Russell Hoban | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

Today is Day Ten of Christie Wright Wild’s PB 14:14.

In many picture book challenges, we are encouraged to use books that have been published in the last five to ten years. However, being the classic picture book nut that I am, I just had to get in a couple of the older stories. Here is one of my favorites.

Title: A Bargain for Frances

Author: Russell Hoban

Illustrator: Lillian Hoban

Publisher: Harper & Row Publishers

Date: 1970

Word Count: 1000+ estimated

Top Ten Element: Conflict

Opening Lines:

“It was a fine summer day, and after breakfast Frances said, “I am going to play with Thelma.”

“Be careful,” said Mother.

Synopsis:

Frances is a little badger. The last few times she played with Thelma, her friend took advantage of her. This time, they are going to play tea party. Frances has been saving for a special china tea set. When Thelma hears about that, she persuades Frances to buy her old plastic tea set. Frances doesn’t want to until Thelma convinces her that no one wants a china tea set and plastic is better. Continue reading →

Today is Friday and this is my 450th blog post! 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.

We are still surrounded by crates and boxes – moving 2000 miles was exhausting, but so worth it! In the morning, our grandson greets us with a cheery, “Good morning, Grandma! Good morning, Grandpa!”