Hello Readers and Lovers of Picture Books!
Since I have a newfound appreciation for book reviews, I’m on a mission to post one picture book review each month of a book I love. All the picture books I review in 2018 from this point forward will be the books of 12×12 members! So here is my featured picture book for March: Lion and Rabbit’s Opposite Day by Tara J. Hannon. It is also important to note that Tara self-published this book, which is a journey all its own. Congratulations, Tara! I’d also like to note that Tara is one of my critique partners and I really value her input and writing expertise.
My preschool class and I thoroughly enjoyed Lion and Rabbit’s Opposite Day. In this simple story, Rabbit and Lion go through their day together with each page featuring opposites such as bottom/top, near/far, open/closed. The illustrations are adorable with changing scenes of Lion and Rabbit indoors and out. They are friendly and playful characters that are very relatable for children. This is a simple story but an important one to add to your collection as there are few children’s picture books on the market that feature opposites in such a fun and relatable way. The end of the book has an opportunity to help rabbit remember some of the opposites he learned. My class loved trying to come up with the opposites when the story was done and were pleased with their own success in remembering the words.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ask Tara a few questions. Here’s my interview with Tara.
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
For me, the best part of writing is creating and exploring worlds that only exist in my mind’s eye. There is nothing quite like sitting in a quiet room and letting my mind create something from an empty canvas. And very rarely there is a moment when something within those vast creations ‘clicks’ and an idea is born. That is the best.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Do the work. Research. Read. Study. Connect. Like any art, writing for children requires practice and knowledge. Sign up for the webinars, buy the books, find a critique group. Go whole hog and let yourself dive into it. You will never look back. Honestly, it took me a while to realize this. Once I did, my work improved tremendously.
Where does your inspiration come from?
The five year old that lives inside of my head. (haha) But really, she is still in there somewhere and I am always trying to see things the way she would.
Why do you write for children?
There are so many reasons. But if I had to pick one, I’d say its because they see things we adults can’t. Their imaginations are enviable and it is an honor to contribute to that magic… And I want them to think I’m cool.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
Friends don’t steal pancakes. Oh, and that everyone is different. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Befriend it. 😉
Books by Cynthia 
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