Category Archives: Children’s literature

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Earth to Audrey Written by:   Susan Hughes Illustrator:   Stephane Poulin Published by:   Kids Can Press Ltd Age:  4 and up Theme:   power of friendship, imagination, discovery First Line:   The first time I saw Audrey, I almost didn’t.  The next time … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

As we here in New Zealand celebrated Waitangi Day, the 174th anniversary of the signing of the founding document,  the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a little history with you in the way … Continue reading

Posted in Aotearoa, Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , | 27 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

I know Christmas has passed by now, but I just couldn’t resist posting this.  It’s not so much about Christmas as year round compassion and sacrifice, love and understanding, we need to teach children all year round.  This is gorgeous! Pashmina … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

  The Pipi Swing Author:  Sarona Aiono-Iosefa Illustrated by:  Bruce Potter Published by:  Reed Publishing Ltd 2007 Age: 4 – 8yrs Theme:  family, fun, death and moving on. Opening lines:  “Grandpa’s up to his old tricks again, Mai!” I called to … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Folklore / multicultural, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , | 27 Comments

Looking ahead – 2014

  The first two days of the bright, sparkling New Year has been about catching up with dear friends.  I love it when I hop on Facebook for a few minutes only to have a writer friend or two pop … Continue reading

Posted in 12x12, Blogs, Children's literature, Picture book, What moves me | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Sadie – The Air Mail Pilot Written and Illustrated by:  Kellie Strom Published by:  David Pickling Books  2007 Ages:   5 – 8 years Themes:  determination, courage Opening Lines:   Once upon a time a few brave pilots in little planes flew … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Junk Man’s Daughter Author:  Sonia Levitin Illustrations by:  Guy Porfirio Published by:   Sleeping Bear Press  (October 2007) Ages:  6 and up Themes:   Hope, hard work, dreams, and determination First Lines:  When we were still in the old country, every night … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

  One Boy’s War Author:  Lynn Hugging-Cooper Illustrated by:  Benfold Haywood Published by:  Frances Lincoln Children’s Books Ages:  7 – 11years Themes:  War, Hope, longing, despair Opening Lines:  WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED! The papers are full of the news that … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

Month of Idea’s and a SCBWI Workshop

November is one of the busiest times of the year for writer’s,  with so much going on in different groups.  Writing festivals, conferences are just a couple.   There are also great fun ways of gaining ideas and encouraging each other … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, ideas for writing, Picture book | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Adventures of Riley – Operation Orangutan By:   Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz Illustrations and Layouts by:   Ulkutay and Ulkutay, London. Published by:  Eaglemont Press 2007 Ages:    four years and up. Theme:  adventure, science, excitement. Opening Lines:  “Pippen has been gone for … Continue reading

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , | 25 Comments