THREE REASONS TO READ: Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham

TITLE: MEET MISS FANCY

Illustrator: John Holyfield                            
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2019

Jacket Flap:
Frank has always loved elephants, from their hosepipe trunks and flip-flap ears to their tree-stump feet 

and swish-swish tails. But he's never seen one in real life. More than anything, Frank wants to pet an 

elephant. He thinks he just might get his chance when Miss Fancy, a circus elephant, retires to 

Birmingham's Avondale Park. 

But disappointment sets in quickly when Frank relizes he won't be allowed to pet her, after all. The year

is 1913 and Avondale Park is segregated. The NO COLORED ALLOWED sign looms large and means

Frank's dream will stay a dream...unless he can find a way to change things. 

Based on the true history of Miss Fancy who lived in Birmingham, Alabama's Avondale Park until 1934, 

Meet Miss Fancy is an endearing and heartrending story set in the era when Jim crow reigned supreme, 

largely unchecked but for the dreams and will of those who thought they could make a difference. 

THREE REASONS TO READ:

1.    An important book that is an absolute sweet, inspiring, engaging read with a delightful main character!

       It's so easy to identify with Frank. 
2.    Such beautifully drawn, yet animated art. 
3.   It's based on history and weaves in interesting truths, truths we should learn, and histories that should

      never happen again. 

BONUS REASON: ELEPHANTS! 

BUY THE BOOK:
https://amzn.to/33hhQnc

https://literallylynnemarie.blogspot.com/2019/08/82019-updated-picture-book-mechanic.html

Join Me for A Tinker and Talk Book Chat

 

PPBF Review of FRED'S BIG FEELINGS: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MISTER ROGERS by Laura Renauld

TITLE: Fred's Big Feelings - The Life and Legacy of Mr. Rogers 

 

AUTHOR: Laura Renauld

ILLUSTRATOR: Bridgette Barrager

PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster 

LINK: https://amzn.to/34167gm

JACKET COPY: Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes, he felt scared or lonely, other times, he was joyous. When Fred's feelings seemed too big, his grandfather McFeeley knew exactly what to say to make him better: "I like you just the way you are."

Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the television program that warmed the homes of millions. But one day the government threatened cut funding for public television, including Fred's show. 

So Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capital Hill to make his feelings known. 

In this portray full of feeling, Laura Renauld and award-winning illustrator Brigette Barrager tell the story of Mr. Rogers, a quiet , compassionate hero whose essential message still resonates today. 

SNIPPET: 

Hello, neighbor! It's a beautiful day. Come in. Look around. What do you see?

This is the closet filled with Mr. Rogers' cardigans. His mother knitted each one! And here's where he changes his shoes. Sneakers are more comfy, don't you think? 

THREE REASONS TO READ

     1. Many children will identify with the boy in this book and how he felt as a child. 

     2. Woven throughout are thoughts and inspirations about getting in touch with one's feelings, understanding them, sharing them and understanding others. 

    3.   Mr. Roger's story is interesting and inspiring. 

BONUS REASON: Honestly, this book gave me all the feels. It had an accessible main character and his story was written and portrayed in an engaging way that's understandable and accessible to the child reader. The illustrations are wonderful, with such heart and drive. I give a big round of applause to the author and illustrator for this wonderful treatment of a complex and even at times cutting edge, but beloved public figure. You don't have to be a fan of Mr. Rogers to see his positive impact on the world and LOVE this book! 

BUY Fred's Big Feelings HERE 

Review by Lynne Marie

To Dissect and Discuss More fabulous books like this one, 

join my TINKER AND TALK Book Chat! 

FREE! 

Keep your eyes peeled for more information, coming SOON!

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY with Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Author Lauren Kerstein

 The Story Behind the Story: ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT:

Although Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night (Two Lions/ Illustrated by Nate Wragg) is the second Rosie and Charlie adventure to hit the shelves, it was actually the first book I wrote in the series.

In 2016, I participated in NAPIBOWRIWEE. I challenged myself to write seven picture books in different structures (one each day of the week) after reading a wonderful ReFoReMo post by Tammi Sauer about structure.

The original draft of this book was a “how to” book about how to put your mommy to bed. I thought it would be funny to write about this from a child’s perspective. I wanted to highlight the trials and tribulations that parents and children go through at bedtime.

As a child and family psychotherapist, I’ve worked with tons of families around bedtime challenges, and as a mom, well… nobody can prepare you for the bedtime snafus you may encounter.

And now, that “how to” book is a character-focused story with some of its original text, all of its initial voice, and every ounce of its intended heart.   

Check out the trailer for ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a9oEc6jHtQ

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT is available! 

Purchase Rosie the Dragon and Charlie HERE

Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who currently lives in Colorado with her husband, their two dragons...er, daughters, and their rescue dogs. Lauren's debut: ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions) splashed into bookstores in 2019. The companion volume, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions), will snuggle into bookshelves September 1, 2020. HOME FOR A WHILE (Illustrated by Natalia Moore/Magination Press) is expected February 2, 2021. Lauren also writes books in her field. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Visit her at www.LaurenKerstein.net, on Twitter @LaurenKerstein, Instagram @LaurenKerstein, or Facebook.

HAPPY FOURTH! - Celebrate Christmas in JULY!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SPECIAL 

For this Month ONLY, purchase one of my The Picture Book Mechanic Critiques at the price of $50 with Code #XMASINJULY 

and you will not only get thorough LINE EDITS/COMMENTS and A BIG PICTURE CRITIQUE, but a copy of my book, 

THE STAR IN THE CHRISTMAS PLAY

to put away for Christmas! 

Please note that these copies will go directly to you from Amazon and will not be signed, but I will send out signed Bookplates with SASEs upon request. Email LiterallyLynneMarie@gmail.com 

for yours with CHRISTMAS IN JULY 

in the Subject Line!

EXTRA, EXTRA! Read All About The Picture Book Mechanic on the Math is Everywhere Blog!

Learn About The Picture Book Mechanic Editing Services and Get Some Editing Tips

by reading Kaitlyn Sanchez's Interview of me here:

https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/2020/06/27/the-picture-book-mechanic-editing-services/

Thanks, Kaitlyn! 

Here's a CONTEST and OFFER (for New Clients and Old) That You Will Really DIG!

DIG UP THOSE OLD MANUSCRIPTS 

for a ZOMBIE-THEMED KIDLIT CONTEST

but before you do, get some FRESH EYES ON IT! 

Please click or copy and paste the link for more information!
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-latest-news-for-you-with-How-to-Revive-a-Dead-Manuscript.html?soid=1134380339239&aid=MQ59AuEPdWE

And please go to my website and sign-up for my newsletter so that you don't miss any of my frequent specials or give-aways!

If you are a new or current newsletter subscriber, please leave a comment as to what dead manuscript you want to resurrect and WHY, and I will be giving away a FREE critique to ONE LUCKY WINNER!

Extra entries for sharing this contest with a friend. Please put the friend's name in the comments so you will both get extra entries. Thanks so much!

NOTE: Winners will be announced June 30th, or when there are 50 entries, which ever comes later.