Writer and Dreamer at work

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 24/01/2015 by Diane Tulloch

CLEMENTINE’S WALK

Written and Illustrated by: Annie White

Published by: New Frontier Publishing Pty Ltd, in Australia 2013

Ages: 2 – 5 years

Theme: patience, persistence, loyalty

Opening Lines: Clementine was very bored, with nothing left to do. Then looking up she saw her lead, and that gave her a clue.

Synopsis: Clementine is intent on finding someone to take her for a walk, but everyone is just too busy. When they finally find the time, Clementine is nowhere to be found.

Why I like this: Simplicity, beautifully done. The text, rhyming, and theme of a natural situation wrapped in gorgeous clean colourful fun illustrations kids will adore. This playful puppy will unknowingly teach children about patience and persistence. The book itself is an excellent tool for kids to learn about the behaviours of puppies, and a great intro into learning about how to look after a pet and generate story ideas kids can write. I loved this book.

Resources/Findings: Annie is best known for her beautiful illustrations. Here you can see a couple from this book along with her other illustrations… http://anniewhite.com/illustrations

Here is a beautiful teachers aid, on Clementine’s Walk done by the Little Book Club… http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/sites/thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/files/files/title_resource/learningtime_clementineswalk_45_september_2013.pdf

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, Picture Book Review | Tagged Annie White, childrens books, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Puppies, Susanna Leonard Hill | 22 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 17/01/2015 by Diane Tulloch

Happy New Year Everyone, after coming back from our brief trip to spend Christmas with family and the mention of possibly the youngest nephew flying down to visit later in the year, I thought of this great book to review, from our very own New Zealand team, Sally and Sylvie.

Catch that Plane

Written by: Sally Sutton

Illustrated by: Sylvie Currin Korankova

Published by: Walker Books, Australia Pty Ltd

Ages: 2 – 5 years

Theme: travel, airport

Opening Lines: Rushing to the airport, what do I see?

Synopsis: A young boy races us through the airport to get to the plane on time, showing us who and what we may meet along the way.

Why I like this: Sally cleverly shows us through the eyes of a young boy, the process one has to go through at the airport when travelling by plane. The short rhyming text gives it the fast pace and excitement as the boy races though bag check-in and security. You can almost hear him puffing as he jogs down the aerobridge to the plane with his little sister. I also loved Sylvie’s pencil drawings and the illustrations will keep kids amused for some time. An excellent book for a small child about to embark on his/her first plane flight. A great read while waiting in the departure lounge with Sally’s fact note and list of things to look for activity, in the back of the book.

Both Sally and Sylvie live in Auckland New Zealand.

You can find Sylvie here… http://www.illustration.co.nz/korankova.html

And here is Sally’s website: http://www.sallysutton.co.nz/

Resources/Findings:

List of things to do on a plane flight…. https://www.listplanit.com/2011/06/list-of-things-to-entertain-kids-on-an-airplane/

Some more activities…. http://www.pinterest.com/explore/airplane-travel-activities/

Posted in Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged Children's Picture book, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Sally Sutton, Susanna Leonard Hill, Sylvie Currin Korankova | 15 Comments

The Handkerchief Quilt

Posted on 06/12/2014 by Diane Tulloch

The Handkerchief Quilt

Written by: Carol Crane

Illustrated by: Gary Palmer

Published by: Sleeping Bear Press 2010

Ages: 6 and up

Theme: community, coming together, raising funds, helping those in need.

Opening lines: The town always started its day with the 7am factory whistle. Its long, shrill blasts hung as if suspended in air, and then, just for a moment, everything was quiet before the world of work started.

Synopsis: From front cover- For many years Monday through Friday, Miss Anderson has walked to Parkland School, eager to begin her day’s work in her classroom. She is a devoted teacher, beloved by the many children she has taught over the years. The school and her students mean everything to her.

After one holiday weekend, Parkland School suffers a devastating flood. Burst pipes send water pouring into classrooms and the library. The school must close for repairs. But it’s not just the building that has been damaged. New supplies and materials, especially books, are needed. But there isn’t enough money to do it all.

Miss Anderson cannot bear to think of her beloved school closed and her students left without materials. What can she do to help? And when the answer comes to her, Miss Anderson knows what to do and whom to ask for assistance.

Why I like it: This is a lovely story with so many themes. Immediately when I read this I thought of how it reminded me of the earthquakes we have had, not only here but around the world. Or even small disasters that happen, even within our own towns, cities or villages. How like in this book people come together to help, a community responds in creative ways to help themselves and others. It also showed how one creative gesture no matter how small can become such a lifesaving opportunity. The text is lyrically written and what is even more interesting is that it is based on a true story of Carol’s mother. Set in the 1950’s the soft watercolour illustrations give it that period feel and charm. Both; Carol, who has written over 14 books for Sleeping Press, and Gary who is a freelance illustrator, live in North Carolina.

Resources/Findings: This is a great resource from the book in getting kids involved in fund-raising, cooking, how to report or write-up a disaster news, etc… http://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/SleepingBearPress/HandkerchiefQuilt_Guide.pdf

How to make a Handkerchief Quilt.. http://www.ehow.com/how_2077800_make-handkerchief-quilt.html

Here is another neat craft idea… http://www.planetfun.co.nz/Rainbow-Loom_515.aspx?gclid=CMr28vbkr8ICFYmVvQodAYkAbg

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Carol Crane, Children's Picture book, Gary Palmer, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 29/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

I would like to wish everyone that celebrates it, A very happy Thanks Giving. It wasn’t till tonight that I realised the choice I made for PPBF has a kind of grateful theme. Being grateful to be able to share your life with someone, with friends, family and love ones. I hope you enjoy this beautiful book.

Just Right for Two

Written by: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrated by: Rosalind Beardshaw

Published by: Nosey Crow Ltd 2013

Ages: 3 – 6 years

Theme: friendship

Opening Lines: Dog had a big, blue suitcase. He took it with him everywhere. Inside were all his special things.

Synopsis: Dog thinks he has everything he needs in his big, blue suitcase. It’s perfect for all the little treasurers he’s collected and he’s sure that he doesn’t need anything else to keep him happy. But then, Dog meets Mouse and everything changes…

Why I like this: A heart-warming beautifully told story of friendship. Simply told in prose, Dog thinks he has everything he needs, and his suitcase is just right for one. But Mouse appears and after spending time together, Dog realises he doesn’t have everything. The gorgeous illustrations while sweet are cool in colour to start with, giving that lonesome feeling and turn a warm beach colour when Dog and Mouse come together. It is just the sweetest book. A feeling of love, and friendship, proving that life is just right with two.

Resources/Findings: there are no resources for this book but I did find some fun activities regarding friendship for kids…. http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/friendship.html

Songs of friendship for kids…. http://www.songsforteaching.com/friendshipsongs.htm

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Rosalind Beardshaw, Tracey Corderoy | 7 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 22/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

I had another book lined up for this week. But after watching the news with the unexpected heavy snow falls in the USA and hoping friends are keeping safe and warm, I thought this gorgeously illustrated one was more in keeping with the theme.

The Little Eskimo

Written by: Davide Call

Illustrated by: Maurizio A C Quarella

Published by: Wilkins Fargo Pty 1^st October 2013

Age: 4 – 7 years

Theme: knowing ones identity, seeking the future, inquisitive

Opening Lines: The Little Eskimo wanted to know two things: he wanted to know if he would be a great hunter when he grew up, and also what was on the other side of the Great Ice Lake.

Synopsis: The little Eskimo sets out on a quest to find the answers to his questions but none of the arctic animals can help him. Finally, a whale takes the brave little boy to an island in the middle of the lake to the one creature who knows all.

Why I like this: This is a beautiful story, though a little dark. It reminds me of the saying “curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back.” The little Eskimo boy is so determined to find answers to his questions. However things are not quite what we expected. Even I was surprised at the ending of this one. I loved Maurizio’s illustrations with the cute little Eskimo and such expression in his eyes. The scenery in blues gives that icy feel.

Resources/Findings: Here is some Teachers notes on the Wilkins farrago website. http://www.wilkinsfarago.com.au/PDFs/Eskimo_teachers_notes.pdf

And if you have snow, now’s a good time to go out and make a snowman or join in a some snow fun.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged childrens literature, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Rosalind Beardshaw, Susanna Leonard Hill, Tracey Corderoy | 13 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 15/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

TITANICAT

Written by: Marty Crisp

Illustrated by: Robert Papp

Published by: Sleeping Bear Press 2008

Ages: 6 and up

Theme: Instinct, superstition, heart

Opening Lines: Every time Jim glanced to the side, there was the cat, flashing the tip of her tortoiseshell tail at him, all the way to the shipyard. Some claimed a tortoiseshell cat could see the future. Jim, himself, believed only that cats were lucky. His Da worked in the Belfast shipyard, so Jim knew all the lore about ships and their cats.

Synopsis: from Amazon – Young Jim Mulholland can’t believe his good luck: He has signed on as a cabin boy to the world’s finest ocean liner, the Titanic, and can’t wait for the history-making voyage across the sea to America. As part of his duties Jim is in charge of the ship’s cat, a beautiful tortoiseshell that also appears happy to be on board. He calls the cat by the ship’s construction number, 4-0-1, certain that she will bring him good luck. And he’s delighted when 4-0-1 shortly gives birth to a litter of kittens. But once the ship’s trial runs are completed and it’s ready to launch to sea, Jim notices that 4-0-1 is nowhere to be found. He’s got to find her-the Titanic can’t cast off without her lucky cat. Jim is faced with a decision that will affect the rest of his life

Why I like this: I am totally surprised this one isn’t on the PPBF list. With such a rich story and out-of-this-world gorgeous illustrations and captive title, made this a must read for me. We all know the story of the famous maiden voyage that ended in disaster for the luxurious ship known as the Titanic. It was April 15, 1912 when it sank and there have been many unsolved mysteries that sank with her. With its discovery at the bottom of the ocean, stories have appeared giving insight into how people came to be on the ship, how lives were depicted back then, superstitions, miracles, and more mysteries about what happened having come to light. This story is one of them… An opening page spread introduces us to the Titanic, over page the story begins as above. Kids will love this heartfelt story, its history, and educational use. In the authors’ note we learn that there was a young Irishman who looked after the ships cat during its training run, and then decided to leave taking the cat and her kittens just before the ship set sail. The illustrations by Robert are soft and delicate with bright hues giving such depth and realism, that I just wanted to pick up a kitten and cuddle it.

Resources/Findings: This book is educational in itself with the authors footnote and has added links she used in her research. An award-winning author she has also written White Star a book about a dog on the Titanic, also interviewing the families of the Titanic survivors.

A teachers aid: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Titanic-Titanicat-by-Marty-Crisp-1169504

A PDF printout for teachers : http://museumvictoria.com.au/pages/15649/titanic_us-kit_student-activities.pdf

And another: http://www.theteachersguide.com/Titanic.html

Another teachers aid: http://heatherpearmansequencedocuments.blogspot.co.nz/p/reading-lesson-plans.html

http://suzyred.com/2010_titanic.html

Marty’s website: http://www.martycrisp.com/books.html

View some of Roberts’ beautiful artwork and go aww… like I did here… http://www.robertpapp.com/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Marty Crisp, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Robert Papp, Susanna Leonard Hill | 10 Comments

Kiwi SCBWI Workshop 201

Posted on 14/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Spring is a lovely time of year, don’t you agree?

On a sunny spring day last weekend I attended the Kiwi SCBWI Picture Books 201 workshop headed by award-winning author and illustrator, Sally Sutton and Nina Rycroft. After attending last year’s SCBWI workshop 101 having had such fun, I had no intention of missing this one. I was not disappointed!

Geared at editing, Sally had us slashing prose and reworking rhymes. Boy, this was no mean feat for someone who shires away from rhyming text, I can tell you! Sally also provided us with checklists for both prose and rhyming text as well as a storyboard to work with. It was interesting hearing about changes one has to be aware of should you choose publishing internationally. Even in one of her books sounds such as ‘ping’ ‘ring’ etc had to be changed as they sounded like tin (something sharp) and therefore considered unsafe for kids. Interesting also to hear of what we considered as perfect rhyming words were changed for international publishing due to different dialect in, say, USA and Canada. I loved seeing how one of her stories changed, from its original draft to the finished product. From the title, to the changed words, sentences, dialogue, deleting and rewriting. I always come away with new thoughts on how I can improve my own work. Check out her lovely website.

Nina took over with displays of her wonderful, colourful illustrations. Explaining the process from idea and interpretation of a text to pencilled drawing, from thumbnail to A3 watercolours. Nina has illustrated a number of award-winning books and also is author and illustrator of the richly produced Ballroom Bonanza. Look at this and her other illustrations here, they are such a delight. As you see in the picture above Nina happily guided us through a number of drawings with such ease. I so enjoyed this as I loved drawing at school as a kid. Below was my attempt. I so hope they have another workshop next year!

Posted in ideas for writing, Picture book, SCBWI | Tagged Children's Picture book, Kiwi-SCBWI, Nina Rycroft, Sally Sutton, SCBWI, Writing for Children | 8 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 08/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

MILO and The Magical Stones

Written/Illustrated by: Marcus Pfister

Translated by: Marianne Martens

Published by: North-South Books Inc

Ages: 3 – 8 years

Theme: gratitude, consequences, environmental

Opening Lines: In the middle of the sea there was an island, and on this island lived Milo and the other cliff mice. They loved their island. It provided them with food and shelter and protection from the rough storms that pounded waves against the cliffs.

Synopsis: From back of book – On a small island in the middle of the sea, a mouse named Milo makes an extraordinary discovery – a magical stone that gives both light and warmth.

How will this discovery change the lives of Milo and the other mice? Will it bring delight or environmental disaster? The reader must decide. Halfway through the story, the book splits into two sections, each offering a different ending.

Why I like this: Well it’s different, plain and simple. While it has the most cutiest cover, the story inside cleverly allows the reader to decide how it should end. Half way through the pages are purposely split in two with the top pages stating ‘The Happy Ending’ the bottom state ‘The Sad Ending,’ it’s your choice where you go from here. The book is also taller than the normal size one would expect of picture books, but then it allows not only the splitting of the pages, but also allows us to enjoy the fuzzy sweet water based illustrations with shiny gold stones sparkling off the page. Marcus brings environmental issues to the young in a very subtle way, showing them not only the effect today’s environmental choices can have on the future of your planet, but also the consequences in all decisions. It’s about making wise decisions. At the end of the book Milo leaves us with a few tips such as ‘turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and only turn it back on to rinse,’ and ‘turn off lights when you’re not using them.’

Resources/Findings: This book is a great intro for discussions in schools on environmental issues, field trips, etc… Maybe a class project in cleaning up a park or beach, of litter.

Also a great discussion on what are the consequences when something is taken not just in environmental issues but in our everyday life. What resulted? Was it replaced with something else? What harm would it do, or has it done? What can be done to repair this?

“Adopt a piece of earth” is a project suggested by Milo in the back of the book. Plant a vegetable patch or provide food area for birds, bees and butterflies.

This a very cute retelling of the story with props by a young student… http://www.schooltube.com/video/f2cabed46a05f3213d0f/Story-Can-Milo-the-Magic-Stone

Great teachers aid in discussing the book… http://www.tlpeace.org.au/stories/milo.htm

A CD game of the story is available here… http://www.amazon.com/Milo-Magical-Stones-PC-Mac/dp/B00005O6QH

Here is Marcus’s beautiful website and his other books… http://www.marcuspfister.ch/books%202.htm

Posted in Picture Book Review | Tagged childrens books, childrens literature, Marcus Pfister, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 21 Comments

HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!!!!!

Posted on 01/11/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Oh my! It’s that time of year again and our lovely writing buddy and friend, Susanna Leonard Hill never misses an opportunity to run a competition. In fact this is the 4th year she has run the Halloweensie Contest on her blog. So if you want some good-ole spooky reading with all the trimmings, then head on over to her blog, here. We have already celebrated Halloween here last night (being time zoned in the future…hehe). Although it’s not so widely celebrated here we did have a number of cute Spidermen, even a Spiderwoman, witches, devils, spacemen, fairies and princesses knock on our door. Of course I had my basket of sweets waiting. You should have seen the look on a couple of faces when I asked a couple of real cuties what their trick would have been. Their parents standing at the top of the drive laughed as the little ones full of hopeful smiles, shrugged! haha!

Well it’s getting late posting this but here is my entry (100 words as required with the words; pumpkin, creak, and broomstick) with a twist, guess who? Enjoy!

Polly’s Walkabout!

Polly heard the creaking floorboard, peering out she sees a cape-like shadow with broomstick move along the walls. Polly waits, and then creeps out of bed, past lighted pumpkin, past sleeping brother and into Mum and Dad’s room.

Polly nudges Mum awake. Mum picks her up and takes her back to bed.

Later Polly hears the creaking floorboard, and sees the cape-like shadow move along the wall again.

Polly nudges Mum awake. Mum picks her up and takes her back to bed.

Later, too tired and without looking Mum moves the covers of her bed. The cape-like shadow slides in.

Thank you for stopping in. Happy Halloween!

Posted in ideas for writing, Susanna' s contests. | Tagged Halloween, Susanna Leonard Hill, Writing for Children | 30 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 25/10/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Tough Chicks

Written by: Cece Meng

Illustrated by: Melissa Suber

Published by: Clarion Publishers, New York 2009

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: Girl power, being unique

Opening Lines: From the moment Mama Hen’s eggs burst open, she knew she was dealing with some pretty tough chicks. Penny, Polly, and Molly shook out their wet fluff and immediately began to strut around the farm. Peep, peep, zoom, zip, cheep.

Synopsis: From Amazon – From the moment Penny, Polly, and Molly hatch from their eggs, the whole farm knows they are truly tough chicks. They wrestle worms, rope roosters, and are often found under the hood of the tractor. All the other animals and even the farmer himself tell Mama Hen to make her chicks good. “They are good!” Mama Hen replies. But could her chicks be too loud, too independent, and too tough? Lively language and bold illustrations capture all the fun and humor of this delightfully different farmyard romp that’s also a resounding endorsement for letting girls be girls (even if they’re loud and tough and like to play with tractors.)

Why I like this: Don’t we just love anything that shows what girls can do, who dare to be different? Yay for Girl Power! The picture doesn’t do it justice of the colourful illustrations of the farm animals and the cute expressions on the chicks faces even when covered in mud. (Reminds me of Julie Rowan-Zoch’s gorgeous works of art.) I noticed throughout the rule of three both in the text and even in the illustrations with cow, pigs and sheep. Even though from the moment they hatched everyone including the farmer were wishing the chicks weren’t so loud, independent and causing such trouble. Their mother still thought they were good, in their own way, (though she did have her doubts and worries.) But when a runaway tractor gets caught in the mud it is the girls wit, independence and smarts that come to the rescue. This is a delightful read with humour, that even the guys are gonna love. Where would they be without us “tough chicks” huh?

I love that saying:- Girls can do anything!

Resources/Findings: Can catch Cece Meng here…. https://twitter.com/iwrite4kids

I can think of a number of activities where both girls and guys can mix in, compete and even surprise. Such as a bake-off, tug of war, craft making, design a mini garden, etc. Many of these can be done in groups in the classroom. Whether it’s an indoor activity or outdoor, such as a nature trek, one can never assume girls are weak of stomach or body. These days many girls are interested in technical design, wood work, mechanics, even space, etc.

Here are some links to other activities … http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/unique-family-activities/

http://www.pinterest.com/desertrio/fun-activities-for-kids/

I’m so 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.