But what with so many of us involved with writing – whether as writers ourselves, maybe striving to complete 12X12, maybe as devoted bloggers stretching ourselves through Mother Reader’s Comment Challenge, or maybe just writing our own thing at our own pace – or as teachers of writing trying to encourage kids to express themselves, trying to show them the fun of creativity – I thought a little sparking activity would be fun 🙂
google images
So here’s my Monday morning spark for you!
1. Choose one of the following characters: a. a 4 year old girl b. a 5 year old boy c. a pirate d. a dog e. a monster
2. Choose one of the following settings: a. the playground b. the bathtub c. the forest d. a train e. a picnic … and, if you wish, combine it with one of the following adjectives: a. enchanted b. crowded c. cold d. boring e. funny
3. Choose one of the following problems/situations: a. getting lost b. hates getting wet c. made a mistake d. scared of loud noises e. feels unimportant
4. Choose one of the following goals: a. wants to be really good at something b. wants to go somewhere c. wants to be in charge d. wants to get something e. wants to be different
5. Choose one of the following random words: a. orange b. key c. wish d. tomorrow e. turtle
6. Choose one of the following bits of dialogue: a. “Don’t touch that!” b. “Did you see that?” c. “That’s strange!” d. “I want to go home.” e. “I didn’t mean to.”
Now. If you’re a writer, take one of these things, or one from each group, or any combination, and turn them into a picture book/story or, if you’re a teacher, share them with your class so they can make a story, either as a group or individually!
If you really want to add to the fun, tell us which prompt or combination of prompts sparked a story – e.g. a monster (#1) who wants to be different (#4) gets lost (#3) in the forest (#2) and… Maybe your combination will spark an idea for someone else. Or add your own ideas for character, setting + adjective, problem/situation, random word, and/or bit of dialogue in the comments below to give readers even more spark options! We could make a creative wildfire 🙂
I’ll be very interested to see a) what characters, settings, etc. other people might toss into the arena, and b) whether this game actually sparks some real ideas for people, so please share! Looking forward to your contributions, thoughts, story ideas 🙂
Hurray! It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! And today’s Perfect Picture Book is one of my all time favorites. (So is next week’s and really I wish I could have put them both up in one day but all in good time…!) Assuming even 9 people besides me post books today, our archive list will be over 100 books already – isn’t that great?! It’s becoming a real resource! 🙂 Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who is participating!
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse Written and Illustrated By: Kevin Henkes Greenwillow Books, 1996, Fiction Suitable For: ages 4-8 Topics/Themes: following the rules, consequences Opening: “Lilly loved school. Lilly loved the privacy of her very own desk. She loved the fishsticks and chocolate milk every Friday in the lunchroom. And, most of all, she loved her teacher, Mr. Slinger.”
Brief Synopsis: (From Amazon.com Review) Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger–until he takes away her musical purse because she can’t stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of “Big Fat Mean Mr. Stealing Teacher!” but when she finds the kind note he put in her purse, she’s filled with remorse and has to find a way to make things right again.
Why I Like This Book: Kevin Henkes perfectly captures the excitement of having something new and treasured to share with friends and the overwhelming difficulty of staying within the rules on such an occasion. Lilly’s exuberance feels so perfectly real. Without preaching or moralizing this story shows the importance of behaving properly, that actions have consequences, and that it is within a child’s own power to correct a mistake – that just because she didn’t handle a situation quite right the first time doesn’t mean she can’t do it better tomorrow.
(And if you posted a Perfect Picture Book, please don’t forget to add your link to the list below!)
Now, then, onto a couple other things.
First, the results of the contest poll have shown conclusively that you are inconclusive 🙂 Only “No thank you I’m too busy” got only 1 vote 🙂 Since everything else was pretty evenly split across the options, including the easy-going types who were willing to do whatever worked for everyone else, I think we’ll do a contest every 2nd or 3rd month. We’ll skip January to give everyone a rest, and then do one in February (Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day leap instantly to mind :)) and see where we go from there. Sound good?
Second, when I started my blog last year, I did a few author/illustrator/author-illustrator interviews along with book giveaways that people seemed to like. (Karen Orloff, Cori Doerffeld, Ryan Sias…) I’d like to get back to doing some of those because I always like meeting the creative minds behind the picture books we all love and we can learn so much from them! So once a month on Saturdays we’ll have someone awesome over to chat. Of course there will be delicious breakfast items on offer (aren’t there always?)
If there are any particular questions you’d like answered by our visiting authors or illustrators, please be sure to let me know! What are the things you secretly wonder about while browsing through the bookstore? I want everyone to get the most they can out of the interviews, so please don’t be shy – shout your questions right out! 🙂
Have a great weekend, everyone! (And don’t forget to post your Perfect Picture Book Link below if you have one!)
This is some kind of crazy winter we’re having. We started with 2 feet of snow on October 29th, followed by a return of spring-like weather with a few cold days here and there, and this morning it is 4 degrees. I am not making that up. Seriously, go look at my thermometer.
Okay. I guess you can’t actually see it, but it really says 4!
In my book, that is just too darn cold! Even Scout, whose preferred location is on the back or side porch
so she can keep a sharp eye on her territory lest any rogue deer should dare to trespass, is inside on the dog couch, curled up snug as a bug in a rug with Jemma.
So what better way to warm up then with a cup of hot chocolate, some fresh donuts, and a pitch for Would You Read It? Sounds great to me – I’ve missed Would You Read It over the holidays!
Before I give you today’s pitch, I’d like to mention that there are openings available soon for YOUR pitches. I currently only have about 5 in the queue. So please send some in so we can keep up this fun series, and please spread the word to all your writerly friends! 🙂
Okay. Today’s pitch comes to us from the lovely Abby over at Something To Write About. Some of you may also know her as Leigh Covington (her YA alter-ego.) She writes a fabulous blog which I highly recommend. She has a self-proclaimed addiction to chocolate, which is probably how she found Would You Read It in the first place 🙂 and she lives in Utah. Here is her pitch:
Working Title: What If? Age/Genre: Early Picture Book (ages 2-5) The Pitch: Little Lucy has a vivid imagination which shines through all of the “what if” questions she asks about the world around her. With her creative perspective on things, the world holds limitless possibilities for both her and the reader.
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 Abby 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 Itor on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above. SIDE NOTE: Remember, Would You Read It is booked only through January, so there are lots of openings ahead. Please send pitches and spread the word 🙂
Abby is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!
And don’t forget to tune in Friday for Perfect Picture Books and the results of our contest poll (click here to vote if you haven’t yet!)!
I hope you all had as wild a party as we did New Year’s Eve to ring in 2012! Want to hear how wild it was?
Alright, then, I’ll tell you, but you might want to sit down first. When we go wild on Blueberry Hill we pull out all the stops.
Okay. Ready?
We played dominoes, Scrabble, and hearts in the glow of the fire and the Christmas tree lights. We ate homemade brownies (not at the table!) and got crumbs on the rug. At midnight we popped open a bottle of bubbly (Sparkling Cider – Stop & Shop’s Finest!) and toasted the New Year and each other. Then we all went to bed. The dogs slept through the entire thing.
Wild. Times.
I told you 🙂
I hope 2012 will be full of all good things for all of you!
Now then. Even though you are probably still recovering from your much-wilder-than-mine celebrating, I have four things of import to mention today. I will try to be brief, but you know me…
First, I want to thank Saba for bestowing the Superstar Blog Award upon me. I was so honored to receive this lovely award for the first time! In addition to thanking Saba, I am also supposed to pass the award along to 5 other deserving bloggers. But you are all so amazing and wonderful and deserving that I can’t possibly pick just 5!!! So my New Year’s present to you is that you may take this award if you feel it fits you as long as you pass it along to other deserving bloggers. Look how pretty 🙂
Second, I have a very important question. I’d love a show of hands on this. In the form of please vote below 🙂
Here’s the question: I’ve been having so much fun with the writing contests, getting to know everyone and reading all your awesome work. Would you like to continue with writing contests once a month as we have done for October, November and December? If so, I would be happy to run them! But if that sounds like more work than fun and you don’t want to do it so often or at all, it’s best if I know 🙂 So please let your voice be heard below:
I will leave this poll up until Wednesday or Thursday, depending on response time, so I can tell you Wednesday or Friday whether there will be a contest this month or not 🙂
Third, I am participating in Julie Hedlund’s 12X12 in 2012 Challenge. (Note the gorgeous new badge in the sidebar!) I know quite a few of you are doing this as well, and I’m very excited about being part of such an enthusiastic, supportive community. Here’s hoping we all accomplish great things in 2012!
Last but not least, as you know, anyone who posts Perfect Picture Books is eligible for the random (and when I say random, I do mean random – you never know what might end up in the goody bag!) end-of-the-month drawing for a prize. You get one entry for every book you post during the month (so in December, some people got 4 or 5 entries!) I load all the entries into random.org and let it pick the winner. Last month (November) it was Stacy. December’s winner is Clar!!! Clar, please contact me and let me know which prize you’d like. This month’s goody bag contains a $10 Amazon gift certificate, a signed copy of Freight Train Trip by Yours Truly, a paperback copy of The Land Of Painted Caves by Jean Auel (which has nothing to do with children’s books but I received one for Christmas and I already have the hardcover so it’s up for grabs :)) and a hardcover copy of Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel – you may take your pick of one of those lovely items! The rest of you, who knows what will be in the goody bag for January? You could be the lucky winner just by posting excellent Perfect Picture Books on Fridays! Thank you all so much for participating!
Okay. Those are my four things of import. Happy New Year Everyone, and see you Wednesday as we get back on track with Would You Read It!
I know. Things have gotten just a tad out of hand this week. Monday’s post barely made it in under the wire, and I skipped Wednesday’s altogether to give everyone more time to vote during this busy week when lots of people are off their normal schedule. But now it’s Friday and we’re back on track with Perfect Picture Books!
(Oh. And by the way, in case you’re interested, we’ll get around to the winner of the Holiday Contest too! :))
But no skipping ahead! Or at least, if you do, please come back, because this is a wonderful book and I don’t want you to miss it!
Four Feet, Two Sandals Written By: Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed Illustrated By: Doug Chayka Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, September 2007, Fiction Suitable For: ages 7-10 Themes/Topics: Friendship, Sharing, Refugees, Loss, Separation
Opening: “Lina raced barefoot to the camp entrance where relief workers threw used clothing off the back of a truck. Everyone pushed and fought for the best clothes. Lina squatted and reached, grabbing what she could.”
Brief Synopsis: In a place where people have very little, two girls each get one of a pair of sandals. They could have fought, but instead they share the sandals. As they go about their routines, waiting and hoping for their names to appear on the list for a new home, the sandals remind them that friendship is the most important thing. And when one girl gets the chance to live in a new land, the bond of their friendship remains.
Why I Like This Book: This story gives children a glimpse of a very different kind of life. For children who are fortunate, this book may help them not to take things for granted so much. For children who are less fortunate, this book may help them see that they are not alone. Told gently and with hope so that it is appropriate for children, this book nonetheless opens the way to important discussions about refugees, having and not having, war and peace, loss, and separation. But the underlying message is one of love and friendship, something all children understand and can relate to.
(For those of you also posting a Perfect Picture Book today, please remember to put your link on the list below.)
Okay, so I’ll see you all on Monday.
Oh, wait.
Hang on.
I guess a few of you are wondering who won the Holiday Contest 🙂
(You didn’t really think I’d leave you hanging, did you? :))
As you all know, the entries were outstanding. There were several – I’d go so far as to say at least 6 (since that’s what I put in the finals :)) – that could have won. I’m glad I didn’t have to make the ultimate decision! But the voters have spoken clearly. And the winner is…
DDRRRRUUUUUUMMMMMMMRRRRRRROOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!
MIRANDA
with ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas: Rudolph Goes Green!!!
Congratulations, Miranda! And congratulations to all who entered! (And Miranda, please email me and let me know if you’d prefer the gift card or the childrens writer’s market guide!)
Because we had so many amazing entries, I will mention that second place went to Penny for ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas On Mars, and third place went to Joanna for The Plight Before Christmas.
Thanks to everyone who entered. You are all so talented, and you made the contest so much fun. I think everyone had a great time hopping from blog to blog reading the stories (I know I did!) and everyone was so supportive of everyone else. Maybe you made some new friends in the process too!
Happy New Year, Everyone! I wish you all the very best in 2012 – love, health, happiness, peace, and great writing! See you next year! 🙂
Yes, I realize it’s getting on for midnight – about 18 hours later than I usually post and way past my bedtime 🙂 But I promised to post the finalists on Monday December 26 and By Gum I’m going to deliver as promised!
(I’ll confess, however, that I have absolutely NO IDEA what I was thinking when I promised that. All these fabulous entries, which required reading and rereading and rereading to narrow down to finalists in the midst of wrapping and baking and celebrating Christmas and my nephew’s birthday which was today… I think the fact that I accomplished it, albeit on the late side, proves that I have actual magical powers!)
Before I put up the poll for you to vote for the winner, I just have to say a couple things:
First, I was so gratified by how many people entered the contest – 29 in all! All you amazing writers took the time to think and create, write and revise, and bravely post your entries for the world to see and me and my trusty assistant to judge, all for my little contest. You ALL deserve a pat on the back, a round of applause and a celebratory slice of hot apple pie with a big dollop of homemade whipped cream!
Second, I was so impressed by the overall quality of the entries! So many wonderful ideas, and all so different! Such creativity! And some very talented rhymers! You have no idea how hard it was to have to set wonderful stories aside, one by one, based on relatively nitpicky things because I really couldn’t have 29 winners! Please know that there were many things I loved about the entries that didn’t make the final cut. Finalists were chosen based on originality, quality and appeal of story, and precision of rhyme and meter. They had to have everything to make the cut. One or two were culled because they had one but not the other, or because of inconsistency of mood or story.
Third, I realized part way through reading the entries that I did not specify this was meant to be a kids’ story. My mistake, but it made the judging even harder because there were some entries that were clearly intended for children and some that were written from a much more adult perspective. So you will note that of the six (not three) finalists that I’m posting, 4 are kids and 2 seemed (at least to me) more adult, but all were great stories.
So, enough with the explanations! On with the voting!
I will post below the 6 finalists (you’ve noticed, no doubt, that I can never narrow it down as far as I say I’m going to – I’m clearly not cut out to be a judge – I’m not cutthroat enough :)) in no particular order followed by the poll. I’m also giving three Honorable Mentions (I told you it was really hard to pick and I’m not cut out to be a judge :))
Ready?
#1 (Mars)
Removed per author’s request.
#2 (Fishmas)
“Twas the Night Before Fishmas”
Twas the night before Fishmas, when all through the sea,
Not a flipper was flapping, it was still as can be.
All the fishies were snoozing, snug in their sponge-beds,
As sweet dreams of earthworms, just squirmed through their heads.
When all of a sudden, through seaweed so thick,
Poked the jagged white teeth, and sly smile of Shark Nick!
And straight through the waters, he darted so fast,
He filled every conch-shell with treats that would last.
Chocolate worms, shrimpy-canes, plankton cakes for each fish!
Every conch over-flowed with each sea creature’s wish!
“Merry Fishmas,” he whispered and gave each a pat.
Eat up, little fishies and get plentifully fat!”
“Every Fishmas I visit, I happily treat you!
So you’re portly and plump, when I happily eat you!”
Then as quick as he came, he was gone in snap
He shot through seaweed, with a single tail-flap.
But they all heard him snarl, as he swam out of sight,
“Go ahead little fishies….Go ahead…Take a bite!”
#3 (Flood)
T’was the eve before Christmas and down by the stream,
the moles squealed and scrambled, as in a bad dream!
The snowstorm that blasted the valley that day
had flooded the tunnels; all nests flushed away.
Mama mole bundled her babies up tight,
shivering, “Where can we spend this cold night?”
Papa mole helped them climb out of the mud.
On mounting the bank, they heard a great ‘thud’.
The family looked up, OH, what a surprise –
a laughing old man dressed in red, filled their eyes.
He knelt in the snow, scooped them up with such love,
gently, he slipped them inside his warm glove.
He’d finished his rounds, then heard of the plight
of riverbank creatures that wet, snowy night.
They swooped on upstream calling out in the dark,
“Any need help? We’re the Santa’s Sleigh-Ark.”
As the sleigh flew along, they gathered a crew,
of rats, otters, mice, and a soggy duck too.
They pulled tight the scarves, all snuggled together,
so grateful for safety from treacherous weather.
The sleigh landed, CRUNCH, on North Pole’s ice strip.
The river crew marveled at their first sky trip.
The reindeer were settled in stable with straw,
but Santa had plans for the damp, homeless poor.
He kindled the fire, put chestnuts to roast,
he smothered with butter and honey, the toast;
he brewed pots of tea, and laid out the mince pies,
then chuckling, he pulled out his festive surprise.
How could he know? Had he planned more to share?
Santa had presents for each of them there.
From wee smallest mole to old grandpa Duck;
they shed a few tears, overwhelmed with their luck.
They pulled Christmas crackers, told jokes old and new,
sipped their mulled wine; hummed yule carols too.
“Three Cheers to Santa, for saving the day!”
The riverbank creatures raised loud their Hooray!
#4 (Rudolph)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: Rudolph Goes Green
‘Twas the night before Christmas when there on the screen
Played an eco-documentary with ways to be green.
On the sofa sat Rudolph who suddenly froze
And pulled his front hooves right in front of his nose.
“I’ve got to replace this old iridescent
With an LED light–or at least a fluorescent!”
At once Rudolph dashed to the D.I.Y. store,
And the reindeer pack gasped as he clopped out the door.
“Don’t leave us,” yelled Comet. “You’ll make us all late!
It’s a good thing you’re doing but…Christmas WON’T WAIT!”
“C’mon” scoffed ol’ Blitzen, “Let’s get up and soar,
We can fly without Greenie–we’ve done it before!”
Then up flew eight reindeer with no glowing light,
Leading Santa’s big sleigh on a cold, wintry night.
But the wind and the storms blew a blinding, wet mess
So Donder unwrapped Yumi’s new G-P-S!
Their troubles were past them until Tokyo,
When Santa reminded, “That gift’s gotta go!”
Then Dasher discovered an oversized candle
In shimmery paper with a tag that read: Randall.
In a flash went their stress ‘til they flew o’er Khartoum,
When that “oversized candle” exploded…KA-BOOM!
It kicked up a sandstorm so Prancer thought quick,
Unwrapping a flashlight for young Dominic–
But the batteries died just past the Sahara,
So Vixen dug up Amy’s light-up tiara!
“You hold it,” he bickered, “Too girly for me!”
And they pawed it and clawed ‘til it fell in the sea!
“Now stop it, you guys!” bellowed Santa in back.
“We’ve got presents to give, so no talking smack!”
They straightened right up and squinting their best
Took strange routes from Cape Town to old Budapest.
Eventually they made it, but sore and pooped out,
And when they got home they gave Rudolph a shout:
“You lazy, green-washing…WAIT…that’s the SAME nose!”
Rudolph casually shrugged, “Yeah…the merchant was closed.”
“Well I guess we don’t need you!” the reindeer yelled, peeved.
And to their surprise, Rudolph felt…quite RELIEVED!
“That’s perfect!” he sang, then rushed out the door.
“See you guys in two years, I’ve joined the Peace Corps!”
#5 (parents)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the night,
We parents were wrapping with all of our might.
The stockings were stuffed but the presents were bare.
“I’ll be more organized next year… I swear!”
We prayed that the children would stay in their beds,
Snuggled in tight with the spreads on their heads.
While Daddy with his screwdriver and I with my tape,
Settled in to the task to make Christmas take shape.
When all of a sudden the dog began barking.
The reflection of bows on the ceiling were sparkling!
I sprang from the couch and led him away –
Into his crate to await Christmas Day.
At last we were ready to load up the tree.
Poor Daddy endured sharp instructions from me.
First this one! Now that one! Put this one on top.
Be CAREFUL! It’s fragile! Be sure it won’t drop.
And then we collapsed, exhausted and frayed.
“Oh please let the kids sleep ‘til eight,” we both prayed.
One blink of an eye and we heard the kids cheer,
“Come look at the tree, ‘cause Santa’s been here!”
We groaned in our beds, our eyes red and puffy.
The kids both looked glowing, while we looked quite scruffy.
I brewed us some coffee and scorching hot tea,
Then readied myself for the festivity.
One blink of an eye and the presents were done.
The kids were quite eager to play and have fun.
But as they were cleaning up ribbon and wrapping,
I lay my head down and soon began napping.
As I slipped into dreams, I heard a soft voice
Remind me to savor the day and rejoice.
#6 (school)
‘Twas the week before Christmas when all through the school
The children excitedly prepared for Yule.
The choir sang carols of joy and good cheer,
And how they’d behaved for their parents all year!
The students drew snowmen and reindeer and elves
Which teachers hung proudly upon all the shelves.
My class in pajamas, and I with my book,
Read about the adventures that Santa Claus took.
When out in the hall there arose such a roar
We jumped from our seats and ran to the door.
We peeked ‘round the corner to see what was there,
For a moment the children could only stare.
I cried tears of joy when I saw their bright eyes
The volunteers planned an amazing surprise.
Hot cocoa they poured for the girls and the boys,
And parked in the hall was a train full of toys!
The kids-how they squealed! Their faces aglow
As each took his present tied up with a bow.
This Christmas each angel received a new gift
The worries that this special day would sure lift.
They returned to our classroom so happy to be
Heading home with these gifts to put under the tree
When I opened the door, all the children said “Look!”
On each little desk sat a shiny new book.
“Do you like them?” I asked, I brought them for you
From every direction came hugs, how they flew!
This Christmas was special, I knew right away
For as long as I lived I’d remember that day.
I’d also like to give Honorable Mention to Erik for his story about the shelter dog – excellent story just right for this time of year! – Cathy for her lovely bear story, and Donna for her barnyard Christmas story, all strong entries!
So here’s the poll. Please vote for the number you feel should win. I’d love it if you could vote by midnight tomorrow (Tuesday) so I could post the winner Wednesday, but i realize I haven’t given you much time. So if not enough people have voted by midnight tomorrow, I will extend the voting and post the winner Friday with Perfect Picture Books.
This is one of my favorite things about the holidays: getting up in the dark and turning on the Christmas tree lights, then sitting with a book (or in this case my computer as I write my blog :)), the dogs, and a cup of coffee, enjoying the beauty and peace while the rest of the house is still asleep. There’s something lovely about having a tree in the living room 🙂
I’m going to be brief (for me :)) today, because visiting family is here, and I’m way behind on baking and wrapping, and I’m guessing you all have important people and things to get to also. So first, my Perfect Picture Book and then just one other little thing 🙂
Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated The World Written (Told) By: Juliana, Isabella, and Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Gerald R. Uhlich Photographs By: Peter Griesbach, Andre Schule, Sean Gallup, Rainer Jensen and others. Scholastic Press, November 2007 Suitable For: ages 5 and up Themes/Topics: animals, endangered animals, caring, environmentalism Opening: “One December afternoon, in a cozy, dark enclosure in a zoo in Berlin, Germany, a polar bear cub was born.” Brief Synopsis: This is the true story of Knut, a newborn polar bear whose mother was unable to care for him. Thomas Dorflein, a bear keeper at the zoo, became Knut’s “foster father” – bottle feeding him, bathing him, sleeping beside him and teaching him to play and swim. Knut was loved the world over, and helped bring recognition to the plight of polar bears, endangered by the potential loss of their habitat.
Links to resources: Knut Teaching Resources. This link has subsequent links to activities, video clips, articles, and other animals-against-adversity stories. The back of the book also has lots of information about polar bears, how they are threatened, and how you can help.
Why I Like This Book: It’s a true story, and a deeply touching one, that is also educational and informative. The photographs are gorgeous and very appealing. It shows that there are people in the world who care enough to sacrifice a great deal to help someone else – even if that someone else happens to be a baby polar bear. The book brings attention to ecological concerns, the environment, and caring for all species, and lists ways kids can help.
(For those of you also posting a Perfect Picture Book today, please remember to put your link on the list below.)
And now, for the one other little thing.
The Holiday Contest is officially closed with a grand total of 29 fabulous entries (28 on the link list and one in the comment section.) I will post finalists on Monday (and yes, Penny and Cathy, I will probably be needing some of that Red Bull because I was very ambitious thinking I was going to have time for this on top of all the other Christmas activities!!) Of course, I’ve read them all already, but making decisions about which are best is going to be VERY hard. You guys have cut my work out for me 🙂
And now, Happy Holidays to everyone! I wish you all love, health, peace and joy 🙂
Grab your mug of hot chocolate and settle in for some serious fun! The week we’ve all been waiting for is finally here 🙂
Yes, Hanukah and Christmas of course, but also the world famous Holiday Contest!!! (Or, if it isn’t world famous yet it soon will be!)
The First Annual Holiday Contest is officially open! Post your own version of Clement C. Moore’s traditional poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. Your entry must be at least 12 lines/3 stanzas, not to exceed 40 lines/10 stanzas. Entries may refer to any winter holiday you celebrate (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.) or to any combination of winter holidays, or no holiday – just a good winter-time story if you’re not comfortable with a holiday. And if the idea of writing in rhyme strikes fear and loathing into your heart, you may write a prose version not to exceed 350 words (and if anyone dares suggest you’re wimping out well then you just tell them to talk to me!)
Entries must be posted on your blogs or, if you don’t have a blog, copied and pasted into the comments on my blog between now and Thursday December 22 at 11:59 PM EST. Once your entry is posted, please add the direct link of your post to the link list below. There will be no Would You Read It, and hence no new Wednesday post this week, so this post with any entries in the comments and the link list will remain up for the duration of the contest, making it easy for everyone to read all the entries!
And the prize, lest you may have forgotten? My lovely assistant judge and I will choose 3 finalists for you to vote on Monday December 26 (so you’ll still have something to look forward to even after you’ve opened your presents :)) The winner will receive their choice of a $15 Amazon gift card (to buy themselves whatever book they really wanted and didn’t get as a holiday gift :)) or the 2012 Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market!
We got 21 entries for the Thanksgiving Contest which was SO much fun! Let’s see if we can beat that!
As an aside, before I post my just-for-fun sample entry, I just have to tell you that any mention of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas automatically makes me think of Larry The Cable Guy’s “‘Twas The Night Before A Non-Denominational Winter Holiday” – the supposedly PC version of this holiday tale. If you haven’t seen it, you owe it to yourself to check it out, but I can’t in good conscience link to it here on my child-friendly blog because it is a bit off color 🙂 (Still, if you’ve seen it or if you watch it, let me know what you think! I confess it causes me to ROTFL :))
Okay then, boys and girls, I hope you’re ready for some truly epic poetry 🙂
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
by Susanna
‘Twas the night before Christmas and at the North Pole
The workshop was totally out of control.
And what do you think had come out of the blue
To cause all this riotous hullaballoo?
A phone call delivering notification –
The reindeer had won a Hawaiian vacation!
“Pack up your suitcases! Do not delay!
Your splendid vacation begins right away!”
“Hawaii!” the reindeer cried out in delight.
“Palm trees and sand, not a snowflake in sight!
It’s the chance of a lifetime, dear Santa,” they said.
“That may be,” replied Santa, “but who’ll pull my sled?
All ‘round the world there are good girls and boys
Who are counting on us to deliver their toys.
We can’t let them down just so you can have fun
Swimming and surfing and soaking up sun.”
“You’re right, “said the reindeer. “Of course we must stay.
Forget the vacation. We’ll hitch up the sleigh.”
The reindeer went off to their work looking sad
And Santa was left feeling pretty darn bad.
“Poor Dasher and Dancer and all the reindeer.
They deserve a vacation. They’re good every year!”
“I know!” said his wife with a smile on her face.
“Perhaps someone else could go out in their place!
But who could we get to come out right away?
Who would be able to pull that huge sleigh?”
“Great Scott!” hollered Santa, “I’ve got just the scheme!
Cousin Ira’s Alaskan Iditarod team!”
Santa knew his last minute request would be iffy
But Ira was ready to help in a jiffy.
When Santa was packed, set to be on his way,
Eight eager huskies were hitched to the sleigh.
“On Putter! On Pookie! On Piggy and Pup!
Good heavens!” said Santa, “who thought these names up?
And how in the world do you make these dogs go?”
“You just have to use a command that they know.
Mush, puppies! Mush!” Ira spoke to his crew.
Then up in the air and away they all flew.
And Santa exclaimed ere they drove out of reach,
“Merry Christmas, dear reindeer, have fun at the beach!”
Now then, if that doesn’t cause fear and loathing of rhyme I don’t know what will! 🙂
I literally CANNOT WAIT! to read all your entries! They will surely be better than that one!
So. To the entries! Please post the direct link to your holiday contest post in the list below or paste your entry in the comments! Let the fun begin!!!
P.S. Although we won’t be having Would You Read It this week, we will still be having Perfect Picture Books on Friday so be sure to stop back for that!
I promised you an action-packed Friday and here it comes! I hope you’re eating your Wheaties this morning 🙂 We’ll start with the Perfect Picture Book, so as to keep that at the top and easy to find. But the agenda will include November’s Straight From The Editor and SUCH an awesome surprise that I will only blame you a little if you have to scroll down quickly and take a sneak peek! Just scroll back up again so you don’t miss anything 🙂
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree Written and Illustrated By: Robert Barry Doubleday Books For Young Readers, October 2000 (originally Random House 1963) Fiction Suitable For: ages 4 and up Theme/Topics: Christmas, sharing, optimism, “waste not, want not”. Opening and brief synopsis: “Mr. Wiilowby’s Christmas tree came by special delivery. Full and fresh and glistening green – the biggest tree he had ever seen.” But to his dismay the tree is too tall! He calls upon his butler to chop off the top, and so begins the tale of a Christmas tree that brings joy to homes of all kinds. Over and over the top of the tree is trimmed, becoming a tree for smaller and smaller homes. Instead of serving only one family, Mr Willowby’s tree becomes a tree for seven. Children will be delighted when they see where the last, smallest piece of the tree ends up!
Why I Like This Book: Catchy rhyme, a charming story and a theme of generosity and making the best of whatever comes along all combine to make this a delightful holiday tale. From Mr. Willowby right down to the last recipient, each character uses just what he or she needs and the rest goes on to someone else. Nobody says it isn’t big enough. Rather, they all feel overly blessed. The art is warm and engaging, with each little home and family cozier than the last.
If you haven’t read Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, get thee to a library right quick 🙂
Next, it’s time for Straight From The Editor! You will recall Dee’s pitch:
Working Title: Hating Ric
Age/Genre: YA Verse
Pitch: On the day of his brother, Jason’s funeral, 17 year-old Ric’s anger explodes, and he races Jason’s car through the streets, crashing and badly injuring jogger, Kate. Ric is sent to a juvenile justice centre, where survivor guilt and grief set him on a reckless destruction course. Help comes through his music and from an unexpected source in Kate who is struggling to put her own life back together.
And here are Erin’s comments:
This needs to be short and sweet. Your long sentences are somewhat confusing and an editor would have to read it twice to figure out what you are saying. Basically, Ric is angry after his brother’s death. Did he cause it, was he with him? Is that why you’re implying survivor’s guilt? Be more to the point. You want the reader to be intrigued, not guessing. And don’t be afraid to use cliché’s. Sometimes they can get the point across quickly and in fewer words. Can you say Kate is battling her own demons? Something like that. I think an editor will be intrigued if it’s more direct and to the point.
I find Erin’s comments very interesting and helpful, and I hope you all do, too!
And now… duhn duhn duhn… the moment you’ve all been waiting for… duhn duhn duhn…. THE SURPRISE!!!
This is really for all of you, so I hope you like it! Think of it as my little holiday gift to you 🙂
Presenting, the Perfect Picture Book Badge! LOOK!
Badge designed by Loni Edwards
Is it just me, or does everyone totally love it? I just can’t get over how cute that little guy is, reading a perfect picture book to his little buggy friends! 🙂 Anyone who participates in Perfect Picture Book Fridays may lift this badge for their blog. It would be super fantastic if you could link the badge back to Perfect Picture Books. It will soon be appearing in my sidebar, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise this morning 🙂
So now I must tell you about the extraordinarily talented artist who created this badge. I know this will come as a shock to you – especially those of you who have had the opportunity to witness my unrivaled drawing skills (tee hee) but I did NOT draw this. I know. Nearly impossible to believe 🙂
This gorgeous badge was designed for all of us by the incomparable Loni Edwards.
Loni, please be so kind as to tell us a little about yourself!
Loni:I am a digital artist, although I have been known to dabble in watercolor, acrylics and pen & ink. The core of my art is digital though. It is created by using Photoshop techniques and a Wacom tablet. I sketch out my idea, then scan it into Photoshop where I ink and color. Influences are Charles Schulz, Jim Davis, Walt Disney Studios, and many artists that I have come into contact with mostly through social networking.
I attended the Art Institute of Seattle where I had the opportunity to take a class with William E. Cummings, a Pacific Northwest painter. His use of color and movement influenced me greatly. I love to use bright, bold colors in my art. It is rare that you see me do anything else. I also like to incorporate joy and humor in my art.
Loni’s picture for Project Smile illustration copyright Loni Edwards
I have participated in a lot of volunteer events, such as Heroes4Haiti, Art4Japan, and the Ripple Project. One that is special to me is the Project “Smile”. It is based in Poland. The exhibit collects picture/art smiles and autographs. It is then toured in children’s hospitals exhibiting around the world. My piece was included in the exhibit that was seen in Cairo, Egypt. It is a wonderful exhibit, and I hope someday soon it makes its way to the United States.
I have also participated in a number of artistic challenges, including PiBoIdMo 3 years in a row.
Thanks so much, Loni, both for sharing all that and for creating this beautiful badge that we will all be able to proudly display on our blogs!
For those of you who are as impressed as I am with Loni’s art – who might be looking for someone with artistic talent to help you with any number of projects – Loni is available for book cover design, children’s book illustration, spot illustrations, character design, greeting cards, and private commissions. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to visit her website and blog and see what she has to offer! You can also “Like” Loni on Face Book and follow her on twitter @LoniEdwards. Here are a couple other samples of her art, one in the holiday spirit, and one to show that she does draw people too 🙂
illustrations copyright Loni Edwards
illustrations copyright Loni Edwards
PHEW! You’re going to be needing another bowl of Wheaties after all that! Sorry it was so long, but everything just piled up onto today! I hope you like the badge and enjoyed meeting Loni!
So now, go have a great weekend everyone, and remember, the Holiday Contest opens bright and early Monday morning! (Please scroll down that link to see the rules.) I can’t wait to read all of your stories!!!
(And don’t forget, if you posted a Perfect Picture Book, please put your link in the list below!)
Well, folks, I’m sorry to report that there’s still no news from the Editor, and today I can’t dawdle because I won’t be able to post later. So Straight From The Editor will have to wait for Friday – which looks like it’s going to be totally action-packed because I have SO much to share then. But we’ll get to that in a second 🙂
Before I forget, for those of you who might not have seen it, the wonderful Abby from Something To Write About had me as a guest on her blog yesterday. Please pop over if you’d like to read the interview (or just to show Abby some bloggy love)!
And check out this excitement! Beer Is Zo Moe! (my Dutch book which, for our English-speaking audience (I’m assuming that’s most of us) is Bear Is So Tired!) made an appearance at the Antwerp Book Fair in Belgium! Look at it, up there with all those other books, so famous 🙂 I’m going to go out on a limb and guess “kinderboeken” means “kids’ books” but you’ve got me on “jeugdboeken” – some other kind of book is as close as I can get!
What? You can’t see it? How about if I zoom in a little 🙂
Ah, that’s better. And look how much more pronounceable of a title it has than some of those others 🙂
Also, Nicole made a coloring page to go along with it. Want to see?
Isn’t it cute?
Okay. Enough of that. Go get your coffee/tea/hot chocolate/steamer/mulled cider or whatever you’re imbibing this morning and your Something Chocolate (it is Wednesday!) – I’ve got a lovely pan of freshly baked brownies on my kitchen counter for my daughter’s study group this evening – they probably won’t notice if one’s missing – and I think a brownie would make an excellent breakfast 🙂 – but I digress. Get your snack and settle in. It’s time for Would You Read It!
Today’s pitch comes to us from Vicki, a French teacher who can count to 10 in 7 languages and has forgotten how in 3 others 🙂 She writes MG and YA fiction and blogs at All The World’s In Words. Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Finding Sophie Age/Genre: YA The Pitch: When Sophie is forced backward in time to 1895 Paris, she takes the identity of a missing Jewish girl and falls for a young Zionist. As the window home closes, Sophie must decide whether to unlock a mysterious heirloom’s secrets and return to her own life of a potential prima ballerina, or live as someone else in the past and lose herself forever.
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 Vicki 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 Itor on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above. SIDE NOTE: Would You Read It is booked only through January, so there are lots of openings ahead. Please send pitches and spread the word to your writerly friends 🙂
Vicki is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!
Please join us on Friday for Perfect Picture Books, AND (pretend this is flashing neon!) something SOEXCITING it’s going to knock your socks right off! I wish I could show you now, but it’s not quite ready, and it has to be perfect, so you’re just going to have to wait until Friday!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
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