Dog Days

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Happy August Everyone!

I hope you’re all on the beach with a great book, a cold lemonade, and people you love, having a wonderfully summery time!

We are Dog Day-ing it like the pros we are here on Blueberry Hill…

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I mean, can we lie down and sleep, or what?!

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It is extremely important not to overtax yourself in the heat 🙂

Traditionally, I take August off from blogging, but this year everything is so topsy-turvy that there’s no point in trying to pretend any kind of organization.

So I will mostly take August off from blogging… except for starting my new series on August 14th (because that’s the day it has to start)… and maybe having a little bit of a party on the 28th because some MONKEYS I know are having a book birthday… which gives us an excuse for cake 🙂

The new series, entitled Tuesday Debuts, will feature debut authors sharing the intimate details of how they sold their first picture book.  It is intended to be educational and inspiring for all picture book writers, but especially for those who have yet to make that first sale.  Who knows what nuggets of insight and wisdom and insider tips you might glean???!!!  I hope you will all read it while you’re on that beach we were just discussing and find out! 🙂

Please tune in on Tuesday August 14 for our debut debut author, Chris Mihaly!

Meantime, read something good, write something great, and don’t forget your sunscreen 🙂 🙂 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #295 – The Remindeer (PB)

28 Comments

Shhh!

(I don’t want my computer to hear this conversation!)

But between you, me and the fencepost, I’m afraid it’s going over to the dark side.

I mean, when I turn it on and it looks like this:

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it really can’t be good!

So I think I may be taking a little jaunt to the computer store soon…

…much as I hate the idea of change!

I’m such a tech dinosaur.  I like to keep the devices I’m used to.  (Witness last week’s phone screen disaster when I elected to replace the screen rather than the phone!)

Wait.

Is there a trend here?

Now that I think of it, it’s a bit worrying!  First my phone, now my computer!  I may be in some kind of electronic device black hole.  Do they have those on Blueberry Hill?  Maybe I should check with the neighbors…

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Well, she says she’s not having any problems with her electronic devices and she thinks the green screen is pretty and actually looks quite delicious.

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These guys agree.

So I guess everything’s okay.

It’s making me a little anxious, though, so I think Something Chocolate would be just the thing to settle my nerves 🙂

Scouting around for something delicious for today’s Something Chocolate, I came across the creation of a brilliant mind – someone who clearly said to themselves why have plain chocolate chip cookies when you could have them stuffed with cheesecake?  Really, it’s sheer genius.  Why has no one thought of this before? 🙂

Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies

choc chip cheesecake cookies

Recipe HERE (including helpful video!) at Delish.com

Screen Shot 2018-07-24 at 10.07.19 PM

…and the surprise inside! 🙂

I’m sure you can see the improved nutritional and healthful benefits of this beautiful creation – protein, dairy, whole grains and vegetables (don’t forget – chocolate comes from a bean!) in the cookie, and plenty of calcium in the cheesecake filling!  What could be a better breakfast?!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Greg who says, “I’m a husband, father, author, hockey player, geocacher, and cockeyed optimist. I enjoy cooking and baking, especially chocolatey goodies. I have two self-published books out and one traditional published book.”

LINKS

https://www.facebook.com/gregoryebray/

http://gregoryebrayauthor.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  @GEBray19

Instagram: gregoryebray

Here is his pitch:

Working Title: The Remindeer

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-10)

The Pitch: Santa has departed to deliver Christmas presents, but one has been left behind. Wally, being Santa’s right hooved reindeer, has to find a way to deliver it.  Unlike the other reindeer, Wally can’t fly. He’ll have to find another means to deliver the present and save Christmas for the intended child.

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 Greg improve his 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in October, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Greg is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!  I am looking forward to looking…just looking…at new computers… and what might come of that no one knows so no current computers should take offense or feel insulted and stop working completely if they happen to be overhearing this conversation!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday # 294 – Firestarter (MG)

18 Comments

Happy Wednesday, Chickadees!

Wait til you hear this one!

I was getting into my car yesterday – nothing acrobatic, just getting in normal-like – and my phone somehow fell out of the back right pocket of my jeans, across the seat and out the driver’s side door on the my left (how??? I ask you!!!) just at the exact moment that I was slamming the door shut…and it fell right between the door and the car CRUNCH!  I mean, you couldn’t do that if you tried!  It was some kind of mystical confluence of physics or something!  But anyway, my poor phone screen shattered!

I felt so bad 😦  I have never damaged a phone before (well, except the time it accidentally fell into the toilet… but that was fixed easily enough by a lot of lysol and a bag of rice 🙂 )  So now I have to take a little jaunt to the Genius Bar today and see if they can fix it for a reasonable amount or whether I have to get a new phone… which I hope I don’t because it will be new and different and new and different technology is always Very Intimidating!

I’ll show you a picture, but if you’re easily upset by graphic horror avert your eyes and scroll down quickly! ( 🙂 )

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After all that trauma, I am seriously in need of Something Chocolate.  You probably are too, what with the sympathy trauma you’re likely experiencing on my behalf 🙂

Since it’s hot out, let’s skip the baking today, shall we?  I opt for Easy No Bake Coconut Chocolate Bars!  (Plus coconut is so tropical and summery sounding!)

Easy No Bake Coconut Chocolate Bars

I’m pretty sure coconut counts as either a fruit or a vegetable – maybe both – so in addition to being a no bake summery choice these are pretty much health food and YUMMY! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Sherry who says, “I am a woman of many passions—mother, blogger, child advocate, author, and friend, but grandmother is the most rewarding. Watching your child’s child move into the world with their wide-eyed innocence is inspiring. I love it, and it is what led me to writing for kids.”

Find her on the web at
http://www.sherryalexanderwrites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sherryalexanderbooks/
Twitter @hungerdragon

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Firestarter

Age/Genre: MG Action/Adventure

The Pitch: 12 year old Cody’s mother left on the last day of school, and the care of his sisters and the small farm became his responsibility while his father works from dawn to dusk. Anxious to get away from his sisters demands and his father’s constant belittling, he makes plans to run away. But when smoke appears on the ridge above their home, he has to make a choice—fight the fire or leave his family to fend on their own. And to make matters worse, he has a secret that could cause him to lose his family for good and land him in jail.

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 Sherry 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in September which will be here before you know it, so polish up your pitch and send it on in for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Sherry is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to having a phone I can actually read/see!  Wish me luck in my Genius Bar Adventure! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #293 – Maggie’s New Bike (PB)

27 Comments

Darlings!

In case you haven’t noticed, it is extremely hot.

I can tell because of the copious amounts of dog hair adorning my house.

My vacuum is getting the workout of its life!

They make sweaters and afghans and such out of sheep hair and llama hair and alpaca hair… I think it’s time to invent something made out of dog hair!  I could make a fortune!  And then I could use my fortune for good…you know, world peace, end world hunger, cure cancer, make sure everyone has Something Chocolate 🙂

Given the heat, I think our Something Chocolate should be something refreshingly cool today, don’t you?  How about a little (or a lot!) Oreo Chocolate Ice Cream Pie?  Sounds perfect to me!  And look how delicious…!

Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream Pie

I want you all to have at least 2 or 3 slices to make sure your core temperature is cool enough and you have the energy needed to help today’s intrepid pitcher! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Gabrielle who enjoys travel, exploring, and researching new book ideas. Her passion for writing is reflected in her weekly newspaper column and her blog, Butterfly Kisses and Silly Wishes, where she shares her thoughts on life, love, and the pursuit of a writer’s dream. Gabrielle is an active member of SCBWI, Maryland Writers Association, and graduate of Children’s Book Academy.

Find her on the web at her “in the works” website!
http://butterflykisses.gabrielleschoeffield.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Maggie’s New Bike

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: Maggie wants shiny new wheels, not Dad’s old rust bucket. When Dad hints she could get one after she learns how to ride, Maggie gives the junker a second look. With determination and her barnyard cheering section of hens and roosters, Maggie soon discovers not every treasure comes from a store. This is a delightful story of one girls’ never-give-up attitude.

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 Gabrielle 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in September, which will be here before you know it, so polish up your pitch and send it along for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Gabrielle is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to having my daughters home!  One arrives tomorrow, one Friday, and I can hardly wait! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #292 – The Boys Who Brushed Teeth Too Much (PB)

10 Comments

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!

Due to all our work/life schedules, I’d love to share what my daughter shared on FB yesterday, but it was a SomeCards meme  that used an impolite word, and as this blog is family-friendly and g-rated I will have to summarize by saying that it showed Thomas Jefferson on July 3, 1776 realizing he had a serious and as yet unmet work deadline coming up 🙂

I think we can all relate 🙂

Since it’s July 4th, I suppose we should be celebrating with a snack in patriotic colors.  But chocolate brown is not one of them, and what kind of celebration would it be without chocolate???!!!  (And I’m sorry – white chocolate and red velvet just don’t cut it! 🙂  And even if they did, what the heck chocolate would qualify as blue?!)

So let’s just throw caution to the wind and make brownies out of candy!

Ferrero Rocher Fudge Brownies

I think we can all agree they have a firecracker-y celebratory look about them! 🙂

Hip hip hooray for the 4th of July and Something Fabulously Chocolate!!! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Katie whom you will remember from her recent pitch for The Tooth Fairy Conference and who says, “I’m an educator, Word Nerd, and Ice Cream-Loving Optimist. Faith, family, and fitness are my motivators. My #1 writing goal is picture books featuring Big Ideas for Young Minds (also the name of my main blog). My side gig is creating teaching resources (my own and for hire).”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Boys Who Brushed Teeth Too Much (and almost destroyed the world)

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 5-9)

The Pitch:  In this modern nod to Panchatantra fables, Advik’s addiction to a toothbrushing game app accidentally launches a gum abrasion pandemic that threatens global shut-down. When his tech-avoidant brother, Barun, realizes he’s part of the problem, too, the boys must unite to restore dental and mental balance to the world before it’s too late.

·        ~775 words, PB ages 5-9+

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 Katie 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in September, which will be here before you know it, so polish up your pitch and submit for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Katie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to whenever this insane heatwave ends!  Meanwhile, if you need me, the dogs and I plan to tie cool wet cloths around our heads (a look I’m sure will set a new trend 🙂 ) and lie on the floor in front of the fan 🙂  Come on over and hang out with us!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #291 – Granny’s Veggie Garden (PB)

14 Comments

Hiya, Friends!

It’s officially summer, but that doesn’t mean ALL goofing around 🙂  Nosirreebob!

It means it’s the perfect time to perfect our pitching and help our fellow writers perfect theirs!  Practice over the summer so we’ll be all be ready to explode from the starting gate this fall with a passel of perfect pitches to tempt editors everywhere! 🙂

We most certainly need to fuel up, though.  We wouldn’t want to tackle pitching without the proper well-balanced nutritional preparation, which is why I recommend Something Chocolate.

And I think we can all agree that today’s Something Chocolate is the perfect answer to breakfast… and dessert… and proper well-balanced nutritious fuel! 🙂  (Okay.  Maybe the last one is a bit of a stretch… 🙂 )

Chocolate Buttercream Donut Cake! 🙂

Seriously.  Why has no made cake out of donuts before?  It’s a no-brainer!  A truly genius inspiration!  So please!  Dig in! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Yvona who says, “My love of books and words led me to become a librarian. And now, I write. I’ve authored 4 books including a cookbook, a poetry chapbook and a guide for people on the autism spectrum published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. I write a weekly food column for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.”

Find her on the web at http://www.wordsaremyworld.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Granny’s Veggie Garden

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: Granny’s Veggie Garden is a gentle rhyming book that takes the reader through the seasons of a garden, introducing many vegetables in a fun way. With the growing popularity of school gardens, community gardens and farmers’ markets I believe this book will find a wide audience. This read-aloud will appeal to 4-8-year-olds as well as their parents and is great for both storytime and classroom use. I’m happy to provide back matter: recipes for any or all of the dishes mentioned, and/or information about starting a garden.

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 Yvona 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in September, which will be here before you know it! so send your pitch for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Yvona is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to when the nice air conditioner technician comes to repair the air conditioning because it is totally dead and I heard a rumor that it’s about to get hot.  Possibly because it’s summer… 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #290 – The Librarian’s Treasure (YA)

15 Comments

After a wonderful week I am back from California, another graduation – Master’s Degree this time – celebrated!

We did all sorts of other fun stuff too, including walking and biking for miles along the beach, going down (and then back up!) the Thousand Steps (which turned out to be 223 – we counted! – but were still very long and steep! 🙂 ), and visiting the Pirate’s Tower (if there isn’t a picture book in that, I’d be astonished! 🙂 )

Plus we went to see The Incredibles II because everyone should! 🙂

Oh!  And did I mention we visited one of the Sprinkles Cupcake Bakeries?!  Not the flagship, but still!  Anyone who has watched Cupcake Wars can appreciate 🙂

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I think we can count that as today’s Something Chocolate because I can promise you there was plenty of chocolate in that box! 🙂 And boy were those cupcakes delicious!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Katie who says, “My name is Katherine Brown but friends and family call me Katie. I have been scribbling out stories since I was a child, poetry as a teen, and finally some very short children’s books as an adult. I loved writing and reading as long as I can remember; in fact, I wrote newsletters as a kid and sold them to parents for fifty cents each (making them purchase separately of course).”

Find her on the web at: http://www.katherinebrownbooks.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Librarian’s Treasure

Age/Genre: YA Fiction

The Pitch:

His assignment: Raegan, the hum-drum librarian. Or was she? His superiors thought there was more though for weeks Drake had felt he was wasting his time, but now he wasn’t so sure. Suddenly Drake was fighting to avoid falling under her spell, still unsure if the mission he was on could possibly involve Raegan, this enigma of a woman who never did a thing but stack books and read.
(FYI if you want to include this question to readers out there ………I have two completely different ideas about how to take this book to completion and would love a vote: Action/Romance or Fantasy?)

 

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 Katie 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in July, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for/[so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up] for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Katie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to visiting with my sister who is here from Georgia!  Always so great to see her and her family 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

(And help yourself to seconds on cupcakes 🙂 )

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #289 – Amy’s Birdsong Airs/Composer Amy Cheney Beach (PB)

9 Comments

Hiya, folks!  Hope your Wednesdays are all off to a good start!

Princess Blue Kitty and I (that’s my car, for anyone who happens to be new around here and doesn’t know her 🙂 ) are hopefully off to a good start (or possibly arrived, depending on exactly when you’re reading this) to our favorite long-term parking lot.  I am such the traveller these days.  Normally I don’t go anywhere, but when I do, it seems to all be at the same time.  Didn’t I just get back from Brazil? 🙂

Anyway, let’s all get fortified with Something Chocolate, shall we?  And then we’ll be all fueled up and rarin’ to go to help  today’s pitcher!

Earthquake Cake

 

 

If you’re drooling it’s okay 🙂  You’re in good company 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Patricia who says, “As a kid, I was totally into painting, singing, dancing and making up stories. Sometimes things never change and I’m glad I still enjoy it all :>)   And I’m so happy and blessed that Callie-Metler Smith at Clear Fork Publishing has given me the opportunity to have two books published in the near future.”

Find her on the web at:

www.patriciasaunders.com…..website
@Writer Saunders….twitter

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Amy’s Birdsong Airs/Composer Amy Cheney Beach

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: Amy, a prodigy, wants more than anything to play the piano and compose music, but isn’t allowed, so she compensates by writing songs in her head. Eventually, her God given talent is recognized and Amy learns that perseverance leads to success.

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 Patricia 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in July, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Patricia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to 6 hours on an airplane!  (Okay, maybe not that part 🙂  But I sure am looking forward to seeing my daughter! 🙂 )

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Mowing

10 Comments

How awesome is it that it’s Friday?! 🙂

Before I share my perfect picture book for today, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that this will be the last official Perfect Picture Book Friday until September.  As you all know, I put PPBF on hiatus for the summer.  Between my own unpredictable schedule and the fact that many of you spend less time online in the summer, it just seems to make sense to take a break.  But for those of you who are dedicated (and there is a core group of you – you are wonderful!) I look forward to seeing what you’ll share.

Would You Read It Wednesday will continue through June and July (I usually take a complete blogging break in August because really… how much of me do you all really want to have to pay attention to?! 🙂 ), and you never know what other high jinx I might get up to if I get a hair brained scheme out of the blue…

Anyway, onto today’s choice!

Apparently all I can think about this week is baby deer 🙂

So in about 14 seconds you’ll understand why I chose this week’s Perfect Picture Book 🙂

Mowing
Written By:  Jessie Haas
Illustrated By:  Jos. A. Smith
Greenwillow Books, 1994, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4-8

Themes/Topics: farms, grandparents, generations, modernization, respect for wildlife, vehicles

Opening:  “Early in the morning Gramp and Nora go to the field to mow.  They hear the cry of the bobolink, the swish of the tall grass, the thud of the horses’ hooves.
At the edge of the field Gramp lowers the cutter bar.
“Hop off, Nora,” he says.  “You’ll be safer on the ground.”  Gramp speaks softly to the horses.  “Giddap!”  They walk, and the mowing machine begins to clatter.”

Brief Synopsis:  Just as morning is peeking over the horizon, Gramp and Nora head out to mow the hay.  Gramp drives an old-fashioned sickle bar mower with Nora in his lap holding the reins.  When they reach the field, it’s Nora’s job to hop down and keep an eye out for any little animal that might be injured by the horses or the cutter blades.  What does she see?  (I’m betting you can guess one thing she sees! :))  When the mowing is done, two tall islands of grass still stand.  Gramp says some would call that a bad job of mowing, but he and Nora know better.  They know they have taken care to leave the animals safe and protected.

Links To Resources: Fawn Coloring Page 1, Fawn Coloring Page 2, Fawn Facts, National Geographic Groundhog Facts, National Geographic Killdeer Facts.  Talk about the difference in the way hay is mowed today.  Talk about other situations where you might want to be respectful of wildlife.

Why I Like This Book:  This is the kind of sweet, quiet book that I absolutely love.  My kids loved it too, and we read it over and over and over.  The language is gentle, the story is simple with that nostalgic feel of hearkening back to a different time, and the message of caring for all the creatures who share our world is lovely.  On top of that, the art is just beautiful, particularly the way the artist captured the changing light, from dawn through late afternoon, and the different perspectives he uses.  It’s a wonderful book for nap time, bedtime, or anytime kids need to unwind.

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 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!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #288 – The Tooth Fairy Conference (PB)

15 Comments

You know it’s June when suddenly there are fiercely protective does everywhere and, if you’re lucky, you get to see tiny new fawns wobbling along behind them.

A doe with a new fawn has taken up residence on the wooded outskirts of my yard.  I have yet to see the baby, but I know it’s there because the doe is terrorizing my dogs!  (Not that they don’t deserve it – they’re entirely too interested in the proceedings, and even though I know they’d never hurt the fawn – if only because they’d have no idea what to do with it! – they make the doe nervous with their investigations.  And as someone who is a mother, I understand 🙂 )

Since I haven’t seen the fawn yet, I’ll entertain your with baby horse antics instead 🙂

 

You will recall that we had a barn baby back in April… whose mother, coincidentally, is named April 🙂  At the moment, this little dickens is referred to as Sassy… when she isn’t being called something less polite 🙂  She is quite a handful 🙂

Anyone feel a picture book coming on? 🙂

Alrighty, then!

Since today’s pitcher is a self-professed Ice Cream Lover, and since summer is coming, and since what could be better for breakfast than ice cream, let’s have Something Chocolate Ice Cream for today’s snack!

Brownie Cup Ice Cream Sundae

brownie cup sundae

Recipe HERE (with helpful video!) at delish.com

Obviously either chocolate or coffee is the best flavor of ice cream to use, along with hot fudge and/or caramel topping, but since it’s breakfast time, if you feel compelled to have some fruit, you can go strawberry ice cream 🙂

Delish! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Katie who says, “I’m an educator, Word Nerd, and Ice Cream-Loving Optimist. Faith, family, and fitness are my motivators. My #1 writing goal is picture books featuring Big Ideas for Young Minds (also the name of my main blog). My side gig is creating teaching resources (my own and for hire).   Additionally, you may want to know:

        1. “Goodnight, Moon” is my least-favorite classic, but “Runaway Bunny” is tied for first with “Harold and the Purple Crayon” and “The Lorax.” Also, I have too many modern favorites to pick even the Top 10.
        2. I want to know why zillions of the facing-out picture books (e.g. hot sellers) in stores rhyme when verse is supposed to be verboten.
        3. Age ranges on picture book queries make me wince since I think picture books are perfect for any age. The little plus sign I put after the age range (e.g. 4-8+) makes me feel better.”

 

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Tooth Fairy Conference

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 5-9)

The Pitch: Tooth Fairy Gwyneth rallies brainy and brawny conference attendees to extract Plaque Man, a rot-minded foe, and save the fairy economy. Gwyneth must convince skeptical speakers presenting key economic and tooth collecting knowledge to form a posse with tough tooth fairies from all over the world. Now if only they can combine their dental and mental derring-do and wash skunky, gunky Plaque Man down the drain.

·        ~1250 words, PB ages 5-9+  It’s dreadfully long as a fiction PB, but it has nonfiction elements integral to plot and character development. I’m open to input on if it should be a chapter book instead.

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 Katie 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in July, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Katie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to seeing that little fawn one of these days soon 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂