Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: When Rhyming Matters

Most young children (and a lot of adults too) love listening to rhyming picture books. The lyrical storylines with near perfect rhyme, rhythm, and meter capture a reader’s imagination and creates worlds full of page turning adventure or whimsical silliness. But even though some people think this genre may be easy to write, a GREAT rhyming picture book contains certain key elements.

When Story Catcher Publishing opens for submissions in the fall, we will be looking for rhyming picture books which have these key elements as well as a strong storyline…

CHOOSE YOUR RHYTHM

Rhyming picture books are known for their lovely lyrical sentence structure. Nowhere is the word choice and placement of those words as important as in a rhyming picture book. Select your rhythm or pattern and STICK TO IT! Whether you choose couplets, A/B Alternate rhymes, simple four-line rhymes, etc. be sure to remain consistent to the pattern you have chosen. Once your story is read out loud, any deviation from that chosen pattern will jump right out to declare you amateurish attempt at writing a rhyming picture book.

WHAT ABOUT METER?

Once you have your rhythm chosen for your story, you have to pay attention to your meter or syllable beats for each line. You can’t jump around like a cat on a hot tin roof. Be consistent! Let’s say your first two line have a 10 syllable beat to it. Then your third and fourth line drop down to a 6 beat pattern. That means lines five and six would typically repeat the 10 syllable beat. Lines seven and eight would then follow with a 6 beat pattern. This way a writer stays true to the rhythm they’ve chosen AND conformed to the meter they’ve selected.

MAKE THOSE WORDS COUNT

I’ve mentioned before the industry “sweet spot” for picture book word count runs 300-500. Add to that the challenge of sticking to a patterned rhyme and now there is added pressure to make those words count! This is where some writers make the creative decision to switch to prose instead of rhyme.

DON’T SACRIFICE YOUR STORY

Once you’ve picked your rhyme, rhythm, meter, and words, you have to then make sure you still have a story to tell. The end result must still have a beginning, middle, and end. The main character still has a problem to solve, adventure to go on, a mission to accomplish, etc. and the reader can find a satisfactory ending to the story where the main character has grown in some way from a subtle lesson learned.

Here are some ways to help writers improve their rhyming picture book skills:

READ IN YOUR GENRE

It can’t be emphasized enough about reading as many books as you can in the genre you want to write about. Study the classics but embrace current industry favorites (released within the past five years) so you can be fully aware of what is out there…what is winning awards and capturing the attention of those readers you want to read your own book!

READ OUT LOUD

Once you have completed your manuscript…paying attention to rhyme, rhythm, meter, etc. then read your story out loud. Better yet, have someone who isn’t familiar with your story at all read it out loud. If there is hesitation or sudden stops in the flow of your words, then make notes of where you have to focus your editing efforts before submitting your story to an agent or publisher.

DON’T TALK LIKE YODA

Writing, or speaking, in a forced rhyme only works for a certain Star Wars character. Here’s an example:

“Whenever we go for a walk,

with you, I like to talk.”

No one but Yoda could get away with talking like that and you certainly don’t want to see it in a rhyming picture book. Be very careful to not put “forced rhymes” in your manuscript. It screams your lack of skill writing that type of picture book. It is the main reason some agents and publishers won’t even accept rhyming picture books as part of their submissions, so pay close attention to your sentence structure!

Writing rhyming picture books can be a huge challenge for some writers, but that’s not to say it’s completely impossible to have a strong rhyming story. Everyone knows Dr. Seuss’ lovely rhyming picture books, but here is a small list of other authors just as skillful so check them out!

Bill Martin

Giles Andreae

Claire Freedman

Anna Dewdney

Julia Donaldson

Arnold Lobel

Kess Gray

Just to name a few…;-)

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Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: Picture Book Submissions

Last week I shared with you how Story Catcher Publishing will be opening up to chapter book and novel submissions beginning in the Fall of this year. Indie authors will have a FABULOUS opportunity to find the support they need to build their future writing careers. If you missed last week’s post, click on the link…http://storycatcherpublishing.com/2023/01/11/story-catcher-publishing-expansion-chapter-book-novel-submissions/

I have dreamed for years of giving back to the KidLit community for all the love and support everyone has shown me. Beginning this Fall, each picture book selected for publishing under the SCP umbrella will reap the following benefits, depending on whether you are a writer in need of an illustrator, or you are a writer/illustrator yourself.

If you’re a writer/illustrator:

  1. A publishing package for picture books will cost only $550 TOTAL! This covers proofreading, ISBN, cover design, formatting, and production set up for both ebook and paperback titles. This will initially be offered to the first 50 titles accepted by Story Catcher Publishing so we can make sure this pricing covers basic industry costs before rolling it out to the general public. After prior cost analysis, it appears this pricing should be viable, but this model needs to be tested in real world applications.
  2. Ebook distribution will be through Amazon KDP. Paperback will be through IngramSpark to ensure availability to 80,000+ online retailers including B&N, Books A Million, Walmart and others.
  3. Payments (via Paypal) will be divided into three installments of $150 due with signed contract, $250 due with completion of cover design, and balance of $150 due with completion of paperback production files. (The industry average for these services ranges anywhere from $1,350 to $6,100 or more depending on who you hire to help you.)
  4. SCP authors will retain 100% royalties to their paperback titles.
  5. SCP authors will also receive FREE access to support covering websites, author platforms, marketing, sales sheets, blogging, author events, etc.
  6. SCP authors will receive FREE promotion through our website, blog, online store, and any SCP events including festivals, contests and giveaways.
  7. If a SCP author should sign with a major literary agency, or a medium to large traditional publishing house where the agent or publisher is interested in re-releasing their existing SCP title, we will amend OUR existing contract and remove the paperback title from our inventory upon proof of a signed contract.

If you’re a writer in need of an illustrator:

  1. A publishing package for picture books will cost only $1100 TOTAL! This covers proofreading, ISBN, cover design, 15 hand-drawn & fully colorized illustrations, formatting, and production set up for both ebook and paperback titles. This will initially be offered to the first 50 titles accepted by Story Catcher Publishing so we can make sure this pricing covers basic industry costs before rolling it out to the general public. After prior cost analysis, it appears this pricing should be viable, but this model needs to be tested in real world applications.
  2. Ebook distribution will be through Amazon KDP. Paperback will be through IngramSpark to ensure availability to 80,000+ online retailers including B&N, Books A Million, Walmart and others.
  3. Payments (via Paypal) will be divided into three installments of $300 due with signed contract, $500 due with completion of cover design & 15 initial b/w illustration sketches, and balance of $300 due with completion of paperback production files. (The industry average for these services ranges anywhere from $5300 to $20,100 or more depending on who you hire to help you.)
  4. SCP authors will retain 100% royalties to their paperback titles.
  5. SCP authors will also receive FREE access to support covering websites, author platforms, marketing, sales sheets, blogging, author events, etc.
  6. SCP authors will receive FREE promotion through our website, blog, online store, and any SCP events including festivals, contests and giveaways.
  7. If a SCP author should sign with a major literary agency, or a medium to large traditional publishing house where the agent or publisher is interested in re-releasing their existing SCP title, we will amend OUR existing contract and remove the paperback title from our inventory upon proof of a signed contract.

It has always been my hope and dream to support other indie writers on THEIR journey to publication. To me, that means not standing in the way of their future, wherever it may take them.

Well, there you have it. The basics of what Story Catcher Publishing will offer picture book writers and writer/illustrators starting this Fall. I will share more updates next week.

I hope you are as excited about the future of Story Catcher Publishing as I am. Any questions, just drop them in the comments below or send me a private message. I want this to be as transparent as possible.

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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

November PAY A BOOK FORWARD Holiday Edition Is Here!

A year’s worth of PAY A BOOK FORWARD is almost coming to a close. Many people have shared these posts with their friends to help spread the word about all the FREE books Story Catcher Publishing gave away this year! Now that the holidays have begun, I thought what better way to celebrate sharing a little book love than to give away lots of AUTOGRAPHED books!

From November 11th until November 21st, you will have a chance to enter not ONE, not TWO, not THREE , but FOUR drawings to receive a special bundle of author autographed picture books. Each bundle will have a special picture book from my own collection and the rest will be books autographed by author friends of mine from all around the country.

And best of all? They are FREE!!

All you need to do for a chance to win one of these bundles, is to “like” Story Catcher Publishing at www.facebook.com/donasdays and let me know in the comments which bundle you’d like to win. Winners will be announced on Sunday, November 21st! It’s that easy!

Here is what you will win in each bundle:

Bundle #1

TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS by Lori Degman (autographed)

QUIET WYATT by Tammi Sauer (autographed)

CLICK, CLACK, MOO COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin (autographed)

LUNADAR: Homeward Bound by Donna L Martin (autographed)

MERMAID TALES: A Whale of a Tale by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

MERMAID TALES: A Royal Tea by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

HERE COME THE HOLDAYS: Stories and Poems, including Debbie Dadey (autographed)

PENGUINS ON VACATION by Salina Yoon (special inclusion)

Bundle #2:

TURKEY TROUBLE by Wendy Silvano (autographed)

WAKEY, WAKEY, ELEPHANT! by Linda Ravin Lodding (autographed)

THE STORY CATCHER by Donna L Martin (autographed first edition)

MERMAID TALES: Danger in the Deep Blue Sea by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: The Chocolate Train Wreck by Donna L Martin (autographed)

BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS: Unicorns Don’t Give Sleigh Rides by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

MERMAID TALES: Fairy Chase by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

CHICKS RULE by Sudipta Bardham-Quallen (special inclusion)

Bundle #3

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM THUMB by Marianna Mayer (autographed)

I’M BORED by Michael Ian Black (autographed by illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi)

RAISING A HERO by Laura Numeroff (autographed)

MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH by Katie Jungwirth & Deborah ErdMann (autographed)

MERMAID TALES: Ready, Set, Goal! by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams by Donna L Martin (autographed)

GHOSTVILLE ELEMENTARY: Happy Haunting! by Marcia Thornton Jones & Debbie Dadey (autographed)

OH NO! NOT AGAIN! by Mac Barnett (special inclusion)

Book bundle #4

ADRIFT by Heidi E. Y. Stemple (autographed)

STINKY FEET PETE AND THE MIGHTY HITTERS by Cindy L Shirley (autographed)

ZORRO GETS AN OUTFIT by Carter Goodrich (autographed)

MYSTIC by K. D. Rausin (autographed)

MERMAID TALES: Battle of the Best Friends by Debbie Dadey (autographed)

THE ADVENTURES OF THE BAILY SCHOOL KIDS, VOLUME II by Debbie Dadey & Marcia Thornton Jones (autographed)

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Hunting Gris Gris by Donna L Martin (autographed)

ARE WE THERE YET? by Dan Santat (special inclusion)

Help me get the word out about these FREE holiday book bundles! Tell your favorite teacher! Tell you favorite librarian! Let all your book-loving friends know to check out this month’s book bundle and leave a comment for a chance to win this book bundle!!

****************

KidLit Author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

www.storycatcherpublishing.com

www.twitter.com/donasdays

www.facebook.com/donasdays

www.amazon.com/author/donnalmartin

www.goodreads.com/author/show/18279692.Donna_L_Martin

ReFoReMo…Week One Results

For those of you who don’t know what ReFoReMo stands for, it’s READING FOR RESEARCH MONTH. It’s a month long challenge to read tons of great picture books as mentor texts and really study the different components of what makes up great writing.

I’m going to be reading over 100 books during the month of March for this challenge, and reading the blog posts like this one…http://www.reforemo.com/2021/03/reforemo-day-5-literary-advocate.html…to determine how things like tension, character arc, point of view, etc. helps a writer create a stronger story.

My local library couldn’t get me all the books required for this challenge, but I’m getting enough to understand and appreciate some of the really special books out there just waiting for someone to take them home for a little read time. Here are my favorites from this past week…

  1. SWASHBY AND THE SEA by Beth Ferry, illustrated by JuanaMartinez-Neal…This one is my FAVORITE book of week one. The drawings are lovely and I really enjoyed the heartwarming way Swashby’s neighbors took the time to connect with him.
  2. MABEL: A Mermaid Fable by Rowboat Watkins. It’s adorable how Mabel deals with being “different” and how she changes her mindset by the end of the story.
  3. FRY BREAD by Kevin Nobel Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez Neal…I just realized this is the same illustrator as the one for SWASHBY which is why I probably enjoyed the artwork of this book. I’m also part Cherokee, so learning more about Native American traditions interest me.
  4. I AM DARN TOUGH by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Maine Diaz…I work with kids every day and love how the main character in this book finds the inner strength to overcome the obstacles in the story.
  5. LIFT by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat…this book comes in a very close second to SWASHBY as my favorite mentor text for week one. I adore the illustrations by my KidLit colleague, Dan Santat, and the story is such a lovely tribute to a child’s imagination. The almost graphic novel style doesn’t hurt either…
  6. DO I HAVE TO WEAR A COAT? by Rachel Isadora…Picture books celebrating the seasons will almost always capture my attention and this one is no different. The artwork is whimsical and all the different options for the seasons evoke fun adventures.
  7. PARKER LOOKS UP by Parker & Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson…There are many things I admire about Michelle Obama, and I found this book both a lovely tribute to the strong woman Michelle is as well as all the wonderful possibilities to be found for one special little girl.
  8. NO SMALL POTATOES: Junius G Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas by Tonya Bolden, illustrated by Don Tate…This book’s artwork is created by another Kidlit colleague favorite of mine. And I absolutely love the “rag to riches” story of this fabulous, hard-working man who created his own destiny through hard work. This one is technically for week two, but it came in early and I couldn’t wait to read it!
  9. THE NEXT PRESIDENT by Kate Messner & Adam Rex…I LOVE how my KidLit colleague, Kate Messner presents an angle on our presidents I’ve never seen before! The artwork is beautiful and the story is captivating!

I can’t wait to see what week two brings!

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KidLit author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Children’s Book Insider and AWAI. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/donnalmartin

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adam Stower

 

troll

 

Title: Troll & the Oliver
Author/Illustrator: Adam Stower
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Every day when Oliver goes out, Troll tries to eat him. But catching Oliver is very tricky—he’s fast, sneaky, and just too clever! It is only when it looks like Troll has given up and Oliver celebrates victory that—CHOMP!—he gets eaten, and it turns out that Olivers don’t taste very nice after all.

 

Why you should read it:

 

It was the clever book design that first caught my eye. With a partial peekaboo cut-away cover, I was immediately drawn into wanting to find out who this cute little kid was and why a Troll seemed to be after him. The whimsically silly story reminded me somewhat of the old Road Runner cartoons where poor Wile E Coyote endeavors to catch a pesky road runner for a midday meal. Kids will also like the surprise ending after Troll discovers an Oliver might not be as tasty as he once thought! Author/illustrator Adam Stower’s lovely illustrations will delight young readers. A great addition to any home library.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. And coming to the Titanic Museums soon in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adam Stower

 

Troll

 

Title: Troll & the Oliver
Author/Illustrator: Adam Stower
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Every day when Oliver goes out, Troll tries to eat him. But catching Oliver is very tricky—he’s fast, sneaky, and just too clever! It is only when it looks like Troll has given up and Oliver celebrates victory that—CHOMP!—he gets eaten, and it turns out that Olivers don’t taste very nice after all.

 

Why you should read it:

 

It was the clever book design that first caught my eye. With a partial peekaboo cut-away cover, I was immediately drawn into wanting to find out who this cute little kid was and why a Troll seemed to be after him. The whimsically silly story reminded me somewhat of the old Road Runner cartoons where poor Wile E Coyote endeavors to catch a pesky road runner for a midday meal. Kids will also like the surprise ending after Troll discovers an Oliver might not be as tasty as he once thought! Author/illustrator Adam Stower’s lovely illustrations will delight young readers. A great addition to any home library.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Sally M Walker

 

winnie

 

Title: Winnie
Author: Sally M Walker
Illustrator: Jonathan D Voss
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Ages: 7-9

 

Synopsis:

 

Who could care for a bear? The remarkable true story of a bear that one day became a household name and the soldier who cared for her.

 

Why you should read it:

 

I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t heard of Winnie the Pooh, but I don’t think everyone knows the Winnie character was based on a real, live bear. Ms. Walker’s book is based on the true story of a bear rescued by a soldier. The soldier, Harry Coleburn, decides to raise the bear and forms a friendship lasting several years before Winnie finds a new home at the London Zoo.

As a writer of creative fiction, I found the authenticity of this story fascinating as I’m sure readers of all ages will be interested in finding out the history behind the classic stories of Winnie the Pooh.

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**

5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Margaree King Mitchell

 

jed

 

Title: Uncle Jed’s Babershop
Author: Margaree King Mitchell
Illustrator: James Ransome
Publisher: Alladin Paperbacks
Ages: 9-11

 

Synopsis:

 

Everyone has a favorite relative. For Sarah Jean, it’s her Uncle Jed. Every Wednesday night he comes over to her house to give her daddy a haircut and a shave.

What makes Uncle Jed special is his dream of opening his own barbershop one day with shiny sinks, real barber chairs, and outside, a big, tall, red-and-white barber pole. Even when life’s hardships and unexpected family emergencies get in the way, Uncle Jed never loses sight of his dream.

 

Why you should read it:

 

Sometimes it takes an oldie, but a goodie to remind us of what’s important in life and that’s our dreams. During a time when the spotlight is on diverse books, it’s nice to discover a strong story spotlighting the love and devotion of an African American family during a time of social unrest.

Illustrator James Ransome creates realistic portraits of a family struggling through the times right before the Great Depression and author Margaree King Mitchell touches our hearts with a poignant story of one man’s dream fulfilled almost before it was too late.

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**

5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Daisy Corning Stone Spedden

 

titanic.jpg

 

Title: Polar The Titanic Bear
Author: Daisy Corning Stone Spedden
Illustrator: Laurie McGa
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Ages: 9-11

Synopsis:

A young boy’s toy bear begins a journey all the way from the shelves at F.A.O. Schartz toy store in New York City to far off places halfway around the world before ending up on the Titanic. Will Polar and his young master make it off the great ship alive?

Why you should read it:

During my research for my own creative nonfiction book about the Titanic, I came across this cute book based on the true story of a toy bear’s journey around the world. Young readers will not only learn about a little boy named Douglas Spedden, but will also have a peek into the lives of the rich during the Edwardian era where the latest adventure was a gangplank away.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**

5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Deidre Gill

 

outside.jpg

 

Title: Outside
Author/Illustrator: Deidre Gill
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

What happens when you step outside?

 

Why you should read it:

 

Perfect, playful imagination flow through the pages of the wonderful picture book by debut author/illustrator Deidre Gill. Stunning illustrations capture the world of one little boy’s imagination as he goes outside to play. When he can’t entice his older brother to join him, he makes some friends of his own and steps into a fantasy world where dragons are real and anything can happen!

 

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

 

**Rating scale**

5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!