WOO-HOO!!!
Can you believe it?
In spite of the fact that Perfect Picture Books goes on vacation every summer, we are now celebrating the 100th week of Perfect Picture Book Fridays! (Just in time to go on summer vacation again :))
100 weeks of fabulous picture books with resources of all kinds to make them easy for parents and teachers to use at home and in the classroom!
100 weeks of highly recommended books listed alphabetically and by theme to make it easy for gift-givers to find the perfect picture book for that special little someone!
100 weeks of perfect examples that we, as writers, can study and learn from!
To date, we have picture books listed in 226 themes/categories.
And we have – get this! – 2055 Perfect Picture Books on our list!!!
(Or, we would if I ever got caught up updating! Which is on my to-do list for this summer along with about a million other things :))
For those of you who haven’t noticed yet (because I haven’t announced it because I’m not finished with it :)), Perfect Picture Books is now on Pinterest. I’m hoping it will make it easier to search. But it’s a work in progress and far from complete! If you want to check it out, here’s the link: http://www.pinterest.com/susannaleonard/
So really, after all the hard work you guys have put in, all the wonderful picture books and resources that are now available to teachers, parents, writers, and gift-givers everywhere, I think we should celebrate!!!
First, we need cake (obviously!) 🙂
Next, we need streamers. . .
. . . confetti. . .
. . . and balloons!
And last but not least, we need prizes for all the amazing bloggers who have contributed so devotedly week after week to this effort! So let’s do today’s Perfect Picture Book, and hopefully by then I will have thought up a plan. I’ll meet you down below after you’re done reading about this delightful book!
Title: I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo!
Written By: Jill Esbaum
Illustrated By: Gus Gordon
Dial (Penguin Group), May 2014, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: honesty, courage, animals
Opening: “Nadine was a truly remarkable cow.
There was nothing she feared – so she claimed, anyhow.
“Not lightning?” asked Starla. “Loud noises? A rat?”
“I’m not scared,” Nadine boasted, “of any of that.”
“The woods?” asked Annette. “‘Cause that place scares me stiff.”
“Not me,” bragged Nadine with a proud little sniff.
“As a matter of fact, just to prove it, let’s go!”
(She was certain her meek-hearted friends would say no.)
Brief Synopsis: Nadine boasts that she isn’t afraid of anything! When her friends call her bluff, she learns that sometimes acting brave can make you feel brave… and sometimes it can’t! And when she’s hailed as a hero for saving her friends, she has the choice to ‘fess up and admit she was just as scared as they were or let her friends believe what they want. Which do you think Nadine chooses? 🙂
Links To Resources: this book will give parents and teachers a great opportunity to have discussions about what courage is, and what makes a person brave. Is it not being afraid? Or is it going forward in spite of your fear? It will also give an opportunity to talk about honesty. Is is okay to lie if it ends up being the truth? Is it okay to let people believe something good about you even if it’s not exactly deserved? Talk with kids about things they’re afraid of. What do they think could make them feel braver? Ask kids if they’ve ever lied about something and gotten caught? How did they feel? Classroom Activities: Honesty, Classroom Activities: Courage.
Why I Like This Book: Nadine is so full of herself, so spunky and fun, and so believable because haven’t we all met kids (or adults :)) who can bluster their way through just about anything?! Kids will relate to this confident bovine who pretends not to be scared of the Deep. Dark. Woods. only to discover that she really isn’t afraid… until the sun goes down! Things unravel a bit (I don’t want to spoil it :)) but she ends up saving her friends (completely by accident) and is hailed as a brave hero… an illusion she chooses not to discourage 🙂 The art is lively and entertaining, and the story is fun and full of humor!
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
So. About those prizes! Since we’re celebrating Perfect Picture Books, I’d like to give away a few 🙂 I wish I could give everyone a prize, but I have yet to become one of those authors who makes millions of dollars 🙂 Instead, I’ve chosen a few books that have been widely well-received that I hope you guys might want to win:
Journey by Aaron Becker (Candlewick)
Mr. Wuffles by David Weisner (Clarion)
Warning: Do Not Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt, illus. by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster)
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli (Disney/Hyperion)
On A Beam Of Light: A Story Of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne, illus. by Vladimir Radunsky (Chronicle)
Mitchell Goes Bowling by Hallie Durand, illus. by Tony Fucile (Candlewick)
The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illus. by Jon Klassen (Little, Brown)
This Is The Rope: A Story Of The Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson, illus. by James Ransome (Nancy Paulsen Books)
Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, illus. by Christian Robinson (Atheneum)
+1 – If you’d like to win one of these fabulous books, please leave a comment below.
+1 – If you follow the Perfect Picture Books Pinterest Board, you’ll get an additional chance to win (if you already follow, please remind me, if you don’t already follow, there’s no time like the present :)) http://www.pinterest.com/susannaleonard/
+5 – If you’ve posted 50 or more Perfect Picture Books on your blog over the course of the past 100 weeks, tell me that and I’ll give you 5 additional chances to win! (Scout’s Honor – I don’t have time to count! – but I think I know who qualifies :))
(And if there’s a book your particularly hope to win or one that you already own, feel free to let me know.)
Please leave your comments/follow the Pinterest Board/let me know if you’ve posted 50 or more PPBs etc. by Sunday June 15 at 5 PM EDT. Names will be entered the appropriate number of times into random.org and 9 winners will be randomly chosen and matched with the books.
My deepest thanks to all the bloggers who have supported this effort so whole-heartedly, and to all the readers who come by to share our love of picture books every week! Perfect Picture Books would not exist without you!
And maybe we’ll have another celebration/giveaway in September when we start up again because I’d really like to spread the word about PPBF but now is a dumb time since we’re about to go on Summer Vacation! 🙂
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you one last time before summer!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone, and I look forward to hearing from you all in the comments!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Congrats on your 100 weeks! What a great resource you've created! This book (with great title) looks adorable.
I am Cow, Hear me Moo – what a perfect way to start a summer vacation. Especially for those of us who need to act a little braver when we take our kids out to try something new (like rock climbing or math).
Happy 100 – I've contributed lots of PPBF posts, just not sure if I hit that magic number (50).
LOVE the virtual party … and the Courageous Cow book!!! A perfect combo for a celebration! Happy 100 and Happy Friday.
I love Perfect Picture Book Fridays even if I haven't been able to contribute each week. I think we've read almost a 1000 of the books. I will use the summer to catch up on the weeks I've missed. Thanks for all you do for the list. I share it many times and use it myself to check titles! Let me know how I can help get the word out!
Congrats, congrats… I am honored to have participated in almost all of these weeks and discovered so many new books and friends through PPBF!
Congrats, Susanna! So honored to be a part of PPBFs. Hopefully, I can connect in the Fall. Enjoy your summer!
Hi Susanna! This PB looks delightful. I won't EVEN tell a giant whopper and tell you I have posted 50 picture books – cuz you KNOW I haven't! But I am leaving a comment, and I DO follow your Pinterest board. Any of those books would be lovely. Congrats on this wonderful thing you've started, and look forward to jumping in again in the Fall. (Do your other posts have a summer vacation to? Just askin' 🙂
Happy 100th, Susanna! I made a little doodle to celebrate at the bottom of my post. I am following all your boards on pinterest and have linked your boards on my PPBF board there, which has 67 of my own picks pinned, but I don't know how many of those were uploaded here since I often posted when you had your feet up (HA!)! Should I be so lucky, any of the books would be super!
What a most fabulous book!!! I like that cow in the treetops singing her song. A Perfect Book choice for a 100 day celebration! I am now following your Pinterest board. I didn't know you had one! I don't know if I've done 50 books for PPBF – I can't count that high. But I sure enjoy being a part of it all. It has been a real adventure of discovery. Thanks for letting me participate. I'm looking forward to more in the fall!!
Hip hip hoorary
For Susanna today!
The100th Perfect Picture Book post
Is the most
Wonderful thing I've heard
Except for yummy chocolate cake, super prizes and being part of this amazing kid lit community . 🙂
THANK YOU, Susanna, for providing us with the opportunity to connect with each other and for always offering incredible writing prompts, contests, inspiration, information, encouragement and support.
I think I've done at least 50…which is pretty nifty…and I'm off to follow you on Pinterest…because I have a real interest…in winning any of the wonderful books you are offering. Hahaha…can you tell I have rhyme on the mind today. 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS! BTW, I love the book you've reviewed today…love the clever title…and the premise of the book…and the rhyme looks awesome! Will try to get a copy at my library…just don't know where I will put even one more book…I've got more than 50 out as part of my research for Kristen Fulton's Non-Fiction Archaeology class I am taking this month…and just a heads-up to anyone reading this – WOW NonFicPicWeek starts June 21 – a challenge to write SEVEN non-fiction picture books in SEVEN days…if anyone is up for that, head over to Kristen's blog or click on the link I provide in my #PPBF post today. 🙂
Congrats on your 100th post and building up this wonderful resource. I'm a newbie to PPBF but I've enjoyed being part of this PB loving community posting along with this meme. The cake looks virtually delicious 🙂
I didn't know we were doing PPBF Friday today! That totally escaped me. I have a post to proof and put up late. Better comment and get to it! I am THRILLED to be part of the PPBF poster children (get it!) and when I went back to check I have posted more than 50 reviews! and spookier still – my last post was MY 100th post overall. So thanks to you for making me even look at statistics I usually ignore. I guess I better celebrate sometime. 🙂 I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't have a Pinterest account. The thought of another password makes me want to cry. But in your honor I will get over it and sign up.
Woo-hoo!!! Congratulations, Susanna, on 100 posts for PPBF!!! What a milestone! We should be giving YOU prizes – but what do you do?? You give US prizes….you are one awesome lady. I only have 37 PPB posts (didn't start til Oct of 2012.) but I didn't know I had that many! I'm now following on pinterest which looks awesome by the way! And I will definitely check out your PPBF for this week, I love COW books.
Wow, Susanna…another milestone for you and your awesome blog!! Congrats on the 100th week/post of PPBF! Now, pass the cake. 😉
This book sounds hilarious! Anyone else singing Helen Reddy??
(On the very slim chance that I do win something for commenting, I wouldn't mind Mr. Wuffles, thank you!)
Thank you once again for a wonderful recommendation for PPBF and congrats on your 100th!! I may not always comment but I want you to know that I enjoy all your posts and appreciate all the hard work that goes into this daily! I especially love the Chocolate! One time, after seeing one of your cupcakes, I gave in and bought a hostess cupcake (chocolate of course!) didn't want to make a whole batch cuz I knew I would eat them all! Thanks once again from all of us for such enjoyable posts😄
CONGRATULATIONS, SUSANNA (and PPBFers!) And what a fun-looking book!
I don't have a book review today, but I *DO* have a PPBF Celebration on my blog (with the requisite Something Chocolate for our dear Susanna)!!!! http://www.bethstilborn.com/perfect-picture-book-friday-celebration/
I counted last night, because I was curious, and I have posted 58 PPB selections. And I've just popped over and followed your Pinterest boards, Susanna. What a great idea!
***throws confetti and digs into cake***
Congratulations Susanna! Can't believe its been a 101 weeks!! Sorry I haven't been able to contribute this past year. Now that I am getting more of a rhythm to my own writing, I do hope to get back to reviewing books. I do so miss the “booktalking” and interaction with this lovely group. Have a wonderful summer!
Oh Susanna! Thanks for the reviews and the giveaway.
I discovered your Pinterest boards a few weeks ago (and yes, I'm a follower). I think that is a great alternative to the list and will help you update much faster.
Sorry to say I've only been a PPBF participant for 40 weeks, but kudos to all those whose posts I've read and to the bloggers who made PPBFridays an event I had to take part in! They continue to be a valuable resource. Thank-you.
See you in the fall!
Yay! So happy to see Jill Esbaum's latest book listed as a Perfect Picture Book! She is a fellow Iowa Author and I've had the privilege of seeing her at a few SCBWI Conferences.
Congrats on the 100th week! Love that you're celebrating with chocolate cake and balloons (a personal favorite of mine as a balloon shop owner!) I hope you'll get a little rest over the summer!
This book DOES sound delightful. Love the whole idea! I must admit, though…I'm a bit concerned about the practice of standing precariously on the tip of a bent pine tree! : / 😉
I'm sorry to say that since I don't have my blogs launched yet, I don't participate in Perfect Picture Book Friday, and fear I wouldn't be consistent even if I did! I enjoy reading what others post though 😀
And of this AMAZING list of PBs you're offering (so generous of you!), I happen to own Journey and The Watermelon Seed–both gorgeous pieces of work 🙂 I'm not familiar with the last two listed, but of the others, should I have to choose:
1) Warning: Do Not Open This Book
2) On a Beam of Light
3) Mr. Wuffles
4) Mitchell Goes Bowling
Thanks for the opportunity, Susanna! 😀
Congratulations Susanna! I have enjoyed participating in PPBF (even though I haven't quite posted 50 picture books yet)- what a great resource this is. I would love to win one of the books!
I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for telling me about it and countless other books I have enjoyed since discovering your blog. Congratulations. Quite an accomplishment.
Yay! I love the sound of this book! I AM ERIK! WATCH ME READ! 😉
I think I have posted at least 50 times. 😉 Congrats! 😀 I'm not on Pintrest 😦
Oh yeah, also meant to mention to anyone that hasn't read it, On a Beam of Light is a GREAT non-fiction picture book, loved it!
I'm following you on Pinterest, but am I disqualified for never having posted a PPBF book? I'm just a fan. Does that count?
Thanks for the Moo-iest post and Goo-iest treat! Happy Friday the 13th!
Hi Joanne! I'm glad you enjoyed today's pick 🙂 And I'm thrilled that you've joined the PPBF team – every book counts! 🙂 I am going to take a bit of a blogcation this summer – too much going on at home – but Would You Read It will definitely continue through the end of July, and probably some other posts here and there because I've usually got something to say 🙂
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Nancy 🙂 Happy Friday 13 to you too 🙂
Of course it counts! Devoted readers are just as important as contributors! Thank you for being such a stalwart fan! 🙂
Yeah. I think you've posted 50 times 🙂 Probably 100! 🙂 It's okay that you're not on Pinterest – I won't hold it against you 🙂 Thanks for all the fabulous books you've contributed over the 100 weeks!
Thank you, Rosi! I'm so glad you enjoy my blog and the picture books that get posted every week. I love having you as part of the community! 🙂
Every book you've posted is a gem, Katie, and I'm thrilled that you've joined us as much as you have – plus I like lots of the other stuff you post 🙂 You're in the drawing… fingers crossed 🙂
Thanks, Donna 🙂
What? You mean you don't spend quality time perched on the tip of a bent pine tree at the edge of a cliff? Get out there and live a little! 🙂 No worries about not having a blog yet. I am just thrilled that you come over to enjoy PPBF and everything else, and so glad to have you as a member of our little community over here! 🙂
I love Jill Esbaum! I posted I Hatched a few weeks ago – so cute! Thanks for the congrats, and glad you're enjoying the party. I will certainly not be getting any rest over the summer 🙂 and will continue to post at least Would You Read It through the end of July, but PPBF will take a break until September. I do this every year in the vain hope that I'll fetch up with the updating. It hasn't happened yet, but it COULD happen this year! 🙂
You are very welcome, Joanne! Thank YOU for being such a devoted follower and participant in all the kooky stuff I think up over here 🙂 And 40 is a lot! I think that qualifies! I will still be here at least until the end of July for Would You Read It, so I hope you'll still visit for that… unless you are taking a summer blogging break? Lots of people do… And I'm sure I'll have some other random, miscellaneous stuff here and there 🙂
Thank you, Darshana! I have missed your wonderful picks and great reviews, but I totally understand trying to find enough time for your own writing. It's something I struggle with. If you're not on a complete blogging break, please stop by from time to time. I'll still be here – at least for Would You Read It through the end of July 🙂
Thank you, Beth 🙂 And thank you for all the fabulous books you've posted. I'm surprised it's only 58. I would have said you were one of the people who hadn't missed very many! Thank you for following on Pinterest, and thanks for the party over at your place which I haven't gotten to yet, but I'll be there eventually! 🙂
Thanks so much, Susannadanna 🙂 That makes me all warm and fuzzy knowing I THRILL you! hehehe 😉 Seriously, I'm very glad Lauri referred me here, then recently got more involved. I have to begin narrowing down how often I follow so many blogs, but this is one of the handful I will always be sure to keep up with 😀 Don't want to miss anything! lol
I'm so glad you enjoy the posts, Kelly, and thank you so much for letting me know you're out there 🙂 That was very smart of you to go Hostess… I would have eaten the whole batch too 🙂
Thank you for always being here to support whatever it is I happen to be doing at the moment, Teresa! Help yourself to extra cake and have a delightful weekend! 🙂
Thanks, Laura, but really it's amazing people like you who step up and join in that make PPBF and everything else I do over here what it is! 37 is a lot! – nearly 50 🙂 And I hope you enjoy this cow book – I think it's hysterical 🙂
That's my fault, Wendy! In my pre-conference dither I doubt I ever said whether we were continuing through today or not. Sorry about that! I am thrilled to have you as a PPBF poster child 🙂 Thank you so much for all the amazing books you've posted and your wonderful reviews! And how cool that it's your 100th post – that must mean we are kindred spirits or something 🙂 Please don't worry about Pinterest! I know just how you feel about more accounts and passwords!
Thank you, Emily! And I'm thrilled that you have joined us! We are lucky to have such a lovely PB-loving community. The cake IS delicious! Have a slice or two 🙂
Thank you, Vivian, for that lovely cheer, and for being such a big part of the community over here, not just for PPBF, but for everything! It's wonderful people like you who make everything so much fun. It's one thing to think things up. It's quite another to pull them off in a fun way and that's all thanks to you and all the other members of our little community! I think you will LOVE this book – so funny 🙂 – so I hope you can find room for just one more 🙂
I'm glad you like the book Rhythm – I think it's one your young readers would really enjoy – Nadine is so funny 🙂 Thank you for following on Pinterest – you're such a sweetie! And I'm not sure if you've done 50, but I'd bet you're pretty close if not over. You've been doing this for quite a while now 🙂
Thank you, Julie! For everything! For that adorable doodle – so cute!, for following on Pinterest, for linking (which I don't even know how to do!), and for always being such a supportive and enthusiastic member of our little community over here! MWAH! 🙂
Thank you, Jarm, for the congrats and for being such a wonderful part of PPBF and everything else over here. Have a wonderful summer too! I will still be here, at least for WYRI through July, so stop by any time you like 🙂
And it has sure been a fun adventure! Thanks! 😀