PPBF: The Wednesday Surprise

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

The Wednesday Surprise
Written by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Donald Carrick

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1989,
Fiction, ages 4-8, 540L

Themes:
Reading, Confidence, Grandparents

Opening:
"I like surprises. But the one Grandma and I are planning for Dad's birthday is the best surprise of all."

Synopsis:
Every Wednesday, Grandma rides the bus across town to plan a birthday gift with seven year-old Anna. Anna's dad drives a truck, but he'll be home for his birthday on Saturday. Anna can't wait for Dad's surprise, but with all the other party preparations, it will be difficult to get enough practice before the big day.

What I Love:
A girl, a grandma, and a bag of books. This story of family and perseverance makes me smile and cry. Though over twenty years old, the story is as fresh as if it were published in the 21st Century. Donald Carrick's gorgeous watercolors enhance the detail of Eve Bunting's masterful text. Don't miss this charming story which comes to an unexpected, yet satisfying end.

Note: Sadly, this book was one of Donald Carrick's last. It was published the year he passed away.

Bonus:

Super Reader Bookmark

1. Houghton Mifflin offers a discussion guide for teachers. Here is a close reading lesson for common core standards, and an excellent synthesis activity to teach critical thinking using this book.
2. Make your own bookmarks and book bag, then head to the library, of course!
3. Whip up some bookish snacks.
4. Surprise a loved one with a pop-up birthday card or make one using Roberts Sabuda's templates.
5. Check your community center or library for opportunities to give the gift of literacy. Spend time reading with kids, challenged learners, or ***SPOILER ALERT*** ESL students.


Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for October 25, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill.

PPBF: A Visitor for Bear

Today's pick

The award winning A Visitor for Bear,
by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton

A Visitor for Bear

Written by Bonny Becker
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Candlewick Press, 2008, Fiction
ages 3-7, pre-school-grade 2, Lexile 430L

Themes:
Friendship, Sharing, Disagreement

Opening:
"No one ever came to bear's house. It had always been that way, and bear was quite sure he didn't like visitors. He even had a sign.
NO VISITORS ALLOWED"

Synopsis:
Mouse is determined to come for tea, and Bear is just as determined to eat his breakfast alone. Despite Bear's discouraging sign and his cranky attitude, Mouse decides they must share a meal. Mouse's resourceful attempts to change Bear's mind will have readers begging for this title again and again. Candlewick Press describes it best as a "slapstick comedy of manners."

What I Love:
Who can resist Kady's homey illustrations? Bonny's text is perfectly balanced. Readers will delight at the anticipation of where Mouse will pop-up next. According to Marsha Diane Arnold, this is a great example of a character-driven picture book. A little examination will reveal Mouse's manners to be nearly as rude as Bear's. Yet we love Mouse. We think it ungenerous of Bear. We support the underdog. At the same time root for Bear to have a change of heart.

Note: For all you PB writers, this book is 56 pages! The story goes, Candlewick kept adding pages during the editing process to be sure the pacing of the book was perfect. Will wonders never cease?

Bonus:

1. Candlewick provides a downloadable activity kit, which includes adorable finger puppets.

2. Feeling crafty?  Twiggle Magazine provides a simple bear craft for pre-schoolers. I couldn't decide between Rob Ives's paper mouse hug or Canon's at Creative Park.
3. The book begs to be acted out with make-shift costumes and cardboard-box scenery.
4. Readers can create their own themed breakfast to share, with healthy bear toast, from This Little Project, and candy mice from InspirationForHome.

5. This book is an excellent opportunity to talk about manners. Emily Post has useful tips for kids.
6. Read the other titles in the series: A Birthday for Bear, A Bedtime for Bear, and The Sniffles for Bear.

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for October 4, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill.

NaPiBoWriWee 2013

Paula Yoo's National Picture Book Writing Week challenge is just eight days away.  I'm going to prepare by prepping an idea a day from now until the end of the month.  I had no idea how to prep last year, so I stalled out mid-week.  (Or is that "mid-Wee"?)  I am determined to achieve all seven drafts this year.  How about you?  Did you participate in 2012?  How many drafts did you write?  Where are they now?

Logo design by Sandy Tanaka 

I found a thorough list of writing resources in Paula's archives which may interest some of you.

You can read my summary of the event with links to more info.

As always, you can psych yourself up with cool writers' paraphernalia at the official shop.

Official Unofficial PBDummy Badge

2013 badge design by Lisa Thompson

Grab your Unofficial badge at Lisa Thompson's blog.  While you're there, read through the list of resources she's compiled.  Whether you are starting from scratch or taking this opportunity to flesh out an idea from PiBoIdMo, it all starts with a little light bulb.  Who knows where your ideas will take you!

KidLitArt: Back From the Brink

Fans of Kidlitart and picture book creators, arise!  All is not lost.
Bonnie Adamson and Wendy Martin are taking a well-deserved working break.  But KidLitChats will continue on Twitter on Thursday nights, thanks to Lisa Thompson, a fellow SkADaMoer, who has accepted the temporary, unofficial mantle of keeper of the KidLitArt.

Thanks to Bonnie, Wendy,
Lisa, and Greg Matusic
for your dedication.

Illustrators/writers everywhere will be encouraging each other through a 6-month schedule from idea to submission.  Join the fun . . .work.  Did I say "fun"? Keep updated at Lisa's blog, my dog-eared sketchbook.  And don't forget to review all the valuable material on the original KidlitArt site.

If you're unofficially signed up, your first goal is to pick your project idea by January 13th.

Tweet Lisa by January 7 or check-in on her blog!

Happy Hanukkah

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman

PiBoIdMo Accomplished

A BIG thank-you to all who could make PiBoIdMo such a smashing success in 2012. I made my goal of 30 ideas in 30 days,  more than doubling that number.   Congratulations to all the participants.  I hope you made your goal too.
As a newbie, I had no idea what to expect.  The whole artistic community was very supportive.  I am blessed to be part of such an industry!  So here's to December, when I can finally unleash my inner critic on the list of ideas.  That's IF he promises to behave himself.

There's more to come on Tara's blog . . .

Lucky's 24 Hour Garage

Lucky's 24 Hour Garage
Hyperion Books for Children

On our last trip to the library, our youngest brought home Lucky's 24 hour Garage, by Daniel Kirk.  OK, I admit it.  I would never have picked up this book without a little prodding.   It appeared interesting enough and has a great retro style, but I'm a fairy tale kinda gal.  Yikes!  I have never been more wrong about a book.  I love every inch of Lucky's 24 Hour Garage, from the cherry red gas pumps to Angelo's navy blue hat.

Art courtesy Daniel Kirk from Lucky's 24 Hour Garage

   Many of you may be familiar with Daniel Kirk.  His picture book illustrations for Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo and My Truck is Stuck!, both by Kevin Lewis, brought him national acclaim.  But back in 1996, Mr. Kirk authored and illustrated this little beauty.  His meticulous research shows in the lavishly painted spreads which seem to have a warm incandescent glow.  The reader is introduced to an increasingly interesting cast of characters even as he (or she!) is immersed in urban America, 1939.  The author manages to exude nostalgia without getting one bit sappy.  And the lilting text on the final page leaves me with a satisfied sigh.

In an industry that is begging for better "boys" books, this gem is sure to fit the bill.  But don't overlook its charm for all ages and genders.

So my apologies to Daniel Kirk.  I should have known better.

Daniel Kirk also made an appearance at the Lititz Kid-Lit Festival last weekend, hosted by Aaron's Books.  Check out this report from Erik at ThisKidReviewsBooks.

Nothing Like A Picture Book

Stars
by Mary Lyn Ray
and Marla Frazee

Thank you Tara Lazar for getting Emma Ledbetter as a guest on your PiBoIdMo blog.

". . . there’s nothing in the world that sticks with you like a picture book. Think about your favorite book when you were little. Why do you still remember it? The most special of special characters, voices, stories—they all contribute to this warm little nugget of childhood that you’ll carry around with you forever. You can’t create that by hitching a ride on the big, flashy, commercial, book-selling train of the moment. You create that by pulling your inspiration directly from that spot, by reigniting that spark from your childhood and writing from your heart."

This was the invaluable advice from Emma Ledbetter, editorial assistant at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Bedtime For Frances
By Russell Hoban
and Garth Williams

She edits all kinds of books, but I think it's appropriate for Picture Book Month to focus on the books from our past which made an impression, subtle or dramatic.

Crafty Chloe
by Kelly DiPucchio
and Heather Ross

Here are three of her favorites and below you'll find three of mine to help you celebrate Picture Book Month.

"Stand Back",
Said the Elephant,
"I'm Going to Sneeze!"
By Pat Thomas
and Wally Tripp

The Most Perfect Spot
By Diane Goode

The Quiet Place, 
By Sarah Stewart
and David Small

Dracula and His Legacy

"We learn great things by little experiences."  

So wrote Bram Stoker in his book, The Jewel of the Seven Stars.  Today is the anniversary of the author's birth and I thought this quote apropos for encouraging us during a month of concentration on the picture book craft.  Whether you're participating in PiBoIdMo or SkADaMo or even NaNoWriMo, Dracula may provide a needed jump-start.

If you've never read the original Dracula, I highly recommend you pick up a copy, but you may need to sleep with the light on.  Take a break from today's cheap vampire imitations.  Sink your teeth into writing that transcends its era.  

In honor of PBM, you may want to peruse the lavishly illustrated Hildebrandt picture storybook or a graphic novel version, like the one from All-Action Classics. 

Art by Greg Hildebrandt

I also recommend Ben's drawing books.  

All-Action Classic #1
Ben Caldwell
Art by Bill Halliar

  His comic book meets animation drawing style keeps my tweens busy for hours.  Fantasy Cartooning is a fun reference for drawing all your monster ideas!

The Adventure of
the Sanguinary Count,
 or Sherlock Holmes
vs. Dracula

Just for Fun, why not try Loren Estleman's entertaining The Adventure of the Sanguinary Count, which pits Dracula against consulting detective Sherlock Holmes.

Fantasy cartooning
by Ben Caldwell

If you're interested in Bram Stoker and his writing, check out the Rosenbach Museum, featured last March on BookishAmbition.

Picture Book Month

November has been declared Picture Book Month.   Dianne de Las Casas, along with Elizabeth Dulemba, Katie Davis, Tara Lazar, and Wendy Martin, have worked tirelessly to promote the health and well-being of the picture book.  Check out the why's and how's of picture book creation, dissect a picture book, borrow a stack from the library, or just read one to your favorite person.  Any way you celebrate, you can't lose when you dive into the pages of a picture book.

Read * Share * Celebrate!

Logo art by Joyce Wan

Here are a few more links to get you started:

Buy picture books.

Attend a workshop.

Network.

Read books on picture books.

SkADaMo 2012

Call me crazy, but I've signed up for another November challenge: SkADaMo!

SkADaMo and its logo are copyright Linda Silvestri.

Linda is a talented illustrator who challenged herself  last November during PiBoIdMo.  She wanted to do more than just write her picture book ideas, she wanted to keep herself sketching.  Linda has invited us to join her in her quest for daily sketchiness.  

I read about the informal event by way of Jennifer Bower, talented in her own right, who has combined Picture Book Idea Month and a Sketch A Day as a way to boost her creativity.  I became familiar with Jennifer's work during KidLitArt Chats on Thursday night.  Isn't networking great!

Sketch every day this month.  Tweet it, post it, blog about it, or just enjoy four weeks worth of verbal and graphic brainstorming.

Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to let the creative juices flow.

PiBoIdMo, November 2012

Picture Book Idea Month starts tomorrow.  Don't forget to sign-up at Tara's blog, Writing for Kids (While Raising Them).

Kudos to Ward Jenkins for this year's banner art
and Tara Lazar for her inspiring event!

If you're planning to participate in NaPiBoWriWee in 2013, there's no better way to prepare than with the challenge that sparked its creation.


We'll try to keep you posted on our progress.  Why not let us know how you're faring?

That's What I'd Do

Today That's What I'd Do is released nationwide.  The song lyrics by Jewel provide the text while the illustrations are painted by Amy June Bates.  Normally I would shy away from a children's book written by an entertainer, but any picture book with Bates's artwork is worth picking up.

That's What I'd Do
Words by Jewel, Pictures by Amy June Bates

Amy's artwork is always brilliant, but she admittedly experimented with style and technique to match the poetic flow of the text.  The results are noteworthy. (Pun intended.)  We can't wait to see what she'll be illustrating next!

Here's a spread from That's What I'd Do

 To view

Amy Bates's website

Amy's portfolio at Shannon Associates

Amy's blog


Notice the placement and size of the author's name.  More on my thoughts about author billing.

The Dog Who Belonged to No One,  Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2008
Written by Amy Hest, Illustrated by Amy Bates

Oh, No!

I love a good story, especially one which demands to be read aloud.  And of course, great illustrations will make me loyal to a book I've never even read.  Amazon is promoting Oh, No!, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann.  That proves even the big box bookstores recognize a winner once in a while.

Oh, No!
Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann, 2012

This picture book is scheduled to be released on September 11, 2012.  You may recognize Candace Fleming as the author of  Muncha!  Muncha!  Muncha!, Madame LaGrande and Her So High, to the Sky, Uproarious Pompadour, or The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School.  Her book Amelia Lost was awarded the Golden Kite last March.

I have loved Eric Rohmann ever since I first bought The Cinder-Eyed Cats in 1997.  His first picture book, Time Flies, was a Caldecott Honor Book.    In 2003, he won the award itself for My Friend Rabbit.  As an accomplished printmaker, Eric is sure to take our breath away with his beautiful illustrations.

Take note,  both creators are listed with equal billing on the cover.  What's next, children's book authors' names bigger than the title ? (compare to any adult novel cover and you'll see what I mean.)

Learn more about Eric and Candace at the Children's Literature Website.  And be sure to see Candace's "For the Press" info on her own website for a funny story!

Vinnie Ream and Lincoln

Vinnie and Abraham was written by Dawn FitzGerald  and illustrated by Catherine Stock.  It details the true story of sculptor Vinnie Reams.  Reams was a prodigy and had a rare opportunity to sculpt a bust of Abraham Lincoln.  This picture book chronicles their meetings and the subsequent commissions.

Vinnie and Abraham,Written by Dawn FitzGerald
Illustrated by Catherine Stock

Published by Charlesbridge in 2007,  Vinnie and Abraham is a picture storybook which includes biographical data on the actual historical figures.  Although recommended for readers 7 and up, the text is quite long, with a word count of 2377.  Don't let that deter you from reading this great story.  It deserves the accolades it has received.

Courtesy Susan M. Sherman
and 7 Impossible Things

I know I'm partial to historical characters, but Vinnie and Abraham is a great story.  The art of Catherine Stock is an additional blessing.  Her versatile style means every book she illustrates is full of surprises. She is represented in the US by Red Fox Literary.  

As fine artist as well illustrator, she sets the bar very high.  The vibrancy and skillful handling of her watercolors combined with her solid knowledge of page design, make each of Ms. Stock's children's books a treat.

Lavinia Ream Hoxie (1847-1914)

Abraham Lincoln,
by Vinnie Ream, 1871
US Capital

interior illustration by Catherine Stock

Illustrator of the Year, Brian Selznick

Wonderstruck,
by Brian Selznick
Scholastic, 2011

Congratulations to CBC Illustrator of the Year, Brian Selznick for Wonderstruck!

Brian Selznick has had an amazing career, and he has been pushing the boundaries of children's books for some time.
Brian has written or illustrated dozens of books, including The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
If you aren't familiar with Brian's latest work, you'll have to see it to experience it.  His last three books include graphic sections which do more than illustrate the text.  As in a picture book, the art carries the story.  What's most exciting is these books are middle grade / YA.  These works are reminiscent of a graphic novel, but are something more. In an age when many young readers are being pressured to forego picture story books too soon, these 600-page picture books will bring readers back and, I hope, remove the pb stigma for elementary students as well.

Wonderstruck was chosen as the best illustrated publication of 2012 by over 900,000 students.  That's the largest turnout to date.  Brian beat out some stiff competition, including the legendary Eric Carle.  You can find the other CBC finalists and winners for 2012 at the Book Week page of the Children's Book Council.  There's more information about Children's Book Week at the 3/21 post on Bookish Ambition.

Artwork by Brian Selznick
from Wonderstruck

Just a few weeks ago, we were discussing the feasibility of a black and white portfolio at kidlitart.  Here again, Brian Selznick proves that it isn't the trend in art that interests readers, it's art and stories that speak to the viewer.

Artwork by Brian Selznick
from Wonderstruck

You can find great insights into Brian's career at Indie Bound and a thoughtful interview at Reading Rockets.

Visit Wonderstruck at Scholastic to learn more about sign language, constellations, and the making of the book.

Chicken Soup

From Chicken Soup With Rice,
 by Maurice Sendak
Courtesy HarperCollins

In May
I truly think it best 
to be a robin 
lightly dressed
concocting soup
inside my nest.
Mix it once
mix it twice
mix that chicken soup 
with rice.


Is anyone disturbed that this bird is making CHICKEN soup?


more

What Do You Say, Dear?

What Do You Say, Dear?
Written by Sesyle Joslin
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

This was my first and favorite encounter with Maurice Sendak.  Sad perhaps, but true that I did not venture into the land of the Wild Things until I was quite grown, nor travel to the moon with Little Bear until I had little bears of my own.  I had never visited the Night Kitchen.  I had never been outside, over there.  But I knew what to say to a crocodile in the street, how to end a dance with a bear, and thanks to What Do You Do, Dear?, I knew how to exit a library under dangerous circumstances.  If you need a little help with etiquette, or a Sendak fix, why not uncover these treasures at your local library?


     

     

In Memory of Maurice Sendak

Illustration copyright 2012
by Charles Santoso

Author, illustrator, legend Maurice Sendak passed into eternity on Tuesday, May 8.  No matter your personal opinion or connection to his books, you cannot deny the extraordinary influence he had on a generation of readers and picture book makers.  Thanks to Australian illustrator Charles Santoso for his outstanding tribute pictured above.

Maurice Sendak
1928-2012

Making Mischief
A Maurice Sendak Appreciation
By Gregory Maguire

A Hole Is To Dig,
By Ruth Krauss

Here are some additional links to learn more about Sendak's life and work:
Rosenbach Museum tribute
The Worlds of Maurice Sendak
Philadelphia Daily News article regarding death and the Rosenbach
PBS interview
Bookish Ambition highlight
Wiki Bibliography

The Art of Maurice Sendak,
By Selma G. Lanes

The Art of Maurice Sendak
1980 to Present,
By Tony Kushner