Cover Reveal: DIBS! by Laura Gehl

I’m a big fan of Laura Gehl’s books. And so are lots of kids. Especially One Big Pair of Underwear! So, when I heard that Laura had a brand-new picture book releasing next year, I knew I’d want to spread the word. And guess what? 

I get to do the COVER REVEAL!

Welcome to the world, DIBS! Continue reading

Perfect Picture Book Friday: FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Fall is here in New England…leaves are changing color and the temps are decidedly chilly when I get up in the morning.

2017 has exploded with amazing children’s books and I’m thrilled to bring you one that will help older siblings when the new baby arrives. Author Lori Alexander is offering a copy of her newest picture book as a giveaway. Please make sure you leave a comment below and come back tomorrow to double your entries when she stops by to chat about the writing life.

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FAMOUSLY PHOEBE

Written by Lori Alexander

Illustrated by Aurelie Blard-Quintard

Published by Sterling Children’s Books (2017)

Ages: 4-7

Themes: Sibling rivalry, family dynamics, self-worth

Synopsis:

From Amazon: 

Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.   
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.

Why I like this book:

  • A story that engages from the opening lines to the last page.
  • Fabulous bold illustrations that invite the reader into the action.
  • A universal theme that never loses its appeal.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Make a Family Newspaper

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Photo courtesy: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/

You will need: Paper, ruler, pencil/pen, markers/crayons, family photos, scissors, glue

What fun! Each family member can write a column for this newspaper!

For detailed instructions: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2010/04/make-a-family-newspaper-to-talk-about-family-news/

Please make sure you come back tomorrow when we chat with Lori Alexander on Write for Cookies. And don’t forget that one of the greatest gifts you can give an author is to review their books on Amazon or Goodreads.

For more great picture book reviews and activities, hurry over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend!

 

#PPBF: When I Was King – Sibling Rivalry

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Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday. Before I share not one, not two, but three wonderful books that address the topic of sibling rivalry…I want to encourage you to hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog where you will find many other awesome picture book reviews. AND, if you are an illustrator or an aspiring one, please check out her NEW Illustrator Contest.

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I also want to give a shout-out to Angie Karcher’s RhyPiBoMo, a month-long challenge for those who want to/love to write rhyming picture books. Every day, Angie’s blog has a post that is a complete workshop in itself…with Golden Quill guests who share information and inspiration. I’ve always loved poetry…Angie’s posts are like a college course…deeply examining the subject and then relating it to writing picture books. The Facebook page interaction is amazing and so helpful. As of today, there are 200 participants registered! The critique groups that were formed at the beginning of the month are proving to be incredibly supportive. Even if you didn’t sign up before…or you don’t think you can participate fully, please check out the blog posts…each one is worth its weight in gold!

And now to our picture book review!

When I first started blogging, most of my posts were geared towards parents with young children. In past year or so, since I’ve been so actively involved in writing (and learning how to write) picture books, many of my posts have had a more ‘writerly’ emphasis. But the Building Self-Esteem Using Picture Books and Other Activities teleseminar I did on Wednesday, reminded me that parenting concerns are still number one with me. And, when you think about it, that’s one of the main reasons I want to write great picture books. With that in mind, here are three books that will bring a smile to any parent’s face…and will help older siblings deal with the difficult challenge of accepting and loving a younger brother or sister.

when I was kind

When I Was King Continue reading