I Am (NOT) Scared Review & Giveaway

I AM (NOT) SCARED
by Anna Kang; Illustrated by Christopher Weyant (Two Lions, March 21, 2017)
Fiction * Emotions * Friends
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
Amazon | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Two fuzzy friends go to an amusement park. They try to convince each other that there are much scarier things than the roller coaster. Hairy spiders! Aliens! Fried ants! They soon discover that sometimes being scared isn’t as “scary” as they thought. With expressive illustrations and simple text, this giggle-inducing tale about (not) being scared features the endearing characters from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small.

Thoughts on this book:  
It is no secret that I love these two furry creatures and the stories created by Kang & Weyant. Since I had an early copy of I AM (NOT) SCARED, I decided to read it with kindergarten and first grade students for READ ACROSS AMERICA. 

We talked about the way you could read the emotions on the face of the characters in the book. 

We laughed at the tub of hairy spiders and pan of fried ants. 

And the snake just took us over the top. 

Kang and Weyant are fabulous at capturing the emotions of fear and exhilaration as our furry and not so furry friends move from the trepidation of riding a roller coaster to the electrification of a successful ride.  Readers will delight with this new book adventure and want to hear it over and over again.

And now, readers get to enjoy the book along with the new plush furry friends created by MerryMakers. 

About the author & illustrator: Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of two other books featuring these characters: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine. Christopher’s work can be seen regularly in The New Yorker magazine and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their Bich-Poo. Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.

Twitter: @annakang27 @chrisweyant05
Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant   
Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

For more information, and to download a free activity kit, visit annakang.com, or download at: http://bit.ly/2mKbFWi

Enter the Giveaway: 
One lucky winner will receive a set of squeezable stress balls, two adorable plush characters, and a copy of I AM (NOT) SCARED courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses).

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It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 3/20/17

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  Kellee Moye, of Unleashing Readers, and  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kid lit focus. We encourage everyone who participates to visit at least three of the other kid lit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

On Saturday, March 4th, I went shoe shopping. It is always a stressful activity for me. I have feet issues and need comfortable shoes but also want something that looks good. When I got home that night, I added about 75+ books to my account at the public library. It was great to off-set the stress by doing something I love. I went through my list of books I wanted to read and requested 2016 titles that I had missed, and books from lists that I had been seeing on Facebook and the internet. Over the two weeks, I have read 63 picture books and requested more titles as I returned several bags of books. I am going to mention some of the books later this week in a nonfiction post and a few more in my #Road2Reading post tomorrow.

All of the books listed below are ones that are worth picking up and checking out...

This photo is of the first two bags of picture books that I picked up from the library since the beginning of March. I have picked up two more since then. To see all that I have been reading, check out my GoodReads page. 

Bob, Not Bob!: *to be read as though you have the worst cold ever by Liz Garton Scanlon, Audrey Vernick; Illustrated by Matthew Cordell (Disney-Hyperion, February 2017)

Laundry Day by Jessixa Bagley (Roaring Brook Press, February 2017)

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre (Beach Lane Books, October 2016) - This is gorgeous. If you are looking for a snow book for young children, check this one out.

Pete With No Pants by Rowboat Watkins (Chronicle Books, May 2, 2017) - A silly read aloud that is sure to get some chuckles.

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2004)

We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures by Amnesty International and additional collaborators (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2008) - Amazing illustrations from multiple contributors.

Round by Joyce Sidman (HMH Books for Young Readers, March 7, 2017) - Sidman is on my "must find" list. 

A Perfect Day by Lane Smith (Roaring Brook Press, February 14, 2017) - Love Smith's illustrations in tis book.

A Well-Mannered Young Wolf by Jean Leroy, Illustrated by Mattieu Maudet(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, October 2016)

Tinyville Town Gets to Work by Brian Biggs (Harry N. Abrams, September 2016)

Martin's Dream Day by Kitty Kelley (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, January 2017)

I Want to be a Cowgirl by Jeanne Willis; Illustrated by Tony Ross (Henry Holt and Company, 2002)

Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen (Dial Books, 2008)

Mark your calendar for this book....

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzalez; Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini (Salaam Reads, August 29, 2017) - When I was on the diversity panel last week, Zareen Jaffrey introduced us to this beautifully illustrated book that celebrates diversity. 

In case you missed these posts:

#Road2Reading Challenge: Where are the Diverse Books?

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Guest Post by author, Natasha Wing

Brobarians: Review and Giveaway

YA Friday: March 2017 Update - Carolyn is back

So, what are you reading?

YA Friday - March 2017 update

Some of you may be wondering about my absence from the blog (since my last review was a month and a half ago), but I am back! In a limited capacity, but back nonetheless. My first year at college has taken up quite a bit of time, and I was sick enough in February to be briefly hospitalized (though I'm fine now, and almost caught up with all of my schoolwork); however, I still want to continue blogging.

In December, I came home for Christmas break to the giant stack of books I was supposed to review for 2016. For most of them, I'll be reviewing the next book in the series this year, but some of them are standalones (and some of them are the final book in the series). So, I'll be doing a series of posts to highlight several of those books. There was a fantastic crop of historical fiction YA novels in 2016, so I'll be doing a post just on those. Additionally, I'll be doing a series of posts on finished series, for those of you who prefer to binge-read entire series at once. Of course, I'll be resuming my regular reviews of 2017 releases as well (and hopefully avoid getting behind on my reviews the way I did last year). I also want to (eventually) finish the series of posts about my trip to England, though that may still take a while. I finish this semester in early May, so you can expect more frequent posts (and the announcement of a summer reading challenge) then. 

While I was sick, I did have the opportunity to read some books I'd been looking forward to reading for a while now:

The Keeper's Chronicles:

I reviewed The Storyspinner back in 2015, and The Skylighter proved to be an excellent sequel (and the perfect ending to the duology, although Becky Wallace has stated that she may return to back to the world of Santarem in the future). Even with a fever-addled brain, I was able to read both books in a day and eagerly follow the complexly interlaced plotlines to the very end.

The Hollow Earth series:

To be entirely honest, I only knew about the existence of the Hollow Earth series because my local independent bookstore, Once Upon A Time, hosted John Barrowman (and his sister Carole E. Barrowman) for a signing of the series, and as a huge Doctor Who fan, I immediately bought the books ahead of time to ensure my place in the signing line. The Hollow Earth books are a fun but well-plotted series following the adventures of the Calder twins, who possess the ability to magically animate themselves into any painting - or bring their own drawings to life, as they are swept up in a centuries-long battle over the imprisonment of mythical beasts. Weaving together fantasy, history, legends, and even time travel for a delightful read, the Hollow Earth series is sure to please fans of middle-grade fantasy.

The Impostor Queen series:

I haven't made it to The Cursed Queen yet, but I'm already excited to review it after rereading its predecessor (which I reviewed last year). The mix between fantasy and dystopia, as well as heavy political intrigue, makes for an intriguing read. If this series is any indication, 2017 is going to be another stellar year for YA fiction.

I also read a sizable selection of historical fiction, but am saving that for a dedicated post that you can look forward to in the coming weeks!

Carolyn is a teen blogger who shares her favorite YA reads and favorite book related finds with readers on Fridays.

Brobarians Blog Tour and Giveaway

Brobarians
by Lindsay Ward
Two Lions (March 28, 2017)
Fiction * Family * Siblings
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
Amazon | WorldCat

About the book: 
This is the tale of the mighty Brobarians. Two warriors, once at peace…now at odds.

Iggy the Brobarian has taken over the land. Can Otto the Big Brobarian win it back? Or maybe, with a little help, the two brothers can find peace again…

This is an epic—and adorable—story of sibling rivalry and resolution.

My thoughts about the book: 
I first fell in love with Lindsay Ward's books and technique with WHEN BLUE MET EGG. 

I heard her speak at Vroman's Bookstore where she described how she created the illustrations. I always thought drawing was difficult enough but to hear Lindsay describe how she had to cut out the images used in the book was both fascinating and awe-inspiring. 

Upon learning that Ward had a new book out, I had to read it. Next to WHEN BLUE MET EGG, this maybe one of my other favorites of her books. 

I enjoy when authors do baby comparison books. Marla Frazee's Boss Baby is another example of a baby comparison book that knocks it out of the park. Comparing two young brothers to barbarians is an apt comparison. Though I had never thought to make the comparison until now, it is easy to see how it could be done and Ward lays it out so well with each colorful spread in the book. 

Iggy and Otto each have their own domains to rule over but of course, there would be no fun without some conflict and when Otto, the Big Brobarian, manages to claim hold on Iggy's favorite possession the battle begins. Of course, as with any brotherly conflict, part of the fun is in the resolution.

Though I have read the book several times, I still cannot decide which is my favorite part. However, I do like when Mamabarian appears on the scene. Brobarians is a humorous, entertaining book that will make a wonderful read aloud. Pick up a copy at a local bookstore or community library.

About the author: 
Lindsay Ward would never have written this book if she hadn't stayed up late one night watching Conan the Barbarian. She finds the idea of baby barbarians to be very funny . . . and hopes you do too. Lindsay's recent books include Rosco vs. the Baby and The Importance of Being 3. Most days you can find her writing and sketching at home in Ohio with her family. Learn more about her a at www.lindsaymward.com or on Twitter: @lindsaymward.

Enter the giveaway:
One lucky participant will win a copy of the Brobarians. Must be 13 years old or older and have a US mailing address to enter. 

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Guest Post by Author, Natasha Wing

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's
Fight for an American Icon
by Natasha Wing; Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
HMH Books for Young Readers (March 7, 2017)
Audience: Ages 6 to 9
Nonfiction * Biography * Social Activist
Indiebound | WorldCat

Quick thoughts on the book: I learn so much from reading children's nonfiction and When Jackie Saved Grand Central introduced me to a side of Jacqueline Kennedy that I was unfamiliar with and also with a piece of history that I did not know about. Of course, reading it made me want to look up more information on both subjects of this book. Boiger's illustrations add an artistic element that drew me in and seemed to fit perfectly with the subject of the book. Look for a copy of the book at your local indie bookstore or community library.
___________________________________________________________

I am excited to welcome Natasha Wing to the blog during Women's History Month as she shares about her newest book When Jackie Saved Grand Central. Natasha shares with readers her writing process and the decisions she had to make during that process. 
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From Natasha:
Writing narrative nonfiction is a tricky dance between storytelling and facts. You don’t want too many facts to step on the toes of the story and trip it up or slow it down. But you do want the right facts to lift readers to a higher level of learning about your topic while engaging them in an emotional journey.

In short, you want your story to read like fiction while teaching something.

This was especially challenging when writing my latest book, When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy’s Fight for an American Icon since it contained a sophisticated subject – historic preservation – coupled with court cases, not typical topics young kids read about. So I had to keep the storytelling engaging, and make sure it wasn’t a boring fact dump of definitions and legalese.

When talking about historic preservation I used more kid-friendly ideas such as “Americans cared about their history.” And, the city wanted to “save its architecture,” before mentioning the term historic preservation. And even though there were many court cases, I used them to build momentum without giving too many details of what was being fought over in each case. For instance I streamlined the appeal process down to: New York City won the appeal, as well as another that followed…..But the fight wasn’t over. (tension) The railroad owners took their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, whose ruling would be absolutely final.

Like any good fiction, narrative nonfiction uses these storytelling techniques: Set the tone, create voice, use poetic language and active verbs, find tension spots and aha moments, have your main character go on an emotional journey, make us care about the main character, include a kid-friendly theme, and resolve the story problem.

But what about facts? How do you decide what to keep in and what to cut out?

In doing my research I came across a number of buildings that Jackie had saved. At first I wanted to build the case that Jackie was passionate about old buildings by starting off the story showing all the buildings that she had saved. But too many examples would have bogged down the introduction to the one building that was central to the story, Grand Central. So I picked one – the White House – to use as my entry into Jackie’s theme of her love of buildings. (The other buildings ended up in the endnotes).

Then, in order to take the story from the past when she had restored the White House to the “present” I used a one-line transition: Fourteen years later, another famous landmark, this time in New York City, needed Jackie Kennedy’s help.

I also found a lot of newspaper articles about the lawsuits and the protests surrounding Grand Central’s potential demolishing. But there was one that motivated Jackie to join the city’s fight so I used it as a turning point in my story. Rather than including a block of text from the reporter’s article, I merely referred to it and only used one short quote. Here’s that section in the book: The New York Times ran a front-page story calling Grand Central “one of the most influential pieces of urban design of the twentieth century.” Jackie read this article and couldn’t believe what was happening.

Facts are wonderful in figuring out your story’s subject or character, but don’t become so enamored with them that you feel you must share everything you learned with your kid reader. This may sound odd when you’re writing nonfiction, but remember, too many facts can drag down the poetic flow of the text. Choose the facts that support your story and keep them kid-friendly. 

Wearing her Jackie glasses

About the author: Natasha Wing has been writing for 25 years and writes both fiction and narrative nonfiction. When Jackie Saved Grand Central published by HMH Books for Young Readers (March 7, 2017) has received starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus. Find out more at www.natashawing.com

Artwork by Sarah S Brannen @2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...