Writer and Dreamer at work

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 10/09/2016 by Diane Tulloch

YAYYYYY!!! I am always happy when the Perfect Picture Book series is back. It’s such fun reading other blogs and reviews from Susanna’s list, catching up with all the other authors and readers and I get to showcase some great books that I have been reading while hibernating during our woolly winter down-under, while the northern hemisphere have been enjoying there summer. It also means that spring is here and I am enjoying sunny mornings now and looking forward to summer just around the corner. Lots to be so happy about huh?

Ria the Reckless Wrybill

Written by: Jane Buxton

Illustrated by: Jenny Cooper

Published by: Puffin Books of Penquin Group in 2010

Ages: 2 – 6 years

Theme: reckless, special, obeying orders

Opening Lines: From the moment Ria Wrybill hatched from the egg, her parents knew she was different.

Synopsis: From the time she is born Ria is told to stay perfectly still whenever there is a predator about. But Ria knows she is special and is reckless and doesn’t listen to warnings and hide in the river stones. Ria only becomes aware of the consequences when she is captured.

Why I like this: The wrybill or ngatuparore is an endangered native bird of New Zealand that breeds on riverbeds only in Canterbury and Otago. In the cooler months they move to the north island. It is the only bird in the world with a bill that is bent sideways. Children will love this lively story about a feisty native bird. They will also love how she uses her uniqueness in a cheeky way. Jenny Cooper’s stunning illustrations evoke the humour of Buxton’s writing and portray these rare birds in their riverbed habitat.

Ria the Reckless Wrybill received a Storylines Notable Books award in 2011.

Resources/Findings: Janes Website, and you will love her latest book, the Runaway Toilet…. http://janebuxton.wix.com/home#!about-me

http://knslibrary.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/ria-reckless-wrybill-written-by-jane.html

About New Zealand birds – http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors

Posted in Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged Children's Picture book, Jane Buxton, NZ childrens books, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 13 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 11/06/2016 by Diane Tulloch

LEMUR DREAMER

Written and Illustrated by: Courtney Dicmas

Published by: Templar Publishing, UK in 2015

Ages: 3 – 6 years

Theme: fun, friendship, dreamers

Opening Lines: The residents of 32 Pebbly Lane led mostly unextraordinary lives. All except one, that is.

Synopsis: Louis the Lemur is a sleepwalker! After his night-time antics cause mischief, his friends decide to follow him one night, as he snuffles and snoozes far away from his home, with hilarious consequences. There is just one question on their minds – what on earth is Louis dreaming of? This is the crazy, colourful, wonderful new title from the artist of Harold Finds a Voice, nominated for the 2014 Waterstones Prize.

Why I like this: When I saw the title I had to get this. Being a dreamer myself and I used to as a child sleepwalk often and on one occasion frightened the life out of my parents. But hey that’s another story. I love the cover and they say opening lines of text should hook the reader but in this case the cover certainly has a great hook, with silver moon and the lemur teetering on the edge of what appears to be a diving board. This can’t possibly end well. Dreaming while sleeping is therapeutic, we go to amazing places, have adventures and are brave and fearless and the world is our oyster. Courtney captures this well in her simple outlined illustrations of gorgeous colours. (Blue is her favourite by-the-way). Courtney also uses minimal text making every word count… “snoozed down a washing line” and “snuffled right out onto Pebbly Lane.” This is a fun read for any age.

Just a thought…. We woke up this morning to find the garage roller door was up, our car unlocked and the meter board off our meter box. inside the garage….. Oh no! Had we simply forgotten to lock up properly last night… or… had I gone sleepwalking?…. *headdesk*

Resources/Findings:

A You tube teaser….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAHObBkH3vc

About the author…. http://www.courtneydicmas.com/about/

Fun facts about Lemurs for kids…. http://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/lemurs-are-mammals-fun-lemur-facts-for-kids/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Courtney Dicmas, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Picture Books for Children, Susanna Leonard Hill | 15 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 28/05/2016 by Diane Tulloch

Adelaide’s Secret World

Written and Illustrated by: Elise Hurst

Ages : 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Allen and Unwin November 2015

Theme: Courage, change, and finding ones soul mate.

Opening Lines: Adelaide lived in a little old shop behind a soft red curtain. Once it had been a bustling place full of wonders.

Synopsis: (from back of book) Adelaide leads a quiet life in the midst of the city. At night she listens to the song of the stars, but during the day she watches over the others like her: the still ones, the quiet ones, those who dance and dream alone.

Little does Adelaide know that her secret world will soon be transformed into something unexpected and full of joy.

Why I like it: At first sight the beautiful, deep haunting cover illustration holds a stillness, deep thoughtful, inner feelings. One wonders what the rabbit is thinking or feeling. The pages inside reflect similar images with sweeping brushed oil strokes in deep hues. The articulate text sings across the page …. “the hum of the setting sun…” and … “the soft pure song of the evening star.” “The rain-soaked windows glittered like a jewellery box.” Doesn’t that sound gorgeous? Adelade an artist observes those around her and her surroundings creating a small world of her own. But there is something missing in her life. Until one day.

Elise has created a mysterious city inhabited by a rich cast of animal characters and humans, while her enchanting and superbly illustrated story celebrates creativity and friendship with courage and change. It almost has a sense of mystery.

Resources/Findings: I could find no direct resources for this book but here is Elise showing off her book before its release date in November last year, 2015…… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reBCES81XPU

http://www.elisehurst.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=130

Here is a little craft idea of making family and friends… http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/family-string-puppets/

http://www.kinderart.com/multic/

A thought provoking activity for a class of students would be to draw a picture of how they see themselves in what they would be doing when they leave school … i.e. job Maybe pair them up and get them to draw what the other’s profession would be, going from the information they are provided with.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Adelaide's Secret World, childrens books, Elise Hurst, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 8 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 07/05/2016 by Diane Tulloch

Mogie The heart of the house

Written by: Kathi Appelt

Illustrated by: Marc Rosenthal

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Imprint of Simon & Schuster 2014

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: Caring, Bonding, sickness, healing

Opening Lines: Right smack in the heart of the Big City is a very special house.

Synopsis: (from Amazon) Give that dog a puddle and he’d splash. Give him a whistle and he’d roll over. Give him a rule and he’d break it. One day a passel of puppies was born. Each puppy was designated for a Very Important Job, like Service Dog, or Search and Rescue Dog, or Groomed for the Show Ring Dog. Each puppy, that is, except Mogie. Mogie was a ball-chasing, tail-wagging, moon-howling pup. Not the kind of pup for any of those jobs! But there is a place that is just right for Mogie: a very special house where sick children and their families can stay while they undergo long-term treatment. A place with children who NEED a ball-chasing, tail-wagging, moon-howling pup. And there’s one little boy in particular who needs Mogie. And Mogie is about to prove he’s the best darn pooch in the passel. Based on a true story, this heart-warming picture book is published in conjunction with the Ronald McDonald House.

Why I like this: Based on a true story it has that heart felt warm aww feeling about it. Mogie with his cheeky ways and cute little face is a special little dog with an inner special bond with sick kids. Like anyone who loves dogs you will fall in love with Mogie. The author felt extremely lucky to have met Mogie and she fell in love with him. He is a very special part of the Ronald McDonald mission and brings a ray of light, and healing to each child. I love the light coloured pencil, charcoal drawings positioned in different places on the pages throughout. Interesting that the story started with the boy (Cage’s) point of view and then shifts to Mogie’s. This story was a Washington’s Children’s Choice Award.

Resources/Findings: Here is a clip of the story on youtube… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AuVvi_3SBs

On author Kathi Appelt’s website you will find wonderful teachers and parents discussion and activity pages to use with kids. http://www.kathiappelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Mogie-Teachers-Counselors-Parents-Guide.pdf

This is another page of Teachers Aid and Core curriculum …. http://www.kathiappelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mogie_CG.pdf

Some amazing facts about Ronald McDonald for kids…. http://topyaps.com/7-interesting-facts-ronald-mcdonald-kid-know

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged children and dogs, Children's Picture book, childrens books, Kathi Appelt, Susanna Leonard Hill, The Ronald McDonald House | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 30/04/2016 by Diane Tulloch

Poppy’s Best Paper

Written by: Susan Eaddy

Illustrated by: Rosalinde Bonnet

Ages : 5 – 8 years

Publisher: Charlesbridge, MA

Theme: procrastination, frustration, being the best, ambition

Opening Lines: Poppy loved books. “I might be a writer when I grow up,”she told her best friend, Lavender.

Synopsis: (from Amazon) More than anything, Poppy wants to be a verrrry famous writer. She’s sure Mrs. Rose will pick her paper to read to the whole class! Trouble is, she has tall ambitions but is short on effort, and her jealousy takes over when her best friend’s paper is chosen instead. In the end, Poppy discovers that she has to get out of her own way if her big dreams are going to come true. Rosalinde’s adorable, expressive illustrations make memorable, quirky Poppy a real star!

Why I like it: Ohhhhh on so many levels I loved this story. From the cute expressions on Poppy’s face to the clever text, which, and this is if I’m being totally honest, gives a very good view of what many of us writers come up against from time to time, Procrastination! Yep that big word just popped right out. Imagine being asked to write a paper, on anything, and for some reason life gets in the way. Or in Poppy’s case time for breaks, time to sharpen the pencil, time to play, time for dinner, time for bed, and before you know it, there is no time left. It’s also about not only having no time left but what Poppy writes onto her paper. Does one or two sentences really cut the mustard? Was there any effort put into it? Mmm I think we have all been down that road. But I love when she finally gets an idea. Not only an idea but writes about something she knows only too well. Ha, you will have to read the story and then you’ll get to read her paper. The best part of course was her paper finally getting to be read out in class. So there is a great moral to this story for both kids and, “cough” writers alike. When you take the time and effort, and write what you know, who knows, it could become a winner.

It wasn’t till I read the back flap that I realised Susan Eaddy also illustrated my dear friend and 12×12 creator’s book – “My Love for You is the Sun.” Poppy’s Best Paper is the first book Susan has written and I loved the way she set the scene in her first couple of sentences. Her sentences are short and snappy taking us through the days and hours Poppy spends writing her papers. The distractions and the time she spends at school and her feelings towards her friend, Lavender. Kids will love this book and see themselves in the soft coloured illustrations and connect easily with Poppy. I did. 🙂

Resources/Findings: : Here is a YouTube trailer of the book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHpbSCY1e0g

Teachers – After reading the story children could write down as many things they could remember that distracted Poppy. What other things could be distracting? What is the name of Poppy’s teacher? What was the first writing topic for the class? Choose a topic for the class to write on one sheet of paper. A topic could be “If I had one wish.”

Since we just had Poppy day and celebrated ANZAC Day last Monday – Australian and New Zealand Army Corp – remembering those who died at the landing at Gallipoli during World War 2. Here is a You Tube on how to make paper Poppies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe0uqc6ImgQ

Here is Susan’s website… http://www.susaneaddy.com/books/

And Rosalinde’s…. http://www.rosalindebonnet.com/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Poppy, Rosalinde Bonnet, Susan Eaddy, Susanna Leonard Hill | 8 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 22/04/2016 by Diane Tulloch

Tiny Pie

Written by: Mark Bailey and Michael Oatman

Illustrated by: Edward Hemingway

Published by: Running Press Kids Imprint of Running Press Book Publ. May 2013

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: there is something for everyone, you can do anything even if you’re tiny, fitting in.

Opening Lines: Once upon a night-time, there was a party on Elephant Lane. It was not a birthday party, a holiday party, or a tea party. It was a grown-up party-you know-for big people.

Synopsis: (on amazon) Little Ellie the elephant is the only kid at a grown-up party. No one is paying any attention to poor Ellie, and she can’t reach the food! Why must everything be for big people?

Then to Ellie’s surprise, she discovers a little chef mouse inside a hole in the wall, and he’s filming a cooking show! Ellie can see that his sharp senses are key ingredients for a successful tiny pie. Will this be the perfect snack that’s just her size? As an added treat, Alice Waters has contributed a delicious tiny apple pie recipe perfect for little hands (and big appetites)!

Why I like it: This adorable book so beautifully illustrated by Edward Hemingway is breath-taking. Wonderful illustrations are a feast for young eyes. Imagine a tiny cooking show filmed for tv going on inside the wall of your kitchen. When Ellie joins in with the cooking there is a party to be had and the mice take over the kitchen. What is even better is that Ellie gets to have a pie just the right size for her

Resources/Findings: Edward Hemingway’s blog and artwork… http://edward-hemingway.squarespace.com/

Mark’s website… http://www.markbaileywriter.com/

Some fun cooking ideas for kids… http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/cooking-with-kids#.pwvWAG4aG

A great book written by one of my writing buddies – Vivian Kirkfield has wonderful craft and cooking recipes and reading choices for children – a winning resource to help build a child’s self-esteem… http://www.amazon.com/Self-Esteem-Crafting-Positive-Parental-Participation/dp/0967014751

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Edward Hemingway, Mark Bailey, Susanna Leonard Hill | 22 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 26/03/2016 by Diane Tulloch

How To Read A Story

Written by: Kate Messner

Illustrated by: Mark Siegel

Ages : 4-8years

Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 5, 2015)

2015 Parents Choice Award

Theme: Reading, Learning

Opening Lines: Step 1 Find a story. A good one. It can have princesses and castles, if you like that sort of thing, or witches and trolls. (As long as they’re not too scary.)

Synopsis: (front flap) Kate Messner and Mark Siegel brilliantly chronicle the process of becoming a reader, from choosing a book and finding someone with whom to share it to guessing what will happen and – finally- coming to The End.

Why I like it: This is certainly an exceptional book. Not only did the cute cover catch my eye but the overall text is well thought out. It’s quick, snappy and playful with layers, almost like a lesson, or teachers guide, yet keeps one interested by building a story within a story. Both the child and the reading buddy are given instructions throughout on how to go about reading a story. It’s not until you come to the end that you realise there was a story within. You just have to read it again.

When Kate was little she used to follow her parents’ dinner guests around with piles of books, hoping for a read aloud. These days she is paying it forward, writing beautiful childrens’ books and sharing them. She lives on Lake Chaplain with her family.

Mark Siegel is an award-winning illustrator of a number of books and lives in New York.

Resources/Findings: You will find all you need to know about Kate and her books on her beautiful website. Along with Question and Answers, Kate is a speaker and writers guru at many conferences and workshops. Checkout her appearance dates … http://www.katemessner.com/

Here is a great review from one of my writing buddies. (I thought I had seen it somewhere)…. http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2015/05/01/perfect-picture-book-friday-how-to-read-a-story-by-kate-messner/

A resource for teachers…. http://reading.ecb.org/teacher/pdfs/lessons/vis_lp_StoryWheel.pdf

Posted in Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged Kate Messner, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Reading Aloud, Susanna Leonard Hill | 12 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 06/02/2016 by Diane Tulloch

SNOW

Written and Illustrated by: Sam Usher

Published by: Templar Publishing 2014

Ages: 3 – 6 years

Theme: Patience, eagerness, prepared

Opening Lines: When I woke up this morning it was snowing! I couldn’t wait to go to the park.

Synopsis: One little boy wants desperately to race out to enjoy the snow. His Grandad is taking so long to get ready and reminds the little boy to be dressed appropriately. Finally they set off for the park through the snow which has now been churned up by all his friends and animals. But the joy, games, and fun are still to be had no matter what time of the day.

Why I like this: Wow! This is a beautiful book in so many ways. The huge sparse cool drawings imitate snow that even on a summer’s day made me shiver, thinking of my northern hemisphere friends. The short sharp text had me hooked in the little boy’s anticipation and foot hopping eagerness to get out and enjoy the snow. Grandads’ do take a long time when getting ready for anything in little kids eyes. The anxious stares out the window, pouncing up and down on the doorstep, come on Grandad. Waiting is for-e-v-e-r! Finally they arrive at the park and what fun there is. I love the soft colours used in the cool scenes of the snow and the warmth that oozes through the connection between Grandad and the little boy, told in first voice. There is also cleverly hidden lessons to be learned for kids such as making sure you are wrapped up warm wearing the right clothes, and having patience, the old saying -all good things come to those who wait. And there is always tomorrow. There is no mention of Christmas so this book is a year-round delight to read. Kids and adults will love this. Even Grandad wins a snowball fight. J

Resources/Findings: I love his philosophy for writers and I also smiled at his –being content at failing at everything you do, it’s then a nice surprise when something works. https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/guest-author-interviews.php?page_id=sam%20usher

Here are some snow activities for kids…. http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/snow/snow.html

Here are some lovely videos for kids to watch …. http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/cool-snowflake-videos-kids.html

This was a great review of the book with an activity to do with molded snow… http://www.playingbythebook.net/2014/11/20/some-things-are-worth-waiting-for-snow-by-samuel-usher/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Sam Usher, Snow stories for kids, Susanna Leonard Hill | 15 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 16/01/2016 by Diane Tulloch

Sally goes to Heaven

Written and Illustrated by: Stephen Huneck

Published by: Abrams Books for young Readers an imprint of Abrams 2014

Ages: 5 – 7 years

Theme: Death, heaven, joy

Opening Lines: Sally wakes up when she hears the front door close. She rises slowly from her bed, careful not to strain her aching joints.

Synopsis: (from the flap) Sally the black Labrador has had many wonderful adventures over the years. But now she is tired and ready for a rest. After falling asleep Sally opens her eyes and discovers she’s in heaven. She’s sad to leave her family behind but soon finds that heaven is filled with new and exciting places to explore. There are lots of friends to make, meatballs grow on bushes, and – best of all – there are no leashes!

Why I like this: A beautiful tender story from a dogs view of life after death. A wonderful way to reassure children that their dog or pet would find happiness, no pain and enjoy so much when they have gone from this life. Sally finds she is able to bounce around no longer feeling the bangs of old age and she can eat all her favourite food like ice-cream. It is lovely how the author also includes that Sally hopes the family she has left behind will find another dog to play with and look after them, and in doing so teaches that life does go on.

Stephen, author, artist, and sculpture, had such dedication, love and respect towards dogs and wrote beautiful books for children of everyday life based on his own dog, eventually built a chapel for dogs and dog owners so the dead could be remembered. He himself took his own life in 2010 and his wife who tried to keep his legacy going died three years later.

Resources/Findings:

https://www.paperplus.co.nz/author/stephen-huneck-309549

Interesting story about the author/artist who died in 2010 and his wife who died 3 years later.… http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/arts/design/01huneck.html?_r=0

A video with the author a year before he died… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0jj0Fg2LA4

This is Dog Mountain website…. http://www.dogmt.com/

Also a video of the chapel for dogs and owners…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ty4kQSfm3s

Posted in Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged lost pet, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Stephen Huneck, Susanna Leonard Hill | 8 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 05/12/2015 by Diane Tulloch

BAGGY BROWN

Written and Illustrated by: Mick Inkpen

Published by: Hodder Children’s Books, Australia 2007

Ages: 2 – 6 years

Theme: Love lost and found, friendship

Opening Lines: Princess Sophinyiniannia, (Sophie for short), also started out well, as you can imagine. To give you some idea, this is just the top of the pile of cuddly toys that arrived for her the very day she was born.

Synopsis: No.1 bear is priceless, the first of a thousand special bears made to celebrate the first birthday of the daughter of the King and Queen of Thingland, and the only bear to be presented to the Princess. But when the big red teddy bear machine at Better Bears Ltd chews him up and spits him out he takes a very different route to the Palace, and along the way finds his real name. A beautifully told story from the award-winning creator of Kipper and Wibbly Pig.

Why I like this: This is such a huggable story with a whimsical feel. A simple heart-warming story with warm colourful illustrations. A story that reminds children that the best loved toys are the oldest and shabbiest. Like well-worn pages of a book sometimes the scruffiest is a sign of being loved. When Alfie realises the bear is not his, he returns it to the princess and in doing so makes a life-long friendship and eventual love of heart.

Resources/Findings: At this Christmas time of year and indeed any time of year there are many children in needy families who go without any toys. Infact many do not think of presents or a Christmas turkey. This is a great time for children to offer toys they have grown out of for charities who arrange collections. Look for one in your area.

Here are a couple of charities … http://www.toysfortots.org/default.aspx

https://www.toybox.org.uk/

Here are some more charities listed in many other countries… http://www.allthingschristmas.com/christmas-charity.html

This is also a great time for kids to use their creative talents to make toys, cards and decorations which could be given to charities, old folk homes and needy families. Why not put on a Christmas show complete with carols. Put together little Christmas food parcels or gifts to take to a local old folks home or children’s hospital. There are endless things kids and adults could do to make Christmas a special time of year for someone less fortunate.