Would You Read It Wednesday #186 – Wait For Cate (PB)

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Happy Wednesday, folks!

It’s been a busy week on Blueberry Hill.  I know you’ll all be gratified to learn that our house is, at last, all one color!  I know this shouldn’t seem like an accomplishment – after all, most people’s houses are all one color.  But we are not “most people.”  Our house has not been all one color for 3 years because one of the gable ends is very high and hard to reach, so the rest of the house got stained dark brown… but that one triangular patch stayed the old lighter, redder cedar color.  It did NOT look good.  Now our house is very happy and feels like it can show its face in public again.  (Not that there’s much public to see it up here in the wilderness.  But you know, it’s the principal of the thing 🙂 ) And if any bears happen to wander by (which they do pretty frequently) they will certainly say to themselves, “Hmm!  How handsome that house looks now that it’s all one color!” 🙂

It’s like when you write a picture book and it begins as one story… and somehow ends as another.  You’ve got to pick one story and stick with it – make sure you’re ending the same story you began – you know, make it all the same dark brown.  (See what I did there? 🙂 )

Speaking of dark brown (smooth segue alert :)) makes me think of chocolate (what doesn’t?), so how about Something Chocolate?  Great idea, if I say so myself!  Always is a good time for Something Chocolate 🙂  Some days you can get by with a tootsie roll or a handful of chocolate chips, but some days you just have to throw moderation to the wind and go whole hog, and it turns out this is one of those days… I am seriously in need of gooey, chocolatey, deliciousness… so let’s have some Smores Cupcakes, shall we? – YUM!!!

See recipe at OMGChocolateDesserts
http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/hershey-smores-cupcakes/

Now that we are all covered in chocolate properly nutritionized (or possibly nutrisized? or nutriated?), today’s pitch comes to us from Diana who says, “I am a retired 1st and 2nd grade teacher with an M.S. in reading, diagnostics, and remedial reading. I retired from the U.S. Army/Army Reserves (HOOAH!) and also retired as a special effects designer and Pyrotechnician with my husband’s company. When my husband doesn’t have me hiking through the Himalayas, crewing on a 100 year old square rigger, or volunteering at airshows, I hide out and enjoy my passion for reading and writing children’s stories.” 

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Wait For Cate
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Cate has made a promise to her school friends to be on time for the big kickball game at recess. And they need her! When Cate encounters the new girl stuck in the sand in her wheelchair, Cate needs to make a decision. Should she keep her promise to her kickball team or help a new friend out of a “sticky” situation? 

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 Diana improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Diana is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to writing a story about bears admiring a dark brown house.  I think the main character’s name will be… Brownielocks!  And she will enter the dark brown house and find a pan of brownies cooling on the counter… some of which will likely be too hot, too cold, and just right…  But if you’re thinking you’ve heard this story before you totally haven’t, because Brownielocks is a bear (obviously) and the house belongs to humans.  Completely different story 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Llama Llama Gram And Grandpa

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

I seriously don’t know how the week flies by so fast!  How is it Friday again already?  I’m still doing Tuesday’s work, so we need to back up the truck a bit!  Or I need a personal assistant… any volunteers?  🙂

I’ve got another great book to share with you today, and I promise it’s just a coincidence that like last week’s it’s in rhyme – I’m not going to post rhyming books every single week… probably… maybe… 🙂 But this one is too good not to share.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!

Title: Llama Llama Gram And Grandpa
Written & Illustrated By: Anna Dewdney
Viking Books For Young Readers, September 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-5

Themes/Topics: grandparents, common childhood experiences (first sleepover, transitional object), bedtime, language fun (rhyme)

Opening: “Llama Llama, big big day!
It’s a first – a special stay!
Pack up clothes and pj’s tight – 
Llama’s going overnight.“

Brief Synopsis: Llama Llama is spending his first night away from home with Gram and Grandpa.  There are lots of fun things to do – a tractor to climb on, a garden to explore, grass to mow, Grandpa’s workshop to try out, and Gram’s food to sample – but what happens at bedtime when Llama’s special Fuzzy is nowhere to be found?

Links To Resources: Llama Llama Matching Game, Coloring Book, and more fun stuff; Curriculum Connections Guide for Llama Llama books, free downloadables and printables for teachers including desk plate, poster, and activities.

Why I Like This Book: If you’ve spent much time at all around this blog, you’ll know I love Llama Llama 🙂  This new addition to the collection is no exception.  The story, written in engaging, fun-to-read-aloud rhyme, perfectly captures the emotion of a child’s first time spending the night away from home.  The illustrations are warm and comforting.  Observant children will enjoy seeing (before Llama Llama does!) what happened to his Fuzzy 🙂  And of course, there is that trademark sweet “aww” moment that makes all Llama Llama books so special.  A great choice for preschoolers who are about to spend a night away, or for any child who enjoys the warmth and security of Llama Llama’s world 🙂

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

PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!  I can’t wait to see everyone’s choices!  Look out library, here I come! 🙂

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Would You Read It Wednesday #185 – Firefighters’ Busy Day (PB)

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Hello, darlings!  Happy Wednesday!

I don’t know about where you all live, but here on Blueberry Hill autumn seems to think it’s coming early.  The hummingbirds have almost all departed for warmer climes, the mornings have been very cool, and the leaves are falling much too soon.  I hope winter doesn’t get any bright ideas because seriously I feel like last winter only just ended!  I’m not kidding! and I’m not ready for colder weather yet!

Something about September and cooler weather, though, gets me thinking about baking.  And baking gets me thinking about chocolate.  (You’re shocked, I know! :))  So I think we need something baked and chocolatey and delicious for our Something Chocolate this morning… but also healthy since we’re eating breakfast and breakfast is the most important meal of the day… hmmm… how about this???

From The Baker Upstairs
recipe here: http://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2013/08/chocolate-zucchini-cake.html

See?  I always have your best interests at heart! 🙂  This snack even has zucchini in the title.  That’s how healthy it is!  (And I’m betting this cake would be a good way to sneak a little health food into your youngsters if you have any picky eaters at home!)

Mmm-mmm!  Something Chocolate always gets the day off to a good start!  And now that you’re all fortified and ready for anything, today’s pitch comes to us from Maria, whose PB pitches for The Trouble With Homework and A Pup Called Freelance you may remember from January and March respectively. Maria is an educator with a municipal fire department. She thinks she’s got the best job in the world! When she isn’t teaching others how to be safe, she can be found writing under a pecan tree, playing with her dogs and cats, or cruising around town “with the top down” searching for inspirational ideas or the next big story.

You can find her online at:
www.pinterest.com/ktownfiregirl
and
https://www.facebook.com/MJBostian?ref=hl

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Firefighters’ Busy Day
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 2-6)
The Pitch: Wow! Firefighters are Busy! Did you know that firefighters do more than just put our fires? They have many important jobs to do! Can you name some? “Washing, waxing shining the truck. Cleaning the gear, getting rid of muck.” Join author Maria Bostian as she takes you on a journey through a busy day with some of America’s favorite heroes! You can even help the firefighters get their jobs done! Busy little firefighters are safe and smart! Be sure to try some of the exciting Fire Safety Activities to turn everyday learning into firefighter fun!

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 Maria improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Maria is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to going horseback riding one of these days soon.  I help do the barn chores every weekday morning, but somehow I rarely seem to find time to ride.  I don’t really mind – I just like being around horses in any way, shape or form – they are so warm and comforting and peaceful – but autumn is one of the nicest times to ride if you get a chance – good weather and no bugs 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!!

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Old King Cole

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Happy Friday, Everyone, and welcome back to Perfect Picture Books!

Golly, it’s fun to get back in the groove, isn’t it?  I know some ambitious bloggers kept up with Perfect Picture Book Friday through July and August, but for those of us who have been lazing away our summer on hiatus, what better time then the start of the new school year to explore all the fabulous, fun titles coming out?!

I love sharing every Perfect Picture Book I find, but I especially love it when someone who is a favorite author and good friend has a new book out.  Today’s title is an absolute delight and I hope you’ll all enjoy it… and then rush out and get a copy for yourself and copies for all the littles in your life! 🙂

Title: Old King Cole
Written & Illustrated By: Iza Trapani
Charlesbridge, August 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 2-5

Themes/Topics: Nursery Rhymes, Language Fun (poetry)

Opening: “Old King Cole was a merry old soul,
And a merry old soul was he.
He called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl,
And he called for his fiddlers three.

“Welcome all to the King Cole ball.”
Said the king to the guests within.
“We’ll romp and we’ll dance in the royal hall.
Let the tunes and the fun begin!“

Brief Synopsis: Old King Cole stays up so late preparing for his annual ball that when the festivities begin he can’t stay awake!  Numerous familiar nursery rhyme characters try to come to his rescue, but only the Queen of Hearts can save the day!

Links To Resources: music and lyrics are included on the final page of the book for sing-along fun; take time to explore the illustrations and see how many nursery rhyme characters you can find; Old King Cole craft; make a paper crown; easy recipe for fruit tart (get the mini graham cracker crusts for smaller tarts :))

Why I Like This Book:  As you all know, I am a die-hard Iza Trapani fan, so it is no surprise that I love this latest addition to her stellar collection.  The story is amusing and fun with enough suspense to keep youngest readers wondering whether Old King Cole will EVER wake up.  The rhythmic rhyme is fun to read (and sing!) aloud.  The illustrations are bright and delightful with plenty of details to keep pre-readers interested, including the ruckus caused by the rooster, Old Mother Hubbard’s dog investigating the treat table, and the goats who take advantage of every opportunity to kick up their heels 🙂  Kids (and grown-ups) will enjoy searching for and finding so many familiar nursery rhyme characters!  You won’t want to miss this one!!!

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

PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!  I can’t wait to see what everyone has to share this week after so long out of the loop!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂

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Would You Read It Wednesday #184 – Moms (PB) PLUS The July Pitch Winner!

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Well howdy, pardners!

Long time no see!  I hope you all had wonderful summers and are coming into September renewed, refreshed, and ready for lots of picture book reading, writing, and pitching, and for contests and fun and high jinx and shenanigans of all kinds!

After a busy summer and a pretty long (for me) blog break, I’m still trying to find my stride again and it will probably take me a couple weeks, but boy am I glad to see you all!!! 🙂  I have missed this wonderful community and all you lovely folks!

I think this calls for a round of Something Chocolate, don’t you?  How about some Chocolate Coconut Pound Cake?

Yum!!!

Now then!  Would You Read It business!  The winner of the July Pitch Pick (I  know! It was so long ago!) was Kirsten with her pitch for Stuck In The Muck!  Congratulations, Kirsten, on a wonderful pitch!  I have sent it to editor Erin Molta for her comments… but it occurs to me that it’s been summer, and everyone has been busy, and I have lost track of Erin… so if you haven’t heard from her yet I will see if I can discover her whereabouts 🙂

Congratulations to our other brave and talented July pitchers as well.  As always, I think you’re winners just for writing your pitches, putting them out there, and then taking the valuable feedback from our amazing readers and using it to improve your pitches for the pitch pick!  Well done everyone!

Onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Lizette who says, “I am from Ontario Canada. I am heading into my 14th year as an Early Childhood Educator and I love it. Working with toddlers keeps me young! I have read many books to the children over the years and I am pretty good at picking stories to read to them as well as engaging them as a storyteller. I am in the process of writing a manuscript and I think this would be a great opportunity to get my idea out there and to get some feedback.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Moms
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 1.5 – 3)
The Pitch: This book is an illustrated story about mothers. It demonstrates that mothers from all over the world love and care for their children no matter what walk of life they come from. It is very reflective of Canada’s multicultural community and celebrates diversity. It is a simple story where the only text is the word ” Mom” “Mother or “Mommy ” in various languages. The illustrations will represent the feelings and interactions that occur daily between a mother and her children.  Pictures can capture emotions and can be understood by all and make for an open ended reading experience .  

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 Lizette improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Lizette is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things around here and catching up with you all!

It’s been a summer of change on many levels, and I am hoping to institute a few changes around here as well… but I’m not quite ready to announce anything so you’ll just have to wait and see…! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

See you Friday for the return of Perfect Picture Books! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday – The July Pitch Pick!!!

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Greetings, everyone!

I hope you have all had a lovely week since last we met 🙂

Today, since we’re tying things up before the August break, we have the July Pitch Pick but no new pitch, so less work for you! 🙂

Oh, and of course Something Chocolate to get you fueled up (and rewarded!) for your help!

Let’s start with that because… why not? 🙂  How’s this for perfect summer chocolate?

Chocolate-Dipped Watermelon!

Okay.  Possibly a little weird 🙂  But I’ll bet delicious! 🙂  It has chocolate on it.  How can it not be?

Alrighty!  Here we go on the July Pitch Pick!

#1 Lavanya – How I Made My Baby Sister (PB ages 3-7)
The thing about making a baby sister is, you have to be patient. First, you have to be patient until Mom and Dad realize you have the best idea. Then, you have to be patient for the baby to come out. But hardest of all is being patient while the baby grows big enough to play with you.

#2 Rene – Berr-r-rnice (PB ages 3-5)
Wee Woolly Bear caterpillar is STILL eating even though wintry winds are whipping. Journeying to her hibernation destination through mushy mare meadows proves treacherous. Wee Woolly Bear must persevere and ultimately discovers she’s not alone in her troubles. A 390 word story of perseverance and friendship for 3 – 5 year olds.

#3 Kirsten – Stuck In The Muck (PB ages 4-8)
Sir Whiskerson loves kitty facials and paw-dicures. When he comes whisker to whisker with a mangy mutt named Sunny, Whiskerson is desperate to remain pristine. But with Sunny stuck in the muck and sinking, Whiskerson must decide whether doing the right thing is worth a gloppy, sloppy fur coat.

Please choose the pitch you think most deserves a read and comments by editor Erin Molta and vote for it in the poll below by Sunday August 2 at 5 PM EST. Thank you all so much!


I will miss you all during the next few weeks, but this has been a pretty tough summer so far and I’m afraid I’m going to pretty much disappear from the internet.  Good lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you all on September 9 for the next installment of Would You Read It! 🙂

Have a wonderful, happy, relaxing, fun-filled, rejuvenating rest of the summer everyone!!!

See you in September! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #183 – Sourpuss: Stuck In The Muck (PB) PLUS The June Pitch Pick Winner!!!

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Golly!  The summer is just flying along, isn’t it?

I can’t believe it’s half-past July already!

I hope you are all enjoying tons of happy family time, vacationing, beaching, camping and marshmallow roasting… whatever blows your hair back 🙂

Now…

I bet you’re all wondering who won the June Pitch Pick, so I won’t keep you in suspense.  (And this time I’m serious – I really won’t!  We all have pressing things to get back to like lying in hammocks :))

The winner of the June Pitch Pick is MICHELLE with her pitch for The Sunflower Traveler!!!  Congratulations, Michelle!  Your pitch is winging its way through cyberspace to editor Erin Molta and I’m sure you’ll hear from her soon!

Congratulations to all our other fabulous pitchers, too!  You all did a fantastic job.  The choice was SO tough!  I hope at the very least everyone feels they got some helpful feedback from all our generous readers!

And now, I feel the need for Something Chocolate!  How about you?  Due to this heat wave, I’ve got cold things on the brain, so I think we’ll go with a Frozen Brownie Sundae… er, Wednesdae?!  Sound good?

from the Brown-Eyed Baker – recipe HERE
 http://www.browneyedbaker.com/frozen-brownie-sundae/

Enjoy!!!

Today’s pitch comes to us from Kirsten who says, “I am a children’s writer, a mother of three active preschoolers, a lover of all things salty and fattening, and an avid avoider of cleaning. I have been writing seriously for about 4 years. I LOVE the supportive writing community that I have found and I love my supportive hubby who looks past the piling masses of dirty laundry and asks me how my book is going.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Sourpuss: Stuck In The Muck
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Sourpuss is a cat that loves bubble baths, kitty facials, and manicures. When he comes whisker to whisker with a mangy mutt named Sunny, Sourpuss is desperate to remain pristine. Then Sunny gets stuck in the muck and it looks like Sourpuss is her only hope…if he is able to brave the sticky mud.

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 Kirsten improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Kirsten is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to that Sundae… even though it’s Wednesdae 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

Perfect Picture Book Friday SPECIAL EDITION! – There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knight!

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Hi Everyone!

I know.

I said Perfect Picture Book Friday was on hiatus until September.

And it is.

Mostly.

It’s just that I had to interrupt the hiatus today to shout a fabulous new book from the rooftops and make sure you all knew about it in time to preorder!

It’s not every day that someone you know – someone whose writing you’ve watched blossom and grow – releases a debut picture book, so when that happens it is truly cause for celebration!  In this case, that someone is a talented writer and poet, an entertaining blogger, always willing to jump in and help with any hair-brained schemes I happen to be cooking up :), and an all around fun person who I’m privileged to call a friend. . . the lovely and delightful Penny Klostermann!!!

Sit back and get ready to enjoy her splendiferous, tons-of-fun debut picture book: There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knight!

Title: There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knight
Written By: Penny Klostermann
Illustrated By: Ben Mantle
Random House, August 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: retelling of classic tale, humor, greed

Opening: “There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight.  I don’t know why he swallowed the knight.  It’s not polite!”

Brief Synopsis: For some unknown reason (maybe he was hungry?! :)) a dragon swallows a knight… but apparently that doesn’t quite do the trick, because after the knight he proceeds to swallow half the kingdom!  Eventually, though, the dragon has had ENOUGH!

Links To Resources: activity guides on Penny’s website; make up your own “There Was An Old ____ Who Swallowed A _____” story!

Why I Like This Book:  Is there anything NOT to like??? 🙂  This is a wacky, fun, rollicking story that takes advantage of the familiar format of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly while making the whole concept completely new and fresh.  The dragon is delightfully grumpy when he hollers, “I’ve had enough of this swallowing stuff!”, and I dare any kid not to laugh when the dragon burps everything back out.  Well… almost everything 🙂  (You’ll have to read the story to find out how it ends :))  The art is absolutely perfect!  Bright, engaging, and full of humorous details that are just right for the story – an author/illustrator match made in heaven.  There is so much to like in this book that it’s hard to pick favorite things, but I am especially partial to the steed who, once he enters the story, goes clippity clippity clippity clop! on every page – so much fun to read 🙂  Race out and pre-order your copy today, and/or make sure your local library plans to carry it!!!

Penny Parker Klostermann is the author of There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight. She loves all kinds of books, but especially loves very silly picture books that make her laugh. She has been known to hug her favorite picture books and seriously hopes that someday her books will gain huggable status too. Penny lives in Abilene, TX. Find out more about Penny on her website-https://www.pennyklostermann.com.

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

PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! 🙂

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Would You Read It Wednesday – The June Pitch Pick

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Happy Wednesday, Everybody!

I hope this morning finds you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and excited about living in the now 🙂

So, something unprecedented has happened today.

The pitcher who was up is a no show!

She was scheduled but never sent her pitch and info… and I’ve been distracted and didn’t notice until I went to write the post…

So you guys all get a restful day with nothing but Something Chocolate and the June Pitch Pick!

Woo hoo!

Chocolate first?

That’s what I thought 🙂

And what could be better for a hot day in July than a chocolate ice cream float?

Recipe HERE (along with 19 other ice cream floats!)
http://www.brit.co/ice-cream-floats-2/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

Now that we’re all properly fortified with the kind of brain food that will allow us to make hard decisions, let’s have a look at our new and improved June pitches.  Once you’ve read and pondered, please choose the pitch you feel most deserves a read by editor Erin Molta and vote for it below by Sunday July 19 at 5PM EDT.

#1 Lavanya – The Sun, The Moon, And Eve (PB ages 4-8)
In the dawn of the world, a child called Eve sings out her love for her siblings, the Sun and the Moon. But when Eve’s songs reveal her favorite, the Sun and the Moon unleash their fury. Eve must dispel the terrible shadow that follows, and restore their harmony.

#2 Michelle – The Sunflower Traveler (Chapter Book ages 6-9)
Rhea’s interest in growing sunflowers for Petal Path’s Magazine Contest turned into a quest to help her family when her dad lost his job. Her final requirement for the contest is to describe something new about her sunflowers. But time traveling through a sunflower, talking with birds, and instructing a new gardener from the past may be more than she’s bargained for. Will Rhea solve her sunflower problem and still make it back in time to enter the contest? 

#3 Darshana – The Boys Of Koh Panyee (PB ages 4-8)
The boys of Koh Panyee, Thailand dream of becoming football champions, but they live on a floating village. Unable to find open space anywhere, the boys find another way to make their dream come true, even in the face of village naysayers.

#4 Johnell  How Much Farther (PB ages 4-8)
Buddy wants Dad to carry him. Dad wants Buddy to try out his big kid legs. Both have creative ways to get what they want. Between sightings of butterflies, robins and troll holes they creep closer to their destination until Buddy can’t. go. another. step. When Dad finally offers to carry him, Buddy realizes his big kid legs might be strong enough after all.

Thank you all so much for reading and voting, and for always participating so generously in WYRI – we couldn’t do it without you! 🙂

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!  And please pop by on Friday for a very special Perfect Picture Book (even though we’re on vacation! :))

Would You Read It Wednesday #182 – Ber-r-rnice (PB)

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Howdy, folks, and welcome to another fun-filled edition of Would You Read It Wednesday!

I hope everyone’s summers are going swimmingly so far!

I have to apologize. . . sometimes life goes to heck in a hand basket and things you normally keep up with just fine suddenly fall by the wayside, or have to be put off.  Best laid plans and all that. . .  but for a little while I’m just not going to be able to keep pace with normal.

I know I promised a writing contest to follow the illustration contest, but after much agonizing, I just don’t think I can do it right now.  I’m so sorry.  I feel terrible about it!  Please feel free to note in the comments if you’d be interested in doing it in September instead, even though the Halloweensie Contest will take place the last week of October and the Holiday Contest will be the second week of December.  I’m hoping I’ll be able to do it by then.

I also meant to post the June Pitch Pick today, but forgot to email the pitchers… so that will have to be next week.

But I CAN award the picture book prizes to a random handful of you wonderful people who so graciously commented on two pitches on our double-header WYRI day! 🙂

The randomly selected people paired with the randomly selected books by random.org are as follows:

Stacy Couch – My Love For You Is The Sun
Cathy Hall – Tyrannosaurus Wrecks
Joanne Sher – What About Moose
Vivian Kirkfield – Tea Party Rules
Mishka Jaeger – Little Miss Muffet
Teresa Robeson – Me Want Pet
Erik Weibel – Jeremy Draws A Monster

Thank you all so very much for pitching in (hehe) to help two people at once, and thanks to everyone else who did so too!

Winners, please email me with your snail mail address, and if anyone wants to trade books or already has what they won and has no one to give it to or what not, let me know!

Now then, how about Something Chocolate and then we’ll get down to today’s pitch.

Recipe at Lil’ Luna http://lilluna.com/frozen-oreo-pudding-cake/

Frozen Oreo Pudding Cake!

YUM!!!

Today’s pitch comes to us from Rene.  Rene` Diane Aube’s long-dreamed-of writing journey began in 2011 as she and hubby bickered over renovations on a vintage camper. After overcoming some fears and insecurities ~ well, somewhat ~ she plunged into and completed several writing courses and began participating in on-line study groups in the hope that someday she will see one of her picture book manuscripts in print.

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Ber-r-rnice
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-5)
The Pitch: Mushy meadows, a ravenous Rain Crow, and galloping mares, too! How will a wee Woolly Bear caterpillar fare in her quest to reach her hibernation destination as snow begins to fly?

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 Rene improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in November so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Rene is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am hoping to hear from you whether an alternative time might work for the writing contest – my sincere apologies again!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone! 🙂