Okay, Maybe I Can! (Kiss and Tell)
1 day ago
Happy 2009
Wishing everyone a happy new year filled with acceptance, big book deals, health and happiness.
The Night Before Christmas
The Night Before Christmas is the classic poem many parents will read before tucking in their little ones tonight, and there are many different illustrated versions to choose from.
The version of Clement C. Moore’s poem that I’ve chosen to feature is Jan Brett’s. Her illustrations are packed full of rich, colorful images--they truly amaze. Jan has a great website that contains as many links as her picture books contain images. If you have never visited before, check it out.
Thanks for visiting, and I hope you take time to enjoy a great picture book with your family this holiday season! Merry Christmas!
The Littlest Angel
We all have special memories of sharing a book with a parent, especially around the holidays. The picture book that brings back holiday memories for me is The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell.
My Mom read, or should say, attempted to read this book to me, my brother and sister every Christmas. When I was old enough, I took over the reading as soon as the Littlest Angel’s box appeared. I thought my mom was so funny, not being able to read about a silly old box filled with rocks, a dead butterfly and a dog collar. But now, as a parent, I can’t read about the Littlest Angel’s treasures without tearing up myself.
Today, you can read this story on-line. It’s not quite the same as sharing it on a cozy couch or snuggled up in bed with accompanying illustrations, but if you are interested, here is the link.
My Mom read, or should say, attempted to read this book to me, my brother and sister every Christmas. When I was old enough, I took over the reading as soon as the Littlest Angel’s box appeared. I thought my mom was so funny, not being able to read about a silly old box filled with rocks, a dead butterfly and a dog collar. But now, as a parent, I can’t read about the Littlest Angel’s treasures without tearing up myself.
Today, you can read this story on-line. It’s not quite the same as sharing it on a cozy couch or snuggled up in bed with accompanying illustrations, but if you are interested, here is the link.
Mortimer's Christmas Manger
For readers looking for Christmas picture books that contain a message about the first Christmas, check out Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman.
A cute mouse named Mortimer goes looking for a new home and discovers a Christmas manger that’s just his size. With childlike innocence, Mortimer takes over the manger, lugging and tugging the statues out of his new home. Then one night, Mortimer overhears Dad telling a story of the first Christmas and realizes this manger is home for baby Jesus.
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman have worked together on several books. Karma has great rhythm in her picture book stories and I love reading and learning from her books. Jane’s illustrations are appealing and add to the love the reader feels for the characters.
A cute mouse named Mortimer goes looking for a new home and discovers a Christmas manger that’s just his size. With childlike innocence, Mortimer takes over the manger, lugging and tugging the statues out of his new home. Then one night, Mortimer overhears Dad telling a story of the first Christmas and realizes this manger is home for baby Jesus.
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman have worked together on several books. Karma has great rhythm in her picture book stories and I love reading and learning from her books. Jane’s illustrations are appealing and add to the love the reader feels for the characters.
When Cows Come Home for Christmas
Today’s picture book is a rhyming story. It is also pretty wacky. When Cows Come Home for Christmas by Dori Chaconas, illustrated by Lynne Chapman tells the story of a most unusual Christmas get-together.
An interesting string of events and the lack of a Christmas tree find a lovely cow named Moosha covered with lights, ornaments and tinsel, with packages placed around her feet.
Like most aspiring picture book writers, I have attempted to tell a story or two in rhyme. I truly appreciate the work that goes into a rhyming picture book. Dori Chaconas came up with a unique story, funny characters, an unusual problem with a kooky solution and told the entire story in rhyme. Lynne Chapman’s illustrations bring us a wonderful group of cows with a variety of age, from baby calves to Grandma.
If you enjoy telling stories in rhyme, check out this page on Dori's site. It was one of the first resources I was pointed to when I started writing for children.
An interesting string of events and the lack of a Christmas tree find a lovely cow named Moosha covered with lights, ornaments and tinsel, with packages placed around her feet.
Like most aspiring picture book writers, I have attempted to tell a story or two in rhyme. I truly appreciate the work that goes into a rhyming picture book. Dori Chaconas came up with a unique story, funny characters, an unusual problem with a kooky solution and told the entire story in rhyme. Lynne Chapman’s illustrations bring us a wonderful group of cows with a variety of age, from baby calves to Grandma.
If you enjoy telling stories in rhyme, check out this page on Dori's site. It was one of the first resources I was pointed to when I started writing for children.
Amazing Peace
If you happen to have a poem lying around, maybe one that you read at the White House, consider submitting it to a picture book publisher!
Amazing Peace, written by Maya Angelou, illustrated by Steve Johnson, is a wonderful addition to the Christmas picture books on the shelves this season.
Maya Angelou originally read this poem at the lighting of the White House Christmas tree in 2005. It's an amazing poem about peace, coming together and acceptance during the holidays. The warm, inviting illustrations follow a family as they journey out into their community on a cold winter's night. A new, must-have Christmas book, in my opinion.
Amazing Peace, written by Maya Angelou, illustrated by Steve Johnson, is a wonderful addition to the Christmas picture books on the shelves this season.
Maya Angelou originally read this poem at the lighting of the White House Christmas tree in 2005. It's an amazing poem about peace, coming together and acceptance during the holidays. The warm, inviting illustrations follow a family as they journey out into their community on a cold winter's night. A new, must-have Christmas book, in my opinion.
When Santa Turned Green
When Santa Turned Green is one of the newer picture books in my 10 days of Christmas PB posts. This book, written by Victoria Perla, illustrated by Mirna Kantarevic was published by Thomas Nelson this past October.
Santa discovers global warming and rallies his troops (children of the world) to solve this environmental problem. The book offers a few suggestions oh how kids can go green. The book itself is green, printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper.
When Santa Turned Green is an example of how a writer can combine a familiar subject with a current concern or issue to make something new.
Santa discovers global warming and rallies his troops (children of the world) to solve this environmental problem. The book offers a few suggestions oh how kids can go green. The book itself is green, printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper.
When Santa Turned Green is an example of how a writer can combine a familiar subject with a current concern or issue to make something new.
Christmas Cookies Picture Book
The Christmas picture book for today is, Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane Dyer.
This unique picture book teaches kids lessons through words they might hear during the holiday season. All the words--like anticipation, reciprocate, and selfish, are defined with a twist. They are all tied to Christmas cookies. For example, here is what is says for selfish: Selfish means grabbing the last cookie without asking if anyone might want it.
By tying the word definitions to an enjoyable holiday activity, Amy K. Rosenthal has made lesson learning fun! I loved that Jane Dyer chose to illustrate the book with many different scenes and characters. The book could have focused on one particular child or family, but instead we get a whole host of characters and pictures to enjoy.
This unique picture book teaches kids lessons through words they might hear during the holiday season. All the words--like anticipation, reciprocate, and selfish, are defined with a twist. They are all tied to Christmas cookies. For example, here is what is says for selfish: Selfish means grabbing the last cookie without asking if anyone might want it.
By tying the word definitions to an enjoyable holiday activity, Amy K. Rosenthal has made lesson learning fun! I loved that Jane Dyer chose to illustrate the book with many different scenes and characters. The book could have focused on one particular child or family, but instead we get a whole host of characters and pictures to enjoy.
Literary Christmas Picture Book
What is literary fiction, and more importantly, what is a literary picture book? I have followed a few discussions on Verla Kay’s blue boards about this topic and I’ve found that literary can be a hard term to define.
Here are two definitions I liked from Verla’s:
A story that examines deeper meanings in life, seeks to unearth universal truths. ~Cheryl Klein
Colorful characters drawn with lyrical language. A layered plot thick with setting and mood. A puzzle of a problem. ~Andi W.
So taking these definitions into consideration, I feel The Polar Express is an excellent example of a literary, Christmas picture book.
Author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg tells a story of childhood innocence and a belief in something bigger than ourselves. He sends his character on a magical journey with beautiful pictures that add depth to the setting and mood of this book. The main character faces a problem that many kids face at his age—whether or not they believe in Santa.
If you would like more examples of what some writers consider literary picture books, follow this link to a discussion on Verla's.
Here are two definitions I liked from Verla’s:
A story that examines deeper meanings in life, seeks to unearth universal truths. ~Cheryl Klein
Colorful characters drawn with lyrical language. A layered plot thick with setting and mood. A puzzle of a problem. ~Andi W.
So taking these definitions into consideration, I feel The Polar Express is an excellent example of a literary, Christmas picture book.
Author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg tells a story of childhood innocence and a belief in something bigger than ourselves. He sends his character on a magical journey with beautiful pictures that add depth to the setting and mood of this book. The main character faces a problem that many kids face at his age—whether or not they believe in Santa.
If you would like more examples of what some writers consider literary picture books, follow this link to a discussion on Verla's.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas
Going into a bookstore this time of year, you're bound to find a few Christmas picture books that contain some type of activity/novelty. In my personal opinion, it doesn’t get much better that The Sweet Smell of Christmas.
I loved this book as a kid, and I still love scratching and sniffing that hot cocoa circle today. The Sweet Smell of Christmas was written by Patricia Scarry, illustrated by J.P. Miller and was originally published in 1970.
Novelty/activity books for toddlers and preschool-age kids seem to be gaining more shelf space at the book store. This age group is learning about their world and books that entertain more than one of heir senses keeps them engaged in the concept or story within.
If you have a story that could benefit from a novelty, such as scratch-and-sniff, touch-and-feel, die-cuts, flaps, puzzles, etc. research the publishers, write your proposal and submit!
I loved this book as a kid, and I still love scratching and sniffing that hot cocoa circle today. The Sweet Smell of Christmas was written by Patricia Scarry, illustrated by J.P. Miller and was originally published in 1970.
Novelty/activity books for toddlers and preschool-age kids seem to be gaining more shelf space at the book store. This age group is learning about their world and books that entertain more than one of heir senses keeps them engaged in the concept or story within.
If you have a story that could benefit from a novelty, such as scratch-and-sniff, touch-and-feel, die-cuts, flaps, puzzles, etc. research the publishers, write your proposal and submit!
Dear Santa, The Letters of James B. Dobbins
Today’s Christmas picture book was written by Bill Harley and illustrated by R.W. Alley. Dear Santa, The Letters of James B. Dobbins is a story told through letters to Santa.
The main character, James/Jimmy, has a big Christmas list and needs to convince Santa that he has been good all year (despite a few unfortunate events). Bill Harley brings a great voice to the main character through these letters. In the beginning the letters are formal, but in the end Jimmy and Santa are best buds. The illustrations are entertaining and paint the true picture of the naughty incidents that have occurred during the past year.
There are a few other picture books told through letters or postcards. It's a fun way to get into the voice of a character and can even be a fun writing exercise, whether or not you plan to write a story this way.
The main character, James/Jimmy, has a big Christmas list and needs to convince Santa that he has been good all year (despite a few unfortunate events). Bill Harley brings a great voice to the main character through these letters. In the beginning the letters are formal, but in the end Jimmy and Santa are best buds. The illustrations are entertaining and paint the true picture of the naughty incidents that have occurred during the past year.
There are a few other picture books told through letters or postcards. It's a fun way to get into the voice of a character and can even be a fun writing exercise, whether or not you plan to write a story this way.
10 Christmas Picture Books
Writers often run into a common problem. We have an idea, or we’re working on a manuscript, or we’re sealing a submission envelope only to discover a book on the shelves closely matches our story. Our hopes are dashed.
I thought it would be fun to take a subject like Christmas, and look at how authors and artists have found different ways to tell their story around a similar subject. For the next ten days I will post ten different Christmas picture books. Some are new, some are old, but each book is unique.
The first book is one in a series that I’m sure you’re familiar with. I Spy Christmas by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo is filled with beautiful photographs and short, fun rhymes that kids and grown-ups will love discovering together. When my son was five, he was a huge I Spy fan. These books offer a different reading experience, more of a game than a story, but kids (especially boys IMO) love I Spy books.
Walter Wick’s photographs in I Spy Christmas are amazingly constructed and full of Christmas images. His unique idea and artistic talent came together with Jean Marzollo's rhymes to create a great Christmas picture book.
I thought it would be fun to take a subject like Christmas, and look at how authors and artists have found different ways to tell their story around a similar subject. For the next ten days I will post ten different Christmas picture books. Some are new, some are old, but each book is unique.
The first book is one in a series that I’m sure you’re familiar with. I Spy Christmas by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo is filled with beautiful photographs and short, fun rhymes that kids and grown-ups will love discovering together. When my son was five, he was a huge I Spy fan. These books offer a different reading experience, more of a game than a story, but kids (especially boys IMO) love I Spy books.
Walter Wick’s photographs in I Spy Christmas are amazingly constructed and full of Christmas images. His unique idea and artistic talent came together with Jean Marzollo's rhymes to create a great Christmas picture book.
The Chicken of the Family
This week, my favorite library book is The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato, illustrate by Delphne Durand. You may be familiar with some of Mary's middle grade novels, The Word Eater and The Naked Mole-Rat Letters, but this is Mary's first picture book. And boy, is it hilarious!
One of the reasons I love this book is because I was so Kim (the older sister) when I was a kid. I was the big-meanie big sister. The story is well told, incredibly funny and great for kids with older siblings.
The illustrations are so much fun. Delphine has created a host of clever characters on the farm, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and the dog with the flower is adorable.
This book was published in 2008, so it is fairly new. Look for it in your library or bookstore today!
One of the reasons I love this book is because I was so Kim (the older sister) when I was a kid. I was the big-meanie big sister. The story is well told, incredibly funny and great for kids with older siblings.
The illustrations are so much fun. Delphine has created a host of clever characters on the farm, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and the dog with the flower is adorable.
This book was published in 2008, so it is fairly new. Look for it in your library or bookstore today!
Readertotz
I'm sure this is "old news" in kid-lit land, but I was so excited to read in my PW e-newsletter that Readergirlz have started a new blog. Readertotz is a book blog that focuses on board books and other titles for the toddler set. If you haven't seen it, stop by and check it out.