The King of Kindergarten - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
Are you ready for a sneak peek? Have I got a doozy for you this Friday. Okay, now I know school is out, but you can never be too early to lay the foundation for a child to have a great experience on his/her first day in school. I found a delightful new book on making friends and being kind. A book about empowering a child's self-esteem. You don't want to miss this new book by two powerhouse creatives. It releases next Tuesday - July 2nd. The King of Kindergarten Author: Derr
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Have I got a treat for you! The amazingly warm and welcoming Vanessa Brantley-Newton. I had the privilege to meet her at the Oregon SCBWI Conference in 2018. Her keynote speech was inspiring and heartfelt. But what made the conference special for me was Vanessa's generosity with her hugs and time (she ate and talked with a group of us for two hours!). That warm, welcoming smile in the picture below and her easy conversation is entirely genuine! Vanessa is a multi-award-winnin
Ghost Cat - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
You know you've found a treasure, when a story resonates deep within your heart. Over the years, I've lost pets and dearly loved family members and friends. The strangest things will trigger memories, both happy and sad. But as time passes, the grief slowly eases a bit. When we lost our beloved cat (and my kids were in 3rd and 5th grades), I wish this book had existed. A book that acknowledges how large a hole loss can leave and how, eventually, you discover that while you'll
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Ioana Hobai
I love finding new books to love and exciting authors and illustrators to get to know and follow. Today, you're all in for an amazing treat! Ioana Hobai, author of Lena's Slippers (#PPBF review here), is not only sharing with us some "behind the scenes" information about herself and her two picture books (so far), BUT she has generously invited us into her workshop and provided some amazing illustrations. I know you'll agree; she is so talented! Ioana grew up in Bucharest, Ro
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Kevan Atteberry
Sorry folks. Due to technical difficulties, this post was a bit delayed. But, better late than never, right? I am so fortunate to call today's guest a friend. Kevan Atteberry is an illustrator/writer living in the Seattle area. He has been drawing since he was knee-high to a crayon. He has designed and illustrated many things including award-winning children's books. He asserts his biggest claim to fame is creating Clippy the paperclip helper in Microsoft Office which still
Lena's Slippers - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
Quick announcement - Erik Ammon is the winner of a signed copy of Gayle Krause's Once Upon A Twisted Tale! While there are a number of ballet picture books on the shelves, I haven't found a book like this one. Sure, it's about a little girl who wants to dance in her school's recital, but it is also provides a peek into an unspecified country whose citizens are struggling with poverty and hardships. And it includes boy ballet dancers. Even if you never experienced such financi
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Deborah Abela and Review of Chapter Book The Most Marvelous I
Okay, so here's the second combination post I promised. When I attended the Australia SCBWI conference this year, I met this amazing author. I'd like to introduce her and share with you her fun chapter book series. After completing a teaching degree, Deborah Abela went to Africa where she was caught in a desert sandstorm, harassed by monkeys, and thrown in jail…twice! She produced and wrote a national kids’ TV show before leaving to write twenty-six books including the Max Re
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Gayle Krause and Review of Once Upon A Twisted Tale + Giveawa
So, I'm shaking things up a bit this week. Good thing it's my blog. I'm going to do a combination interview/book review post on both Monday and Wednesday this week. To start us off, I have the amazing Gayle Krause. Gayle has served on the Rhyming Revolution Selection Committee, choosing the “best” rhyming picture book for 2015 to 2018. A Master educator, she’s taught Children’s Literature to prospective teachers at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Ms. Krause writes fi
Your First Day of Circus School - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
I've lost count how many "first day of school" picture books exist. I know some of my favorites have been the more unusual ones, such as: School's First Day of School (the school's POV); First Day Jitters (the teacher's POV); and The Day You Begin. It takes a pretty special premise, author, or POV to soar above the crowd these days. I've found just such a book. Now, I realize that it is currently, or about to be, summer break. I can't control the release dates of books. But,
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with the "Notable 19s"
Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to thirteen authors and illustrators - The Notable 19s - who joined together to celebrate and help promote their books releasing this year. I promise, it's not too long a post. I do hope you enjoy this peek at some great books and fascinating creatives. "A group of writers and illustrators who have debut books (actual debuts , debuts as author-illustrators, or debuts with medium/large publishers) forthcoming in 2019. " Welcome to all
