Wednesday, September 29, 2021

WOOF! and SCURRY! Two "The Truth About" Books, a Mini-Author Interview, and 2 Giveaways!

They say that titles should draw a reader into a book--and these two titles got my attention, how about yours?

WOOF!


WOOF! is Annette Whipple's second book in her "Truth About" series published by Reycraft Books



In 32 packed pages the author covers a gamut of information about these much loved pets. Readers in kindergarten through fourth grade will enjoy the pictures, accessible text, and art illustrations throughout the book. 

Woof! is set up to answer the questions which kids typically ask:

"Why are puppies born with closed eyes?" (The answer includes information on development in the mother's womb.)

"Do dogs have feelings?" (The answer is accompanied by pictures which portray dogs emotions.)

"How do dogs communicate?" (Surprise: there is more than one way to bark!)

And one I wouldn't have thought to ask:


There are no off-limit questions in this book. Why dogs sniff embarrassing body parts, chew shoes, and even if dogs are just tamed wolves!

WOOF! also includes how to greet a dog, how to help dogs, a DIY tug toy kids can make, and a glossary. This would be a great addition to any library or as a gift to the dog-loving child in your life.

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SCURRY!

True confession. I am NOT a fan of spiders. As a kid I wouldn't even look at a picture of one! (Any other folks with arachnophobia out there?) 



Like WOOF!, SCURRY! also focuses on answering children's common questions. Starting with "What are spiders?" and "Where do spiders live?" Illustrated spiders amplify the text in "Spider Spin" sidebars.





Your budding entomologist will be happy to report why spiders are hairy, what they eat, how they hunt their prey, how males find females, how females lay eggs, and how they grow. Back matter includes a spider web challenge, a glossary, and a list of spider families and species.

I'd rather meet a dog than a spider. But, maybe if I'd had this book when I was a child, I wouldn't want to automatically squish one when it crawls across my bathroom floor!




AUTHOR INTERVIEW


CAROL: Did you pick these topics and query Reycraft with a proposal or did you write the first and then get contracted for the others? 

ANNETTE: I pitched the first book, Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls with just the manuscript. Once we were ready to turn it into a series, I shared ideas with my editor. He discussed my ideas with the editorial team about moving forward. From there, they decided on dogs and spiders! Then I received the contract for the second and third books in The Truth About series with Reycraft Books.

CAROL: Any reason you picked these three topics? 

ANNETTE: I originally chose owls because they absolutely fascinate me. They're an amazing animal and I wanted everyone to know how incredible they are. Since each book includes so many photographs, we knew that the series needed to continue with highly photogenic animals--and ones with lots of species for variation. Dogs are a great choice for the series because we think we know them, but really, there's a lot for people like me to learn about dogs. Spiders were also a great choice because they're so misunderstood! 

CAROL: Will there be more books? 

ANNETTE: Next year two more books will be added to The Truth About series. Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs releases in spring 2022. Then Meow! The Truth About Cats comes out fall 2022. I've already seen the frog book in design and it's toad-ally awesome! This fall I should be able to show my newsletter subscribers the cover for Ribbit! I can't wait!


Be sure to check out Annette's website for printables, a link to her newsletter, and information for teachers and writers. Both WOOF! and SCURRY! will make great curriculum resources for lower elementary schools. 



GIVEAWAYS

Comment on this post by 6 PM on October 1 to enter the giveaway. PLEASE leave your email address when you comment if you are new to my blog or else I can't include your name in the giveaway. Share this post on social media and tell me what you did and I'll put your name in twice. Continental U.S. addresses only. 

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Congratulations to Barbara Younger who won Our Michigan! and to Rosie Russell who won Lulu & Rocky in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

21 comments:

Annette Whipple said...

What a fun interview, Carol! Thanks so much!

Carol Baldwin said...

Glad you liked it, Annette!

Joyce said...

Every reader loves a fun take on dogs, spiders, and owls! Oh my!

Carol Baldwin said...

Joyce, I'd love to add your name to the giveaway list, but you need to leave your email address to enter.

Danielle H. said...

I enjoyed reading about how this author chose her subject matter and added both books to my TBR. I'm also excited to read her upcoming frog book as I love frogs and toads. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/663682519512891392/woof-and-scurry-two-the-truth-about-books-a

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Danielle. Your name starts the list!

Carol Baldwin said...

With two entries...Danielle.

Beth Anderson said...

I would have gone with owls first, too! LOOOOOOOVE the cover of Scurry! Really looking forward to reading this series! Congrats! I tweeted, too.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Beth. YOu're in twice.

Terri DeGezelle Michels said...

Brilliant Information, photos, and facts well done. Kids f all ages will love these books!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Terri. You're in!

KatyD said...

These covers are so high interest! The entire series sounds wonderful. I'm off to tweet about the contest. Congrats, all!

Rosi said...

Annette's books really look like a lot of fun and a lot of interesting facts. I will be looking for this series. I tweeted about the giveaway. Thanks for the interesting interview. https://twitter.com/rosihollinbeck/status/1443431286777942018

Dee Knabb said...

Annette's books are favorite mentor texts of mine. This series is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for leaving a comment, Dee. I can't enter your name in the giveaway without your email address.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comment and for sharing, Rosi.

animalauthor said...

This series sounds fascinating for kids of all ages and the covers are super eye-catching! Congrats, Annette, and I'm looking forward to reading all 3 titles.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, animalauthor. I'd love to enter your name, but I need your name and email address ASAP!

animalauthor said...

Hi, Carol, sorry for the oversight. It's Nancy Furstinger animalauthor@gmail.com

Marcia said...

This series sounds amazing! I just ordered Woof for my dog loving 8 year old granddaughter! Marcia Sattler
marcia.w.sattler@gmail.com

Carol Baldwin said...

Marcia--So great to hear from you! I'll enter your name for Scurry!

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