It’s the first Perfect Picture Book Friday of February, and we get to celebrate by being part of Laura Sassi‘s “Bunny Hop” for her brand new book!
What could be better in the midst of ice, snow, and freezing rain than an adorable bunny and a little glimpse of springtime and hope?
I’ll tell you! We have a wonderful activity to do with the book designed by Laura herself AND a book giveaway! One lucky reader will win a copy of this sweet book! All you need to do is have a US street address (sorry no PO addresses, and USA only) and leave a comment on this post by Monday February 7 at 5 PM Eastern to qualify for the random drawing (which I will do on Monday February 7 at 5 PM Eastern 😊.) The winner will be announced on Tuesday February 8 because there is no one up for Tuesday Debut that day so we can just celebrate. Maybe we’ll have cake 😊 (I would have posted the winner with PPBF next week, but we won’t be having it because the VALENTINY WRITING CONTEST will be underway! If you haven’t written your entry yet, click HERE for details!)
So let’s have a look at this wonderful book!
Title: Bunny Finds Easter
Written By: Laura Sassi
Illustrated By: Ela Jarzabek
Publisher: Zonderkidz, February 1, 2022, fiction
Suitable For Ages: baby – 4 years
Themes/Topics: holidays (Easter)
Opening: “Bunny wakes. Hip hip hooray! Let’s celebrate – It’s Easter Day!
But what is Easter?”
text copyright Laura Sassi 2022, illustration copyright Ela Jarzabek 2022, Zonderkidz
Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: “Coloring eggs, wearing a lovely bonnet, joining in the fun of an egg hunt, and attending church with family are special things that are a part of Easter! But the most important thing about this holiest of seasons is remembering the reason we gather to celebrate and focusing on Jesus most of all.”
text copyright Laura Sassi 2022, illustration copyright Ela Jarzabek 2022, Zonderkidz
Links To Resources: We are so lucky to have resources provided by the author herself! Thank you, Laura!
BOOK-THEMED CRAFT: Make Your Own Bunny Ears
by Laura Sassi
Inspired by Ela Jarzabek’s whimsical Easter egg patterns in BUNNY FINDS EASTER, here’s a colorful version of bunny ears for little ones to make and wear after they read the book so they can go on an Easter hunt just like Bunny does in the book.
You will need:
one strip of heavy paper (card stock weight) for the band. (approx 2” by 24”)
one pair of bunny ears cut from card stock for each child. (approx 2” by 8” – rounded at the top)
an assortment of crayons, markers, stickers, etc.
tape or glue
Instructions:
After reading BUNNY FINDS EASTER, take a moment with your child to hunt for all the Easter eggs in the book. Together, name the colors you see and count how many patterns you can find.
Next, set out the precut bunny ears and have your child decorate with colorful patterns inspired by the book.
Glue or tape the finished ears to the precut paper band. Test for size by placing it on your child’s head. Tape accordingly.
Play a game: Hide ten jelly beans (or other Easter treats) around the room. Then, have your child put on their ears so that, just like Bunny, they go on a hunt to find out what Easter is all about. Afterwards, as they enjoy their treats, remember together what Bunny discovered – that Easter is about Jesus!
And click HERE to download an Activity Guide created by Zonderkidz to go with the book!
Why I Like This Book: With simple text told in engaging rhyme, and adorable pictures that will delight any child, this lovely book reminds us what Easter is all about. Yes, there are hot cross buns, egg decorating, pretty bonnets, and Easter egg hunts, but at the heart of it all is the gift of love, hope, and faith that Jesus gave to everyone. Without being heavy-handed, this book is a just-right introduction for little ones that Easter is about more than jelly beans. The art is bright and friendly, with plenty for pre-readers to look at and engage with while they listen to the story.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
text copyright Laura Sassi 2022, illustration copyright Ela Jarzabek 2022, Zonderkidz
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊 Stay warm and dry, and think of spring 😊
I’m thrilled to introduce you today’s debut-ess, Karen Condit, who has written a lovely book about mindfulness and taking the time to slow down – advice I think we can all benefit from 😊 She is the first author we’ve had on Tuesday Debut who chose a hybrid publishing model, so for those of you interested in that, you may gain some insight, and you have the opportunity to ask her questions in the comments!
Let’s jump in and have a look at her beautiful book!
Turtle on the Track written by Karen Condit Illustrator, Mollie Ginther Orange Hat Publishing Release date: February 2, 2022 Ages 4-8 Themes: Mindfulness – Patience – Emotional Wellness
When the restless, impatient passengers on the Scurryville Express are forced to wait when a turtle crosses the tracks, they can’t help but blow off a little steam! Can Oscar come along to help them slow down and enjoy the ride? Only time will tell!
SUSANNA: Welcome, Karen! Thank you so much for joining us today! Where did the idea for this book come from?
KAREN: I was walking along our country-side property close to the railroad tracks that ran along the Mississippi when I spotted a snapping turtle on the dirt road. I knew snapping turtles made their way to dry land to lay eggs so I was intrigued to watch this creature and see what she would do. As I watched, I was pulled into the beauty and quiet of my surroundings and it made me pause—It’s time I slowed down, too. I’ve always been more of an energizer bunny. I knew I needed to change my pace and live a slower, more intentional life. Coming across this turtle was the seed for this story.
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
KAREN: It didn’t take me long to write the bare bones of the story—a few days. From our home, we could hear the trains along the river which helped me set the scene. The story flowed easily and most of what is written today came from those first few days. As with most of my stories, I don’t have a particular ending in mind, but I do stay focused on the theme. The theme of slowing down was easy to keep in mind because my experience had been so personal.
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
KAREN: Yes! Turtle went in and out of revision while I continued writing other stories. It’s never been a waste of time for me to put a story away for a while. I’m always amazed at what needs attention when I get it out again! I worked mainly on character development and after dummying out the story, I found some weak spots in the story arc. Paginating a manuscript has always been a great revision tool for me. Of course, everything I write is shared with my two critique groups who are committed to helping me, not humoring me—all with grace. 🙂 Turtle also received several critiques from on-line writing communities and at writing conferences.
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
KAREN: I’ve a hard time knowing when a manuscript is truly ready. It’s much easier to tell if it’s not ready! If I’ve given the manuscript enough time to percolate, and still believe in it after all the rounds of revision from those that know more than me, I’m ready to submit. It had been two years since I wrote the first draft. It was time.
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
KAREN: At first, I sent the manuscript to a handful of publishers on my own. When a writing conference came up, I decided to pitch it to agents and editors. I guess Turtle was ready—I landed an agent! Publication here I come! Not quite. After two years, Turtle had been rejected 29 times, only a few more than Dr. Suess’ 27 rejections of his first book, And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street! That made me feel a little better. A little. I was discouraged. A short time later, I made the hard decision to end the relationship with my agent . . . but not with Turtle. 🙂
During the next two years I continued writing and submitting while Turtle took a rest. I was working on other manuscripts when I heard about Orange Hat Publishing—a small indie-publisher that offered both hybrid and traditional publishing. After checking their website, I thought they’d be a good fit, so Turtle came back out of her shell. 😉
SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?
KAREN: I submitted Turtle on the Track on December 7, 2020 and received an email on January 12, 2021, saying they were interested in considering my manuscript for a hybrid contract.
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
KAREN: I love to share this part of my story . . .
When I received an email from Orange Hat Publishing requesting a phone meeting, my husband was going through a very difficult time with his health. In many ways, the timing couldn’t have been worse. I hesitated. No—I cried. Why now? I couldn’t possibly think straight. I had no room on my plate for anything more, not even a phone call. Then my daughter sat me down. “Mom, this may be just the right time. Don’t let this go.” I made a phone appointment several weeks out thinking things may settled down by then but as the time approached, I felt more uneasy. I wanted to be on top of my game. A day before the scheduled call I decided to contact the office and cancel the appointment explaining my situation. When I called, they offered to do a conference call with the team that was already gathered in one place. AHHH! Before I knew it, I was sharing about my writing journey, my goals as an author and learning about their offer. After a 45-minute conversation I decided to consider a hybrid contract even though I was hoping for a traditional contract. One team member said, “Perhaps, this will be a light in a dark place for you right now.” After our call ended, I had a feeling it very well could be. They sent the contract, and after a careful review, I signed.
SUSANNA: How did you celebrate signing your contract?
KAREN: I didn’t. Unless you’d call sitting alone at my desk and letting out a huge sigh of gratitude is celebrating. There was no fanfare. I’m saving that for later!
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
KAREN: Hybrid contracts do not offer up-front royalties; however, one big benefit is that royalties on book sales are higher (50-60%) than with traditional publishing arrangements (5-10%). These are sales directly through the publisher and me. Profits from a retail distributor like Amazon and Barnes and Noble are less (1-4%). As with all hybrid arrangements, there’s a publishing fee and an investment in hiring an illustrator. I invested approximately $2000 in the publishing fee and considered illustrators whose fees ranged from $70-130 per page.
I found this to be true . . . ” . . . hybrid presses genuinely care about their authors’ success.”
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
KAREN: The editor suggested some minor edits, all of which I agreed. The pagination also had a few revisions regarding page turns and book length.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
KAREN: This was the most fun and inspirational part of the project!
I hired my illustrator through Orange Hat Publishing. They provided me with over 10 portfolios of different artists within their company. I was given a character sketch from my top two favorites to help me make a final decision. After looking at many artists, I decided on Mollie Ginther. She was an author/illustrator herself! I loved her style and admired other books she had illustrated. I also love watercolor. We were ready to go! So I thought. The day after Mollie accepted the job, she withdrew because a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came through she thought had passed her by. I was back to reviewing portfolios.
After seeing Mollie’s work, I had a hard time settling on another illustrator so I asked if we could delay the project so Mollie could do the job when she was available. What? Whoever asks the publisher to hold up the show? I’m sure they wondered about me. 🙄 Thankfully, they agreed and the project was held for four months. Now I had a little breathing room to tend to the cares at home and I had my first-choice illustrator! Delays can be gifts.
When Mollie was ready to begin, we face-timed and discussed every page of the manuscript. I included only one art note, so she wanted to hear my ideas. I was delighted to discover we had a similar vision for the story. The greatest moment was when she said, “I really connect with this story. This is going to be fun!” A light in a dark place.
I reviewed early sketches, uncolored drafts, the painted drawings through .jpeg files.
First sketch with notes. My heart was a little nervous with Oscar on the tracks. 😬
Revised sketch. Now I can sleep!
Final
If I had a new idea, I’d run it by Mollie. For example, I thought it would be fun to have a little mouse family riding along with the passengers. She loved the idea. She also was willing to hide a little turtle on each page so kids could have fun searching for it. She also added a coloring page and a dot-to-dot page at the back of the book. Throughout the process she let me know what would work and what wouldn’t. (She was very patient with me.) I learned so much! There were no surprises when the full final interior was sent to me. All around it was a great experience!
Here’s a short time-lapse video of Mollie at work:
There was an art editor who worked mainly on formatting text, cover design, and other details before final edits. The illustration process wasn’t really left up to me but I was able to give input, especially in our initial meeting. I was also able to view two rounds of drafts before finals were decided. These parameters were stated in the contract. The illustration process took about two months.
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
KAREN: From when I got the call, to having the first copy in my hand was almost a year to the day. But remember, we delayed the project. The process from start to finish was about five months. Release date: 2-2-2022! Can’t get ‘2’ much better than that! 😆
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
KAREN: My publisher helps by creating promotional materials, registering the book with major online distributors, arranging distributions through special orders, assisting in book launches if requested, and, of course, listing and promoting the book on their website. They’ve given me encouragement and support along the way. It was obvious they truly care about my success as an author.
SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
KAREN: I’m doing the same type of marketing that my friends are doing who are traditionally published. I’m using social media, my website, and relationships with indie bookstores. I have a podcast opportunity coming up, was interviewed with our local community event magazine, and I’m planning an in person Launch Party. I also have several school visits set up for the spring. As a retired teacher, this will be the most fun of all! And last, but certainly not least, I thank Susanna for featuring me in this Tuesday Debut post! Thank you, Susanna!
(a couple of activities to go along with the book)
Coloring Page
Can you find the hidden turtle?
SUSANNA: Absolutely my pleasure, Karen! 😊 How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
KAREN: Nine years. I started writing seriously when I retired from a 25-year teaching career as an elementary teacher and reading specialist. My goal has always been to publish but I knew the chances were slim since I started later in life. But wasn’t it Laura Ingalls Wilder who published her first book, Little House on the Prairie, at the age of 65? Let’s just say, I’m in good company!
If you’ve been counting, it took about six years before Turtle was accepted for publication.
SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)
KAREN: Oh, my . . . THE most important thing? I’ve learned so much! May I share three? Thanks! 😉
-The work to be done on learning the craft is as vital as the work to be done on growing emotional stamina for the journey. Find your people to keep going.
-Writing is more than an ISBN number—it’s the people you meet; it’s the learning; it’s what feeds your heart! Be watchful for all the ways you’re being “paid.” It can be soooo frustrating, but it’s a wonderful life!
-Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Comparison only deflates desire and robs joy. Someday you’ll have your story to tell . . . and it will be wonderful!
SUSANNA: That is very good advice! Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
KAREN: Take a lesson from a turtle: Your speed doesn’t matter; forward is forward.
SUSANNA: Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers! We so appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience – such a wonderful opportunity for us to learn! I know I speak for everyone when I wish you all the best with this and future titles!
Welcome to my little Perfect Picture Book Friday reading corner! I’m so glad you stopped by! 😊
I know it’s not quite Valentine’s Day, but it’s coming soon and I found this lovely, engaging book that is also not quite Valentine’s Day, but could certainly qualify as an everyday Valentine 😊
Wait ’til you see!
Title: The Shape Of My Heart
Written By: Mark Sperring
Illustrated By: Alys Paterson
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA, December 2015, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-6
Themes/Topics: concepts (shapes), typical day, love, language (rhyme)
text copyright Mark Sperring 2015, illustration copyright Alys Paterson 2015, Bloomsbury USA
Opening: “This is the shape that we are. The shape of you and me. This is the shape of our eyes. And these are the shapes we might see.”
Brief Synopsis: In the course of a typical child’s day, the story gives a glimpse of the many kinds of shapes that make up our world.
text copyright Mark Sperring 2015, illustration copyright Alys Paterson 2015, Bloomsbury USA
text copyright Mark Sperring 2015, illustration copyright Alys Paterson 2015, Bloomsbury USA
Why I Like This Book: This is the kind of book I used to look for when my kids were little. It has a simple but elegant rhyming text that explores the many shapes in our world in fun language – not these are birds, but “and these are the shapes that chirp and tweet. . . and flitter-flutter by.” (So much more enjoyable! 😊) The story takes the reader through the day from the shape of the sun “coming up to brighten the day” to “This is the shape of the moon. And these are the shapes of the stars. . . And this is the shape I love you with. This is the shape of my heart.” (What an ending. So sweet!) The art is bright, colorful, and engaging and provides the perfect opportunity for young readers to explore every part of the page. They can identify vehicles and animals. You can ask them to point to the umbrella or the popsicle, or ask them what sound a truck or a lion makes. The text invites them to make connections (“something savory” they can see is cheese, and “something sweet” they can identify as strawberries, and “this is the shape we come back to at the end of every day” encourages them to supply that it’s home.) A delightful read for any time of day when kids want to interact and participate, but also a sweet and soothing recap at bedtime that ends with the gentle reassurance of how much they are loved. This one is a keeper 😊
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Stay warm and safe from the snow! 😊
But every now and again I read one that is just so perfect, so magically written and illustrated, that it takes my breath away and makes me whisper to myself, “Man! I wish I’d written that!”
Today’s selection is one of those 😊
My Perfect Picture Book today is all about that most coveted of childhood days – the peaceful, happy, special perfection of snow days 😊
Title: Before Morning
Written By: Joyce Sidman
Illustrated By: Beth Krommes
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 4 2016, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-7
Themes/Topics: seasons (winter), snow, snow days, invocations, language fun (rhyme, word choice)
Opening: “In the deep woolen dark, as we slumber unknowing, let the sky fill with flurry and flight.” (These few words actually cover 5 spreads, some of which are wordless.)
Brief Synopsis: Although there is much going on in the busy, busy world, a small child wishes for just one day to be a delightfully snow-covered pause.
Why I Like This Book: Oh my goodness! What’s not to love? This book is beautiful in every way! The rhyming text is written by Joyce Sidman (you know what a huge fan I am of Red Sings From Treetops!) and it is gorgeous and poetic and spare. How can you not love a book that begins “In the deep woolen dark”?! 😊 The entire book is 66 words, so expertly chosen and crafted together that as a writer I can only feel awe. And the art is scratchboard and watercolor, exquisitely done, showing the little girl’s hopes that while she sleeps the world will turn white, allowing for a hushed, snow-covered morning that keeps her family home for a leisurely breakfast, some extra time together, the chance to go sledding and make snow angels, and come home to dry wet mittens. It is everything we all love about snow days, and every child’s prayer for one to come to their house!
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊 ) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
text copyright Julia Durango 2017, illustration copyright Bianca Diaz 2017, Charlesbridge Publishing
Opening: “‘One day,’ said Wilson, ‘I will paint your house orange and yellow like the sun.’ Gigi smiled. ‘I will like that. But today, you are all the sunshine I need,’ she said.”
Brief Synopsis: Gigi’s house needs fixing up, and Wilson wants to help make it cozy, safe, and beautiful – a nice place for his beloved grandmother to live. But he can’t do it alone.
text copyright Julia Durango 2017, illustration copyright Bianca Diaz 2017, Charlesbridge Publishing
Links To Resources: the back of the book has an Author’s Note about ways to help in your community including Labor of Love, Habitat For Humanity, and United Way, encouraging children who want to do something to reach out and find things that they can do, from smiling or saying hello to helping repair someone’s home; Little Ways Kids Can Make A Big Difference In Their Community; 10 Fun Community Giving Ideas (includes both “kitchen table” suggestions and “out in the community”)
text copyright Julia Durango 2017, illustration copyright Bianca Diaz 2017, Charlesbridge Publishing
Why I Like This Book: This story is lovely on so many levels. Wilson has a loving and generous heart and wants so much to make his Gigi’s home a better place for her to live, from painting it a cheerful color, to keeping her safe and warm, to making sure she can have a friend, and beauty, and music. He doesn’t let the fact that he is one young boy get in the way of his plans. A poster for “Build Up Neighbors” catches his eye and he gets him thinking. Gigi, meanwhile, is ever appreciative of Wilson’s ideas, but always grateful for what she has, never expressing any kind of dissatisfaction. I like that idea, she always says, but always follows it with, you are all the sunshine, or company, or warmth I need. Wilson shares his ideas with other members of the community – the ice cream man, passing neighbors, the librarian etc. – and they are all encouraging and supportive. No one tells him it’s too much for a boy to do. The art is warm and engaging, and includes such things as Wilson’s calculations for boards and nails needed, a diagram for how he thinks he can clean out the chimney, and what he’ll need to tune the piano. And of course he gets a stack of books from the library to aid his research. When Wilson is finally able to follow through with his plans, all the people from earlier in the book are present. This is a real feel-good story that showcases all the best things about people and community, and that models the concept that even little kids can do a lot to help out. A treasure for home, classroom, or library, and an empowering story kids will enjoy!
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
For my first choice of 2022, I have a wonderful book to share about being yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness. I think it’s a great story for kids, and also one we, as writers, can take to heart as we begin a brand new year of writing. After all, it’s who we are that gives our writing the uniqueness that will set it apart and help us tell stories in ways they’ve never been told before.
Title: Sweety
Written & Illustrated By: Andrea Zuill
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade, March 2019
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: being yourself/individuality, self-acceptance and appreciation
text and illustration copyright Andrea Zuill 2019, Schwartz&Wade
Opening: “Sweety was awkward. Even for a naked mole rat.”
Brief Synopsis: Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has a hard time fitting in, and her classmates don’t always get her. But surely there must be someone out there who shares her love of fungus and interpretive dance! With a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth– Sweety begins to understand that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome and learns to embrace the things that make her who she is.
text and illustration copyright Andrea Zuill 2019, Schwartz&Wade
Links To Resources: 6 Great Ways To Help Kids Celebrate Individuality; All About Me Preschool Activities Theme; discuss what are some ways you are like others? what are some ways you are different? what do you think makes you special? are there some things about you that make you worry others will think you’re weird? do you think other people feel like that too?
text and illustration copyright Andrea Zuill 2019, Schwartz&Wade
Why I Like This Book: Sweety is such an endearing character! “A little square peg” as her grandma tells her. A bit of an oddball. But interesting, original, unusual and fun. This story of learning to appreciate the unique qualities that make you who you are and to not just accept yourself but celebrate yourself is one that so many kids can benefit from. Who among us hasn’t felt like an oddball from time to time? And isn’t it nice to know you’re not the only one! With charming art, humor and heart, this book is one young readers are sure to love.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Now. Take a moment to think about what makes YOU amazing and special and then go forth and start writing something new and different to kick off this brand new year!
It’s going to be the last PPBF for 2021, as the Holiday Contest (guidelines on that link if you’re interested in entering – lots of fantastic prizes!) opens next week and is going to keep us busy for the usable rest of December! Anyone who isn’t running a Holiday Contest and continues to post Perfect Picture Books for the next couple weeks is welcome to add their titles to today’s form or to the one I post in the first week of January! 😊
I love the book I’m sharing today for many reasons, not least of which is that I happen to have a newly adopted shelter puppy who is learning how to behave (although his challenge will be the Christmas tree, not the dreidel, menorah, and latkes 😊!)
Title: Latke, The Lucky Dog
Written By: Ellen Fischer
Illustrated By: Tiphanie Beeke
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing, August 2014, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 2-8
Themes/Topics: Holidays (Hanukkah), animal rescue, pets, family
text copyright Ellen Fischer 2014, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2014, Kar-Ben Publishing
Opening: “I am one lucky dog. Imagine a mutt like me, picked as a Hanukkah present. It happened one day in December when a family walked into the shelter. A mom, a dad, and two kids – Zoe and Zach.”
Brief Synopsis: (from Horn Book Magazine starred review) “On the first night of Hanukkah, a family adopts a little golden-brown dog and names it Latke. As the family celebrates the Festival of Lights, Latke joins in, thinking, ‘I am one lucky dog!’ But he has a lot to learn about how to behave.”
text copyright Ellen Fischer 2014, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2014, Kar-Ben Publishing
text copyright Ellen Fischer 2014, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2014, Kar-Ben Publishing
Why I Like This Book: This book gives a nice glimpse of a loving family and the traditions of Hanukkah from the point of view of a newly adopted shelter dog. Latke, the dog, has a lot to learn about how to behave. He helps himself to the sufganiyot (Hebrew for donuts), unwraps the gifts on the floor, chews the dreidel, knocks the applesauce off the table, chews the menorah candles, and slobbers all over the gelt (gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins), but luckily his new family is very understanding and they give him a Hanukkah gift of his own – a chew toy 😊 The story is warm, and the art a perfect accompaniment sensitively showing the dog as he tries to learn to do what is right. I love that not only does the reader get a sense of what Hanukkah is like, but is also shown that although a new animal family member might not behave perfectly at first, it is important to give everyone time to adjust and learn. A lovely story for all young readers/listeners!
text copyright Ellen Fischer 2014, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2014, Kar-Ben Publishing
text copyright Ellen Fischer 2014, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2014, Kar-Ben Publishing
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Grab your hot cocoa, everyone! It’s time to gather ’round for Perfect Picture Book Friday!
Although winter (which is on its way if this morning’s temperature is anything to go by! Brrrr!) is not my favorite season, I do love snow! I love how cozy it feels to be indoors with a cup of hot cocoa while the snow falls silently outside the window. I love sledding and making snow-angels, snowman-building and fort-making, getting cold and wet and then coming inside to get warm and dry.
So when I saw this book, I had to read it immediately. And then I had to share it with you because it is so perfect!
Title: A Thing Called Snow
Written & Illustrated By: Yuval Zommer
Publisher: Doubleday Books For Young Readers, Nov. 2, 2021, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: snow, discovery, friendship
text and illustration copyright Yuval Zommer 2021, Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Opening: “Fox and Hare were born in the spring, grew up in the summer, and were the best of friends by autumn.”
Brief Synopsis: Fox and Hare have never seen snow. Wondering what it is like, they travel in search of answers, until at last they get to experience the magic of their first snow themselves.
text and illustration copyright Yuval Zommer 2021, Doubleday Books for Young Readers
text and illustration copyright Yuval Zommer 2021, Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Why I Like This Book: This story is so delightful! It has the feeling of an adventure, as Fox and Hare set off to find out what snow is. There is companionship and friendship, curiosity and discovery, and there are helpful folks along the way. There is the feeling of newness and wonder that kids experience often, since they are just learning about the world and there are so many firsts. Each animal that Fox and Hare encounter tells them one thing about snow which, on its own isn’t quite enough for them to identify it, but when at last they experience snow, both Fox and Hare and the reader can see how each of those things were true but had to be taken all together to understand snow. The art is soft and beautiful and just a perfect accompaniment to the text. All around a book that kids (and their adult readers) will all enjoy!
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Wow! Aren’t we all so glad it’s Friday? Not only is the weekend so close you can taste it, we get a whole stack of Perfect Picture Books to start it off right!
And about time, too, as we missed a few weeks of PPBF for Halloweensie!
(Which reminds me, if you’ve been posting Perfect Picture Books during the weeks I couldn’t put up the list, please feel free to add your back titles to today’s list!)
I have a great book to share today, which I think is just perfect given that the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is only 6 days away! At this point it’s an oldie, and many of you may have read it, but it’s such a great book I’m sharing it in hopes of introducing it to folks who may not have been reading picture books back in 2011!
Title: Balloons Over Broadway Written and Illustrated By: Melissa Sweet Houghton Mifflin Books For Children, November, 2011, Non-Fiction Biography/History
Suitable For: ages 4-8
Themes/Topics: art, puppeteering, pursuing a dream, non-fiction, biography
Text and illustration copyright Melissa Sweet 2011, Houghton Mifflin
Opening and brief synopsis: “From the time he was a little boy, Tony Sarg loved to figure out how to make things move. He once said he became a marionette man when he was only six years old.” Melissa Sweet tells the true story of Tony Sarg, inventor of the huge balloons that are the trademark and centerpiece of the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.
Links to resources: this story is perfect for a curriculum section that covers art, history, biography, or Thanksgiving, or just as a good story for children interested in where things come from and how they work. Balloons Over Broadway Activity Kit. (Please be patient – the activity kit loads slowly because of all the art but it’s well worth the wait!) There is also a spread of interesting and helpful back matter at the end of the book to expand your learning/lesson.
text and illustration copyright Melissa Sweet 2011, Houghton Mifflin
Why I like this book: this book is interesting, entertaining and educational. Tony Sarg is an inspiration because he had little or no formal art education and yet he went on to pursue his dreams and become world-renowned for his work. One of his apprentices, Bil Baird, created the “Lonely Goatherd” marionettes for The Sound Of Music, and one of Bil Baird’s apprentices was Jim Henson who invented The Muppets!
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
I saw this on FB yesterday, and it sums me up exactly!
I’m happy to report, though, that I DO remember why I’m here this morning! 😊 And that is to introduce you to today’s Tuesday Debut-ess, the lovely and talented Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky who has written a picture book I think so many kids will relate to! As someone who spent many years working with children for whom the written word was a challenge, I know what value this book has.
It’s an interesting one for us to learn from because a) it is written for ages 6-12 – not the usual age range for a PB, and b) it addresses, in a book, children who struggle with learning to read books. While it may seem that using a book to help kids who struggle with books to learn to like reading is a little sideways, it’s done in a way I think they’ll find very engaging. I mean, I was all set to do exactly what James does 😊
So let’s not waste another moment. Allow me to introduce Dianna and her wonderful book, JAMES’ READING RESCUE!
written by Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky illustrated by Sara Casilda published by Clavis Publishing October 5, 2021, fiction ages 6-12
James struggles with reading and misses recess to practice. To cheer himself up, he visits the cat rescue shelter and befriends Ghost, the cat in the box. But Ghost isn’t quite ready to make friends! As his reading improves, James learns that kindness and perseverance can have unexpected rewards and that having a furry friend is the best gift of all.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Dianna! We’re so excited to have you here today to share your journey to publication with this wonderful book which is a learning experience for us both because of the slightly older readership and the important topic. Where did the idea for this book come from?
DIANNA: JRR is based on a true story I read on the internet several years ago. It just seemed to jump off the page as I read it. My son struggled with reading when he was young and I’ve always been involved with animal rescue. My kids were raised with nine rescue cats. I knew this was a story I just had to write!
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
DIANNA: This was my first story, so I didn’t know any of the rules or expectations for picture books. I had a lot to learn and received some invaluable help from generous authors! From the first to final version I would say it took probably two years.
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
DIANNA: As my first story, I had no idea if what I had written was good or terrible. I was afraid it was the latter! Researching author blogs I came across a Cdn. author whose books I had read to my children. I reached out to her and she generously agreed to look at my MS. Her comments were my first window into the world of writing PBs. I re-wrote the story entirely and then continued to revise as best I could. I didn’t yet know about critique groups. Eventually, I submitted it to an author/publisher who does professional critiques. Her wonderful assistance finally helped put the final polish on the manuscript. I have thanked both of these wonderful women in my dedication.
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
DIANNA: After my professional critique, I felt that the story was the best it could be. Everything just seemed to click!
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
DIANNA: As a debut writer, I was really groping in the dark. I researched publishers to see who was accepting unsolicited submissions and reviewed their books. I also resrearched upcoming books. Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf was extremely helpful in providing publishers who were unknown to me. Then I had to learn how to write the dreaded query letter! I submitted to about forty publishers and had a couple of nice refusals, one email showing interest, and one acceptance from Clavis. I had to read their email three times before it sank in that they wanted it!
SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?
DIANNA: I was never notified about JRR going to acquisitions. My experience was simply an email offering to publish my story. Short and oh, so sweet!
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! 😊)
DIANNA: I wanted to submit to as many publishers as possible and began in fall 2019. The vast majority I never heard back from. I submitted to Clavis in Feb. 2020 and I received their email in late March.
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
DIANNA: The contract arrived around 4 months after their initial acceptance.
SUSANNA: How did you celebrate signing your contract?
DIANNA: This was just as covid was ravaging the world, so it was just a quiet celebration at home. Lots of emails to family and friends!
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
DIANNA: I had no idea which to expect re a contact, so I referenced the SCBWI site which was helpful. I also conferred with my son in law who is an attorney in the U.S. for clarification on a couple of things. There was no advance offered. 5% royalties on hard copies and 5 author copies in most languages. I found the information on foreign rights to be very confusing so I can honestly say I’m still not 100% sure on these royalties. So far the book has been published in Dutch (which is usual for Clavis), Indonesian, Slovenian and Korean is pending.
SUSANNA: That is so cool! Anytime I’ve had books published in another language that has always come after English, and many times they haven’t gone onto other languages, so congratulations on that! Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
DIANNA: Although I have no experience with other publishers, I know enough to attest that working with Clavis was a dream. Everyone was so helpful, in both their Belgium and New York offices. There were almost no revisions to speak of, which amazed me! I was very happy that they were keeping the manuscript as submitted.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
text copyright Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky 2021, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2021, Clavis Publishing
DIANNA: Again, I think Clavis is something special in this department. They asked me to submit some names of illustrators whose work I liked, and they sent a few to me, as well. We agreed on one of their suggestions and I’m so glad we did! Sara and I were in touch frequently from the very beginning and she consulted me on how I imagined James to look. I also specifically requested that Ghost be a black cat, as they are the color least usually adopted. I saw proofs and made only a couple of minor comments, because Sara had such a clear vision of the story and her work was just so wonderful.
text copyright Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky 2021, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2021, Clavis Publishing
I had no art notes, having been advised that they should be avoided at all costs. My main concern was the color of the cat but as I was able to communicate directly with Sara, that didn’t prove a problem.
text copyright Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky 2021, illustration copyright Sara Casilda 2021, Clavis Publishing
SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, etc? What was that like?
DIANNA: I haven’t yet seen anything from Kirkus, but we did receive a lovely review from SLJ and also some great ones on Goodreads. It was delightful – made it feel real! Still hoping to see something from Kirkus and hoping readers will leave comments on Amazon, as well.
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
DIANNA: The first copies we received were the Dutch version. Then came Indonesian and Slovenian. I have not yet received my English author copies, so my family and friends have it before me! I know they are on their way.
As for print run, I queried this the other day but as of today I do not yet know how many copies were in the first printing. I do hope to find out!
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
DIANNA: I’m afraid I’m not yet very familiar with this process. Foreign rights been sold in several languages and I’m aware that Clavis sent story ARCs to a number of reviewers. They have also submitted JRR for the Golden Kite contest.
SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
DIANNA: I was planning to have a launch party, but due to covid numbers still high in Montreal, gave up on this idea. I have reached out to all independent bookstores in the city and surrounding suburbs with children’s collections, all the public libraries and English elementary schools, as well. I am continuing to reach out to bloggers for interviews and reviews. I am having a zoom reading with the library in my old hometown, which is like coming full circle for me! And there’s always Facebook and Twitter, of course.
SUSANNA: How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
DIANNA: It was about two and a half years.
SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)
DIANNA: All the rules of writing picture books (and that dreaded bugaboo that haunts us all – SHOW not tell)! I think the most important thing we can share amongst ourselves is the encouragement not to give up. Sometimes this process seems like climbing Mt. Everest – it can be so daunting and such a struggle. Tell a story you love; don’t follow trends; seek the support of a critique group where you feel at home – they will be a wonderful help and your greatest fans!
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
DIANNA: When I first read the real story, I felt an overwhelming compulsion to write a picture book about it. I just felt in my bones that one day it would be a beautiful children’s book, no matter how long it took. I feel extremely fortunate and thankful that children around the world can now read this lovely story. I hope they love it as much as I do.
Author Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky
Twitter: @DiannaWilson99
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and pay forward to other writers, Dianna! We so appreciate you sharing your experience and the expertise you have gained from it. I know I can speak for everyone when I wish you the best with this and future titles!
Readers, if you have questions for Dianna, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond!
You may purchase Dianna’s book at: (all links below are book-specific)
Susanna Leonard Hill 
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