Children's Picture Book Blurbs

Writing Process:

Some of the ideas I've had for children's picture books are listed below. Some have been written.

Now if only I could find an illustrator who had time... :) I am definitely not one.

-The Birthday Disguise: Timothy didn't expect a game of hide-and-seek before his brother's birthday party to spiral into disaster. When Timothy finds his brother Ben stuck in his hiding spot, he devises a plan. Disguising himself as his brother, Timothy joins the party outside and pretends to be Ben.  But when his identity is revealed and the ruse feeds his jealousy, he must learn the importance of being himself.

 

-The Outdoor Competition: When T.J. and his dad get into a fight, it leaves T.J. angry and confused. Adding to his frustration, he is scheduled to be his dad’s partner for the Father and Son Outdoor Competition. For the event, each team is given three surprise problems to solve. T.J. is ready to walk away when it gets hard. But when one of the puzzles involves building a contraption to get across a river before dark, T.J. must learn to work with his dad, or risk losing him as his best friend.   

 

-Road Trip Blues:  Michelle is super excited to go on a road trip with her family. But when the car breaks down along the way, Michelle is severely disappointed. Her snobby cousin Chase and his family rescue them and extend an invitation to stay the night, making matters even worse. Michelle must learn to adjust to her attitude, or risk having the worst trip of her life.

 

-The Crushed Tunnel: Doug and his friends raid the craft box and work together to build the perfect tunnel for all their adventures. But when their creation is accidentally left out in the rain, it gets destroyed. Doug must find a way to fix it or lose his position as the President of their club, The Mighty Warriors.

 

What are some ideas you've had for writing? Or great picture books you enjoy? Would love to hear from you in the comments!

Children's Book Review: A Chocolate Moose for Dinner

 

Children’s Book Review-

“A Chocolate Moose for Dinner” By: Fred Gwynne

If you’re wanting a good laugh, you should read this picture book.  

Written in 1976, some modern readers may think this children’s book is very much outdated with the puns it mentions, but for my kids and I, this book is hilarious, entertaining, and educational.

The book was written by Fred Gwynne, a famous film and television actor. Some remember him from the show “The Munsters.”

The book starts with, “mommy says she had a chocolate moose for dinner last night.” It shows an illustration of a moose sitting at the dinner table with a little girl. This made me laugh, and I explained to my kids how chocolate mousse is also a dessert, but the daughter thought her parents were talking about an actual moose.

There are many teaching and vocabulary moments throughout the book, such as “gorilla war, pray on other animals, the arms race, airplane hangers, under toe, and a tortoise with hair” to name a few. Of course, they all have a double meaning.

One of my favorite puns is the one that states, “mommy says after she and daddy argue they always kiss and make up.” The illustration shows the little girl watching her mom and dad sit in front of a mirror and powdering their faces with makeup.  😊

The downside: some of the pictures might be confusing at first or even a little scary for some more sensitive kids. The “scary” part isn’t that bad, but just a bunch of arms sticking up on the ground for the arms race part. Also, there's a part that shows Santa Clause having claws.

For the confusing parts, a parent will need to explain the double meanings for a lot of the puns, but the kids will learn a lot from it.

Overall, I’d give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Peace Like a River

 I had the opportunity to hear Granger Smith speak this last week. He was a country music singer-songwriter and radio host and now travels around the country speaking about Christ. 

The message I heard was so powerful. He lost one of his kids when the child was only three. He talked about how much pain he went through, and how one night, he decided he was ready to take his own life. But something stopped him.  Shortly after, he was able to find peace. Not peace as the world gives, but peace that Christ gives, which surpasses all understanding.

He started his sermon with talking about Horatio Spafford, the man who wrote "It is Well with my Soul." This man had lost several of his children, and endured many other things, but still described the peace that had given to him from the Lord. 

This was one of the best sermons I've ever heard. 

Here's the lyrics Horatio Spafford wrote:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.