Category: Perfect Picture Book Fridays

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Lemonade In Winter

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It’s Friday, everyone, and you know what that means!

Perfect Picture Books! 🙂

I’m posting today’s Perfect Picture Book here, but I have a confession to make: I have not figured out how to get a link list on WordPress.  Actually, I’m told it can’t be done because of WordPress security issues.  So that’s a bit of a conundrum.  I rely on the link list for Perfect Picture Book Friday (also for my writing contests, but that’s another story…)

So that raises the question can I actually blog on WordPress?  The answer might be sadly no.  Option B is that I have to think up a new way to run PPBF and my contests… which I might be able to do… but I am definitely open to suggestions if anyone has any bright ideas!

Meanwhile, I will post here for today, and also on my old Blogger blog which WILL have the list where you can add your link as usual. http://susannahill.blogspot.com/  What I can try to do is, if you put your PPBF link in the comments, I might be able to edit this post to include your links – or I can try lifting them off Blogger – but that is an extra step which I unfortunately won’t have time for until later in the day…  Not an ideal solution…

Meanwhile, I have the Perfect Picture Book for a winter day 🙂  I especially love it because it reminds of when my kids did a very similar thing – set up a lemonade stand on the corner of a completely untraveled country road, certain they would make their fortune and with no inkling that they had no hope of a single customer.  (Of course, I couldn’t bear for them to be out there waiting so hopefully only to get crushed with disappointment, so I made some phone calls to make sure at least a few cars came along full of thirsty passengers 🙂

Lemonade

Title: Lemonade In Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money

Written By: Emily Jenkins

Illustrated By: G. Brian Karas

Schwartz & Wade, September 2012, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: math/money, cooperation, hope, entrepreneurship

Opening: “An empty street.

Outside, a mean wind blows.

Icicles hang from the windowsills.

Inside, Pauline presses her nose to the frosted glass.

“I know!” she says.

“Let’s have a lemonade stand.“”

Brief Synopsis: Undeterred by the wintry weather, Pauline and her little brother John-John gather up all their quarters, buy supplies, and set up a lemonade stand.  Alas, customers are few and far between, forcing Pauline and John-John to be creative to try to increase sales.  In spite of their best efforts, they spend more than they earn… but they earn enough for something that pleases them both.

Links To Resources: the book itself is a resource in terms of showing creative business management 🙂 – Pauline and John-John try advertising, sales, decorations, and entertainment.  It also shows money and math in action, and there is back matter in which “Pauline Explains Money To John-John.”  Ask your child or students to think up their own business ideas.  What would they sell?  How would they go about it?  What supplies would they need?  How much would they need to charge and how much would they need to earn to make their business a success?

Why I Like This Book: This book is so cute, and so completely believably child-like!  Only kids, full of hope and belief in themselves and their abilities, would set up a lemonade stand in a howling snowstorm on a mostly deserted street 🙂  In spite of the poor odds, they’re determined to make their business a success and come up with all kinds of creative ideas.  Unfortunately in the end they learn a hard lesson about business… but at least something good comes of it (which I hate to give away, but it’s so cute I have to tell you – they lose money, but have enough for two popsicles – the perfect treat in a snowstorm, apparently :))

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!

(And at some point tomorrow, Sunday or Monday, I will post the promised new writing contest guidelines!  I’m trying desperately to scrounge up some prizes for you! :))

Perfect Picture Books for Friday January 15, 2016

1. This Is NOT A Pumpkin

2. Lincoln Tells A Joke: How Laughter Saved The President (And The Country)

3. Shmulik Paints The Town

4. Mango, Abuela And Me (on Miss Marple’s Musings)

5. Bowls Of Happiness

6. On The Train

7. Mango, Abuela And Me (on Children’s Books Heal)

8. What Does It Mean To Be Kind?

9. One Family

Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Almost Terrible Playdate

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This is so exciting!  It’s the first Perfect Picture Book Friday of 2016!

(Because I know you guys are a bunch of wild revelers and would have been too tired on January 1st to appreciate PPBF 🙂  Really.  That’s the reason.  I was thinking of you.  It had nothing whatever to do with the fact that I spent the holidays not working :))

Woo hoo!

Just think of all the terrific books we’re going to read and share this year!

And my pick for today is one that none of you have read or probably even heard of because it’s not out yet! 🙂  You’ll just have to drool with anticipation until February 16! 🙂

Before we get to it, though, one quick housekeeping note!

As I mentioned Wednesday, I’m about to have a brand new website and blog!  Actually, I kind of already do – it’s up!  Which, if you’re reading this on wordpress you know because you’re here 🙂 We’re just still working out a few kinks…  so don’t be shocked or horrified if you see a typo or something looks a little off kilter (but do please let me know! 🙂 )  I hope you like it as much as I do!

For now, I’m posting blog posts on blogger and wordpress, but I’m hoping to switch to only wordpress by next week… I just don’t want to leave anyone behind *sniff sniff*  That would be so sad!  So please add the new blog ( https://susannahill.com/blog/ ) to your reader, or sign up to follow it by email, or whatever system works for you so you don’t miss any of the fun and I don’t miss you!  I’m looking forward to a new year full of high jinx and shenanigans serious writerly pursuits 🙂 – among other things very possibly including a writing contest in about 3 weeks, judging by the poll response so far from Wednesday (if you haven’t voted, please go HERE so you can express your opinion :)) so PLEASE!  Come along! 🙂  Remember… I have chocolate… not that I’m trying to bribe you or anything… 🙂

So I hope everyone is flocking over here and dragging all their friends and relations along to join the fun and now let’s get to this fabulous book already!

Title: The Almost Terrible Playdate

Written & Illustrated By: Richard Torrey

Doubleday Books For Young Readers, February 16, 2016, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: friendship, compromise, getting along, imagination

Opening: “What do you want to play?”

“What do you want to play?”

“How about I’m the queen of the universe and my doll, Pippy, is my sister queen, and you visit my castle?”

“Or how about I’m the giantest dinosaur ever and you’re a dinosaur too – but not the giantest – and we stomp around smashing stuff?”

Brief Synopsis: A girl and a boy with active imaginations each have very different ideas about what makes a fun game.  Will the afternoon end with two kids playing alone on opposite sides of the room, or will they find something that is fun for both of them?

Links To Resources: Class Compromise Activity for grades 3, 4 & 5 – Planning A Class Party; let your child or student draw a picture of what they think would be a fun game to play; discuss the meaning of compromise and the importance of getting along – what would happen if everyone insisted on getting his/her own way?  Give examples of situations where people might have to compromise and have kids discuss how it could be handled, for example if one child wants to go to the zoo and the other wants to go to the playground, or how to plan a family picnic that will be fun for a variety of interests, etc.

Why I Like This Book: First of all, how fun is it that I got to read this book and share it with you when it’s not even out yet?!  🙂  This is a delightful story, told completely through dialogue and illustration (a good mentor text for writers who are working on similar stories.)  The writing is spare and there is no written narrative – it’s all a conversation.  The girl is completely sure that her idea is best, her game the most fun…and not surprisingly it gives her the starring role.  The boy is equally convinced that his totally different idea is best, his game the most fun…and not surprisingly it gives him the starring role 🙂  Anyone who has ever spent time around kids will recognize this dynamic.  The children’s imaginative descriptions grow more and more elaborate as they try to convince each other, but it is not to be.  Before long the girl is playing her game, and the boy is playing his.  But they are side by side… sneaking glances at each other… ultimately unable to resist their curiosity about each other’s games and the allure of having someone to play with, not just next to.  The resolution is just right – very believable – and brings young readers full circle.  But one of the best things about this book is the art!  Childlike crayon drawings depicting the imagined games – SO much fun, and not to be missed!

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! (Which will hopefully appear… I haven’t tried this on wordpress yet…)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!  And don’t forget (hopefully I won’t forget! :)) that we’re going to have a special blog post on Monday to vote for all the best Would You Read It pitches from September, October and November!

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday – Oskar And The Eight Blessings

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Hey there!

Surprised to see me?

After last week’s debacle…???

I still can’t believe I forgot to post last Friday!  I’m so sorry!  There I was, all caught up in family and leftover pie, and I never even realized it was Friday until it was suddenly Saturday and I hadn’t posted!  Any of you who had a Perfect Picture Book last week are welcome to add that link to today’s link list in addition to your titles for today!

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that this will be the last official Perfect Picture Book post for 2015, as the next few Fridays will be taken up with the Holiday Contest and then the holidays themselves.  So I’ll meet you back here for the next PPBF on Friday January 8, 2016!!!

Now then, I hope you will all enjoy the today’s story.  I think it’s beautifully done, and has much to offer young readers!

Title: Oskar And The Eight Blessings
Written By: Richard Simon and Tanya Simon
Illustrated By: Mark Siegel
Roaring Brook Press, September 2015, Fiction (with some fact)

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Hanukkah, kindness/compassion, looking for the good

Opening: This is an unusual picture book.  It has what could almost be called a prologue before the actual story starts – a set up to explain why Oskar happened to be traveling alone to New York City in December 1938 – with the text in italics and the illustrations on a black background.
Opening of the book: “Oskar’s mother and father believed in the power of blessings.  So did Oskar…until the Night of Broken Glass.”
Opening of the story: “Oskar arrived in New York on the seventh day of Hanukkah.  It was also Christmas Eve.  He knew his Aunt Esther would be lighting the menorah at sunset. To reach her before the sun went down Oskar would have to walk over a hundred blocks on the avenue called Broadway.”

Brief Synopsis: Oskar is a refugee, seeking sanctuary from the horrors of Kristallnacht.  He arrives in New York City with nothing but a photograph and an address for an aunt he has never met. It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, he views the city’s many holiday sights, and encounters various people. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world, and proving the truth of his father’s last words to him: “Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.“

Links To Resources: The book is a resource unto itself.  An author’s note details the origin of the story and the historical accuracies, including the presence of both Count Basie and Eleanor Roosevelt in New York City on Christmas Eve 1938.  There is also a map of Manhattan, showing Oskar’s route from the ship to his Aunt’s house with some of New York City’s well-known landmarks.  Older children/students can discuss Kristallnacht and the holocaust.  All children/students can discuss the power of kindness and think about what small acts of kindness they might be able to perform during the holidays and all year round.

Why I Like This Book:  This story tackles a difficult subject in an accessible, child-friendly way, and it reminds us of the true meaning of the holidays with its emphasis on compassion and human kindness, looking for the blessings in life even when times are hard – lessons that should not be reserved for the holidays, but carried with us throughout the year.  The art has the feel of an old photograph album, like pictures your grandparents might have shown you.  The inclusion of historical fact makes the story feel believable even though it’s mostly fiction.  Though on some levels a more serious holiday title, the story is uplifting, and the ending emotional.  A wonderful addition to any library!

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

Now then, before we all go off for our weekend of fun, I want to remind everyone that the Holiday Contest opens on Monday!!!  Whoopee!!!  Think of all the stories we have to look forward to!  Think how much fun it will be to read them ourselves and share them with our children and students!  I can’t wait!

except for the teensy weensy difficulty of not having an inkling of what I will post for a sample…

Polish up those drafts!  Put the finishing touches on your masterpieces!  There are some pretty great prizes on offer!

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

Have a great weekend, everyone!  See you Monday for the Holiday Contest extravaganza!!!

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Great Thanksgiving Escape

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!!!

Even as you read this, I shall be driving to the Green Mountains, accompanied on my journey up my my trusty Audible version of A Storm Of Swords (Book 3 in A Song of Ice and Fire – you know, Game of Thrones :)), and accompanied on my journey back by child #5! 🙂  And by the time we get home, child #3 will be there too!  I love the holidays and having the kids home! I can’t wait!!! 🙂  I have baked Heath Bar brownies in preparation…which I sampled…and they are GOOD! 🙂

So although I shall be nowhere near my computer today, I will be with you in spirit for PPBF.  I hope you’ll enjoy this entertaining Thanksgiving offering!

Title: The Great Thanksgiving Escape
Written & Illustrated By: Mark Fearing
Candlewick, September 2014, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: family, holidays (Thanksgiving), humor

Opening: “It was another Thanksgiving at Grandma’s.
“You can play in here with the rest of the kids,” Gavin’s mother told him.  “We’ll call you when the turkey’s ready.”
“Have fun!” Gavin’s dad called.  
But Gavin knew it was not going to be fun.  Not fun at all.“

Brief Synopsis: While waiting for the Thanksgiving turkey, Gavin is supposed to play with his cousins.  But most of them are drooling, stinky babies.  No fun!  He and his cousin Rhonda plan their escape to the swing set in the back yard, but it’s not easy to navigate the perils of a family get-together!

Links To Resources: Turkey Songs, Poems, and Finger Plays; Turkey Coloring Pages; play Duck, Duck, Turkey 🙂

Why I Like This Book:  Anyone who has ever been to a family get-together knows about the football-watching uncles gathered around the TV, the cheek-pinching aunts just lying in wait, and the annoying little cousins who demand attention and entertainment 🙂  This story is drolly told from the point of view of the kids who realize that “sometimes you have to make your own fun.”

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, happy weekend, everyone!!! 🙂
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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

You’ll all be thrilled to know that my stove has been successfully installed!

(I know you were waiting with bated breath to find out :))

I may have to bake some cookies to see whether the oven works… who can tell? 🙂

You will also be thrilled to know that in spite of days of heavy rain everyone on Blueberry Hill is still above the water level… albeit in our canoe 🙂

Today, for PPBF, I have SUCH a fun book to share with you.  It was love at first read for me.  This book surprised me and made me laugh out loud – a real winner! – and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!


Title: Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook (Learn From The Best!)
Written & Illustrated By: Anne Vittur Kennedy
Candlewick, August 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: Humor, animals (farm)

Opening: “I’m Ragweed.  I’m a farm dog, and I’m really, really good at it.  Most dogs aren’t.  But don’t worry.  You’ll be great.  You have the handbook.“



Brief Synopsis: Ragweed sets out to tell you everything you need to know about being a farm dog… mostly, everything that ISN’T your job 🙂

Links To Resources: individually or as a group (in classroom or homeschool) make up your own handbook/story about how to be/do something, for example, Bossie’s Milk Cow Handbook about how to be a milk cow, or Archie’s Wind Up Handbook about how to pitch in baseball.

Why I Like This Book:  It’s cute and funny!  Ragweed is so lovable, and so believable as a character.  He’s a dog, but his behavior is very reminiscent of a preschooler’s 🙂  His handbook focuses on all the things you should NOT do to be the farm dog, and only at the very end does he reveal what the farm dog’s job actually is.  But I’m not telling.  You’ll have to read it to find out 🙂  The illustrations are delightful and perfect for the story, bright and engaging.  Ragweed is so expressive!  I dare you not to love this one.  It made me laugh out loud!

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!

And now, before you all toddle off to your weekends, I want to give you a heads up that I will be posting something interesting on Monday (even though I don’t post most Mondays these days) so be sure to check in… I don’t think you’ll want to miss it! 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!!

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Leaf Man

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Wahoo!  It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday!

Is there anything more fun for a picture book writer or illustrator, a parent, a teacher, or a child then the prospect of diving into a pile of great picture books?

I didn’t think so 🙂

Unless maybe it’s the prospect of diving into a pile of great picture books with a cup of hot chocolate near to hand (though not quite near enough to get kicked over during the diving :))

It is also tons of fun to dive into a pile of autumn leaves!!!

Given the fact that I’ve spent the last two weeks up to my hair in Halloweensie, I’m totally cheating and recycling a book today that I posted last year.  But it’s an excellent book, and you won’t want to miss it!  Get ready to have your breath taken away by this thing of beauty! 🙂

Title: Leaf Man
Written & Illustrated By: Lois Ehlert
Harcourt, September 2005, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

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

Opening: “Leaf Man used to live near me, in a pile of leaves.  But yesterday the wind blew Leaf Man away.“

Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: “Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one’s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.”

Links To Resources: Teacher’s Guide (Harcourt); Lesson Plan (Scholastic);  the jacket flaps of the book are covered with “mystery leaves” – pictures of the leaves with a hint about where they come from so children can try to guess/identify them; the endpapers of the book show examples of many types of leaves, pictured and labeled; go on a leaf walk and collect leaves of your own – how many different kinds can you find? how many colors and shapes?; make a leaf collage, or a pencil rubbing of a leaf, or any kind of leaf art.

Why I Like This Book: If you’ve spent any time at all on Perfect Picture Books, you’ll know that 99.99 times out of 100, I choose books because I love the words or the story.  This is one time when I chose a perfect picture book for the art.  It also has a whimsical story :), but it’s the art that sells this book.  It’s simply gorgeous.  The illustrations are made from actual fall leaves.  The pages are cut and layered in the shapes of hills.  Each page pictures its subject made out of leaves, for example, on the page where perhaps Leaf Man flew over the turkey, there is a turkey crafted from fall leaves.   The colors are vibrant, and both the story and the art allow children to fancifully imagine all that a leaf might do as it blows before the wind.  The whole book sings autumn – it’s just lovely!

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 your picks for this week!

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Marilyn’s Monster

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Woo hoo!  It’s Friday!!!

And you know what that means, boys and girls…

It’s time for Perfect Picture Books!

What with Halloween coming up and all, I thought a book about monsters would be very appropriate, even if it isn’t specifically Halloweenie. 🙂  I loved this book from the opening sentence.  I hope you will too!

Title: Marilyn’s Monster
Written By: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated By: Matt Phelan
Candlewick, March 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: patience/waiting, monsters, doing what you know is right

Opening: “Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class had monsters.  It was the latest thing.  Marilyn didn’t have a monster.  Not yet.  You couldn’t just go out and get one.  Your monster had to find you.  That’s just the way it worked.”

Brief Synopsis:  Marilyn longs for her monster to find her.  She tries to be patient and be the kind of girl no monster can resist.  But the longer she waits, the harder it gets, until finally Marilyn takes matters into her own hands.  And it’s a good thing she does!

Links To Resources: Marilyn’s Monster Story Time Kit; Q&A with Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan

Why I Like This Book: Oh, gosh!  Where to begin?  The story is wonderfully original and entertaining, and relates to a theme all kids can understand – having to wait for things!  Marilyn is so believably child-like in her behaviors and emotions.  The art is delightful, full of wacky monsters that are tons of fun to look at, and Marilyn’s face and body language are so expressive.  Marilyn goes against expectation without being disobedient or breaking any rules, so it’s a nice way to model doing what you know is right, or being true to yourself.  And the resolution is surprisingly sweet.  Across the board, this one is a winner!

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 shows up on this week’s list!

I will be at the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY this weekend, along with Iza Trapani and Nancy Shaw.  Please stop by and see us if you’re in the neighborhood!!!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 🙂

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Leah’s Pony

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

There’s nothing like Friday, is there?  Especially before a long weekend 🙂

And Perfect Picture Books just make Fridays even better – tons of great new reading material for your weekend, be it regular or long 🙂

This was one of those odd weeks when my pile of picture books failed to wow me.  I read book after book thinking, “meh” – not what you want in a perfect picture book!  I’m always a little depressed when this happens.  I wonder if I’m missing something, since clearly a whole team of people thought these books were great enough to publish.  But whatever the reason, there was no perfect picture book in this week’s collection, so instead of one of the newer titles from my pile of meh, I went with an older title from my bookshelf (signed to my daughter by Michael Garland :)) a book I have loved for years.  I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Title: Leah’s Pony
Written By: Elizabeth Friedrich
Illustrated By: Michael Garland
Boyds Mills Press, February 1996, Fiction (historical)

Suitable For Ages: 6-9

Themes/Topics: historical fiction (1930s Dust Bowl), family, love, sacrifice

Opening:  “The year the corn grew tall and straight, Leah’s papa bought her a pony.  The pony was strong and swift and sturdy, with just a snip of white at the end of his soft black nose.  Papa taught Leah to place her new saddle right in the middle of his back and tighten the girth around his belly, just so.“

Brief Synopsis: Leah’s pony was swift and strong.  She loved him dearly, and together they raced across the fields under summer skies.  But then came a year when the corn didn’t grow, locusts blackened the sky, and the earth turned to dust, the beginning of the great drought (the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.)  Leah’s family is faced with losing their farm and their livelihood.  It takes Leah’s strength and courage to save them.

Links To Resources: Facts about the Dust Bowl with links to further resources; Lesson Plan for the Dust Bowl (aimed at 5th grade but can be altered); Dust Bowl info and lesson plans for grades 2-5; Photo Gallery – The Dust Bowl; Dust Bowl Facts & Summary

Why I Like This Book:  This is historical fiction at its best, bringing a slice of history to life in a way that is not only accessible but irresistible for young readers.  The story is simply told with all the right details, and so emotionally compelling I dare anyone not to get choked up at the end!  Michael Garland’s art is absolutely stunning and a perfect fit for the story.  With slightly longer text as well as the historical context, this is a wonderful choice for older picture book readers.

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 long weekend, everyone, and Happy Columbus Day!  I’m hoping to post the guidelines for the Halloweensie Contest…soon-ish…so stay tuned!!!

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Day The Crayons Came Home

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There must be some kind of magic in the air because we’ve arrived at Friday again and according to my calculations it’s still LAST Friday!

In addition, it has somehow become October!  Who is in charge around here???!!!

This, of course, is a good thing.  October is full of fresh apples (and apple crisp, apple pie, apple cake, apple cider donuts, etc…), beautiful foliage, lovely days and cool nights, Columbus Day (which, if we’re honest, is just an excuse for a day off from school and if you’re lucky, work because I’m quite sure Columbus didn’t actually “discover America” on the second Monday in October :)), the Sheep & Wool Festival (if you happen to live in New York’s Hudson Valley), pumpkin carving (which means… you got it… pumpkin pie! :)), miniature candy that doesn’t have any calories because it’s tiny (seriously, if you can eat it in one bite it doesn’t count!), and the Halloweensie Contest!!! (info coming soon!) among other awesomeness.  (And apparently I’m hungry because looking at that list I see a prevalence of dessert items :))  Here’s to an awesome October for all!

Today’s Perfect Picture Book is also awesome (although not necessarily for dessert :))  I hope you like it!

Title: The Day The Crayons Came Home
Written By: Drew Daywalt
Illustrated By: Oliver Jeffers
Philomel Books, August 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 5-8

Themes/Topics: concepts (colors), emotions, humor

Opening: “One day, Duncan and his crayons were happily coloring together when a strange stack of postcards arrived for him in the mail…“

Brief Synopsis: Duncan, dedicated colorer that he is, has managed to misplace a number of his crayons, so they write him postcards hoping to return home.

Links To Resources: Optics For Kids (explorations on what makes color); Color Games (see the first two listed – the rest are for other skills); lots of things to color!

Why I Like This Book: Sometimes the first book in a series is good, and the second disappoints.  Not so with this one 🙂  Full of humor, it is as creative, fun and entertaining as its predecessor, The Day The Crayons Quit (reviewed HERE)  Those crayons might have quit in the past, but they still want to live with Duncan!  (Well, except for Pea Green Crayon knows that NO ONE likes pea green, so he’s got a new life plan :).)  Maroon Crayon got left in the couch and sat on by Dad.  Yellow and Orange Crayons had an unfortunate accident that left neither of them wanting to be the color of the sun any more.  Neon Red Crayon is determined to make it home but has a very questionable grasp of geography 🙂  Even one of Duncan’s younger brother’s toddler crayons gets in on the action!  You won’t want to miss the postcards from the left-behind crayons, or Duncan’s usual inspired solution to making them all feel at home!  (And you’ll enjoy seeing where some of the postcards are from… places like “Greetings From Under The Couch” or “Hello From The Rug” :))

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 and see what wonderful books you’ve chosen for us this week!

Have a great weekend, everyone!!! 🙂

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – How The Sun Got To Coco’s House

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Hey there, picture book peeps!  Happy Friday! 🙂

I have such a lovely book to share with you today!  And guess what?  As promised, it doesn’t rhyme 🙂  I have noticed something else, though, which is that all three of the books I’ve chosen so far this Perfect Picture Book season have been authored and illustrated by the same person.  Interesting… don’t you think?  Given that all three are new titles, I wonder if this is a reflection of the state of the publishing industry… and if I should learn to draw! (Yeah, okay, stop laughing!) 🙂

Anyway, I hope you’ll enjoy this one!

Title: How The Sun Got To Coco’s House
Written & Illustrated By: Bob Graham
Candlewick, September 2015, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 4-6

Themes/Topics: nature, writing (personification), language (poetic)

Opening: “It had to start somewhere.  While Coco slept far away, the sun crept up slowly behind a hill, paused for a moment, and seemed to think twice…
before it plunged down the other side and skidded giddily across the water.“

Brief Synopsis: The sun comes up and takes a poetic journey across the world to Coco’s house.

Links To Resources: Warmth Of The Sun discussion and activity; Shadow Play classroom activity; measuring solar activity; info about the sun with 17 related links; sun coloring pages; Happy Sunshine Cookie recipe; Renewable Solar (with many thanks to Jilanne for the link!)

Why I Like This Book:  How can you not love a book that contains phrases like “skidded giddily across the water”?  The whole story is a gentle, lovely, poetic description of how the sun comes up, travels across the world touching everything in its path with light and warmth, and finally arrives at Coco’s house to spend the day.  It’s a very quiet book, but one that can be enjoyed for the beauty of the language, the deceptive simplicity of the art (wait until you see the pinks and golds), and the feeling of comfort bestowed by the fact that, come what may, the sun rises each morning and makes a new day.

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 treasures await us this week!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂

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