Lion Snacks from Susanna Leonard Hill for when you and your lion have the munchies

Today I have a special tasty treat for you from Susanna Leonard Hill in honour of her new book – When Your Lion Needs a Bath – being released on July 11. Read my review HERE.

Here is a fun snack you and your kiddies (and lion cubs) can enjoy putting together … together, and it`s simple enough for them to make for themselves.

Graham Cracker Lion

Spread a graham cracker square with peanut butter (or any other nut butter if you prefer or have peanut allergy!)

Place stick pretzels fanned out around the cracker for the mane.

Cover with another graham cracker square spread with peanut butter (peanut butter side down to hold pretzels in place.)

Place two raisin eyes and a raisin nose on top using a tiny dab of peanut butter.

Center a mini-pretzel mouth upside down over the nose with a little peanut butter to hold it in place. 😊

Thanks, Susanna! These look so fun to make, and tasty, too!

If your little one does have peanut allergy (like one of my nieces has) there are peanut butter alternatives that would work just as well for these lion snacks. Below I listed four I found that you might want to try if you know from your doctor or allergist they`d be safe for your family.

Peanut Butter Alternatives

Sunflower Butter – is a great alternative for those who might have tree-nut allergies.

Other Nut Butters – If you don’t suffer from a severe peanut allergy and also don’t suffer from tree-nut allergies, many other widely available nut butters (such as almond, cashew, macadamia) might serve as an acceptable alternative. I read that Barney Butter is an almond butter that is processed in a dedicated Almond Only facility, which means that with this particular brand, there is no risk of cross-contamination with peanuts. Maybe you know of other brands that offer this.

Nutella – is not processed with peanuts, so it`s safe for even severe peanut allergy. Although it`s a different taste, you can substitute Nutella in recipes calling for peanut butter as it has a similar consistency.

Enjoy!

If you have other tasty substitutes for peanut butter, please share with us! 🙂 And if you try this lion snack, please let us know your experience with it.

Remember to enter the draw for your chance to win a copy of When Your Lion Needs a Bath.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Interview with author Susanna Leonard Hill; & book giveaway!

I am excited today to welcome you to my interview with author Susanna Leonard Hill! This interview is part of the blog tour that Susanna is doing for her picture books being released this month. Please read my review of When Your Lion Needs a Bath, and later my upcoming reviews of When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles (review on July 11), and The Road That Trucks Built (review on July 18.) Now, allow me to introduce our guest author …

Welcome to my interview corner, Susanna! I’m happy to be participating in two back-to-back blog tours for your … not one, not two, but THREE new books coming out this month! Thank you for doing this interview at such an exciting time.

First, please tell our readers a little about yourself.

Hmm… a little about myself…

I was born in New York City.
I have two brothers and one sister.
I once poked my kindergarten teacher with an umbrella.
Wasps and ticks give me the heebie-jeebies.
The year I turned 9 my birthday was on Easter Sunday – which never happened before or since.
Red is my favorite color of jelly bean.
At summer camp I drank Orange Crush out of the can with a Twizzler.
I love to play with words – writing, of course, but also word games of all kinds.
I went to school for a really long time for advanced degrees I don’t use much when writing about bath-averse lions, little girls who won’t sleep, and opinionated groundhogs 🙂
I know all the words to the Gilligan’s Island and Partridge Family Theme Songs. (Though I am uncertain about the PIN# of my ATM card. 🙂
I have five amazing kids.
If it’s made of chocolate, I love it. 🙂
On my last school visit the popular guess on how old I am was 100. Seriously.

And you have a wonderful sense of humour, I’d say. 🙂 When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspired you?

It probably sounds trite, but I’ve always wanted to be a writer. (Well, after the phase where I wanted to drive a steam roller… 🙂 ) I grew up in a house full of books and I was always read to, so I had a very early love of picture books and there was something about them that just called to me. I wanted to write one. I wanted my name to be on a book because I had written it. And something about writing helps me think. I am far more comfortable writing than speaking!

I’m sure we’re all very glad you chose writing instead of operating a steam roller! 🙂 As a writer, do you do much reading? Who were/are your favourite authors or books or genres?

I have always read a lot. When I was little I read Pippi Longstocking, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, the Little House books, the Anne of Green Gables series, every single Nancy Drew mystery, and every horse book I could get my hands on… just to name a few…! Nowadays I read a wide variety – I like mysteries, action, adventure, fantasy – Jack Reacher, Game of Thrones, etc. – but I also read and like a lot of YA.

Have you ever felt like giving up? When did you finally believe in
yourself so you can say “I am a writer”?

I have never felt like giving up writing. I love to write. I need to write. But I have felt like giving up submitting. It can be very discouraging. I am not a person with a lot of self-confidence, so I’m not sure even now that I believe in myself. But I did start identifying myself as a writer after my fourth book was published. At that point I felt like, somehow, I was at least a little bit legitimate.

I understand about the submitting. Do you have a favourite motto or quote or Bible verse that you try to live by and that helps to keep you going?

I don’t know if I do exactly… that’s an interesting question. The quote at the top of my Face Book page is one I like a lot – “Live well. Laugh often. Love much.”

That’s a very good one to live by as it affects one’s attitude positively. How do you consistently write? Do you have writing goals .. daily? weekly? monthly? long-range?

I write because I love to write. I can’t really say that I have specific goals or a specific schedule. Creativity takes a lot of energy, so there are times when life is busy and a day or a week will go by when I don’t write anything new. And sometimes life is hard, and that can rob me of creativity as well. But in general, writing is one of the things I look forward to – not that it’s easy! – but, as I’m sure is the case for many writers (and other creatives – artists, musicians, etc.), it fills a need in me and is something I can’t stay away from for long.

Yes, I agree, it does take a lot of energy. What other interests do you have for a change from writing?

I love to be outdoors. I like to walk, run, and hike. I love animals – dogs and horses in particular – and I love to ride, although I don’t have time for it as often as I’d like. I play the piano (when it isn’t so covered in books that I can’t get to the keys 🙂 ) and I love to read.

All great ways to restore that creative energy. What have you had published thus far, and what do you remember about the very first time you were published?

THE HOUSE THAT MACK BUILT (Little Simon, 2002)
TAXI! (Little Simon 2005)
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS (Holiday House 2005)
NO SWORD FIGHTING IN THE HOUSE (Holiday House 2007)
NOT YET, ROSE (Eerdmans Books For Young Readers 2009)
AIRPLANE FLIGHT (Little Simon 2009)
FREIGHT TRAIN TRIP (little Simon 2009)
CAN’T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP (Walker/Bloomsbury 2010)
APRIL FOOL, PHYLLIS! (Holiday House 2011)
BEER IS ZO MOE! (Veltman Uitgevers 2011) – available in Dutch only
WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH (Little Simon 2017)
WHEN YOUR ELEPHANT HAS THE SNIFFLES (Little Simon 2017)
THE ROAD THAT TRUCKS BUILT (Little Simon 2017)

Every time I get a call from my agent saying she has an offer, it’s like a dream come true. I can’t believe how lucky I am that an editor liked something I wrote enough to get behind it and share it with the world. And I feel grateful that there will be another book (because I never EVER take that for granted!)

But there’s something extra-special about the very first time. 🙂

I had gone from remedial language tutoring with dyslexic kids to being a full-time stay-at-home mom after my youngest was born. I had been writing for kids for a couple years in my “spare time” (2 AM by the bathroom nightlight, you know, that kind of spare time 🙂 ), and found my agent by serendipity (but that’s a story for another day!) and she had sent a couple of my manuscripts out on submission a few months earlier.

One cold, gray January day in the early afternoon, when one child was at first grade and two were napping, the phone rang. It was Liza (my amazing and wonderful friend and agent.)

“So,” she said, with a smile in her voice, “I have an offer for you!”

My heart stopped.

I couldn’t breathe.

Her words wouldn’t sink in!

“What?” I stammered intelligently.

“Erin Molta at Little Simon wants to buy The House That Mack Built!” she said.

In a haze of unreality, I scribbled notes about the details of the deal, then hung up the phone in disbelief. My heart was so full I couldn’t hold it in, but the babies were sleeping and every parent on earth knows you never want to wake a sleeping child!

So I hugged this wonderful, amazing, unbelievable news to myself, fist-pumped the air, squealed a silent “SQUEEEE!!!” in my head, and on light bare feet raced a lap or two of the downstairs of my house, overflowing with excited energy!

I was going to be published!

There was going to be a book with my name on it!

It was, quite literally, a dream come true and one of the best moments of my life!

I feel the excitement in your relating of it for us, Susanna! What process do you go through when writing and perfecting your work?

I write every first draft with pen and paper. I think better with the physical act of forming letters 🙂 Once I have a draft, I type it into the computer, revising as I go.

Then I revise again.

You get the idea. 🙂

Until I feel like the manuscript is as strong as I can make it.

At that point, I usually give it to a trusted critique partner or two to read and comment on. Occasionally I send it to an editor friend to critique for me.

When I feel like the manuscript is as ready as I can get it, I send it to my agent.

Sometimes she says, “This is great! I’ll send it to so-and-so!” Other times she tells me she thinks it could work if I change the ending or strengthen the conflict or something, in which case I take a crack at it. But sometimes she just doesn’t see potential and doesn’t think she can sell it, and I have to chalk it up to an idea I couldn’t make work. For now… 🙂

I, too, hand-write most of my drafts. The process of actual writing is healthier for the brain, a serious consideration. I admire your work ethic and determination. What method do you use to keep track of your writing ideas?

I’m afraid there isn’t much in the way of “method” or “keeping track”! 🙂 I scribble things on random scraps of paper which litter my desk in piles! If the occasion arises when I’m scrambling for ideas, I rummage through the piles! 🙂 I would include a photo of my desk, but I don’t want you to have nightmares. 🙂

Haha! You wouldn’t want to see my desk! I’ve found buried notes and thought … oh, wow, did I write this? It could be a good idea! 🙂 What inspired you to write your three newest books? When Your Lion Needs a Bath; When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles; The Road That Trucks Built.

I think I mentioned that I have 5 kids. 🙂 That pretty much sums it up. 🙂

A large percentage of my ideas come from life with my children who, I’m sure you will be shocked to know 🙂 , frequently objected to baths and haircuts and bedtime and were sometimes miserable with sniffles. So the WHEN YOUR… books came from a lot of those moments. THE ROAD THAT TRUCKS BUILT was inspired by two things: my son, who as a toddler was so enamored of construction vehicles that one of his first words was “mass excavator”, and a good friend who actually builds roads.

There’s inspiration all around us, if we’ll only see it. 🙂 Approximately how long did it take you to write each of the three books? Did you have to do much research for any of them? Is there something specific you’d like to share about each of them?

You know, this will sound terrible, but I’m not really sure how long it took me to write each book! I know I got the basic idea down and then went through several rounds of revision, much of it focused on tightening the text. As for research, well, in the case of LION and ELEPHANT I’d pretty much done that over the course of 20 years as a parent. 🙂 And in the case of TRUCKS, my son picked out the books he wanted me to read to him and I read them…research as a bonus of reading with my child. 🙂

It all works! 🙂 The illustrations for each are wonderful. Did you get to share your vision with the illustrators of your books?

I never get to speak with my illustrators during the creation of the book. But in the case of LION and ELEPHANT, I did include a fair number of art notes because the text was fairly brief and much of the humor depended on what was shown in the art in relation to what was said in the text, so I had to make sure my vision was clear. Daniel did an absolutely fantastic job. I couldn’t be happier! His illustrations are exactly right for these stories! 🙂 I did not include such notes for Erica for TRUCKS, but even without my helpful instructions 🙂 she did a fantastic job!

I agree! Both illustrators did fabulous work. How ever did you manage to get three books published so close together? And along with that how did you go about finding a publisher? an editor? or did you have an agent to handle that for you? (You mentioned her earlier.)

The fact that these books are coming out so close together is just luck of the draw! Since WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH and WHEN YOUR ELEPHANT HAS THE SNIFFLES are the start of a series, the editor wanted to release them together. The third series title will release on January 2, 2018, and the fourth in Fall 2018. THE ROAD THAT TRUCKS BUILT was edited by a different editor in the same house! I don’t know how often that happens – it has never happened to me before – but somehow the books were all just ready at the same time. I do have an agent – the wonderful and talented Liza Voges of Eden Street Lit without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today!– and she was in charge of submissions.

That’s amazing! What is it about writing children’s books that appeals to you?

Everything is new to children. They are still full of curiosity and wonder. I love writing for people who are so eager to absorb and for whom you can make a difference. Because along with the positive side of newness, children have a lot to learn about the world and their place in it, and that can sometimes feel a little frightening, confusing, overwhelming, or lonely. Books can help children understand both how things work and that they’re not alone in their experiences and feelings. If I can help one child feel more comfortable with the arrival of a new sibling, or laugh over having the sniffles instead of feeling plain miserable, I feel like I did a good thing. And just the opportunity to make reading an enjoyable experience for kids – something they can carry with them – is very appealing.

I like your heart. What do you do to help and encourage others in their writing goals?

I teach an online picture book writing class called Making Picture Book Magic, which I try to make accessible and affordable and doable time-wise, and which I hope is helpful to those who take it. I also write a blog with features that allow writers to practice pitching (Would You Read It Wednesday), do a fun writing exercise together (Short & Sweets), or ask questions about the picture book writing life and craft (Oh Susanna!). I also run several writing contests a year on my blog for which I try to include prizes such as critiques by editors, agents, and authors. I also offer critiques of picture book manuscripts.

I plan to take your writing class at some point and have been urged by other writers because they’ve found it to be so good. I’ve only added my comment once in your pitching help, and I’ve participated in two of your writing contests. I’ll be back to try more! 🙂 Do you have other projects in the works? If so, can you give our readers any hints?

I have a couple more books coming out over the next 2 years …

WHEN YOUR LLAMA NEEDS A HAIRCUT (Little Simon January 2, 2018)
WHEN YOUR MONKEYS WON’T GO TO BED (Little Simon Fall 2018)
ALPHABEDTIME! (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House Spring 2019)
MOON DREAMS (Sourcebooks Spring 2019)

– those are all to some degree works-in-progress because there may well still be a call for edits on one or more of them. Aside from those, I have a few other manuscripts I’m kicking around that are not ready for humans yet, although my dogs have had to listen to them innumerable times. 🙂

That’s actually FOUR more books, Susanna! How fortunate you are. As for dogs, they make a considerate audience; my little one tips her head attentively when I read anything out loud. 🙂 Is being a writer/author all you had hoped or thought it would be?

You know, Lynn, it really is – for me. I love to write. I am grateful that my circumstances allow me to do what I love, even though what I earn is more supplemental income than making a living. I have been incredibly fortunate to be published, and that has allowed me to teach writing, which I love to do, and to do school visits which I also love, and to write a blog where I get to be part of a lovely community of like-minded folks. So yes. If anything it’s more than I thought it would be 🙂

I’m so glad for you. Do you have any advice for hopefuls?

My advice is probably much the same as what you’ve heard from other writers. Read as much as you can in the genre you hope to be published in. Practice your writing. Read good books on writing craft. Take some writing courses if you can – online or in person. Join SCBWI and go to some writing conferences. Join a critique group. Write. Write. And write some more! And if you really want to be published, never give up. Keep improving your writing. Keep trying. Keep submitting. Because the best idea ever won’t sell if you never bring yourself to write it and send it out into the world. 🙂

Thank you, Susanna, for an insightful interview. It’s been fun. 🙂

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Lynn, and for doing so much this month to give my new books a good start!

It’s truly my pleasure. 🙂 And now …

Susanna Leonard Hill and her publisher, Little Simon, are offering to one of you a copy of When Your LION Needs a BATH! Yay!!!

The rules are simple. Leave a comment on this post telling how you would coax your lion into the bath, and your name will be entered into the draw. 🙂 You have until Saturday, July 15, at 9:00 PM EST to enter. Using the “random name picker” I will select one name, and the next morning – Sunday, July 16 – I will announce the winner. Be sure to check your email Saturday night because I will be contacting the winner for a mailing address.

Check out Susanna’s blog for fun things including the schedule for the other participating blogs in her tour. More from Susanna:

Website
Blog - watch a fun trailer for When Your Lion Needs a Bath
Making Picture Book Magic (online writing class)

Don’t delay, comment today! And please pass the news on to your friends; post on Twitter, FaceBook, or what ever way you communicate with the world. We thank you. ♥

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Book Review: When Your LION Needs a BATH – by Susanna Leonard Hill; fun activity, & announcements!

Book: When Your LION Needs a BATH
Author: Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Publisher: Little Simon
Date: July 11, 2017
Genre: children’s – age 2-4; Preschool & up
Pages: 26
Price: $7.99 US; $12.99 CDN
My rating: An enjoyable story for picture book lovers of all ages

This is my first post (I’ll have 12) as my part in the back-to-back blog tours for Susanna Leonard Hill‘s three books coming out this month.

When Your LION Needs a Bath, written by Susanna Leonard Hill and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman is a delightful story for little ‘uns.

The first thing you’ll notice, besides When Your Lion Needs a Bath being a board book, is the vivid comical illustrations in this little book. On the front cover is a lion dripping beside a bubble-filled bathtub. He is looking a little disgruntled. Now you know bath time was a challenge.

Inside it starts out with the lion looking very happy, very dirty but very happy about it. The instructions begin with the warning that to give your lion a bath you must be a little sneaky. There are several failed attempts at tricking the lion into a prepared bubble bath; however, the little boy who is intent on getting him in there does not give up. He’s prepared for almost anything.

Text copyright © 2017 by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustration copyright © 2017 by Daniel Wiseman
Used by permission of Little Simon

Children will giggle over the illustrations that show the lion dizzy from chasing a toy mouse ’round and ’round, getting tangled in a ball of yarn, and always managing to escape the bath somehow.

Here is where author Susanna Leonard Hill‘s love of desserts, especially with chocolate in them, comes into play … try tempting your lion with a tasty treat such as … a brownie banana butterscotch berry marshmallow strawberry-smothered caramel-covered peanutty-buttered double-dip chocolate-chip triple-whipped jelly-bean sundae supreme. Oh My! Daniel Wiseman‘s illustration for this one makes the reader want to start off to the ice-cream store!

When the right idea is hit upon, bathtime is quickly accomplished, until … 😉 I’ll just say it’s a funny ending.

This story is not written in little words, or only three or four per page. It is written to be read to little ones. The bold-coloured, uncomplicated illustrations have definite child appeal so the child can thoroughly appreciate what is being told. Later, when learning to read, it will be fun for children to figure out the bigger words through remembering the story while feeling accomplished with the easier words. In short, this story is for everyone.

When Your LION Needs a BATH is one of the first two books of a series called WHEN YOUR … books. (Watch for the other one coming here July 11.)

BONUS: To add to the fun, here is an extra created by Susanna for kiddies:

*** After you’ve read WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH, you might want to play a lion game – I know I would! 😊 This game requires at least 4 or 5 children – the more the merrier! – and works well at the playground, at preschool, at a birthday party, or just at home in the living room or the back yard.

Catch The Lion’s Tail

Catch The Lion’s Tail is a twist on Duck, Duck, Goose! Make a lion’s tail using yellow felt, string, or yarn with a knot tied in the bottom. (And if you don’t have anything like that on hand, a regular old belt will do 😊 ) Give the tail to one player and have her tuck it into the waistband of her pants at the back so it hangs down. All the other players sit in a circle.

The lion walks around the circle tapping the sitting players on the head saying Lion each time. When she says Hyena, that player must chase the lion around the circle and try to catch her tail before the lion gets back and sits in the hyena’s spot. If the hyena catches the tail, the lion must be lion again. If the lion makes it to the hyena’s seat and sits down, she gives that player the tail and the hyena becomes the new lion. ***

Wait! Before you go I have two other important things to tell you.

Come back on Thursday, July 6, for my interesting interview with the author, Susanna! And … we’re having a giveaway!

Exciting things are happening all month! Read about it HERE.

We look forward to your supportive comments.

You can find When Your LION Needs a BATH by Susanna Leonard Hill on my BUY THE BOOK page. I also post my reviews on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Goodreads, and on Chapters.Indigo if available there. (After its release date I will post my review on the above sites.)

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Exciting schedule for July!

Today I have exciting news for you about my blog schedule for July. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, I will have fun things happening just a little different from my usual schedule.

I am involved in two blog tours for an author who has THREE picture books being released this month. THREE! (can you say WOW!) A blog tour is the same idea as a traditional book tour except it is virtual. Instead of going from bookstore to bookstore or library to wherever the author can arrange to build awareness about her/his new book, it’s done on the Internet. On other people’s blogs there can be reviews, interviews, other fun things to promote the book, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m devoting most of my blog posts in July to Susanna Leonard Hill, her three new books, her two illustrators – Daniel Wiseman and Erica Sirotich – and other fun promotional things.

Oh, and did I mention giveaways? No? Well, there are going to be giveaways! Yes! Somebody, and it could be YOU, is going to win a book! Actually, three of you are each going to win a book. Three new books, three winners! And Susanna has offered to sign and personalize them for you! You could win a book for a child you know and love, or for a school library, or your local public library, or for someone on the other end of the spectrum who still just loves books but now needs them to be much simpler and easier to read … with lots of pictures. (Picture books aren’t just for kiddies, you know.)

So, do come back Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and any day in between for fun stuff. Please leave comments, enter the draws, send your friends here, too, and share about all this on your social media. Let’s give a huge show of support for these creatives. Thank you so much!

Do you ever help promote books by mentioning them on your social media?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

HAPPY 150 YEARS, CANADA!

Today Canada is officially 150 years old!

In the emblem below, the thirteen diamonds of the maple leaf represent the ten provinces and three territories that make up Canada. The four red diamonds represent the four original provinces at confederation in 1867. Nova Scotia is one of those four.

There is much griping going on in some minds about it’s not being 150 years for all parts of Canada (and there are other reasons) so it’s not everyone’s celebration. In my opinion (for which you didn’t ask) that is hogwash! Canada is Canada. There will always be naysayers, no matter what country or reason of celebration. I get it that many feel because of some shameful and horrible historical events and practices and situations it’s not a happy celebration for them. I get that. And I understand that indigenous history goes back thousands of years before this, so let’s celebrate that, too. Can’t we come together and work on it? Can’t we make it better? This is a great country! Many nations have things in their history, much are ongoing, that are not celebratory, but that doesn’t mean hope is abolished or abandoned.

Canada is a great country in size, too, second in land mass only to Russia. Just to give some comparison – the United States is fourth in size, after China.

In celebration of 150 years, Parks Canada is making available – until the end of 2017 – free passes to Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. This is a good year to follow through on your plans to visit Canada. Also, the tall ships are going to be visiting 11 different communities in Nova Scotia throughout this summer. All across the country there are special events taking place this year.

Currently, in Halifax harbour here in NS, the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier is anchored. Hopefully you can access this webcam view of the harbour, and this you tube video of the Eisenhower.

And look at this flower! The Canada 150 tulip, also known as the Maple Leaf tulip, is the official tulip of Canada 150. It resembles the Canadian flag through special breeding of two different varieties of tulips. Isn’t that fabulous?

Canada’s contribution is significant in helping during world crises; my own father was a soldier in the Canadian Army that Liberated the Netherlands during World War II. Canada does have its problems and contradictions (who doesn’t?), but we are unified more than many other nations, and basically we are peace-loving. In fact, we’re mostly looking pretty good. Out of 155 countries we have been rated as the 7th happiest. (Below, I’m including only the first 20 on the list to show you.) Canada has been known as the best place to visit, to live, and to learn. 🙂 I love it here.

1. Norway (7.537) 2. Denmark (7.522) 3. Iceland (7.504) 4. Switzerland (7.494) 5. Finland (7.469) 6. Netherlands (7.377) 7. Canada (7.316) 8. New Zealand (7.314) 9. Australia (7.284) 10. Sweden (7.284) 11. Israel (7.213) 12. Costa Rica (7.079) 13. Austria (7.006) 14. United States (6.993) 15. Ireland (6.977) 16. Germany (6.951) 17. Belgium (6.891) 18. Luxembourg (6.863) 19. United Kingdom (6.714) 20. Chile (6.652)

So, HAPPY NATIONAL BIRTHDAY TO ALL MY FELLOW CANADIANS, AND THOSE TO COME. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, we welcome you!

Are you doing anything special this year to celebrate Canada’s birthday? (I’ve just done it — this blog post. 🙂 )

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

A Footnote: A dear friend in the US sent me this music video, very moving and beautiful.

Book Review: Turkey Tot – by George Shannon

Book: Turkey Tot
Author: George Shannon
Illustrator: Jennifer K. Mann
Publisher: Holiday House
Date: August 31, 2014
Genre: children's picture book; 4 - 7 yrs, Preschool - 1
Pages: 32
Price: $16.77
My rating: wonderful story to encourage ingenuity

Turkey Tot by George Shannon is an adorable story reminding one of the story of the Little Red Hen.

Turkey Tot had three friends, Chick, Hen, and Pig. One day they spied juicy berries on a bush, but they were too high to reach. The friends sadly went on their way to the pond, but then Turkey Tot came up with an idea. If they could find … something … it would help them reach the berries, but his friends said no, they won’t find that, he’s being silly, and he has been different from the day he was hatched.

Turkey Tot was not one to give in to defeat. He kept coming up with ingenious ideas. His friends continued to reply the same negative way. Finally, they refused to listen to more of his schemes, so Turkey Tot worked at a plan alone with a variety of things he did manage to find.

When Turkey Tot appears in a way they never expect to see him – and with juicy berries to share – they marvel over his cleverness. After all, they decide, he has been different from the day he was hatched!

This is a cute story with bright, bold illustrations created by Jennifer K. Mann. The images give such expression to the story, each little character has its own personality and appeal. For little people learning to read, the font is large and dark for easy reading.

Children will enjoy this story, and very possibly be prompted to make things themselves. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and to encourage children to trust themselves, to not be discouraged by other people’s negativity, and to not give up trying.

You can find Turkey Tot by George Shannon on my BUY THE BOOK page. I also post my reviews on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Goodreads, and on Chapters.Indigo if available there.

Your comments for authors and illustrators are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Book Review: A Northern Alphabet – by Ted Harrison

Book: A Northern Alphabet
Author/Illustrator: Ted Harrison
Publisher: Tundra Books
Date: Board book edition Feb. 28, 2017
Genre: Children's board book  
Pages: 28
Price: $12.99 (US $8.99)
My rating: A charming, beautiful work of art

I “discovered” Ted Harrison a few years ago when I came across a poster of his work. About a year ago I donated it to the local elementary school, and then the librarian sent me a book to read about him. I was hooked!

I received a copy of this book – A Northern Alphabet by Ted Harrison – from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.

This edition of A Northern Alphabet is a board book. It’s a very nice size – 7″ wide, 9″ high (22.9 cm x 17.9 cm) – for little hands.

Ted Harrison (1926-2015) was born in England but when he came to Canada he fell in love with the northern part of the country and stayed for the rest of his life. His paintings changed to capture the beauty of the Yukon and its people, as shown in this book. He was famous for his remarkable bold-coloured paintings and in later years he was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture through his paintings and books.

In A Northern Alphabet, for every letter of the alphabet Mr. Harrison illustrated with paintings from what he saw and experienced around him in the Yukon. His work is simplistic and meaningful, delightful and full of colour.

Two examples: H h The husky is watching the boys play hockey. N n The northern lights shine in the sky at night. The art illustrating those letters gives readers an education in some of the culture of Canada, as it does throughout the book.

A Northern Alphabet by Ted Harrison is a beautiful book for young children to learn both the alphabet and something about the culture of the Canadian far north. They will love that the renowned artist chose to paint a moose a deep pink, a bear orange, and the sky always in bands of bold colour. They will even learn new words such as anorak, Inuit, muskeg. This is an excellent book to introduce children to art that looks as if it was made just for them, and for anyone who wants to know more about Canada’s north.

You can find A Northern Alphabet by Ted Harrison on my BUY THE BOOK page. I also post my reviews on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Goodreads, and Chapters.Indigo if available there.

Your comments are very much appreciated.

Thank you for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂