Saturday, March 26, 2022

MAPLE & WILLOW TOGETHER by Lori Nichols

 In researching comparative titles for a new manuscript I wrote, I came across Lori Nichols books about Maple & Willow. The two sisters relationship rang true and it's a two thumbs up book!

(Aside from having two sisters, the story is *phew!* nothing like what I've been working on)


Title: Maple & Willow Together             


Author/Illustrator: Lori Nichols

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (PYRG)

Year: 2014

Themes: Siblings, disagreements

Sibling dynamics are unlike any other friendships. It makes it both easier and harder to love each other at times! My sisters and I certainly had our moments of both.

The Teaching Resources website  and writer Joanna Marple's website have activities to accompany the book.

This series began with just Maple, and now Maple and her sibling Willow have a whole series I somehow missed. I will be at the library looking for the others later today!

This review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday where author Susanna Leonard Hill curates a selection of recommended books for kids for parents, teachers, writers, librarians and gift-givers.

Sunday, March 6, 2022

50 Precious Words (Thank you vivian Kirkfield!)


I decided to enter the #50preciouswords contest hosted by the amazing Vivian Kirkfield for the first time. And yes, that means a story with a beginning, middle and end in 50 words or less. Here goes:

Where’s Mom?


by Wendy Greenley

(49 words)

 

Empty bed

Gravel crunches

Where’s Mom?

 

Lights on

Packed lunches

Where’s Mom?

 

Toothbrushes

Hand-me-down clothes

Where’s Mom?

 

Radiator rumbles

Toasty toes

Where’s Mom?

 

Library books

Tree daydreams

Next door friends

Future schemes

Where’s Mom?

 

Gravel crunches

Packed lunches

Hand-me-down clothes

Toasty toes

Daydreams

Future schemes

 

Feel Mom everywhere.


Thanks to Vivian for the inspiration and thanks everyone for reading!