Monday, September 18, 2017

First Times by Charles Ghigna: A Review and a Giveaway

I met  poet and prolific writer Charles Ghigna (aka "Father Goose") several years ago at a reading and writing conference. Today, I am happy to introduce him, and his newest picture book, FIRST TIMES, to you.


In this engaging book in rhyme, Charles shows several characters celebrating their "firsts." Delightfully illustrated by Lori Joy Smith, a young reader will identify with the pride and pleasure of brushing her hair, tying his shoes, riding his bike, or picking a book out from the library. Is there a better way to inspire young children than to praise every milestone accomplishment?

Here are two sample spreads:


The Backstory

I asked Charles what his inspiration was for this book. He replied, 
"The idea hit me during one of my granddaughter's visits. We were at the park playing on her favorite slide when another little girl came by. The younger child stood at the bottom of the slide watching Charlotte Rose as she laughed and cheered her way down the slide. She then stopped to say something to the girl who promptly followed her on her next turn up the ladder. The little girl's eyes widened with joy as she slid down the slide. Charlotte Rose came by and whispered to me, "It's her FIRST TIME." 

Bam! My little six-year-old muse struck again. I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on a nearby bench writing my new book, listening to the laughter of Charlotte Rose and her new friend. Like many of my books of the past few years, this one is dedicated to Charlotte Rose."
Charles, with his favorite little muse, Charlotte Rose when she was three. His
writing space is actually a tree house!

Lesson Plans and Launch

Teachers and home school educators, make sure you check out the lesson plan on Charles' website. Many of you reading this are in the Carolinas, but if you have friends or family in the Birmingham, Alabama area, information for his book launch is here. Pass it along!

Giveaway

Orca books is giving away TWO copies of this lovely picture book for you to share with your favorite young reader. Please leave me a comment by September 22 and Random.org will pick a winner. For extra chances, share this on your social media of choice. Tell me what you've done and if you are new to this blog, PLEASE leave me your email address in case you win!


20 comments:

Unknown said...

I would love to win this for Jed and matt. I shared on my Facebook

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Jenni. You're in twice. Nice to see you here!

Linda A. said...

Carol,
This book is such a great one for parents and teachers to buy for little ones. I will pass on having my name in the drawing since I won books recently. That won't stop me from sharing on Facebook however. Thanks for sharing about this picture book.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Linda, That is so sweet of you!

Rosi said...

This sounds perfectly adorable. I think it might be a great mentor text for some of the rhymers I'm working on. Thanks for telling me about the book and how it came about and thanks for a chance to win a copy.

Grace Marie said...

This sounds so cute! My little brother loves books and loves being read aloud to, he would definitely love this with the bright pictures and the cheerful sentences.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Rosi and Gray Marie. You're both in!

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Isabella would love this! Thanks for another great giveaway. I have shared it on Google+, FB and Twitter.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Connie. You're in twice!

Charles Ghigna said...

Thank you, Carol! Thrilled you like the book. It was fun doing the interview with you. I'm honored you chose FIRST TIMES for your blog. You always make your authors look good with such thoughtful, interesting questions.

Thanks, too, to all your friends for their gracious comments. I'm sitting here in the tree house today working on a new picture book and enjoying this respite. This sweet inspiration has sent my muse soaring!

Her Media said...

I would love to win this for my daughter - I will share to FB and Twitter @hermedia as well :)

Carol Baldwin said...

My pleasure, Charles. "Her Media" can you leave your email address please?

Young Authors Program said...

I love this title and the origin from which it came!!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Dorothy. You're in too!

Linda said...

I have many of Charles' book, but I don't have this one yet. I look forward to reading it!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Linda. Can you leave your email address please?

Clara Gillow Clark said...

Loved the inspiration for this new book by Charles Ghigna! Put a smile on my face. Not necessary to include my name for the drawing, Carol, but I’ll be sure to recommend the book to friends.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Clara for recommending this to your friends!

CL said...

Absolutely adorable!!! I love the concept, and the illustrations are wonderful!!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Constance! I picked a winner already, but appreciate your comment!

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