Category: Holiday Contest

Perfect Picture Book Friday – First Snow (And Some Other Odds And Ends!)

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Well, you guys are in for it today!

After several brief (for me) posts in a row, I’ve used up my ability to be short-winded and I have so much to tell you today I can’t even believe it.  I’ll try to be succinct 🙂

First, my Perfect Picture Book, because I like that to be at the top on Friday.

First Snow
Written & Illustrated By: Kim Lewis
Candlewick Press, 1993, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4-8

Themes/Topics: kindness, helping others, friends, pets, farm life, beloved toy, loss

Opening: “Wake up, Sara,” whispered Mommy.  “Daddy’s not very well today.  I’m going to feed the sheep on the hill.  Would you and Teddy like to come?“

Brief Synopsis: To help Daddy, Mommy and Sara and Sara’s bear, Teddy, go up the hill to feed the sheep.  It’s a long climb, and while they’re up there, the first snow of the year begins to fall.  Hurrying to get home before they can’t find their way, no one notices that Sara’s beloved Teddy has been left behind.

Links To Resources: The Working Sheep Dog (video), Sheep Herding Demonstration (video), Fun Sheep Facts For Kids, Facts About Border Collies Talk about what you could do for someone that would be nice or help them in some way.

Why I Like This Book:  I love that whole story takes place because Sara and her mom are trying to do something nice for Daddy.  As they hike, you can feel the steepness of the hill, the cold air, the first tentative snowflakes followed by the real snow.  For children who may never have been out in the real country, the book gives them a taste of it.  The sense of wanting to get back to their cottage pulls the reader along, but on the whole it’s a fairly quiet book.  The art is gorgeous.  It’s drawn in colored pencil and the little cottage where Sara’s family lives is so warm and inviting, and the vistas of the English hills so lovely it makes you want to step right into the pages of the book.  The sheep are beautiful, the border collies exceptional.  But maybe the thing I love most about the book is the understanding it shows between a child and her pet.  It is not Mommy or Daddy or Sara who recovers Teddy 🙂

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

Next, two things that kind of go together.  When Beth asked to interview me about Perfect Picture Books I was happy to do it to raise awareness of this resource that we all work so hard on (and because Beth is nice and I like her :)) but I never in a million years expected the kind of response we got.  So I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful comments.  They meant so much to me.  I really can’t find words to tell you how much… which is bad for a writer!  But it was an unexpected gift for which I am truly grateful, and it just makes me value this wonderful community even more.  I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to print out that post and stick it on my wall to read on days when I feel low 🙂  So thank you.

In the same vein, Randy over at Author In Training very kindly gave me the Addictive Blog Award.

In addition to linking back to him (and I hope you’ll go visit him if you haven’t because he does great writing prods and is currently writing a YA novel that you get to read a bit of every Friday and just has an all around great blog!) I am supposed to list 10 blogs I am addicted to.  But I can’t list only 10.  Especially after being reminded Wednesday of just how wonderful you all are.  So consider yourselves all recipients, and feel free to take the award badge and post it on your blog!

The next item I wanted to mention is that tomorrow, December 1 (a Saturday so I don’t post) marks my 2nd Blogiversary!!!  I can’t believe it’s been 2 years.  I have had so much fun here, getting to know you all and dragging you into all my hair-brained schemes!  Anything that’s good about this blog is good because of you, so please give yourselves all a big pat on the back and a round of applause!  Some confetti would be nice, too.  And of course, I think we should serve Something Chocolate, even though it’s not Wednesday 🙂  I would also like to give you A PRESENT!  Of course, I’d really like to give you ALL a present, but I don’t have the resources, so two (that’s 2!) lucky random commenters today will receive a packet of 5 assorted hand-drawn greeting cards by our own superbly talented  Tracy Campbell!  Here’s a little sample:

copyright Tracy Campbell 2012 used by permission

copyright Tracy Campbell 2012 used by permission

copyright Tracy Campbell 2012 used by permission

Aren’t they gorgeous?  Please click on the link to her blog and explore and you can see many other cards!

Second to last (see? there’s a light at the end of the tunnel :)), I wanted to let you all know ahead of time about a special PPBF.  At the suggestion of Pat at Children’s Books Heal and Vivian at Positive Parental Participation, on Friday December 14, which is the anniversary of the date in 1954 that the UN General Assembly recommended there should be a Universal Children’s Day, we are going to be doing our part to raise awareness of the plight of children around the globe and to promote the welfare of children in the world by posting books which focus on multicultural/multiracial issues, human rights, and/or children who have helped to change the world in some way.  For example, Pat plans to post the picture book version of The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.  Beatrice’s Goat and Wangari’s Trees Of Peace are other examples of books in this category (although they’re already on our list.)  Please join us if you’d like to!  But of course, if you’ve already got a book in mind and would like to post a regular PPB that is fine too – all picture books are for children 🙂

FINALLY (here we are! this is the end!) I’m hoping to post the rules for the Holiday Contest on Monday.  Of course, that will depend on whether I make up my mind about what it’s going to be by then 🙂  But here’s hoping 🙂

That’s it!  Go forth!  Run free!  Go see all the wonderful picture books that have been chosen this week!  And have a GREAT weekend! 🙂

(PPBF bloggers, please remember to add your post-specific link below!  And don’t forget, 2 lucky commenters will win beautiful cards, and the winners will be chosen totally by random.org and not at all based on how nice the things you say about me or my blog are :))

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

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Hurray!  It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday!  And today’s Perfect Picture Book is one of my all time favorites.  (So is next week’s and really I wish I could have put them both up in one day but all in good time…!)  Assuming even 9 people besides me post books today, our archive list will be over 100 books already – isn’t that great?!  It’s becoming a real resource! 🙂  Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who is participating!

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
Written and Illustrated By:  Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, 1996, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4-8
Topics/Themes: following the rules, consequences
Opening:  “Lilly loved school.  Lilly loved the privacy of her very own desk.  She loved the fishsticks and chocolate milk every Friday in the lunchroom.  And, most of all, she loved her teacher, Mr. Slinger.”


Brief Synopsis:  (From Amazon.com Review)  Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger–until he takes away her musical purse because she can’t stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of “Big Fat Mean Mr. Stealing Teacher!” but when she finds the kind note he put in her purse, she’s filled with remorse and has to find a way to make things right again.


Links To Resources: Lilly Classroom Activites, Color Lilly, Lilly Maze, Lilly Dot-to-Dot, Make Your Own Purse & other activities, more Lilly activities (please scroll down past Chrysanthemum)

Why I Like This Book:  Kevin Henkes perfectly captures the excitement of having something new and treasured to share with friends and the overwhelming difficulty of staying within the rules on such an occasion.  Lilly’s exuberance feels so perfectly real.  Without preaching or moralizing this story shows the importance of behaving properly, that actions have consequences, and that it is within a child’s own power to correct a mistake – that just because she didn’t handle a situation quite right the first time doesn’t mean she can’t do it better tomorrow.

I love Lilly… 🙂

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

(And if you posted a Perfect Picture Book, please don’t forget to add your link to the list below!)

Now, then, onto a couple other things.

First, the results of the contest poll have shown conclusively that you are inconclusive 🙂  Only “No thank you I’m too busy” got only 1 vote 🙂  Since everything else was pretty evenly split across the options, including the easy-going types who were willing to do whatever worked for everyone else, I think we’ll do a contest every 2nd or 3rd month.  We’ll skip January to give everyone a rest, and then do one in February (Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day leap instantly to mind :)) and see where we go from there.  Sound good?

Second, when I started my blog last year, I did a few author/illustrator/author-illustrator interviews along with book giveaways that people seemed to like.  (Karen Orloff, Cori Doerffeld, Ryan Sias…)  I’d like to get back to doing some of those because I always like meeting the creative minds behind the picture books we all love and we can learn so much from them!  So once a month on Saturdays we’ll have someone awesome over to chat.  Of course there will be delicious breakfast items on offer (aren’t there always?)

If there are any particular questions you’d like answered by our visiting authors or illustrators, please be sure to let me know!  What are the things you secretly wonder about while browsing through the bookstore?  I want everyone to get the most they can out of the interviews, so please don’t be shy – shout your questions right out! 🙂

Have a great weekend, everyone!  (And don’t forget to post your Perfect Picture Book Link below if you have one!)

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Four Feet, Two Sandals AND The Holiday Contest Winner!

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I know.  Things have gotten just a tad out of hand this week.  Monday’s post barely made it in under the wire, and I skipped Wednesday’s altogether to give everyone more time to vote during this busy week when lots of people are off their normal schedule.  But now it’s Friday and we’re back on track with Perfect Picture Books!

(Oh.  And by the way, in case you’re interested, we’ll get around to the winner of the Holiday Contest too! :))

But no skipping ahead!  Or at least, if you do, please come back, because this is a wonderful book and I don’t want you to miss it!

Four Feet, Two Sandals
Written By:  Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed
Illustrated By:  Doug Chayka
Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, September 2007, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 7-10
Themes/Topics:  Friendship, Sharing, Refugees, Loss, Separation

Opening:  “Lina raced barefoot to the camp entrance where relief workers threw used clothing off the back of a truck.   Everyone pushed and fought for the best clothes.  Lina squatted and reached, grabbing what she could.”

Brief Synopsis:  In a place where people have very little, two girls each get one of a pair of sandals.  They could have fought, but instead they share the sandals.  As they go about their routines, waiting and hoping for their names to appear on the list for a new home, the sandals remind them that friendship is the most important thing.  And when one girl gets the chance to live in a new land, the bond of their friendship remains.

Links To Resources:  Teacher’s Guide, Discussion Guide, author’s note at back of book adds extra information.

Why I Like This Book:  This story gives children a glimpse of a very different kind of life.  For children who are fortunate, this book may help them not to take things for granted so much.  For children who are less fortunate, this book may help them see that they are not alone.  Told gently and with hope so that it is appropriate for children, this book nonetheless opens the way to important discussions about refugees, having and not having, war and peace, loss, and separation.  But the underlying message is one of love and friendship, something all children understand and can relate to.

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
(For those of you also posting a Perfect Picture Book today, please remember to put your link on the list below.)
Okay, so I’ll see you all on Monday.
Oh, wait.
Hang on.
I guess a few of you are wondering who won the Holiday Contest 🙂
(You didn’t really think I’d leave you hanging, did you? :))
As you all know, the entries were outstanding.  There were several – I’d go so far as to say at least 6 (since that’s what I put in the finals :)) – that could have won.  I’m glad I didn’t have to make the ultimate decision!  But the voters have spoken clearly.  And the winner is…
DDRRRRUUUUUUMMMMMMMRRRRRRROOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!
MIRANDA 
with ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas: Rudolph Goes Green!!!
Congratulations, Miranda!  And congratulations to all who entered!  (And Miranda, please email me and let me know if you’d prefer the gift card or the childrens writer’s market guide!)
Because we had so many amazing entries, I will mention that second place went to Penny for ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas On Mars, and third place went to Joanna for The Plight Before Christmas.
Thanks to everyone who entered.  You are all so talented, and you made the contest so much fun.  I think everyone had a great time hopping from blog to blog reading the stories (I know I did!) and everyone was so supportive of everyone else.  Maybe you made some new friends in the process too!
Happy New Year, Everyone!  I wish you all the very best in 2012 – love, health, happiness, peace, and great writing!  See you next year! 🙂
(PPB posters – don’t forget the link below!)

‘Twas The Day After Christmas – Holiday Contest Finalists!

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HINT For Beth’s Birthday Hunt Clue #12

If you still don’t get it, email me 🙂

Yes, I realize it’s getting on for midnight – about 18 hours later than I usually post and way past my bedtime 🙂  But I promised to post the finalists on Monday December 26 and By Gum I’m going to deliver as promised!

(I’ll confess, however, that I have absolutely NO IDEA what I was thinking when I promised that.  All these fabulous entries, which required reading and rereading and rereading to narrow down to finalists in the midst of wrapping and baking and celebrating Christmas and my nephew’s birthday which was today… I think the fact that I accomplished it, albeit on the late side, proves that I have actual magical powers!)

Before I put up the poll for you to vote for the winner, I just have to say a couple things:

First, I was so gratified by how many people entered the contest – 29 in all!  All you amazing writers took the time to think and create, write and revise, and bravely post your entries for the world to see and me and my trusty assistant to judge, all for my little contest.  You ALL deserve a pat on the back, a round of applause and a celebratory slice of hot apple pie with a big dollop of homemade whipped cream!

Second, I was so impressed by the overall quality of the entries!  So many wonderful ideas, and all so different!  Such creativity!  And some very talented rhymers!  You have no idea how hard it was to have to set wonderful stories aside, one by one, based on relatively nitpicky things because I really couldn’t have 29 winners!  Please know that there were many things I loved about the entries that didn’t make the final cut.  Finalists were chosen based on originality, quality and appeal of story, and precision of rhyme and meter.  They had to have everything to make the cut.  One or two were culled because they had one but not the other, or because of inconsistency of mood or story.

Third, I realized part way through reading the entries that I did not specify this was meant to be a kids’ story.  My mistake, but it made the judging even harder because there were some entries that were clearly intended for children and some that were written from a much more adult perspective.  So you will note that of the six (not three) finalists that I’m posting, 4 are kids and 2 seemed (at least to me) more adult, but all were great stories.

So, enough with the explanations!  On with the voting!

I will post below the 6 finalists (you’ve noticed, no doubt, that I can never narrow it down as far as I say I’m going to – I’m clearly not cut out to be a judge – I’m not cutthroat enough :)) in no particular order followed by the poll.  I’m also giving three Honorable Mentions (I told you it was really hard to pick and I’m not cut out to be a judge :))

Ready?

#1  (Mars)

Removed per author’s request.


#2 (Fishmas)

“Twas the Night Before Fishmas”
Twas the night before Fishmas, when all through the sea,
Not a flipper was flapping, it was still as can  be.
All the fishies were snoozing, snug in their sponge-beds,
As sweet dreams of earthworms, just squirmed through their heads.
When all of a sudden, through seaweed so thick,
Poked the jagged white teeth, and sly smile of Shark Nick!
And straight through the waters, he darted so fast,
He filled every conch-shell with treats that would last.
Chocolate worms, shrimpy-canes, plankton cakes for each fish!
Every conch over-flowed with each sea creature’s wish!
“Merry Fishmas,” he whispered and gave each a pat.
Eat up, little fishies and get plentifully fat!”
“Every Fishmas I visit, I happily treat you!
So you’re portly and plump, when I happily eat you!”
Then as quick as he came, he was gone in snap
He shot through seaweed, with a single tail-flap.
But they all heard him snarl, as he swam out of sight,
“Go ahead little fishies….Go ahead…Take a bite!”



#3 (Flood)

T’was the eve before Christmas and down by the stream,
the moles squealed and scrambled, as in a bad dream!
The snowstorm that blasted the valley that day
had flooded the tunnels; all nests flushed away.
Mama mole bundled her babies up tight,
shivering, “Where can we spend this cold night?”
Papa mole helped them climb out of the mud.
On mounting the bank, they heard a great ‘thud’.
The family looked up, OH, what a surprise –
a laughing old man dressed in red, filled their eyes.
He knelt in the snow, scooped them up with such love,
gently, he slipped them inside his warm glove.
He’d finished his rounds, then heard of the plight
of riverbank creatures that wet, snowy night.
They swooped on upstream calling out in the dark,
“Any need help? We’re the Santa’s Sleigh-Ark.”
As the sleigh flew along, they gathered a crew,
of rats, otters, mice, and a soggy duck too.
They pulled tight the scarves, all snuggled together,
so grateful for safety from treacherous weather.
The sleigh landed, CRUNCH, on North Pole’s ice strip.
The river crew marveled at their first sky trip.
The reindeer were settled in stable with straw,
but Santa had plans for the damp, homeless poor.
He kindled the fire, put chestnuts to roast,
he smothered with butter and honey, the toast;
he brewed pots of tea, and laid out the mince pies,
then chuckling, he pulled out his festive surprise.
How could he know? Had he planned more to share?
Santa had presents for each of them there.
From wee smallest mole to old grandpa Duck;
they shed a few tears, overwhelmed with their luck.
They pulled Christmas crackers, told jokes old and new,
sipped their mulled wine; hummed yule carols too.
“Three Cheers to Santa, for saving the day!”
The riverbank creatures raised loud their Hooray!

#4 (Rudolph)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas:  Rudolph Goes Green
‘Twas the night before Christmas when there on the screen
Played an eco-documentary with ways to be green.
On the sofa sat Rudolph who suddenly froze
And pulled his front hooves right in front of his nose.
“I’ve got to replace this old iridescent
With an LED light–or at least a fluorescent!”
At once Rudolph dashed to the D.I.Y. store,
And the reindeer pack gasped as he clopped out the door.
“Don’t leave us,” yelled Comet. “You’ll make us all late!
It’s a good thing you’re doing but…Christmas WON’T WAIT!”
“C’mon” scoffed ol’ Blitzen, “Let’s get up and soar,
We can fly without Greenie–we’ve done it before!”
Then up flew eight reindeer with no glowing light,
Leading Santa’s big sleigh on a cold, wintry night.
But the wind and the storms blew a blinding, wet mess
So Donder unwrapped Yumi’s new G-P-S!
Their troubles were past them until Tokyo,
When Santa reminded, “That gift’s gotta go!”
Then Dasher discovered an oversized candle
In shimmery paper with a tag that read: Randall.
In a flash went their stress ‘til they flew o’er Khartoum,
When that “oversized candle” exploded…KA-BOOM!
It kicked up a sandstorm so Prancer thought quick,
Unwrapping a flashlight for young Dominic–
But the batteries died just past the Sahara,
So Vixen dug up Amy’s light-up tiara!
“You hold it,” he bickered, “Too girly for me!”
And they pawed it and clawed ‘til it fell in the sea!
“Now stop it, you guys!” bellowed Santa in back.
“We’ve got presents to give, so no talking smack!”
They straightened right up and squinting their best
Took strange routes from Cape Town to old Budapest.
Eventually they made it, but sore and pooped out,
And when they got home they gave Rudolph a shout:
“You lazy, green-washing…WAIT…that’s the SAME nose!”
Rudolph casually shrugged, “Yeah…the merchant was closed.”
“Well I guess we don’t need you!” the reindeer yelled, peeved.
And to their surprise, Rudolph felt…quite RELIEVED!
“That’s perfect!” he sang, then rushed out the door.
“See you guys in two years, I’ve joined the Peace Corps!”

#5 (parents)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the night,
We parents were wrapping with all of our might.
The stockings were stuffed but the presents were bare.
“I’ll be more organized next year… I swear!”
We prayed that the children would stay in their beds,
Snuggled in tight with the spreads on their heads.
While Daddy with his screwdriver and I with my tape,
Settled in to the task to make Christmas take shape.
When all of a sudden the dog began barking.
The reflection of bows on the ceiling were sparkling!
I sprang from the couch and led him away –
Into his crate to await Christmas Day.
At last we were ready to load up the tree.
Poor Daddy endured sharp instructions from me.
First this one!  Now that one! Put this one on top.
Be CAREFUL! It’s fragile!  Be sure it won’t drop.
And then we collapsed, exhausted and frayed.
“Oh please let the kids sleep ‘til eight,” we both prayed.
One blink of an eye and we heard the kids cheer,
“Come look at the tree, ‘cause Santa’s been here!”
We groaned in our beds, our eyes red and puffy.
The kids both looked glowing, while we looked quite scruffy.
I brewed us some coffee and scorching hot tea,
Then readied myself for the festivity.
One blink of an eye and the presents were done.
The kids were quite eager to play and have fun.
But as they were cleaning up ribbon and wrapping,
I lay my head down and soon began napping.
As I slipped into dreams, I heard a soft voice
Remind me to savor the day and rejoice.



#6 (school)

‘Twas the week before Christmas when all through the school
The children excitedly prepared for Yule.
The choir sang carols of joy and good cheer,
And how they’d behaved for their parents all year!
The students drew snowmen and reindeer and elves
Which teachers hung proudly upon all the shelves.
My class in pajamas, and I with my book,
Read about the adventures that Santa Claus took.
When out in the hall there arose such a roar
We jumped from our seats and ran to the door.
We peeked ‘round the corner to see what was there,
For a moment the children could only stare.
I cried tears of joy when I saw their bright eyes
The volunteers planned an amazing surprise.
Hot cocoa they poured for the girls and the boys,
And parked in the hall was a train full of toys!
The kids-how they squealed! Their faces aglow
As each took his present tied up with a bow.
This Christmas each angel received a new gift
The worries that this special day would sure lift.
They returned to our classroom so happy to be
Heading home with these gifts to put under the tree
When I opened the door, all the children said “Look!”
On each little desk sat a shiny new book.
“Do you like them?” I asked,  I brought them for you
From every direction came hugs, how they flew!
This Christmas was special, I knew right away
For as long as I lived I’d remember that day.

I’d also like to give Honorable Mention to Erik for his story about the shelter dog – excellent story just right for this time of year! – Cathy for her lovely bear story, and Donna for her barnyard Christmas story, all strong entries!

So here’s the poll.  Please vote for the number you feel should win.  I’d love it if you could vote by midnight tomorrow (Tuesday) so I could post the winner Wednesday, but i realize I haven’t given you much time.  So if not enough people have voted by midnight tomorrow, I will extend the voting and post the winner Friday with Perfect Picture Books.


<a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/5791664/”>Holiday Contest</a>
Thank you all for writing, reading, and voting, and making this contest SO MUCH FUN!

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated The World

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This is one of my favorite things about the holidays: getting up in the dark and turning on the Christmas tree lights, then sitting with a book (or in this case my computer as I write my blog :)), the dogs, and a cup of coffee, enjoying the beauty and peace while the rest of the house is still asleep.  There’s something lovely about having a tree in the living room 🙂

I’m going to be brief (for me :)) today, because visiting family is here, and I’m way behind on baking and wrapping, and I’m guessing you all have important people and things to get to also.  So first, my Perfect Picture Book and then just one other little thing 🙂

Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated The World
Written (Told) By: Juliana, Isabella, and Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Gerald R. Uhlich
Photographs By: Peter Griesbach, Andre Schule, Sean Gallup,  Rainer Jensen and others.
Scholastic Press, November 2007
Suitable For: ages 5 and up
Themes/Topics: animals, endangered animals, caring, environmentalism
Opening:  “One December afternoon, in a cozy, dark enclosure in a zoo in Berlin, Germany, a polar bear cub was born.”
Brief Synopsis:  This is the true story of Knut, a newborn polar bear whose mother was unable to care for him.  Thomas Dorflein, a bear keeper at the zoo, became Knut’s “foster father” – bottle feeding him, bathing him, sleeping beside him and teaching him to play and swim.  Knut was loved the world over, and helped bring recognition to the plight of polar bears, endangered by the potential loss of their habitat.

Links to resources:  Knut Teaching Resources.  This link has subsequent links to activities, video clips, articles, and other animals-against-adversity stories.  The back of the book also has lots of information about polar bears, how they are threatened, and how you can help.

Why I Like This Book:  It’s a true story, and a deeply touching one, that is also educational and informative.  The photographs are gorgeous and very appealing.  It shows that there are people in the world who care enough to sacrifice a great deal to help someone else – even if that someone else happens to be a baby polar bear.  The book brings attention to ecological concerns, the environment, and caring for all species, and lists ways kids can help.

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

(For those of you also posting a Perfect Picture Book today, please remember to put your link on the list below.)

And now, for the one other little thing.

The Holiday Contest is officially closed with a grand total of 29 fabulous entries (28 on the link list and one in the comment section.)  I will post finalists on Monday (and yes, Penny and Cathy, I will probably be needing some of that Red Bull because I was very ambitious thinking I was going to have time for this on top of all the other Christmas activities!!)  Of course, I’ve read them all already, but making decisions about which are best is going to be VERY hard. You guys have cut my work out for me 🙂

And now, Happy Holidays to everyone!  I wish you all love, health, peace and joy 🙂

The Holiday Contest Is Here!

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Grab your mug of hot chocolate and settle in for some serious fun!  The week we’ve all been waiting for is finally here 🙂
Yes, Hanukah and Christmas of course, but also the world famous Holiday Contest!!!  (Or, if it isn’t world famous yet it soon will be!)

The First Annual Holiday Contest is officially open!  Post your own version of Clement C. Moore’s traditional poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.  Your entry must be at least 12 lines/3 stanzas, not to exceed 40 lines/10 stanzas.  Entries may refer to any winter holiday you celebrate (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.) or to any combination of winter holidays, or no holiday – just a good winter-time story if you’re not comfortable with a holiday.  And if the idea of writing in rhyme strikes fear and loathing into your heart, you may write a prose version not to exceed 350 words (and if anyone dares suggest you’re wimping out well then you just tell them to talk to me!)

Entries must be posted on your blogs or, if you don’t have a blog, copied and pasted into the comments on my blog between now and Thursday December 22 at 11:59 PM EST.  Once your entry is posted, please add the direct link of your post to the link list below.  There will be no Would You Read It, and hence no new Wednesday post this week, so this post with any entries in the comments and the link list will remain up for the duration of the contest, making it easy for everyone to read all the entries!

And the prize, lest you may have forgotten?  My lovely assistant judge and I will choose 3 finalists for you to vote on Monday December 26 (so you’ll still have something to look forward to even after you’ve opened your presents :))  The winner will receive their choice of a $15 Amazon gift card (to buy themselves whatever book they really wanted and didn’t get as a holiday gift :)) or the 2012 Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market!

We got 21 entries for the Thanksgiving Contest which was SO much fun!  Let’s see if we can beat that!

As an aside, before I post my just-for-fun sample entry, I just have to tell you that any mention of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas automatically makes me think of Larry The Cable Guy’s “‘Twas The Night Before A Non-Denominational Winter Holiday” – the supposedly  PC version of this holiday tale.  If you haven’t seen it, you owe it to yourself to check it out, but I can’t in good conscience link to it here on my child-friendly blog because it is a bit off color 🙂  (Still, if you’ve seen it or if you watch it, let me know what you think!  I confess it causes me to ROTFL :))

Okay then, boys and girls, I hope you’re ready for some truly epic poetry 🙂

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
by Susanna

‘Twas the night before Christmas and at the North Pole
The workshop was totally out of control.
And what do you think had come out of the blue
To cause all this riotous hullaballoo?
A phone call delivering notification –
The reindeer had won a Hawaiian vacation!
“Pack up your suitcases!  Do not delay!
Your splendid vacation begins right away!”
“Hawaii!” the reindeer cried out in delight.
“Palm trees and sand, not a snowflake in sight!
It’s the chance of a lifetime, dear Santa,” they said.
“That may be,” replied Santa, “but who’ll pull my sled?
All ‘round the world there are good girls and boys
Who are counting on us to deliver their toys.
We can’t let them down just so you can have fun
Swimming and surfing and soaking up sun.”
“You’re right, “said the reindeer.  “Of course we must stay.
Forget the vacation.  We’ll hitch up the sleigh.”
The reindeer went off to their work looking sad
And Santa was left feeling pretty darn bad.
“Poor Dasher and Dancer and all the reindeer.
They deserve a vacation.  They’re good every year!”
“I know!” said his wife with a smile on her face.
“Perhaps someone else could go out in their place!
But who could we get to come out right away?
Who would be able to pull that huge sleigh?”
“Great Scott!” hollered Santa, “I’ve got just the scheme!
Cousin Ira’s Alaskan Iditarod team!”
Santa knew his last minute request would be iffy
But Ira was ready to help in a jiffy.
When Santa was packed, set to be on his way,
Eight eager huskies were hitched to the sleigh.
“On Putter!  On Pookie!  On Piggy and Pup!
Good heavens!” said Santa, “who thought these names up?
And how in the world do you make these dogs go?”
“You just have to use a command that they know.
Mush, puppies! Mush!” Ira spoke to his crew.
Then up in the air and away they all flew.
And Santa exclaimed ere they drove out of reach,
“Merry Christmas, dear reindeer, have fun at the beach!” 

Now then, if that doesn’t cause fear and loathing of rhyme I don’t know what will! 🙂

I literally CANNOT WAIT! to read all your entries!  They will surely be better than that one!

So.  To the entries!  Please post the direct link to your holiday contest post in the list below or paste your entry in the comments!  Let the fun begin!!!

P.S. Although we won’t be having Would You Read It this week, we will still be having Perfect Picture Books on Friday so be sure to stop back for that!

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, Plus Straight From The Editor #4 and a Surprise!

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I promised you an action-packed Friday and here it comes!  I hope you’re eating your Wheaties this morning 🙂
We’ll start with the Perfect Picture Book, so as to keep that at the top and easy to find.  But the agenda will include November’s Straight From The Editor and SUCH an awesome surprise that I will only blame you a little if you have to scroll down quickly and take a sneak peek!  Just scroll back up again so you don’t miss anything 🙂

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Written and Illustrated By: Robert Barry
Doubleday Books For Young Readers, October 2000 (originally Random House 1963)
Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4 and up
Theme/Topics: Christmas, sharing, optimism, “waste not, want not”.
Opening and brief synopsis:  “Mr. Wiilowby’s Christmas tree came by special delivery.  Full and fresh and glistening green – the biggest tree he had ever seen.”  But to his dismay the tree is too tall!  He calls upon his butler to chop off the top, and so begins the tale of a Christmas tree that brings joy to homes of all kinds.  Over and over the top of the tree is trimmed, becoming a tree for smaller and smaller homes.  Instead of serving only one family, Mr Willowby’s tree becomes a tree for seven.  Children will be delighted when they see where the last, smallest piece of the tree ends up!


Links To Resources:  Mr. Willowby Activities, Stacking Trees, Preschool Discussion Topics, Gift Tag Activity.


Why I Like This Book:  Catchy rhyme, a charming story and a theme of generosity and making the best of whatever comes along all combine to make this a delightful holiday tale.  From Mr. Willowby right down to the last recipient, each character uses just what he or she needs and the rest goes on to someone else.  Nobody says it isn’t big enough.  Rather, they all feel overly blessed.  The art is warm and engaging, with each little home and family cozier than the last.

If you haven’t read Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, get thee to a library right quick 🙂

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

Next, it’s time for Straight From The Editor!  You will recall Dee’s pitch:

Working Title:  Hating Ric
Age/Genre: YA Verse
Pitch:  On the day of his brother, Jason’s funeral, 17 year-old Ric’s anger explodes, and he races Jason’s car through the streets, crashing and badly injuring jogger, Kate.  Ric is sent to a juvenile justice centre, where survivor guilt and grief set him on a reckless destruction course. Help comes through his music and from an unexpected source in Kate who is struggling to put her own life back together.

And here are Erin’s comments:

This needs to be short and sweet. Your long sentences are somewhat confusing and an editor would have to read it twice to figure out what you are saying. Basically, Ric is angry after his brother’s death. Did he cause it, was he with him? Is that why you’re implying survivor’s guilt? Be more to the point. You want the reader to be intrigued, not guessing. And don’t be afraid to use cliché’s. Sometimes they can get the point across quickly and in fewer words. Can you say Kate is battling her own demons? Something like that. I think an editor will be intrigued if it’s more direct and to the point.

I find Erin’s comments very interesting and helpful, and I hope you all do, too!

And now… duhn duhn duhn… the moment you’ve all been waiting for… duhn duhn duhn….  THE SURPRISE!!!

This is really for all of you, so I hope you like it!  Think of it as my little holiday gift to you 🙂

Presenting, the Perfect Picture Book Badge!  LOOK!
Badge designed by Loni Edwards

Is it just me, or does everyone totally love it?  I just can’t get over how cute that little guy is, reading a perfect picture book to his little buggy friends! 🙂  Anyone who participates in Perfect Picture Book Fridays may lift this badge for their blog.  It would be super fantastic if you could link the badge back to Perfect Picture Books.  It will soon be appearing in my sidebar, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise this morning 🙂

So now I must tell you about the extraordinarily talented artist who created this badge.  I know this will come as a shock to you – especially those of you who have had the opportunity to witness my unrivaled drawing skills (tee hee) but I did NOT draw this.  I know.  Nearly impossible to believe 🙂

This gorgeous badge was designed for all of us by the incomparable Loni Edwards.

Loni, please be so kind as to tell us a little about yourself!

Loni:  I am a digital artist, although I have been known to dabble in watercolor, acrylics and pen & ink.  The core of my art is digital though.  It is created by using Photoshop techniques and a Wacom tablet.  I sketch out my idea, then scan it into Photoshop where I ink and color.  Influences are Charles Schulz, Jim Davis, Walt Disney Studios, and many artists that I have come into contact with mostly through social networking.

I attended the Art Institute of Seattle where I had the opportunity to take a class with William E. Cummings, a Pacific Northwest painter.  His use of color and movement influenced me greatly.  I love to use bright, bold colors in my art.  It is rare that you see me do anything else.  I also like to incorporate joy and humor in my art.

Loni’s picture for Project Smile
illustration copyright Loni Edwards

I have participated in a lot of volunteer events, such as Heroes4Haiti, Art4Japan, and the Ripple Project. One that is special to me is the Project “Smile”.  It is based in Poland.  The exhibit collects picture/art smiles and autographs.  It is then toured in children’s hospitals exhibiting around the world.  My piece was included in the exhibit that was seen in Cairo, Egypt.  It is a wonderful exhibit, and I hope someday soon it makes its way to the United States.


I have also participated in a number of artistic challenges, including PiBoIdMo 3 years in a row.

Thanks so much, Loni, both for sharing all that and for creating this beautiful badge that we will all be able to proudly display on our blogs!
For those of you who are as impressed as I am with Loni’s art – who might be looking for someone with artistic talent to help you with any number of projects – Loni is available for book cover design, children’s book illustration, spot illustrations, character design, greeting cards, and private commissions.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes to visit her website and blog and see what she has to offer!  You can also “Like” Loni on Face Book and follow her on twitter @LoniEdwards.  Here are a couple other samples of her art, one in the holiday spirit, and one to show that she does draw people too 🙂

illustrations copyright Loni Edwards
illustrations copyright Loni Edwards

PHEW!  You’re going to be needing another bowl of Wheaties after all that!  Sorry it was so long, but everything just piled up onto today!  I hope you like the badge and enjoyed meeting Loni!

So now, go have a great weekend everyone, and remember, the Holiday Contest opens bright and early Monday morning!  (Please scroll down that link to see the rules.)  I can’t wait to read all of your stories!!!
(And don’t forget, if you posted a Perfect Picture Book, please put your link in the list below!)

Not What I Had Planned

32 Comments

HINT For Beth’s Birthday Hunt Clue #9

thubis ubis uba hubint!

If you still don’t get it, email me 🙂

Ho! Ho! Ho!

It’s Monday, less than two weeks ’til Christmas, and I haven’t even started my holiday cards!  But that is because I had something else very important to focus on over the weekend.

(It has nothing at ALL to do with the fact that I have totally lost temporarily misplaced my comprehensive mailing list in my oh-so-tidy office!  My office is PRISTINE!  Hahahahaha!  Sorry!  I couldn’t even say that with a straight face.  You guys have seen my office (here and here and here) and “tidy” “pristine” and “organized” are not words that apply :))

Anyhoo…

I don’t know about you guys, but I spent a lot of the weekend working on my sample Holiday Contest story and guess what?  Turns out it’s really hard to fit it into 40 lines!  I think I’m more cut out for an epic poem version – ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas – The Odyssey Style 🙂

I’m having a lot of fun with it, though, and I hope you are too!  I can’t wait to read all your stories, so I’m really hoping there will be more than one (mine) to read!

But enough about the awesomeness that is the Holiday Contest.  (Please scroll down that link to see contest rules.)  I know you are all here today to learn from the fabulous Erin, whose thoughts on Dee’s pitch you have been looking forward to all weekend.

This is me distracting you with cuteness so you won’t notice the glitch 🙂

I was looking forward to that, too.  But it’s the holiday season.  People are mucho busy.  And Straight From The Editor notes have yet to land in my inbox.  Even though I dawdled.  Even though it’s 9:45 AM and I’m just posting… (Great Scott!  The day is practically over :)!)  So I guess we’ll be combining Straight From The Editor with Would You Read It on Wednesday – double the awesomeness!

So for a little fun and games today, I’ll refer you back to a couple of holiday season posts I wrote last year, before anyone knew I had entered the blogosphere so I’m pretty sure no one’s ever read them 🙂  I hope you enjoy them, and please feel free to leave comments because they have an inferiority complex and you would really boost their self-esteem by reading and commenting 🙂

If You Give A Writer Wrapping Paper
The Writer’s 12 Days Of Christmas
*#@*! or What To Give (if you click on the 150 tab when you get to Mother Reader it still works :))

Before you head out, one earth-shatteringly important question:  egg nog, mulled cider, or other?  (And if “other”, what other?)

See you Wednesday, hopefully with twice the fun!

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Little Beaver And The Echo

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HINT For Beth’s Birthday Hunt Clue #8

A = Alpha
B = Bravo
C = Charlie
D = Delta

etc… 🙂

If you still don’t get it, email me 🙂

Hurray!  It’s Friday!  Not only is the weekend nearly here, but it’s time for Perfect Picture Books 🙂  Today’s story was a birthday gift which became a favorite:

Little Beaver And The Echo
Written By: Amy MacDonald
Illustrated By:  Sarah Fox-Davies
Puffin, September 1998 (Original printing Putnam, 1990)
Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4-8
Themes/Topics: Friendship, Loneliness, Animals, Echoes
Opening And Brief Synopsis:  Little Beaver lived all alone by the edge of a big pond.  He didn’t have any brothers.  He didn’t have any sisters.  Worst of all, he didn’t have any friends.  Little Beaver cries out in his loneliness and hears that someone across the pond is lonely too.  His kind heart doesn’t want anyone to be sad, so he sets out to find this other lonely creature and solve both their problems.

Links To Resources:  Little Beaver Activities  Little Beaver will fit nicely into discussions of friendship, the natural world, animals, understanding echoes.

Why I Like This Book:  Little Beaver And The Echo is a simple, sweet story about friendship.  The story line is quiet.  The illustrations are warm and engaging.  To me, this is everything a picture book should be – pleasant, comforting, entertaining, and beautiful.  It interests me that School Library Journal panned this book when it came out.  They called it didactic, neither realistic nor convincing, confusing, flat, precious, and predictable.  Ouch!  And yet this book has been successfully in print for over 20 years, and is a story my children asked for again and again that I was happy to read.  It just goes to show different people react to books in different ways!

Please click here to see the complete list of books with resources Perfect Picture Books.

I’d be interested, if any of you have read Little Beaver, to know what your take on it is!

Now I’m off to read everyone else’s Perfect Picture Book.  In only 4 weeks I have come to look forward to Fridays to see what books people choose.  I am finding out about so many wonderful books.  I hope you’re all enjoying Perfect Picture Books, too, and finding lots of material to read to your kids, use in your classrooms, study your writing craft, or all of the above!  Don’t forget to add your link to the list below if you’ve posted a Perfect Picture Book!  (And readers, the links to all the books are below the Holiday Contest!)

While you’re enjoying your weekend, don’t forget about the Holiday Contest – only one week away!  Here’s a refresher in case you haven’t seen it:

Write your own version of Clement C. Moore’s traditional poem, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas!  Entries must be at least 12 lines/3 stanzas, not to exceed 40 lines/10 stanzas (although I realize the original is 56 lines/14 stanzas, but I’ll have to read them all during the week before Christmas :))  Entries may refer to any winter holiday you celebrate (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.) or to any combination of winter holidays, or no holiday – just a good winter-time story if you’re not comfortable with a holiday.  I chose a rhyming challenge because so many people seem keen on it, but if the idea of rhyme strikes fear and loathing into your heart, you may write a prose version not to exceed 350 words 🙂
Entries must be posted on your blogs, or copied and pasted into the comments on my blog between Monday December 19 and Thursday December 22.
3 finalists will be chosen for you to vote on Monday December 26.  The winner will receive their choice of a $15 Amazon gift card (to buy themselves whatever book they really wanted and didn’t get as a holiday gift :)) or the 2012 Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market!
Have a great weekend, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday – The 19th Pitch

20 Comments

HINT For Beth’s Birthday Hunt Clue #7

A  .-

B  -…

C  -.-.

… google Mr. Morse for the rest 🙂

I know.  The holidays are approaching.  There are decorations to hang, guest rooms to freshen, meals to plan, travel arrangements to make, gifts to buy, the mall to survive, and your mother-in-law to avoid.  It can be a bit stressful.  Which is why you guys are totally going to love me.  I have solved ALL your shopping dilemmas.  Seriously!  I have the answer to everything.  Ready?

Your Shopping Dilemmas Solved!

Take your time.  I’ll wait while you read it.  It’s so funny, and so TRUE! When you’re done, be sure to tell me which is your favorite (and I apologize to Beth who saw this on my Face Book page yesterday – it was too fun not to share here, too!)

Then, when you’re done with that list, buy books.  See?  I’ve just done all your shopping for you!  You can thank me by sending large quantities of chocolate anything to Blueberry Hill 🙂

Now that you can breathe a sigh of relief because I’ve done your shopping, it’s time to reveal the winner of the November Pitch Pick!  Who will it be?  Yikes!  The anticipation is just killing me!

This month’s race was the closest one yet.  The contestants were neck and neck.  First one looked like the winner, then another pulled ahead.  Very exciting!

So exciting that perhaps we should calm ourselves down by discussing my mother-in-law’s bunions…

Tee hee…

(I wouldn’t really subject anyone to that!)

The winner of the November Pitch Pick, whose Pitch is flying through cyberspace to Erin Molta as we speak, is none other than the amazing  DEE!!!  Congratulations, Dee!  I hope Erin will have lots of helpful things to say!

Now then.  It’s time for everybody’s favorite show, Would You Read It!  Today’s participant is the lovely Christie from Write Wild.  (BTW, for all you picture book writers, Christie’s blog is terrific!)  Christie, come on down!

Working Title:  Draggin’ My Tail
Age/Genre: PB
The Pitch:  Orville the dragon loves to fly, but when he quits breathing fire, his wings fail him.  Orville has to figure out how to get his fire back so he can lift off again.

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 Christie 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.  SIDE NOTE:  Would You Read It is booked only through January, so there are lots of openings ahead.  Please send pitches and spread the word to your writerly friends 🙂
Christie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!
Please join us Friday for Perfect Picture Books, and I hope everyone is hard at work on their Holiday Contest entries!  Congratulations again to Dee, and don’t forget to let us know which of those gifts is your favorite 🙂