You know, I made the list for Perfect Picture Books, and I checked it twice :) ... actually thrice and then some, and the book I've chosen for today does not appear on it yet... but I still have a niggling-nagging feeling in the back of my mind that someone has already done it. Jennifer? Renee? Penny? Erik? Maybe I'm imagining things. But sometimes posts get written and I read them, but the link doesn't make it onto the linky list, which can result in the book not making it onto the PPB list. If that is what happened in this case, please forgive me and send me your link ASAP! Other times, I add the books to the list and blogger spazzes out and drops them. (I hate when that happens!) (Or it might just be that sometimes I am very nearsighted and/or sleepy and/or not too bright, so maybe it's there and I just missed it!) But since I couldn't find it on the list and I love it, I'm going to go ahead and post it!
Written By: James Howe
Illustrated By: Randy Cecil
Candlewick, 2010, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 4-8
Themes/Topics: following your dreams, acceptance, dance, perspective, friendship, kindness
Opening: "Brontorina had a dream.
"I want to dance!"
"But you are a dinosaur," Madame Lucille pointed out.
"True," Brontorina replied. "But in my heart I am a ballerina.""
Brief Synopsis: Brontorina longs to dance... but she is awfully large to be a ballerina. Madame Lucille is kind, however, and gives Brontorina a chance to learn dance at her studio. Alas, it appears that although Brontorina is graceful, she really is too big. And she certainly doesn't have the right shoes. But just when disappointment seems inevitable, her friends figure out that sometimes it's all in how you look at it.
Links To Resources: Story Hour Kit from Candlewick, Apatosaurus Coloring Page, A Guide To Ballet For Kids And Parents, as well as discussion topics: what is something you dream of doing? is it okay to dream things that might seem out of reach?
Why I Like This Book: I love that Brontorina has a dream and pursues it, even though to some it might not seem a realistic dream. Isn't this what we hope for all our kids? That they will dream big and have the courage to pursue their passions? And sometimes the value is in the dreaming and the pursuit, not necessarily in how successful you end up being (although success is nice too :))
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
Now then! I have to announce the winner of last week's game! Remember I asked you all to guess how many Perfect Picture Books you thought were on the list as of September 21?
But first I have to explain what made me think of the game to start with. In the interest of spreading the word and having people make use of all our hard work, Beth Stilborn thought it would be a great idea to have bookmarks for Perfect Picture Books that anyone who is interested could hand out to their local librarian, school teachers, friends, etc. I concurred with Beth! So the lovely and talented Alison Hertz took Loni Edward's beautiful badge design and transformed it into a book mark! But we wanted to put on the book mark how many books were already listed. So I counted. And once I knew, I thought it would be fun to see if you could guess. So that's how the game got started.
Here's a sneak peek at the front of the bookmark:
I am dithering over the language on the back, but once I sort it out, I will order bookmarks and anyone who wants some to hand out to their above-mentioned local librarians, school teachers, friends etc. can email me and I'll send you some! The more we spread the word the better. Everyone works hard to make Perfect Picture Books a great resource, so I want lots and lots of people to make use of it :)
Anyhoo, to make a long story a little bit longer, we had lots of guesses, ranging from Tracy's guess of 100 all the way up to Joanna's (very optimistic :)) guess of 3758! :) The actual number of unique books at the time of counting (as per the instructions, books that have been posted 2 or 3 times were only counted as 1 book) was 740. So the winner is Pat who guessed 750 - only off by 10! (with Jarm a very close second with 727 only off by 13!) Pat, your prize, as mentioned, is a pack of Super Duper Awesomely Inspiring Susanna Hill Special Story Sparker Cards! Email me your address and I'll mail them to you :) And with number-picking ability like that, you should probably trot right out and play the lottery :)
Now then, off you go to enjoy everyone's Perfect Picture Book picks for the week (PPBF bloggers, please leave your post specific link on the list below so we can find you :)).
And I hope you all have a fabulous Columbus Day Weekend!!!
Woo-hoo! Can't wait to get some bookmarks .. we'll be cracking 1000 before the end of the year! Thank you for all your hard work Susanna. My girls loved Brontorina when they were younger.
ReplyDeleteI know! It's amazing what we can accomplish when we work together! (Although I still haven't straightened out the list mess...!) We might hit 800 by next week! And I'm glad to hear you like Brontorina too :)
ReplyDeleteBrontorina is my kind of dinosaur! I'm going to have to get the book as I now need to know how the plot resolves ;-)
ReplyDeleteI adore the book "Brontorina" and if it isn't on PPBF yet like you think it might, then it deserves to be there. It is a fantastic read for kids. And like I said, I Loved it, and some my dispute whether I'm a kid or not but mostly I pass for adult. :)
ReplyDeleteI also adore the bookmarks! You'll be hearing from me in those regards. When will they be ready? And How much will they cost? You really do need to let us compensate you. I wasn't here for the game but it sounds like a great hit. :)
Congrats, Pat and WoW, what a list!! LOVE the bookmark Susanna and I'd totally give those out! I adore Jame Howe and I've seen this book, but haven't read it so you've piqued my curiosity! Thanks for being such a strong literacy leader.
ReplyDeleteAhem, yes I guess I was a little overoptimistic there! Congrats, Pat! This book looks such fun and I love picture books about following one's dream, however unlikely that may seem. The bookmarks are fab! Well done, Alison!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the cover of Brontorina! I didn't review this book, but it looks like one I would LOVE! I like books about believing in yourself!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ms. Tilton! That's a lot of PBs! The bookmark is awesome!
Congratulations, Pat...good guessing! And I LOVE the bookmark (and the idea surrounding it). Great plan, Susanna!
ReplyDeleteYea, Pat!!! And yea, Bookmark! It is so cute. Alison and Loni are quite an awesome team ;-) I love how the list has grown...WOW! And while I am yea-ing....yea, Susanna for PPBF!
ReplyDeleteNo...I haven't reviewed Brontorina and it is a MUST read for me!!! The cover is adorable. What a cute dino!
This sounds great! And the cover art and design is so appealing!
ReplyDeleteYour pick reminds me of Piggy Bunny by Rachel Vail. A piglet wants to be the Easter Bunny. Another big, maybe unrealistic dream, but he finally gets support to pursue it. Thanks for sharing Brontorina!
ReplyDeleteHooway for Perfect Picture Book Fridays! Hooway for Alison Hertz and her awesome design for the bookmark! Hooway for Pat who was the best guesser! Hooway for Brontorina!
ReplyDeleteAre you seeing a theme here? If anyone looks at my PPBF pick, they will understand. :)
Susanna...I love this book...you know I adore stories that provide young children with that positive message of having a dream and pursuing it and believing in yourself! I'm not sure that anyone has done this one...but it reminds me a little of someone's pitch of the hippos? who wanted to do ballet? Looks like a GREAT book!
And I LOVE your bookmark...I would definitely want to have some/order some...for my school visits and other parent/teacher interactions. :) When my book came out two years ago, my daughter-in-law designed a bookmark that has served as my business card...I'm sure anyone of this group who has gotten a copy of my book for review or in the library giveaway also got a bookmark. They are a nice way to get the word out. :)
A ballerina dinosaur. Now that is something. And good on the dino for going for her dream. Great PB for today.
ReplyDeleteSo there've been 700+ books mentioned. That is awesome!
Yay, Pat! Yay, Alison! Yay for bookmarks! Yay, Susanna! I don't remember Brontorina, but it sounds as if it definitely needs a place on our list. You might also want to send the link to this post to Kelly Aradhya when she compiles her October Read and Romp Roundup for her blog Picture Books and Pirouettes.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh, that cover! I love it!
ReplyDeleteAnother great job by Alison :) Congratulations on creating this amazing resource for parents and educators, Susanna!!
Sweet bookmark and congrats to all the guessers. FYI: the link for A Plump and Perky Turkey won't open for me (currently #14)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie :) And I will check the link!
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh! Maybe it was Kerry who posted Brontorina - I didn't think of that! And thank you for all your enthusiasm (and help on the book marks :))
ReplyDeleteBrontorina is very lovable - you just really want her to get her turn to shine as a dancer :) And yes, we passed 750 last week - got up to 759 I think - and there are already 21 this week, so they're adding up!
ReplyDeleteI know - isn't Brontorina the cutest dinosaur ballerina you ever saw? :) And I am thrilled with how PPBs is coming along, but I certainly couldn't do it without all of you! You guys are the best :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your boundless enthusiasm, Vivian, and hooray for you too! :) You know I am fond of this theme, having written a book about a spunky groundhog with the same theme :) And I think it was Elizabeth's pitch for Magnificent (which may have gotten a title change after WYRI) that you're thinking of - you're right, it is somewhat reminiscent. When the book marks are ready, I'll take orders :)
ReplyDeleteBeth tried to say "oops she of course meant Kerry not Kelly" (who knows it might have been autocorrect!) but disqus was being uncooperative so I'm trying for her :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Susanna. I love Brontorina, too! And great idea that Beth came up with for a bookmark. Looks awesome so far!
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR TRACY at http://tracycampbell.net/blog/
ReplyDeleteStill hanging out on the fringe. Let me in. Let me in. LOL
Congrats to Pat for only being 10 away.
Loved Brontorina's name and the pitch. Her figure is lovely by the way.
And the bookmark is as well.
Hi, guys. Beth, thanks again for mentioning my roundup again. I so appreciate it! I'll probably post the link for the October roundup in a couple weeks. By the way, I have posted about Brontorina, but long ago before PPBF started :) Hope you both have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy - glad you liked the book and the bookmarks! And apologies for the continue posting trouble :(
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kerry! So glad you like both - book mark and book. Beth said you would want to see this one. I wondered if it was you that had already posted Brontorina for PPBF - it's not on the list, but I have the strongest feeling that somebody did it... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling me about Piggy Bunny - that sounds good too :)
ReplyDeleteWait until you see her ballet shoes :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the "yeas" Penny :) And you will love Brontorina - so awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jarm! :) But credit must go equally to Beth, who really thought up the idea, Loni who drew that darling badge, and Alison who designed the bookmark - I had very little to do with it :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the book mark, Erik, and I think you would love Brontorina - really, what is not to love about an apatosaurus ballet dancer? :) And thanks for all YOUR help in adding to our PPB list!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your optimism, Joanna! :) and hopefully it won't be too long before we have that many on our list! :) If you haven't read Brontorina, I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteWell thank you so much Barbara for joining in every week with such wonderful books! This is truly a group effort. When the book marks are ready, I'll let everyone know so they can tell me how many they want :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't Brontorina wonderful? I'm glad you like it too :) Sorry you missed the game... but you know me... there will be others :) We will see about the bookmarks... I really just want to spread the word about PPB - everyone works so hard and does such a wonderful job - I want people to come make use of this fantastic resource we're creating (and as a result, get you all more attention for your blogs, books, etc!) :)
ReplyDeleteI think you will like it... :) So sweet!
ReplyDeleteI love this book. It looks like it could appeal to both genders with a wonderful message. And I adore your new bookmark!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! And imaginative. A dinosaur ballerina.
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it just? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it really is a fun book for either gender - very fun. And I'm so glad you like the book mark! Once it's made you can have some to pass out to anyone you know who might benefit from PPBF :)
ReplyDeleteBig dreams. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNo better kind, right? :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a winner! I haven't read it, so glad you shared! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it :)
ReplyDeleteLove your choice of books because I think it is so important for kids to have a dream. Sounds like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteLove the bookmarks Allison!
Finally got to your blog and was surprised to learn I had chosen the number of books. It was the first number that popped into my mind when I thought about it. I thought I was way over. Believe me, I rarely win anything, especially the lottery. Just returned from a trip, so am late getting to everyone.
So glad you like the book and the book marks, Pat. Hope you had a great trip! Send me your address and I'll send you a pack of the Awesomest Story Cards ever - or 2 of your favorite candy bars if you prefer :)
ReplyDeleteThe bookmark is adorable. And the book sounds great. My son has very lofty ambitions (to work at Pixar), and I've had to be care to encourage him. On the bright side, it helps me motivate him to do his homework. Pixar only wants the best working for them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the book and book mark, Stina! And wow! That is a lofty ambition, but a great one!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall this one being mentioned, but I am catching up. It reminds me of the Peepsqueak! story I did. I'm checking out the story hour kit (our neighborhood community center is doing story time. I've referred the ladies to PPBF). I like the bookmarks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. This is a cute book. And I'm glad you like the book marks. They are ready to upload now, so I just have to get some printed and then I can send some to anyone who wants to pass them around and spread the word :)
ReplyDelete"Isn't this what we hope for all our kids? That they will dream big and
ReplyDeletehave the courage to pursue their passions? And sometimes the value is
in the dreaming and the pursuit, not necessarily in how successful you
end up being"
YES! I totally agree! Why not dream big? The sky's the limit I always say. This book sounds like a wonderful read. I can't wait to borrow it from the library. Thanks for adding it to the list Susanna!
Kudos to Allison for a beautiful bookmark! I love it! :D
I'm glad you like the look of Brontorina, and the book mark - which we took great pains to put your copyright on! :)
ReplyDeleteBrontorina is my kind of dinosaur! I'm going to have to get the book as I now need to know how the plot resolves ;-)
ReplyDeleteI adore the book "Brontorina" and if it isn't on PPBF yet like you think it might, then it deserves to be there. It is a fantastic read for kids. And like I said, I Loved it, and some my dispute whether I'm a kid or not but mostly I pass for adult. :)
ReplyDeleteI also adore the bookmarks! You'll be hearing from me in those regards. When will they be ready? And How much will they cost? You really do need to let us compensate you. I wasn't here for the game but it sounds like a great hit. :)
Congrats, Pat and WoW, what a list!! LOVE the bookmark Susanna and I'd totally give those out! I adore Jame Howe and I've seen this book, but haven't read it so you've piqued my curiosity! Thanks for being such a strong literacy leader.
ReplyDeleteAhem, yes I guess I was a little overoptimistic there! Congrats, Pat! This book looks such fun and I love picture books about following one's dream, however unlikely that may seem. The bookmarks are fab! Well done, Alison!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the cover of Brontorina! I didn't review this book, but it looks like one I would LOVE! I like books about believing in yourself!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ms. Tilton! That's a lot of PBs! The bookmark is awesome!
Congratulations, Pat...good guessing! And I LOVE the bookmark (and the idea surrounding it). Great plan, Susanna!
ReplyDeleteYea, Pat!!! And yea, Bookmark! It is so cute. Alison and Loni are quite an awesome team ;-) I love how the list has grown...WOW! And while I am yea-ing....yea, Susanna for PPBF!
ReplyDeleteNo...I haven't reviewed Brontorina and it is a MUST read for me!!! The cover is adorable. What a cute dino!
This sounds great! And the cover art and design is so appealing!
ReplyDeleteYour pick reminds me of Piggy Bunny by Rachel Vail. A piglet wants to be the Easter Bunny. Another big, maybe unrealistic dream, but he finally gets support to pursue it. Thanks for sharing Brontorina!
ReplyDeleteHooway for Perfect Picture Book Fridays! Hooway for Alison Hertz and her awesome design for the bookmark! Hooway for Pat who was the best guesser! Hooway for Brontorina!
ReplyDeleteAre you seeing a theme here? If anyone looks at my PPBF pick, they will understand. :)
Susanna...I love this book...you know I adore stories that provide young children with that positive message of having a dream and pursuing it and believing in yourself! I'm not sure that anyone has done this one...but it reminds me a little of someone's pitch of the hippos? who wanted to do ballet? Looks like a GREAT book!
And I LOVE your bookmark...I would definitely want to have some/order some...for my school visits and other parent/teacher interactions. :) When my book came out two years ago, my daughter-in-law designed a bookmark that has served as my business card...I'm sure anyone of this group who has gotten a copy of my book for review or in the library giveaway also got a bookmark. They are a nice way to get the word out. :)
Oh, my gosh, that cover! I love it!
ReplyDeleteAnother great job by Alison :) Congratulations on creating this amazing resource for parents and educators, Susanna!!
A ballerina dinosaur. Now that is something. And good on the dino for going for her dream. Great PB for today.
ReplyDeleteSo there've been 700+ books mentioned. That is awesome!
Yay, Pat! Yay, Alison! Yay for bookmarks! Yay, Susanna! I don't remember Brontorina, but it sounds as if it definitely needs a place on our list. You might also want to send the link to this post to Kelly Aradhya when she compiles her October Read and Romp Roundup for her blog Picture Books and Pirouettes.
ReplyDeleteI know! It's amazing what we can accomplish when we work together! (Although I still haven't straightened out the list mess...!) We might hit 800 by next week! And I'm glad to hear you like Brontorina too :)
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! Can't wait to get some bookmarks .. we'll be cracking 1000 before the end of the year! Thank you for all your hard work Susanna. My girls loved Brontorina when they were younger.
ReplyDelete