Speed Mind by Donalisa Helsley.

Drumroll….the winner is….Jaymie Shook!

Congratulations, Jaymie…please contact me and I will get your book in the mail right away.

This afternoon, I saw a video of awesome food art, I knew I had to find a book that would address the problem of fussy eaters. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the video – you will be amazed.

Do you have any fussy eaters in your house? I can sympathize because I was one…and so was my oldest son. If picky eating was one of the sports in the Winter Olympics, would your child win the gold medal?

Here’s a great picture book that might help your child try new foods.

MONSTERS DON’T EAT BROCCOLI

Written by Barbara Jean Hicks

Illustrated by Sue Hendra

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (2009)

Ages: 3-7

Synopsis: From School Library Journal:

“Kids generally don’t like eating broccoli. Apparently, neither do monsters. Sure, they like tractors, rocket ships, and boulders. Only don’t give them artichokes, lima beans, or anything green. When the “monsters” eat giant maple trees, though, they discover Continue reading →

#PPBF: Little Toot – Valentine’s Day – International Book Giving Day Giveaway

Posted on February 13, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susannah Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of writers who contribute a picture book review and related resources. On her blog you will find a page called Perfect Picture Books – parents and teachers can use that to locate books that address specific topics.

Today is also International Book Giving Day and Valentine’s Day ! I’m sharing one of the most beloved classic picture books and a craft activity that appeared on my blog three years ago. Plus, there will be a giveaway of a picture book (I’m not telling which one…don’t you love surprises?)…all you need to do is comment on this post and you will be entered. Little Toot

Written and illustrated by Hardie Gramatky

Publishers: G. P. Putnam (original: 1939, but many different editions over the years)

Ages: 3 – 7

Themes: I’m taking Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic class…and learning so much about story themes…here are a few Susanna shared with us that apply to Little Toot: Believe in yourself and you can achieve your dreams; there is a time for play and a time for work; courage is doing something even though you are afraid of what might happen

Opening: “At the foot of an old, old wharf lives the cutest, silliest little tugboat you ever saw. A very handsome tugboat with a brand new candy-stick smoke-stack. His name is Little Toot.”

Synopsis: Little Toot spends his days “playing” in New York City harbor, getting in the way of the other tugboats that are working hard. The little tugboat enjoys sailing in a figure-eight and blowing big smoke-balls. While his father and grandfather, famous for their strength and bravery, work diligently, Little Toot fools around. The entire fleet of tugboats wonders if Little Toot will ever learn to do the job he was born to do. However, when a big ocean liner gets into trouble during a storm Continue reading →