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
