Writer and Dreamer at work

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 26/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Righty and Lefty – A Tale of Two Feet

By: Rachel Vail

Illustrations by: Matthew Cordell

Published by: Scholastic Press 2007

Age: 3 – 5 years

Theme: relationships, compromise, friendship

Opening Lines: This is Righty. This is Lefty. Righty and Lefty don’t always get along so well, but they are stuck with each other because they are two feet on one person.

Synopsis: (from front flap) Righty and Lefty can’t seem to agree on anything. Righty wakes up early, while Lefty likes to sleep in. Righty dreams of wearing fancy footwear, but Lefty swears by galoshes. This is the tale of two feet who, despite walking different walks, must learn how to get along without tripping over the most important thing of all: each other.

Why I Like it: This begs to be read aloud again and again. It is also regarded as a comical love story. It reminded me of the older of my two young brothers and me. Close together in age, as kids we bickered constantly. Never seeing eye to eye, yet we had to learn to live with each other, after all we lived in the same house. They say opposite attract. This is a lovely story of two very different feet (and lets face it, have you ever sat and looked down at your feet lately?) They have different views, interests, likes and dislikes, and while they may dream of what it’s like to be out on their own, they really can’t live without the other. Learning to get along, and compromise is the outcome, but it is Rachel’s quick witted text and Mathew’s clear colourful illustrations which make it so comical. I love the race and the nail clippers. You will have to read it to find out why. 🙂

Resources and Findings: Rachel Vail is a highly acclaimed Picture Book and Novelist who lives with her family in New York. Here is her website… http://rachelvail.com/pages/righty-and-lefty.htm

Here is Matthew Cordell’s website… http://matthewcordell.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/RIGHTY%20AND%20LEFTY

I couldn’t see any resources that went with this story, but for ideas with young children, having them stand on paper and draw around their feet and colour in with faces etc would make a fun activity. What about getting them to try writing or drawing with the opposite hand to what they are used to. This is also a great intro for discussing with kids about getting along, brothers and sisters, kids at school etc. Kids at a very young age can learn to look for the good in others, that winning is not everything, it’s the enjoyment of doing things together that matters. Kids in class can be set tasks to do, an assignment to work on together or even produce a play. There are many ideas that would be perfect to accompany this book.

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 the books reviewed by many authors.

Posted in Picture Book Review | Tagged childrens literature, Matthew Cordell, Rachel Vail, Right and Left, Susanna Hill | 17 Comments

READING FOR RENN – One Kid Trying to Help Another Battle Epilepsy

Posted on 24/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

As you know I have been away overseas visiting with my nephews, and on returning home I was reminded of a couple of other young guys whom I have come to know rather well over this past year. They have both sprouted up in connection with online writing groups that I belong to, and they are both amazing guys, I can tell you. One is an inspiration to me for his creative writing, his generosity in helping others, his unfailing determination, his smarts and big heart. His name is Erik and at eleven years old he reviews books on his blog and has his own paper column. The other is a dear wee guy, with that heart-melting smile, who inspires me with his gutsy courage and joy of life, despite all he has gone through, and at only six years Renn is a trouper, allowing us to follow him through his ordeal of conquering epilepsy. He and eleven year old Erik have met through cyber-space, like most of us.

Renn’s young parents and little brother have had to watch him traipse in and out of hospital many times, trying all measure of treatments and tests to help rid the countless seizures he suffers daily. (I know I could not go through this). Erik, like many of us wondered what he could do in some small way to help, and this is what he came up with.

Erik is looking for sponsors to help him raise funds for Renn’s expenses. Erik is a super quick reader and has decided to put this skill to use to help another kid. He is looking for people to sponsor him for each accelerated reader point that he earns in October – his goal is 150. Read his post … Reading for Renn to see how you can help him

Hurry on over to Erik’s website NOW….

Posted in 12x12 | Tagged Erik, Reading for Renn, Renn | 12 Comments

“PERFECT PICTURE BOOK” – FRIDAY

Posted on 18/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

The Little Refugee

Written by: Anh Do and Suzanne Do

Illustrated by: Bruce Whatley

Pubished by: Allen & Unwin 2011

Ages: 5 – 7 years

Theme: Hope, believe, faith

Opening Lines: I was born in a faraway country called Vietnam. It’s a crazy place – strange food, snakes in bottles, five people squashed onto the back of one little motorbike.

Synopsis: (from Amazon) Anh Do’s inspirational story about his family’s incredible escape from war-torn Vietnam and his childhood in Australia, told especially for children. Giant waves crashed down on our little boat. I was terrified but my mum hugged me tight and told me, “Everything will be okay. Don’t worry, it will be okay.” Anh Do nearly didn’t make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. It was a dangerous journey, with murderous pirates and terrifying storms, but they managed to survive. Life in suburban Australia was also hard for a small boy with no English and funny lunches. But there was a loving extended family, lots of friends, and always something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa, and their sister Tram. And eventually for a young Anh, who tried hard to see the bright side of life no matter what the difficulty, there was triumph. The Little Refugee tells the uplifting and inspiring childhood story of one of Australia’s favorite personalities.

Why I like it: I love historical fiction, or biographical stories and this is no exception. A moving account of fleeing ones own country and building a new life in a strange world. Anh’s true story is an outstanding one to share with young readers. He shows that it is possible to hope against all odds, and that love and family can bring good from any hardship The illustrations are large and clear in colours and pencil. Anh Do is one of Australia’s leading comedians. He has also acted in television series and films, written screenplays and is a sought-after keynote speaker. His unique and inspirational experience leaving Vietnam as a toddler and growing up in Australia is originally told in his bestselling and award-winning memoir, The Happiest Refugee.

Resources/Findings: Here is a reading of the book.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okW724EQhZI

Great Educational website for discussion on Refugees …… http://www.globalwords.edu.au/units/refugees_jpy3_html/pop04.html

A Great Teachers resource…. http://www.refugeeweek.org.au/resources/2012_RW_ResourceKit_Ch5.pdf

More Teachers Resources…. http://www.globalwords.edu.au/units/refugees_jpy3_html/index.html

There are many resources for this story which would encourage discussion about not only refugees, but new kids to the school or area.

Posted in Children's literature, Folklore / multicultural, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Anh Do, Bruce Whatley, Children's Picture book, Multicultural, Susanna Leonard Hill, Suzanne Do | 32 Comments

Holiday Post

Posted on 13/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Hi! I’m back. Yep I guess you gathered that by now. What a lovely holiday we had. We spent the first five days with my young brother and his ever-growing family of four boys out near the Gold Coast of Australia and then headed on up to Cairns for a family wedding. My husband’s nephew was getting married. Although he and his wife to be, live back in NZ near us, both their parents live in Cairns so it was only natural that the wedding be held there. We stayed on for another five days up there which was bliss with the weather being 31degC every day. I told my husband that when we retire I will gladly spend a couple of months during our winter there with his brother and family. They would love it of course.

Anyway I wanted to talk a little about my time with my young nephews near the Gold Coast. Such a lively bunch of boys with the oldest (15yrs) being away at Air Cadets camp while we were there. We did manage to catch up with him on the last night before we left and enjoyed a wonderful evening meal out with them all. We love spoiling them having arrived with the usual gifts, like sweets, books and a table-football game that had to be erected before being played. We spent most of our time with the three younger ones aged between 5 and 9yrs. Playing ten pin bowling, swimming, climbing trees, walking in parks, riding a ferris wheel, shopping (they love lego) and eating out (well it’s a treat when Auntie and Uncle from NZ come over). One of my treasured memories is when their Mum yelled for them to get in their PJ’s after their showers and head for the bedroom where she would read them a story before lights out. Three boys curled up in bunk beds I heard her ask if they wanted the normal version or the funny one. “Funny one please” was the chorus. I tiptoed to the doorway and stood and watched as she read her interpretation of a story I knew (sorry the title escapes me at present). They giggled every time she came up with names of “farty-pants” and “bug-a-lugs” slipping in her own storyline. It was such fun to watch their reaction while she sat cross-legged in her PJ’s on the floor. Such treasured memories to remember.

It was while listening in on the story-telling that I realised here was an opportunity to ask the boys a few questions about the type of books they love to read or have read to them. Here is what came out of my one on one interviews with them…..

J is 5 years old

Me: What kind of books do you like, and why?

J: Scooby-Doo because it is funny and it has a bird in it.

Me: Do you like books with pictures or story?

J: With mostly pictures.

Me: If there was a bad person and a good person in it who do you like the most, and why?

J: I like the good person, because they don’t get hit and they are the best.

Me: So if I were to make you a book what must it have in it?

J: Scooby-Doo with Schaggy and be real funny.

Me: Do you like to read?

J: Yes.

Me: For a gift would you like a book or prefer something else?

J: I would like something else, like star wars toys.

(well he’s honest)

H is 7 years old

Me: What kind of books do you like, and why?

H: Funny ones with jokes, because they make me laugh.

Me: Do you like books with pictures or story?

H: both

Me: If there was a bad person and a good person in it who do you like the most, and why?

H: good person because they are better, more powerful, have lots of energy and save the world.

Me: So if I were to make you a book what must it have in it?

H: jokes please.

Me: Do you like to read?

H: Yes.

Me: For a gift would you like a book or prefer something else?

H: probably something else, toys.

(hmmm….)

E is 9 years old

Me: What kind of books do you like, and why?

E: Ones with twists in them, and joke books, because they are fun to read.

Me: Do you like books with pictures or story?

E: Both.

Me: If there was a bad person and a good person in it who do you like the most, and why?

E: Good person, because they are stronger, and it makes for a good ending, they are winners.

Me: So if I were to make you a book what must it have in it?

E: A good guy and a bad guy in it. Must have adventure and I like science stuff as well.

Me: Do you like to read?

E: Yes.

Me: For a gift would you like a book or prefer something else?

E: I would like a book, I like books.

Well that concludes my holiday post, I decided to change my header with a couple of pics of the boys for a change. Loved our fun filled holiday. The other day 9 year old discovered he could get me on skype on his iphone, clever kid!

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing, Interviews, What moves me | Tagged Family | 18 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 11/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Minji’s Salon

By: Eun-hee Choung

Published by: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)

Age: 3 – 6 years

Theme: girls, patience, imagination, multicultural

Opening Lines: Good morning, madam. What would you like today?

Synopsis: When Minji’s mother heads to the salon and has her hair shampooed, coloured, and curled, Minji a young Korean girl decides to open her own imaginary hair salon and uses the pet dog as her customer. After trying on a coloured head band she then slathers a colourful ice cream mixture on the unsuspecting pooch. Using crayons as rollers and water colours she imitates the routine her mother is subject to at her salon. With delightful illustrations and minimal text on the right hand side of the page, shows Minji at work with her dog all the while mimicking the hairdresser working on her mother shown on the left hand pages. Eun-hee’s clever side by side illustrations give way to sparse professional comments such as “Be patient – beauty takes time,” “a little colour.” Minij’s mother returns home to a surprise.

Why I like this: Eun-hee is a master of sparse text if ever I saw one. Mostly one line of text per two page spread of three to six words, illustrations are on white background and cute expressions of all characters. I loved also the way the illustrations tell so much of what is not in the text. On one page the text reads The colour must be mixed carefully. (No tasting allowed.) The illustration shows Minji licking her lips while stirring ice cream out of a tub with Ice block containers and cones lying on the bench. Across on the left the hairdresser is pouring a tube of colour into a container. Minij’s mother arrives home to more of a shock, rather than a surprise, but she seems not to worry about the mess and books an imaginary appointment with her daughter. I loved this! How cool that her mother should go along with the imagination. What little girl would not relish the wonder of what goes on in a hair salon and play at make-believe they work in one. In one of the back pages Minji is seen wearing her mother’s red shoes… so cute!

Eun-hee Choung graduated from the department of Eastern Paintings at the College of Art, Chungang University, and studied at the Hankuk Illustration School. In 2005 awarded the grand prize in Korean Published Arts Contest. Living in South Korea, her goal is to make “unique picture books” and is currently working on many.

Resources/Findings: Korean gifts/crafts… http://www.littleseouls.com/category_1/korean-traditional-gifts.htm

An e-book download… http://en.netlog.com/violetasamons/blog/blogid=19677428

While there is no resources for this book I couldn’t help but think of allowing a group of children to imagine they were working or own their own business be it hair dressing salon or something else and making a list of what they need. Play acting out a hair salon or barber-shop or some other shop.

Younger children would love looking up where South Korea is and learning the culture of this fascinating place. http://www.timeforkids.com/destination/south-korea

http://www.ducksters.com/geography/country.php?country=Korea%2C%20South

Traditional games and sports …. http://www.korea4expats.com/article-games-and-traditional-sports.html

Posted in Children's literature, Folklore / multicultural, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Eun-hee Choung | 35 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 04/10/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Oh my! That crazy time of year has arrived again. I swear it comes earlier and earlier every year. Already we have Christmas stamps in and posters up declaring post early for Christmas around the world. I am sure it was only yesterday that I was putting all the Christmas decorations away…lol. (Working in a Post Office/Bank it is only natural that I would have first notice of closing dates for posting your Christmas parcels in time to reach your loved ones, wherever they may be.)

Well that said, I couldn’t resist in giving you all a little reminder with this adorable picture book.

A Very Marley Christmas

Author: John Grogan

Illustrated by: Richard Cowdrey

Published by: Harper Collins Publishers

Ages: 3 – 8 years

Theme: Well Christmas of course, festive season, mishap and mayhem.

Opening Lines: Christmas was fast approaching at the little house on Churchill Road. Cassie and Baby Louie wanted everything to be just right for Santa’s big visit, but something was missing: snow.

Synopsis: from the inside front flap- With all the excitement of Christmas approaching. It’s no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup with a nose for trouble, wants to get in on the action. Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa’s arrival. Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It’s not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for … well … his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley’s good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all? This follow-up to the No:1 bestselling BAD DOG, MARLEY! Delivers a heartfelt holiday story with many hilarious Marley mishaps along the way.

Why I like this: Hey, just look at that cover, that adorable face with a mouth full of Christmas paper and tell me you wouldn’t want to read inside. Richard Cowdrey has illustrated many children’s books, and the hilarious, colourful illustrations in this book are pure delight. There is one I love where the children are looking longingly out the window with their father wondering when the snow will come so santa can land his sleigh, in the background you can see Marley is helping himself to Christmas gingerbread cookies sitting on the table. Funnily enough Richard who lives in Ohio is also the owner of a yellow Labrador named Murphy, whose behaviour very similar to Marley’s. John Grogan has done a superb job in bringing a light-hearted look at Christmas mayhem, when a young dog gets into mischief. Children will laugh their way through each page turn and cheer at the end.

Resources/findings:

I did come across John’s blog… http://johngroganbooks.com/wordpress/

Trailer of the movie Marley and Me …. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDj_HRTDzg

This is a website of different breeds of dogs …. http://dogglehq.com/thetube/category/dogs-101?gclid=CPy24bme7rkCFed_Qgodf0gAjg

Learning about dog breeds… http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/dog/

Since it is coming to that Christmas season…. Maybe now is the time to think of making hand made Christmas decorations, or what about making a dog safe toy to give as a christmas gift to the animal shelters.

Download a Marley printable… http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Kids/GamesAndContests/Printables.aspx?GPId=2094306

Help Marley sort his mess in this delightful activity… http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/harperchildrensimages/printable/marleyxmasdl_all3.pdf

Enjoy your weekend. I am still away overseas on holiday attending a family wedding. See you soon when I get back. In the mean time 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 the books reviewed by many authors.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged John Grogan, Marley and Me, Picture Books for Christmas, Richard Cowdrey, Susanna Leonard Hill | 23 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 28/09/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Wabi Sabi

Author: Mark Reibstein

Illustrated by: Ed Young

Published by: Little, Brown and Co

Ages: 3 – 6 years

Theme: simplicity, understanding, harmony, the mysterious, the journey

Opening Lines: Wabi Sabi was a cat who lived in Kyoto, Japan. One day, visitors from another country asked Wabi Sabi’s master what her name meant. It had never occurred to her before that wabi sabi was anything more than her name. Wabi Sabi watched as her master drew breath through her teeth, shook her head, and said: “That’s hard to explain.”

Synopsis: From the inside flat – Wabi Sabi, a little cat in Kyoto, Japan, has never thought about her name, until friends visiting from another land ask what it means. The master says, “That is hard to explain.” And that is all she says. The curious Wabi Sabi then sets out on an adventure to discover the true meaning of her name. Using spare text and haiku, Mark Reibstein weaves an extraordinary story about finding real beauty in unexpected places. Caldecott Medal-winning artist Ed Young complements the lyrical text with breathtaking collages. Together, they illustrate the unique world view that is wabi sabi.

Why I like this: This was an interesting book, opening in a top to bottom fashion as opposed to left to right. I loved the message this story brings in a subtle way. Wabi Sabi goes on a journey to find out the meaning of her name, not realising all along there are gentle hints being given by each creature she asks along the way. It is not till drinking tea with a wise monkey does Wabi Sabi realise it is the simple things that are beautiful. In plain things there can be great beauty. Like the cities sharp clear high-rise buildings, the dark and green of the forest can be just as majestic. As he instructs Wabi Sabi to sit, listen and feel so do we begin to understand the simplicity.

I loved that in the front of the book we learn the meaning of Wabi Sabi….. A way of seeing the world, that is at the heart of Japanese culture. Finding beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect, natural, modest and mysterious. The beautiful almost three-dimensional pictures are huge two page spreads. They kind of pop on the page and you feel you could almost lift them out.

It seemed as though it was planned that I should post this book at such a time when I am going through such a stressful time with work and my Mum being so ill. This is certainly a book on reflection of inner peace and beauty which in a way, brings calm. I am looking forward to my two-week holiday overseas. See you all soon.

Findings/Resources: At the back of the book is the history of Wabi Sabi and information on Haiku and Haibun. (I thought of you Catherine when I read this book). There are Japanese haiku appearing decorately throughout the book. Also translations of the Haiku. There is also a description from the illustrator of what was used for his illustrations.

More description of Wabi Sabi… http://www.nobleharbor.com/tea/chado/WhatIsWabi-Sabi.htm

See this amazing story of how the original artwork was lost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca2Ly4Vpb5Y

A good exercise for children is to have them stay silent for a while and then after a short time ask them to write down what they heard, smelled, and felt. What they noticed around them that they may not have noticed before. This would be great done outside in the school yard, for instance.

For more books with resources please head on 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 the books reviewed by many authors

Posted in Picture Book Review | Tagged childrens books, Ed Young, Mark Reibstein, Susanna Leonard Hill, Wabi Sabi | 25 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 21/09/2013 by Diane Tulloch

I missed the first Friday of PPBF last week due to excitedly posting about our youngest writers first book out. Want to read more see here .

I love books that have a very deep and warm message, something that would suit everyone. This is one of those very special ones.

The MATCHBOX DIARY

Author: Paul Fleischman

Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline

Published by: Candlewick Press

Ages: 6 – 9 years

Theme: family history, bonding of generations, childhood memories, a journey, a “dairy”

First lines: “Pick whatever you like the most. Then I’ll tell you its story.”

“There is so many things here.”

“You’ll know when you see it. And then I’ll know something about you. The great-granddaughter I’ve only heard about.”

Synopsis: From the front flap…. The little girl visiting her great-grandfather chooses a cigar box that turns out to hold a brood of matchboxes. Inside each is a memento, an olive pit, a bottle cap, a ticket, lead type. Together they recount her great-grandfather’s journey from Italy and first years in America, a diary-in-objects kept by the boy who yearned to record his life but couldn’t read or write.

Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman depicts the drama of immigration and the longing for literacy while crafting an ode to preservation and the fascination of boxes. Gorgeously detailed illustrations by renowned artist Bagram Ibatoulline take readers from the Italian countryside to the bustle of America – and forward to the present day, where a new diary keeper gets her start.

Why I like this: This beautifully written and illustrated book captivated me from beginning to end. Not only by the wonderful heart-warming story, but the warm amazing illustrations between the pages. There is so much to love about this book. The connection between a young girl meeting her great-grandfather for the first time, her inquisitiveness, and the tenderness as she learns of a time long past. Special moments in his life kept as tiny objects in matchboxes are gently unveiled as we turn the page and the exquisite illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline depict history cleverly in greys while the present is in warm coloured hues. As you can see the first few lines tell us so much about these two characters, we just have to keep turning the page.

Paul Fleischman won the Newbery Medal for Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices and a Newbery Honor for Graven Images. Among his award winning picture books are Sidewalk Circus. The Matchbox diary was an idea from his love of making matchbox theaters and when he saw artist Gary Hamel’s matchbox diary of a recent trip to Italy he asked if he could use the idea. It took a further fifteen years before the story was written.

Bagram Ibatoulline is an acclaimed illustrator of such books as Thumbelina, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Tinderbox, The Nightingale, among many others. He lives in Pennsylvania.

As I read and reread this story I found myself being swept back in time to the many hours and weeks I used to spend with my Grandmother and Step-grandfather and the lovely stories they would tell me and the games we used to play. A must read, I found this ageless and timeless.

Resources/Findings: Here is a lovely note from Paul and some great ideas for discussion with kids in class… http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763646016.btg.1.pdf

Here is Paul’s official website with a lovely video clip of making matchbox theatres….. http://www.paulfleischman.net/ what fun for kids.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review, What moves me | Tagged Friendship, P A U L F L E I S C H M A N, Picture book, Susanna Leonard Hill | 23 Comments

International Dot Day – 15 September 2013

Posted on 16/09/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Today is International Dot Day, based on Peter H. Reynolds book, The Dot. It will be celebrated all week-long.

Children from 82 countries have signed up to participate in this week’s many activities. They will be using their imaginations and creativity to make their marks at home and in classrooms globally. Check out International Dot Day to see how it is being celebrated around the world using mediums such as Skype, Facebook and others to connect.

This year I decided to use a photo I took last year when my nephew was visiting and we spent a lovely day down at Hobbitville, the center of the earth. He is standing in the doorway of one of the Hobbit homes used in the making of the films.

Not only will children be making their dots, but celebrities have posted their dots on the International Dot Day website. And, many KidLit bloggers are posting their dots too. Use your imagination and come join in the fun.

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing, Literature | Tagged International Dot Day, Peter H Reynolds | 12 Comments

Tomato and Pea: Blog Tour

Posted on 14/09/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Well, we have so much to celebrate over these two weeks. Imagine balloons, party-poppers, fizzy drinks, nuts, chips and hamburgers! What on earth are we celebrating you may well ask?

Remember back in January 2012 I interviewed a young man by the name of Erik? I had “met” him through an interview he did on Tara Lazer’s Blog and later won a beautiful picture of a pup from his blog. What followed was an amazing interview “New Kid on the Block” here on my blog, in which we learned that what I thought was a smart fourteen year plus young man who had a mission to one day be published, was in fact only ten years old. Erik had started writing his first story a year earlier, had his own column in a local paper and ran a very comprehensive book review blog. No mean feat for a kid of only ten years old, that’s for sure. We learned how he goes about preparing for interviews with authors to using the clever Hamburger analogy for writing reviews and drafts. (So Hamburgers had to be on the menu for celebrating, naturally!) What impressed us (and I mean many in the online writing world) that had come to know of him, was his humility, dedication, his ability and talent in the use of his imagination and writing, and his unwavering determination. Back then we knew this Kid was going places and one to watch.

I am so proud to be able to announce the release of his FIRST PUBLISHED book….

The Adventures of Tomato and Pea Book 1: A Bad Idea

By: Erik Weibel

Published: August 8, 2013 by CreateSpace

ages 5-10

Synopsis: From the back page… For years the evil villain Wintergreen has tried to destroy super crime-stopper, Tomato, and his sidekick, Pea, and take over planet Oarg. In a plan gone wrong, Wintergreen traps himself along with his arch-nemesis in a runaway rocket ship that crashes on a strange planet called #EAR-TH”. Now these perennial enemies must learn to work together to survive the dangers on this strange world. Hungry birds, enormous snakes and the giant inhabitants of EART-TH stand between this brawling bunch of aliens and finding a way home.

Why I love it: I was so delighted to get a copy of this book in the post, a real treasure. The first thing that struck me was the lovely crisp bright cover. The next thing that struck me was the wit and clever word play that drew me in the excitement of what was to come. Like an animated movie packed with action one continues to turn the page to see what befalls Tomato and Pea. To be honest with you, I never used to be one to read space-type stories , (until I tried writing one recently), but I found myself chuckling away and glued to this story, eager to know what the evil Wintergreen would do next, and the unusual names of the characters and discriptions was intriguing, my favourite being Poppy, (sensitive, always being yelled at, and very inquisitive…awww!) I also love the themes this expressed, friendship, trust and second chances. It is obvious Erik has a great imagination and has learnt the skill of writing well. He has listened and headed instruction from his mentors, researched, and proves that with hard work and dedication anything is possible if you believe you can achieve it. And what a brilliant achievement this is Well done! This book is obviously the first of many we will see from Erik, there is no stopping him now, and I look forward to reading many more. Congratulations Erik!

You can buy the book at:.

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1491201061

Amazon Canada – http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1491201061

Follow his blog tour……

September 8 Erik’s blog – cover reveal and announce blog tour

September 9 Michelle Isenhoff’s blog – Book review

September 10 KidLit Reviews – Book review

September 11 Mother Daughter Book Reviews – Book review

The Story Reading Ape – Guest post by Erik

September 12 Catherine Johnson’s Blog – Book review

September 13 Julie Grasso’s Blog – Book review

By Word of Beth – Book review and giveaway