Giving Thanks That All Are Welcome

Strictly No Elephants
Author: Lisa Mantchev & Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo

**As seen on EasternPennPoints Blog (Eastern PA Chapter of SCBWI)**

Strictly NoElephants, written by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo, is a poignant story about friendship and fitting in. A boy and his pet elephant are off to the Pet Club. But when they arrive, they find a “Strictly No Elephants” sign hanging on the door. They are not welcome.

Turns out, they aren’t the only ones. They find a girl and her pet skunk who aren’t welcome at the Pet Club either. Together they create a club where their sign reads “All are welcome.”

This story touched my heart, and I could easily think of a million ways others could relate. Everyone wants to feel included. Everyone needs friends to lift each other over cracks, coax each other along, brave the scary things together, to never leave one another behind.

As Thanksgiving approaches, this story made me think about my ever growing children’s book writing world where the sign always reads “All are welcome.” I’m so thankful for that.

I’m grateful for the shared knowledge, opportunities, and camaraderie from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Highlights Foundation workshops, Writers Digest online workshops, KidLit Facebook groups, and my two amazing critique groups. And the never ending support of friends and loved ones. Especially my fiancé and first editor, Allen.

I’ll be keeping Strictly No Elephants and its ever important messages of friendship and inclusivity close to my heart as I munch on my turkey dinner, mingle with friends and family, write my stories, and walk amongst the wonderful variety of people in this world. Will you join me?

Counting Crows Review

 

 

by Kathi Appelt
illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

I'm not usually a fan of counting books, but the cute cover design and clever title captured my curiosity.  I brought the book home.

I've opened it more than one, two, three times. Why? The rhythm and rhyme of the words and the jingle and jime of the illustrations pair up perfectly as though they were created by a single person.

The counting follows the cool, sweater-sporting crows through a day of snacking, hopping, singing, flocking. On it goes all the way to the end where danger lurks close by, and off the crows fly.

Counting Crows is candy for the eyes and ears. I'm indeed a fan.




#Counting #Book #PictureBook #Crows #KathiAppelt #RobDunlavey

 

 

There’s a Giraffe in My Soup REVIEW

Author: Ross Burach

A little restaurant patron has a BIG problem. He’s got a giraffe in his soup. And then an alligator, and an elephant, and a . . .

The hilarity continues as the waiter tries again and again to serve up soup to his hungry customer. And then sends him running out the door from a free dessert.  

There's a Giraffe in My Soup serves up illustrations just the way I like them: colorful, fun, and a bit outrageous. This savory book leaves you feeling full of giggles, gasps, and wonder. And wanting more.

 

More is coming from Ross Burach in February 2017:  

I am Not a Chair!

and

Pine and Boof – Book 1

Both being published by Harper Collins.

 

 

 

#RossBurach #PictureBook #HarperCollins #KidLit #Review