I am so pleased to be able to share something really truly special and awesome with you all today - this wonderful book called Show Me A Story (Storey 2012), by Emily Neuburger of Red Bird Crafts. If you have kids, teach kids, or even know some kids, then read on while I share what I feel as a mom, a former elementary school teacher, and someone who just like to pass around the beautiful things in the world. Emily is also a friend of mine, so I can tell you that she is the real deal and has put an enormous amount of thought and energy into the publication of this book, which takes all of the work out for us, and leaves us with 4o rich and authentic activities we can do with kids to promote their creativity and even proficiency at telling a story - orally, visually, and written.
When I was asked to review the book, of course I said yes without hesitation. It is a subject that is very near and dear to me and I have tried to bring the richness of story into my home by way of reading a ton to my kids as well as providing ample time for my daughter to write - it is pretty much her favorite thing to do. Coincidentally, as the review copy came to my mailbox, my husband and I were beginning to see that our younger son appears to be having a much tougher time getting his thoughts and ideas out into the world (on paper, mostly). It was weird - the timing. It was also great because Show Me A Story is so freakin' beautiful and appealing that any kid would want to pick it up and see which projects they might want to start with. So was true for Harry. I will note, however, that when I asked him to tell the story of his characters to me, he looked worried and wondered if he needed to write it down. "No" was the right answer for him and I got to hear about the race car and the big monster who fought him and the "annual reward" for defeating the monster, which was an enormous box of golden fries (who wouldn't want that over a trophy?).
He chose this as his first project:
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| The travelling puppet theater, which is basically a background with cuts to allow for popsicle stick characters to move around. The picture is terrible - so sorry! |
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| Harry used Sharpies and nice thick paper. |
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| Meet the bad guy. |
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| and the good guy |
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| They fight, sound effects are made, and the good guy wins |
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| and gets the french fry prize!!!! The crowd goes wild! |
I'm sure you were totally interested in my boy's project, but I know you really want to know how you can get your hands on a copy, so I will get on with it. I have a copy to give away to some lucky person. All you need to do is be a U.S. resident and leave a comment here by October 7 October 10 (Note: I am extending the giveaway until Wednesday, October 10)to enter. Give me the first sentence in a story you would write today while you are at it. And if you want another chance to win, head over to the Storey blog. They'll tell you what to do.
This giveaway is now closed :). Congratualtions Nancy!
xo
I would love a copy of this book for my daughter. Today I told my 2yo son a story about a bear (his request) that started something like, "One day a little boy woke up and went into the woods with his friend the bear."
ReplyDeleteIt would be sooooo awesome if my family won a copy of Show Me a Story. My oldest is 9, and he is like your son. He has great stories to tell, but they get stuck when it comes to the writing. Enter Show Me a Story where his hands would be used to create popsicle stick puppets and nifty backgrounds, have a ton of fun, and I think it won't be long before the more abstract words can flow from his mind onto paper. He just has to have fun DOING it, and this book looks like the ticket. I also have a 5 year old daughter, and she would take to this like a duck to water.
ReplyDeleteNow, as for my own starting sentence...I'm feeling autumn-y right now. "The day dawned gray and cold, the nip of the coming winter hanging everywhere in the air."
Once upon a time there was a boy and kite. Together they stood on top of a hill and, whoosh!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this lovely book.
"It was a dark and stormy night..." Oh, wait. I guess Snoopy has already covered that one! How about: "She combed the fleas from cat's fur and sighed; how to get rid of these pests, once and for all?" Maybe that's a little too real-life for me right now. Ok, here's: "The tree shivered in the warm breeze and stretched its leaves out to soak up the sun."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the challenge!
Oh I would so love a copy of this book for our family. We love telling stories but I feel the need for a little inspiration.
ReplyDeleteA story to start..hmmm
"the littlest chipmunk ran this way and that gathering all he would need for the party. "
my littles are suckers for animal party stories. They love the funny foods all the animals share. :)
I loved your story about sweet Harry, and it's so wonderful that you were able to use this book to help him know and remember that he is filled with amazing stories. The writing-down part will come with time. The most amazing writer I knew in college -- whose stories won every award -- had struggled with reading and writing as a child.
ReplyDeleteI've been longing for this book -- I'm not sure if I want it more for my kids or for myself. If I win it, I promise to share it with them. ;-)
Hmm -- a first line of a story on this cold, dark day:
"This cold is not unlike the breeze of knives."
Hey there Nancy, The random number generator chose 6 and that is your number! So, email me your address and I will have Storey send you the book! Congratulations! I know you will love it.
Deletebest to email: colieblum1@gmail.com
Yay!!! I'll send you an email right now. So, so happy!! Thanks!
Delete"There once was a mommy who ran out of stories." She needed some inspiration from this awesome book! Thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteI just found you through Pinterest via the wood block stamps. Love them. I'm happy to have found you! We just got rid of cable, so we are on the hunt for projects! I can't wait to dive in to your past posts.
ReplyDeletestory beginning:
Betsy was a very, very good girl...
Kristi
There once was a squirrel named Vince.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such an interesting book. I can see my kids keeping it at hand looking for things to do all of the time especially with the cold winter months here in Chicagoland. What a great giveaway!
I would so really like a duplicate of this guide for your loved ones members. We really like informing experiences but I experience the need for a little motivation.
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