“Happy Birthday Erik”

ERIK

If you have arrived in the middle of the adventure, you may start at the beginning by going HERE

Erik chooses to go to Soggybottom Swamp:

Another sign a little further along said, “See the Seer of Soggybottom. He sees your future, he sees your past, he sees what you need. He knows if you are sleeping, he knows when… oops. Wrong guy.”

Erik said, “That’s just who we need! A Seer will be able to see what became of my birthday present! Let’s go, Benton!”

The air was dank, chilly, and had a distinct odor of rotting vegetation. Erik shivered. Benton shuddered.

One of Benton’s hooves sank below the surface. Erik leaped off his back. “I guess I’d better walk. This ground is too soggy, and together we’re too heavy.” Benton nickered his appreciation.

They tiptoed… well, Erik tiptoed. It’s hard for a pony to tiptoe, no matter how much he might want to. They tiptoed onward, testing the ground under their feet or hooves at every step.

Squish, splorsh, squodge, squoosh, squidge… for a while all they heard was the sound of their own footsteps… hoofsteps… foofsteps… whatever they were, that was all they could hear.

Until… glorp… gloosh… glop… grumble… growl… groooooof… the sounds were getting louder, and growlier. Something, or possibly several somethings, was coming through the swamp towards them.

Bursting out of the tangled vegetation in front of them were strange, horrid-looking creatures, their mouths turned down in grimaces, their feet caked with mud, their hands waving and flinging clods of swamp grass at Erik and his pony. Erik said, “Yikes! I thought Gnashing Gnarfronks were only in books!”

Benton tried to rear up on his hind legs, but his hooves were stuck in the mire.

As one of the Gnarfronks came glooshing toward him, Erik kicked out in a Tae Kwon Do move, then spun around and knocked two more Gnarfronks off balance. Mud went everywhere.

Benton managed to get his hooves unstuck, and tried a few Tae Pony Do moves of his own. Grumbling and glowering, the Gnarfronks glooshed back into the swamp. Erik bowed low to Benton. “Good thing that I learned Tae Kwon Do when those visitors from afar came to the castle! Now, let’s try to find that Seer, and then get out of here!”

They splodged through the swamp. Occasionally they heard a glorp or grumble from a Gnarfronk, but as soon as Erik assumed a Tae Kwon Do stance, the creature glooshed off in the other direction.

Finally, they had crossed the entire swamp. A sign swinging off its hinge said “Seer” but there was no seer to be seen.

A small swamp creature with a very soggy bottom said, “He’s gone off somewhere. He’s always doing that, and he never leaves a note. He thinks we can see into the unknown and know where he is, but we don’t see, so we can’t know. See?”

“I see,” said Erik, although he wasn’t sure he did. “So he’s not here at all?”

The creature looked all around. “I don’t see him. He’s the unseen Seer, I’d say. Wouldn’t you?”

“I suppose so,” Erik said.

“See? I knew it. But that’s all I know. So long.” And the creature disappeared into the swamp grass.

Erik leaned against his pony. “Benton, it looks as though we’ve come all this way for nothing. What’s the good of a Seer that can’t be seen? I guess we’ll have to go back.” Benton didn’t look too happy about that, but he needed to stick with his boy, so they turned around and started splodging back through the swamp.

To go back and choose Mystery Mountain, click HERE

Posted in 12x12in12 | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Merry Christmas

Xmas Pic

As Christmas Cheer rings out on Radio and Televisions around the world, and we delight in the exchanging and giving of gifts and give in to tempting delectables to eat, let us take a moment to reflect on the children around the world.  With the recent Sandy Hook shooting event in the United States, and no I wasn’t going to mention it, as it has all been said.  But I wanted to highlight a couple of posts that touched me, deeply.  A dear friends blog post,   http://donasdays.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/in-arms-of-angel.html  , also another very moving post written and read to us by the creative Julie Hedlund  on Katie Davis Blog…  http://katiedavis.com/124/   and only a couple of days ago a serious car accident in my country has put a couple of children near death, made me think of the others who Christmas will not be such a joyous time.  Again this year I think of the children such as the ones in remote parts of Laos who are unable to receive the beautiful gift of a book.   Thankfully the lovely people at Big Brother Mouse are trying to print books to send to the kids in these remote places by elephant.  See the website…    http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/index.html .  I hope in the coming year we as writers are able to put books into the hands of children, so they might learn, love and understand the world we live in.  To enjoy the wonder between the pages, the squeals of delight at each new colourful picture and innocently steps into a world of adventure, and mystery and feel safe and comforted by our words.

Here’s hoping 2013 will be eventful, bringing all your dreams to fulfilment.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and much happiness and love.

Posted in 12x12in12, Julie Hedlund | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Gungho Kiwi Jingle

POHUTUKAWAOh alright, tell me I’m crazy, who cares!….LOL

I happened while checking emails late into the wee hours of early morning and came across Susanna’s blog, about her 2nd Annual Holiday Contest!!!   Oh well I am already sleep deprived, this should be interesting, thinks me. I’ll have a go, and what’s worse I’ll do it in rhyme….. sorry all you lovely poets and rhymers out there.  Here goes…

Gungho Kiwi Jingle

Gliding across the lake

In a waka manned by nine

Oars rippling a wake

Rowing, heaving in time.

Voices lift in song

To a Maori warriors chant

Ole Santa, couldn’t sit still for long

Over the side he went.

Oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Dripping wet, wrings out his beard

 empting his boots full of seaweed.

Oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Dripping wet, wrings out his beard

empting his boots full of seaweed.

In a park far away

Children laughed and played

On helicopter Santa makes his way

Children danced with pois they’d made.

Throwing sweets in the air

Children squealed with delight

By the barbeque Santa singed his hair

His face bright red from fright.

Oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Smelling of smoke coughing ho, ho

  munching on sausages instead.

Oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Smelling of smoke, coughing ho, ho

 munching on sausages instead.

oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Christmas is  summertime here

As the Pohutukawa blooms.

Oh

Poor ole Santa, in his bulging suit

Sweat streaming down his face

Still manages to smile bringing good cheer

To all the boys and girls

 Yep! and I kept it original Kiwi…. enjoy! 🙂

Posted in 12x12in12, Reading Aloud | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

“12×12 Party, BBQ and Wine”

12X12in12 Party

If you go over to Julie Hedlund’s blog right now you will find… umm amazing talent,  lol… blazing away.  I laughed so much my hubby came to have a look and asked me who on earth was that…. “Julie” I said indignantly. Then I pointed to her profile pic at the top of her blog, “there she is…. “ he rolled his eyes, but stayed to watch till the end…  lol. I loved it!

Oh gosh, there is so much to be grateful for our 12×12 group. I loved, most of all being involved or included in blog posts, and activities such as Perfect Picture Book Friday with Susanna, and guest posts such as Julie’s 12×12 guest, getting to know 10 year old Erik was one of my highlights.  With so many from half way around the world, it’s amazing how we can be so close yet so far.  Meeting new people on the Facebook page and visiting their blogs, or simply reading inspiring posts of interest or catching up with informative news and events, etc.  Having Phyllis come visiting down-under was another highlight,  thanks to 12×12, I was delighted to find I was included in her trip around the globe.  My staff at work, were so happy for me, as they had heard about my writing group, and they were eager to get behind me to make it a visit Phyllis would not forget. (They thought I was crazy at first…lol.) Thank you Susanna, it will be something I will never forget.  But most importantly is having all these drafts, which I know, I would never have done, if it weren’t for Julie’s encouragement and enthusiasm. I am grateful for having my critique group which would never have happened if it weren’t for 12×12.  I aim in 2013 to make better use of this group and work hard to achieve my dream and make you proud, I have a lot work to do.

As I have mentioned in past posts, the amazing thing is finding people who were willing to help and guide me in my journey to reach my goal.  Also in discovering 12x12ers are everywhere, even just a couple of streets away, literally from my door.  I couldn’t believe it!

Well I might not quite have made my 12th Picture Book draft due to this busy time of year and with my Mum still in hospital, my mind has not been on it this past two weeks.  Still my spirit is high, I have achieved much thanks to this wonderful group, so I am kicking back for an hour, slipping into something light and comfortable, around the BBQ on the deck, weather at 24degC is lovely, (not a cloud in the sky), with wine glass in hand I raise a cheer to Julie.  She’s a creative genius, to come up with the idea; I am so looking forward to 2013.  If there is anything I can do to help, I would be happy to.

All the Best everyone!

Posted in 12x12in12, Children's literature, Julie Hedlund | Tagged , , | 31 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

In tribute to Universal Children’s Day, to do my bit in promoting the welfare of children in the world by posting books which focus on multicultural/multiracial issues, human rights, and/or children who have helped to change the world in some way, I decided to post a link to a review I did last year for a Book Reading Challenge.  I had been to Cambodia before for a wedding a couple of years earlier, and was returning for a short visit, before going on to Laos and Vietnam, so dedicated a couple of blog posts to Cambodia in the Reading Challenge…

A Song for Cambodia

cambodiaAuthor:   Michelle Lord

Illustrated by:   Shino Arihara

Published by:   Lee and Low Books, March 2008

Ages:  8 years and up.

Synopsis:   This is a compelling, moving story of survival, courage and strength.

A true story in the Picture Book, of a nine year old boy, Arn, surviving four years under the Khmer Rouge.  I won’t go into detail here about his life and about the book.  One cannot believe what he must have gone through, his escape, and his amazing believe in forgiveness.  Please click on the following link to read the review and here some of his interviews, and to learn more…. https://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/05/29/book-reading-challenge-book-no-24/

Arn now spends half his year in Cambodia and half in the USA, reviving traditional Cambodian music which saved his life, and helping in humanitarian work.  He was also awarded the Spirit of Anne Frank Award.

Resource/Findings:   Patricia McCormick’s novel,  “Never Fall Down” is a truly gripping insight into Arn’s life.  Here is a link to an interview she gave on spending time with Arn, as he openly shared the years of terror and his eventual trip to the USA and safety, as she researched for her book to tell his story.   http://patriciamccormick.com/never-fall-down/

As we aren’t having another PPBF before Christmas and I had gathered a couple of Christmas books already, I couldn’t help but post at least one beautiful Christmas book…

The Christmas Angels

Christmas bookAuthor:   Claire Freedman

Illustrated by:  Gail Yerrill

Published by:   Good Books, Intercourse  2008

Ages:   3 – 7 years

Theme:   Christmas, Friendship, angels, joy

Opening Lines:    Hush now, can you hear the angels singing, high up in the frosty midnight air?  Voices ringing, singing songs of Christmas, Happiness for all the world to share.

Synopsis:   It’s Christmas! As we count the days until that happy celebration, the angels share our special times of gladness, from blessing the falling snow to lighting up the starry sky.  With lyrical rhymes and atmospheric illustrations, this beautiful book shares the songs of the angels and sends their messages of friendship and joy, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

Why I like it:   From cover to cover each page is illustrated in beautiful soft colourful hues etched in glitter.  Fairies dot each page flying about while our furry creatures, such as rabbits, porcupines, mice, squirrels and skunks, wrapped up warm against the snow, prepare for Christmas.  This quiet, soothing lyrical story, celebrating the blessings of peace, laughter and love, would be a joy to read as we tuck the little ones in on Christmas Eve.  A beautiful bedtime story just for Christmas!  Just look at that cover and tell me you are not in love with it!

Resources/Findings:     Christmas angel crafts….   http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/christmas/angels/

Merry Christmas my PPBF friends.

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 12x12in12, Folklore / multicultural, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , | 25 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

“Toot & Puddle”

Toot and PuddleAuthor/Illustrator:   Holly Hobbie

Published by:  Little, Brown and Co

Ages:  3 – 8yrs

Themes:  friendship, adventure, differences, being yourself

Opening Lines:  Toot and Puddle lived together in Woodcock Pocket.  It was such a perfect place to be that Puddle never wanted to go anywhere else.  Toot, on the other hand, loved to take trips.  He had been to Cape Cod, the Grand Canyon, and the redwood forests.

Synopsis:  Two loving friends live together in Woodcock Pocket.  One day Toot decides to take off on an adventure around the world.  He invites his friend to join him, but Puddle prefers to stay at home.  He sends home to Puddle postcards of his adventures and experiences.  Home-loving Puddle has adventures of his own, right at home.  Although they have an affection for one another, true friends, they also stay true to themselves, and we are taken on adventures far and wide as well as looking at adventures at home.

Why I like this:  I loved the cute eye-catching title.  When I glanced inside, I realised this was the kind of book I would love to write.  Of loving friendship, travel, adventures and experiencing different cultures.  When I was travelling from Cambodia to Laos last year,  a woman I was sitting next to on a plane and I was discussing a unique idea on using postcards to teach children about different countries and culture.  This book is dotted with postcards from Toot of his experiences in far away places, and following page is then followed by an adventure Puddle experiences at home.   A lot is said, yet there are few words on each page.  It also teaches the value of friendship, sharing and caring.  Also introducing children to new places, and helping develop a child’s curiosity.  The illustrations are adorable with cute water colours, offering humour and wonderful human characteristics and expressions.  One can imagine, a child listening to you read to them and squealing with delight, pointing at these cute pictures.  A must have book in every child’s room, great for night-time reading.  This book is also the first of a series of Toot & Puddle.

Author , Holly Hobbie has written 10 picture books on “Toot & Puddle,” has been an artist for more than 30 years, has also written a memoir “The Art of Holly” and “Fanny.”  She lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts.

Resources/Findings:  This is already in its 10th Anniversary Edition.  There are many websites on these two characters, this one is full of interesting activities, games, printables, information….   http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tootandpuddle/

Here is where you can view and read the book..    http://archive.org/details/tootpuddle00hobbrich

Here is a website with ideas for family discussions regarding travel and friendships…    http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/toot-puddle

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 Children's literature, ideas for writing, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , | 25 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” -Friday

Okay I know I am a bit late, but I have been entertaining a cute little blond 6 year old nephew, who has come to visit and this weekend has been such a delight.  I had this review done earlier, but finding the time to actually post it, well, in between putting the Christmas Tree up at 1am in the morning seemed like a good time..

MONTY AND MILLI  The Totally Amazing Magic Trick

Written by: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrated by: Tim Warnes

Published by: Little Tiger Press Imprint of Magi Publications 2012

Age:  3 – 7https://i0.wp.com/ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kAfVzHEJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Theme:  sibling rivalry, copying, magic

Opening Lines:   Everything Monty did….  Milli did too.  When Monty roared, Milli roared.  When Monty painted… so did Milli!

Synopsis:  Everything Monty does Milli does to and when Monty gets a magic set, even though it is for one, Milli wants to join in.  Monty feels Milli is taking over and has had enough, and wishes Milli is turned into a warty toad.  Later when called for their teatime Milli is nowhere to be seen,  Monty fears he HAS turned Milli into a warty toad.  The ending is cute and there is a surprise, does Monty have magical powers?  You will have to read to find out..hehe.

Why I like this:  Firstly it’s a beautifully illustrated book by Tim.  He makes it comical, bright and fun. Tim has illustrated and written many books and is also the creator of Chalk and Cheese comic strip.  Tracey has weaved a timeless message, one that I can certainly relate to, as the oldest with two  younger siblings.  It’s true they can sometimes be a pain and you wish they could disappear, but we also learn tolerance, love and family values.

Here is Tracey’s lovely website…   http://www.traceycorderoy.com/

Learn more about Tim at his website…  http://www.chapmanandwarnes.com/  and a write up in Amazon….  http://www.amazon.com/Tim-Warnes/e/B001IU2OOQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2

Resources/Findings:    A website about dealing with sibling rivalry…..    http://voices.yahoo.com/five-tips-dealing-sibling-rivalry-90552.html

Information on siblings through the Mayo Clinic…   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sibling-rivalry/MY01914

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 Children's literature, Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

“Ella” sets the stage

Written by:  Carmela D’Amico

Illustrated by:  Steven D’Amico

Published by:  Arthur a. Levin Books – Imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Age:  4 and up

Theme:  talent, shyness, inner talent

Opening Lines:  One day toward the end of class, Miss Bell made an announcement.  “In two weeks, our school will be hosting its first talent show.”

Synopsis:  Ella, the adorable little elephant hears there’s going to be a talent show at her school. Shy, and sure she has no talent, Ella brushes off suggestions that she recite a poem, and her attempts at juggling fail.  She loves helping out set up the stage, paint the sets, making medals.  On the night of the show, she still doesn’t know what she’s going to do, but she’s soon helping, sewing a hole in a dancer’s tights and helping a performer’s monkey jump from the rafters.  Her true gift–being a good friend–shines forth.

Why I like it:  I can sympathise with Ella.  I love organising, and performing behind the stage tasks, costume design, hair and makeup, but I am not a stage person.  Like Ella we often feel that we have no talent, and this adorable book set on Elephant Island, has a timeless message. Hidden talent is often what wins on the night.  Children feeling inapt or left out will love this story.  It’s true that often we are unaware of talents we do have.   The old fashion look to the whimsical illustrations gives it a charming appeal.   This book won the 2006 National Parenting Publications Gold Award.

This is one of a series of four books of Ella on Elephant Island written by Carmela and illustrated by her husband Steven.  She lives with her husband and daughter in Seattle.

Resources/findings:   I love this website of Ella that I found, with jigsaw puzzles and colouring pages…  http://www.ellatheelephant.com/

A website of bring out the talent in the young, of music, art, creative writing….  http://imagineproject.org/index.php?section=ourprograms&subsection=description

Hidden Talent Musical Camp….   http://www.hiddentalents.ca/

Website of workshops and programs for gifted kids….   http://www.centerforgifted.org/

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 Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged , | 12 Comments

GARDENING AND AN SCBWI MEETING

It’s spring, it’s spring!   One of my favourite seasons in which to get out into the garden, among all the winter weeds and dig up, and replant or sow, new seedlings and seeds.  Yep, I love gardening.  Although the plants and seeds have to promise to do their bit, and sprout and grow and look fabulous through the Christmas season…. Well, I don’t ask for much, umm… do I?   So I have sown bean seeds, runners and standard, tomato seedlings and peas, radish seeds, and lettuce seedlings, oh and not to mention strawberry plants, and parsley and mint, cucumber and passion fruit plants as well, all went in this past weekend.  Looking good don’t you think?

Something else I did, was attend the last of our SCBWI meetings for this year, spearheaded as always by our leader Francis Plumpton.  Boy, am I glad I did.  Illustrator, Michaela Sangl was our guest speaker, armed not only with her bags of goodies and portfolios of her work, but also such enthusiasm, we were reluctant to call an end to the meeting which ran over time.  A New Zealander of German, Irish and Scottish descent, speaking fluent English, German and Italian, she etched her presentation in titillating German.  Having financed her architecture degree in Auckland with singing and drama, she also studied in Europe, and illustrated children’s books in Berlin.  With her vast knowledge dealing with publishers in England, Germany, among others, her presentation was both informative and very interesting.  Jumping up now and again, to show us her charcoal drawings she does while sitting in cafes, to her A3 size colourful watercolours and pencil drawings, to her page upon page, of bright detailed book illustrations, one is certainly blown away by her craft, and her joy and enthusiasm which shows in her beautiful work.  I loved the colours she used, the detail of facial expression, which she said was through hours and hours of constantly watching people, and quickly drawing everything and anyone around her.  A person sitting on a bus or train in front of her, two people cuddling or kissing on a park bench, or maybe an elderly gentleman reading the paper, all become delectable figures produced by her charcoal scribe, quickly done in the moment.  Years of experience have now given her the advantage of memory to draw from.  Something else that caught my eye was her App.  Far superior, than I had ever seen.   One of her books, “Princess No I Won’t,” which is printed in German, is produced on this App in English.  The jelly, squishes and wobbles with noises to match, pancakes fly knocking the bakers hat off among other things which you can see in this trailer… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxIpqwnsgUk   Michaela is the voice you hear.  What a delight for kids, I am sure you will agree.

Michaela has a vast range of talent, even using Photoshop, colleges, with photography, crafts, and all manner of things to build texture and detail in even the most simplest of illustrations, had us pouring over her work, which by now was spread across three tables and onto the floor.  Her kiwi ingenuity from a piece of European toilet paper to postcards of yesterday, one was aghast to find them actually appearing in her book illustrations.  Well I never!!!   Topping off this wonderful afternoon Michaela read from her Book, “Princess No I Won’t,” which by the way is written by her.   Translating and paraphrasing complete with song, it is obvious she delights in entertaining her audience.   Have a sneak peak of her website and click on Illustrations.    http://www.twinkle.co.nz/

I hope we see Michaela again.  In the meantime I will have to watch while out snacking on salmon cakes or caramel slices, with a piping mocachino in hand in a café somewhere, Michaela could be nearby with her charcoal scribe.   Look out for a review on “Daisy’s Maze” coming soon.

Posted in Picture book, published writing, SCBWI | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

“Waiting for Gregory”

Written by:  Kimberly Willis Holt

Paintings by:  Gabi Swiatkowska

Published by:  Henry Holt and Company, New York

Age:  4 – 7 years

Themes:  patience, anticipation, wonder, dreams, longing, mystery

Opening Lines:  Aunt Athena is expecting a baby boy.  She says we’ll call him Gregory.

Synopsis:    Little Iris wants to know exactly when her baby cousin is going to arrive. Waiting for a baby to be born is like waiting for a show to open, thinks Iris. Everyone including Grandpa, Grandma, Mr Connor and her friend Lacey give their version of when and how the baby will arrive, only Momma seems to give a more realistic answer. Iris continues to dream of all the wonderful things she will be able to do with her baby cousin when he finally arrives, like building a snowman or blowing dandelions in the breeze.  When her cousin, Gregory does arrive Iris realises there are other ways of enjoying her time with him, and she has yet to wait a little longer before he can do the things she dreamed of.

Why I like this:  Children will certainly identify with little Iris.  The waiting for anything exciting can seem like, forever.  Time just doesn’t seem to hurry by as quickly as they wish.  I loved all her imaginative ideas she comes up with to share with her little cousin.  What first struck me about this book was the beautiful illustrations.  Now, if you love Monte’s illustrations you will love this one.  While Monte’s made you think you could paint whether you could or not, this is like the next version or step, if you like.  They are of oil, whimsy paint dabs and strokes, with sketching to show outline and detail.  I loved the French look and facial expressions.

Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of five acclaimed novels, including My Louisiana Sky and Keeper of the Night.

Gabi Swiatkowska  winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for My Name Is Yoon, see my review  here.. https://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/12/17/picture-book-perfect-friday/    .  She studied and still lives in Poland.

Resources/Findings.  A beautiful website of author Kimberly, has teacher aids and Writers tips …  http://www.kimberlywillisholt.com/wfgteachersguide.html

A website where you can view some of the beautiful pictures …     http://us.macmillan.com/waitingforgregory/KimberlyHolt

You have impatient kids? Then how about a website with some ideas for you….   http://www.ehow.com/list_6762681_waiting-games-kids.html

Some more sponge filler waiting games for kids…..  http://www.kidactivities.net/category/Games-Waiting-and-Gathering.aspx

A parenting guide and tips for preparing and introducing a new sibling….   http://www.parenting.com/article/introducing-baby-1-to-baby-2

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 , , | 15 Comments