Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday!
I had another book lined up for today when I discovered this one and had to choose it instead!
Not only is this an inspiring true story, perfect for the beginning of the school year, today is also it’s Book Birthday and the author’s birthday!
So happy birthday to JUST ONE PEBBLE, and congratulations on your brand new book – a pretty amazing present! – and happy birthday to you, too, Dianna! 😊
Title: Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest To End Hunger
Written By: Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
Illustrated By: Sara Casilda
Publisher: Clavis Publishing, September 15, 2023, nonfiction
Suitable For Ages: 5-10
Themes/Topics: helping others, true story, inspirational
text copyright Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky 2023, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2023, Clavis Publishing
Opening:
“So, this morning, Pepper has
an accident in my sneaker.
Mom says to wear my old ones.
She says I’m lucky I have two pairs.
I don’t feel very lucky.”
text copyright Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky 2023, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2023, Clavis Publishing
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “One day, on his way to the store, Braeden Mannering sees a man sitting by the side of the road. He has no home, no belongings, and no food. “Somebody should help him,” he tells his mom. “You’re somebody,” she replies. Braeden thinks about it. Maybe he can help!”
text copyright Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky 2023, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2023, Clavis Publishing
Links To Resources: Back matter in the book includes information about Braeden, a description of what is included in the 3B Bags, and a few inspiring words from Braeden; Braeden wanted to help end hunger – what are some ways you would like to make a difference in the world? (for example, clean water, climate change, gender equality, rescue animals, etc.); play Freerice and test and increase your vocabulary while helping feed the hungry
text copyright Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky 2023, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2023, Clavis Publishing
Why I Like This Book: I love books that are true stories and this one, about a nine year-old boy, is so inspiring. A child sees a need and doesn’t just walk past and forget about it. Instead, he tries to make things better, first for the individual who caught his attention, and then for more people in the same situation. His actions show thoughtfulness, human kindness, civic responsibility, ingenuity, energy, and commitment – things that kids and adults alike can learn from and emulate. This book will encourage young readers to look around and see what they can step up and change. As Braeden says, “Dream. . . and then dream bigger!”
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Susanna, It’s 1:35 AM my time in Kansas. I couldn’t sleep, tottered out of bed and stumbled my way through our dark home to my computer. Thanks to your inspiring review of Dianna’s new book, my restless night has been rewarded. Children and adults need access to more quality children’s books and you always deliver with your blog. Thank you! I’m inspired by this author’s work to show how the actions of a young boy expressed such “thoughtfulness, human kindness, civic responsibility, ingenuity, energy, and commitment.” I’ll make sure that I recommend our county library purchase Dianna’s book for its shelves to share with our community. And now…it’s time for me to make my way back to bed.
I’m glad Dianna’s book was a light in the dark for you last night, Marsha! I know you’ll enjoy it when you get to read it. Thank you on Dianna’s behalf for recommending its purchase to your library! Hope you got some sleep!
Susanna, I can see why you liked this book. I look forward to reading the rest of it. I think our country in particular and much of the world needs a bit more “thoughtfulness, human kindness, civic responsibility,” and I love that his mantra is “dream bgger.” Thank you for sharing this book
I completely agree, Maria, and I think it’s extra inspiring when a child is the one to take such initiative. Bravo for him, and what an example for the rest of us!
This book is a good companion to Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill. I hope every school and library stocks both!
I haven’t read that one, Robin, but thanks for the recommendation to pair it with Dianna’s book!
I love picture books that show how children can better the world! Happy book birthday and actual birthday to Dianna!
So inspiring, isn’t it, Patricia?!
I really enjoyed reading this book. LOVELY! Congrats, Dianna!
So glad you like it, Angie!
The children of the world are amazing. Thanks for sharing it!
Children ARE amazing, aren’t they, Wendy? I think it’s partly because they still believe anything is possible in a way that adults have come to doubt.
I’m so glad you are featuring Dianna’s book…I love Dianna and her previous book and I saw this manuscript early on and loved it then and I’m thrilled that it is now a book that can be shared with the world so that others can be inspired to make a difference.
I loved (and featured) her other book too, Vivian! I am glad to share it. I’m glad she wrote it!