Hi everyone, while Vivian is now in Geneva I did before she left New Zealand have a chance to talk to her about her book Sweet Dreams Sarah which is due out April 2nd 2019. It was originally meant to be her debut book after having received a contract back in 2015, but after a couple of set backs it finally is hitting shelves in April this year. Sweet Dreams Sarah has been a labour of love for Vivian and like Sarah she persisted in getting Sarah’s story out there. Here is a short interview with Vivian and I’m delighted to also have Vivian read Sweet Dreams Sarah for us. Enjoy…
Sweet Dreams Sarah
Written by: Vivian Kirkfield
Illustrated by: Chris Ewald
Published by: Creston Books, LLC 2 April 2019
Ages: 5 – 9 years
Theme: perseverance, will-power,
Opening Lines: Before the Civil War, Sarah obeyed her owner. Hurry Up, eyes down, don’t speak. Slaves were property – like a cow or plow or the cotton that grew in the master’s fields.
Synopsis. From Amazon… Sarah E.Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a U.S. patent. Working in her husband’s furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true
Why I like this: I have been fortunate to view how Vivian crafted this story draft after draft, after draft. Her studious research, lyrical sentences and detail to word choices makes this a gripping, heart-warming story of reaching for your dreams – and succeeding! In a few words Vivian shows how a master controls his charges… Eyes down, don’t speak. Or Sarah’s dreams… A husband, a family, and a job. Thoughts, feelings and even action are conveyed in as little as three words. For example.. Measure, cut, sand. What I love about this story is that it inspires children to dream, to strive and persist in working towards their goal or dream. To hold onto their high expectations and meet the challenges, at the same time teaching us all a little more about American history. Vivian brings this story to life for Sarah and Chris’s honey warm colours in his illustrations allow us to step back in time to watch Sarah’s progress. In the back is the Author’s note, what a Patent is and Sarah E Goode’s Timeline, along with selected resources. This book should be in every school.
Resources/Findings:
Visit Vivian’s website: https://viviankirkfield.com/my-book/
I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.
PS: Giveaway of a signed copy of PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE winner is……
PATRICIA TILTON
Congrats Pat. Drop me a line with your address and we will make sure you get this beautiful book.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Oh my, I won Pippa’s Passover Plate. Thank you so much!
I look forward to reading Sweet Dreams, Sarah! Sarah certainly deserves her own story — what a remarkable woman! I love the cover. And, I enjoyed listening to your interview with Vivian about the process of bringing Sarah’s story life. Fun listening to her read her book! I love true stories. This one is a winner.
Thanks Pat I enjoyed very much interviewing Vivian. I so miss her. Congrats on winning Pippa’s Passover Plate. I’ve put it in the mail today. Enjoy!
A beautiful book written by a beautiful person! I loved the interview (Diane+Vivian) and the reading (Vivian). It’s always fascinating to hear about the process and author went through to make their book a reality.
Hi Jilanne, yes I loved having Vivian read Sarah’s story. Like Sarah, Vivian went through a lot to get Sarah published. I’m so happy it is now arriving on shelves soon.
I am so excited that this one will be finally out for the world to appreciate. Thank you so much for the live interview, Diane, that adds so much appreciation to this story.
Thank you dear Joanna. So glad you liked the interview. It is a lovely story.
Hello sweet Diane…thank you so very much for this wonderful interview…and the opportunity to share SWEET DREAMS, SARAH with your readers. I’m missing beautiful NZ already…but having a lovely time in Switzerland.
Thank you my dear friend. I’m missing you very much. So glad you are having a great time in Switzerland with Julie. I think NZ is missing you too.
I love this interview and it is so cool watching you read the book. I noticed there are some changes made since the last version you shared in our critique group. And those changes made it even better!! Congrats, Vivian. I am glad Sarah’s story is finally making its way into the world.
Great review Diane. So fun to hear Vivian read her book. I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. I am so glad it’s about to come out.
Thank you Maria, glad you liked the interview and hearing Vivian read her book. I too have been waiting for this one to come out. I think it is close to all our hearts.
Wonderful interview! Loved hearing Vivian read SWEET DREAMS, SARAH. Can’t wait to get a copy of this book.
This sounds like an amazing book. So pleased it will soon be available. Safe travels, Vivian.
Thank you Darlene. Will pass on your comment to Vivian. She is in Geneva right now after spending a weekend in London. She is having a wonderful time. The story of Sweet Dreams Sarah is a beautiful story of courage and perseverance and will be on shelves from the 2nd April.
This book is in my “to review” pile… what a wonderful story. Vivian gets to the heart of it.
Yes she does. And thank you Sue for popping in.
I so enjoyed this post. Was a pleasure to hear Vivian read Sweet Dreams, Sarah!
Glad you liked it Janet. Thanks for popping in.
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