Steps to help you start your first picture book Thirty-two pages. That’s the industry standard for the number of pages in a children’s picture book. While it might not seem like a vast quantity of pages to fill, there are a number of things to consider if you want to create a successful picture book that resonates with both children and their parents alike. In order to give you a running start, I am going to lay out six tips…
‘Adventures with Grandpa’ Author: Rosemary Mastnak In ‘Adventures with Grandpa’ by Rosemary Mastnak, a little boy peeks inside his grandfather’s shed where a day filled with exciting adventure awaits. As the little boy looks in, the reader sees the shed is crammed with curiosities and magic. ‘Adventures with Grandpa’ is feast for the eyes and the imagination. Whether they’re pretending to battle dragons or race fast cars, this little boy and his grandpa are making memories that will last a…
Sing, Mama, Sing Author: Anne Delgado Illustrator: Elen Khalatyan Cozy up in a soft chair and rock away to “Sing, Mama, Sing”, a soothing, rhythmic picture book by Anne Delgado and Elen Khalatyan. This rhyming story celebrates the precious bond between mother and child with gentle, calming images and a repetitive story. “Sing, Mama, sing, I hear your song. Right here with you is where I belong.” Sing, Mama, Sing by Anne Delgado and Elen Khalatyan Let’s Rock and Dance…
The Mess That We Made Author: Michelle Lord Illustrator: Julia Blattman Publisher: Flashlight Press Landfills Piled High Spilling Into The Oceans The Mess That We Made, by Michelle Lord and Julia Blattman, begins with four children in a small boat floating in the middle of a massive, patch of garbage in the ocean. As the waste swirls around them, we see fish eating plastic bottle caps before being gobbled up by seals and fishing nets and plastic grocery bags tangling…
The Snozzeralls. They have wacky names and wild adventures! Karen Henton is the author behind this unique series of picture books focusing on this little green family. The Snozzeralls live inside a human nose, and get up to all sorts of mischief as they explore; offering young readers an incredibly unique introduction to human anatomy. Here is Author Karen Henton talking everything from Snozzamumma’s apron to picture book marketing in our Q & A together. 1.Tell me a little bit…
With the school year back on, I thought it was the perfect time to round up a list of anti-bullying books. Bullying happens to 1 in every five students, according to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Centre. The intentional aggressive behaviour is incredibly harmful and that’s why it’s so important to talk to children about it, even from a young age. These books will not only help kids understand how to respond to bullying and teasing but will also give them…
The Superheroes On Your Plate Author: Tansy Boggon Illustrator: Emma Hay Foods Fight It Out To Be The Best It’s a very competitive contest as all of the foods from the food groups battle it out in ‘The Superheroes On Your Plate‘ by Tansy Boggon and Emma Hay. The fats begin the fight before the fruits jump into the spotlight. Next come the veggies and proteins and finally the grains take a stab at the top title. Before a winner…
They’re goofy, they’re lovable, and they’re part of the family. August 26 is National Dog Day so we’re celebrating our four-legged friends with a fantastic list of picture books. Below are some of my favourites but to view and shop the full list, head over to my storefront on Bookshop.org. Hello Goodbye Dog Author: Maria Gianferrari Illustrator: Patrice Barton From Bookshop.org: “For Zara’s dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to…
Pterodactyl Show and Tell Author: Thad Krasnesky Illustrator: Tanya Leonello Publisher: Flashlight Press A Silly Story About Show and Tell It’s show and tell day at elementary school and one little boy isn’t bringing in his favourite toy or an unusual knick-knack. Instead, he’s bringing in his pet pterodactyl! Causing chaos during art and music and mayhem at recess, the prehistoric creature follows the boy around as he goes about his regular day at school. In reading we sat quietly…
One of my favourite things to do in the summer months is visit a theme park or head to a fair or carnival in a small, rural community. There’s something about the thrilling rides, flashing lights and overload of snacks and sweets that brings me right back to my childhood! While he’s still too little to ride a big rollercoaster, my toddler has ridden on a small coaster at a fall fair and he loved it! Now he’s mesmerized by…