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My Family Four Floors Up- A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

carolbaldwin

Congratulations to Cat Michaels who won a customized indigo scarf from last week’s blog. Stay tuned for more information about Pumpkintown Primitives!

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One of the benefits of being a book reviewer is receiving books that I can share with you. Today’s giveaway is a brand new picture book, My Family Four Floors Up written by Caroline Stutson and illustrated by Celia Krampien (Sleeping Bear Press, 2018).
In simple verse–which Caroline admitted she was told never to do when she started her career as a writer–this lovely picture book takes readers through the day of a young city dweller. Readers will appreciate the diverse community in which the main character lives.

Although Caroline spent most of her life in Littleton, Colorado, she grew up in Brooklyn, New York. It is obvious that her formative years inspired My Family Four Floors Up.

Notice in these illustrations how colors are emphasized, a pattern that continues through the book.


This is my favorite spread because it shows such movement and activity:

A perfect book for bedtime, the book ends with: 

WRITING PICTURE BOOKS

Picture books–particularly those written in verse–appear deceptively simple to write. But that is far from the truth. Here is an article (in verse no less!) that author Margot Finke wrote on the subject. 

If you are an aspiring picture book writer, here’s another article by Finke on The Purple Crayon website. She suggests:

Choose Adjectives and Verbs the Way a Jeweler Selects Gems

Verbs — strong and powerful verbs are a picture book writer’s best friend. Strong active verbs help you craft text that grabs the young reader, and keeps their interest.

Adjectives — don’t fall for the idea that if one adjective is good, two more will work wonders. Like a jeweler choosing the perfect gems for a necklace, unearth adjectives that are perfect gems.

Although I don’t know if Caroline read that article, she demonstrated her ability to pick “perfect gems” in My Family Four Floors Up.


GIVEAWAY

To enter this giveaway, please leave me a comment by February 2. Make sure you leave your email address if you are new to my blog.

Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

34 thoughts on “My Family Four Floors Up- A Picture Book Review and Giveaway”

  1. This looks like a wonderful book. Your description of bright colors and simple text makes this a perfect choice for my four year old granddaughter. Thanks for sharing and I am sharing also!Blessings!Conniecps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  6. This book would be perfect for a special great niece. I’d love to win it for her. Thanks, Carol, for sharing and hosting the giveaway. Also tweeting this. :-)

    Reply

  18. This looks like a wonderful book. Your description of bright colors and simple text makes this a perfect choice for my four year old granddaughter. Thanks for sharing and I am sharing also!Blessings!Conniecps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  23. This book would be perfect for a special great niece. I’d love to win it for her. Thanks, Carol, for sharing and hosting the giveaway. Also tweeting this. :-)

    Reply

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