Oh Susanna – How Do You Know What Books Are Already Published In The Picture Book Market?

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Happy Monday, Everyone!

First off, before we do anything, I’d like to give a virtual high five to Julie Foster Hedlund whose debut storybook app A Troop Is  Group Of Monkeys is now officially published!  Woo-hoo!

Released yesterday from Little Bahalia Publishing, this delightful app is both an entertaining story and an education in collective nouns for animal groups.  Beautiful illustrations bursting with color (created by Pamela Baron) complement the engaging text, along with plenty of fun interactive add-ons… wait until you see the skunk 🙂 … and the story is sung to a catchy tune by Tim McCanna.  You can view the trailer HERE and purchase it on iTunes HERE.  Congratulations, Julie!!! 🙂

I will wait while you all skip on over to iTunes App Store and purchase your copy 🙂

Alrighty then, onward to our topic of conversation for today, which is an Oh Susanna question.

Cheryl asks, “Oh, Susanna, could you please give some pointers on how to research what’s already out there in the picture book market?“

Well, Cheryl, I’ll be happy to give it the old college try :), although I am the first to admit that I don’t feel like an authority on the subject, so I hope lots of our devoted readers will chime in with their knowledge.

The short answer is, a lot of things have already been done, so no matter what you write, you’ll have to put a new spin on it – your own spin 🙂

But there are places you can look.

For the low, low price of only $400 (EEK!) you can purchase the 2012 Subject Guide To Children’s Books In Print – hardcover and 3154 pages chock full of information that is mostly up-to-date for about 10 minutes 🙂  But unless you’re independently wealthy and have a really sturdy desk to hold up a book that size you’re probably better off just going to the local public library and using theirs 🙂

The Subject Guide to Books In Print is available at most larger libraries in the reference section.  The Subject Guide To Children’s Books In Print and Children’s Books In Print may also be available.

From Greyhouse Publishing’s Website:

Children’s Books In Print: “Children’s Books In Print®, now in its 43nd edition, is the go-to source for locating children’s and young adult titles in the US.

  • Volume 1, the Title Index, provides immediate access to over 250,000 children’s books from over 18,000 US publishers
  • Entries include title, author, translator, illustrator, photographer, edition, LCC number, series information, pages, binding, grade range, year of publication, price, ISBN, publisher and imprint
  • Volume 2, the Author & Illustrator Index, features more than 223,000 contributors, including photographers
  • Publisher Name Index and Wholesaler & Distributor Name Index, with complete contact information for all listed publishers, distributors and wholesalers”

The Subject Guide To Children’s Books In Print: “A natural complement to Children’s Books In Print®, Subject Guide to Children’s Books In Print® is a valuable tool when expanding children’s literature collections and new curriculum areas.

  • Subject Index with over 347,000 titles classified under over 9,500 Library of Congress Subject Headings, from Actors and Actresses to Zoo Animals and everything in between
  • Entries include title, author, translator, illustrator, photographer, edition, LCC number, series information, pages, binding, grade range, year of publication, price, ISBN, publisher and imprint
  • Publisher Name Index and Wholesaler & Distributor Index, with complete contact information makes easy work for your acquisitions department”

So there is a lot of information there.

Another useful avenue of research is publishing house websites.  They all have sections that list their current titles and their backlists.  It is time-consuming, but worthwhile, and something you’ll be doing anyway when the time comes to research houses for submission.

In terms of what publishers might be looking for, SCBWI has a section in their bulletin that addresses that, and other publications like the CBI Newsletter and the Children’s Writer (issued by the Institute Of Children’s Literature) frequently post subjects/topics/specific things that agents and editors have mentioned they would be interested in seeing in both book and magazine markets.  If editors are looking for something, it’s a good bet there’s nothing like it currently in print.

Another place you can look is Amazon.  I know.  They’re taking over the world. 🙂  But they do have a huge data base of books.  You can search by a title you’re thinking of using and see if other books with that title already exist.  You can search by subject matter within children’s books and see what comes up that might be similar to your idea.  And then underneath the book you’ve chosen to look at there is usually a long list of similar books that people also viewed or purchased when they looked at that book, so you can often find related items easily.

You should always check the publication date.  A book that is similar to your story but is 20 years old and not a well-known classic may be ready for a fresh new version.

I think, in the end, you have to write the stories you want to write to the best of your ability.  Then research publishing houses that might be interested in the type of story you’ve written.  Go to the library or bookstore and read lots of picture books and take note of who publishes books similar to yours.  Then go on their websites and read through their current and backlist titles.  Do they already have your book, or something so similar that they’d be competing with their own list by purchasing yours?  Hopefully you can find a house that might fit your manuscript that hasn’t already published a similar story.  If not, you may discover ways you can tweak your story to make it different from what’s already out there.

I hope that’s a little bit helpful.  Unfortunately there’s no quick, easy method I know of for accomplishing this task.  But I’d love to hear from readers about how they go about this, whether they know any tricks of the trade, or know any better ways of doing this!  Please, readers, share your thoughts!!!

Thanks for a great question, Cheryl.

Have a fabulous Monday, everyone, especially those of you who have the day off 🙂

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Meet The Dogs Of Bedlam Farm

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, everyone!

I hope you all had lovely a Valentine’s Day!  If you didn’t happen to see Renee’s (abridged) puppet show version of Romeo & Juliet you are totally missing out and I have to recommend that you scoot over there and watch it.  We’ll still be here when you get back 🙂

I have a great book to share today, and also please stay tuned afterwards for the winner of Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest and a fun announcement!

Meet The Dogs Of Bedlam Farm
Written & Photographed By: Jon Katz
Henry Holt & Company 2011, True Story

Suitable For: ages 4-8

Themes/Topics: jobs, individuality, kindness

Opening: “In the morning after mist has cleared from the path, four dogs go out together for their first walk of the day.  They circle and sniff the wet ground carefully, listening and seeing things that only dogs can sense.  The dogs are called Rose, Izzy, Frieda, and Lenore, and they all live on Bedlam Farm.   They stay together, circling, never running off.  They are a happy group; their tails wag when they see one another.  But it wasn’t always this way.”

Brief Synopsis: Four dogs are good friends.  Each one has a job.  Rose herds sheep.  Izzy visits sick people.  Frieda guards the farm.  But what is Lenore’s job?

Links To Resources:  This book could prompt a wonderful discussion about what kids are interested in and what they are good at; about how different people (just like different dogs) are good at different things.  Talk about all the many jobs there are, (here’s a link to a job index for kids in grade K-5) and ask kids what they’d like to be when they grow up.  Have them draw a picture of themselves doing the job of their dreams, or write a short story in which they get to do that job.  What kinds of jobs can they do now?  At home or in the classroom, make a job or chore chart and let each child have a task they enjoy and can do well.  Here’s a site where kids can “try out” different jobs KidsWork!

Why I Like This Book: If you’ve spent any time at all around this blog, you know I love dogs – especially rescue dogs – so it’s not a big leap to see why I like this book 🙂  Exquisite photographs of Jon Katz’s dogs at home on their farm, doing what they do best, complement a lovely true story about how everyone has value.  Each dog’s story is told – where they came from, how they ended up on the farm, what job they do.  Three of the dogs have traditional jobs.  Lenore does not.  Lenore does not herd sheep, or visit sick people, or guard the farm.  But she teaches Rose the serious worker how to play, she is Izzy’s first friend when he comes to the farm from a sad, bad place, and she keeps Frieda company when she is lonely.  What do you think Lenore’s job is? 🙂

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Okay everyone, have a great weekend!

What?

Oh!  You want to know who won Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest and what the fun announcement was?

Okay.  You’ve twisted my arm 🙂

I hope you all had as much fun with Phyllis’s Photo Contest as I did!  There were so many amazing entries – all so fun and creative!  I would never have been able to choose, so thank goodness I’m in charge around here and can make you guys do the choosing 🙂

When all the votes were in, the clear winner was…

DDDDDRRRRRUUUUUMMMMM  RRRRROOOOOLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!

CATHY!!!

Cathy, I think it was Phyllis upside-down in the nut bowl that did it for you.  Were you hinting that Phyllis is a nut?  I think you may be right.  There’s a lot of nuttiness around here 🙂

Congratulations, Cathy!  Please email me and we’ll discuss your prize, because I know you already have a signed copy of PHYLLIS.

A second prize for Phyllis’s Contest, consisting mostly of fame but I’m sure we can come up with something to go along with the fame, is being given at Phyllis’s insistence, and that one goes to ROBYN!  Really, it requires dedication to come up with a video of a tiny paper action figure winning a horse race.  So Robyn, kudos to you too and we’ll talk prizes privately!

And a huge thank you thank you and round of applause to everyone who took the time to color and cut and photograph and provide us all with such wonderful entertainment!  You are all the greatest!

The other fun announcement I mentioned (at least I think it’s fun!) is about Not Yet, Rose which you have seen in English…

… and Dutch…

… but now it’s available in GERMAN!

Is that fun or what?  I love having copies of my books that I can’t pronounce! 🙂  I’m thinking of making a video of myself reading my books in foreign languages to entertain you all… or at least myself 🙂

Alrighty!  That’s all the fun and games for today, folks!  PPBF bloggers, please add your post-specific links to the list below so we can all come visit you!

Have a blissful weekend, everyone! 🙂

COMMENTS

Would You Read It Wednesday #76 – How Many Shoes Does A Princess Need? (PB)

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Apparently, this is the week for voting.

Monday, I asked you to choose winners for the January Pitch Pick and Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest.  (P.S.  The vote for Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest is still open through tonight, so if you haven’t voted, please do so HERE.  I will announce the winner on Friday after the Perfect Picture Book.)

Oh, and this just in!  Too late to be part of the contest (boo-hoo!) but just look!  Phyllis in a dress!  With Anne of Green Gables red braids 🙂

photo by Denise Bruce

…but I digress… 🙂

Back to the matter at hand, today, I have to ask you to vote again because we had a tie for the Pitch Pick winner!!!  Didn’t that just happen not too long ago?  You guys are all getting so good at this that we’re having a hard time picking winners 🙂  So instead of announcing the pitch pick winner, I have to ask you to choose between:

#1 Wendy – Civil – MG
Five seventh graders are thrust into a secret time-traveling society and are soon fighting for their lives in the bloody battlefields of Gettysburg. The sensitive jock, popular cheerleader, African transfer student, feared social outcast, and 9-year-old technical genius had better work fast: Their own world is becoming increasingly dystopian and their own school hallways increasingly dangerous.

and

#2 Linda – The Good For Plenty Bibs – PB – ages 4 and up
When Jake outgrows his birthday overalls, he calls them the “Good for nothing bibs,” but Granny disagrees. With a stitch here and a stitch there, they travel through the rest of the kids. When the youngest, Annabella, also outgrows them, even Granny admits defeat: they’ve lost their midnight blue, their October sky blue, and even their milky morning blue. Now Annabella disagrees. With her brothers’ help, and a clever plan, their surprise leaves Granny speechless.




Please cast your vote by tomorrow, Thursday February 14, at 11:59 PM EST.

Now!  On to Would You Read It!!!

Although our Would You Read It snack is traditionally Something Chocolate, today’s pitcher sent along her own festive snack!  Look how pretty!  And Valentine-y!  Please help yourselves 🙂

I could really get on board with this trend of pitchers sending along their own snacks!  Anyone who wants to in the future, please feel free!!!

Today’s pitch comes to us from Sue who says, I’ve been committing environmental journalism for the past (number intelligible) years – Now it’s time to hang up my press pass and follow my passion… writing stories for kids. I’ve got a handful of nonfiction articles in children’s magazines, and write about science on my blog, Archimedes Notebook. I also review books at Sally’s Bookshelf and for Ithaca Child (a parenting newspaper)
here are those links:
http://archimedesnotebook.blogspot.com/
 http://sallysbookshelf.blogspot.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: How Many Shoes Does A Princess Need?
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch:  My sister’s closet is stuffed full of shoes.
Mine has so few it looks bare.
Mom says I don’t need more than I have,
But what would a princess wear?
This kid carefully documents the sorts of footwear needed by princesses, from frog boots to glass slippers and comes up with the ideal number.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Sue improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in March, so we could really use some new pitches!  It’s your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Sue is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to finally getting an answer as to who won the January Pitch Pick!  Please vote, and get all your friends and relations to vote too!  No more ties!!!  I am also looking forward to Valentine’s Day, which traditionally involves a great deal of chocolate 🙂

Have a great day, everyone, and Happy Valentine’s Day tomorrow!!! 🙂

You Make The Call! – Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest AND The January Pitch Pick!

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Happy Monday, Everyone!

Today is all about YOUR thoughts, YOUR opinions, and YOUR votes!

That’s right.  We’re going to have a voting extravaganza!

First, the January Pitch Pick for Would You Read It.

Our brave pitchers have all revised their pitches per your helpful comments.  Please read through them and then vote for the one you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta!

#1 Wendy – Civil – MG
Five seventh graders are thrust into a secret time-traveling society and are soon fighting for their lives in the bloody battlefields of Gettysburg. The sensitive jock, popular cheerleader, African transfer student, feared social outcast, and 9-year-old technical genius had better work fast: Their own world is becoming increasingly dystopian and their own school hallways increasingly dangerous.

#2 Linda – The Good For Plenty Bibs – PB – ages 4 and up
When Jake outgrows his birthday overalls, he calls them the “Good for nothing bibs,” but Granny disagrees. With a stitch here and a stitch there, they travel through the rest of the kids. When the youngest, Annabella, also outgrows them, even Granny admits defeat: they’ve lost their midnight blue, their October sky blue, and even their milky morning blue. Now Annabella disagrees. With her brothers’ help, and a clever plan, their surprise leaves Granny speechless.

#3 Catherine – Cheeku The Cheeky Chinese Chicken – PB – ages 4-8
A chicken hatches an eggsiting escape plan when she discovers it’s more than scrambled eggs the chef is putting on the menu.  She karate-chops her way through the Chinese Temple and passed the cunning cats with help from flying feathers.

#4 Elaine – Slurp, Slurp, Slurp – PB – ages 4-8
When Becca receives a gecko for her birthday, mayhem ensues when the crickets that were bought to feed it, spill to the floor. Slurp Slurp Slurp is quirky and written in the cumulative picture book style- with some spirited twists to keep it fresh and fun for re-reading.

It’s a tough choice, I know!  But please cast your vote by Tuesday February 12 at 7 PM EST so I can announce the winner on Wednesday’s WYRI.

And now, it’s time for another vote!  Who do you think should win Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest?  I have selected my favorite photo from each contestant, but if you click on their name, which is a link (except for Linda who doesn’t have a blog) you can see additional photos where indicated.

#1 Linda

#3 Erik
#4 Catherine additional photos here
#5 Delores additional photos here
#6 Dana (whose image I can’t copy and paste so you’ll have to click the link – sorry!)
#7 Lauri additional photos here
#10 Cathy additional photos here
#11 Romelle additional photos here (and I had 3 favorites but only posted one! :))
#12 Heather additional photos here
#13 Alayne additional photos here
#14 Coleen
#15 Teresa
#16 Janet
#17 Laura additional photos here
#18 Robyn (definitely click the link to see her video! :))
YIKES!  18 amazing entries!  Please vote for your favorite and tell everyone you know to come vote because with 18 we might never get a majority unless we get a lot of votes!!!  Please vote by Wednesday February 13 at 11:59 PM EST.
And now, after all that agonizing to make such tough decisions, go take a nice bubble bath 🙂
from Romelle’s photo shoot 🙂
Have a great day, everyone! 🙂

Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot!

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Well, folks, I don’t know about you, but here on Blueberry Hill we’ve been told to expect some snow!  Down at Stop & Shop the cashiers are delightedly making dire predictions, based on the fact that, “Pawling School District is already closed and Pawling NEVER closes!” and people are buying batteries and toilet paper like crazy… because goodness knows, you can’t have too much of either in a snowstorm :)) I admit we’re getting a bit of a kick out of the headlines, for example: “Historic, Crippling Blizzard Ahead!”  (And no, I did not make that up!… although it sounds like something I might make up :))

I’ll believe it when I see it, but don’t you worry.  Our hatches are battened, the dogs are in readiness should any wild snowy romping patrolling of the perimeter be required, and we are well supplied with chocolate should we be forced to hole up for a day or two 🙂

Given the weather I feel like I should be doing a picture book about snow today, but I couldn’t think of a good one quickly that hasn’t been done already, so you’re getting this one instead 🙂

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot!
Written & Illustrated By: Scott Magoon
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, February 2013, Fiction

Suitable For: ages 4-8

Themes/Topics: imagination, telling the truth, consequences, unexpected friendship

Opening: “This is the story of my friend Ben and how we first met.”

Brief Synopsis: Ben likes to tell stories… so sometimes he makes them up.  All that storytelling practice makes him pretty good at it, but after a while people figure out that he’s not telling the truth… or is he?

Links To Resources: Bigfoot For Kids, Bigfoot Facts For Kids.  You could read this book along with Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella to compare Bigfoot stories, or along with The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Boy Who Cried Ninja to compare different retellings of the same story.  Discussion topics could include the difference between a story and a lie, and the importance of telling the truth.

Why I Like This Book: I always enjoy a good retelling of a familiar tale, and this one is fun and fresh.  The text is snappy, and you will be surprised by the ending (well, if you’re an adult you might not be THAT surprised, but your kids probably will be :))  This is a great example of what a picture book should be – a perfect marriage of text and art.  The art in this book is fabulous – perfect for the story, very expressive, and full of funny details (I’m especially fond of the dog’s expressions and Ben’s unhelpful little sister :))

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Just a quick word before we all rush off to see everyone’s great books and head into our weekends.

It’s such fun every week getting to see what books everyone chooses – always wonderful, special books that have so much to offer.  I am extremely grateful to everyone who participates and makes Perfect Picture Books what it is.

Not chronologically (because we took a break in the summer) but technically, this week is the start of Year 2.  We have over one thousand books on our list – quite an accomplishment and truly a wonderful resource.  And it exists because of all of you!  So thank you, thank you!!!  You make PPBF what it is!

I’d like to just remind some of the newcomers that what Perfect Picture Books is – what makes it different from other review sites – are the resources.  Not only to we only list terrific books that we highly recommend, we hand busy parents, teachers, home-schoolers, day care providers, librarians, etc. ready-made options for expanding on the use of those wonderful stories through nature activities, arts and crafts, cooking, role playing games, and much, much more.  Therefore, it is critically important that resources be included.  Please make sure your review contains an extension of some kind so that it will be easy for people to see how they might make further use of the books at home and in the classroom.  Also (because it is a bear of a job to update! :)) please make sure your links are post-specific and not just general links to your blog.  (If they’re general, they’re only correct until your next post goes up and then the PPBF link doesn’t work anymore.)  Thank you all for everything you do to provide this wonderful resource!

Oh, and BTW, on a completely unrelated topic, lest you be wondering, I have not forgotten about voting on Phyllis’s contest, I just haven’t had a good spot to put it in.  Yet.  But I will.  Soon.  How about Monday?  Okay.  Monday it is!

Now.  PPBF bloggers, please add your post-specific link below – I can’t wait to see what makes the list this week!  If you don’t hear from me Monday, you’ll know we lost power and it hasn’t come back! 🙂  If you’re in the path of the “historic, crippling blizzard” stay safe and warm and make sure you have chocolate 🙂  Have a great weekend everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #75 – Just Call Me The Kid (PB) AND Straight From The Editor

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So, I was reading an article on MSN the other day that said (and I am seriously not making this up!) that it was good to have dessert for breakfast.

They announced this like it was an important new breakthrough, but I ask you – haven’t I been saying this for years? in my own chocolate-loving way? 🙂

I believe I am smarter than the average bear 🙂  Have Something Chocolate, won’t you?  It’s for your health 🙂

And you are going to need your energy today because we have an action-packed Wednesday!

First, I am honored to say that I have received the Very Inspiring Blogger Award from the lovely and talented Tina DC Hayes!

I am so delighted to think anyone finds my blog inspiring!  Really!  It totally makes my day 🙂

Aside from displaying the award and mentioning and linking back to the blogger who gave it to me, I’m supposed to tell 7 things about myself.  You guys all know me pretty well, though, and I don’t want to bore you, so we’ll just skip that bit for now.  Then we get to the bit where I’m supposed to pass the award on to blogs I find inspiring, and for once that’s easy because it’s ALL OF YOU!  So help yourselves – you deserve it! 🙂

Now then.  Onward!

Next on our action-packed schedule, we have Straight From The Editor for the December Pitch Pick.

You will recall Kim’s pitch:

Oyster And Pearl (PB) ages 4-8

Pearl is a tiny grain of sand that lives in the bottom of the ocean. She feels insignificant in her world and both envious AND enamored of the star that she can see far above her. As she sets her sights on joining the star, she encounters many challenges... until finally, one night, she meets Oyster, who helps her become a star of her own.

And here is Erin’s helpful response:

Cute idea! I would make two small changes. One at the end . . .”who helps her become a star in her own right.” Because she doesn’t literally become a star and “of her own” sounds like she’s got a star. You want to get across that she transforms (like a butterfly) into something special a jewel of the sea – a pearl. And it seems odd that her name is Pearl but that’s what she becomes. I would give her another name or else it gives away the ending right away. Maybe something like Little or Tiny or something to emphasize the insignificance she feels.

I always find her comments so insightful!

Next (no rest for the wicked 🙂 – go back and have another slice of cake if you need further fortification :)) we have today’s pitch which comes to us from our friend Julie, whose previous pitch for Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts you may remember from December.  A scribbler of children’s stories in between chores, Julie Rowan-Zoch has visited three continents, attempted to learn 4 languages, and has a 2-3-3-3-3 phalangeal formula in both of her hands and feet. (Though not yet able to get a good grip with her toes, she has been drawing with her hands since she exchanged a banana for a crayon.)  Please come visit her on her blog and view her beautiful artwork (some of which is featured in my PB writing course :))!

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Just Call Me The Kid
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)
The Pitch: Pip the mouse longs to be a cowboy, and does his best to rustle up some skills. His mother gets kinda ornery though, as Pip’s attempts turn the household on its head. But that doesn’t sour his milk, and neither does the neighbor’s cat!  

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Julie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in March, so we could really use some new pitches!  It’s your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Julie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to spring, which Phyllis has assured me is coming early and I plan to hold her to it.  Anytime this afternoon would be fine! 🙂

Have a great day, everyone!

IT’S GROUNDHOG DAY!!! – Early Spring Or Six More Weeks?

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February 4th Update:

Since I made you all read an extra post Saturday, I’m not posting a new post today.  Enjoy visiting all the blogs who hosted Phyllis – they all did such a great job! – and feel free to join in yourself if you’d like to – you have until tonight! 🙂

FINALLY!

It’s FINALLY HERE!

GROUNDHOG DAY!  The favorite day of your friend and mine, Punxsutawney Phyllis 🙂

Phyllis knows no better way to celebrate anything than with a party in her honor, so today we will all be entertaining ourselves, each other, and Phyllis with Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest.

The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to download the Phyllis action figure, color her in, and then photograph her today predicting Spring 2013 in your neck of the woods.  For full rules and prize, see HERE.

But first, no party is really in full swing without cake…

Groundhog Day cupcakes anyone? 🙂

Now then.  Let’s step outside, shall we?  And see what Punxsutawney Phyllis, Sage of Sages, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire, has to say about the coming of Spring 2013!!!

She was prepared for anything – rain or snow or sleet…

She was hoping for sunbathing weather…

A quick check told Phyllis that is was a nippy 10 degrees, with clear blue skies and sunshine on the way…

recognize this Phyllis – created by the very talented Julie in CO? 🙂

In the final analysis, however, Punxsutawney Phyllis emerged from her burrow on Blueberry Hill at 7:25 AM on this February 2, 2013…

… and declared, “No shadow!  EARLY SPRING!!!!”

Even Uncle Phil had to agree 🙂

On the Sundial Bridge in Redding, California, Linda reports that Phyllis also saw no shadow and predicts an early spring!

Linda’s entry – Phyllis in Redding, CA

So what’s happening in your neck of the woods?

Quick!  Get your photo on your blog and your post-specific blog link on the list below so we can come see Phyllis predicting spring all over the world!  (And again, if you, like Linda above, do not have a blog, feel free to send my your picture and I’ll add it to this post with your weather caption, location, and name :))

I can’t wait to see all the pictures!  And Phyllis REALLY can’t wait!  She loves this day which is all about her!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!!!

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Whose Mouse Is This?

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You are going to fall over in amazement at how brief I am today!

The reason is because tomorrow is GROUNDHOG DAY!!! (sorry – it’s so hard to say that quietly! :)) and Phyllis and I will be having a special post, so since we’re asking you to read and participate on an extra day, I’m trying not to talk too much today 🙂  Maybe we’ll take Monday off to give you a break.  Feel free to vote in the comments 🙂  (If you want to read about the contest so you can join in, go HERE.)  (And if you want to participate but don’t have a blog you can email me your photo and caption and I’ll add it into my post for you! :))

Oh, but I just have one more thing –  Today is the first official day of Making Picture Book Magic!  Woo-hoo!!!

Okay.  That’s all.  Really 🙂

Here’s today’s Perfect Picture Book.

Whose Mouse Are You?
Written By: Robert Kraus
Illustrated By: Jose Aruego
Simon & Schuster, 1970, Fiction

Suitable For: ages 3-7

Themes/Topics: new baby/new sibling, feeling unnoticed

Opening: “Whose mouse are you?”
“Nobody’s mouse.”
“Where is your mother?”
“Inside the cat”
“Where is your father?”
“Caught in a trap.”

Brief Synopsis: a young mouse (whom we may assume is feeling a little unimportant due to the impending arrival of a new sibling) transforms himself into a beloved family hero.

Links To Resources: activities for Whose Mouse Are You?, make your own Whose Mouse story, discussion for Whose Mouse

Why I Like This Book: So simple.  So charming.  So spot on.  Hasn’t every child, waiting for a new sibling, wondered about his importance?  And what a delightful way to show the emotion – by transforming himself into a hero, bringing his family together in time to welcome the new baby.  One of the reasons I love this book so much is because, from a writer’s perspective, it is done so well.  A meaningful story with emotional resonance is told in only 105 words!

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

So now, if you haven’t made your Phyllis action figure, there’s no time like the present 🙂  You’ve still got plenty of time to gear up for the contest tomorrow!

PPBF bloggers, please leave your post-specific link on the list below so we can all come see what treasures you’ve selected for us this week!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  And if I don’t see you tomorrow, Happy Groundhog Day! 🙂

P.S.  On our school visit yesterday, Phyllis was identified as a raccoon, a beaver, a hedgehog, and a BEAR before we finally got around to groundhog 🙂  I’m hoping to have pictures at some point 🙂  AND, the kids made her a new crown for her collection!  Her only regret is that she can only wear one at a time 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #74 – Slurp, Slurp, Slurp (PB)

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Woo-hoo!  It’s Wednesday!  Which means it’s only 2 days until February!  Which means it’s only 3 days until GROUNDHOG DAY!!!!!

Sorry for the shouting, but Phyllis and I are just so darn excited! 🙂

Are you ready for Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest?  (If you need details and the downloadable Phyllis action figure check HERE.)

If you know any good groundhog/Groundhog Day riddles please post them on Phyllis’s FB page.  Cathy and Beth have already put up some good ones!

Also, it’s only 2 days until the official start of my course.  I’m very excited (and a little nervous!) about that!

So.  Who’s in the mood for Something Chocolate?  Let me take a peek in my pantry and see what I have today….  Oooh!  Yummmm!

credit

We could probably use a glass of milk to go with that…

chocolate… of course 🙂

Today’s pitch comes to us from Elaine.  Elaine is an elementary school teacher by day, a mother of two (and two furry children) by night and a picture book author every minute in between. 

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Slurp, Slurp, Slurp
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-6)
The Pitch: When Becca receives a gecko for her birthday, mayhem ensues when the crickets that were bought to feed it, spill to the floor.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Elaine improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in March, so we could really use some new pitches!  It’s your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Elaine is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to starting my course… and Groundhog Day!!!

Have a great day, everyone! 🙂

Oh!  P.S.  I forgot to say, for anyone who was interested from Monday’s Short & Sweet, that the books I took the beginnings from were 1. Harry And Horsie  2. Boris And The Snoozebox  3.  McDuff Moves In  4. Tops And Bottoms  5. Imogene’s Antlers  6. The Carpenter’s Gift  7. Mr. Duck Means Business  8. Crafty Chloe  9. Hedgehog Goes To Kindergarten  10. Jeremy Draws A Monster

Monday Short And Sweet Plus

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Happy first day of the week in which Groundhog Day finally occurs!!!

Phyllis is hopping up and down with excitement!  (And I’m sure that has nothing to do with the WHOPPING pile of strawberry pancakes she consumed for breakfast… with about a gallon of strawberry syrup :))

I hope everyone is keeping in mind Phyllis’s Fun Photo Contest (full description HERE) in which you can make your own Phyllis action figure and photograph her predicting spring in your neck of the woods on Groundhog Day.  Which is THIS SATURDAY!!!

Phyllis is hoping lots of people will join in the fun 🙂

badge created by Loni Edwards

Now then.  It’s Short & Sweet day!  Here’s what we’re going to do… 🙂

On the honor system (that means no peeking :)) pick a number between 1 and 10.

Then pick a letter: A, B or C

Then pick another letter: D, E or F.

Got ’em?  You should have a combination like 3 B D or 6 A F or whatever.

Okay!  The number between 1 and 10 gets you an opening sentence of a published picture book (except I’m not identifying it because I don’t want to prejudice your creativity by suggesting the actual story, and I may have changed a detail or two to make the openings less recognizable.)

Letter A, B, or C will fill in your first blank.

Letter D, E, or F will fill in your second blank.

And voila – you have a first sentence story prompt!  Please write in the comments what your opening sentence turns out to be, and then add a second sentence to continue the story.  (And a third if you’re feeling very inspired :))  Hopefully we will end up with a large number of first sentence story starters!

First, here are your options:

1. It was way past bedtime, but ________________ wasn’t tired.  Neither was Opie.  The moon was keeping them awake.  It was shining on the shelf where (name you chose)’s brand-new__________________ had been put away for the night.
A. Sarah
B. Lionel
C. Rover
D. baseball
E. flashlight
F. supersonic top

2. _________________ doesn’t have a bed.  Actually, s/he doesn’t have a home.  This is A-OK most of the time, but not when s/he is desperately in need of a ________________________.
A. Skippy
B. Josh
C. Violet
D. bath
E. nap
F. snack

3. In the back of _____________________’s truck sat a little white _________________ nobody wanted.
A. Farmer Joe
B. Mrs. Peabody
C. Officer Brown
D. duck
E. soccer ball
F. box

4. Once upon a time there lived a very lazy _____________________ who had lots of money and lots of land.  His father had been a hard worker and a smart businessman, and he had given all of his wealth to his son.  But all (character you chose) wanted to do was ____________________.
A. rabbit
B. farmer
C. florist
D. play basketball
E. drive a race car
F. explore the jungle

5. On Thursday, when ____________________ woke up, she found s/he had grown ______________.
A. Jessica
B. Kyle
C. Taffy
D. a tail
E. a foot taller
F. wings

6. Nearly a lifetime had passed, but ______________________ could still remember what it felt like to wake up in the ______________________________, especially during wintertime.
A. Finn
B. Jane
C. Carter
D. forest
E. little house
F. cave

7. ________________________ lived by him/herself at the ________________________.  Each day s/he followed a tight schedule.
A. Flopsy Bunny
B. Gilda
C. Wilson
D. firehouse
E. playground
F. ranch

8.  This is ___________________________.  S/he isn’t very good at ________________________.  Video games were never her/his thing.  And when s/he took dance lessons, s/he had the grace of a camel on roller-skates.
A. Luigi
B. Carla
C. Cinnamon
D. knitting
E. playing trombone
F. horseback riding

9. _______________________ stared out the window toward the _____________________ and quivered.
A. Saucy
B. Olivia
C. Taylor
D. ocean
E. big city
F. volcano

10. One beautiful day __________________________ was up in his/her room.  (Name you chose) didn’t like to be disturbed when s/he was ________________________.
A. Ursula
B. Froggy
C. Cleo
D. painting
E. singing
F. playing dress-up

And now, here’s an example 🙂

I chose 8 B F which gives me:

This is Carla.  She isn’t very good at horseback riding.  Video games were never her thing.  And when she took dance lessons she had the grace of a camel on roller skates.
(To which I add)
“I’ll never be good at anything,” Carla said sadly.
“Of course you will,” said her mother, putting a bandaid on Carla’s skinned knee.  “You just have to find out what your talent is.  What do you like to do?”

See how it works?  Yay!  Now you try! 🙂

Have a happy Monday everyone! 🙂