Enter to win all four full-color Judy Moody and Stink books; including Judy Moody & Stink: The Wishbone Wish (Candlewick, Reprint, 2015), written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Giveaway begins November 9, 2015, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends December 8, 2015, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
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By: Maryann Yin,
on 3/6/2015
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Authors, Publishing, Peter H. Reynolds, Holly McGhee, Liza Baker, Add a tag
Title: Star Bright: A Christmas Story
Written By: Alison McGhee
Illustrated By: Peter H. Reynolds
Atheneum Books For Young Readers, September 2014, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: Christmas, the nativity, giving/generosity
Opening: "It was the end of December, and a baby was soon to be born. A baby! In the heavens, angels turned light with joy."
Brief Synopsis: An extra special baby is coming and the newest angel wants to give a present. But what can she give? Wind is the sky's gift. Rain is the clouds' gift. Music is the gift of the songbirds. But when the little angel sees three lost travelers, she knows exactly what to give - the best gift of all!
Links To Resources: share the story of the nativity no matter your personal religion or beliefs - it's good for kids to know about things that are deeply important to others as well as to themselves and you can share the story of Hanukah etc. too; talk about gifts - what makes a good gift? does it have to be big, extravagant, expensive? what makes a gift really matter to someone? what kinds of gifts do you like to give and receive? Make these sugar cookies RECIPE HERE in the shapes of Christmas trees, stars, or whatever else you like :) Make paper stars INSTRUCTIONS HERE; make paper snowflakes INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Why I Like This Book: You know me - I love sweet stories :) And this is one of those stories that tugs at your heartstrings just enough to make it memorable without being overdone. But what I really love about this book is the creative way it spins the story of the nativity, so that you get the basic idea without anything overtly religious - and that's quite a feat to have pulled off! On one level, this is simply a story about a child who wants to give a wonderful gift but doesn't know what she can offer, and how many children have felt like that? Her creative solution will inspire young readers to think up their own creative solutions - when it comes to gifts, what can they give that only they can give? And the art is by Peter H. Reynolds. Enough said :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!
Have a great weekend, everybody! See you Monday for the Holiday Contest!!! (For which I have still not written my sample... or even really started thinking about it... details, details :))
By: Amanda,
on 9/1/2012
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Picture Book Saturday, Karen Beaumont, Lucy Cousins, Add a tag
First published in 2005, this one is getting a new look...lap book form! Perfect for my almost-toddler! The story is fairly simple: mischievous boy with a big imagination decides (with a little help from Mama) that he "ain't gonna paint no more," but first he must finish what he started. The result is a big, bright, beautiful mess of paint and fun. Mama may not be happy, but kids have been delighted by this story since it originally came out.
Marisol is in charge of painting the sky for the class mural, but she can't find the color blue! She isn't sure how to create the perfect sky without the perfect blue color and is worried she won't be able to make a beautiful mural.
Create with Maisy by Lucy Cousins
Elliott has started to fall in love with all things Maisy. I've seen it happen with kids at the library and bookstore, but didn't realize my own would love this cute little mouse too! This particular title is a bit above his skill level right now, but it will be sticking around on our shelves for awhile until he can use it.
Create with Maisy: A Maisy First Arts-and-Crafts Book
Lucy Cousins
48 pages
Candlewick
9780763661229
July 2012
Review copy
By: Betsy Bird,
on 4/24/2012
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Uncategorized, Peter H. Reynolds, Laura Amy Schlitz, Candlewick, TOON Books, Doreen Rappaport, Scott Nash, David Ezra Stein, Jon Klassen, Leslea Newman, James Howe, Chris Raschka, Sean Beaudoin, Rutu Modan, librarian previews, Gary Ross, Gigi Amateau, Frank Viva, David Nytra, E.M. Kokie, Fall 2012 previews, Add a tag
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 11/8/2015
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Giveaways, Peter H. Reynolds, Thanksgiving, featured, Stink, Megan McDonald, Judy Moody, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Giveaways, Peter H. Reynolds, Thanksgiving, featured, Stink, Megan McDonald, Judy Moody, Add a tag
By: Maryann Yin,
on 3/6/2015
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Authors, Publishing, Peter H. Reynolds, Holly McGhee, Liza Baker, Add a tag
Peter H. Reynolds has signed a three-book deal with Scholastic.
Liza Baker, the executive editorial director at Cartwheel and Orchard Books, negotiated the terms of the agreement with Holly McGhee, the founder of Pippin Properties. The first book, entitled Happy Dreamer, will be published in 2016.
Reynolds had this statement in the press release: “Happy Dreamer is inspired by my own creative journey. I want readers to say ‘Hey, that’s me!’ and realize that their daydreaming, their wild energy—and even their challenges—are all good. I want to encourage kids—and grownup kids—to be happy with who they are, and to be confident about what lies ahead.”
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By: Susanna Leonard Hill,
on 12/5/2014
Blog: Susanna Leonard Hill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Atheneum Books For Young Readers, Star Bright, Alison McGhee, Perfect Picture Book Fridays, Add a tag
Blog: Susanna Leonard Hill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Atheneum Books For Young Readers, Star Bright, Alison McGhee, Perfect Picture Book Fridays, Add a tag
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!
I'm excited that it's December and we finally get to share holiday books :) I have such a sweet book for today! In past years, I have stuck to books like Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree which, though about Christmas, are not at all religious. The book I've chosen today veers a little closer to the traditional story of Christmas but it's so beautifully done that I think it's appropriate for everyone, regardless of religion or belief. I hope you get a chance to read it!
Written By: Alison McGhee
Illustrated By: Peter H. Reynolds
Atheneum Books For Young Readers, September 2014, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: Christmas, the nativity, giving/generosity
Opening: "It was the end of December, and a baby was soon to be born. A baby! In the heavens, angels turned light with joy."
Brief Synopsis: An extra special baby is coming and the newest angel wants to give a present. But what can she give? Wind is the sky's gift. Rain is the clouds' gift. Music is the gift of the songbirds. But when the little angel sees three lost travelers, she knows exactly what to give - the best gift of all!
Links To Resources: share the story of the nativity no matter your personal religion or beliefs - it's good for kids to know about things that are deeply important to others as well as to themselves and you can share the story of Hanukah etc. too; talk about gifts - what makes a good gift? does it have to be big, extravagant, expensive? what makes a gift really matter to someone? what kinds of gifts do you like to give and receive? Make these sugar cookies RECIPE HERE in the shapes of Christmas trees, stars, or whatever else you like :) Make paper stars INSTRUCTIONS HERE; make paper snowflakes INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Why I Like This Book: You know me - I love sweet stories :) And this is one of those stories that tugs at your heartstrings just enough to make it memorable without being overdone. But what I really love about this book is the creative way it spins the story of the nativity, so that you get the basic idea without anything overtly religious - and that's quite a feat to have pulled off! On one level, this is simply a story about a child who wants to give a wonderful gift but doesn't know what she can offer, and how many children have felt like that? Her creative solution will inspire young readers to think up their own creative solutions - when it comes to gifts, what can they give that only they can give? And the art is by Peter H. Reynolds. Enough said :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!
Have a great weekend, everybody! See you Monday for the Holiday Contest!!! (For which I have still not written my sample... or even really started thinking about it... details, details :))
0 Comments on Perfect Picture Book Friday - Star Bright: A Christmas Story as of 1/1/1900
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By: Amanda,
on 9/1/2012
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Picture Book Saturday, Karen Beaumont, Lucy Cousins, Add a tag
School has started in most of the country and it's time for kids and teachers to get creative. Let the fun begin! I've received a few books over the summer that will help encourage your kids, whether they're in your classroom, your library, or your homeschool setting...I want to help inspire them to seek their creative sides!
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont and illustrator David Catrow
First published in 2005, this one is getting a new look...lap book form! Perfect for my almost-toddler! The story is fairly simple: mischievous boy with a big imagination decides (with a little help from Mama) that he "ain't gonna paint no more," but first he must finish what he started. The result is a big, bright, beautiful mess of paint and fun. Mama may not be happy, but kids have been delighted by this story since it originally came out. I've loved this book for years. David Catrow uses incredibly bold color choices to help show off the fun and creative story that Beaumont has created. Who cares if the child is a tad disobedient? So what if the English used isn't the best? It's a super cute story with great rhymes and a huge dose of imagination. I think we all could use the reminder that sometimes, it's just ok to PAINT! Self-expression is huge here and I love it!
(After reading this to Elliott we will definitely having the "it's only a story and it is NOT ok to paint your body or our house" talk).
This story is incredibly spirited and makes for a super silly storytime read. Chant it at the top of your lungs and then pair it with a crazy painting activity. Just make sure you have smocks on hand ;)
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!
Karen Beaumont
32 pages
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
9780547870359
September 2012 (lap book edition)
Review copy
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Marisol is in charge of painting the sky for the class mural, but she can't find the color blue! She isn't sure how to create the perfect sky without the perfect blue color and is worried she won't be able to make a beautiful mural. When she sees has the opportunity to watch the sky change from day to night -- while riding home on the bus and then sitting on her porch -- Marisol realizes that the sky doesn't HAVE to be blue. It can be whatever she wants it to be, while still becoming something absolutely beautiful.
Peter Reynolds is one of my absolute favorite authors. Sky Color is going to inspire kids AND adults, which, at least for me, makes an awesome picture book. Just because we've been taught that the sky is blue doesn't mean it has to be blue all the time. Sometimes it's purple, pink, orange, grey...lots of colors. Marisol will help everyone realize that you don't need the color blue to make a sky...be creative!
Sky Color
Peter H. Reynolds
32 pages
Candlewick
9780763623456
August 2012
Review copy
Create with Maisy by Lucy Cousins
Elliott has started to fall in love with all things Maisy. I've seen it happen with kids at the library and bookstore, but didn't realize my own would love this cute little mouse too! This particular title is a bit above his skill level right now, but it will be sticking around on our shelves for awhile until he can use it. We start off with a page spread about how Maisy loves to create things and showing off a few of the items she likes to be creative with. The crafts that follow are simple and though they may require a small amount of adult assistance, they'd be excellent for kids 4 and up. It's a great way to let them get creative and express themselves through art, with a small bit of instruction and direction.
Your kids can make Beady Butterflies, a Blossom Tree, a Pencil Holder, Paper Lanterns, a Button Bowl, and other fun crafts to use as homemade gifts. The holidays are coming up, as much as we'd all like to deny it and our kids are going to have to get busy!
This would make an excellent resource at home, as well as for teachers and librarians. I know you all need crafty books too.
Create with Maisy: A Maisy First Arts-and-Crafts Book
Lucy Cousins
48 pages
Candlewick
9780763661229
July 2012
Review copy
3 Comments on Picture Book Saturday: Let's Get Creative, last added: 9/19/2012
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By: Betsy Bird,
on 4/24/2012
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Uncategorized, Peter H. Reynolds, Laura Amy Schlitz, Candlewick, TOON Books, Doreen Rappaport, Scott Nash, David Ezra Stein, Jon Klassen, Leslea Newman, James Howe, Chris Raschka, Sean Beaudoin, Rutu Modan, librarian previews, Gary Ross, Gigi Amateau, Frank Viva, David Nytra, E.M. Kokie, Fall 2012 previews, Add a tag
You’ve got your big-time fancy pants New York publishers on the one hand, and then you have your big-time fancy pants Boston publishers on the other. A perusal of Minders of Make-Believe by Leonard Marcus provides a pretty good explanation for why Boston is, in its way, a small children’s book enclave of its own. Within its borders you have publishers like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Candlewick holding court. The only time I have ever been to Boston was when ALA last had a convention there. It was nice, though cold and there are duckling statues.
So it was that the good people of Candlewick came to New York to show off some of their finest Fall 2012 wares. Now the last time they came here they were hosted by SLJ. This time they secured space in the Bank Street College of Education. Better location, less good food (no cookies, but then I have the nutritional demands of a five-year-old child). We were given little signs on which to write our names. I took an extra long time on mine for what I can only assume was an attempt to “win” the write-your-name part of the day. After that, we were off!
First up, it’s our old friend and Caldecott Honor winner (I bet that never gets old for him) David Ezra Stein. The fellow’s been toiling away with his paints n’ such for years, so it’s little wonder he wanted to ratchet up his style a notch with something different. And “something different” is a pretty good explanation of what you’ll find with Because Amelia Smiled. This is sort of a take on the old nursery rhyme that talks about “For Want of a Nail”, except with a happy pay-it-forward kind of spin. Because a little girl smiles a woman remembers to send a care package. Because the care package is received someone else does something good. You get the picture. Stein actually wrote this book as a Senior in art school but has only gotten to writing it officially now. It’s sort of the literary opposite of Russell Hoban’s A Sorely Trying Day or Barbara Bottner’s An Annoying ABC. As for the art itself, the author/illustrator has created a whole new form which he’s named Stein-lining. To create it you must apply crayons to wax paper and then turn it over. I don’t quite get the logistics but I’ll be interested in seeing the results. Finally, the book continues the massive trend of naming girls in works of children’s fiction “Amelia”. Between Amelia Bedelia, Amelia’s Notebook, and Amelia Rules I think the children’s literary populace is well-stocked in Amelias ah-plenty.
Next up, a title that may well earn the moniker of Most Anticipated Picture Book of the Fall 2012 Season. This Is Not My Hat isn’t a sequel to
4 Comments on Librarian Preview: Candlewick Press (Fall 2012), last added: 4/25/2012
By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 2/19/2012
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Blog, School Library Journal, Kate McMullan, picture books, middle grade fiction, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, Writing Conferences, Writers Conferences, writing picture books, Patricia McCormick, Writing YA, MFA in Creative Writing, Rocco Staino, Southampton Childrens Literature Conference, Stony Brook Southampton, Childrens Lit Workshops, Childrens Literature Conference, picture book workshops, Summer Writers Conferences, Writing for, writing middle grade novels, YA workshops, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: Blog, School Library Journal, Kate McMullan, picture books, middle grade fiction, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, Writing Conferences, Writers Conferences, writing picture books, Patricia McCormick, Writing YA, MFA in Creative Writing, Rocco Staino, Southampton Childrens Literature Conference, Stony Brook Southampton, Childrens Lit Workshops, Childrens Literature Conference, picture book workshops, Summer Writers Conferences, Writing for, writing middle grade novels, YA workshops, Add a tag
“If you’re dreaming of becoming the next J. K. Rowling, we’ve got the perfect place for you—the Southampton Children’s Literature Conference!” So said School Library Journal last year after Rocco Staino paid a visit to the Stony Brook Southampton campus to observe the Conference in action.
As Director of the Conference, I am delighted to announce that applications are now being accepted for our July 2012 workshops. We have a truly stellar line-up of faculty members this year, every one of whom is an esteemed, award-winning author in his (or her) own right, including:
- #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds
- New York Times bestselling/Horn Book Award-winning author Kate McMullan
- New YorkTimes bestselling authors Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith
- National Book Award finalist and ALA Best Book of the Year Award-winning YA author Patricia McCormick
Every workshop is capped at 12 students, which makes for a uniquely individualized experience and an incredible opportunity for specific and direct feedback and support. It also means they fill up quickly – so don’t delay if you’re thinking of applying!
A bit more information about the Conference… this year there will be two sessions, a five day one (July 11-15) featuring workshops in picture book, middle grade and YA with Peter H. Reynolds, Kate McMullan and Cynthia and Greg Leitich-Smith, respectively, and a 12-day session (July 18-29) in YA with Patricia McCormick. Mornings are spent in workshop, and in the afternoons a series of electives are offered such as craft lectures, panel discussions and mini-workshops. You can also choose to spend time writing at one of the beautiful Hamptons beaches or on the gorgeous campus grounds.
Because the Childrens Literature Conference is part of the Southampton Arts Summer, it runs concurrently with workshops in playwriting and screenwriting, as well as with adult workshops in poetry, memoir, novel, creative non-fiction, and even acting and visual arts. Evening events feature well-known authors, playwrights, and filmmakers. The schedule of formal and informal social gatherings is rich—from author receptions to an open-mic night—with a few surprises, too. And because Southampton Arts sponsors an esteemed and long-standing MFA in Creative Writing and Literature at Stony Brook Southampton, as well as new MFA’s in Theatre, Film and Visual Arts, the workshops may be taken for credit. There are even a few partial scholarships available.
To find out more, or to download an application, visit http://www.southamptonchildrenslit.com
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By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 12/9/2011
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing inspiration, story ideas, developing ideas, piboidmo, Blog, childrens books, picture books, writing, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, Add a tag
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing inspiration, story ideas, developing ideas, piboidmo, Blog, childrens books, picture books, writing, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, Add a tag
This week I had the joy of interviewing my friend and picture book hero, Peter H. Reynolds, for the Children’s Book Hub. As usual, Peter said a million inspiring things and shared a number of jewels about writing. Among them was a reference to his own writing process that set off lightbulbs in my head. For those of you who have been participating in PiBoIdMo, or 12X12, or just find it hard sometimes to move from idea to story (as I do), this may be useful.
Once an idea comes to him (as they do all the time, because he has such highly developed Story Radar!), Peter asks himself, “Who could help me tell that story? What character and what situation can help demonstrate that idea?”
My ideas often start with theme – with the take-away, so to speak. But good storytelling is all about character, after all. If the characters aren’t compelling, believable, interesting, then the reader doesn’t care… and if the reader doesn’t care, the take-away usually ends up being didactic or lost altogether.
Who can help me tell this story? What character, in what situation, solving what problem, can illuminate this idea?
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By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 11/1/2011
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Mo Willems, Blog, childrens books, Jim McMullan, Kate McMullan, picture books, Peter H. Reynolds, Kevin Henkes, Barbara Cooney, Ian Falconer, Margaret Wise Brown, Crockett Johnson, Writing Childrens Books, picture book month, Debi Gliori, Clement Hurd, Joyce Dunbar, Add a tag
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Mo Willems, Blog, childrens books, Jim McMullan, Kate McMullan, picture books, Peter H. Reynolds, Kevin Henkes, Barbara Cooney, Ian Falconer, Margaret Wise Brown, Crockett Johnson, Writing Childrens Books, picture book month, Debi Gliori, Clement Hurd, Joyce Dunbar, Add a tag
November is National Picture Book Month, and I thought I would contribute to the celebration with a list of ten of my favorite picture books. This is by no means a definitive list – I have hundreds of favorites! – but for our family, these books have stood the test of time and continue to delight, even after multiple readings. Many of them also ‘break the rules’ of picture book writing and publishing, and remind us that a unique idea, an original voice or a magical complement of story and art make it possible to venture beyond formulas and create something surprising and enduring:
Bark, George! (Jules Feiffer) – The giddy tale of a puppy who speaks every other animal’s language but his own – with superbly spare text and Feiffer’s brilliant, classic line-drawings.
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds) – A child who thinks she has no creative talent learns how simple it can be to express oneself creatively and to take pleasure in the ownership of one’s efforts.
Goodnight, Moon (Margaret Wise Brown/Clement Hurd) - A little rabbit preparing for bed says goodnight to everyone and everything in his world. The perfect, classic bedtime story.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Mo Willems) – A brilliant tribute to the often dramatic and unreasonable behavior of preschoolers, with simple but hilarious illustrations and text.
Harold and the Purple Crayon (Crockett Johnson) – Harold takes a memorable journey with a simple purple crayon… First published in 1955, a tribute to the power and wonder of imagination.
I Stink (Jim and Kate McMullan) – A hilarious ode to the humble garbage truck, reminding us that everyone has value and something to contribute.
Miss Rumphius (Barbara Cooney) – Alice Rumphius has three life quests – to see faraway places, to live by the sea in her old age, and to do something to make the world a more beautiful place.
Olivia (Ian Falconer) – The “Eloise” of pigs! Ian Falconer’s hilarious series about an unforgettable (if a tad precocious) porcine heroine.
Owen (Kevin Henkes) – Owen and his beloved blanket are inseparable, until the first day of kindergarten. Can his parents find a solution that suits everyone and helps their son transition?
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep (Joyce Dunbar/Debi Gliori) – A thoughtful bunny calms his younger sister’s nighttime fears by encouraging her to think happy thoughts.
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By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 10/17/2011
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Blog, writing, motivation, progress, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Writing Childrens Books, I.O.P., illusions of progress, iop, Add a tag
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Blog, writing, motivation, progress, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Writing Childrens Books, I.O.P., illusions of progress, iop, Add a tag
One more gift from Peter H. Reynold’s workshop last summer:
I.O.P, or “Illusions of Progress.” Now, for some this may have a negative connotation. An illusion of progress, as opposed to the real thing… could sound like busywork. But it’s Peter’s view (and I agree) that I.O.P. can be a great motivator.
Look! I already have a…
- Chapter done
- Page written
- Outline drafted
- Book jacket idea
… I’m halfway there!
Well, maybe not halfway – but far enough along to make it worthwhile continuing.
Here are a few of my I.O.P’s…
- A rough draft
- A title
- Notes compiled on a subject
- Research on other books on the subject
- A few lines that establish “voice”
- A related list of any kind
What I.O.P.’s keep you going?
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By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 10/14/2011
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Blog, Story, childrens books, writing, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Writing Childrens Books, ideas file, story radar, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: Blog, Story, childrens books, writing, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Writing Childrens Books, ideas file, story radar, Add a tag
Here’s another jewel I picked up from Peter H. Reynolds’ workshop last summer: “Story Radar.” This is a term Peter uses for the technique of always being on the alert for ideas and inspiration. An expression, a character, an event, a question, an image – anything can ‘wave’ to you on any given day as an idea for a story, one that can then be filed away in your “Books Not Yet in Print” folder. Peter has incredible story radar. I can’t tell you how many times in class he said, “…And that’s a great idea for a story!” He also said that when the idea comes from someone else, he says (good-naturedly, of course), “I’ll give you one year to run with that idea, and after that it’s mine!”
Here’s a question: can we fine tune, or improve the frequency of, our Story Radar? I think the answer is yes, but it has to do with whether we’ve got ours pointed in the right direction, first of all, as well as how regularly we tune into it, and the degree to which we are able to tune out other, non-useful input. Like any fine instrument, the more one uses it, and the better one cares for it, the more likely it is to hold its tune. Let it sit there and collect dust, or be subject to interference, and it’s unlikely to work as well.
Any other ideas out there about ways to fine-tune our Story Radar?
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By: Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 10/9/2011
Blog: Emmasaries (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Blog, childrens books, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: Blog, childrens books, Ideas, Peter H. Reynolds, writing for children, writing inspiration, Add a tag
… what would the title be?
This was a question Peter H. Reynold posed to his workshop participants during last summer’s Southampton Children’s Literature Conference. Then he did something extraordinary.
Each of us came up with our title, and Peter then designed a Peter H. Reynolds book jacket around that title, and listing our name as the author. He then made each one the cover of a blank book, which he gave to each of us, and invited us to fill in the pages. What a gift – and a challenge!
Mine is standing on my writing desk, staring at me every day and inviting me to write. It’s a tremendous source of inspiration. You can do something similar (OK, maybe not with a Peter H. Reynolds jacket – I know how lucky I am!). Just buy a white book with blank pages (you can get them for about $3 each, here’s a link to one source: blank white books) and put your title idea for a Book-Not-Yet-in-Print on the cover, even if only in a nice font. You don’t have to write on the book itself, you can print something out and paste it on. Then stand it up on your desk and let it stare at you for a while. You may be surprised by what it invites.
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By: Jenny Miller,
on 9/5/2011
Blog: Where The Best Books Are! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: PETER H. REYNOLDS, 2011, Back to School books, The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School, Mike Lowry, Laura Murphy, books about making friends at school, I Love People, Im Here, Francoise Boucher, Add a tag
Here are three books about finding friends and fitting in:
The Gingerbread Man Loose in School, written by Laura Murray, illustrated by Mike Lowery, $16.99, Putnam, ages 4-8, 32 pages. A gingerbread man hops off his cooling pan and races after the class that baked him in this bouncy tale about the importance of belonging. When the teacher calls, "Recess," no one grabs the gingerbread man, so he runs as fast as he can to catch up with the kids, only to get stuck to a ball, lose a toe and land inside a lunch bag. Will this zippy little cookie ever find his class and feel like one of the gang? After one read aloud, students will be clamoring to bake up their own class pet and fit him with Starlight Mint hat. Slipped into the back cover, a folded poster for your own smart cookie. This is a book that shows readers that feeling left and being left out aren't always the same. Sometimes you just have to catch up to classmates to realize they like you.
I'm Here, by Peter H. Reynolds, Atheneum, $15.99, ages 4-8, 32 pages. A boy sits alone on a playground far from other children and feels like no one knows he's there. His sense of isolation is palpable, as if he were set apart and made invisible. "They are there. I am here," he says with a longing look their way. The children's playful voices are "splashes upon splashes of sound," but all the boy can hear is "Boom. Boom." He tries to assure himself that at least he knows he's there, even if the other children don't seem to. Then a gentle breeze pats his head, a tumbling leaf lands for a visit and piece of paper glides to him on a lazy stream of air, rocking this way and that, slowly down, before landing at his knee. "How did you find me?" the boy asks the paper, his eyes glistening. He knows a playground is not where a paper wants to be, so he folds it into an airplane and launches it into the air. Maybe now, the paper will get to where it wants to be -- and maybe, if he climbs aboard it, the boy will get there to. This sweet, touching book shows that when a child feels alone, making a little step forward can change everything.
By: Betsy Bird,
on 8/13/2011
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Uncategorized, book trailers, Peter H. Reynolds, puppets, Laini Taylor, N.D. Wilson, Sesame Street, Frances Hardinge, Rosalyn Schanzer, Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon, Video Sunday, stage adaptations, Add a tag
We begin this week with something extraordinary. A book trailer that looks like a movie trailer (no real surprises there) but that includes so many specific details to its book that you’re half inclined to think that the movie version already exists. Super 8’s actor Joel Courtney stars in trailer for The Dragon’s Tooth by ND Wilson. What’s funny about it is that its locations are eerily perfect, the scenes amazing, and yet it has one aspect that makes me sad. You see, the hero of this book and his sister are dark skinned. Yet here you can see that they’re pretty darn white. To be fair this is entirely due to the fact that Mr. Courtney is friends with Mr. Wilson’s kids and that’s how he got the part. Still . . . sigh. Ditto the fact that an elderly woman from the book now appears to be 45. Perhaps elderly actresses are difficult to find sometimes? But aside from all that this is a remarkable piece of work. Maybe the best movie-like book trailer I’ve ever seen. Little wonder since it was directed by the author himself! If that whole writing books thing doesn’t work out, I can see a second career ready and waiting. Thanks to Heather Wilson for the link.
Along similar lines is this trailer for Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone. When you’ve been following an author since day one, there’s an instinct to claim them. I loved Ms. Taylor when she wrote her Faeries of Dreamdark books back in the day. Now she’s hugely popular and I feel very possessive of her. With a whopping 50,000+ views (holy moses!) this next video is not as sophisticated as Wilson’s, but it has its own ineffable charm, no?
A very different kind of book trailer involves the recent winner of The Society of Illustrator’s Original Art gold medal. I daresay that this is the first time in my own recollection that a nonfiction title has won the award (and from National Geographic at that!). And I can think of no better way to see the art than this little video right here:
Gorgeous. Thanks to Jules Danielson for the link!
If I hadn’t begun with all those book trailers I probably would have begun with this glimpse of the staged production of How to Train Your Dragon in Australia. Because when it comes to stage puppetry, you ain’t never NEVER seen nuthin’ like this:
By: Julie Fortenberry,
on 5/21/2011
Blog: Children's Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Fablevision.com, Add a tag
By: Bianca Schulze,
on 3/25/2011
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General, Mo willems, Stephenie Meyer, Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, David Wiesner, Peter H. Reynolds, John Green, David Levithan, Chris Barton, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, James Patterson, Richelle Mead, Cynthia Lord, Cassandra Clare, Lane Smith, Rick Riordan, Loren Long, Jeff Kinney, Tad Hills, Kristin Cast, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Suzanne Collins, Wendy Mass, Tom Lichtenheld, P.C. Cast, Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy Tillman, Raina Telgemeier, Lincoln Peirce, Matthew McElligott, Nick Bruel, Derek Anderson, FableVision, Johanna Kerby, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General, Mo willems, Stephenie Meyer, Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, David Wiesner, Peter H. Reynolds, John Green, David Levithan, Chris Barton, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, James Patterson, Richelle Mead, Cynthia Lord, Cassandra Clare, Lane Smith, Rick Riordan, Loren Long, Jeff Kinney, Tad Hills, Kristin Cast, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Suzanne Collins, Wendy Mass, Tom Lichtenheld, P.C. Cast, Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy Tillman, Raina Telgemeier, Lincoln Peirce, Matthew McElligott, Nick Bruel, Derek Anderson, FableVision, Johanna Kerby, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 25, 2010
May 2-8, 2011, is Children’s Book Week. Each year, during this week, The Children’s Book Council hosts the Children’s Choice Book Awards. These are the best awards because the children are given a voice! I highly recommend checking out the thirty books that have been nominated for the six categories: k-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, Teens, and author of the year. Then, along with your kids or classroom, go and vote for their favorite(s)—you have until April 29. The winners will be announced on May 2 at the Children’s Choice Book Awards Gala.
This year’s Children’s Choice Book Award finalists are as follows:
Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year
Shark vs. Train
by Chris Barton (Author), Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (April 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Shark VS. Train! WHO WILL WIN?!
If you think Superman vs. Batman would be an exciting matchup, wait until you see Shark vs. Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Shark and Train egg each other on for one competition after another, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, piano playing, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOU think will win, Shark or Train?
Add this book to your collection: Shark vs. Train
by Tad Hills
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; 1 edition (July 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own!
With a story that makes reading fun—and wil
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By: Kim Wheedleton,
on 3/11/2011
Blog: Bugs and Bunnies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, book review, Peter H. Reynolds, Megan McDonald, Stink Solar System Superhero, Add a tag
"What did she serve?"
"Nothing. Zero. Zip. T.I.N.P. There. Is. No. Pizza."
Overview:
Stink Moody is incensed. He just found out that Pluto, his second-favorite planet (after Saturn), is not only NOT a planet anymore, it didn't even get to keep its name - it just has a six-digit number, instead. And Stink isn't the only one who's cheesed off about this. So is the new kid, Skunk.
But "Rotten Riley Rottenberger," AKA "Miss Know-It-All," is rather pleased at this new development, and she takes every opportunity to rub it in their faces. The rivalry intensifies, until finally Mrs. Dempster proposes that the class create their own panel of scientists, hold a debate, and let the class vote to decide Pluto's fate. Stink and Skunk, and Riley, and their supporters, dive right in: making signs, t-shirts, chants - anything to help win votes. All to decide once and for all: Is Pluto a planet? Or not?
For Teachers and Librarians:
Stink: Solar System Superhero is a great book to introduce to your students in March, since it connects nicely to the real-world holiday which showcases the same controversy raging in Stink's classroom: Pluto is a Planet Day, celebrated every March 13th. Besides being fun to read, this is a book you can use to supplement your curriculum in a variety of ways:
- Science: Introduce the solar system with the book's "Mnemonic Comics" pages, which briefly showcase each planet. Then have your students research the planets further, and make their own solar system comic book with the new information they find. Pluto's status depends on the definition of planet, and dwarf planet; have your students research to find out what those definitions are, and who decided those criteria. Explore with them: what else orbits our sun besides planets (asteroids, space junk, etc.)? Then let them present the information they find via scientific panel format. Make it feel more real by having them wear white lab coats, if you can round some up!
- Social Studies/Political Science: This book is a great springboard for a basic unit on democracy, focusing on the campaigning and voting aspects. Riley crossed out references to Pluto in textbooks; Stink put a bumper sticker on a car without the owner's permission. Discuss campaign strategies (buttons, signs, stickers, rallies, speeches, ads, etc.) and how to use them appropriately, then have kids act out ways Riley and Stink could have garnered support more responsibly. Present a lesson on how a debate works. Then let them
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By: Liz Goulet Dubois,
on 3/2/2011
Blog: ChatRabbit (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Books, Toys, lisa yee, peter h. reynolds, Trips, Awesome Stuff, Artsy Friends, Inspiring Stuff, the blue bunny, Add a tag
We found out that Lisa Yee was going to follow up her American Girl signing with a signing of her latest book at The Blue Bunny. I have been wanting to check out this store for quite a while, so it was the perfect excuse to head up to cute, old town center in Dedham Mass.
The Blue Bunny is the brainchild of author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. I have a lot of respect for his philosophies and work, so I expected that the store would be a great blend of toys, books, art, and fun. And it was!
Here we are with our friends the Sheas, who came up from CT for the signing.
Seriously, for me as a toy designer and a children’s book creator, it doesn’t get much better than this! The children and adults who were there that day seemed to agree- it’s a grand place to explore.
According to Lisa, ours was the very first copy of her new book, Warp Speed, to be signed. WooHoo! The book is about a Star Trek geek (there might be a couple… a few…OK, FIVE Star Trek fans in our house), so it was a must-have addition to our nearly complete Lisa Yee library. She’s such a great writer- and just the kind of role model that you want your kids looking up to.
I got to hold Peepy! She’s clearly a girl. And we both were rockin’ the stripes.
Lisa’s back in sunny California now, but we are glad to have seen her here on the East coast. We will certainly be back to The Blue Bunny- and if you live in these parts, check it out. You won’t be disappointed!
3 Comments on The Blue Bunny Bookstore!, last added: 3/2/2011
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By: Jenny Miller,
on 12/10/2010
Blog: Where The Best Books Are! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: PETER H. REYNOLDS, Christmas books, Bob Raczka, Marjorie Winslow, 2010, Mud Pies and Other Recipes, Guyko, Add a tag
Mud Pies and Other Recipes, by Marjorie Winslow, with illustrations by Erik Begvad, The New York Review Children's Collection, $14.95, ages 4-8, 56 pages. Two little hands sift, sort and pat a buffet of make-believe dishes that any doll would love in this charming little cookbook, originally published in 1961 and now reissued. Narrated as if by a girl who is perfectly sure of herself, the book happily skips along from one adorable recipe to the next, rounding out with my favorite, Dollypops. "Pick a dandelion from the lawn carefully, so as not to disturb the fluff," Winslow instructs. "Hand it to your doll and tell her to lick." Organized by course, the cookbook goes from appetizers to menu lists, and also includes baking tips. In the foreword, you'll find advice about utensils and pans (empty egg cartons make handy muffin tins), clean-up (a puddle makes a nice sink) and cooking times: "Doll cookery is not a very exacting art," Winslow explains -- as you imagine a twinkle in her eye. "The time it takes to cook a casserole depends upon how long your dolls are able to sit at a table without falling over. And if a recipe calls for a cupful of something, you can use a measuring cup or a teacup or a buttercup."
Other recipes include, mud puddle soup, corn silk spaghetti, chalk shake and gravel casserole (For the latter, fill a pie tin with gravel, brush on melted ice cube, sprinkle on crushed dry leaves then bake in the sun until bumpy on top.) Every page includes whimsical pen-and-ink drawings of girls and boys at play, and the ingredients they come up with. If Santa asks you for a suggestion for a little girl's stocking, grab his lapels and show him this. Then listen for the giggles on Christmas morning.
Other recipes include, mud puddle soup, corn silk spaghetti, chalk shake and gravel casserole (For the latter, fill a pie tin with gravel, brush on melted ice cube, sprinkle on crushed dry leaves then bake in the sun until bumpy on top.) Every page includes whimsical pen-and-ink drawings of girls and boys at play, and the ingredients they come up with. If Santa asks you for a suggestion for a little girl's stocking, grab his lapels and show him this. Then listen for the giggles on Christmas morning.
Guyko: A Year of Haiku for Boys, written by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, Houghton Mifflin, $14.99, ages 4-6, 48 pages. How do you put in words what makes a boy a boy and not lose his attention? Take every marvelous little moment that captures who he is and put it into the thrifty form of Haiku, three unrhymed lines of 5, 7 and 5 syllables, which from this book forward is known as the poetic form of "Guyko," guy + haiku. In this delightful book, Raczka shares 24 quintessential moments of being a boy as Reynolds illustrates each vignette with humor, gusto and a touch of poignancy. From spring through winter, boys are on the go, making fun out of whatever they find. Some get into mischief, lose themselves in play or wonder about the world around them. In one Guyko, a boy lolls about on his belly on a swing, then suddenly looks up, startled by what he no longer hears: "Hey, who turned off all / the crickets? I'm not ready / for summer to end." In another, a boy twiddles his fingers with a mischievous grin as a big, lofty tree awaits his ascent: "Pine tree invites me / to climb him up to the sky / How can I refuse?" And my favorite, a magical moment when a boy by himself believes anything is possible. He stands before a campfire, his shirt
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By: Chris Singer,
on 11/28/2010
Blog: Book Dads (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Poetry, Book Review, haiku, peter h. reynolds, bob raczka, book dads, dads reading, Contributor: Chris Singer, Children's Book (Age 5-8), guyku, Add a tag
Guyku: A Year of Haiku For Boys by Bob Raczka and Peter H. Reynolds
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the authors:
Bob Raczka was born in Chicago, the oldest of four boys, and grew up in the suburb of Des Plaines.
Bob Raczka’s Art Adventures is his ongoing nonfiction series published by The Millbrook Press. There are currently 14 books in the series. The latest, called Before They Were Famous: How Seven Artists Got Their Start, is a Junior Library Guild selection. He’s also written a series of four books about the seasons, published by Albert Whitman: Spring Things, Summer Wonders, Who Loves the Fall? and Snowy Blowy Winter. His current love is writing children’s poetry. Upcoming titles include Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word(Roaring Brook, Spring 2011), Fall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda, Fall 2011), and Joy in Mudville: A Casey Sequel (Carolrhoda, Spring 2012).
For more information, please visit his website: http://www.bobraczka.com.
Peter H. Reynolds is a professional writer, storyteller and illustrator. He has illustrated the Judy Moody and Stink books, written by Megan McDonald. He also owns a book and toy store called The Blue Bunny. (Peters enjoys signing books for people there—if you happen to be in Dedham Square, MA, stop on by!) And if that isn’t cool enough, he also owns an animation and multimedia studio, FableVision, headquartered high atop the Boston Children’s Museum. For more information, please visit his website: http://www.peterhreynolds.com.
About the book:
When you’re a guy, nature is one big playground—no matter what the season. There are puddles to splash in the spring, pine trees to climb in the summer, maple seeds to catch in the fall, and icicles to swordfight with in the winter.
Nature also has a way of making a guy appreciate important stuff—like how many rocks it takes to dam up a stream, or how much snow equals a day off from school.
So what kind of poetry best captures these special moments, at a length that lets guys get right back to tree-climbing and kite-flying? Why, guyku, of course!
My take on the book:
Poetry can sometimes be a tough sell for kids – especially for boys. I think part of the reason for the tough sell though is the stereotype that poetry is effeminate.
4 Comments on Book Review: Guyku: A Year of Haiku For Boys, last added: 11/30/2010
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 3/31/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Science, Klutz, Current Affairs, Peter H. Reynolds, Roxie Munro, Earth Day, Jonah Winter, Linda Smith, Joanna Cole, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Diane Muldrow, Cultural Wisdom: Books that teach, Biscuit, Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience, Aidan Potts, Alyssa Satin Caucilli, Jess M. Brallier, Seymour Simon, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Science, Klutz, Current Affairs, Peter H. Reynolds, Roxie Munro, Earth Day, Jonah Winter, Linda Smith, Joanna Cole, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Diane Muldrow, Cultural Wisdom: Books that teach, Biscuit, Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience, Aidan Potts, Alyssa Satin Caucilli, Jess M. Brallier, Seymour Simon, Add a tag
The following books, no matter how simple or complex, have been selected to motivate the earth-conscious spirit within all of us ... Read the rest of this post
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By: Jenny Miller,
on 1/20/2010
Blog: Where The Best Books Are! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: PICTURE BOOK, PETER H. REYNOLDS, FABLE, 2009, Add a tag
By Peter H. Reynolds
Candlewick Press, 2009
$15.99, all ages, 40 pages
Standing astride a giant floating teapot, a girl named Rose sails the world gathering seeds for a city garden in this uplifting tribute to the late Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, whose life inspired a mile-long greenway in Boston that bears her name.
The girl, with her long jacket trailing behind and her head held high, mirrors the spirit of Kennedy -- her steely determination, exuberance and desire to increase the well-being of others -- as she pulls together a community to grow a garden.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, which officially opened in 2008, 13 years after Kennedy's death at age 104, is a mile-long ribbon of parks and public spaces built on the former footprint of Boston's overpass, the Central Artery, which has since been rerouted underground.
In Reynolds' story, Rose is steadfast and sure, and drifts from place to place until her teapot, an ornate vessel the length of a large rowboat, is brimming with seeds of all kinds and she wanders into the port of a bustling city to look for a site for her garden.
From his lighthouse window, the harbormaster suggests Rose float upriver to where it's lovely, but Rose wants to search the city first.
There she finds a forgotten stretch of earth between two walls of buildings -- a barren plot similar to areas transformed into the Kennedy greenway -- and decides this is the place that needs her seeds the most.
But the garden doesn't come easily for Rose. As she's working the soil, a flock of birds swoops down on the teapot and the birds eat most of the seeds. (The greenway too was slowed by obstacles, mainly related to the the highway tunnel project.)
Rose is startled, but she sees how full and happy the birds seem and realizes all is not lost. So she slips into the teapot to gather the few seeds that are left, determined to make the most of what she has.
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By: Julie Fortenberry,
on 6/7/2009
Blog: Children's Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: animation, Peter H. Reynolds, autism, Add a tag
Thank you to http://bruaa-editora.blogspot.com/
1 Comments on , last added: 6/17/2009
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By: Julie Fortenberry,
on 2/13/2008
Blog: Children's Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Fablevision.com, process, Peter H. Reynolds, Add a tag
and Noah Jones:
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By: Kelly Herold,
on 1/15/2008
Blog: Crossover (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, middle grade fiction, Peter H. Reynolds, early readers, Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, Add a tag
A Preamble
I'm one of those moms who never censors what my children read. Occasionally I'll wince when a certain book comes home, but I truly believe any reading is good reading. Sure, my 12-year-old mixes Dickens and Wilkie Collins with some of the lamest YA I've run across. I won't lie. But she's a reader, and that's what's important. (She reads great YA too, don't get me wrong. She's reading Libby Bray's latest now.)
My newly-minted-7-year-old just checked out his first chapter book. He's gone from 0 to 60 in the reading department this year and he was so proud of his first selection: A Pokemon book. Did I wince? Absolutely. Am I thrilled to write down each chapter on his reading sheet for school? You bet I am. This is a day to be celebrated.
That being said, I've been browsing the library and the bookstore for youngish chapter books I think he'd like. Megan McDonald's Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid caught my attention right away. Now on to the review:
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid #1
by Megan McDonald, illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Stink is short. He's the shortest kid in his class, and the shortest kid in his family. But being short is the least of his problems. The biggest? His big sister is none other than Judy Moody and she happily reminds poor Stink that he's short.*
"Bad news," said Judy.
"What?" asked Stink.
"You're shorter than you were this morning. One quarter inch shorter!"
Poor Stink. It's difficult to be reminded of your short-comings on a daily basis, but he's an optimistic kid with a ton of energy. Stink loves school and participates wholeheartedly in taking care of the class pet (a painful chapter), in Presidents' Day activities, and in doing his homework. I loved the chapters concerning Stink's Presidents' Day homework assignments, assignments he devotes to his favorite President, James Madison. Stink's first name is also James, and James Madison was only 5 feet 4 inches tall.
McDonald writes in a winning easy-to-read style; her prose is contemporary, lively, and full of good humor. Peter H. Reynolds illustrates the Stink books both with friendly pencil drawings of Stink, his family, and his class and with Stink's wonderful comics. (Stink's comic strips are genius. They are both straightforward and nonsensical in the way only children's stories can be.)
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid is highly recommended for the new independent readers of the world.
--------------------
*My kids are Judy and Stink. The Stink books are for all the younger brothers of the world.
4 Comments on Book Review: Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, last added: 1/15/2008
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By: Julie Fortenberry,
on 7/10/2007
Blog: Children's Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Peter H. Reynolds, Gene Zion, Leo Lionni, Weston Woods, Margaret Bloy Graham, Add a tag
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Harry the Dirty Dog
by Gene Zion, ill. by Margaret Bloy Graham
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Inch by Inch
by Leo Lionni
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Ish
by Peter H. Reynolds
2 Comments on More From Weston Woods, last added: 7/13/2007
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Thank you, Amanda! I appreciate you sharing my newest book, Sky Color with your audience. This is the last book in my Creatrilogy (the 3 book boxed set of The DOt, Ish, Sky Color will be released in October.) I am hoping #kidlit bloggers will make a dot & sign it on Int'l Dot Day to celebrate the freedom to innovate, create, express, share. Check out the details at http://www.thedotclub.org/dotclub Thanks again for the kind words about my work. Keep making your mark!
I thought you may enjoy seeing what we did after reading "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More"
Lots of fun!!
http://tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com/search?q=ain%27t+gonna+paint+no+more
I love all these books! Another art themed book I LOVE is Micawber by John Lithgow. :D