I usually try to review the latest and greatest or upcoming picture books here, but someone told me about this book awhile back, and, well, it's published by Neal Porter/Holiday House, and that usually means the reader is in for a treat. I missed this one when it came out in 2019, so I'm rectifying … Continue reading Hum and Swish – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Connection. Heart. Hope. This book has it all. (Quick apology. My scanner washed out all of the illustrations, so I used photos.) Text ©Laura Gehl Illustration ©Patricia Metola Britta's two favorite trees,Apple and Magnolia,were best friends.Britta couldn't explain how she wasso sure about the friendship or howthe trees had become best friendsin the first place. … Continue reading Apple and Magnolia – Perfect Picture Book Friday
I found Action Jackson while wandering through the library the other day, looking for mentor texts for a picture book biography about artists that I'm writing. Although the longer text (1,885 words) reveals that it's an older title (2002), I wanted to feature it here because I LOVE it! The opening: "In the afternoon, Jackson … Continue reading Action Jackson – Perfect Picture Book Friday
And now it's time for Susanna Hill's Valentiny contest! The rules this year: write a Valentines story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone feels guilty! My entry is 210 words. Only the Best for You, Mom! By Jilanne Hoffmann Mom, why are you giving me the stink eye? One … Continue reading Only the Best for You, Mom! – Valentiny Contest
Contest Rules: A character must be hopeful 214 words max, title not included Appropriate for ages 12 and under No illustration notes See other stories at Susanna Hill's Valentiny post. Now, for my story in exactly 213 words. The Best Valentine's Day Party Ever by Jilanne Hoffmann Sal’s a maker. Cal’s a baker. Val’s … Continue reading The Best Valentine’s Day Party Ever – Contest Entry
As a fan of writing, including punctuation and puns, I got the biggest kick out of: When we first encounter our hero, Period, that little piece of punctuation is inspired: Period asks Paper and Pencil for a little help, but then realizes: Enter Question Mark, who decides to—what do you think Question Mark does? I'll … Continue reading Where Are the Words – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Well, well, well. Somehow we've made it to the end of yet another year. And once again we have Susanna Hill's 7th Annual Holiday Contest. RULES: 250 words or fewer, written for children ages 12 and under, and must contain a holiday surprise of some kind. Mine is 248 words. Here goes..... Fleecetown’s Turnaround … Continue reading Fleecetown’s Turnaround – Holiday Contest Story
And now, another entry into Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie story competition. The Rules: must be 100 words or fewer; must contain any form of the words monster, candy corn, and shadow; and must be appropriate for kids through age 12. So here goes! Oh, and I used only 88 words if we're counting candy corn … Continue reading Goblin’s New Blood – Halloweensie Competition
It was the cover that called to me from the bookshelf: Who wouldn't be drawn in by those eyes. Everyone on this cover looks GUILTY!!! But what is their crime? Well, it turns out that these three are not the perps. They're the victims!!! They have lost their voices. The cat can't meow, the dog … Continue reading Whoops! – Perfect Picture Book Friday
I stumbled into one of my favorite independent bookstores in San Francisco the other night. Yes, it was Green Apple Books on Clement. It has a fabulous children's section, filled with new and used books. Lo and behold, what did I find? Not just A bad seed, I found: Not to be confused with all … Continue reading The Bad Seed – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 