Writer and Dreamer at work

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 18/10/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Harry & Hopper

Written by: Margaret Wild

Illustrated by: Freya Blackwood

Published by: Omnibus Books an imprint of Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd 2009 and again by Feiwel & Friends (January 18, 2011)

Ages: 2 – 5 years

Theme: Loss, connection, love

Opening Lines: When the puppy came to live with Harry and Dad, he was as jumpy as a grasshopper. So that’s what Harry called him. Hopper.

Synopsis: From the back of the book – Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together, ever since Hopper was a jumpy little Puppy. But one day the unthinkable happens. When Harry comes home from school, Hopper isn’t there to greet him. Hopper will never be there again, but Harry is not ready to let him go. This story tenderly demonstrates the shock of grief and the sustaining power of love.

Why I like this: This moving, heart-wrenching story shows the power of love between a boy and his beloved dog. The two were inseparable until an accident killed Hopper. Not wanting to say goodbye before he is buried, Harry cannot accept Hopper is gone, and the puppy appears each night to keep him company. It is obvious that Harry must eventually come to accept what’s happened. Hopper eventually leaves when Harry is ready to let him go. This story will not leave you dry-eyed, take my word for it. Having lost my father nearly three months ago it was only the other day I managed to watch a recording of the funeral. This book which I had lying around seemed appropriate somehow (no matter what age the reader is.) It’s about accepting loss, but also about accepting loss in your own time, in your own way, and about learning to grieve. Realising the time you had together is what you must hold on to, not what you won’t have. We always want to hold on to someone a little longer when they have passed, and that’s okay, too.

Resources/Findings: Here’s an interview with the author…. http://us.macmillan.com/author/margaretwild

Here is some pictures from the book and a little about the illustrator Freya Blackwood.. http://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2010/jun/24/kate-greenaway-medal-freya-blackwood

Here is some great tips when dealing with children and grief… http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/griefwar.pdf

Here is some activities from Margaret and Freya in relation to the book… http://www.scool.scholastic.com.au/schoolzone/toolkit/assets/pdfs/Harry_and_Hopper.pdf

A wonderful blog by fellow writer and dear friend Patrica Tilton, also has wonderful books about loss and healing… http://childrensbooksheal.com/

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.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, chilldren's Books Heal, Freya Blackwood, Grief, Grief Loss and Bereavement, Margaret Wild, Patricia Hilton, Susanna Leonard Hill | 22 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 11/10/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Steam Train, Dream Train

Written by: Sherri Dusky Rinker

Illustrated by: Tom Lichtenheld

Published by: Chronicle Books LLC 2013

Ages: 4 – 6 years

Theme: Trains, animals, night-time

Opening Lines: Through the darkness, clickety-clack… coming closer, down the track… hold your breath so you can hear hugging, chuffing drawing near.

Synopsis: From Amazon – The team behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site returns with another fabulous book for bedtime! The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls. Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiasts!

Why I like this: This richly coloured in midnight hues book by the #1 New York Times bestseller duo Sherri and Tom, of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, is a treasure for those young train lovers. I loved how the illustrations showed the animals putting everything on to the train, from the juggling monkeys and the stacking of blocks on the camel’s hump to the elephant’s pouring the paint into the tankers, even the giraffe had a place. The enchanting rhyme is catchy and kids will love this to be read to them night after night before bed.

Resources/Findings: Beautiful Trailer for the book.. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48PD91_hB9w

Interview with Sherri here… http://www.fairytaletown.org/meet-sherri-duskey-rinker/

A great story on Tom Lichtenheld here… http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/54742-steam-train-dream-train-the-evolution-of-a-cover.html

Here are some colouring pages of trains …. http://www.hellokids.com/r_711/coloring-pages/transportation-coloring-pages/train-coloring-pages

Facts about trains…. http://www.kidsdiscover.com/spotlight/trains-for-kids/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Steam Trains for kids, Susanna Leonard Hill, Tom Lichtenheld | 20 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 04/10/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Fly Free!

Written by: Roseanne Thong

Illustrated by: Enjin Kim Neilan

Published by: Boyds Mills Press 2009

Ages: 7 – 9 years

Theme: kindness, karma, paying it forward

Opening Lines: It was early morning, and the sun had just risen round and red as a parasol. The earth under Mai’s toes was cool, but the sun’s first rays cast a warm, golden glow on pagoda eaves. Mai looked for the familiar cage of sparrows for sale by the temple gates.

Synopsis: From Amazon – When you do a good deed, it will come back to you. Mai loves feeding the caged birds near the temple but dreams that one day she’ll see them fly free. Then she meets Thu and shares the joy of feeding the birds with her. This sets a chain of good deeds in motion that radiates throughout her village and beyond. Set in Vietnam, Roseanne Thong’s inspiring story, an Asian-Pacific American Librarians Association Honor Book, is elegantly illustrated with watercolor on wood by Eujin Kim Neilan.

Why I like it: This is a beautiful warm story of beginning a cycle of doing good deeds. Written to illustrate the Buddhist philosophy of karma, the lesson of this simple story, that helping others is helpful to you, is universal. A little girl wishes she could free some caged birds, invites another child to help feed them. The second girl gives her red slippers to another with an injured foot, and so the cycle goes until it comes back to the birds. The beautiful warm, gold, orange and reds of watercolour illlustrations on wood, yes wood, sets the story in Vietnam. Roseanne is known for her multicultural themed stories, and from the dramatic cover to the simple refrain she teaches us the value of kindness. As one reviewer on Amazon put it; Children and adults will do well to be reminded that it is important to practice “random acts of kindness” and that this behavior will be rewarded, eventually, in some way. Creating a culture of kindness has never been needed more than it is today.

Roseanne spent fifteen years teaching and writing in Asia and trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma have inspired most of her award winning stories such as Red is the Dragon, Round Is a Mooncake, One is a Drummer, Wish, Gai See; What You Can See in Chinatown, The Wishing Tree among others. Enjin is also the illustrator of Imagine a Dragon by Laurence Pringle and many others was born in Korea now lives in Natick, Massachusetts.

“Fly free, fly free, in the sky so blue. When you do a good deed, it will come back to you”

Findings/Resources” Here is Roseanne’s website… http://www.greenfield-thong.com/

Youtube Read aloud…. http://www.schooltube.com/video/ccc4b3bac51f4fd9ae2c/Fly%20Free!

Here are some random acts of kindness kids can do… http://www.eatsleepbe.com/2012/02/acts-of-kindness-for-kids/

Love the acts of kindness activities here… http://www.kidactivities.net/category/random-acts-of-kindness.aspx

Posted in Folklore / multicultural, Picture Book Review, What moves me | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens books, Enjin Kim Neilan, Kindness, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Roseanne Thong, Susanna Leonard Hill, Vietnam | 26 Comments

“PERFECT PICTURE BOOK” – Friday

Posted on 27/09/2014 by Diane Tulloch

When No one is Watching

Written by: Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by: David A Johnson

Published by: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Imprint of Eerdmans Publishing Co 2013

Ages: 4 – 6 years

Theme: Shyness, friendship

Opening Lines: When no one is watching, I dance. I leap and I spin and I prance round the room. I twirl with my pillow and whirl with the broom. When no one is watching, I dance. But…

Synopsis: From Amazon – When no one is watching, it’s easy to be brave — to dance and sing, growl and cheer. But when everyone’s watching, this book’s shy young narrator finds it far easier to hide. With her best friend, Loretta, though, she doesn’t feel shy, embarrassed, awkward, or odd — not one bit. Together they’re like two peas in a pod, whether anyone’s watching or not.

Why I like it: I loved this book the minute I picked it up. I suppose it’s because told in first person this shy character is sharing her thoughts and private moments with me. Anyone, like myself, who knows what it’s like to be shy will understand her need to hide away when people are around. Alone we are treated to her real abilities to shine. We are introduced towards the end to her equally shy friend whom she shares her active and quiet times with, and it is great to see her not feeling so shy around someone she obviously trusts. This book shows how it is okay to be shy and that with time and in the right place, one learns to shine. The illustrations are warm, earthy and colourful, attracting the eye with lovely rhyming text.

Edit: Eek! I forgot to add:

Resources/Findings: Here is the book trailer… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cBRYeMP4j4

This was also an interesting program to come across should your child be suffering from fear or anxiety causing the shyness. http://www.turnaroundanxiety.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwnZShBRDfxqzr55rcyMEBEiQA1iRNP0uedXsNI7VNetMR0zQh3D85kZbX6bwLwukVSxdYa3AaAjCz8P8HAQ

A fun exercise I thought kids could do in the classroom is to write down ten things they would do when no one is watching and have them explain why they would do these things.

I’m also off to enjoy some Birthday time with family this weekend, since it’s Saturday already. Have a great weekend everyone!

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Alone, Children's Picture book, David A Johnson, Eileen Spinelli, Susanna Leonard Hill, Through the eyes of a child | 21 Comments

“PERFECT PICTURE BOOK” – Friday

Posted on 13/09/2014 by Diane Tulloch

“Yay” she does a quiet little gig and claps her hands. It’s back!

The Silver Button

Author/Illustrator: Bob Graham

Published by: Walker Books 2013

Age: 3 – 6 years

Theme: A moment in time,

Opening sentences: At 9.59 on Thursday morning, Jodie drew a duck Top hat, cane and boots of the softest leather. On the boots she put silver buttons: one.. two… Her pen hovered in the air for the final button. Jodie’s brother Jonathan pushed slowly to his feet.

Synopsis: From Amazon – At 9:59 on a Thursday morning, Jodie draws a duck. As her pen hovers in the air, ready to add a silver button to the duck’s boot, her little brother Jonathan pushes to his feet, sways, and takes his first step. At the exact same moment, their mom plays a pennywhistle in the kitchen, a man buys fresh bread at the bakery, a baby is born, a soldier says good-bye to his mom, a granddad and granddaughter play with leaves in the park, a blackbird finds a worm. . . . From an ordinary scene of an apartment strewn with child’s artwork and toys to a bird’s-eye view of a city morning pulsing with life, Bob Graham celebrates a whole world-vision in a single moment, encouraging readers to stop, observe, and savour the world around them.

Why I like it: I love the concept of this; a moment in time. It may be a bit over the head for some younger ones but the book alone offers a lot of questions, thoughts, and discussions with young kids. To think of a moment and wonder what is happening around them at that precise time, not just in the next room, but outside, across the street, in your neighbourhood or next town. The discussions could be endless. As Jodie is about to colour a silver button on a drawing, her wee brother takes his first step, and everywhere not just at home or in your town but elsewhere things are happening, day is turning to night, night is turning to day, phones are ringing, the paper is being deliveryed and a plane takes off. Adults as well as children will love this book.

Bob Graham (an Australian) cleverly uses close up and wide-lens view of a neighbourhood to show what is happening at that precise moment in time. The illustrations are very softly done, whimsical and detailed catching the moment in different view-points, like through a window or from the sky. I love how the story comes back at the last page. Jodie’s wee brother falls back down and the clock strikes 10. A minute has past!

Resources/Findings: Here is a great New York times review with some pictures of the book… http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/books/the-silver-button-by-bob-graham.html?_r=0

This book won the 2014: CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2014 Winner – Honour Book

A teachers guide for classroom activies… http://www.petaa.edu.au/teaching-resources/2014-cbca-guide/silver-buttons Great moment in time activities. Other activities would include blowing up a balloon, writing your name etc…

For older kids – studying what is happening at that precise time in another country of their choice. Writing a short essay on that country or city and comparing them.

You heard me skipping and jumping for joy before, didn’t you? I just couldn’t help myself. 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.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Bob Graham, Children's Picture book, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 20 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 14/06/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Before I tell you about my choice of Picture Book I have to review today, let me first tell you what is so special about today. Perfect Picture Book is the brainchild of one of our dearest online writing colleagues, Susanna Hill. I can’t exactly recall when I first came across Susanna, I only know it feels like I have known her forever. We have had some fun over the years, I have enjoyed watching her go from strength to strength in her writing endeavours and applaud her stamina, her sense of humour and her creative ideas. You never know what she is going to come up with next. That’s why you have to keep an eye on her website at all times. She also has a healthy love of all things chocolate which can be quite contagious, so don’t say you haven’t been warned. However, she can be forgiven and all those who know her in letting their hair down and feast on chocolate today as it is the 100^th Picture Book posting week Birthday for her baby; Perfect Picture Book Friday! So let’s celebrate….

Now on with the rest of the show…..

Jolly Snow

Written and Illustrated by: Jane Hissey

First Published by: Scribbles, division of Book House and again by: Philomel (October 31, 1991)

Age: 3 to 6 years

Theme: Imagination, creative, snow, wonder, fun

Opening Lines: It was cold and grey outside. Jolly Tall, the giraffe, was gazing out of the window.

“Are you waiting for something?” asked Rabbit.

Synopsis: Jolly Tall can’t wait to see snowflakes for the very first time, but as it’s not chilly enough outside for real snow, Old Bear and his friends decide to show Jolly the magic of a white winter – with indoor snow! From paper cut-out snow to riding a cardboard sleigh down a white sheet into a pile of pillows that burst forth with feather-like snow, they come up with their own creative ideas. Until real snow arrives!

Why I like this: This is a beautiful story to cuddle up with on a winter’s night and is one of a series that Jane has both written and illustrated in pencil colours of reds and gold’s to give it that old world charm. A classic in its’ own right young ones will imagine if this is what their cuddly toys get up to when left alone. I could understand Jolly Tall’s wistful wonder looking out at a grey sky, at ever seeing “real” snow, as I live in a city that never gets it. I once, as a child, imagined confetti as snow, and played with dolls in a sand box imagining it was snow. This suited our time of year (being now winter) and it would also make a great Christmas gift idea.

Resources/Findings: Here is a Television Animated version of her story…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuRUSV4Lbjw

I loved the idea in the story of making paper snowflakes and these would be a great idea for children to do around Christmas time and hang on the class Christmas tree or for their tree at home.

I also loved the idea of making things out of cardboard such as the sleigh. Here’s another idea to make out of cardboard with all the instructions… http://mollymoocrafts.com/make-it-more-piratey-mom/

Here is another wonderful website with great cardboard ideas…. http://coolmompicks.com/blog/2014/01/04/diy-toys-cardboard-boxes/

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 Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Jane Hissey, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Perfect Picture book Birthday, Susanna Hill | 14 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 07/06/2014 by Diane Tulloch

My Adventure Island … where wild things happen

Written by: Timothy Knapman

Illustrated by: Sarah Warburton

Published by: Scholastic Children’s Books 2012

Ages: 3 – 6 years

Theme: Adventure, Fun, Imagination

Opening Sentence: Here on my island I do what I like. I can Zoom all around on brilliant new bike.

Synopsis: from the back of the book – On my very own island I can do whatever I like! There are no rules and no bedtimes – and broccoli and big sisters are banned. A brilliantly funny tale of mischief and mayhem.

Why I like this: Imagine you had a window into the mind of a sleeping child. See his imagination take over and his world of adventure. He dreams of doing what he wants, eating what he wants, playing with toys without interruption, no sister to annoy, he can be dirty and smelly, never washing or brushing his teeth. Riding a flash new bike or being covered in mud. Heaven isn’t it, for little boys! Well, you would think so. This has the pattern of Where the Wild Things Are, in a way to me. Still I loved flipping the pages and reading the simple mostly one line text that galloped across the page and laugh at his antics. Yes I didn’t like some of my veges too, when I was a kid. Energetic and fun this book will be a hoot for young kids. The illustrations are cute in soft colourful candy for the young adventurer. A keeper, it would make a lovely gift or a classroom read.

Resources/Findings: Timothy’s website… http://www.timothyknapman.co.uk/book/my-adventure-island

A good classroom activity would be to get the kids to write down what they would have on their special island and why.

Here’s something with a little bit of fun, and educational ….. http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/multimedia/interactive/maps-tools-adventure-island/kd/?ar_a=3

This is an interesting blog I came across offering a great activity for kids to help them understand and appreciate the land. Building an island…. http://inspirationalvillage.me/2014/02/27/archipelago-exploring-the-land/

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Susanna Leonard Hill, Timothy Knapman | 14 Comments

Book Award Festival and Honours for Children’s Literature

Posted on 02/06/2014 by Diane Tulloch

After a stressful week of work I gladly enjoyed helping libraries celebrate the NZ Post Book Award Festival week which is held every year. The festival had been held all week with different Libraries holding events, such a story telling and reading, authors signing their books, drawing competitions and dress-ups, and a co-worker and myself decided to volunteer at one of the libraries by holding a colouring competition.

Kids (big and small) enjoyed face painting. Yes yours truly also got coerce into having her face painted. But as you can see these kids really enjoyed themselves. There was also making your own bracelets’, pendants, bands etc… table, along with toy shooting range and our colouring competition. I managed to draw some of the pictures while others were photocopied from printouts. Here are some of the efforts displayed. One of the pictures used was from the book I reviewed for PPBF last

Friday, I need a new Bum. See here.

We also made and iced many muffins to feed the hungry mob, as well there was candy floss and popcorn. Everything was free for the day, to help kids enjoy reading and having fun.

This weekend is our Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Every year New Zealand celebrates the English Queen’s Birthday in the first week of June, and every year there is an announcement of the Queen’s Honours. This year it was lovely to see Betty Gilderdale receiving the NZ Order of Merit in this year’s Queen’s Honours for services to children’s literature. Here is a lovely article on her in our National Paper… http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11265877

It was interesting to read that one of the pictures I used in our colouring competition (The little Yellow Digger) was not only made into a series by Betty, but it has just celebrated 20years in print and over 400,000 copies. I was amazed to learn that Betty never really intended to write a children’s book and even more amazing that none of the books were published until after she had retired. A wonderful story full of colourful pictures of the book and celebration of the 20 years you will find here… http://www.booksellers.co.nz/book-news/little-yellow-digger-celebrates-20-years-print you will also learn that hubby had no intention of illustrating her books in the beginning and now draws diggers all the time.

Here’s hoping you had a lovely weekend in your neck-of-the-woods.

Posted in Children's literature | Tagged Betty Guilderdale, childrens literature, NZ Book Awards | 11 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 01/06/2014 by Diane Tulloch

I need a new Bum

Written by: Dawn McMillan

Illustrated by: Ross Kinnaird

Published by: Libro International

Age: 3 – 6 years

Theme: humour, a dilemma

Opening sentence: I need a new bum! Mine’s got a crack. I can see in the mirror a crack at the back.

Synopsis: (From Amazon) What to do when you need a new bum? Should you get one that’s blue or yellow spotted? A rocket bum that’s all fire and thrust, or a robo-bum?

The options are endless – but wait, Dad’s bum crack is showing too? Maybe this is contagious.

This is a great book to read to kids – or on your own. The hilarious rhymes from Dawn McMillan and delightful drawings of Ross Kinnaird are guaranteed to raise a smile.

Why I like it: Written in first voice, in playful humorous rhyme, a young boy’s dilemma at discovering a crack in his bum. Gotta love that kiwi humour! Ross’s colourful eye popping illustrations add to the giggle as kids turn the pages only to discover they are not the only ones with a crack bum, or in need of a new one. I saw this for myself as I used a couple of the pictures as drawings for a colouring competition. (See my next post on what I got up to last weekend and how this book was such a hit.)

Resources/Findings: About the author… http://www.dawnmcmillan.co.nz/about.html

Interesting that the word bum had to be changed to butt for the USA/Canadian market. Apparently they would think we were referring to needing a new homeless person instead of part of the human body. See on Dawn’s facebook page…. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-McMillan-Author/393872304000922

Here is Ross’s website. Love what he does for kids and getting them interested in drawing and writing…. http://rosskinnaird.blogspot.co.nz/p/about-me.html

Do what we did and have a colouring competition. Ask kids to write down ways they could solve the dilemma, write a story about it.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Dawn McMillan, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Ross Kinnaird, Susanna Leonard Hill | 15 Comments

“PERFECT PICTURE BOOK” – Friday

Posted on 26/04/2014 by Diane Tulloch

I am sure many of us whether parents, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, or friends have been in a situation where a young child asking those awkward questions, or simply that age-old question of “Are we THERE yet?” Kids these days grow up more assertive, are more inquisitive, expect answers and specifics and have no time for sitting still before moving on to something bigger and brighter than we can ever imagine. But there is no getting away from it, they will question everything and anything, whatever it may be. With luck, they may find their own answers in their own way, in their own time. Forever learning about what is ahead of them… The world… Out There…

There

Author/Illustrator: Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, New York April 2009

Ages: 4 – 7

Theme: Thoughts, Questions, Wonder

Opening lines: When will I get There? How will I know? Will there be a sign that says, “Here is There”?

Synopsis: Will it Take long to get There? Will it be tomorrow? How will I know? Will I be as tall as a house? So many questions, this story is told exclusively in questions that capture the uncertainty and persistence of children, about growing up. Seen through the eyes of a young girl who ponders what might or might not lie in store for her.

Why I like it: I wasn’t sure when I first picked it up what really attracted me to it. The amazing sparse text that didn’t at first seem to tell a story; at least not until you read it again… Then there are the illustrations. A ruffled-haired little girl standing alone, pondering what awaits for her over those fluffy cotton ball pathways and pages of sweeping scenery we travel within her imagination. The book is both precious, thoughtful, wistful yet deep. It inspires all ages to think and ask the question. I was interested to learn through reviews that the book is both educational, used in the classroom to inspire children to think and use their imagination. It can be used both in the class and at home for those meaningful discussions. Also that people bought this as a graduation gift, for the student that is now stepping out into the big wide world, inspiring them to think of their future, what is out there? What will they do? And how will they know?

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, living in Ireland has written and illustrated a number of award-winning children’s books and her new blog , shared with her husband http://thebelugasarewatching.com/ I found very interesting. I also was very interested in reading this…. http://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/2013/10/28/giant-press-pass/ article on her old blog.

What I liked most, the little girl decides on her own to live in the moment.

Resources/Findings…. Here is a piece on her old blog of the book and some illustrations… http://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/there/

Here is another look at the book… http://us.macmillan.com/there/MarieLouiseFitzpatrick

Here is a great way to use the book and have those… meaningful discussions… http://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/wiki/There

Here the book has been used this way… http://mrspal.org/category/thoughts-to-ponder/ an educational blog.