Last week Cathy Ballou Mealey shared her process in “Start with the Heart!” Here’s more about WHEN A TREE GROWS for Perfect Picture Book Friday…. Title: When A Tree Grows Written by: Cathy Ballou Mealey Illustrated by: Kasia Nowowiejska Sterling 2019 fiction Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: cause/effect, friendship Opening: When a tree grows in … More When a Tree Grows
Thank you, Cathy Ballou Mealey, for sharing your process in writing WHEN A TREE GROWS. Besides the quest for heart, Cathy gives us a peek into how she worked out the unique structure for her concept. As I began writing WHEN A TREE GROWS, I envisioned a series of calamitous, connected events that would be … More Mining for Heart: “Start with the Heart!” by Cathy Ballou Mealey
There are so many recent wonderful picture books about kindness and gifts from the heart. Here are three that stand out to me as having actionable examples we can bring to our own lives. Title: Emma’s Gems Written by: Anne Renaud Illustrated by: Leanne Franson Peanut Butter Press 2019 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: kindness, … More 3 Picture Books—3 Kinds of Gifts
Take a magical trip to the New York Public Library for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a touching tale of stories, loved ones, precious memories, and the magical power of the library lions that stand guard in the front.. Title: The Night Library Written by: David Zeltser Illustrated by: Raul Colón Random House 2019 Suitable for … More The Night Library
Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s a gem that everyone will enjoy and is certain to touch your heart. Title: Thank You, Omu! Written and illustrated by: Oge Mora Little Brown, 2018, fiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: gratitude, generosity, community Opening: On the corner of First Street and Long Street, on the very … More Thank You, Omu!
I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled it off the shelf. But I immediately was glad I had paused to take a look. Here’s a creative Perfect Picture Book that has a bonus layer for reading teachers and lots for writers to enjoy. And kids? They’ll love it, too, because they have certainly … More No Boring Stories!
Though you might be tired of hearing the word “wall,” there’s a good chance you’ll love today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection. You might see it as politically and socially relevant, or you might see it as a fun story for kids. Either way, it’s a winner! Title: The Wall in the Middle of … More The Wall in the Middle of the Book
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s the perfect book for little ones ready to hit the slopes! Title: Teach Your Giraffe to Ski Written by: Viviane Elbee Illustrated by: Danni Gowdy Whitman 2018 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: skiing, learning something new Opening: Uh-oh. It’s snowing and your giraffe wants you to teach … More Teach Your Giraffe to Ski
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s one of my new favorites that’s layered with fun. Title: Douglas, You’re a Genius! Written and illustrated by: Ged Adamson Schwartz and Wade 2018 Suitable for ages: 3-7 Themes/topics: STEM, ingenuity, cooperation, perseverance Opening: Nancy and Douglas were playing ball in the backyard, when Nancy hit one too hard. … More Douglas, You’re a Genius!
It seems to be a perfect time to share a new “subversive” story for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s an introduction to WE DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES by Ryan T. Higgins of MOTHER BRUCE fame. Title: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates Written and Illustrated by: Ryan T. Higgins Disney/Hyperion 2018 Suitable for ages: 3-5 Themes/topics: school, … More We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
