Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 9

Quote of the Week

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

TELL ME A TATTOO STORYby Alison McGhee, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
This week's pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about

A little boy asks his father to tell him about his tattoos. Each one has significance in Dad's life, especially the smallest tattoo, of a little heart with a very special date.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…

As ever, Alison McGhee tells a story that vibrates with emotional resonance, and Eliza Wheeler's lovely illustrations bring to life Dad's colorful tattoos and the stories behind them. 
My favorite lines…
"This one says 'Be kind.'
That's something my
dad used to tell me.
And I want to make sure
I always remember it."

My favorite illustration…




Why kids will love it…

It's a treat for children, who always seem eager to hear stories about parents' lives before they came along.  
Why grown-ups will love it…

It's a celebration of the special bond between parent and child that comes from storytelling. Parents might be inspired to share some of their own life stories with their little ones, whether they're connected to body art or not!

MR. PIG LIVE...with PEDDLES!

Welcome to a very special episode of my hit talk show: MR. PIG LIVE!

Of course, all of my guests are special. But I can't help going HOG WILD for today's subject. Without further ado, let's put our hooves together and stomp our cowboy boots for the star of Elizabeth Rose Stanton's latest pigture  — er, I mean, picture book...

PEDDLES!

<<clap clap>> <<STOMP STOMP>> <<SNORT SNORT>>
Thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with me, my fellow porcine pal. So, let's get to it. First things first: What is your full name? PEDDLES: Peddles T. Pig “T” is for “The.” I come from a long line of Thes.

What one word best describes you? 
PEDDLES: Porcine, plucky, pinkish and, I’m told, rather pulchritudinous. Sorry, that’s more than one, but I like words. I am, after all, a book.

Do you have a belly button? 
PEDDLES: I definitely have a belly, but I’m not sure about the button part. If I had one, it might be fun to press it to find out what happens. I can only imagine, and you know how much I like to do that!

What is the best thing about being you? 
PEDDLES: My taste in footwear, not to mention my stellar imagination.



What is the worst thing about being you? 
PEDDLES: Sometimes I get carried away.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
PEDDLES: My red cowboy boots . . . and some pizza.

What is your idea of the perfect day? 
PEDDLES: Wellll— it’s all in the book, and it goes kind of like this: First, I’d skip out on naptime and have some pizza. Then I’d go to the game and do some rooting for Team Pig, then I’d come back for a little time alone in the loo for a nice bath and well, you know, I’d have to go . . . and read the paper. Like I said, it’s all in the book.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 
PEDDLES: I kind of already have one—well, actually, a bunch. They’re called friends.



What are you reading right now?
PEDDLES:That story about cousin Wilbur and that really smart spider. Sniff.

What is your favorite word? 
PEDDLES: Howdy.

What is you least favorite word?
PEDDLES: Oink.

What is your favorite sound? 
PEDDLES: Whooping and hollering.

What is your least favorite sound?
PEDDLES: Thuds and clunks and clatters.

Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you. 
PEDDLES:I will be out sometime within the next few months in Mandarin Chinese! Oh, and my fellow farm companion, Henny, will be, too. Bwwwaaaoink!

If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be? 
PEDDLES: Henny, because we are, after all, companions. I’d invite our spunky cousin, Olivia who, like me, likes dancing; and I’d invite bro Piglet from Winnie the Pooh because he’s so dang cute. We would, of course, have pizza.

If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?
PEDDLES: A real potty. But then I suppose that would involve plumbing, and a house, and . . . oh never mind. I wish for another wish.



If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?
PEDDLES: No pocket. But if I did — a slice of pizza.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning? 
PEDDLES: I dreamt of pizza, but got the same old slop. Sigh. 



What is your most embarrassing moment?
PEDDLES: I can’t talk about it. Let’s just say, “It didn’t go well.”

What is your pet peeve?
PEDDLES: People with no sense of humor. Everyone knows a little poop (there, I said it) can be pretty funny.

What was it like working with Elizabeth Rose Stanton? 
PEDDLES: Oh, where do I begin? She’s still procrastidoodling. It’s like watching grass grow. I’m so relieved I’m out, but I do fear for her next character, BUB. Then again, he’s always caught in the middle. You’ll just have to stay tuned.

Will do! In the meantime, let's trot on over to the trough and see what Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love has in store for us!




Peddles is tired of being the same old pig—he wants to be different.

He wants to stop doing the usual pig things like oinking and sleeping. He’d much rather stand, climb, and dance! And Peddles finally gets his chance when he bumps into a pile of shoes and finds a pair of red boots that fits just right!

Nina from Mamabelly.com packed a pig-tastic lunch you can eat while dancing:watermelon fresh from the farmmini carrotsa treat in a cute pig box and a Peddles ham sandwich with ham and ketchup decorations

PEDDLES
by Elizabeth Rose Stanton
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
January 2016

Peddles is tired of being the same old pig—he wants to be different.

He wants to stop doing the usual pig things like oinking and sleeping. He’d much rather stand, climb, and dance! And Peddles finally gets his chance when he bumps into a pile of shoes and finds a pair of red boots that fits just right! But as soon as Peddles tries them on, he falls on his back and can’t get up! Until his special friends come along and show him how to make his dreams come true!


Elizabeth Rose Stanton began her grownup life as an architect, then segued over to arts administration and design after starting a family a long time ago. Now she builds picture books, and is having a blast! She is the author and illustrator of HENNY(Simon & Schuster 2014), PEDDLES(Simon & Schuster 2016), and has just begun work on her third picture book with Simon & Schuster, BUB, about a little monster caught in the middle, due out in early 2018.Visit her at penspaperstudio.com.

Mr. Pig Visits. . . LINDSAY WARD!

Well, hello!

It's me, Mr. Pig, en route to the Lakewood, Ohio studio of critically acclaimed author-illustrator, Lindsay Ward. We have all her books on our bookshelf in the Little Crooked Cottage: When Blue Met Egg, Please Bring Balloons, Henry Finds His Word and her latest, The Importance of Being 3. 

I brought along my copy to get it signed for cottager, Kara LaReau's little boy who will be turning three soon. (He calls me Uncle Pig.)


Here we are!

<<knock, knock>>

Hi, Lindsay!

Hey, Mr. Pig! Come on up, it's this way...

This is where I work on all of my books. My studio is on the third floor of our hundred-year-old house. I used to keep all of my picture books up here too...but unfortunately they just don't fit anymore (my name is Lindsay and I'm a picture-book-aholic). Now I keep them in my son's room, which he doesn't seem to mind.


I see you've got some sketches on your drafting table! New book?

Yes! Currently I'm working on a new picture book with Two Lions, titled BRO-BARIANS, which will come out in Spring 2017. It's about two brothers (Iggy and Otto) who go head to head in a battle for the ages in their back yard...all over a juice bah-bah of course!


Of course! One can never be too protective of a juice bah-bah. Ooo, look at all that pretty paper.

Most of my illustrations are created using cut paper and mixed media. I have lots of drawers full of paper (like these ones) that I have collected, found, or purchased over the years. The paper is mostly vintage, including old maps, letters, newspaper scraps, old sheet music, or anything with an interesting pattern on it.


I keep a lot of other patterned paper and stationery supplies in my studio too. In addition to writing and illustrating picture books for kids, I run a small stationery business designing and printing social and wedding invitations for local clients and on Etsy.


I usually have at least one buddy with me when I'm working. This is my son Jackson, he's 7 months old.


Well, I must say, he is one adorable studio buddy.

Thank you! And this is Sally. Jackson and Sally hang out together a lot.


I don't blame them, I'd want to hang out in your studio a lot, too. It's delightful! Just like you.
Aww, thanks Mr. Pig. Come back anytime!
****************
Born and raised in California, Lindsay M. Ward received her BFA from Syracuse University. She is now a cut-paper artist living and working in Lakewood, Ohio. Her previous picture books include When Blue Met Egg, Please Bring Balloons, and most recently Henry Finds His Word. Visit her online at http://www.lindsaymward.com/.
The Importance of Being 3 
by Lindsay Ward
Dial Books for Young Readers
February 16, 2016 / $16.99 / Ages 1 – 3
ISBN: 9780525428695


“Ward’s guileless rhymes and trio of round-headed, rosy-cheeked cherubs are worthy of at least three cheers.” – Publishers Weekly

“[A] winning a picture book.” – School Library Journal

“Good for sharing one-on-one or in a group storytime celebrating that special age. Three cheers for being three!” – Booklist



Other titles by Lindsay

The Little Crooked Bookshelf - Cover Reveal RACE CAR DREAMS

Today on the Little Crooked Bookshelf: A COVER REVEAL for RACE CAR DREAMS! And author Sharon Chriscoe is here to tell us why kids (and grown-ups) are going to love this book...


RACE CAR DREAMS
by Sharon Chriscoe
illustrated by Dave Mottram

Available September 13, 2016
Running Press Kids

What it's all about...
“RACE CAR DREAMS is about a little race car who’s getting ready for bed. As his lights blink on and he rolls off the track, he heads for the Tickle-and-Wash for a bath, the Guzzle-and-Gulp for a nightcap, and the Speedy-Reads Library for a bedtime story . . . and soon he’s dreaming sweet dreams of winning first place!”

My favorite line(s)…
“Hmm… that’s a tough one since I love them all. But I have to say my favorite lines are, He’s sleepy and full and ready to read. He chooses a book that’s all about speed. Those lines make me smile every time I read them: even little race cars love a good bedtime story! Plus, the illustrations for that page are adorable!”

Why kids will love it…
“Kids will love the colorful illustrations, the characters, and the super cute race car. They will have fun seeing the little race car get ready for bed, just like them!”

Why grown-ups will love it…
“Grown-ups will love the soothing bedtime rhythm that will leave their little ones drifting happily off to dreamland.”

Thanks, Sharon! Parents are going to want to race right out and get this one when it releases in September—including cottager, Kara LaReau, whose little boy is crazy about cars!

Sharon Chriscoe may not vroom around a race track, but she does zip and zoom around town in a bread truck with her husband, Ricky. Fueled with fresh bread, snacks and writing tools, Sharon has made this her mobile office! She and her husband live in North Carolina. They have three children and an assortment of dogs, cats, bunnies and occasionally a groundhog, when he pops in to graze in their backyard. Sharon is also the author of The Sparrow and the Trees. In addition to her books, she has been published in Highlights High Five, Highlights Hello, The Old Farmers Almanac for Kids, and The Mailbox. She is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Visit  www.sharonchriscoebooks.com to learn more.

Behind the Book & an Activity . . . with Wendy BooydeGraff!

Author Wendy BooydeGraff is visiting the Cottage today to share what inspired her warm and winning new picture book, SALAD PIE -- and an imaginative activity to do with your little ones! Then scroll down for Lunches with Love's delicious SALAD PIE lunch!

Salad Pie was inspired by my oldest daughter, playing at the park. That’s where she said those words, “salad” and “pie” together, and I thought they sounded so unique and creative that I repeated them over and over on our walk home so I wouldn’t forget.

When my daughter went for her afternoon rest (not a nap—never a nap), I started scribbling out a story. I sketched out the action in a rough storyboard format (really rough) and wrote the text under each picture. Every time I went back to it, I still liked it, which was how I knew to keep working on it until it became a book.

From SALAD PIE by Wendy BooydeGraaff. Illustration copyright 2016 by Bryan Langdo.

Try this fun SALAD PIE Activity!


This activity can be adapted so many ways. For instance, if you are a preschool teacher, you can give children a bin to go around the room and collect some items from the various centers to make their own “pretend recipe." After the given time, call children back to the circle where they can share what recipe they made and what the ingredients are.

Another variation is to make a collage. Give students a piece of construction paper. Have them draw some sort of container for their “pretend recipe” and then have them cut and paste items in it (dried pasta, buttons, string, scrap paper, magazine pictures, leaves, twigs). Children can write their own recipe or dictate their recipe to an adult.

You can find more crafts and activity ideas for home, library and school on the Salad Pie Pinterest Board.

Wendy BooydeGraaff grew up making mud pies on a fruit farm in Ontario, Canada. She now lives in Michigan with her family, where she whips up all kinds of salads and all kinds of pies. Salad Pie is her first book. Visit her at wendybooydegraaff.com.

Literary Lunch: Salad Pie

Our talented caterer, Nina at Lunches with Love, has prepared a gorgeous SALAD PIE for you!

Make the lunch, read the book. . . . There is nothing better than finding the playground empty and having it all to yourself. Maggie is overjoyed. Everything is perfect for making Salad Pie. That is until Herbert arrives. Herbert wants to help make Salad Pie. But can Maggie make room for him in her game?


Nina from Mamabelly.com made her own Salad Pie featuring:about 19 spinach leaves6 snow peas2 "crab apple" radishes2 radish halves11 blueberries9 roasted chick peas and3 cracker "sticks"

Quote of the Week

Behind the Book

Behind the Book...with Rebecca Kai Dotlich!


We're very pleased to welcome Rebecca Kai Dotlich to the Cottage today! Rebecca is the author of numerous books for children, including Race Car Count, a recent Cottage favorite. Today, she's going to take us "behind the book" and tell us a bit about how she came to write her latest story, The Knowing Book. Take it away, Rebecca!
I began to write The Knowing Book at the end of a difficult day. It was a troubling time in my life and I was sad, confused and felt very alone. People and circumstances had disappointed me; I felt so much had been taken away. Suddenly I looked up at the night sky. I began to stare at this wide and wonderful sheet of stars above me; each sparkle a thing of wonder so everlasting and constant. “This will never be taken away,” I whispered. And I felt an instant and unbelievable comfort. I found myself thinking that if I can put this into words, maybe I can comfort someone else, too.  There is power in knowing the universe is constant. There is hope and joy in realizing that each day unfolds with unknown adventures, journeys and possibilities. I want every reader to remember that we all share dark emotions and places in our hearts when things seem bleak. I want every reader to remember the universality of what we share. I want every child to know, to really know, they own the stars.

The process of writing is a hard thing to pin down and is so different for everyone.  We all wonder in amazement where ideas come from. It's not hard to imagine there is an idea treasure box hidden somewhere deep and far away, and if we can just find it, we'll open it to find all kinds of wonderful ideas waiting for us.  The truth is that I think for myself and most authors the ideas are the easy part. Our heads are full of them.  It's fleshing out an idea so that it becomes a fully formed book or poem or story that give readers something to wonder over, learn from, fall in love with on the page that is the difficult work of writing. 
I brainstorm a lot.  I have many, many notebooks, both lined and unlined.  I doodle, I jot, I scribble favorite words and make up metaphors and play and pretend on those pages.  I write down memories of my home and neighborhood when I was a child; names of streets I remember, games I played, friends I had. I like to focus on the details of a time and place so that (hopefully) the reader can see it. So instead of writing "I remember that my brother and I played by the railroad tracks" I cross that out and go deeper into the details with "the time Curt got his pant leg hooked on a nail on the railroad track that rumbled over Redbird Street, and I didn't know whether to run for help or pull on his pants, but I found myself pulling and pulling and pulling just as he fell away and we heard the whistle of the approaching train."

I love discovering new words and new ways to say something. Maybe referring to the moon as a "cobweb moon" or a "snowmoon" or a "nickel moon." Rhythm and lyricism in language is something I strive for, whether it's a poem or a picture book. I think it's because it's what I love to read.  I have always admired talented and amazing writers who put language to the page in such a beautiful, mysterious way.  So I spend a lot of time not just trying to do something similar, but loving doing it.  I can't imagine not writing.

***************Rebecca Kai Dotlich is the author of One Day, The End; When Riddles Come Rumbling; and Lemonade Sun, among other titles. Her poetry and picture books have won various honors, including the Golden Kite Honor Award. She lives near Indianapolis, Indiana. Learn more about Rebecca at her website.
The Knowing Bookby Rebecca Kai Dotlichillustrated by Matthew CordellBoyds Mills Press
ISBN-10: 1590789261ISBN-13: 978-1590789261
"A poem's gentle admonishments nudge readers to open themselves up to the world….Children will intuitively understand the reassuring embrace of the enveloping dome overhead….A frenzy of feeling, pen strokes, and verse that seeks to excite and empower young people just awakening from childhood slumber." —Kirkus Reviews

"(Author) Dotlich urges readers to take risks … (and) Cordell’s ink-and-wash drawings give the pages life and humor…" —Publishers Weekly

"This picture book encourages readers to make the most of their lives….Curiosity and adventure are encouraged…. The beautiful pen and ink with watercolor illustrations are as goose bump–inducing as the words of wisdom in the text. This inspirational book could be given as a graduation gift at almost any age." —School Library Journal

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

BIG FRIENDSby Linda Sarah & Benji Davies
This week's pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about

Birt loves being best “Big” friends with Etho. He loves when they sit in cardboard boxes together at the top of Sudden Hill. He loves their two-by-two rhythm. But then a boy named Shu comes along, and everything changes. Could a new friend possibly be a good thing?
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…

I LOVE Benji Davies’ work, especially his recent picture book, The Storm Whale (to the point where I own a blue-and-white-striped shirt I call my “Noi shirt” after the book’s protagonist). So it's NO surprise that I adore his sweet, comforting artwork here — but Linda Sarah’s lovely, wry story also blows me away. It’s a tribute to friendship and imagination, and while it's definitely a book for everyone, it does capture a certain boyish energy. I'm so happy to shelve this alongside my little one's other faves.
My favorite lines…
"This tiny boy’s called Shu.
He’s watched Birt and Etho every dayand finally found a big enough boxand courage to ask if he can play, too."
My favorite illustration…

Really, they're all amazing. So here's just one at random:






Why kids will love it…

Sarah and Davies gracefully address the sometimes-awkward dynamic that arises when three friends come together, a situation all-too-familiar to children of all ages. Also, Birt and Etho and Shu use their imaginations to create all kinds of fun with their cardboard boxes. Their ultimate invention? Let’s just say it’s called “Mr. Climbfierce.” And it has WHEELS.
Why grown-ups will love it…

It contains the perfect three-by-three rhythm of funny, sweet, and visually delightful — you’ll want to make this book your best "Big" friend.