Category: Kid lit

Help Me Decide!

~ cynthiahm ~ 5 Comments

I’m super excited that my next book is nearing publication! I want your input. What do you think would make the best back cover for my early chapter book, The Lullaby Monsters?

This night time adventure features Kelsey and Thomas who meet a bunch of monsters. When monsters steal Thomas’ most prized possession, Kelsey and Thomas must face their fears in an effort to get it back. Through the story, they learn about fear and friendship in this fun adventure under the stars with an unexpected, funny twist at the end that will make children want to pick up the book and start again.

Here are the back cover options…

1. Kelsey and Thomas
2. The Monsters
3. Kelsey and Thomas Biking

So… which one do you think is best? Let me know!

I appreciate your input and can’t wait to reveal the front cover when it is ready. I look forward to your comments.

Kid Lit Love: Noah Noasaurus

~ cynthiahm ~ 2 Comments

Unknown-1

Elaine Kiely Kearns does so much for the kid lit community. She and Sylvia Liu are responsible for the kid lit 411 website which provides a wealth of information for aspiring writers. If you haven’t checked it out, I encourage you to do so.

I was excited to receive a copy of Elaine’s debut picture book, titled NOAH NOASAURUS. This book has the winning combination of a popular dinosaur theme paired with a recognizable stage of childhood development. Many parents can relate to the “No” phase where a child’s favourite word becomes “no.” And for that reason alone, parents and children will love the book.

From the Wooly Mammoth Slippers to the Smilodon Toothpaste, Elaine has fully explored the dinosaur theme in a playful manner.

Unknown

The bright and colourful illustrations by Colin Jack along with the increasing parade of dinosaur friends who follow Noah on his grumpy journey are delightful.

In true toddler fashion, Noah’s grumpiness turns to laughter and he and his friends discover that a sense of humour can bring us out of our dinosaur doldrums. This is a super appealing book for preschool aged children.

 

Giveaway Time!

~ cynthiahm

Okay, I’m a little behind schedule with my giveaway but here we go! This is great for picture book lovers, teachers, librarians, parents and grandparents. You can win Picture the Sky, by Barbara Reid and a signed copy of Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker! The winner will also receive a pdf copy of my story stretchers for 10 great picture books.  See my previous post, Ten Picture Books Every Preschool Teacher Must Have! for a list of the books.

 

Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker

The contest is open to US and Canadian residents over 19 years of age.  If you are outside of Canada and the US, you can still enter to win my story stretchers just in time for Back to School.

How to enter:

  1. Comment on this blog post; What book do you remember loving as a child (It could be a novel or a picture book)
  2. Like my Facebook page
  3. Visit my facebook post and tag a friend

Entries will be assigned a number and winners will be chosen by random number generator.

This contest will stay open unti August 28th!

Wednesday Writing Update

~ cynthiahm

Hello Friends in the Blogosphere!

Here’s my weekly writing update; keeping myself honest about the progress I’m making with writing for children.IMG_2680

This week I watched a free webinar by children’s book author, Arree Chung.  It was so good in that he reminded me that the only way to become a published author is to do the work.  So I got down to work.  I revised a couple of manuscripts and for the first time ever, I requested a critique in the facebook group Kidlit 411, Manuscript Swap.  Wow! what a community!  I couldn’t believe the quick response I got from people willing to read and give feedback.  It is amazing.  And with that feedback, I can learn and grow as a writer. If you are a children’s writer and you’re on facebook,  I highly recommend joining the groups Kid Lit 411 and Kid Lit 411 Manuscript Swap!  They are super helpful in developing your craft.

Visit me on my Facebook Page; likes are always appreciated.  Plus I’m doing a giveaway you might be interested in 😉 Have a wonderful week!

Wednesday Writing Update

~ cynthiahm

Hello Readers,

I’m keeping myself honest with weekly writing updates.

So this week I’ve been on vacation. Just keeping it real. Even so, I’ve done four critiques on picture books in progress. So that’s something.

And today I spent a little time revising a fiction pb that is loosely based on an actual person of historical significance. I’d say it’s a slice of life from their childhood as I’ve imagined it.

And that’s all folks! Tune in next Wednesday for more updates.