Be a Ginger. That makes me think of Doctor Who, the one who wanted to regenerate as a ginger. I think it was the Matt Smith Doctor Who.
But that’s not what this post is about.
Ginger is a young chocolate lab with oodles and oodles of energy. BALL is her focus. As in, “You throw the ball, and I will chase it.” All. Day. Long.
She wasn’t born with the ability to fetch and chase. As a retriever, she certainly had the innate characteristics for, well, retrieving. But as a puppy, it wasn’t realized yet. Her interest gradually grew to notice moving balls. With tons of praise and practice, she soon embraced the love of chasing and fetching the ball. Her only motivation became the ball. She chases so she can chase it again.
Ginger doesn’t care if she misses the catch. She repeatedly attempts to get to the ball before it hits the ground. If she misses, so what. She still keeps her focus on the ball, scoops it up, and brings it back to the stick person. That would be whomever is holding the Chuck-It Stick.
Sometimes, Ginger is quick and snatches the ball in mid-air. Most of the time, she does not. But she never quits trying. She keeps playing, chasing, and enjoying the game. In doggy words, with tongue lolling and sides heaving with exertion and joy, Ginger says, “I want ALL the balls.”
I think we all need to be a Ginger. In our writing lives, but also in life.
We need to focus. Practice. Make mistakes. Enjoy. Celebrate the successes. Ignore the oops. And keep showing up to play the game. Every single day. Get in the game. Play the game, our insides heaving with exertion and joy. Maybe we should keep our tongues in our mouths though.
Thank you, Mascot Books, for this review copy of SKY DRAGON. I am delighted to read it and share it with you, friends. I love this story written in rhyme, the colorful illustrations, and the message to keep trying to do what you want (or need) to do in spite of the challenges you face.
Why I Like This Book:
~ Dragons! Drake is adorable. He’s young and must get out and play like any other human or animal youngster.
~ Fun telling of the story through rhyme
~ Age-appropriate actions by Drake. This book is geared towards 5-6 year-old readers, but I imagine younger and perhaps older readers will enjoy reading about Drake.
~ Colorful illustrations
~ Doing things a young dragon would normally do accidentally puts Drake in a challenging situation.
~ Despite being handicapped with a clipped wing, Drake enjoys his dragon life doing dragon things.
~ This book shows how perseverance and hard work will help you get what you need done or get where you need to go. It also builds empathy for others who are not the same as we are.
Amazon Blurb:
Drake the Dragon, born with a lame wing,
seeks to see what this new day will bring.
Through hapless adventure, where he dare not go,
Drake mistakenly tumbles into the world below.
How will he make it back to his home above?
Well, of course: through courage and bravery, and with lots of love.
Happy New Year to me and my fellow winners of the diversity and financial need scholarships for the 2020 12 x 12 Writing Challenge. Yay! Follow the link below to read more about the scholarship and the thankful recipients.
I’ve been steadily working on picture book manuscripts, but sometimes feel like I’m spinning wheels. The 12 x 12 Writing Challenge is the perfect way to jump start my new year of writing and help me focus on writing, editing, and polishing picture book manuscripts.
The main goal of 12 x 12 is that participants complete the year with at 12 picture book manuscripts/drafts. This is accomplished through videos, expert advice, writing exercises, inspiration, and online critiques by 12 x 12 members-a comprehensive endeavor by kidlit writers. At least, that’s what I believe to be true about 12 x 12, since this will be my first year to join. In reality, I know my experience will be much, much more.
Much thanks and gratitude for this awesome opportunity goes to Julie Hedlund and the entire 12 x 12 community who generously donated to give scholarships to other writers. THAT is what the kidlit community is all about-supporting and helping other writers. I love it!
Cheesy happy grin from a writer who is very grateful and excited!
Children’s author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year’s resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity – what DIDN’T get done or achieved in the previous year. Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution!
Sometimes I feel like I am spinning my writing wheels but going nowhere. Here is my list of SUCCESSES in my writing related-activities for 2019.
Angie’s Anti-Resolution Revolution:
1. I met my contracted deadlines and celebrated over 26 years of writing work-for-hire with an organization I adore.
2. I was awarded a writing residency at Holly House through Hypatia-in-the-Woods. I enjoyed a fabulous week to work on a picture book and Haiku.
3. I had a heart during #kidpit at the end of 2018. I received a rejection this year, but still…I tried!
4. Our critique group has increased to 4 active members and we’ve been really working hard.
5. I’ve been blogging more and supporting writers.
6. I had my first author interview and my first author/illustrator interview on my blog.
7. I read tons of picture books, chapter books, and YA books.
8. I participated in Storystorm and have a great list of picture book ideas.
9. I participated in ReFoReMo and studied great picture books.
10. I participated in 12 Days of Christmas last year. Thanks, Julie, for this year and last year!
11. I wrote 4 new picture book manuscripts.
12. I edited 12 different picture book manuscripts.
13. I participated in Multicultural Children’s Book Day for the first time.
14. I wrote and edited more this year.
15. I have editing opportunities to explore in 2020.
16. I connected more with other writers in the wonderful kidlit community.
How about you? What SUCCESSES did you have in 2019?
The REAL front cover is a sunshiny yellow, but I cannot make my photo true to color. Please use your imagination to view ODD DOG OUT in brilliant yellow. My apologies!
THIS is closer to the true color. 🙂
Odd Dog Out
Written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph
Harper Collins Children’s Books, 2019
Oh, doggy lovers, this one is just too cute! Odd Dog Out will bring joy to your young readers and encourage them to be confident as they go through life marching to their own beat.
I received a copy of Odd Dog Out from Abigail at Wunderkind in exchange for a review.
What I love about Odd Dog Out:
~ The adorableness of the illustrations! You need to check out this book. There is only one type of dog-weiner dogs-and they are so cute. The bright colors on each page appeal to me as well. The odd dog out stands out from the crowd and is easy to identify.
~ The simple rhyming text perfectly tells the story and matches the illustrations.
~ The message of being comfortable in your own skin, marching to your own drum, and feeling confident in yourself rings through loud and clear.
~ The variety of doggies at the end, all uniquely expressing themselves, is a great ending (SORRY, spoiler alert!)
~ The appropriateness for young readers (4-8 years old, Preschool-3rd grade).
~ The clever wordplay.
This is one of my favorite spreads in ODD DOG OUT.
Amazon Blurb:
A heartwarming and poignant story from award-winning creator Rob Biddulph about the power of embracing your true colors. Perfect for fans of Peter Brown’s Tiger Goes Wild.
It’s a dog’s life in the big, busy city, but there’s one lonely pup who doesn’t quite fit in. She behaves differently from the rest, sports rainbow in a sea of gray, and marches to the beat of her own drum.
She’s one Odd Dog.
Join Odd Dog as she journeys to the other side of the world to find her place in it, only for her to discover that maybe she’s meant to be right where she started.
And check out Rob Biddulph’s other books for children, including:
I won a copy of Winter Cats by Janet Lawler from Writing and Illustrating, a blog by Kathy Temean, Janet Lawler, and Albert Whitman & Company. Thank you! I adore cats (and have one who believes she is queen of both indoor and outdoor realms).
There are so many new and wonderful books being released. I enjoy reading about them on a variety of blogs. Sometimes the blogs have giveaways. If one takes the time to read and comment about the new books, authors, or illustrators, your name is put into a hat. On good days, your name is pulled out. And TA-DA, a shiny new book appears in your mailbox! I love shiny new books in my mailbox.
I encourage you to support authors and illustrators by learning about their work and searching for their books at bookstores and libraries, two of my most favorite places to visit.
Why I love this book:
~ Cats! I love cats. I’ve nearly always had a cat or two in my life. Right now I have a cat who adores her daddy (not me). But that’s a different story.
~ Winter! Winter is a favorite season for me. The snow, the holidays, the expectant hope of new life in spring.
~ The story is told in rhyme. This is a lots of fun to read aloud to young readers.
~ The winter activities are the same ones we enjoy, but in Winter Cats, the cats enjoy them. Too adorable!
~ Indoor versus outdoor cats. I love both. This is a good problem for a main character to have. When our cats were forced to be indoor cats for a short time, there was no joy in our lives. They were monsters! I am glad Willy was able to sneak out and enjoy the outside.
~ I appreciate the nature activities and the characters getting outside. Nature is a very important theme to me.
~ Friendship is a main theme for Winter Cats. Willy makes new friends while he is outside. He invites them home to visit. These friends are responsible and clean up their mess. What great guests!
~ The colorful winter blue illustrations are perfect.
Amazon Blurb:
Willy’s an indoor cat who dreams of becoming an outdoor cat, but his parents tell him that indoor cats and outdoor cats are different. When he sees the outdoor cats having tons of wintery fun, he decides to sneak out and join in! Willy and his new outdoor friends soon learn that labels are meaningless in the face of friendship.
So if you love picture books, winter, cats, or rhyming, be sure to check out Winter Cats.
First, congratulations are in order to announce the winner of Baby’s First Nativity by Nomar Perez (Little Bee Books).
The winner is: Melissa!
Watch your mailbox, Melissa. I hope you enjoy this adorable Christmas board book. Merry Christmas!
And now, on to the book report.
All Colors
Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman
Schiffer Publishing, 2019
I won a copy of All Colors from Kathy Tremean’s blog Writing and Illustrating and Amalia Hoffman. You can read more about Amalia Hoffman here. Thank you to Kathy and Amalia!
Why I Love This Book:
~ The colors! I’ve seen colors represented in books many times, but usually the colors are introduced on a white background. It’s very interesting to see them on black.
~ The friendship theme (spoiler alert). We need books about being friends with others even if they are different than we are.
~ The board book. This is one durable book. Nice and sturdy for lots of use.
~ Kid-friendly. I read this one to my two youngest grands, and one immediately said, “Again!”
~ The art approach. I know this book can be used to help young readers feel confident in drawing pictures (instead of just coloring them). Each step is easy to replicate, no matter the age.
Amazon Blurb:
This board book introduces children to colors, textures, and parts of the body while conveying a message about friendship, celebrating diversity, and inclusion. As the reader turns the pages, colors are added one by one, creating the image of a boy. Different strokes and textures make up each body part, and at the end the boy joins his friends, all made of different combinations. All Colors shows that all people are made up of the same pieces, yet are all unique and full of color!
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!
Need a fun board book that teaches colors AND how to draw a simple person? Check out ALL COLORS by Amalia Hoffman. #boardbooks #picturebooks #kidlit
Welcome! I’m excited to introduce you to Nomar Perez. Thanks to Vivian Kirkfield, I was sent a copy of Baby’s First Nativity by Nomar Perez. After reading this adorable board book, I reached out to Anna Howland of Little Bee Books and she connected me with Nomar. Thank you, Anna, Paul Crichton, and Little Bee Books.
Without further ado, here’s Nomar Perez! Be sure to read to the end and find out how to get your name in the hat for a drawing to win a copy of Baby’s First Nativity.
Baby’s First Nativity
Illustrated by Nomar Perez
Little Bee Books, 2019
1. I was delighted to receive a copy of Baby’s First Nativity (September 17, 2019) from Little Bee Books. I love the colors of the illustrations and the patterns you’ve chosen to use to add texture. When were you asked to illustrate this adorable board book? How did you connect with Little Bee Books?
I was approached to work on the Baby’s First Nativity board in September of last year. Little Bee connected with my agent to have me work on this and another board book. It has been a delightful project to work on. Especially being such wonderful story that I grew up listening to it. Also is a very special story that I truly value during the Christmas time.
2. Tell us about the process you used to illustrate Baby’s First Nativity.
The process was pretty simple. I was giving some style and technique direction. This was a bit of a change in style that I normally work on. The process starts with sketching lots of ideas of how the characters will look like. Once the publisher and me feel we are in the right direction on look and style. I begin to put together the rest of the animals, characters, and scenes. I was delighted to create something new and different from what I’m use to doing.
3. What is your favorite part of illustrating picture books?
I enjoy the entire process of creating a book, but my favorite part is when I have all my sketches finalize and I start to paint and add color. This is really exciting because you start to see the book in such a wonderful new way.
4. Tell us a little about your background. What was your path to becoming an illustrator?
I’m originally from Puerto Rico. I came to the United States at the age of 10. I’ve always love to draw and paint. I still remember drawing in my notebooks from school. Once here in the USA I went to school for Computer Animation and Digital Art. After college I was given the opportunity to work at a wonderful company called American Greetings. I’ve been working as an Illustrator for over 17 years as a Senior Illustrator and as a Freelance illustrator.
5. What other illustration projects are you working on?
Currently, I work on a variety of school publishing work. But one thing that I am most excited about is a book I’m currently writing and illustrating called “Coqui in the City” this will be my first book as an Author and Illustrator. It will be a semi-autobiographical children’s book of my experiences coming from Puerto Rico to America.
6. Fantastic news! Does Coqui in the City have a book birthday yet? Have you completed any illustrations?
The release of the book will be the fall of next year. Here is a sneak peek at what I’ve been working on.
Congratulations, Nomar! I look forward to reading Coqui in the City. Thank you for visiting with us today and sharing your journey. Best wishes as you continue to illustrate and write.
About Nomar Perez
Nomar Perez was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, where he grew up in the city of Ponce, a unique city with new and Old Spanish colonial architecture and an amazing array of colors, sounds, and flavors. These aspects of his Puerto Rican culture have influenced Nomar throughout his artistic life. After leaving his homeland at the age of 10 for the U.S., Nomar found himself in touch with all types of media, including animation, puppetry, and computer art. He studied computer animation and painting at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and since then has worked as an illustrator and designer on humor, kids, and young adult products for over 17 years in the social expressions market. Nomar has had the opportunity to work on a variety of children books including both educational and mainstream markets.
Oh, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas! You are going to love this adorable board book as much as your smallest reader does.
Just in time for the Christmas season, Little Bee Books has released Baby’s First Nativity. This sturdy board book is filled with wonderfully illustrated pictures of all the main characters of the Christmas story. Ending with a simple “Merry Christmas,” Baby’s First Nativity will become a favorite.
Why I Like This Book:
~ The illustrations are detailed, simple, and colorful-perfect for the youngest of readers
~ The simplicity of the one or two-word pages
~ The introduction of the main Christmas story characters
~ The Merry Christmas greeting
~ This Christmas story of Baby Jesus is one of my favorites
~ The board book is very sturdy
Amazon Blurb:
In this bright and attractive book, children will learn the main figures in the nativity story. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the manger, angels, the wise men, and more are beautifully introduced. Perfect for the holidays, but precious no matter the season, this sturdy board book is a great addition to a child’s library.
GIVEAWAY!!!
Thanks to Little Bee Books for sending a giveaway copy of Baby’s First Nativity.
To enter the giveaway, comment on this blog and tell me the name of your favorite Christmas picture book.
A winner will be chosen on Friday, December 6. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States.
***Come back tomorrow for an interview with NOMAR PEREZ!!!
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Love, Laughter, and Life 