Children's Book Writing Archives

Every year, when the holidays roll around, I have people asking me for holiday themed children’s books to share with their kids or classrooms. This year, I’ve decided to make it easy by compiling my Top 5 Favorite Picture Books on Giving and Gratitude just in time for Thanksgiving.

Understanding gratitude, and practicing it regularly, is something I try to be mindful of each day…and I certainly don’t always succeed. Gratitude has to be taught and practiced consistently before it can be an integral part of our daily lives. I also try to instill this idea in my own children, through practice, example, and of course and always, through stories.

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” A.A. Milne

#1 The Invisible Boy

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend… No one ever seems to notice Brian, that is until Justin, the new kid in class, decides to include Brian in his project. Through this unlikely friendship, the once invisible Brian finds a way to shine. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig teaches readers that sometimes the most generous gift we can share, is one of attention and love.

#2 All the World

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon is one of my favorite books––one that I gift to others time and time again. The sweeping illustrations by Marla Frazee follow a family as they spend a day in town amongst their neighbors while the story reminds us there are a million and one ways to give every ordinary day that we live: The tiniest shell on the beach, the warmth of a meal with others, the beauty found in human connections are all things to give and be grateful for.

#3 Splat Says Thank You!

Who doesn’t love a good Splat the Cat book? If you’re a fan of this wacky cat and his mouse friend Seymour, or looking for a light laughable read about giving and gratitude, then grab a copy of Splat Says Thank You! by Rob Scotton. Seymour needs cheering up and Splat has an idea: Splat has been working hard on a very special thank-you book that shows all the warmhearted and hilarious reasons Splat is thankful for Seymour and their friendship.

#4 Thanks a Million

If you are a poetry lover, then Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes is the book on gratitude for you. Featuring a sixteen poems in varying formats from a haiku to a rebus riddle, Thanks a Million reminds readers how far a simple thank-you can go. Illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera compliment each poem in a seamless artful expression of giving and gratitude.

#5 The Giving Tree

And of course, a blog post on picture books about giving would be incomplete without mention of the Shel Silverstein’s, The Giving Tree. Published in 1964, this children’s classic explores the idea of selfless love, as shared between a boy and his tree. However, perhaps one of the most divisive books in children’s literature, I would be remiss not to mention the dual-nature of the tale, which also poses the question: Can selfless love be exploited? What do you think?

One Most Anticipated Picture Book of 2019 on Giving and Gratitude

What Is Given from the Heart by the late Patricia c. McKissack tells the story of James Otis and his Mama as they find ways to give despite what little they have themselves. When the Temples, neighbors and friends, lose everything in a fire, James’ church collects items the family may need. It takes James some time to figure out how he can contribute to the Temple’s “love box” when he has so little himself. The powerful tale of compassion reminds us that giving from the heart, touches the heart as well. Patricia C. McKissack is a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author. Some of her other notable picture books include: The Honest-to-Goodness Truth, Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!, Loved Best (Ready-For-Chapters) and Goin’ Someplace Special.

Do you have your own story to share? If you are ready to write a children’s book, or have a manuscript you would like me to edit, contact me below. I look forward to reading your story!

I don’t know about you, but I’m super excited to read a bunch of new books in 2018. This year I’ve signed up to do a goodreads reading challenge of 100 books. Now, that might not sound like a lot for a book enthusiast like me, but I love books so much I’ve literally made it my job and I spend all day reading books that I hope (with my help) will make it to bookshelves nationwide for all to enjoy. But, in the meantime, there are a bunch of exciting new novels coming out this year, and I have big (reading) dreams for 2018.

This year I’m selecting my Top 5 Most Anticipated Books of 2018 for all of the best kid’s book genres: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, YA, and Poetry. And I’m starting with my most favorite genre of all: Middle Grade. (PS – I’m taking clients for 2018 and I just LOVE editing middle grade, so…well, let’s chat if you’ve got one in the works.)

Let’s get started.

#5 The Button War

I mean, come on, it’s Avi. Who doesn’t love Avi? I would argue that Avi is one of the most talented and prolific children’s authors of our time, having published over 70 books from picture books to young adult. With such a huge body of work, there is something for even the most reluctant of readers and if you haven’t read anything by Avi yet, two of my favorites are Poppy and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I’m particularly excited, however, to try out his upcoming book The Button War: A Tale of the Great War.

The story follows twelve-year-old Patryk, who knows little beyond his tiny Polish village, as the Great War unfurls around him. While the world Patryk knew is coming to an end, his friend Jurek challenges the villages kids in a game: whichever boy steals the finest military button will be king. But as the challenge progresses, so does the means by which the children steal the buttons, including from the bodies of dead soldiers. Eventually the lines between the button war and the Great War cross, especially for Jurek, Patryk, and the boys who must prove themselves while their game spirals rapidly out of control. Avi is a master of historical fiction and delivers edge-of-your-seat, history-based books for children time and again. I think it’s safe to assume The Button War will do no less.

#4 Shadow Weaver

I have been itching for a new book with magic in a big way, and Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly fits the bill. I LOVE a good story that explores mythologies in new ways, this one featuring the shadow mythology really gets me excited. Probably my favorite depiction of the shadow is found in Ursula K LeGuin’s first book in her Earthsea series, A Wizard of Earthsea, where Ged faces the shadow, and then of course I cannot mention the shadow without mentioning Star Wars. I could go on and on…but I just can’t wait to see how this mythology unfolds in this new book.

Our heroine, Emmeline, is gifted with the ability to control shadows, and her only friend is her own shadow, named Dar. But, when Emmeline’s gift is threatened, she makes a deal with Dar: if Dar helps to protect Emmeline, Emmeline will help Dar become flesh. But as their plan is thwarted, more obstacles arise, and Emmeline begins to lose trust in her closest friend…but it’s hard to keep secrets from your shadow.

#3 Hurricane Child

Ever partial to a little bit of regional lore and female heroines, I felt obliged to add Hurricane Child by Kheryn Calender to the list. Living in Florida, and previously along the North Carolina coast, I have endured more than a few hurricanes, so a story about twelve-year-old Caroline––born during a storm and called a Hurricane Child––who rises above her own bad luck in big ways through friendship and love, inspires me.

Life has been hard for Caroline from the moment she was born, and worst of all, her mother is never coming home. Filled with grief, Caroline is determined to find her mom, but when a new student arrives, Kalinda, things begin to change for Caroline. As the two girls search for Caroline’s mother together, they discover they share the same gift, and they heal together through friendship. With a touch of magic realism, Hurricane Child is not to be missed.

#2 Where the Watermelons Grow

Okay, let me be honest. With this book I am ALL IN because : LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. As all’a’y’all know, I’ve got a sweet spot for NC and any book that takes place in my home state of North Carolina really gets me excited. Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin highlights all the regional things I know so well: butter beans (they are like little limas), the bees (NC has the BEST honey), and of course the watermelons.

When Della’s mom becomes sick, Della knows just what to do––she’ll get a jar of magic honey from the Bee Lady, and then Mama will stop hearing the people who aren’t really there once and for all. But with Daddy struggling on the farm, and Della picking up the slack at home, she struggles to hear the truth about her jar of magic honey. It takes a whole summer, but eventually Della is able to listen to what the Bee Lady is trying to say, and Della thinks maybe the key to helping Mama lies in her own acceptance, rather than a jar of watermelon honey.

#1 Willa of the Wood

Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m partial. Not only does this beauty take place in the breathtaking Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, not only is this book authored by the same talent––Robert Beatty––who penned the Serafina Series, but I also served as an editor on the project (twice!), and so I hold it near and dear to my heart. Years ago I read the first three chapters of Willa, long before any of the Serafina books were signed, and boy oh boy did I hope beyond hope Willa’s story would come alive. Well, I’ve read a copy of Willa of the Wood (though not the copy) and I can not WAIT until summer 2018 when you can pick up this gem too.

Willa is a a nightspirit of the mountains…and a thief. She spends her nights rummaging through the objects of the day-folk and her days escaping the harsh life of her clan. But, when her curiosity leads her to a dangerously close encounter with her enemy, she’s surprised to discover that perhaps her biggest threats lay a little closer to home. Soon enough, everything she understood about her people––and their biggest enemy––is changed forever.

Tell me about your book!

If you are ready to write a children’s book, or have a manuscript you would like me to edit, contact me below. I look forward to reading your story!

My Top 5 Favorite Picture Books on Giving and Gratitude