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Carrie Charley Brown, Children's Book Writer
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So... You Want to Pick my CYBILS Brain, Huh?

11/22/2014

13 Comments

 
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Being a picture book writer, I'm always reading picture books.  So, participating as a CYBILS Fiction Picture Book Panelist is heavenly. There is a vast range of concepts, characters, and content.  There are some that stay on my mind long after reading them. The nominees below are all memory makers.   They celebrate a fading character trait in our society: compassion. Do you need to foster some compassion today? 
Maddi's FridgeMaddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How often does a picture book touch your heart enough to bring you to tears? Maddi's Fridge is a compassionate, hopeful, giving, funny picture book about friendship and real world family issues. With so many families living in low-income situations, this book provides the perfect way to teach compassion. I admire the gradual build to a solution and the way that I became the main character, Sofia, while reading. Sofia is thoughtful and her family's dynamic is realistic. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations are engaging and convey expression in just the right way. Maddi's Fridge screams, "Reread Me!"

Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for MeKnock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No matter what form of loss one experiences, the underlying message of pressing on through adversity rings strong in this story. The emotional resonance is greatly present in both art and text. It provides an eye opening view into the compassion and support of the characters and connects straight to the reader's heart.

Nana in the CityNana in the City by Lauren Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This main character's fear of Nana's city environment lead him on a transformational journey into the unknown. The subtle and endearing guidance of Nana is age appropriate, as is the believable first person voice of the boy. The illustrations paint a bustling city which evoke the senses and explode with color as the boy warms up to the new surroundings. Perfect marriage of art and text.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of FreedomAll Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. To imagine a day when freedom finally comes to the last of the slaves in the South. It is difficult to put in words how amazing this book is. It is best to let the author and illustrator do it for you. The illustrations and words are so very moving, including the notes shared at the end of the book. Everyone needs to read this book!

Louise Loves ArtLouise Loves Art by Kelly Light
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonder and excitement surround childhood accomplishments. For Louise there is art at every turn... even her little brother, Art. It's obvious that Art wants to be just like his big sister. Whether Louise find this a nuisance or a blessing is saved for the end. Louise proves that artistic passion is precious,but family is golden. Adorable illustrations will hug your heart.

Here Comes the Easter CatHere Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So much laughter and fun packed into one little cat! Adults, teens, and children will all be entertained by this mischievous, jealous cat who just might surprise you in the end. The nontraditional interaction between narrator and main character, mixed with a unique voice and humor to be admired, makes this a one-of-a-kind picture book that won't be forgotten.

Jacob's New DressJacob's New Dress by Sarah Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes a story sits with you, and affects you so deeply that you are not sure what to think. This is a thought-provoking story. No doubt, it will have many different reviews because it addresses a controversial issue in a society full of varied opinions. Although the main mission is to break down gender barriers and encourage free expression, many will interpret this in a different light. Perhaps it is mainly because of the age group a picture book addresses. However, awareness is truly the key to breaking down barriers and creating acceptance. Years ago, when teaching Pre-K, the boys in my dramatic play center loved dressing up in cheerleader uniforms and high heels, toting purses and pom poms as they went about their play. They had a blast. I really like the message in this book and I applaud Ian and Sarah Hoffman for making this project a mission.

View all my reviews
Tell me:  What books are making memories for you?
13 Comments

THINK QUICK with Author Laura Gehl (Plus a Giveaway!)

11/15/2014

44 Comments

 
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Hi Laura!  Congrats on the release of One Big Pair of Underwear! For me, this book is reminiscent of Seussical silliness and rhymes.  At first glance, one might think it’s all about underwear.  Nay, I say!  All of the THINK QUICK themes below appear in your book.  Let’s see which way you lean. 
Remember, THINK QUICK!


Literary influence:

Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein?

Seuss.  But only because I’m in a picture book mood.  I adore Silverstein too.

Day to day:

Back packing or constant snacking?


Constant snacking.        

On cooking:

Cookbooks or impulsive cooking?


Cookbooks.    

On adventure:

Camping or sailing or jet skiing?


Sailing.  If someone invents a tent with a bathroom inside, I’ll reconsider camping.

On animals:

Pigs or Cows?


Cows.  Although I did once get chosen as a cheerleader for the pig races at the Nebraska State Fair.      

Hippos or seals?

Seals. 

On sharing:

Books or hugs?


Books.  I can always cheer up one of my sick, injured, or grumpy kids faster by reading than by hugging.  Reading while hugging works too. 

Just because:

Candy bars or sports cars?


Candy bars.  Ghirardelli dark chocolate, please.    

Nap mats or fat cats?

Nap mats.  Boy, do I love napping.  If I got to take more naps, I probably wouldn’t need to eat so many candy bars.

Ducks or pucks?

Ducks.  Especially the ones in Make Way for Ducklings.

On animal underwear:

Tidy Whities or Colored fun?


Colored fun. 

One Big Pair of Underwear or One Big Pair of Underwear?

One Big Pair of Underwear! 

Thanks for thinking quick with us, Laura!  Now it's your turn, readers: Choose one of the THINK QUICK themes from above, and tell us YOUR choice.

One Big Pair of Underwear REVIEW
Not your average underwear book!  
Review by Carrie Charley Brown
November 16, 2014

GIVEAWAY INFO
Laura is offering one picture book critique!  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to participate in the drawing.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Laura Gehl is the author of One Big Pair of Underwear, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, which released in September 2014.  Laura is also the author of several upcoming picture books: Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel; And Then Another Sheep Turned Up; Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching; and Peep and Egg: I'm Not Trick or Treating.  Laura eats snacks, takes naps, and reads books with her four kids in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  You can visit Laura at www.lauragehl.com and www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraGehl.


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44 Comments

November Mystery Author: Katie Davis

11/10/2014

4 Comments

 
Our November Mystery Author, Katie Davis, has earned her keep in the kidlit world!  Not only is she respected as a children's author and illustrator, but is on a mission to help other writers get the word out there about what they have to offer.  Our video interview today highlights a little of both. You'll definitely want to take a few minutes to learn more about Katie and how she can help you with your writing career. (If you have trouble accessing the video, please try a different browser.)
If you're interested in getting on the early notification list to stay on top of the Videos For Writers launch, deals, and the new video templates reveal, click here and Katie will put you on her list.  

For Katie's other offerings, please click an image below or visit coursesforwriters.com and Crank it Up!  Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway to win and find the hidden challenge in this post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Katie Davis is known as a creative marketing strategist and video marketing maven. Her secret sauce is her ability to teach non-techy or tech-fearful writers how to become better business people by building their platforms through social media, video, and creating/building mailing lists. 

She hosts the #1 podcast in iTunes in her niche called Brain Burps About Books, has regular webinars on how to create videos to explode your writing career, and coaches writers from around the globe. 

Katie started her career writing and illustrating books for children, including middle grade and young adult novels, and launched a guide for writers called How to Promote Your Children's Book: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets to Create a Bestseller  (though according to some of the over 150 reviews, isn't JUST for children's writers) which debuted at #1 on Amazon and was #1 Top Rated in Marketing for Small Businesses.


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Click image for Katie's FREE course: 100 Things Every Writer Must Do to Succeed Online
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Click image to sign up for Katie's priority list.
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Part of making video is putting your whole self out there.  Mistakes and all.  I guess that means we're human, right? Live interviews make you do funny things. Here's the hidden challenge: Count how many times my nervous energy made me say "awesome" in this video and email me using the blue button below. Then, you must leave me a comment on this post naming one thing that I labeled as awesome. Please don't ruin the challenge by posting your total # of awesomeness in the comments... use the button.  A bookish bonus prize will be awarded to the first successful person.  Last one there's a rotten egg!  
Shhh!
4 Comments

Halloweensie Winners

11/6/2014

4 Comments

 
The Halloweensie Contest winners were announced today!  But, before I share more, I must apologize to Susanna for eating a little too much of the Donut Tower offered to visitors.  I didn't mean to leave only crumbs.  BURP!  No worries, peeps, Susanna has restocked the donuts and there are some for everyone when you visit.

What word could I use to describe this contest?  FUN!  What's so fun, you ask?

-The writing...especially since mine included sibling revenge. Hee, hee, hee!
-The reading...even though I did not make it through all 132 entries, I trick-or-treated to various blogs and left "treats" in the form of positive comments.
-The voting...creative entries abounded in the 13 finalists.
-The results...***SPOILER ALERT***-even though I was not a finalist, I managed to pull a prize out of Susanna's trick-or-treat bowl.  You'll have to read the results to find out more!

Thank you to Susanna, for making this time of year even more fun!  (By the way, I saved you all the chocolate in my trick or treat bag, Susanna.)  You DON'T have to wait until Halloween 2015 to enter Susanna's next contest!  Her 4th Annual Holiday Writing Contest is just around the corner!  Details coming soon, but you'll find tentative dates in Susanna's post HERE.  Time to start brainstorming!
4 Comments
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    Carrie Charley Brown

    As a children’s writer, and a teacher, my goal is to help you carry on.  Sometimes learning is challenging, so why go it alone?  Your journey will be more meaningful and comfortable with friends to share it with. Together, we'll get up close and personal with authors, illustrators, and the best of picture books.  If we work together, great things will follow! 

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