Would You Read It Wednesday - The 49th Pitch!

Wow!  Do you know what I just realized?  This week's pitch is #49, which means we've been doing Would You Read It for almost a whole entire year!  And week #52 - the WYRI Anniversary - is going to coincide with final week of the Olympics!  I have a feeling this calls for a celebration of some kind... I'm just not sure what :)  Feel free to make suggestions!  Especially if they involve chocolate cake :) and open flame :)

All we need here is a little photoshopping so it says
BLUEBERRY HILL 2012 :)

I actually do have a special Would You Read It announcement today.  Remember that poll I took last week?  Well, some late voters changed the picture a bit.  The results indicated that the majority of you were happy either way, but a fairly large group were in favor of change, while only 3 people felt it should definitely stay the same.

So here's what we're going to try.  Beginning with July (you know, the month we're in right now... last time I checked anyway... :)), any pitcher WHO WOULD LIKE TO (it is not in any way, shape, or form required!) may rewrite their pitch before the pitch pick based on the feedback they received from all you generous and helpful readers.  They will just have to get their rewrites in to me before the last day of the month.  Sound good?  I'm game to give it a try if you are.  If we all decide we hate it, we can always go back to the old system :)  But a lot of people have asked about it and would like the opportunity to improve, and I'm all for encouraging improvement :)

I would also like to take this opportunity to say how much fun I'm having with Summer Short & Sweets!  I've been amazed and gratified at how many people have been participating, and everyone is so creative and talented!  It's such a pleasure to see what you all come up with that I find myself eagerly looking forward to Fridays!  Thank you all for being such great sports :)

But now, onward!  It's time for today's pitch which comes to us from the lovely Vivian whom I'm sure you all remember from last month's incredibly informative guest post for the self-publishing mini-series, but just in case you don't know her, here's a little info:

Vivian Kirkfield has been involved in the care and education of young children for over 50 years.  From babysitting to teaching kindergarten and Head Start to raising her own three children while operating a home daycare, Vivian's passion for picture books encouraged her to write her award-winning book, Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.  She shares her mission to help every young child become a lover of books and reading during her school visits with kindergarteners and her presentations to parent and teacher organizations.  Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12 Challenge was the catalyst that started her writing picture book stories again...and now she can't stop!  Many of her stories are based on her experiences as a teacher, mother and grandmother.  The Tomato Turner is a true story about her own family...and she plans several sequels...Confessions of the Tomato Turner and The Tomato Turner Returns.

Vivian's blog: http://www.viviankirkfield.wordpress.com

Vivian's book/author website:  http://www.positiveparentalparticipation.com

And now, here is her pitch:

Working Title:  The Tomato Turner
Age/Genre:  Picture Book (ages 3-8)
The Pitch:  Stuck in the middle between a brainy older brother and an adorable baby sister, four-year old Peter is determined to do something spectacular that will make everyone proud of him - when he sees the basket of green tomatoes on the kitchen counter, he seizes the opportunity to astonish his family.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Vivian improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in August, which is not very far away at all at this point, so we could really use some new pitches!!

Vivian is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!

And before we all go off to our wonderful Wednesdays, I wanted to mention a special upcoming treat!  My friend and fellow author, Tiffany Haber, had her debut picture book release yesterday!!!  Here is her book:

Awesome, no?!  And here's where the special treat part comes in: Tiffany is coming over to visit with us here on Monday July 23 - that's in like 5 days! - and along with what I'm sure will be a fabulously entertaining post, she will be giving away a signed copy of this exceptionally fun-looking brand new book!!!  Mine is on order and due to arrive tomorrow.  I can't wait to read it!

Alrighty.  You're excused.  Have a lovely day :)  Hope to see you Friday for Short & Sweets!