Picture this
Bagdad author Carol June Franks recalls some of her favorite childhood memories zooming down the snow-covered, steep hills of Westwood on those coveted days of canceled school in Sled Ride Down Unrue Street. Franks, a retired teacher who believes well-written picture books are a perfect venue for learning to read and write well, includes helpful information in the book for teaching rhyme, imagery and refrain, as well as tips on beginning to write from memories.
Another retired teacher, Lexington author Ruth Salyers Castle, fulfilled a 25-year bucket list item when she published her first children’s book, Grace Sparkles with Gratitude. The lilting rhyme describes the grateful heart of Grace, who finds something each day for which to be thankful. Young readers are encouraged at the end of the book to make a gratitude jar filled with reminders of good things for days when they need encouragement.
Butler County children’s book author Linda J. Hawkins, says, “I’ve always loved nature. The older I get, it increases my delight! It refreshes my spirit!” Her latest release, Frederica’s New Home, focuses on a tiny frog whose water source has dried up, forcing her to relocate. With the help of her dragonfly friend, she finds a lovely house on a hill complete with a waterfall, lily pads and new goldfish friends. Hawkins includes reading tips, a recipe to go along with the story, and in the hardcover edition, 101 frog facts. Hawkins also infuses scripture throughout to demonstrate God’s presence in nature.
Lexington author Susan Mills created the DinoSprout educational book series in support of children with exceptionalities such as autism, anxiety and food allergies. An advocate for her own son’s special needs, she hopes to encourage healthy conversations about diversity, inclusion and self-acceptance. Each book centers around a dinosaur: Stella, the Sweet and Spunky Stegosaurus, is nonverbal and often misunderstood, but she needs a friend; Hadley, the Happy and Helpful Hadrosaurus, can get very sick if she eats certain foods and needs a safe environment; Alex, the Awesome and Artsy Allosaurus, deals with anxiety but also has a unique talent; and Toby, in Toby, the Terrific and Talented T-Rex, can get overstimulated by textures, sounds and smells, but he learns how to calm his body when this happens
You’re never too old for picture books, and Kentucky is blessed with a plethora of authors who enjoy writing them.
Bagdad author Carol June Franks recalls some of her favorite childhood memories zooming down the snow-covered, steep hills of Westwood on those coveted days of canceled school in Sled Ride Down Unrue Street. Franks, a retired teacher who believes well-written picture books are a perfect venue for learning to read and write well, includes helpful information in the book for teaching rhyme, imagery and refrain, as well as tips on beginning to write from memories.
Another retired teacher, Lexington author Ruth Salyers Castle, fulfilled a 25-year bucket list item when she published her first children’s book, Grace Sparkles with Gratitude. The lilting rhyme describes the grateful heart of Grace, who finds something each day for which to be thankful. Young readers are encouraged at the end of the book to make a gratitude jar filled with reminders of good things for days when they need encouragement.
Butler County children’s book author Linda J. Hawkins, says, “I’ve always loved nature. The older I get, it increases my delight! It refreshes my spirit!” Her latest release, Frederica’s New Home, focuses on a tiny frog whose water source has dried up, forcing her to relocate. With the help of her dragonfly friend, she finds a lovely house on a hill complete with a waterfall, lily pads and new goldfish friends. Hawkins includes reading tips, a recipe to go along with the story, and in the hardcover edition, 101 frog facts. Hawkins also infuses scripture throughout to demonstrate God’s presence in nature.
Lexington author Susan Mills created the DinoSprout educational book series in support of children with exceptionalities such as autism, anxiety and food allergies. An advocate for her own son’s special needs, she hopes to encourage healthy conversations about diversity, inclusion and self-acceptance. Each book centers around a dinosaur: Stella, the Sweet and Spunky Stegosaurus, is nonverbal and often misunderstood, but she needs a friend; Hadley, the Happy and Helpful Hadrosaurus, can get very sick if she eats certain foods and needs a safe environment; Alex, the Awesome and Artsy Allosaurus, deals with anxiety but also has a unique talent; and Toby, in Toby, the Terrific and Talented T-Rex, can get overstimulated by textures, sounds and smells, but he learns how to calm his body when this happens.
Sled Ride Down Unrue Street (Junebug Tales Publishing, $11.99) is available at www.junebugtales.com.
Grace Sparkles with Gratitude and Grace’s 100-Day Gratitude Journal with Daily Affirmations (Dream Castle Books, $8.99 and $14.99) are available from Amazon.
Frederica’s New Home (Haleya Publishing, $20 hardcover), can be purchased at www.lindajhawkins.com.
Susan Mills’ DinoSprout series (Rainbow Sparrow Books, $11.99 each) is available from Amazon.
