Clink

Clink

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Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

Clink
Written By Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrations by Matthew Myers
Balzer +Bray, Harper Collins Publishers, 2011
Fiction
Suitable for: ages 4-8
Theme/Topic: Being Different, Being Yourself, Fitting In, Outdated


Opening Spread: As far as robots go, Clink had his fair share of problems.
He was rusty (even his dust had rust).
He was squeaky (even his creaks made squeaks).
And a day didn’t pass without something falling off.
Plink! Pop! Ping!
But the problem that made clinks dials drop and his circuits short out was nobody wanted an old robot.


Brief Synopsis: From author’s website —

Clink was a state-of-the-art robot with the dazzling

ability to make toast and play music at the same time. But that was many years ago.

Now kids want snazzier robots who do things like play baseball and bake cookies.  So day after day, Clink sits on a shelf and sadly watches his friends leave with their new owners.

Resources: Robot Activities for Kids on Pinterest. Robot Craft.
Why I Like This Book: We discovered this title while searching for robot books. We renewed the book twice. I spotted Clink on the library shelf and checked it out a third time. We needed to read him again. He is happy here and we are happy to have him. Clink is a great reminder that you can find your tribe — the people who like you for who you are. You may have to wait a little longer, but it’s well worth the wait.
There is a happy ending for Clink. His story is like the unwanted older dog at the pound, who finds a loving home.


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.


I survived Pikes Peak Writers Conference!
I enjoyed meeting Jane and R.L. Stine.


I’m not into horror, but enjoyed Stine’s in-person humor. He began his career writing joke books under the name Jovial Bob Stine. (I ordered two of his out-of-print books and they are funny.)
Stine has a picture book coming out in August with Marc Brown called The Little Shop of Monsters. He said picture books are hard and it took multiple versions before his manuscript was accepted. I found this article about the birth of the book interesting.
He also said he’d never had a request to sign a book like this. To Mommy!

Me: This way my son knows this is MY book.
Stine: But, what happens when he doesn’t call you that anymore?
I didn’t have an answer, because my Enzo will always be my Enzo. I will always be his mommy. This will also always be MY book.


The Pikes Peak Writers Conference was wonderful. I met new writers, enjoyed many workshops, and remain grateful for the success of the silent auction — thanks to donors, bidders, and volunteers, who made it all possible. The experience of being around other writers a.k.a. people who just “know” is always energizing.

Red A Crayon’s Story

Red A Crayon’s Story

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Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
I hope this is not a repeat. Sometimes my “random” pick up books at the library blurs with the PPBF list pick ups. I love this book!

Red A Crayon’s Story
Author and Illustrator Michael Hall
Green willow Books, 2015
Fiction
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Theme/Topic: Labels, Colors, Fitting in, Being Yourself


Opening Spreads:
He was red  … [page turn]
But he wasn’t very good at it.
[A side comment from Olive crayon “Oh dear.”]


Brief Synopsis: From the Michael Hall’s site — Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let’s draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can’t be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He’s blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone!


Resources: An activity sheet from the publisher.


Why I Like This: Red tries to fit in. The label clearly says Red, but his color is not red. Michael Hall uses simple  drawings to show how Red is trying. Eventually, the color Berry,  gives Red an opportunity to shine and be himself. Pencil makes a wonderful narrator too! I love the story, the illustration, the asides from the other crayons to pull you through the story. This is a fun one to read and study!


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.


Happy Spring!

Zero

Zero

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Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

Zero
Author and Illustrator Kathryn Otoshi
KO Kids Books, 2010
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 3 and up
Theme/Topic: Numbers, Counting, Fitting in


Opening: Zero was a big round number.


Brief Synopsis: (from book jacket) Zero was a big round number. When she looked at herself, she just saw a hole … right in her center. Every day she watched the other numbers line up to count. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … She wanted to count too! But how could a number worth nothing become something? Zero felt empty inside. And so goes Zero’s search to find value in herself and in others.


Links to Resources: Brain Pop lesson on counting Look at ways to change the numbers by drawing them or using addition. Character Discussion for older children.


Why I Like This Book: I enjoy concept books — numbers — with a story. And, when Zero discovers her value it goes well beyond the number 10.


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.