Yay Perfect Picture Book Friday is back! Before I get stuck in, the lucky winner of Unending Devotion is:
Michelle D. Evans!
Congratulations, please email me your address and I’ll get it to you a.s.a.p.
There are lots of other competitions going on for Unending Devotion. So for the rest of you, please check them out here. You can buy a copy here.
Here’s a picture book I read at the beginning of summer:
Elena’s Serenade written by Campbell Geeslin and illustrated by Ana Juan.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, March 2004, Fiction
Suitable for: Pre-school to Grade 2
Themes/Topics: Being imaginative, empowering girls, equality, being strong and adventurous.
Opening:
In Mexico the sun is called el sol,
and the moon is called la luna.
I am called Elena.
Synopsis: (Simon and Schuster) Who ever heard of a girl glassblower?
In Mexico, where the sun is called el sol and the moon is called la luna, a little girl called Elena wants to blow into a long pipe…and make bottles appear, like magic.
But girls can’t be glassblowers. Or can they?
Join Elena on her fantastic journey to Monterrey — home of the great glassblowers! — in an enchanting story filled with magic realism.
Activities: Activities about equality, Lots of resources to empower girls, blog post and activities, learn about Mexico on Teacher Planet.
This really is a beautiful story, so rich in culture and beautiful words.
Have a great weekend and thanks for the spontaneous dance party on FB yesterday. 12×12 rock!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | blog, Campbell Geeslin, Catherine Johnson, Elena's Serenade, Perfect Picture Book Friday, Susanna leonard Hill, Unending Devotion
This sounds like a really good book for girls. I’m adding to my daughter’s reading list. Thanks Catherine.
Catherine,
This sounds like wonderful book about different cultures and a girls dream to be an artist. Very unique. You may want to submit it to Reading the World challenge. Love the cover.
The illustration on the cover is gorgeous. I love it. And the story sounds lovely. Even though my kids are more into chapter books and novels, I may have to see if my library has this and check it out.
It was so hard not blogging about it all summer. It’s one of those books that leaves an imprint.
Pat, I will check out that Reading the World challenge. Thanks!
squeeee!!! so excited I didnt read the blog post… off to read it now LOL
xx
You don’t have to lol. *throwsconfettiandbookintheair*
Now that is a great cover! Love how it shows the movement of her swinging. Great pick Catherine
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday Coleen! Let’s all go find a swing
What a sweet idea for a PB! It looks wonderful and sounds even better. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Sheri, It is so sweet. Did you send your lost teddy story off?
What an interesting book. I was always fascinated by the glassblowers in Jamestown Virginia. I will have to check out this book to find out about the art in Monterey.
Same here but in New Zealand, Kirsten. They are fascinating to watch.
I really like the positioning on the cover, Elena must be swinging off the stars! And what a face! She knows who she is! Just put it on hold – thanks!
Let’s go swing off the stars this weekend
What is your plan – I’ll be playing in a badminton tournament – good blast off for me!
Oh that’s very sporty, enjoy! For once we have no plans, we’re a bit out of practise at being spontaneous. Next weekend we are going over to Pelee Island with some neighbours in a cottage, that should be fun.
Land-locked and envious!
Oh that’s given me a great pb idea! A boy who is land-locked and really wants to see the sea, goes to extremes to find water…hmmm.. Thanks!
I love this cover! Keep rocking girl!
Ooh, this sounds really good, Catherine! I’ve never seen a picture book that had anything to do with glassblowers – never mind girl ones – so what a great topic! Love the cover and opening sentence. Thanks for sharing!
I think it’s my favorite this year. So sad I still can’t comment on your blog Susanna!
I love stories that encourage imagination, and empower girls. This sounds like a winner! Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Catherine! (even though you had to wait and wait to be able to do so!)
Well it’s a good job I’ve had a busy summer, Beth. When I want to share something lol.
Cute cover! Sounds like a great story about believing in yourself.
Sounds like an amazing story! What a great concept.
I do love the cover…
Super original idea. I am putting this on my TBR list!
That’s a unique story idea. We’ll check it out.