Welcome to Day 29!
This book is by one of my favorite author/illustrators.
My first SCBWI LA conference, I met her,
and a talented friend,
Lisa Anchin,
in one fell swoop.
We were both at a breakout session she was a part of.
We got to see some images from STARS,
another great book Marla Frazee’s illustrated.
I left that conference with LOTS of signed Marla Frazee books.
This one is so simple, but also inspirational.
I thought it would be a good one going into PiBoIdMo…
a good reminder to keep on keepin’ on!
Title: Walk On! A guide to taking the first step
Published by: Harcourt, 2008 (Gift edition)
Written by: Marla Frazee
Illustrated by: Marla Frazee
Word Count: 325
Pages: 32
In one word: Walk-tastic
In one sentence: Walking (and doing anything) for the first time is difficult, so read along in this book so you’ll be prepared for the pitfalls and stumbles, and, hopefully, come out the other side walking tall!
Favorite pages:
Love the shadows here, and the expressions again 🙂
Likes:
- I love the size of this book. It’s small and easy to hold in your hands. Easy for little ones to hold too!
- Another second person book. Yes, I’m kind of addicted to second person stories…
- A very cute man character with AWESOME facial expressions!
- Love how this book applies to walking and basically anything else you want to try!
- Bright primary colors used for the illustration.
- The fonts. I’m sort of in love with fonts, and these two are great!
Learns:
- Look for that experience that is literally an experience we’ve all had, but also a metaphor for more experiences we will have (yup, easier said than done!)
- Little motivational and inspirational books are always fun, and have a great market!
This would be a great one for grads (I think it even says that on the cover?)
Do you have any favorites for a grad gift?
Have fun reading everyone!
KE and SS
I can’t believe we’re almost done with 31 in 31. The month flew! And I’ve had a great time. Thanks, Kathy Ellen, for hosting us.
Today I read THE STAMP COLLECTOR by Jennifer Lanthier, illustrated by Francois Thisdale, 2012, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1216 words.
This is a story about a prison guard, a writer who’s imprisoned for writing, and the friendship that develops. Part of the proceeds of the sale of the book goes to PEN Canada to help unjustly imprisoned writers and their families.
The story begins when the two men are boys, living ordinary lives, one in the city, one in the country. After they are grown and one because guard of the other, a letter comes for the writer and the guard must file it away. More letters come, and as each arrives, the guard saves the stamps. Eventually, he becomes sympathetic to the writer and begins to discreetly pass him the stamps, letting him know he’s not been forgotten. Next, he slips him letters to read, and …
Today I read GILBERT GOLDFISH by Kelly DiPucchio. Very cute story of a fish who wants a pet.
Sounds like a wonderful book, Kathy. Watching little toddlers toddle always puts a smile on my face. So cute. Today I read “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato” by Lauren Child. It is from the Charlie and Lola series. Charlie is so clever at how he gets his sister Lola to eat vegetables. Mashed potatoes are magically edible when they are “cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji.” Very fun read and I always read this with a British accent since Charlie and Lola have accents. My kids think I’m nutty when I do so.
I read “My Cat, the Silliest Cat in the World” by Gilles Bachelet. This seems appropriate given that it is National Cat Day. Of course, the cat in this book isn’t actually a cat.
It it a very very silly book with some truly amazing illustrations. I think even non-cat fans will like it.
Marla Freeze spoke over this weekend at the brunch I attended down in San Diego. Her new book is called, “God Got a Dog”. She illustrated it. The book is written by Cynthia Rylant. It sounds amazing, although so different from “Walk On”. Her talk was great too. Funny, yet inspiring.
I think children’s books make great gifts for adults dealing with change or loss. I remember giving a book to a friend who had lost her father. At first her reaction was “what a stupid idea” (seriously, she later told me this – it was probably the grief talking), but after reading the book, she changed her opinion and agrees that it can help.
I know that “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss is a classic graduation gift. I got at least one copy at mine.
We read the follow-up to Hot Rod Hamster- “Happy Birthday Hamster” by Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Derek Anderson. Same characters as they plan a surprise party for hamster, and the reader gets to pick which option they would choose again. We hope for a third hamster book!
I read Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub. Definitely has lots of facts, almost too many, but a great story premise about groundhogs.
I read BIRTHDAY BUNNY, the syrupy sweet predictable story by Mac Barnett and Jon Scieszca, illustrated by Matthew Myers. I printed a clean copy online so we could revise it was we please!
“Olivia Forms a Band” by Ian Falconer.
I read Teach Your Buffalo to Play Drums by Audrey Vernick. It is an adorable book! I love how the narrator is speaking to the little girl as if she is a parent (which she sort of is). The book has humor for both kids and parents alike!