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Click here to join our club for only $27.00 per month and get started on your children's writing career today!

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May 03

Do Antelope Eat Cantaloupe - This Week’s Picture Book Review

Picture Books, Book Bites for Kids, Book review, blogtalkradio.com1 Comment

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Reviewed by Suzanne Lieurance

do antelope eat cantaloupeTitle: Do Antelope Eat Cantaloupe
Author: Leigh Legere
Illustrator: Aubrey Klein
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Leathers Pub (January 30, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1585974595
ISBN-13: 978-1585974597
Reading level: Ages 4-8

At some point, most children learn the story of Noah’s Ark. They know that Noah loaded animals, two by two, onto his ark in preparation for the great flood that would cover all dry land on earth.

But in this delightful picture book by first time author, Leigh Legere, children learn that Noah had a big problem once the animals were all aboard.

What would he feed them all?

Noah sat on a log to figure this out.

Should I bring cantaloupe for the antelope? he asked himself. Do I pack grapes for the apes?

Children and adults alike will enjoy the silliness of this book with each turn of the page.

Vivid illustrations by Aubrey Klein add to the fun, until finally, Noah figures out the answers to these questions in a way that gently conveys a comforting message to readers of all ages.

Parents will appreciate the sturdy construction of this picture book (complete with dust cover) since children will want to have it read to them again and again.

The book was a Southwest Writer’s Workshop Award Winner.

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Listen to this interview with author Leigh Legere here on Book Bites for Kids.

Apr 20

Books for the Camel Library

YA Fiction, Picture Books, Children's books, Camel LibraryNo Comments

stack of booksOur first box of donated books is finally on its way to the Camel Library in Africa.

The following books were included in this shipment:

Logan’s Journey
Written by Kathy Heath and Karla Marting
Illustrated by Theresa Ornoff

Priscilla McDoodlenut Doodle McMae asks, “Why?”
Written by Janet Mary Sinke
Illustrated by Craig Pennington

Casey Cougar
Written by Ronald & Diana Meyer
Photography by Ronald Meyer

Loving Marley
Written by Donald and Sara Hassler
Illustrated by Carol Newsom

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo
Written and illustrated by Ed Baker

D is for Drinking Gourd
Written by Nancy I. Sanders
Illlustrated by E.B. Lewis

Oma Finds a Miracle
Written by Patrick “Packy” Mader
Illustrated by Andrew Holmquist

Opa & Oma Together
Written by Patrick “Packy” Mader
Illustrated by Andrew Holmquist

Counting in the Crazy Garden
Written by Margarette Burnette
Illustrated by Brooke Henson

Airball: My Life in Briefs
Written by L.D. Harkrader

If You Were a Parrot
Written by Kathering Rawson
Illustrated by Sherry Rogers

Send Me the Soap
Written by Gretchen Schlesinger
Illustrated by David Pietila

Shoelaces
Written by Suzanne Lieurance
Illustrated by Patrick Girouard

Pennies
Written by Suzanne Lieurance
Illustrated by Tom Payne

Floridius Bloom and the Planet of Gloom
Written by Lorijo Metz
Illustrated by Matt Phelan

There’s a Yak in My Bed
Written by K. Pluta
Illustrated by Christy Stallop

Princess Justina Albertina
Written by Ellen Dee Davidson
Illlustrated by Michael Chesworth

The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela
Written by Cristina Kessler
Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins

How the Moon Regained Her Shape
Written by Janet Ruth Heller
Illustrated by Ben Hodson

Jack of All Tails
Written by Kim Norman
Illustrated by David Clark

Note: When you send hardcover review copies of your work to Book Bites for Kids, your books will be donated to the Camel Library and enjoyed by children and teens who might not ever read these books otherwise.

We thank you for your donation and for the opportunity to interview all the wonderful children’s book authors and illustrators every weekday afternoon on Book Bites for Kids, LIVE on on blogtalkradio.

Apr 19

Joey Gonzalez, Great American - A Picture Book Review

Picture Books, Book reviewNo Comments

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Joey Gonzalez, coverTitle: Joey Gonzalez, Great American
Written by: Tony Robles
Illustrated by: Jim Pryor
Hardcover: 42 pages
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Kids Ahead
ISBN-13: 978-0-976726-93-7
Publication: March 2008

Tony Robles approaches the subject of affirmative action in a thought provoking way for children in this insightful new picture book.

Third grader, Joey Gonzalez is excited to start the new school year until his teacher points out to him in her narrow-mindlessness that he is a minority and “a little bit different.”

“How can it be that I’m not American?” Joey asks.

“Don’t worry, Joey,” said Mrs. Glass. “There’s a special way to help minorities get ahead. It’s affirmative action. Soon we’ll learn all about it right here in the classroom.”

Joey is confused by the revelations of his teacher and arrives home at the end of the school day visibly upset. He discusses what occurred in school with his mother. The next day, armed with confidence, Joey explains his family heritage to his teacher and classmates. Suddenly feeling good about themselves, Joey’s friends also take a stand with Mrs. Glass and they proudly tell about their own heritages.

Colorful illustrations by Jim Pryor help bring the text alive, which is provided in both English and Spanish on every page. Joey Gonzalez, Great American is a wonderful story of determination and pride that will surely hold a place in many families’ bookshelves.

NOTE: Listen to this interview with author Tony Robles on Book Bites for Kids.
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gse_multipart16490.jpgDonna McDine’s publishing credits include Stories for Children Magazine, Stories for Children Newsletter, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A Time. Her non-fiction children’s article, “Fishing Through a Frozen Lake,” is to be published in Boys’ Quest in December 2012. Learn more about McDine and her writing at: http://www.donnamcdine.com

Apr 17

Can’t Get the Hang of Writing a Picture Book?

Children's Writing, Picture Books, Children's books, CWCC3 Comments

Chrysanthemum Picture books are so simple, yet they are NOT simple to write.

Today, members of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club will take part in a special teleclass called Picture Book Roundup - A Look at Some Great Picture Books to Find Out What Makes Them So Great.

During this teleclass we’ll also take a look at why and how picture books are actually teaching tools for educators and how you need to consider this when writing your own picture book manuscript.

To take part in this teleclass, join the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club right now. Once you join you’ll receive an email invitation to this event.

Apr 16

The Magic Kerchief - a Picture Book Review

Picture Books, Book review, Children's books2 Comments

Reviewed by Carma Dutra

The Magic kerchief - coverTitle: The Magic Kerchief

Author: Kirby Larson

Illustrator: Rosanne Litzinger

Hard Cover: 32 pages

Ages: 4 to 8

Publisher: Holiday House - First edition (September 2000)

ISBN-10: 0823414736

ISBN-13: 978-0823414734

Kirby Larson has written a captivating original folktale with a message everyone can relate to. The story may be set in the past but is all too timely for today. The protagonist, Griselda, the town “grouch”, reluctantly offers a stranger a place to stay after she mysteriously appears at Griselda’s door. In fact, Griselda was quite snappy with the visitor and was ready to have her sleep on the floor by the fire but the visitor fell asleep in Griselda’s bed. The next morning, the kind visitor insisted on repaying for Griselda’s kindness with a magical scarf, promising it held great riches.

Crabby Griselda did not believe, but the scarf was nevertheless charming so Griselda tied it on and went to market. The phenomenon that happened at market was truly miraculous. Griselda lost the sting of her tongue when she shopped at the bakery and when she passed by the Lord Mayor. The only words she usually muttered to the Lord Mayor were “Paah, a donkey on two legs is still a donkey.” Instead, wearing the special kerchief, she greeted the Lord Mayor with “My aches and pains vanish when I greet an old friend.” No one was used to Griselda saying nice words. Everyone was surprised. Griselda learned through the kindness of a stranger that to have a friend you must be a friend.

The charming folk-art illustrations are done in soothing pastels and all the characters are rounded like stuffed pillows, which lends to the humorous flavor of Larson’s words. The art dominates each page and depicts an original scene with bright back ground color. This book is worth owning yourself and for gift giving.

About the author: Kirby Larson is the acclaimed author of the 2007 Newberry Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky, a young adult novel she wrote inspired by her great-grandmother, Hattie Inez Brooks Wright, who homesteaded by herself in eastern Montana as a young woman. In addition, Kirby has written three books for children, including the award-winning picture book, The Magic Kerchief. A frequent speaker, Kirby has presented at more than 200 schools, workshops, and seminars.

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Carma DutraCarma Dutra is a children’s writer. She offers author interviews, book reviews, writing tips, and other information for fellow children writers at her blog.

Apr 04

The Cake Thief by Sally O. Lee

Picture Books, Book Bites for Kids, Book review, blogtalkradio.com1 Comment

The Cake ThiefTitle: The Cake Thief
Written & Illustrated by: Sally O. Lee
Soft cover: 34 pages
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Book Surge Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1419683923
Publication: December 2007

Beautifully written and illustrated by Sally Lee, The Cake Thief is about a young boy named Clarence who’s not the most sociable person you’d ever meet. He tends to be a loner. For fun, and because he likes cakes so much, Clarence sneaks into his neighbors’ homes and steals their cakes.

On one particular evening, instead of a cake, Clarence finds a party invitation addressed to him.

“What should I do? thought Clarence. I have been invited to a party. And I have never been invited to a party before, and I have never baked a cake.”

Clarence frets about what he should do and discovers that with some planning and action he is a welcomed party guest.

You will be dazzled by the wonderful illustrations and the storyline that teaches children it is much more fun to be part of something than to be alone.

About the author:
Sally Lee has a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art and art history from Colby College. Her work has been exhibited in several shows and in private collections, and she is the recipient of an art grant from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her illustrations have been published in Worldlink Magazine, IEEE Magazine, and more. She lives and works in Massachusetts. Visit Sally Lee at: http://www.leepublishing.net

NOTE: Suzanne Lieurance recently interviewed Sally Lee on Book Bites for Kids. Listen to that interview at www.blogtalkradio.com.

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gse_multipart16490.jpgReviewed by Donna M. McDine for the National Writing for Children Center. Donna’s publishing credits include Stories for Children Magazine, Stories for Children Newsletter, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A Time. And an acceptance from Boys’ Quest magazine to publish her non-fiction children’s article entitled, “Fishing Through a Frozen Lake,” to be published December 2012. Visit her at: http://www.donnamcdine.com

Mar 22

Tera’s Dawn by Susan K. Schank

Picture Books, Book Bites for Kids, blogtalkradio.com1 Comment

Watch and listen to this video for Tera’s Dawn a new picture book from author Susan K. Schank.

Schank was the guest author on Book Bites for Kids on Tuesday, March 18th.

Listen to her interview at blogtalkradio.com once you have watched this video and you’ll find out how to order this beautiful new book.
Feb 25

The Lucrative Educational Market: Where Do YOU Fit In?

Children's Writing, Picture Books, Children's books, CWCC, writing workshop, Lila Guzman, biographies, science fiction, fantasy, Simon Rose, Margot FinkeNo Comments

Rita MiliosThis Thursday, February 28 , 2008, at 2:00 p.m. eastern time, the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club will offer another exciting and informative teleclass for children’s writers.

Rita Milios will present session 1 in the Writing for Children’s Educational Markets Series - The Lucrative Educational Market: Where Do YOU Fit In?

Join the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club today and find out on Thursday if writing for the educational markets is right for you.

When you join the club you will receive links to these other three teleclasses that were presented earlier this month:

Lila Guzman - Show Me the Money: Writing Biographies for Young Readers

Margot Finke - Picture (Book) Perfect

Simon Rose - Beyond Belief: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy for Young Readers (part 1 of a 2 part teleclass)

Every month, club members are given the opportunity to attend 4 LIVE 55-minute teleclasses about some aspect of writing and publishing for children. Later, the links to these recorded classes are sent to all members, too.

Join the CWCC here.

Feb 14

Do Unto Otters - This Week’s Picture Book Review

Picture Books, Book review1 Comment

Reviewed by Hazel Booth

Do Onto Otters coverTitle: Do Unto Otters - A Book of Manners
Written By Laurie Keller
Illustrated by Laurie Keller
Hardcover: 32 pages
Ages: 4 to 7
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC
ISBN: 13:978-0-8050-7996-8
Publication: September 2007

In a fresh, clever take on the Golden Rule, Laurie Keller authors and illustrates a fun introduction to manners. When Mr. Rabbit hops home to his riverside tree house to discover he has otters for neighbors, he worries that they won’t get along. Wise Owl, his upstairs neighbor, reminds him of an old saying: “Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you.”

When he thinks about how he wants otters to treat him, Mr. Rabbit realizes he wants otters to be friendly, polite, honest, considerate, and kind. He hopes they will cooperate, play fair, and share; that they won’t tease; and that they will be willing to apologize and forgive.

Along the way, the reader learns the polite expressions for “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in five languages: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Pig Latin, and discovers, along with Mr. Rabbit, to “Just DOO-DEE-DOO unto otters as you would have otters DOO-DEE-DOO unto you.”

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Hazel Booth is a freelance writer and a student of the Institute for Children’s Literature. She reviews picture books for the National Writing for Children Center and is currently working on nonfiction articles for kids.

Feb 12

Picture (Book) Perfect

Children's Writing, Writing For Children, Writing For Kids, Picture Books, Children's books, CWCC, writing workshop, picture book workshop2 Comments

Cover-FrillyThis week’s teleclass for members of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club will be presented by children’s author Margot Finke. She’ll talk about what it takes to write a children’s picture book. Just look at what she’ll cover in this fun and informative teleclass:

PICTURE (BOOK) PERFECT

* Good grammar and punctuation
* Tight writing — use a few carefully chosen words to write a “big” story.
* The benefit of bringing powerful verbs into play.
* How to paint word pictures that will stick in a child’s head.
* How to write active paragraphs that easily translate into illustrations
* How to FOCUS on what is important to the story — and cut the rest.
* The art of crafting characters kids will identify with and root for.
* Develop a writing “voice” that is unique.

This LIVE teleclass will take place on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 4:00 pacific time.

To receive an email invitation to this event, along with any handouts needed for the class, join the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club HERE.

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