Summary: Patience and kindness are important when you want to make new friends, but it’s hard not to consider what it would be like to have a gangly giraffe or chilled-out polar bear as a pal. A friendship mission prompts two boys to regard would-be companions of many shapes and sizes, and their imaginative adventures hatch brand new, unexpected buddies.
Do you have a children’s picture book coming out soon? I’d love to wish it a Happy Book Birthday here on Frog on a Blog! CLICK for more information.
Kids across the globe love bikes. Kids also love stories. So what could be better than books about bicycles? Here today to share “Five Amazing Picture Books About Bicycles That Your Kids Will Love” is author Maria Monte, just in time for World Bicycle Day on June 3.
Learning to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage for many kids—we all remember the wobbly starts and stops, the falls, bumps, and collisions, and those wonky training wheels that always seemed to get stuck in every little crevice along your path. Then, one day, it all changes – the wheels come off, your riding skills sharpen – and you’re off enjoying all kinds of adventures with your two-wheeled companion. Even after we grow up, bicycles remain a constant in our lives: we use them for recreation, commuting, and exercise, and we watch sporting events that include them. Let’s face it, bikes are everywhere – as of the early 21st century, more than 1 billion bicycles have been manufactured worldwide. In 2018, the United Nations officially designated June 3 as World Bicycle Day, following a three-year campaign by Leszek Sibilski, a sociology professor and cycling and physical education activist, to recognise the significance of bicycles in our lives. Given our collective love affair with bicycles, it’s no surprise that many gorgeous picture books pay homage to the bicycle. To mark World Bicycle Day, I’ll share my top five amazing picture books about bikes that your kids will love.
The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle by Jude Isabella
This picture book is a moving tribute to the life of Big Red, a bike cherished by a young boy in America. When the boy outgrows the bicycle, he donates it to a charity that ships bicycles to Africa. Big Red then becomes an indispensable part of two women’s lives. The first uses it to take her goods to market. Later, the second uses it to deliver medicine and bring the sick and injured to a medical clinic from neighbouring villages. Big Red’s journey will inspire kids ages 8–12 to be better global citizens; the story gently encourages important values like altruism, gratitude, and cultural awareness. Simone Shin’s rustic illustrations underscore Jude Isabella’s realistic depiction of life in Africa. The author also includes a note on how to donate bicycles to charity – given that 15 million bikes are discarded each year, this is a worthwhile cause. This book would make an excellent resource for cultural studies, social responsibility classes, or parents who want to instill a broader worldview in their children.
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson & Sean Qualls
Emmanuel’s true story is about triumph over adversity. Born into poverty in Ghana with a deformed leg, Emmanuel’s kind and wise mother, Comfort, teaches him to be independent and never give up. Emmanuel refuses to become a beggar, often the fate of disabled people, and instead earns a living to feed his family. Ultimately, he becomes a national hero by riding nearly four hundred miles in just ten days whilst championing the rights of the disabled. This feat’s powerful message is echoed in this book: being disabled does not mean being unable. Emmanuel used the humble bicycle to make a meaningful difference in many lives; his story also reminds young readers ages 4–8 that they can draw on their strength, ingenuity, and courage to overcome challenges and make a difference. Laurie Ann Thompson’s emotionally eloquent narrative is beautifully complemented by Sean Qualls’ bold and distinctive illustrations. Educators, librarians, and parents can use this book along with the documentary Emmanuel’s Gift (2005), narrated by Oprah Winfrey, as tools to explore resilience and inclusivity.
Duck On a Bike by David Shannon
This popular picture book tells the light-hearted, humorous tale of a curious duck who takes a ride on a bike that he has found on the farm. The duck greets each animal as he passes by, and as he continues his journey, the duck grows bolder and shows off his newfound riding skills. Each animal responds to the duck’s greeting with their unique animal noise – moo, baa, squeak etc. But what the duck doesn’t know is that each animal harbours a different opinion of the duck’s antics, including seeing him as silly, brave, lucky, clever, or even showy. Suddenly, a group of kids ride into the barnyard and leave their bikes outside; the story ends with each animal enjoying a ride on a bike just like the duck. The plucky duck is a wonderfully likeable creature, and his moxie will endear him to young readers ages 2–5. Kids will find this story laugh-out-loud funny and get a buzz from the gorgeous illustrations by David Shannon, who is an acclaimed creator of more than 30 children’s books. This one is a teacher’s favourite because its entertaining prose encourages kids to take an interest in reading.
Gracie Goat’s Big Bike Race by Erin Mirabella
Gracie Goat’s journey from being unable to ride a bike to participating in a bike race makes this story relatable and inspiring. A professional cyclist wrote this book – author Erin Mirabella represented the United States at two Summer Olympics and won six national championships. This story is the author’s love letter to cycling, and kids ages 4–8 will root for Gracie as she gains confidence. Lisa Horstman’s illustrations are charming, sweetly depicting the animals as they ride and interact. The story also reinforces a few vital life lessons: setbacks can occur when trying to learn something new and that practice is needed to learn a new skill. The story also tells of the touching relationship between Gracie and her grandmother as they encourage each other to face their fears – this book would make a nice gift for grandmothers and granddaughters to share. At the end, the author offers some facts about cycling, which parents and educators can draw upon to foster an interest in cycling as a hobby or sport.
Ellery’s Magic Bicycle by Maria Monte
Inspired by my childhood adventures, this heartfelt tale will take readers on a whimsical journey through Ellery’s childhood with her magical bicycle in tow. Ellery and her bicycle share many wonderful new experiences; Ellery finds adventure, love, friendship, and also weathers sorrow and loss. The bike is Ellery’s teacher, protector, friend, and solace. When Ellery grows up, she forgets her special bond with the bicycle, but she rediscovers their bond years later. A story of redemption, Ellery’s struggles, hopes, and triumph serve as an uplifting reminder to parents of their childhood bonds – some may even find this story an emotional experience. Young readers ages 4–7 will grow to love Ellery’s strong and kind spirit and see their cherished bicycle in a new light. Zoe Saunder’s delightful, captivating, and vibrant illustrations subtly draw readers into the story’s magical realism. Educators and librarians can draw on Ellery’s journey to explore important personal qualities like kindness, courage, and compassion.
The theme of World Bicycle Day is to appreciate the bicycle’s uniqueness, longevity, and diversity – this appreciation has been beautifully woven into each book’s story. I hope you enjoy these books – and cycling – as much as I do.
About Maria Monte
Maria Monte lives in Melbourne with her young son. Her time is divided between family, a fulfilling role in communications, and publishing her children’s books. She enjoys mochas, watching comedies, and losing herself in wiki rabbit holes. Maria’s latest heartwarming picture bookEllery’s Magic Bicycle, illustrated by Zoe Saunders, was released in May 2022 through Bonny Books. Her debut picture book, Eve’s Ducklings, illustrated by Emelie Wiklund, was released in July 2021. Connect with Maria on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or you can enjoy her musings on parenthood on her blog.
Summary: This rollicking showcase of daddies celebrates the incredible diversity of modern fathers. The inclusive cast of characters–including a two-dad family, a single dad, and a stay-at-home dad–highlights the bond between daddy and child as they play, learn, comfort, and laugh their way through everyday life. This open-hearted ode to fatherhood will give readers new appreciation for how their own fathers and father-figures shine in their own unique ways.
Do you have a children’s picture book coming out soon? I’d love to wish it a Happy Book Birthday here on Frog on a Blog! CLICK for more information.
Happy Earth Day everyone! I’m excited to welcome children’s book author/illustrator Brian Russo to Frog on a Blog! Brian’s book A Friend for Yoga Bunny was published on February 22, and is a follow-up to Yoga Bunny, a book that features an adorable little bunny in yoga poses, and encourages kids to wind down and relax. Brian is passionate about helping animals and the environment through his art, which I think is fantastic and something I can really get behind. Let’s hear from Brian!
Hi! My name is Brian Russo. I run a little shop on Threadless.com where I sell t-shirts featuring Yoga Bunny, a character I created back in 2010 during my Yoga Teacher Training. Yoga Bunny now has two children’s books available from HarperCollins. Making these books has been such a joy, because it’s given me the chance to work with a small creative team. At the same time, I love running my own online shop because I have the opportunity to come up with designs on my own and then put them online as soon as they’re ready. Each t-shirt design feels like a little story that I get to tell all on my own.
In addition to bringing in a little extra income, the Threadless Shop gives me a chance to build a personal brand, based on my beliefs. As a Children’s Book Artist, I believe I must have some responsibility to the animals I represent in my stories. Based on this, I had the idea that a portion of my earnings from the Threadless could go to support Rabbit Rescue Houses. Although this wasn’t an option on the Threadless list of charities, the ASPCA was. So, for now, I’m donating 5% of my earnings from five of my first designs to that organization.
Then, with Earth Day coming up, I wanted to create a design that reflected my beliefs about the environment and contributed a small amount of my earnings to an environmental cause. One of the options on Threadless was the Eden Reforestation Project, which combats deforestation. I only learned about the organization through Threadless, but as you can see on their website and by searching their charity score, it seems that they do good work.
I don’t consider the way I live to be especially green, and I’m not an activist by any means. Yet, I do believe that the Earth is alive, and full of actual magic that I’ve witnessed firsthand. I’m very interested in, and believe in the existence of, animal spirits. I was recently reading about the Rabbit’s symbolism and mythology, and learned that in many cultures, the Rabbit is heavily associated with the moon. So, I recreated another version of my Earth Day design where Yoga Bunny represents the moon, as contrasted with the sun, behind him. I’ll also be giving 5% of my earnings from this design to the Eden Reforestation Project in honor of Earth Day. I read somewhere that the rabbit symbolizes humans’ connection to the Earth, and I believe that to be true. I’m grateful to both the Rabbit Spirit, and to Mother Earth on this day.
Happy Earth Day to everyone, and thank you for reading!
Brian Russo has been drawing since he can remember. He grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey, then moved to New York, where he earned a degree from NYU. Afterwards, he discovered something he loves just as much as drawing: doing yoga. He earned a teaching certificate from Yoga to the People in 2010, during which time he developed the Yoga Bunny illustrations. He now lives in Lehi, Utah (the setting of the film Footloose) with his beautiful wife, Emily, adorable son, Quill, and loyal dog, Spike. His favorite film is Spirited Away, and the celebrity he’d most like to meet is ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
I am elated and incredibly honored to share that my story, JINPA AND THE DUST CLOUD DOG, has been chosen as the 2022 winner of the Kate Dopirak Craft and Community Award!
In late January, with no expectations, I entered a story in the Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award contest. The award is offered in celebration of Kate Dopirak, an amazing picture book author.Two days ago, I received an email from the Kate Dopirak Award Committee congratulating me. I had won the award for my picture book manuscript JINPA AND THE DUST CLOUD DOG, a story that is truly dear to me!From the bottom of my heart, thank you judges. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the family of Kate Dopirak for seeing value in my story. Kate’s books are so lovely, and I encourage everyone to look for them.
Please welcome children’s book author/illustrator Gabe Jensen to Frog on a Blog! Gabe stopped by to talk a bit about the art process he used when he created his book Neverwoof, which was just published this past September by Familius. This rollicking read-aloud has already garnered several positive reviews.I don’t know about you, but I love hearing about how artists create their art and why they choose the style that they do. Let’s hear from Gabe!
Gabe Jensen sharing Neverwoof.
For NEVERWOOF, I wanted to return to a simpler time in kids’ books when you could only print in two colors. And often those colors were clashing. I don’t remember as a kid ever thinking, “Great story, but the color theory was off” 🙂 . It also gave me a ready activity to do with classes: kids color with their two favorite crayons. I love the resulting images.
Kid’s two-color activity.
Normal 4-color printing has limits on certain colors — especially orange. So we printed this book with spot color where they can mix up any Pantone. It’s more expensive, but it means the book has an orange you won’t see in most titles. I don’t know if people pick up on that, but maybe subconsciously.
Gabe with spreads from Neverwoof.
When I was writing the book, my dad — the science fiction writer Terry Bisson — helped me with the text. My mom is a quilter with a wonderful sense of color, and we sat together to choose the exact orange and green.
One of Gabe’s mom’s quilts.
One of Gabe’s dad’s books.
Gabe says, “I really, really like green and orange.” 🙂
Working with the people at Familius was really great. They gave me a lot of creative latitude, and my editor/book designer Brooke Jorden contributed the debossing of the cover, which gives it that great tactile feel.
Thank you, Gabe! That was truly fascinating.
Giveaway Time!
Gabe has generously offered-to one lucky winner-a picture book manuscript critique! Just leave a comment on this blog post by April 15th for your chance to win. I’ll choose a winner at random and contact you with information on how to connect with Gabe. Share this blog post on any social media site and earn one extra entry per site, just let me know where you shared.Good luck!
Gabe first tried to publish a kids book at age 19 (Nightbringers is still looking for a home — anyone? 🙂 ). Since then, he’s worked on kid’s digital projects, like Jeff Kinney’s (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) site Poptropica, as a puzzle designer (Castlemouse, Lumosity), and an ad creative for clients like Coca-Cola. He has three kids, and lives in Berkeley, CA with a two-eyed Cyclops (false) and a one-eyed cat (true).
He’s currently working on his second book NOCTURNAL NICO, about a kid who tries to convince his parents he’s nocturnal so he can stay up late. Hmmm, how about purple and yellow?
Gabe says, “I love pics of pups reading Neverwoof! Send them to me at gabe@gabejensenbooks.com and I’ll post on social media.”
Summary: Sally is usually the happiest kid. She wakes up every morning with a bright sun shining over her bed, and she knows it’s going to be a good day. One day she wakes up feeling different and with a gloomy cloud hanging over her instead. She doesn’t know why it’s there, but she doesn’t want anyone to see it—not her parents, not her teacher, and not her friends—so she hides it away. But as the day goes on, the cloud grows too big and heavy for her to carry, and Sally must find the courage to let it out. With gentle reassurance, this book reminds us that everyone feels sad sometimes, and that’s okay.
Do you have a children’s picture book coming out soon? I’d love to wish it a Happy Book Birthday here on Frog on a Blog! CLICK for more information.
Hello, all you lovely people out there. It’s the holiday season, and to help me–and you–get into the spirit, I’m giving away a signed copy of my book The Peddler’s Bed to one blog follower who comments on this post. Just say hi, hello, how’s it going, or any other greeting that strikes your fancy.
The Peddler’s Bed is all about giving, caring, generosity, and kindness, and is perfect for the holidays or any day.Can’t we all use a bit more kindness in our lives?
Just leave your comment by Sunday, December 5. A winner will be chosen at random. I’ll contact the winner for a U.S. mailing address and to whom they’d like the book signed.
Happy Holidays!
Image from The Peddler’s Bed/Copyright (c) 2015 Bong Redila
Henry Herz’s latest picture book I Am Smoke is already receiving a lot of praise, including a starred review from Kirkus! Travis Jonker, an elementary school librarian and book reviewer for School Library Journal, included I Am Smoke on his 2021 list ofThe Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children’s Books. And Matthew Cordell, author/illustrator of the Caldecott Medal-winning book Wolf in the Snow, said, “I’ll never look at smoke the same way again!” With so much buzz about I Am Smoke floating around, I’m super thrilled that Henry stopped by to tell us a little about how the idea for his creative nonfiction picture book was formed.Take it away, Henry!
I find the employment of fictional elements to convey facts a great way to engage with young readers and teach them without them realizing it. Fiction can be the melted cheese we pour on top of the broccoli of nonfiction. Now, there are some picture books with anthropomorphic characters, but I’d never seen smoke treated as a character. And who better to explain the various ways in which people have employed smoke than smoke itself? But I needed an overarching structure. I considered the chemistry of smoke. It turns out that wood smoke is primarily carbon dioxide, ash, and water vapor. Water vapor got me thinking about the water cycle—water evaporates from rivers, lakes, and oceans to form clouds. Eventually, the water precipitates as rain or snow. Rinse and repeat.
Then I considered the carbon dioxide given off by wood smoke. Two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. Carbon… Inspiration struck like lightning splitting a tree. Plants are the lungs of the Earth. They breathe in carbon dioxide through their stomata. They drink up water through their roots. Sunlight provides energy to split those molecules. The plant forms cellulose from carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, sequestering more and more carbon as they grow. Conversely, burning tree branches releases the stored carbon. Eureka! Smoke has a “cycle” too.
Wow! That’s pretty fascinating! Thanks, Henry. I have a feeling that you’re not just blowing smoke. 😉
Readers, go out and find this book ASAP!
Henry Herzauthored 11 traditionally published children’s titles: MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES (Pelican, 2015), WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY (Pelican, 2016), MABEL & THE QUEEN OF DREAMS (Schiffer, 2016), LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH (Pelican, 2016), CAP’N REX & HIS CLEVER CREW (Sterling, 2017), HOW THE SQUID GOT TWO LONG ARMS (Pelican, 2018), ALICE’S MAGIC GARDEN (Familius, 2018), GOOD EGG AND BAD APPLE (Schiffer, 2018), 2 PIRATES + 1 ROBOT (Kane Miller, 2019), I AM SMOKE (Tilbury House, 2021), and THE MAGIC SPATULA (Month9 Books, 2022).
Henry is an editor at Running Wild Press. He’s an SCBWI member and moderates author panels yearly at San Diego Comic-Con. He earned a BS in Engineering from Cornell U., an MS in Engineering from George Washington U., and an MA in Political Science from Georgetown U.
Please welcome author and artist Amanda Leemis to Frog on a Blog. Amanda and I share a passion for literacy and picture books! Amanda stopped by with an awesome list of her top ten picture book picks for the preschool classroom. With schools all over the U.S. opening up again, her post couldn’t be more timely. Let’s take a look!
The Top 10 Picture Books You Need for Your Preschool Classroom includes wonderful indie authors and illustrators you absolutely must discover along with some classic picture book favorites! Each book on this list has amazing illustrations that will captivate early readers and bring them into an exciting story. It can be difficult for our earliest readers to sit through a long book, so each pick on this list has about 2-3 sentences per page. Now, let’s get reading!
“Shy Willow”
Written and illustrated by Cat Min
Can a tiny bunny make a big difference? Come along with Willow as she ventures outside of her mailbox home for the first time! It’s a very scary big world out there and she faces many obstacles. She goes on a journey to deliver a very important note to the moon. Willow uses her creative mind and brave heart to conquer her fears and deliver a very important message. The water color illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and you will be instantly transported into a beautiful story. It will be a hard time picking your favorite illustration.
Going to school for the first time can be a lot of things: scary, confusing, exciting, adventurous. This is what the Moose learns as he heads to school! Follow along with this amazing character as he paints a picture with his hooves, blows stuff up in science class, and plays the drums. The end of the book has a great message too! If you accidentally take the wrong bus after school, it’s ok! The bus driver is there to help you and make sure you get home safely. Never be afraid to ask for help. If you like this book, then get excited, there are 19 more! See the review for “The Moose Goes to a Farm”.
Written by M. Drew and illustrated by Margherita Grasso
This book is packed full of whimsy, captivating illustrations, and furry best friends! Have you ever seen cats and dogs literally raining from the sky? No? Well then, you must check out this amazing picture book. If you’ve ever had a kid who has had a bad day and they just need to escape into a world that’s packed full of goodness, this book is a must! Follow along a little girl’s rainy day as she catches puppies and kitties falling from the sky. Don’t these animals need homes? I guess she’ll just have to make some extra room.
Written by Carly Simon and illustrated by Margot Datz
Going to bed isn’t any fun, especially when there is ballet to do! Amy the Bear wants to dance. She wants to dance in her bedroom, and do pirouettes and beautiful leaps. Her mother tells her several times that it’s bedtime, but Amy’s excitement is so infectious that her mother lets her dance on! This book’s illustrations are amazing! You will immediately want to join Amy and dance around her beautiful leafy house and look at the sunset out the large windows. While this book is great for bedtime, it is also great to read before nap time at school. It’s calming tone and peaceful images will bring everyone’s mind to rest.
When we get mad sometimes we want to shout, sometimes we want to cry, or sometimes we want to hurt other people. The little boy in this story just needs someone to listen. After Taylor’s amazing creation falls to the ground different animals come by to tell him what to do to feel better. Roaring doesn’t work, talking doesn’t work, and laughing doesn’t work. When a rabbit comes along he sits patiently and listens to the boy’s story. He hears about all the animals who tried to make him feel better, but never listened to his feelings. You will fall in love with rabbit, and be encouraged to persevere when things are difficult. The illustrations in this book are so cute and you will love the patient, listening rabbit.
Penelope the T-Rex is excited for her first day of school, but when she arrives she discovers that all of her classmates are humans! How will she be able to resist eating them? Penelope has such a hard time making friends, and by the end of the day she feels very lonely. The illustrations in this book are so unique and captivating. At the end of the book, Penelope sees what it’s like to get a taste of her own medicine (she gets bitten by a fish!) and she changes her ways. This book is great for the classroom and has a great message about how to treat one another in a kind way.
Ghosts aren’t real, or are they? Follow along on a little girl’s journey as she is called through the forest by a mystical creature. Could this be the legendary ghost horse? Perfect for Halloween, this book has bright and colorful illustrations that will usher you into a perfect preschool spooky adventure. In the end, we see that things are never as scary as they seem. Good news! There are 3 more books in the cowgirl series! These are wonderful books for little ones who love horses. See “Cowgirl Lessons” for more horse fun.
Do you love colors, counting, and dogs? Then this book is for you! Dog has 1 black dot on his left ear, but as the day moves along he finds more and more colorful spots on his coat. A splat of red jam leaves a red spot, a splish of blue paints leaves a blue spot, and a splosh of pink ice-cream leaves a pink spot. Count all of his 10 dots and name all of the 10 colors. What a messy dog! After his bath at the end of the day, he gets nice and clean in the bathtub. The illustrations are great for pre-K! With big shapes and bright colors, there is so much to talk about!
Written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman
When a rustling in the trees attracts Bear’s attention, he goes to find out who is making the sound. What kind of animal is it? Could it be a new friend? His friends join him as he looks high and low to see where the sound is coming from. This book is great for learning about how to make new friends, and what to do if someone is a bit shy. Come check out tons of different animals and find out who is hiding from Bear.
Come discover how little Trixie says her very first words, “Knuffle Bunny”. On the way back home from a trip to the laundromat with her dad, Trixie begins to wail and sob. What could she be crying about? Oh no! She left her stuffed animal at the laundromat! Explore New York in these super unique illustrations and follow the family as they traverse the city to retrieve their lovable plush!
Amanda Leemisis a model, artist, and creator ofThe Hollydog Blog!She is passionate about encouraging our littlest humans to read! With two books published in the “My Hollydog” series, she loves illustration and uses her skills to create printable worksheets for ages 2-5. Creating resources that build fine motor skills and boost creativity is her passion.
It is my pleasure to welcome children’s book author Michelle Vattula to Frog on a Blog. Michelle’s debut picture book, The Stalking Seagulls, was published earlier this year. Once upon a time, Michelle and I were in a critique group together, and I had the privilege of seeing an early draft of this story. I’m so excited that her hilarious boy vs. seagulls book is now out in the world! Let’s hear from Michelle.Be sure to read all the way to the end for information about a giveaway!
Congratulations on the publication of your debut children’s picture book The Stalking Seagulls! Please tell us a bit about the book and what inspired the story.
M.V.Hi Lauri and thank you so much. The Stalking Seagulls is a day at the beach that everyone has experienced at one time or another. A little boy gets a sandwich and the seagulls descend. The fun part of the book is what the main character, Alec, does to try to thwart the seagulls advances. My family visits my snowbird parents each year in Florida and one year the seagulls were quite relentless, which is where I got my inspiration.
Michelle’s family
The Stalking Seagulls was printed in a special font called dyslexie. Can you tell us a little about that? And is it common for your publisher, Maclaren-Cochrane Publishing, to print books this way?
M.V.According towww.dyslexiefont.com, Dyslexie font is a typeface – specially designed for people with dyslexia – which enhances the ease of reading, learning and working. The dyslexic font has subtle differences with the letter, such as being thicker on the bottom and slight slants to certain letters. This in turn assists the dyslexic reader. My publisher MacLaren-Cochrane only prints their books in dyslexie.
How long have you been writing with an eye toward being published?
M.V. Even though I have been writing for a long time, it has only been in the past six years that I have truly focused on being published and ultimately learning as much as I can about the publishing world.
Image from The Stalking Seagulls
What is your favorite thing about picture books?
M.V. Hmmm….that is a great question. There are so many areas to address, but overall, I love how they make me feel. When a picture book has a great and satisfying ending, I then feel good. Picture books can elicit many different emotions and having a writer creative and talented enough to evoke them is quite a special talent.
You have a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. How does your knowledge of speech pathology affect or inform your writing?
M. V. My main focus in Speech-Language Pathology was within the geriatric population, so I dealt with a lot of Aphasia (an acquired language disorder due to a brain injury, such as a stroke) and Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). That being said, the use of language was vital, making sure words and thoughts were clear and that words and phrases helped elicit language and communication. It’s complicated to explain, but my background has allowed me to use language that is fun and creative.
You are a member of at least one writer’s critique group. How important is it to you to be involved in groups like this?
M.V. Being part of a critique group is everything! I have three different critique groups and they all bring something different to the table. I am blessed and thankful for their expertise and opinions. They have all made me a better writer and critiquer.
Michelle’s writing buddies
What’s next for Michelle Vattula? What are you currently working on?
M.V. I have a great agent, T.J. Kirsch, from JCH Literary, who believes in my writing and is working hard to find it the right home. I have multiple completed manuscripts, Yay! I am doing a lot of revisions on others. I just started working on a sequel to a complete MS. Lots of pokers in the fire, that’s for sure.
Instagram @michelleciampavattula and Twitter @Mmvattula
Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
M.V.I hope you enjoy The Stalking Seagulls. If you are a writer and frustrated with the process, stay strong and keep going. The publishing world is a hard business, but with perseverance and heart, anything is possible. Best of luck and may the seagulls never get your sandwich!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I’m sure everyone will enjoy your wonderful debut book.
Giveaway!
Folks, if you haven’t yet picked up a copy of The Stalking Seagulls, here’s a chance to get your hands on one. Michelle has generously offered to give away a signed copy of her book to one person who comments on this blog post by August 23. A winner will be chosen at random.
Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.
Michelle Vattula was born in Boston but grew up most of her life in Erie, PA. After she received her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio, she ventured back to Boston for her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. Michelle Currently lives in the beautiful rolling hills of North Pittsburgh with her Finnish husband, her two rescue Golden Retrievers (one who is a therapy dog), and two beautiful boys who are her true inspiration for writing.
Michelle’s debut picture book, THE STALKING SEAGULLS, was released by MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing on April 20, 2021. Michelle is part of the Western Pennsylvania SCBWI leadership team as their New Member and Critique Group Coordinator. She is also a proud member of the Twitter group #Newin19. Michelle is represented by T.J. Kirsch from JCH Literary, and is open for interviews, story times/readings and visits (virtual and in-person).
Sorry for my absence. I’ve been dealing with lots of life-changing events in recent weeks. I hope to have new content to share soon. Thanks for sticking with me!
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
PEACE: From saying hello to saying I’m sorry, this simple concept book explores definitions of peace and actions small and big that foster it. Rhyme
BARNABY: When Barnaby the budgie’s owner brings home another bird, Barnaby decides that the house isn’t big enough for two of them, and he flies out the open window.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE ENGINEERS: Goldilocks is an inventor with inventor’s block, but with the help of three new friends, everything turns out just right. Rhyme
I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG: Chewie is going to be Alice’s gluten-sniffing service dog, but he keeps getting distracted during training.
HALAL HOT DOGS: Every Friday, Musa’s family takes turns picking out a Jummah treat, and they’ve tried all sorts of foods, but when it’s Musa’s turn, he picks his favorite, halal hot dogs.
LET’S POP, POP, POPCORN!: Follow along and learn the step-by-step process of how America’s favorite snack is grown, harvested, and popped. Rhyme
I LOVE YOU AS BIG AS A RAINBOW: Big Bear and Small Bear see a rainbow in the sky, and when it disappears, they decide to make their own.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
THE COLOR COLLECTOR: When a boy notices the new girl collecting litter on her way home, he thinks it’s strange until she shows him the mural she created that reminds her of the home she left behind.
BALLOONS FOR PAPA: Arthur really wants a balloon, something to keep his spirits up for Mama, but his depressed Papa’s answer is always no.
THE LITTLE THINGS: The day after a mighty storm, a little girl finds a sea star that has washed up on shore, and she returns it to the ocean, which sets off a chain of kind acts all around her neighborhood.
THE ALLIGATOR WHO CAME FOR DINNER: Best friends, Little Lamb and Wolf, discover a large egg in the forest, take it home, and soon find themselves caring for a baby alligator.
BIRD HOUSE: On a snowy day, a grandmother and grandchild find an injured bird, care for it, then set it free.
CARPENTER’S HELPER: Renata’s plans to help her father build a new bathroom are put on hold when two wrens decide to fly in through the unfinished window, build a nest, and raise their young.
I’M A HARE, SO THERE!: An irritated hare takes the time to educate a ground squirrel on the differences between hares and rabbits. Funny and informative
WATERCRESS: Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.
AMERICA MY LOVE AMERICA MY HEART: A single child asks a single question that multiplies across the country from more and more children of color: America, do you love me? Some rhyme
WELCOME HOME, WHALES: A boy befriends a whale by listening to her complex past, understanding their connected present, and offering amends in hopes of a better future.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM: A house, a bridge, an amusement park all start as an idea, a sketch, a plan, but someone needs to work the saws and pound the nails, someone has to build each dream. Rhyme
COQUI IN THE CITY: When Miguel moves with his parents to mainland U.S., he misses his home, but he soon realizes that New York has more in common with Puerto Rico than he thought.
ANITA AND THE DRAGONS: Anita must face her fears, enter the belly of the beast-an airplane-, and begin life in a new country far from the Dominican Republic.
THREE: A homeless three-legged dog hops and skips about the city until he befriends a little girl who accepts him as he is.
THE SHAREY GODMOTHER: Shari T. Fairy loves to share, but when some of her friends question whether so much sharing is good, she tries being less generous, with disappointing results.
NYE, SAND AND STONES: A young girl challenges destructive behavior from the citizens of an island of stones that the rest of her community on an island of sand has accepted since forever.
THAO: Ever since Thao can remember, her name has been misspelled, mispronounced, and misunderstood, so now she’s ready for a new name.
AMIRA’S PICTURE DAY: Amira is excited for Eid with special clothes, treats, gifts, and a morning party at her mosque, but picture day at school is the same day and she was looking forward to that, too.
CLOSE YOUR EYES: If you’re not ready to go to bed, better close your eyes so that you don’t see all the sleepy little animals and get sleepy yourself. Adorable!
THE WIND AND THE TREES: Deep in a forest, a mature pine tree and a seedling begin a conversation, and as the years pass, the older pine weathers while the younger tree grows and flourishes.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
A HOUSE FOR EVERY BIRD: When a young artist draws a flock of birds and a house to match each one, her drawings revolt and insist on trading houses.
BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD: When lonely Roland finds a pine cone in the woods, it becomes his best friend, but someone else may just be missing their bumpy best friend at the same time.
ME + TREE: A young girl and an old tree learn from each other how to find their purpose and foster healing in the world. Lovely!
POOJO’S GOT WHEELS: Clever dog Poojo doesn’t let the fact that he was born without back legs slow him down.
THE NICE DREAM TRUCK: Sleepy children receive a visit from the Nice Dream Truck whose driver serves up all sorts of delicious dreams. Rhyme
THE TREE IN ME: A celebration of the strength and wonder within each of us, and a meditation on the interconnectedness of every living thing. Love the art!
HOME FOR A WHILE: Calvin has lived in many houses that never felt like home, but Maggie, his new foster mother, helps him deal with his emotions while also making him feel at home.
IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SUNNY: Laila has trouble adjusting when a thunderstorm causes her outdoor party to become an indoor party.
SHEEPISH: When the big bad wolf creates a foolproof plan to sneak into the sheep herd, things don’t go as planned.
THE LITTLE LIBRARY: Jake, a reluctant reader, becomes a book lover when the new librarian finds Jake a book about woodworking.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
MOTHER GOOSE TO THE RESCUE!: When the Queen of Hearts’ castle goes up in flames, Mother Goose and her band of nursery rhyme firefighters jump to the rescue. Rhyme
TREEMENDOUS: Follow along as a tiny acorn grows up to be a tall and mighty oak tree.
MEESHA MAKES FRIENDS: Meesha struggles to make friends, so she creates her own out of found materials.
ELEPHANTS DO NOT BELONG IN TREES: When an elephant takes up roost in a tree, he upsets the other animals, until a bulldozer comes along, and the elephant saves their home.
A FAMILY FOR FARU: Tetenya looks for a family of rhinos to take in an orphan named Faru, but he must protect the young rhino from poachers first.
MY MONSTERPIECE: When a child’s attempts at making a scary monster fail, they begin to imagine that monsters don’t have to be scary after all.
HOORAY, IT’S GARBAGE DAY!: Neighborhood children look forward to garbage day and have fun making their own garbage truck. Rhyme
SAM’S FIRST WORD: Baby Sam is ready to say her first word, but the adults in her life keep missing the moment, until she does something they can’t ignore.
THE AQUANAUT: A child dreams of being an explorer, helping others, and meeting new friends. Striking art!
THE PERFECT SHELTER: When a child discovers her sister is ill, she doesn’t know how to deal with it at first, but then she realizes that being together is all they need.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCK: A special duck brings the people of the city back together after they put their phones away.
AVOCADO ASKS: Avocado hunts for the truth, in each aisle of the supermarket, about whether he’s a fruit or a vegetable.
SLOTH WASN’T SLEEPY: Mama Sloth knows some special secrets to help her worried little daughter calm down and drift off to sleep.
RISSY NO KISSIES: Rissy’s friends and family wonder if she’s sick, confused, or rude because she’s a lovebird who doesn’t like kisses. Rhyme
RECTANGLE TIME: Told from the cat’s point of view as it spends time with the boy and watches as the boy gets bigger, the rectangle gets smaller, and it’s (the cat’s) assistance is no longer needed.
TEARS: Explores the reasons why people cry and conveys the idea that when we let our tears flow, we are stronger.
OUT OF NOWHERE: A beetle courageously sets out in search of his best friend, a caterpillar who arrived out of nowhere and vanished without warning.
RAINDROPS TO RAINBOW: On a rainy day, a girl discovers that color can be found all around us, no matter the weather. Rhyme/Concept
THE LOST PACKAGE: Follow one package’s journey from lost to found, and from coast to coast.
BEDTIME BALLET: When the sun sets, a little girl jumps, slides, and pirouettes her way to bed. Rhyme
Title:An Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A to Z
Illustrator:Rachael Saunders
Publisher/Year: The School of Life/2021
I admit it, I don’t post about poetry very often here on the Frog. But, April is Poetry Month, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a children’s picture book filled with fun poems?And lovely illustrations, featuring adorable animals?
ButAn Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A to Zby The School of Life, with amazing art by Rachael Saunders, is more than a fun read. It features 26 emotions from anger to melancholy to zeal, each one encompassing a two-page spread with a new animal and setting.The goal of the book is to help children develop emotional literacy. Some of the featured emotions are more straight forward, such as boredom, fear, or happiness. And some are more complex, such as embarrassment, insecurity, or vulnerability.
Sample from L is for Loneliness:
If Loneliness was an animal,
It would glide throughout the deep:
No ears to hear its lonely song,
No company to keep.
Children experience many different emotions, and some have difficulty expressing them properly or even articulating what they’re feeling, leaving them with another feeling–confusion. An Emotional Menagerie aims to help children understand and deal with their feelings and emotions in a healthy way.
Though the rhyme isn’t perfect in every stanza, children will still likely be engaged listeners as an adult reads them each poem. And they will definitely enjoy viewing the charming animal pictures while they listen.
My favorite spread: T is for Tranquility
During these extra-trying days, I can’t think of a better time to share a book about emotions with our kids.
Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.
OVER THE SHOP: A little girl’s grandparent struggles to rent the shabby apartment above her general store, until a special couple decides to move in and helps transform the store and the community. Wordless
CHICK CHAT: When everyone in her family is too busy, chatty Baby Chick adopts an egg, and finally finds a friend who is a good listener. Cute!
I AM NOT A PENGUIN: Poor Pangolin tries to explain to the other animals who he is, but they keep getting mixed up, confusing him with a penguin, an armadillo, and more. Funny!
TWO WOOL GLOVES: As a winter storm approaches, Father Squirrel sets out to find a warm shelter for his family and finally comes across the perfect place, just the right size for Mother Squirrel and their five babies.
TOGETHER: Whether stargazing, playing, or cuddling before bedtime, a polar bear parent assures a child that they will never be lonely because they are together forever. Rhyme
I catalog hundreds of new picture books each year, and I read as many of them as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t review them all. But I can share them! Below are a few recent titles. (Summaries have been taken directly from the books whenever possible.) Check your local library or bookstore for availability.
RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS: A girl and her companion fox travel together away from a sorrowful past, through challenging and stormy times, toward color and light and life. Rhyme/Lovely!
THE ALL-TOGETHER QUILT: Tells the heartwarming story of a diverse group of people coming together to make a quilt and lasting friendships.
ROO KNOWS BLUE: Little Roo only knows the color blue, but he soon learns the world is made up of lots of other colors, too. Concept/Rhyme/Fun!
NIGHT WALK: A girl has trouble sleeping and goes for a walk at night with her father where she sees her neighborhood in a whole new light.
TAMLIN’S GREAT ADVENTURE: When Tamlin the horse leaves his field and best friend, Ruby, to go explore the wide world, he learns the grass isn’t really greener far from home.
MEL FELL: Mel the kingfisher bird is ready to leave the nest and learn to fly, but when she jumps she falls and falls. Or does she?
SEEKING AN AURORA: Through the silent frost, across fields, and up hills, a father and child set off to find an aurora and share an unforgettable moment as they watch the splendor of the northern lights.
EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS: A young girl notices that her eyes look different from her friends because her eyes kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.
THE MIDNIGHT FAIR: After the lights go out and the people go home, the creatures in the nearby forest take their turn at the fair. Wordless
I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP: In Haiti, Claude waits all week to ride the tap tap to the beach where he meets up with a mango seller, a fisherman, a straw-hat maker, an artist, and a steel drummer.
I catalog hundreds of new picture books each year, and I read as many of them as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t review them all. But I can share them! Below are a few recent titles. (Summaries have been taken directly from the books whenever possible.) Check your local library or bookstore for availability.
ONE GIRL: As one girl reads one book, the world opens up to her and she discovers other places, lives, and possibilities. Rhyme
WE WILL LIVE IN THIS FOREST AGAIN: When a thriving forest is swallowed by wildfire, its animal residents brace themselves and look to new beginnings.
ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER: A lyrical tribute to a young black child, filled with heart, hope, and affirmation, saying, you, dear child, matter.
COW BOY IS NOT A COWBOY: When Goat Girl calls Merle a cowboy, he protests, but when the chickens escape the coop and Humdrum Farm is in need of a hero, Merle decides to live up to his new name. Funny!
WE BELIEVE IN YOU: Celebrates the power and joy of believing in yourself and in one another. Rhyme/Sweet!
POOKA & BUNNI: When Pooka knocks down her older sister Bunni’s pillow castle, Pooka uses her big imagination to fix it before Bunni returns. Love the art!
THE LIBRARY BUS: In Afghanistan, Pari accompanies her mother on her library bus rounds, stopping at a village and a refugee camp so that girls there can exchange books and have a lesson in English.
LOUIS: Tired of dangerous adventures with his human boy, a teddy bear decides to run away, but reconsiders when bedtime arrives.
DINOS DON’T DO YOGA: When a yoga-loving dinosaur named Sam moves to town, rough-and-tumble Rex disapproves of his yoga pants and silly chants, and anyone who prefers tree pose to tussling.
ELLIE’S DRAGON: When Ellie is very small, she finds a tiny dragon just hatched from its egg, but as Ellie grows up, and moves from dollhouses to dance parties with friends, Scratch the dragon begins to fade.
I catalog hundreds of new picture books each year, and I read as many of them as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t review them all. But I can share them! Below are a few recent titles. (Summaries have been taken directly from the books whenever possible.) Check your local library or bookstore for availability.
I AM THE STORM: Children share gentle stories of resilience in a tornado, a blizzard, a wildfire, and a hurricane.
THE SAD LITTLE FACT: Follow a sad little fact who is locked away for telling the truth and meets other little facts who want to escape their underground prison.
SNOW FRIENDS: Oscar the dog can’t contain his excitement on the perfect day to play in the newly fallen snow. Sweet!
MAGGIE’S TREASURE: When Maggie’s found treasure collection grows too big and spills out of her house into an unsightly mess, Maggie has the perfect plan to get rid of it all.
THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK: When a moving truck pulls up, it’s not a goblin, ogre, or dragon that’s moving into Vampire’s old house, it’s something even more terrifying, it’s a clown! Funny!
THE PURPLE PUFFY COAT: When Beetle gives Stick Bug a purple puffy coat for his birthday, Stick Bug really sticks out in a crowd, much to his dismay.
GRANDMA AND THE ROOSTER: It’s Chinese New Year and Grandma has a special present for her family, a rooster to make into delicious soup, but when her granddaughter Xiaoyue meets the rooster, she begs to keep him.
BENNY WANTS A HAIRCUT: When it’s Sam’s turn for a haircut, Benny starts to bark and won’t stop because he wants a haircut too.
THE WORLD MADE A RAINBOW: A girl feels sad that she can’t go out and play with her friends or see her grandma, so she makes a rainbow to bring joy, hope, and togetherness to her neighborhood. Rhyme
STAR CROSSED: Two friends, a girl made of blood and bone and a boy made of space and stars, each make a wish to be where the other is.
I catalog hundreds of new picture books each year, and I read as many of them as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t review them all. But I can share them! Below are a few recent titles. (Summaries have been taken directly from the books whenever possible.) Check your local library or bookstore for availability.
THE SNOW DANCER: Sofia is excited to have a snow day and dance in the unspoiled park, but when other kids show up, Sofia’s beautiful silence is scattered.
MY WORDS: A celebration of words, big and small, prickly or bright, by a young girl. Rhyme
ONCE UPON A WINTER DAY: Milo’s mother is too busy to read him a story so she sends him outside to play in the snow where he discovers a story of his own inspired by nature.
KIND: Shares a host of positive and hopeful ideas, from kindness jars to big hugs, and shows how we can all make the world a better, kinder place. Features 38 illustrators
THE WORRYSAURUS: Little Worrysaurus has his whole day planned out, but after he sets off to have a picnic, he begins to worry that things will go wrong. Rhyme
OUT THE DOOR: In this story highlighting directional concepts, follow a girl as she travels to school in a busy city, going out, down, past, along, and more.
HELGA MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF: A small but fierce Viking girl, along with her wolverine sidekick, is determined to become a warrior, just like her hero Ingrid the Axe.
MADELINE FINN AND THE THERAPY DOG: Madeline Finn hopes Star can become a therapy dog, but when they can’t get an elderly man in a wheelchair to smile, Madeline must learn patience.
THESAURUS HAS A SECRET: If the other dinosaurs discover that Thesaurus loves to read, they won’t think he’s such a normal dino.
NEIGHBORS: A girl contemplates what her neighbors might be like after her family moves into a new apartment building.
I catalog hundreds of new picture books each year, and I read as many of them as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t review them all. But I can share them! Below are a few recent titles. (Summaries have been taken directly from the books whenever possible.) Check your local library or bookstore for availability.
SPEAK UP, MOLLY LOU MELON: Molly Lou’s mother encourages her to speak up when something is wrong, for those who can’t, and even when it’s hard, and Molly knows just what to do when a bully picks on a new kid at school.
SPACE MATTERS: From the spaces between words in a sentence to the vast, blue sky, spaces, both large and small, add beauty and make sense of the world around us.
SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS: In ancient India, a boy named Bhagat travels to the rajah’s city, hoping to ensure his family’s prosperity by winning a place at court as a singer.
LUBAYA’S QUIET ROAR: Lubaya, an introverted young girl, quietly draws on the back of old protest posters, but when her family is called to march again, her artwork is the most powerful statement on that day.
THE BOOKSTORE CAT: Follow the well-loved bookstore cat’s hilarious antics from A to Z through a day in his bustling, book-filled shop. Fun!
THIS OLD DOG: From the time she takes her first steps, old dog finds someone, at last, who wants to go the same pace he does, slow. Super sweet!
BYE, PENGUIN!: When the ice cracks, one little penguin is set adrift on a journey around the world. Clever!
TURTLE WALK: A family of turtles goes for a long, long walk that has an unexpected and very fun ending. Cute!
SNOW DAYS: Children celebrate the varied aspects of snow, from the first magic snow of the season to the last melting snow. Rhyme
ADDY’S CUP OF SUGAR: In this reworking of a Buddhist parable, Stillwater, a giant panda, teaches Addy that the grief she feels for the loss of her kitten is part of life and is shared by everybody.
Lauri Fortino's Frog On A (B)Log 