Last year, we introduced readers to FLORA AND THE FLAMINGO, the fabulous wordless (and Caldecott honor) picture book by Molly Idle. This year, just in time for the holidays and the snowy cold of winter, the ReaderKidZ are thrilled to share the newest book in the Flora series, FLORA AND THE PENGUIN.
A palette of icy pale blue and spots of yellow and orange against a white background lend the perfect setting for this tale of Flora and her new-found friend. Skating in tandem, the two leap and slide, balance and glide across the ice. When Flora rejects Penguin’s gift, the two experience a momentary tiff. But it doesn’t last long. A glorious gatefold reveals their delightful solution.
Enjoy this sneak peek of Flora in Chronicle’s 2014 Holiday video!
Longing for the perfect book for a holiday gift? Enter to win a copy of FLORA and the PENGUIN by emailing readerkidz [at] readerkidz [dot] com. Please put “FLORA” in the subject. Pass the word to your friends! Include @readerkidz in a tweet for a extra chance to win.
Congrats to Susan Hughes. FLORA and the PENGUIN is on its way!
In the newest book in the Princess Posey series, Princess Posey and the First Grade Ballet (Putnam) by Stephanie Greene, Posey faces another six-year-old dilemma. She’s going to be a heart in her first ballet recital – a Valentine’s Day ballet – and she’s so excited! Hearts mean love and kindness, and Posey’s sure she knows about those. Then the best dancer in her class tells everyone she’s getting a new leotard for the occasion but Posey’s mom says she can’t afford it, so Posey feels sorry for herself. When it turns out that the new girl in Miss Lee’s class doesn’t have Valentine’s cards to hand out, Posey has to call on her courage to show kindness in her own way.
To win a signed copy of the ninth book in the Princess Posey series, send your name, address, and who you would like the book signed to, to: stephaniegreenebooks [at] gmail [dot] com.
Have you ever felt mad enough to strike? Angered to the boiling point? Frustrated inside like a tangled ball of yarn? This year Grandfather Gandhi, by Arun Gandhi with Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014), came along at just the right time and helped readers understand anger. Like young Arun Gandhi (Gandhi’s grandson) in the book, we learned it’s natural to feel anger. Everybody does. Even a Gandhi like the Mahatma. It’s how we channel that anger that matters. Do we choose light like a lamp and create positive change or do we strike like lightening and cause destruction? Do we live as light or darkness?
As I looked back and examined my childhood, a favorite Christmas memory came to pass about living as light. My younger brother and I decided to go out caroling in our neighborhood. Neither of us had vocals like a meadowlark, but that didn’t matter. We toured the cul-de-sac singing about peace and joy and jovial Saint Nick. We accepted donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and raised sixty dollars that moonlit night.
That memory sparked my curiosity. I wondered if living your life as light took on an extra special meaning during the holidays and so I turned to the Grandfather Gandhi creators to see if they too had a memory or advice they wanted to share with ReaderKidZ families.
Arun Gandhi: When I was a child, in South Africa, my playmates were the children of the impoverished African farm laborers. For generations they had never been to school. My parents encouraged me to share my learning with them and in return they showed me how they entertained themselves. Our play time was split between fun and lessons. Their thirst for knowledge was so great that when word got around that I was teaching the kids reading, writing, and arithmetic, parents from further away brought their children to the Phoenix ashram to learn. Soon we had close to a hundred kids attending our informal school. In turn, they taught me how to make clay figurines and other games from discarded cycle wheels and matchboxes. In retrospect, I think that was the most fun time in my life as well as the most fruitful.
Evan Turk: After I went off to college, far away from my family, I realized how important spending the holidays with my family was to me. So now whenever I visit my family, I try to have as much time, kindness, and patience for them as I can as my way of saying “thank you” and “I love you.”
Bethany Hegedus: As a child, I collected coins–not only at the holidays–but all throughout the year. This was before the change counting machines and I’d beg my parents to get me the paper rolls for pennies, dimes, nickels, and quarters. I’d stack them in big towers and then put them into the paper wrapping. We’d take them to the bank and there I’d turn the change in for paper money–which was always a big deal. Then I’d donate the money to St. Jude’s. I wasn’t a sick child. I never had the measles, chicken pox, or even a broken bone. I wanted the money I saved (and dug from under the couch cushions) to help kids with serious illnesses. Kids, all kids, have an activist spirit. We feel things so greatly when we are young: fairness, unfairness– and in my mind, when we “live as light” we don’t lose that internal compass that shines the light on the small steps we can make to “be the change.”
For a chance to win a copy autographed by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, email readerkidz [at] readerkidz [dot] com, with “Grandfather Gandhi” in the subject line, and your name and address in the body of the email. Good luck and happy holidays!
SPIRIT’S KEY (FSG, 2014), an incredible debut middle grade novel written by Edith Cohn, is a mystery about a twelve -year-old girl named Spirit who works with the ghost of her pet dog to solve a crime on a remote island filled with magic house keys, wild dogs and superstitious characters. Magic keys! Wild dogs! Sounds like the perfect holiday giveaway to me!
Author Edith Cohn
Effervescent Edith stopped by to tell us a little bit about her writing process and what writing this book has taught her. She was born and raised in North Carolina where she grew up exploring the unique beaches of the Outer Banks. She currently lives in the coyote-filled hills of Los Angeles with her husband and her dog. All of these things provided inspiration for SPIRIT’S KEY. Folks, she is one of the most warm and delightful authors I’ve ever met. Watch out world. We’re going to be seeing great things coming from the talented Ms. Edith Cohn!
ReaderKidZ: Describe the inspiration behind SPIRIT’S KEY.
Edith: The book has several inspirations. The fictional setting of Bald Island is deeply inspired by the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I grew up going to the Banks. But I also read a lot of history about their hurricanes, their whaling, and their one room schoolhouse. And it seems so unreal, but the islanders’ belief that yaupon tea can cure anger actually comes from something real that I read about.
Of course, I took fictional liberties. I decided my island would have wild dogs instead of wild horses like the real Outer Banks. I live in the hills of California, and I have coyotes in my backyard. They want to eat my little dog Leia. Every spotting takes my breath away–reminds me of our mortality, the wonder of nature and what it means to be a wild thing.
At the time, my niece was trying to decide if she wanted to be a vegetarian or not. And I also got to thinking about how kids are still figuring out what they believe. One of my favorite things about SPIRIT’S KEY is this discussion about animal rights and beliefs.
ReaderKidZ: Tell us how you came to know your protagonist. Did you have any ah-ha moments you’d like to tell us about?
Edith with her pup, Leia
Edith: Spirit’s name actually came from a baby-naming book I keep on hand right next to all my other writing craft books like Bird By Bird. I knew Spirit was grieving the loss of her pet dog, but she didn’t really come together as a character until I realized she was the only person on Bald Island who understood the wild dogs. She truly grew out of the setting I was creating.
ReaderKidZ: Explain what you hope readers will take away as a result of reading your debut.
Edith: I’d love it if this book generated discussions about fear and prejudice or any kind of discussion really. I think the best books make people think about the world in a slightly different way. I’m always aiming for this when I write. I do hope readers will download the Discussion Guide I’m offering on my website. In it, they’ll find chapter-by-chapter discussion questions and so much more!
ReaderKidZ: Tell us what the act of writing this book taught you about the writing process.
Edith: I’d never written a mystery or a fantasy or even a middle grade novel before. All my previous book attempts had been YA contemporary. So I learned a lot about world building, the rules of magic and how important it is in middle grade for the main character to make an impact on their world.
ReaderKidZ: Tell us what writing this book taught you about yourself.
Edith: I learned to face a lot of fears. It took me over a year to start writing because I was afraid I didn’t know how to write a fantasy or a mystery or a middle grade novel. So I had to convince myself I had nothing to lose—that no one but me would see it. Somehow I learned how to write for myself and not worry about the outcome. Now, how to repeat that zen attitude? I couldn’t tell you.
ReaderKidZ: Can we look forward to anything new from you? Any new projects?
Edith: Oh yes. I have a few more stories up my sleeve. When they’ll be ready for public consumption, I can’t really say. I never know when what I’m working on will really come together. It has to roll around in my head until it gets sorted. I’m still sorting.
Take this moment to register with Edith for a free giveaway by emailing Edith at edithcohn [at] gmail [dot] com. Be sure to put “SPIRIT’S KEY Giveaway” in the subject line. While you’re at it, send Leia a little note, too.
Know any kids who really want a pet as a gift? Or more on target, kids who have a pet and aren’t quite as responsible about it as they promised? That would be almost all kids.
This is the latest from author-illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, creator of The Polar Express, Jumanji and many more extraordinary picture books.
The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie is a darkly humorous and ultimately triumphant tale of a long-suffering and curmudgeonly hamster. It may not be for the sensitive and tender-hearted as its darkness lies in the trails suffered by Sweetie Pie at the hands of well and ill-meaning children. He is sold, neglected, overfed, underfed, traded, terrorized by other pets, and forced to wear doll clothes, among other things. Oh, and left in his cage outside in the snow. Fortunately this is not that dark of a story, and the ending is happy. The illustrations, of course, are brilliant. For the right young and old readers, it’s action-packed, funny, and might even scare a kid into proper pet care.
For a chance to win a copy, email readerkidz [at] readerkidz [dot] com, with “Sweetie Pie” in the subject line, and your name and address in the body of the email. Good luck and happy holidays!
Congratulations to Randie G. and Cheryl P., our winners! Books are on their way.
HANUKKAH – the Festival of Lights, eight wonderful days of families celebrating that miracles do happen. Sometimes the miracle of today is found in the unselfish act of giving. In Natasha Wing’s rhyming introduction to this special Jewish holiday, a little girl contributes the perfect solution to a missing eighth candle. THE NIGHT BEFORE HANUKKAH captures the fun spirit of the traditional aspects of this ancient holiday while weaving in a contemporary setting – plus a good sprinkling of humor. Family interactions are the heart of this book. Sharing and giving to others is the soul.
The Night Before Hanukkah
THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN, a Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah by Martha Seif Simpson and illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard is a very different presentation of Hanukkah and a wonderful companion to Natasha Wing’s modern version. In Martha Simpson’s story-telling voice the reader is introduced to a mysterious peddler and a greedy shopkeeper. The peddler has a very special spinning top, a dreidel, carved from the finest wood and hand-painted with golden glistening colors. The shopkeeper is eager to have it and then sell it for a handsome price. But a terrible problem emerges. The top won’t spin. It wasn’t broken. It was a perfect dreidel with magical letters, but it would not spin until one day, a small miracle happened, “Nes katan hayah poh,” right in front of the shopkeeper, right after a small boy with little money, gave the precious dreidel a spinning twist. Perhaps this books brings to each reader a bit of a miracle as well, for miracles are never bought, they happen…sometimes when a book is shared, or a bit of chocolate, or time.
We invite you to leave a comment about a favorite book you like to share with a child during this holiday season, a season of remembering what is truly precious. And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a copy of THE NIGHT BEFORE HANUKKAH and THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN! Please email us at readerkiz (at) readerkidz (dot) com. Be sure to put HANUKKAH BOOK GIVEAWAY in the subject line.
Congratulations to Dyann Campbell, winner of the HANUKKAH BOOK GIVEAWAY. A second two-book giveaway is on its way to Linda Seibold. Thanks for stopping by ReaderKidZ!
Today we’re chatting with Deb Pilutti, author and illustrator of the charming picture book – Ten Rules of Being a Superhero(Henry Holt/Macmillan, 2014). Deb’s on board to participate in the ReaderKidZ December give-away extravaganza in a big, big way. Simply read through this post and you’ll find the contact information needed to register to win a free copy of this extraordinary story.
In Ten Rules of Being a Superhero, Deb explores the fine line between fantasy and reality. Her text portrays the attitudes of tenacity and fortitude required to follow the ten basic rules of being a superhero. Yet, the illustrations tenderly juxtapose the powerful nature of superhero-ness by quietly showing that tough guys need to have a tender side, too. As Rule Number 10 states: “Every superhero needs a sidekick. Because saving the day is more fun with a friend.”
Author/Illustrator Deb Pilutti
We at ReaderKidZ are thrilled that Deb took the time to answer a few questions for us. Enjoy getting to know this delightful author/illustrator and then rush to sign up for a chance to win a copy of Ten Rules of Being a Superhero. You’ll be ever-so-glad that you did!
Also, should you be interested in a supplemental Discussion and Activity Guide aligned with the Common Core State Standards, Deb has one on her website ready and waiting for you to download!
ReaderKidZ: Describe the inspiration behind TEN RULES OF BEING A SUPERHERO.
Deb Pilutti: I have spent many, many hours discussing the merits of various super powers with my children. Seriously. It used to be a daily topic of conversation. That and my love for toys, especially retro and slightly awkward looking ones, inspired this story about a boy and his superhero toy.
ReaderKidZ: Weren’t you once a toy designer in a prior life? Explain how that background informs your writing and illustrating.
Deb Pilutti: Yes, I designed several toys when I worked for Oliebollen. Playfulness is a big part of designing for children, which also helps when writing and illustrating. I worked as a graphic designer for a long time and even though I didn’t think of myself as a storyteller, I was using words and images to tell a story or create an image, whether it was for an ad campaign or a theme park.
ReaderKidZ: Rule Number 3 states that “Every super hero has at least one superpower. That’s makes him SUPER!” Do you have a super power? Tell us what it is.
Deb Pilutti: I have an excellent sense of time – but that seems more like a sidekick power, doesn’t it? I’m good at teaching myself new skills, like learning how to program websites, or how to make an animated video like this one.
ReaderKidZ: Describe both the challenges and rewards of being both the writer and illustrator in a project.
Deb Pilutti: Writing is a bigger challenge for me. I really have to work hard to make the story feel natural. This involves a lot of staring.
Usually my ideas start with an image or illustration. Then I’ll work on the text and go back and forth between the two. I may change the text based on the illustration or vice versa. Another plus for doing both is that I can be more efficient with my words, because the illustrations can communicate an idea or feeling.
ReaderKidZ: We’ve heard it said that each book teaches the author something about themselves, either personally or creatively. How about you? Tell us what you learned while creating TEN RULES OF BEING A SUPERHERO.
Deb Pilutti: This is the first book I’ve had published as both the author and illustrator. Even so, it isn’t just my book. Everyone has a vision of what the book can be. I looked at the editing process as an opportunity to make the story as tight as possible and enjoyed the interaction between my editor, Christy, and the design and marketing team at Henry Holt/Macmillan.
Quick! Take this moment to register with Deb for a free giveaway. All you need to do is contact Deb at deb [at] debpilutti [dot] com. Be sure to put “TEN RULES Giveaway” in the subject line. Hurry!!!! She’s waiting to hear from you. Tell her that the ReaderKidZ sent you!
Thanks to everyone for entering! and congratulations to winner RITA PAINTER!
Mission Statement
To provide teachers, librarians, and parents with the resources and inspiration to foster a love of reading in kids, K-5.
