“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 15/06/2019 by Diane Tulloch

The Glump and the Peeble

Written by: Wendy Meddour

Illustrated by: Rebecca Ashdown

Published by:  Frances Lincoln Children’s Books July 2016

Ages:   4 – 8 years

Theme: Friendship, being different

Opening Lines: The Glump lived alone, In a cave, in a wood. He tried to come out – but he just never could.

Synopsis: From the back of the book…   It’s not easy when you’re a glump that wants to be a peeble. And it’s not easy when you’re a peeble that wants to be a glump. But when the Glump meets the Peeble, magical things start to happen.

Why I like this: Wow! Well for lots of reasons I love this story. Firstly what attracted me to this book was the colourful cover and some of the quirky-cute illustrations inside. Like when the Clump goes to sleep sucking his finger, or when Peeble was sleeping she dreamt about being on Mars and all the animals had space helmets on. The other reason was I wondered what a clump was. In fact I still don’t know. I only know he lives in a dark cave and has bright orange spindly arms and legs and is rather shy and nervous. Even the peebles aren’t what we would expect them to be, being something between a flower bulb and a bird. Regardless, it is their friendship that is both unique and sweet. The jaunty rhyming text is a great read aloud both, in the library, at home, or in the classroom. I can imagine the teachers asking the kids to use their imagination and think of an unusual friend to write or illustrate. A feel good story about friendship and not conforming, it’s one that you’ll never tire of reading and a young child will never tire of hearing.  Aren’t those illustrations just the best?

Resources/Findings:

Help students chose a page of illustration and write about it. What do they see and what do they think is happening?

Ask students to draw their own invented animals. They can then create unique names for their animals. Write a poem about them.

During the revision process, help students focus on word relationships and nuances. Once the poems are complete, hold a poetry reading with treats for your stunning poets.

Ask students to write or draw what friendship is to them. Have they shared something with someone this past week? What was it? How did it make them feel?

Wendy has published over 15 children’s books including the latest…   Lubna and Peeble March 2019 and Stefano the Squid: Hero of the Deep also out March 2019   See here on amazon….   https://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Meddour/e/B006UTQQB2

Rebecca’s website…   https://www.rebeccaashdown.me/profile

Wendy’s website…     https://wendymeddour.wordpress.com/

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

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“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 08/06/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Winter has arrived in all it’s gusty wind, rain and hail.  A tornado did quite a bit of damage up north and our Sky Tower was struck by lightning. Temperatures have dropped drastically and so it’s no surprise that this book caught my eye at our local library.

SOMETIMES RAIN

Written by: Meg Fleming

Illustrated by: Diana Sudyka

Published by:  Beach Lane Books, Imprint of Simon & Schuster Publishing   2018

Ages:   4 – 8 years

Theme: Seasons, Adventure, Fun

Opening Lines: Sometimes drizzle. Drip-drip drain. Sometimes picnic. Sometimes rain.

Synopsis: Sometimes it’s rainy. Sometimes it snows. Sometimes spring winds blow and blow… But any time of year is the right time for adventures outside in our beautiful world. (cover flap)

Why I like this: I’m loving books with a little something different. This is no exception. It not only is a beautiful story to share and introduce children to the different wonders of the seasons, the detailed illustrations show a brother and sister meeting and enjoying the fun seasons bring with another brother and sister. At the end of the story the seasons have come full circle and they part for home. Take a closer look at the clouds and the cold frosty air from the mouths of the children forming unicorns, birds and deer. Can you see them all? A great book for in the classroom and at home in showing what children would enjoy doing from one season to another.   Enjoy the outdoors, secret nature trails and more…

Resources/Findings:

Kirkus Review…   https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/meg-fleming/sometimes-rain/

Here are some fun things to do that I came upon…

Making snowflakes…   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkEu2tTiXgY

A toilet paperroll dandelion…   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpvIOpciq2Y

Sharing animal nature….     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqwszagVjfo

Hilarious video of nature kids exploring their nature playground….   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRmrmEBqlu0

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Perfect Picture Book Review, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 01/06/2019 by Diane Tulloch

The Sleeping Gypsy

Written by and Illustrated by: Mordicai Gerstein

Published by:  Holiday House September 2016

Ages:   4 – 8 years

Theme: Wonder, Dreams, Art

Opening Lines: One night, Henri Rousseau dreamed of a girl walking alone across a desert.

Synopsis: (on amazon) A girl, alone in the desert, lies on the sand and sleeps. But she is not alone for long. A lizard, a rabbit, a turtle and other animals come to scrutinize her, and a lion leaps into the scene and claims her for his own.

A silhouette approaches from the distance. He introduces himself as Henri Rousseau, the dreamer of this dream, who plans to paint a picture of it. The animals pose for the artist but criticize his work with comments like “You’ve made my nose too big.” So the artist removes complainers one by one from the painting, until only the girl and the lion remain

Why I like this: Wow! This is truly a beautiful book. A story within a story – a dream within a dream. The characters in Henri Rousseau’s painting, The Sleeping Gypsy, produced in 1897, inspired Mordicai Gerstein to create an elegant, beautifully illustrated story about them.   Mordical Gerstein imagines that the painter, Henri Rousseau, dreamt that he walked into a desert and came upon a number of wild animals and the girl sleeping with a mandolin by her side. How she got there? Why she is sleeping under the full moon in the desert? And what will the lion do, are questions answered by the imagination of Mordical’s version of events. The fact that Henri Rousseau is even there has meant he has stepped into his own painting. This is what Mordical imagines. Bizarre or amazing, it is all of those things and more.   It sparks imagination and the concept of dreams realized. It highlights the fact that criticism cannot always be erased, but being critical of others can cause you to miss out on opportunities. What is left after all the animals have stated their thoughts is a beautiful illustration of a girl and a lion. A thought provoking and insightful story. Great for interesting children in fine art.

Resources/Findings:       On this website is an audio of questions with answers and discussion by children regarding the painting…     https://www.moma.org/collection/works/80172#

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Imagination, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 25/05/2019 by Diane Tulloch

First to the Top

Written by:   David Hill

Illustrated by: Phoebe Morris

Published by:  Puffin Books of Penguin Random House New Zealand 2015

Ages:   3 – 10 years

Theme: Courage, skill, determination

Opening Lines: When Edmund Hillary was a boy in New Zealand, he built rafts to explore the Waikato River. When he grew up, he explored other places. He climbed mountains. He rossed Antarctica. He was one of the first two men to reach the summit of Mt Everest, the world’s highest peak. This is his story.

Synopsis: Up on the world’s highest mountain, the sky is tinged the black colour of space and the air is almost too thin to breathe.

How did Ed, a small, shy boy from New Zealand, grow up to become the world’s most famous mountaineer and adventurer? How did he climb Everest and do so many other astonishing things?

This exceptional picture book, written by internationally acclaimed children’s author David Hill and illustrated by Phoebe Morris, tells the story of Sir Edmund Hillary and his climb to the top of Mt Everest. It’s a story about courage, skill and determination, and an inspiration to anyone who dreams of reaching the top.

Why I like this: This is an inspiring story of courage and determination. When researching this book I found one of the reviews on amazon best described how I felt about this book…   following the life of Sir Edmund as a child in rural New Zealand to being one of the first to climb Mt Everest. Planning, and creating the perilous journey up the mountain. I appreciated how respectfully the Himalayan mountain guides were represented, and the lifetime friendship that Sir Edmund forged with his personal mountain guide, Tenzing Norgay was heart-warming. The book describes how Sir Edmund frequently returned to Nepal and helped fund schooling and resources for the people there. Children will enjoy the animated cartoon-like characters depicted in the cool crisp snowy illustrations. Informative and also included a timeline in the back.

Resources/Findings: Here is a write up from Penguin Books regarding prolific and highly regarded New Zealand author David Hill and his many books and accolades and awards they have each received.   Too many to mention I thought I would just post the link for you to read….   https://www.penguin.co.nz/authors/david-hill

David Hill was interviewed for Taranaki News in November 2018 in which alongside great photos of him at work, it also tells of his thoughts and processes in writing for children, from picture book, middle grade and young adult. He shares interesting facts in research for his New Zealand icons series. And when he wrote First to the Top the Ed Hillary tale, he reached great heights with his word count. The first draft was 6000 words long, so when he cut it down to 2000, he thought he’d done so well he sent it off to the publisher. He received a short and not-so-sweet email: “David can’t you bloody count?” Read all about it here….   https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/lifestyle/108933492/david-hill–a-writer-in-full-and-messy-flight

A little about the illustrator Phebe Morris… http://phoebemorriscreative.com/about

Although I didn’t find any teacher resources here are some questions that could be used…..

Who first climbed Mt Everest?

Did Sherpas climb Everest first?

How many times did Hillary climb Everest?

Did Hillary climb Everest with oxygen?

Was Edmund Hillary British?

Can you climb Mount Everest without a guide?

Who was first Hillary or Norgay?

Where can you see Edmund Hillary today?

Is it hard to climb Mount Everest?

How many camps did they have on Mount Everest?

What did Edmund Hillary and his brother do as children?

What do you think Edmund Hillary took with him when he climbed Mount Everest?

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Perfect Picture Book Review, Picture book, Picture Book Review, Susanna's PPB Fridays | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 18/05/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Tiny Owl on the Ramshackle Farm

Written and Illustrated by: Lotte Wotherspoon

Published by:  Clay Press, Auckland New Zealand 2016

Ages:   3 – 7 years

Theme: Bravery, Fear, Farm animals

Opening Lines: High in the branes of an old macrocarpa, Tiny Owl snoozes with his mama and papa.

All is still on the ramshacklefarm, just the babble of the brook in the midnight calm.

Synopsis: The ramshackle farm at midnight is full of spooky sounds. It’s enough to scare Tiny Owl right out of his wits. Luckily Papa Owl is there to reassure him that the night is nothing to be feared. Instead, it is the perfect time for owls to hunt and play.

Why I like this: Tiny Owl listens to the noises of the farmyard at night and imagines that there is a snaggle toothed monster and hairy chinned guts-gobbler lurking in the dark. Tiny Owl on the Ramshackle Farm explores children’s common night time fears. This delightful, humorous tale shows readers that the scary sounds Tiny Owl hears are in fact being made by the farmyard animals as they sleep. Tiny Owl on the Ramshackle Farm is Lotte Wotherspoon’s latest venture that comes after her 2015 publication Pukeko Dancing on the Old Dirt Track. This delivers another jaunty rhyming story with a recognisable New Zealand landscape like macrocarpa trees, picket fences and babbling brooks captured in her stunning hand drawn illustrations. There are pigs and a bull and some clucky hens, a rusting Bedford, high heels on the porch and a tired old moggy. Take a closer look and you’ll see the bull shakes maracas on his tail and a ‘farty-pants guts-gobbler’ glides past on a skateboard, wearing fancy sneakers. Hilarious true kiwi style in pencil and ink. Hopefully you can pick up your own copy at one of the links below.

Resources/Findings:

About Lottie and Clay press…   https://www.claypress.co.nz/pages/about-me

One place where you can buy a copy…   https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Tiny-Owl-on-Ramshackle-Farm-Lotte-Wotherspoon/9780473353285

How to make cute paper owls…  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqjh3BSuoWk

Tiny Owl on the Ramshackle Farm is a 2017 NZ Award for Best Children’s Book FINALIST

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Children's literature, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 11/05/2019 by Diane Tulloch

The Way Home for Wolf

Written by:   Rachel Bright

Illustrated by: Jim Field

Published by:  Orchard Books, The Watts Publishing Group October 2018

Ages:   3 – 7 years

Theme: Friendship, Bravery

Opening Lines: As a rainbow of lights flickered soft in the night,

Dusting diamonds of ice in a desert of white,

The wild, whipping wind, it whistled its tune

To a howling of wolves and a shimmering moon.

Synopsis: Wolf cub Wilf doesn’’t want help from ANYONE Whatever it is, he can do it ALL BY HIMSELF. But when he finds himself lost and alone I the chill of the Arctic night Wilf discovers that sometimes we all need the helping hand of a friend.

Why I like this: I absolutely love this book. The deceptive cover illustration of a cute wolf club trudging through thick snow belies the rich deep full page spreads within. When chatting with a critique buddy of mine yesterday about this book we agreed that an older age group would appreciate the illustrations more than the 1 – 5 age that is listed on Amazon as a couple of the illustrations may appear a little frightening. I think 3 or even 4 years and up is better suited to this. The evocative storytelling in beautiful rollicking rhyme as shown above gives that sense of hope for the lost little wolf cub as we follow him finding his way home. This book would make a great mentor text in many ways from the use of language, rhyming text to not only ground us in the little wolf cubs world but also lead us from page to page following him on his journey with just the right page turns. But also the way the text leaves out what only the illustrations will and can only show. An example is….   One night it was time for the wolves to move on…New folks had moved in and their shelter was gone! So they left right away, to find a new cave. They would have to walk far and they’d have to be brave.   The illustration for this showed an angry bear curled up in what was the wolves cave. We see the pack of wolves trudging off to look for a new cave in the dark of the cold night, led by the little wolf cub and a couple of the straggler wolves glaring back at the bear. What I also loved about the illustrations was in a couple of spreads the night light actually showed the animals that the little wolf cub would meet up with when he became separated from the pack. In a couple of others it appeared as though we were looking through glass windows. And I also loved how the illustrator rounded the story off with full page spread of rich deep colours of the night similar to the opening pages.  A must read if only to enjoy the rhyming text or pour over the amazing illustrations.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Home-Wolf-Rachel-Bright/dp/1408349205

Resources/Findings:

It is no surprise to find that Rachel Bright and Jim Field have paired up before in…

The Lion Inside   published in 2015 and which has sold over 130,000 copies in the UK alone,

And… The Koala Who Could   published in 2017 again with the same evocative illustrations.

And… The Squirrels Who Squabbled also published in 2017.

 

 

 

 

All books with a theme of friendship, bravery and compassion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qx1cNOXe1Q

Some thoughts/questions for kids…

From the cover of the book where do you think the little wolf cub is?

Is it cold or hot and why?

Is it day or night and why?

Name the animals the little wolf cub comes across when he is lost and write a sentence or paragraph about what you know about each of these animals.

What is the little wolf cub’s name?   If you wrote the story what name would you give him and why?

When the little wolf cub arrived safely home what do you think he learned from his adventure?

How did the little wolf cub get lost? What could he have done to prevent getting lost?

How to draw a cute wolf…      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h_vBkTp_Fs

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

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Webinar – “The Top Five Mistakes That Editors and Agents Most Commonly See in Submissions and How to Avoid Them.”

Posted on 07/05/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Last Sunday New Zealand time of 12.30pm which was around 8.30pm Saturday Eastern time in the USA, I sat down to zoom in on a free webinar through the Children’s Book Academy hosted by Dr Mira Reisberg Editor/AD of Clear Fork/Spork Publishing. The topic of the webinar was “The Top Five Mistakes That Editors and Agents Most Commonly See in Submissions and How to Avoid Them.” Also on panel with Mira was Rachael Stein Editor of Sterling Children’s Books and Hillary Homzie, Award-Winning Author. Justine Lawson was roped in to help read out the pitches, bio’s and queries appearing in the chat screen.

Being Mira, this webinar was backed with information for new and seasoned writers wanting to attract the attention of Agents and Editors to get their stories published. Once the webinar got under way I found after covering three pages in scribble I wasn’t able to keep up and used “screen save” so I could have time reading all the juicy info and resource links popping up as they gave their presentations. Thank goodness for replay!

Rachel Stein went first:…   Do You Have What you Need to Submit – Your query…   How does it fit into the market place?

Ist Pitch – What is your book abou

Make pitch short and to the point

Do your research.

Comp titles – within 5 years

2nd Bio – Who are you?

What is your background?

What writing experience?

Why you wrote this particular book?

Your online presence?

Anything else that is relevant.

3rd Submission Materials – Your query must be engaging and grabs attention.

Be a strong sample of your writing and style.

Free of typos

How to submit and follow up – Read Submission guidelines and follow exactly what they say.

When you have interest let other agents know.

Be patient – consider waiting a few months before follow up. Check again submission guidelines.

Be polite and respectful.

Hillary Homzie went next:… Mistakes found in submissions…

Plot -Overly complicated.

Characters should have one burning need or goal.

-No plot.

A premise is not a plot.

Premise + activated goal = plot.

Inappropriate plot line for a genre. Ie: too old for preschool age.

Charactization –   Too flat –known for only one character trait.

-consider multiple interests.

-relationships and friendships.

-consider relationships between children and elders, animals and characters with differing abilities and constraints.

Lack of emotionality filtering from main character pov.

-react to an event or action, not only to people.

Telling can sometimes be okay.

Extend the line of description in certain areas

Extend short Verbs toad weight to emotion.

Emotion through eyes, hearts, lung and stomachs are over used.

Rely more on Internalization/Interiority to give more depth for emotion.

Both presentations came with great examples and easy to read screen info.

Mira followed with Formatting, Research and Resonance.

This was full of information and wonderful links and examples

Basic formatting for Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and YA.

Resource links such as.. Publisher Weekly, SCBWI, MSWL, Pitching Contests, and many more.

The webinar was finished off with reading and critiquing some pitches, bios and query letters which was really insightful and interesting.

If you’re looking to get your money’s worth then Children’s Book Academy is your one stop shop!

Check out Mira’s Children’s Book Academy for courses, resources, and much more, here…   https://childrensbookacademy.teachable.com/p/about-us

So glad I took time out to tune in.

Posted in ideas for writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 04/05/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Little Robin Red Vest

Written and Illustrated by: Jan Fearnley

Published by:  Nosy Crow Ltd UK new edition 2018

Ages:   2 – 5 years

Theme: Giving, Compassion, Kindness

Opening Lines: Once upon a time, there was a little brown bird. His name was Robin, and this is his story.

Synopsis: Little Robin has given all his nice warm vests to seven chilly friends in need. On Christmas Eve, with no vest left for himself, he huddles on an icy roof… until someone very special comes to the rescue

Why I like this: It is a gorgeous sweet story of kindness and compassion for those in need or less fortunate than oneself. Full of heart this story is set at Christmas time with snow and the vests decorated in Christmas trees etc… and of course that special someone. But really this story could be easily told in our mid-winter (June and July) and still delight all ages. With repetition in thought, counting and colours as well as the theme of kindness and what you can do to help others in need, this book has a lot to offer during storytime And then there is the illustrations in beautiful soft snow it still has that warm glow and the expressions on each character are priceless. It’s hard to believe in this new look edition that this story is actually just over 20years old when it was first published. Beautifully presented it is sure to see in another 20 years. Such a classic. Remember to mark this one for the Christmas stocking order now.

Resources/Findings:

Recorded on Nosy Crow website/ kirkus review….     https://nosycrow.com/product/little-robin-red-vest/

Teaching kids to give and be easy, fun and adventurous. Here are some ideas….   https://www.365give.ca/teach-kids-give-three-easy-steps/

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Children's literature, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

“PERFECT PICTURE BOOK” – FRIDAY

Posted on 27/04/2019 by Diane Tulloch

A Home Full of Friends

Written by : Peter Bently

Illustrated by: Charles Fuge

Published by:  Hodder Children’s Books (10 Aug. 2017)

Ages:   5 – 11 years

Theme: Friendship, Compassion, Kindness

Opening Lines: Bramble was looking for nuts by the river when a sudden fierce storm made him shudder and shiver.

“Oh bother! I’m bound to catch a cold in this storm! I’m heading back home where it’s cosy and warm!”

Synopsis: One stormy night, Bramble Badger offers his home to a group of animals in need and gets more than he bargained for! He’s worried about how everyone will fit, but when his house is crowded with friends, he gains something truly special.

Why I like this: This beautiful rhyming story of Bramble the Badger wandering through the forest collecting nuts and ends up offering his home to friends in need when they lose their homes, is a great message of friendship, compassion and kindness. The beautiful illustrations are rich and apart from a couple of pages, most are double-spread displaying emotion and lots of detail for the young to pore over. I loved how at first Bramble was so concerned at whether he had room or that his place was tidy enough to have visitors or that he had enough to feed everyone, but in the end it didn’t matter that they were crammed in, it was the company he enjoyed most. Giving new meaning to the saying – Home is where the Heart is. And I can sure attest to that, as having my dear critique buddy staying with me for three weeks hubby and I agree, it was the best time of all and so much fun.

Resources/Findings:

Tips for sleepover nights…   https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/10-tips-for-successful-sleepovers/

Peter’s website…   http://www.peterbently.com/

Kids Tea Party ideas…     https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/312437292878237410/?lp=true

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

Posted in Perfect Picture Book Review, Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 20/04/2019 by Diane Tulloch

The Lonely Little Tree

Written by : Moya Kirby

Illustrated by: Terri Rose Baynton

Published by:  Scholastic New Zealand, October 2018

Ages:   2 – 6 years

Theme: Christmas, Forestry, Loneliness, Helping one another

Opening Lines: Where once grew a forest near the seas, one tree was left – one tiny tree. Her forest friends had been cut away, and she was left, alone, to stay.

Synopsis: A tiny tree sands all alone on the edge of a felled forest. Whispering winds swirl, and native birds gather around, bringing gifts of blossoms and berries to adorn the lonely little tree. What a magical sight, on this Christmas night.

Why I like this: This is a beautiful whimsy rhyming story about a lonely tree that wonders what will become of him, when a passing bird says it can be whatever it wants to be – a giant or a Christmas tree. He knows it will take many years to be a giant and has no idea who will help make him a Christmas tree. Then all the native birds of New Zealand rally around and find unique ways to turn this lonesome tree into a beautiful colourful tree. With Clematis blossoms, spiders web, shells and feathers and much more to decorate it, not to mention Ruru’s eyes to sparkle at the top of the tree. It is a beautiful story of giving, helping and showing the true spirit of Christmas, kiwi style. They even defend the tree when someone turns up to cut it down. The watercolours of greens, blues and browns add to the whimsy feel of the story and the hint to forestry and the effects on environment is an added element for discussion in classrooms. A story to be treasured and read at Christmas time and all year long.

Resources/Findings:

Resources here in NZ…   https://kcc.org.nz/about/

Games and activities for kids relating to rainforests: … https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids

The New Zealand Christmas Tree…   http://globaltrees.org/threatened-trees/trees/pohutukawa/

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.

 

Posted in Children's literature, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments