Perfect Picture Book Friday – Because Of An Acorn

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By golly, it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday again!  Woo hoo!!!

I must admit, I am not sorry to see the back end of this week.

Some philosophical proverb spouter said that into every life a little rain must fall.  There is both truth and beauty in that statement (…also potentially a picture book! 🙂 )  In nature rain is life-giving, restorative and essential, and in life the metaphorical rainy days help us appreciate the sunshine all the more when it returns.  But it can be a little hard to remember that when you’re standing bare-headed in the downpour 🙂

Be that as it may, the weekend approacheth with sunshiny promises of family time, maybe a hike if it doesn’t rain, maybe a movie if it does, and at least a few minutes curled up with a good book and a cup of tea (I’m finishing Laini Taylor’s YA Daughter of Smoke And Bone trilogy which I highly recommend if you haven’t read it yet! and if you haven’t tried Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice I highly recommend that as well as the books – I’m a die-hard coffee drinker but this tea has me questioning my long-standing allegiance 🙂 )

Anyone else read a great book recently that they’d like to share here?  (and for this purpose it doesn’t have to be a picture book 🙂 )  Or has anyone been to the movies lately or planning on going this weekend?  What do you recommend?  Please share in the comments!!!  We’re getting to that time of year where a stockpile of good books and movies is oh-so-lovely to have 🙂  My daughter and I saw Bridget Jones’s Baby last weekend and what can I say?  I love Bridget Jones no matter what she’s doing 🙂

Anyway, speaking of nature and sunshine and rain, have a look at today’s Perfect Picture Book – an absolute delight of simplicity and beauty!

acorn

Title: Because Of An Acorn

Written By: Lola M. Schaefer & Adam Schaefer

Illustrated By: Frann Preston-Gannon

Chronicle Books, August 2016, fiction based on fact

Suitable For Ages: 3-6

Themes/Topics: nature, animals, ecosystem, environmental preservation

Opening: “Because of an acorn, a tree.”

Brief Synopsis: (from Amazon) “Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning.”

Links To Resources: the book itself contains back matter about white oak trees, the ecosystem, and the importance of forest, as well as a “What You Can Do To Help” section; Acorn Crafts For Kids

Why I Like This Book:  This book is so simple and accessible, but explores so beautifully the vital interconnectedness of all things in an ecosystem.  Everything exists within the context of everything else, and all are interdependent.  In addition, it shows how something small can be the beginning of something big – a concept all children can appreciate 🙂  The art is enchanting – so inviting and appealing – just drawing you into the world of the forest (no pun intended 🙂 ).  A wonderful choice for the young naturalist in your home or classroom! 🙂

acorn-int

text copyright Lola and Adam Schaefer 2016, illustration copyright Frann Preston-Gannon 2016

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 #227 -Grandmother’s Parrots (PB) PLUS The May, June And July Pitch Pick Winners And Straight From The Editor!!!

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Happy Wednesday to you, folks!

You know, I don’t when the world got so busy!  But it surely did!  Everyone but everyone seems to have more to manage than they can keep up with.  We all muddle along as best we can, but sometimes Straight From The Editors have to wait awhile until the editor in question has time to read and comment on the pitch!

I usually announce the pitch pick winners and tell them that their pitch is on its way to editor Erin Molta for her read and comments and they will hear from her shortly.  But THIS time, I sent the winning pitches to Erin and she replied before I got the post up, so today you get the whole shebang – pitch winners AND Straight From The Editor!

But, in our busy busy world, this time we’re AHEAD of schedule!  (Please take note and enjoy it… it’s not likely to ever happen again 🙂 )

So first off, the June Pitch Pick was won by Susan with her PB pitch for Bossy Bird.  Congratulations, Susan!!!  *confetti*  *multi-colored balloons*  *cheering from all sides!*

The July Pitch Pick was won by Robyn with her MG pitch for Fear On The Mountain.  Congratulations, Robyn!!!  *more confetti* *celebratory double-decker chocolate cupcakes*  *thunderous applause*

I’d also like to congratulate and thank all the other June and July pitchers who wrote strong pitches for amazing-sounding stories and then worked to revise their pitches based on your wonderful feedback.  It takes courage to share a pitch here!  And Would You Read It wouldn’t be what it is without all the  writers who put their work on the line, braving constructive criticism for the sake of their craft – so they can make their pitches stronger – and so all of us can learn.  Great job all of you!  Really!  And while I’m at it, I’d like to thank all of you for being so generous with your time and expertise, sharing your reactions, comments, advice and help each week to aid our pitchers on their quest for pitch perfection!  You are all lovely!!!

Moving right along, we’ve now got Straight From The Editor for May, June AND July!

 

May – Melissa – Walking With Memphis

You will recall Melissa’s winning pitch:

Walking With Memphis: Inspired By A Real Dog (Nonfiction Picture Book ages 3-8)

When Memphis becomes paralyzed and loses his wag, he must learn to walk with a wheelchair. He worries his dog days will never be the same, but he digs up the courage to embark on an adventurous discovery of all that he is capable of and what it means to be a lucky dog.

Here are editor Erin Molta’s thoughts:

This sounds like a great story. However, if you’re calling it nonfiction then you can’t have the story from Memphis’s point of view. It needs to be an omniscient narrator. If it is “inspired” by a true story then it can be just a picture book and not nonfiction. Then you can keep it in the dog’s POV. Besides that, I have a slight tweak to suggest

When Memphis becomes paralyzed and loses his wag, he must learn to walk with a wheelchair. He worries his dog days will never be the same, but he digs up the courage to embark on an adventurous journey to discover all that he was capable of and what it meant to be a lucky dog.

June – Susan – Bossy Bird (PB)

Here is Susan’s winning pitch:

Bossy Bird is the largest, loudest and bossiest bird of the bunch.  When the fed up flock ruffles HIS feathers, he leaves the safety of the group.  With danger crouching around the corner, Bossy Bird must find a way to save the birds that sent him away and discovers that being the boss is not as important as being a friend.

And here are Erin’s thoughts:

This is nice! I just have one tweak and that’s to add in that he’s been forced out, rather than he “leaves” the safety of the group because that makes it more clear that they didn’t want him, so him saving them from the creature has more resonance.

 Bossy Bird is the largest, loudest and bossiest bird of the bunch.  Then the fed up flock ruffles HIS feathers and forced him out.  With danger crouching around the corner, Bossy Bird must find a way to save the birds that sent him away and discovers that being the boss is not as important as being a friend.

July – Robyn – Fear On The Mountain (MG)

Here is Robyn’s winning pitch:

What was supposed to be an idyllic birthday of fun and horseback riding becomes a grueling test of survival.
Thirteen-year-old Anna, a diabetic, doesn’t plan on getting lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina without her insulin bottle. But that’s what happens, thanks to the carelessness of Claire, her best friend.
When Claire’s horse gets loose they leave the trail to find him. They find themselves lost with nighttime closing in. Wild animals, a storm, and devastating injuries won’t stop Anna from searching for a way down the mountain. Or will they?

And here are Erin’s thoughts:

Sounds like it could be exciting. It might work better if you trim the extra info. and stick to the highlights. Also, no need to end on a question because that doesn’t actually make people want to read to find out the answer—since it’s pretty much a given, anyway.

 Best of luck!

What was supposed to be an idyllic birthday of fun and horseback riding turns into a nightmare.

Thirteen-year-old Anna, a diabetic, ends up lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina without her insulin bottle, thanks to the carelessness of Claire, her best friend.

When they must search for Claire’s horse, they find themselves lost with nighttime closing in. Wild animals, a storm, and (be specific about the injury) become a grueling test of survival that Anna and Claire must pass in order to get home.

As always, I find Erin’s perspective so helpful and enlightening, and I hope you all do too!

Wow!  That was A LOT of pitch winning and Straight-From-The-Editoring!  (It’s feast or famine around here in that department!)  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for Something Chocolate!  (aren’t I always? 🙂 )  How about some fresh, cinnamon-scented cider donuts?  Okay.  Technically not chocolate.  But I found them on a blog called Chocolate Chocolate And More, and it’s fall… and you all know my weakness for cider donuts…  So here are some – warm, cinnamon-sugary, and delicious to dunk into your coffee while you help today’s pitcher with her pitch – and I’ll give you some chocolate hot fudge sauce to go along with them 🙂

cider-donuts

Recipe HERE at ChocolateChocolateAndMore (do not be fooled that the url mentions white chocolate caramel gingerbread cookie cups – which also sound delicious – the url is correct and has the donut recipe!)

Now go ahead!  Dip in hot fudge sauce to your chocolatey little heart’s content! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Patricia whom you may remember from her previous pitch for Bird And The Baker in March.  Patricia is a pre-published author and long-time 12×12 and PiBoIdMo participant. She primarily writes picture books, which she loved reading with her three children when they were young and hopes to read with grandchildren sometime in the future (the first wedding looms!). Patricia lives with her husband, an orange and white Toller pup, and more than 400 high school students at a New England boarding school. She loves travel and gardening.

Find her on twitter @ptntweets, or reviewing Perfect Picture Books at  Wander, Ponder, Write.  

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Grandmother’s Parrots

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 6-9)

The Pitch: Charlotte isn’t happy about her first solo overnight at Grandmother’s house. Grandmother is so old, and her house is so creepy! But when Charlotte discovers the joys of birdwatching and uncovers a secret from Grandmother’s past, Charlotte wishes she could stay much longer.

Grandmother’s Parrots explores the London Blitz from a child’s perspective and the origin of London’s parrot population.

 

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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Patricia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to enjoying the Season Of Cider Donuts (yes, I think it should be capitalized and celebrated as its own Season! 🙂 ) to the fullest possible extent!!!

Have a wonderful cider donut-filled Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

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It’s official!

According to the calendar (if  not the 86 degree weather forecast) it is autumn!

Time for foliage that makes even rainy days bright, wooly sweaters, apple crisp, and the tang of woodsmoke in the air 🙂

And little piggies on park benches, apparently!

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I was lucky enough to have lunch with my dear friend, the delightful Elaine of Kidlit411 fame, yesterday and outside on the bench was this cutie-pie little piggy.  Her name is Missy Lou.  She is 4 months old and is a teacup pig so she won’t grow much bigger than this.  Infinitely pick-up-and-cuddleable and already litter box trained.  Who knew???!!!  I think I’m a little in love 🙂

There are no little piggies in my Perfect Picture Book for today (more’s the pity 🙂 ) but I knew you guys would want to see her anyway 🙂

Now then, onto today’s Perfect Picture Book which, in spite of its dearth of little piggies, is a lovely book about welcoming autumn!

goodbye-summer

Title: Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

Written & Illustrated By: Kenard Pak

Henry Holt & Co, August 2016, fiction based on fact

Suitable For Ages: publisher says 4-7, but I think 3-7 would also work.

Themes/Topics: seasons (summer, autumn), nature

Opening: “Hello, late summer morning.”

Brief Synopsis: A child takes a walk greeting the trees, birds, animals, insects, and even weather as he goes, and each one tells him how it is preparing for autumn.

Links To Resources: brainstorm a list of signs of autumn; take a walk outdoors and look for signs of autumn; press leaves; make leaf collages; animal leaf collage (the few words are in Spanish but it’s a video and everything is demonstrated so you can understand no problem and the animals are cute 🙂 ); go apple or pumpkin picking; make delicious things out of apples and pumpkins :); apple recipes

Why I Like This Book: This is a lovely simple book about observing the way summer melts into autumn and how nature prepares.  The child talks to the elements of nature – trees and flowers, animals, birds and insects, even the weather – and they answer back.
“Hello, trees.”
“Hello!  Now that the cool winds have come,
we love how our branches sway in the sun.”
The art is lovely – the vivid greens of summer turning into the gold, orange, red and brown of fall with each successive page.  A simple pretty book to facilitate discussion and understanding of the changing season.

screen-shot-2016-09-22-at-8-36-51-pm

Text and Illustration Copyright Kenard Pak 2016

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!!! 🙂  Go pick some apples and then come back here and share your favorite apple recipes 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday # 226 – Madeleine’s Crowning Moment (PB) PLUS The June And July Pitch Picks!!!

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Good Morning, Everyone!

It’s Hope-You-Ate-Your-Wheaties Wednesday today!

We have A LOT to do!

(Which means you are excused from me waxing poetic about tomorrow being the first day of Autumn… or doing any form of interpretive dance to celebrate the very-nearly-here season premiere of Gray’s Anatomy… or practicing my sheep-song-in-progress which I’m composing in anticipation of the upcoming NYS Sheep & Wool Festival… or any of my other tomfoolery… because we have no extra time!  Lucky you 🙂 )

So let’s get right down to it, shall we?

You’ll be thrilled to know that at long last we are ready for the June and July Pitch Picks, so here goes!  (And a little side note: I don’t want to influence your choices by telling you which ones, but one of these pitches is for a story that has since sold for publication, and one of them earned its author a contract with an agent!  How awesome is that?  WYRI and all the help you guys give each other is really paying off! 🙂 )

June Pitch Pick

Please read through the 5 pitches below and then vote for the one you think most deserving of a read and critique from editor Erin Molta by Sunday September 25 at 5 PM EDT.  Winner will be announced next Wednesday (Sept.28)

#1 Susan – BOSSY BIRD (PB ages 3-8)

Bossy Bird is the largest, loudest and bossiest bird of the bunch.  When the fed up flock ruffles HIS feathers, he leaves the safety of the group.  With danger crouching around the corner, Bossy Bird must find a way to save the birds that sent him away and discovers that being the boss is not as important as being a friend.

 

#2 Greg – THE BATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE (PB ages 3-8)
Bogie wakes up to a strange new smell in his puppy nose. He goes to investigate and discovers a tray of paint in the living room. He dives in and enjoys the wonderful new scent and texture.

His brother discovers a paint soaked Bogie and decides to get him cleaned off before their parents return. His brother uses Bogie’s favorite toys and food to lure him into the bath with no luck. What will it take to give Bogie a bath, or is he destined to remain a colorful pooch forever?

#3 Sam – Crab And Gull (PB ages 4-8)

Gull wants Crab’s sandwich. Crab wants Gull to leave him and his sandwich alone. But when Gull goes missing, Crab’s treat just doesn’t taste as sweet. He packs up his food in search of Gull, and finds that sometimes cooking up a friendship a more important than cooking up a seaweed sandwich.

#4 Lindsay – BREAKDANCE BERTIE (PB ages 3-8)

With a grand-prize pool at stake, Bertie the emu wants to wiggle her way to victory in a breakdancing competition, but when hail destroys the boombox, Bertie and her barnyard pals must build their own beat.

#5 Lydia – Dancing Through Space (PB ages 3-7)

3-2-1- Blast off! Dr. Mae Jemison launches into space and accomplishes her childhood dream. Despite challenges along the way, she never gave up and went on to become the first African-American woman to orbit the earth.

July Pitch Pick

Please read through the 4 pitches below and then vote for the one you think most deserving of a read and critique from editor Erin Molta by Sunday September 25 at 5 PM EDT.  Winner will be announced next Wednesday (Sept. 28)

#1 Susan – PIZZA FOR THANKSGIVING? (PB ages 3-8)

As Thanksgiving approaches, Lennie is determined to save himself and the other turkeys from their dinner fate.  After his adoption plan, escape attempt and turkey slim down plan fall short, the gobbler must turn the tables with a dinner scheme that will deliver the rescue they need before they all become the main course.

 

#2 PJ – CAMP CRAZY MEATBALLS (PB ages 3-6)

CAMP CRAZY MEATBALLS is a zany picture book about siblings Matt and Morgan. Mom insists they go to camp for a week to break their routine of TV and computer games. But this camp isn’t quite what the kids expected. First, the counselors are talking animals, and second, everything—and I mean EVERYTHING— is made out of meatballs. Even their beds! And meatballs is the only thing on the menu! At first, the kids are thrilled—what kid doesn’t like meatballs—but meatballs morning, noon and night soon drives everyone crazy. In the end, the kids dream up a clever way to solve the dilemma and develop a new appreciation for broccoli.

#3 Robyn – FEAR ON THE MOUNTAIN (Upper MG ages 9-12)

What was supposed to be an idyllic birthday of fun and horseback riding becomes a grueling test of survival.
Thirteen-year-old Anna, a diabetic, doesn’t plan on getting lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina without her insulin bottle. But that’s what happens, thanks to the carelessness of Claire, her best friend.
When Claire’s horse gets loose they leave the trail to find him. They find themselves lost with nighttime closing in. Wild animals, a storm, and devastating injuries won’t stop Anna from searching for a way down the mountain. Or will they?

 

#4 Amy – Grizzie Moon Does NOT Like Cats! (PB ages 3-6)

When Bob the cat accidentally ruins Grizzie Moon’s extraordinary ghoul stew, he must find a way to save the recipe and win the favor of this persnickety witch before her Stitch and Witch Club arrives.

Phew!  All that reading and trying to decide which of those amazing pitches is the MOST amazing and deserves your vote is hard work!  I think it’s time for Something Chocolate (though of course when do I ever NOT think that? 🙂 )  How about some No Bake Brownie Batter Cheesecake?!

I thought you’d like that!  How can you go wrong when the title includes the words “no bake”, “brownie batter” and cheesecake”?

I believe second helpings are in order… there were TWO pitch picks after all… 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Tina who says, “I am Tina  Shepardson , age 50, completing my 27 th year of teaching . Currently I teach grade 6, most of those years have been in the middle school level . My husband and I have a 13 year old daughter , Payton. Our other children are 2 furry Akitas , a breed we adore.  I am working on my next career as it would be a dream co e true to write and visit children and teach in a different way.”

Find her on the web at https://www.facebook.com/tinamshepardson

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Madeleine’s Crowning Moment

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

The Pitch: Madeleine, a dog living in a shelter is looking for a sense of belonging and desire to make a difference. She has always wanted to compete in a pageant and discovers and opportunity to compete . Her experience leads her to learn a great deal about others . Will she achieve her goals and make a difference?

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 Tina 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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Tina is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I am looking forward to getting my kitchen sink fixed!  The sprayer broke, so every time I turn the water on, the sprayer sprays wildly and no water whatsoever comes out of the faucet.  It’s like an April Fool prank every time 🙂  The plumber assures me he can come fix it Saturday (by which point I will probably have soaked every item of clothing I possess by turning the water on with my mind on whatever story I’m writing and forgetting about that sprayer 🙂 )

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday – 1 2 3 Dream

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Darlings!

Do you know what day it is?

If you said “Friday” of course you are right.

If you said “Perfect Picture Book Friday” you are right AND a person of above average intelligence and superior interests 🙂

But it is ALSO (and I know this will really make your day) National Collect Rocks Day!

I am not making this up.

Although I think I could have.

I could have woken up in the still darkness that is once again 5:25 AM (I’m already missing the light at that hour and it’s only September!) and said to myself, hmmm….what ridiculous thing could I come up with to celebrate today?  But I didn’t even have to, because, well, it’s National Collect Rocks Day.  Need I say more?

But it turns out that is a perfect day for it to be because my Perfect Picture Book for today is all about counting.

And what better to count than a rock collection?!

See how neatly that works? 🙂

But seriously, this is one of the most beautiful books I’ve seen in a while.  Really stunning.  Have a look!

123-dream

Title: 1 2 3 Dream

Written & Illustrated By: Kim Krans

Random House Children’s Books, September 27 2016, nonfiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: concept (counting), language (alliteration)

Opening: “1”

Brief Synopsis: A visual celebration of counting alliteration!

Links To Resources: take a walk and find things to count – ROCKS 🙂 or acorns or seashells, cars or houses or fire hydrants, dogs or squirrels or pigeons 🙂 ; think up other examples of alliteration with counting/numbers (e.g. one onion, two tomatoes), or with other word combinations like adjectives and nouns (e.g. purple parrot) or names (e.g. Peter Pan); enjoy with companion book ABC Dream also by Kim Krans; this book itself is a resource with a search and find feature at the back that invites you to pore over the beautifully illustrated pages and find a heart-shaped stone, a spiderweb, a forked tongue, and many more.

Why I Like This Book: One owl.  Two turtles.  Three thistles.  Four foxes… but no written words.  Not one!  Just the numbers 1-20 and gorgeous detailed illustration after gorgeous detailed illustration that invite you to say what you see and then hear the alliteration your words produce.  Seven starfish.  Eleven elephants.  Fifteen fireflies….  As you know, I’m usually more inclined to choose books on the basis of their words and story, but this one is enjoyable for the illustrations alone.  A true feast for the eyes.  The pen and ink drawings are exquisite.  I’m a writer but words fail me to describe how beautiful this book is!  So I’ll show you a couple spreads 🙂

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Illustration copyright Kim Krans 2016

 

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Illustration copyright Kim Krans 2016

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!!! 🙂

(And should you feel an irresistible urge to collect rocks, now you’ll know why 🙂 )

Would You Read It Wednesday #225 – Go Granny Go! (PB)

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Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

What a week it’s been so far!  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been busy as a beaver!

(This is bizarrely fitting because long ago in my misspent youth I went to an all girls’ school where our mascot (very unfortunately) was a beaver.  Just imagine the terror we struck into the hearts of our athletic competitors…!  Even more unfortunately the slogan for the 100th year anniversary of the school was “100 years of eager beavers”… but that’s whole nother story best left unmentioned… although I guess now I’ve gone and mentioned it 🙂 )

My dogs have been busy too.  They take their guard duties VERY seriously and have been forced to repeatedly defend the perimeter against the likes of these two:

Have you ever seen such extreme danger?!

They are twins and have taken to hanging about in our yard.  Somehow I don’t think they find the dogs all that intimidating.  But the dogs find themselves intimidating and that’s all that matters 🙂

So there has been quite a lot of busy-ness around here.  Which of course calls for Something Chocolate (because doesn’t everything? 🙂 )

As it happens, Something Deliciously Chocolate arrived on my doorstep Monday.  In case you haven’t heard, I am lucky enough to have the best kids in the world.  One of them, for no reason other than sweetness and kindness, sent me these, and I will share them with you.  For once I’m not even really stretching the truth that much when I proclaim that they are health food 🙂

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Enjoy with a clear conscience! 🙂

(This is the part where I confess in a teeny voice (I’d shrink the font to something teeny but I don’t know how to do that in wordpress!) that I have to postpone the June and July pitch picks one more time because I didn’t get the pitch revisions yet – my fault, not the pitchers’!  Next week…?!)

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Lauren who says, “I live in Normal, IL so perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to things that are slightly off-kilter. I enjoy using my experiences to create fantastical picture books. When my granddaughter was born, I rode the train to Chicago for 2 years to help take care of her. Nothing unusual happened on my travels, but they were the inspiration for a not-so-normal adventure for a not-so-normal Granny.”

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

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Go Granny Go!

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-8)

The Pitch:  When Granny receives an alarming phone call, she sets off to reach her ailing granddaughter. Armed with not much more than wit and grit, this plucky Granny negotiates a series of increasingly preposterous obstacles with remarkable aplomb. Tattered, tuckered out and sore, she staggers on, but will Granny reach Rosie or will the next obstacle lead to her downfall?

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 Lauren 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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Lauren is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to actually posting the June and July Pitch Picks next week, and if I fail for the third time you all have permission to throw chocolate at me! 🙂

Have a wonderful writing and reading Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday -Ninja Bunny Sister vs. Brother

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Can you believe it?

It seems like only yesterday we were bidding each other happy summer, and now here we are, back at school, and back to Perfect Picture Book Fridays!

As you all well know, I live on Blueberry Hill (i.e. The Back of Beyond, The Boonies, The Middle Of Nowhere, The Untamed Wilderness… you know 🙂 )

Here on Blueberry Hill we have all manner of wild life.  Turkeys and Great Blue Herons.  Bobcats and Martens.  Coyotes and Black Bears.  Raccoons and Opossums and Skunks.  White-Tailed Deer.  Snakes of all kinds.  Pretty much every single member of the marmot family 🙂  You get the idea.

But what we haven’t had for years are rabbits.

No idea why.

But this year, for no discernible reason, they have made quite a comeback, proliferating as only rabbits can.  Suddenly there are cottontails abounding in every little thicket.

So although none (that I know of!) are ninjas, my fall kick-off PPBF choice is all about bunnies 🙂

ninja-bunny1

Title: Ninja Bunny Sister vs. Brother

Written & Illustrated By: Jennifer Gray Olson

Alfred A. Knopf Books For Young Readers, September 13 2016, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: sibling rivalry, teamwork

Opening: “Look!  It’s the Golden Carrot of Awesomeness!  We are the only ones super sneaky enough to find it – and unlock its powers of greatness.”

Brief Synopsis: Ninja Bunny is on a mission to get the Golden Carrot of Awesomeness, assured of success until his little sister insists on tagging along.

Links To Resources: Kid-Friendly Carrot Recipes (including carrot apple salad, creamy carrot rice, and carrot cake pancakes); Rabbit-Themed Activities And Crafts; Rabbit Coloring Pages; Facts About Ninjas; pair with other Ninja titles such as Corey Rosen Schwartz’s Ninja Red Riding Hood, The Three Ninja Pigs and Hensel And Gretel: Ninja Chicks, and Alex Latimer’s The Boy Who Cried Ninja, or with other sneaky bunny books such as Candace Fleming’s Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

Why I Like This Book: Sweetly humorous, this story perfectly embodies the struggles of older siblings everywhere who have to put up with their little sisters and brothers, and younger siblings everywhere who have to fight to be included.  It also lets young readers figure out that sometimes siblings work better together and that everyone has talents, skills or attributes that can be helpful and appreciated.  The illustrations are quirky, cute and appealing – a perfect complement to the spare text.

I hope you like 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!  (And I’m out of practice with this, so fingers crossed I set it up right! 🙂 )

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #224 – Heidi Seek (MG) (or YA?)

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Happy September-Back-To-School-Back-To-Blogging, my friends!

I missed you all during August, but my goodness! where did that month go?!  I feel like it just vanished in the blink of an eye – like we skipped straight from July to September!

But here we are.

There’s something about September that always feels like New Year’s to me – almost more so than January 1.  It’s that whole back to school thing… first for ourselves… all those years from Kindergarten through graduate school 🙂 … and then for our children…and for those of us who have them, grandchildren.  (And for those of us who are teachers, it comes with the job description 🙂 )  It has that same new start feel, full of possibility!

Who knows what awesomeness we will all accomplish in the coming months?! 🙂

Meanwhile, what’s the consensus?  How many of you are feeling bittersweet and poignant over your kids going back to school, or going to school for the first time, and how many of you are doing the dance of joy to have the little darlings out from underfoot for a few hours a day? 🙂

I offer you consolation or celebration in the form of Something Chocolate!  Given the heat this week, I think our Something Chocolate should be Something Ice Cold And Refreshing!  How about Frozen Hot Chocolate?  And not just ANY frozen hot chocolate, the one that claims to be the BEST! 🙂

Ah….!

Lip-smackin’ brain-freezing good! 🙂

I had grand plans of posting the June and July pitch picks today, but my internet has been extremely uncooperative.  It took so long for it to decide to work that I’m lucky I’m getting anything up today, never mind extras.  So… next week?

Meantime, we’ll get right onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Jeanna who says, “I’m a homemaker and I write romance and picture books – but not romantic picture books! My Twitter for anyone who’d like to keep up with my many ramblings is: http://mobile.twitter.com/JeannaLStars”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Heidi Seek (or possibly or possibly Heidi Sikh as I’m thinking of making my MC a young Asian girl)

Age/Genre: MG… or YA… or even PB?

The Pitch: If it’s lost, she’ll find it. Her parents first discovered her talent for hide & seek during an ultrasound, when she gave them – and the midwife – quite a fright! Now 12 year old Heidi Singh’s life revolves around finding lost keys, missing cats and trying not to lose friendships. When one half of an identical twin pop duo disappears, Heidi finds herself pulled into a mystery so complex, she has to look deep within herself for answers – or SHE might be next to get lost.

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

Special note:  Jeanna is on the fence about her title (see above) and on the fence about whether the book would work best as MG or YA.  She has even considered a simpler/funnier version as a PB.  She would love your input on this issue: MG, YA or PB?

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 Jeanna 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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Jeanna is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to vacuuming.

That was a test.  If you believed me, you failed totally and completely 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #223 – Grizzie Moon Does NOT Like Cats! (PB)

32 Comments

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Can you believe August is almost upon us?  How did THAT happen???!!!

August is traditionally the month I take a blogcation, which means today will be our last meeting until Wednesday September 7 when we return with Would You Read It and the June and July Pitch Picks – it will be a big day!!! 🙂

For now, though, let’s celebrate the almost beginning of our August vacation with Something Chocolate.  How does gooey, delicious, warm Chocolate Chip Pie sound?  With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness calcium and protein? 🙂

Chocolate Chip Pie

YUM!

The good thing about warm, gooey, deliciousness?  No crumbs in your keyboard 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Amy.  Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Amy has earned two degrees in English and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction. Naturally, she writes picture books. She tests her picture book ideas on her two kids (ages 9 and 12) and her kid-like husband (age 47). Sometimes her two dogs offer their opinions. She’s really looking forward to your reader’s opinions, too!

Find her on the web at:
AmyMMiller1@twitter.com
https://www.facebook.com/ADDledliving/
AmyMMiller.com

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Grizzie Moon Does NOT Like Cats!

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-7)

The Pitch: When Bob the cat destroys Grizzie Moon’s extraordinary ghoul stew, he must find a way to save the recipe and win the favor of this persnickety witch before her Stitch and Witch Club arrives.

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 Amy 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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Amy is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to spending the next couple weeks visiting with my sister and her family who are here from Georgia, and hopefully, maybe, working on some projects that I haven’t had enough time to finish up!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!!   And a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable August!!!  See you after Labor Day 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #222 – Fear On The Mountain (MG)

19 Comments

Happy Wednesday, my friends!

How’s your summer going?  I hope you’re all enjoying July immensely!

I don’t get out much 🙂 but last weekend I did something wild and crazy.  I went to see Jim Gaffigan (the comedian) in real life.  It was so much fun!  He is hysterical!

As a writer, it is always interesting to me to see other expressions of creativity.  I love getting an insight into the creative process of musicians, artists, and yes – comedians.  We all deliver our thoughts in different ways, but we all aim to connect others and connect with others.  Whether you’re writing a story, singing a song, painting a picture, or standing on a stage making people laugh, you’re accomplishing the same thing: helping people articulate their reality and encouraging and supporting them by helping them see they’re never alone in their experience.  If you’re experiencing something in your life – good or bad – chances are extremely high that lots of other people have been in the same situation and know exactly how it feels.  It’s very comforting 🙂

Comedy is particularly appealing because not only does it let us know our experience is shared, it lets us laugh at it 🙂

It’s a good thing to keep in mind while you’re writing!

Now then, how about Something Chocolate?  That is always a good idea and always a worthwhile experience to share 🙂  Since it’s so hot and all, I’m thinking Something Chocolate and Something Ice Cream would hit the spot…

Cookies And Cream Ice Cream Cake

Oreo Ice Cream Cake…  It’s what’s for breakfast.  And that’s no joke! 🙂

Now that we are properly fortified, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Robyn.  Robyn Campbell writes poetry, picture books and middle-grade from her farm on a mountain in North Carolina. She loves writing funny, and adventure and she speaks as a kid.

Find her on the web at:

 

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Fear On The Mountain

Age/Genre: MG

The Pitch: Thirteen-year-old Anna doesn’t plan on getting lost. Or ending up surrounded by darkness in the Blue Ridge Mountains minus her insulin bottle. But that’s what happens.

She just wants to ride the mountain with Claire and their horses, have a picnic, and go home to the ranch. But what she gets is a lesson in survival if she can outlast the wild animals and high blood sugars. And it’s all due to Claire’s carelessness. How will Anna get them back home when she doesn’t know which way home is?

 

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 Robyn 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 October, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Robyn is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to my sister coming back in a few days for another couple of weeks – one of the best things about summer! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂