Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa: Developing Imagination

Posted on October 24, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Do you remember the old Wrigley’s commercial – two, two, two mints in one? Two beautiful young women, obviously twins, represented the combination of flavors – spearmint and peppermint – found in the popular chewing gum.

Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m showcasing a pair of books by Sarah Mounsey. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely author of this dynamic duo at the 2013 AFCC in Singapore.

Purple Paw Prints and Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa

Written by Sarah Mounsey

Illustrated by Jade Fang

Publisher: Brindal Books (2012 and 2013)

Opening lines: Paw Prints: “Eddie knew as soon as he finished painting Oscar purple that it was a big mistake!”

Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa: “Eddie, stop jumping on my brand new sofa!” said Mum for the gazillionth time. “And get the dog off there too!” But when William came to play, strange Continue reading →

Multicultural Picture Book Review and Activities for Kids

Posted on July 19, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – time for a children’s book and an activity to keep the kids happy and busy!

I found this book in a box at an open air town flea market when I was visiting my daughter and grandson in New Hampshire. I get into trouble at these places – how can you say no to a beautiful picture book for 25 cents? The seller wanted me to take the entire box of over a dozen hardcover beautifully illustrated multicultural books for two dollars. That’s right…two dollars. And did I buy all of them? No, I exercised GREAT restraint and only spent $1.00 because I knew I would have to lug those hardcover books back on the plane. After I made my frugal purchase, I walked over to the next seller. Oh no!!! She was selling children’s books also! There was Frog and Toad, The Fire Cat and Danny and the Dinosaur – each for…you guessed it…25 cents. I couldn’t resist…I bought TWELVE…but I left those with my grandson!

Mei-Mei Loves the Morning

Written by Margaret Holloway Tsubaklyama

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (1999)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Multigenerational activities, family bonding, urban China

Opening Lines:

“Mei-Mei loves the morning. When she wakes up, she always hears Bai-Ling rustling impatiently in his cage and Grandpa’s slippers sip-slapping on the kitchen floor. Mother and Father are still asleep, but Mei-Mei jumps out of bed.”

Synopsis: Continue reading →

Fear of Public Speaking: Tips That Really Help

Posted on July 15, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Attention authors: For many of you, writing the book is the easy part. The hard job starts after your book is published. These days, whether you are traditionally published or self-published, the task of marketing and promoting your book falls to…you.

Marketing and promoting a book can be done in many ways. Press releases and platforms such as blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Google+…with new social media channels popping up every day…are the more passive – and possibly the avenues that introverted writers feel more comfortable in. Book events, interviews, workshops and other public speaking opportunities can be very effective…but often neglected by many authors…because of a fear of public speaking.

Fear of public speaking is incredibly common, and not just in those with anxiety. Public speaking anxiety is one of the most common fears shared by most of the general population. Most people would rather go to the dentist rather than stand up and speak!

What causes fear of public speaking?

Fear of public speaking is also known as Glossophobia. It comes from the fear of being judged.

How to reduce public speaking anxiety? Continue reading →