I have a great book to share today, and also please stay tuned afterwards for the winner of Phyllis's Fun Photo Contest and a fun announcement!
Written & Photographed By: Jon Katz
Henry Holt & Company 2011, True Story
Suitable For: ages 4-8
Themes/Topics: jobs, individuality, kindness
Opening: "In the morning after mist has cleared from the path, four dogs go out together for their first walk of the day. They circle and sniff the wet ground carefully, listening and seeing things that only dogs can sense. The dogs are called Rose, Izzy, Frieda, and Lenore, and they all live on Bedlam Farm. They stay together, circling, never running off. They are a happy group; their tails wag when they see one another. But it wasn't always this way."
Brief Synopsis: Four dogs are good friends. Each one has a job. Rose herds sheep. Izzy visits sick people. Frieda guards the farm. But what is Lenore's job?
Links To Resources: This book could prompt a wonderful discussion about what kids are interested in and what they are good at; about how different people (just like different dogs) are good at different things. Talk about all the many jobs there are, (here's a link to a job index for kids in grade K-5) and ask kids what they'd like to be when they grow up. Have them draw a picture of themselves doing the job of their dreams, or write a short story in which they get to do that job. What kinds of jobs can they do now? At home or in the classroom, make a job or chore chart and let each child have a task they enjoy and can do well. Here's a site where kids can "try out" different jobs KidsWork!
Why I Like This Book: If you've spent any time at all around this blog, you know I love dogs - especially rescue dogs - so it's not a big leap to see why I like this book :) Exquisite photographs of Jon Katz's dogs at home on their farm, doing what they do best, complement a lovely true story about how everyone has value. Each dog's story is told - where they came from, how they ended up on the farm, what job they do. Three of the dogs have traditional jobs. Lenore does not. Lenore does not herd sheep, or visit sick people, or guard the farm. But she teaches Rose the serious worker how to play, she is Izzy's first friend when he comes to the farm from a sad, bad place, and she keeps Frieda company when she is lonely. What do you think Lenore's job is? :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
Okay everyone, have a great weekend!
What?
Oh! You want to know who won Phyllis's Fun Photo Contest and what the fun announcement was?
Okay. You've twisted my arm :)
I hope you all had as much fun with Phyllis's Photo Contest as I did! There were so many amazing entries - all so fun and creative! I would never have been able to choose, so thank goodness I'm in charge around here and can make you guys do the choosing :)
When all the votes were in, the clear winner was...
DDDDDRRRRRUUUUUMMMMM RRRRROOOOOLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!
CATHY!!!
Cathy, I think it was Phyllis upside-down in the nut bowl that did it for you. Were you hinting that Phyllis is a nut? I think you may be right. There's a lot of nuttiness around here :)
Congratulations, Cathy! Please email me and we'll discuss your prize, because I know you already have a signed copy of PHYLLIS.
A second prize for Phyllis's Contest, consisting mostly of fame but I'm sure we can come up with something to go along with the fame, is being given at Phyllis's insistence, and that one goes to ROBYN! Really, it requires dedication to come up with a video of a tiny paper action figure winning a horse race. So Robyn, kudos to you too and we'll talk prizes privately!
And a huge thank you thank you and round of applause to everyone who took the time to color and cut and photograph and provide us all with such wonderful entertainment! You are all the greatest!
The other fun announcement I mentioned (at least I think it's fun!) is about Not Yet, Rose which you have seen in English...
... and Dutch...
... but now it's available in GERMAN!
Is that fun or what? I love having copies of my books that I can't pronounce! :) I'm thinking of making a video of myself reading my books in foreign languages to entertain you all... or at least myself :)
Alrighty! That's all the fun and games for today, folks! PPBF bloggers, please add your post-specific links to the list below so we can all come visit you!
Have a blissful weekend, everyone! :)
Congrats Ms. Mealey and Ms. Campbell! Congrats on the German book! We might know someone who would actually be able to read it... ;)
ReplyDeleteRescue dogs are the best. And border collies well--our Bambi and Molly were both super. THey taught me a lot. Mr. Katz writes book for adults which I've read. I want to look for this one, thanks Susanna!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the additional publication! I'm waiting for Julie R-Z to pronounce it for us or maybe a video reading? We're a dog family. We'll have to pick this one up. I also want to see how the story and photos blend.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Cathy & Robyn. It was so much fun seeing where Phyllis made it to this time! I love the sounds of your PB pick, Susanna. We own a rescue dog who is an amazing companion to our family. Her name is Jewel and she is that.
ReplyDelete"The Dogs of Bedlam Farm" - definitely gonna have to read that one! I've been reading lots of "rescue" dog books and next month I fear my blog is going to go to the dogs.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on the newest translation!
This is one of my favorite books! I am a big John Katz fan! The Mom Person reads me all his books. He has a special connection with the dog brain. He and his dogs are my heroes. Especially Lenore! And how exciting about your book in different languages. How cool is that!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Cathy...and Susanna! What fun to have your book published in more than one language. I love the name, "Bedlam Farm"...sounds like those dogs are hard workers. Thanks for sharing your pick!
ReplyDeleteI love to see your books in other languages! They look so cool. You must be really proud and sort of in shock. It's a BIG deal. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI love the book you have chosen this week, Susanna, and I will look right now to see if our library has a copy.
ReplyDeleteAnd you know how highly I think of books be available in other languages.
I have just added my book, but I am so sorry I should have checked beforehand, as I have just seen that Dar already reviewed it, so I am afraid it is getting a double dose of love.
The translation for the Dutch title comes from my dear friend Margje: "A little brother or a little sister, Rose?"
ReplyDeleteWe've always liked photo books, true stories and any book about dogs. Great lookin' pick.
Congratulations to Cathy and Robyn and all the participants - what fun!
Congratulations, Susanna, on the German translated book. That's neat. Maybe it'll come to Korea. However, I wouldn't be able to read it in Korean. And congrats to the winners of your contests!
ReplyDeleteYay for Cathy, I loved that peanut bowl one too and Robyn! Woohoo Susanna for setting the world alight with Rose :0)
ReplyDeleteYay! I loved seeing Phyllis dive head first into a bowl of nuts! :D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Cathy! And Robyn! Woohoo!!! And I'm delighted that German kids are going to get to know the lovely story of "Not Yet, Rose." I love that book.
ReplyDeleteYour choice today sounds wonderful. You need your crayons and pencils and other art supplies for my PPBF pick -- come on over and color!!!
Ooh, thank you Julie (and Margje) - it's nice to finally know the meaning! though I had guessed something close. Glad you like the look of the book - I'm a sucker for good dog photos :) And thanks for YOUr participation in the contest too - loved that red scarf :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina! Can't Sleep Without Sheep was supposed to come out in Korean, but it hasn't happened yet...
ReplyDeleteSorry, my computer tricked me into pressing submit again - really, it is still laughing about pulling my finger!
ReplyDeleteSusanna, loved your choice of books today -- and I like they are based on a true story. I reminded me of my own dog and the routine he follows when I let him outside. I love observing animal behavior. I may just have to get this book -- think my adult daughter would like it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Susanna for having your books published internationally. How exciting!
And congratulations to Cathy and Robyn!. Fun entries.
Congratulations all around! Susanna, how awesome about your book.:) And congrats to Cathy and Robyn...and EVERYONE...the entries were fun and creative and I know Phyllis really appreciated them!
ReplyDeleteLove the book choice, Susanna...didn't some agent say that if it has a dog in the title, it's a winner.:)
Well, you know I'm going to read this book 'cause it's all about dogs! Love it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book being out in German, Susanna!! And congrats also to Cathy and Robyn for winning the photo contest!
ReplyDeleteI love the book you picked for this week! We had a farm dog that was probably a border collie/old-time collie mix (she died at the age of 4; we're still heartbroken). I'm on a farm dog e-list and this book sounds like some of the stories I read on there (but this book is better written...LOL!).
Congrats are in order- to you for your German edition of Not Yet Rose, and to Cathy and Robyn. Yay! And the Meet the Dogs..book looks lovely!
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR CATHY at http://bildebok.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteCathy, winner of the photo contest, and unable to comment on my blog :( asked me to please convey her utmost heartfelt thanks to all those who visited her blog, read about Phyllis' adventures in Patriot Fan land, and voted for her dive into the nuts!
She is most especially appreciative of all the comments on her post and says that it is a lovely feeling to know one is not just shouting out into the ether when blogging!
Congratulations, Susanna! Your book in German too? Exciting! You are really trotting the globe. And Congrats to Cathy and Robyn for their funny pictures! Phyllis in a bowl of nuts was so funny, I wished I thought of that! And Robyn, you are ham- love it!
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR TRACY at www.tracycampbell.net/blog
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Cathy, she had my vote. LOL
And CONGRATULATIONS on your foreign books. Can't wait to hear you read them aloud. :-)
And the dog book looks like a wonderful read.
My kids would probably love the book, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm! That's right up their alley. They love lots of stuff, but that would definitely interest them!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend, Susanna!
Seriously, every time I stop by your blog I find a book that I MUST add to my collection, but a book on a farm with values and career extension options woven in? Perfection! Thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI thought you would love this book, Rhythm! It's right up your alley :) And it is VERY cool to see my books in other languages - I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I haven't read his books for adults, Wendy, but now that I've seen this one I want to! I have a friend who is a vet and she raises and trains Border Collies and they are lovely smart dogs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erik! That would be cool. Of course, I know what it means because I wrote it, but I still can't read the German... or the Dutch :)
ReplyDeletehahaha :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! And I loved your choice too - very fun! :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Catherine! What a lovely thing to say :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanna, for you kind words and I'm glad you like the book. No worries about A Home For Bird! A blook that wonderful deserves more than one review. And I'm not nearly so concerned about doubles now that we have so many books on the list! It just goes to show how much a book is loved :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks so much, Kimberley. It is truly wonderful - I really love it (even though I can't read them :)) and I am proud and grateful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the congrats, Sue, and I'll look forward to your blog going to the dogs! I love dog books! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats! And I think you and Enzo would enjoy this book. The photos and text blend nicely, the dog photos are so appealing, and the text is not too long and nice and clear. I would LOVE to see Julie R-Z read Rose in German! What a great idea :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat, I'm glad you liked it. I love animal stories and true stories, especially ones with happy endings :) and I love good photography, so this was a natural choice for me. And thanks so much - it is VERY exciting to see my stories in other languages... even if I have no hope of pronouncing them correctly :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your congrats, Jarm! And yes, this is a special book - a little different, and I like that!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Phyllis's latest high jinx :) And yes, rescue dogs are the loveliest, aren't they? We certainly adore ours :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a book I think kids would like, Leigh! Hope your weekend was lovely :)
ReplyDeleteAw, you're so kind Barbara, and I'm so glad you like this one! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It is very exciting :) And everyone did such a great job with the photos - I loved so many of yours :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Iza! And it is a lovely book... but it could benefit from a Jambo character :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the congrats, Teresa! And I love the sound of your farm dog e-list - what is that? So sorry about your dog - heartbreaking :(
ReplyDeleteyeah... that's exactly how I am about dog books :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vivian! And loved your entry too :) I don't know about the dog in the title thing, but I'd be willing put dog in any title... :)
ReplyDeleteSusanna, this is the farm dog e-list: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/AWFA/ There are breeders, buyers, and rescue workers (dog rescue, that is) on it, all trying to raise and promote awareness for the old-timey farm dogs. :)
ReplyDeleteI know! Wasn't that clever? and funny?! :)
ReplyDelete