I'm getting ready to fly up to Philadelphia to visit my new grandson and want to give away another book before I do. This is a short giveaway--I'm drawing the winner on Saturday so the book can be mailed out the following Monday. Get your comments to me ASAP!
Two years ago I was fortunate to attend Highlights Summer Camp and met a number of great writers who are now publishing their books. YEAH! A PAINTBRUSH FOR PACO is by one of my fellow campers, Tracey Kyle. (little bee books, 2018).
Two years ago I was fortunate to attend Highlights Summer Camp and met a number of great writers who are now publishing their books. YEAH! A PAINTBRUSH FOR PACO is by one of my fellow campers, Tracey Kyle. (little bee books, 2018).
BACKSTORY
Here's a word from Tracey on her journey:
I was totally unprepared when I switched from teaching high school Spanish to teaching middle school. I quickly found out that I needed to mix up my instruction by assigning more creative projects and doing less traditional testing to assess their skills.
That was the seed for A PAINTBRUSH FOR PACO: a book that celebrates kids’ creativity and honors their need for movement and activity. My students began asking me, “When’s the next project?” They welcomed the chance to draw, design and color. They were calmer in class and happier overall.
A PAINTBRUSH FOR PACO underwent countless revisions over a two-year period, but the main theme of the book never changed. I worked on it for two years in between grading papers and preparing lessons, sometimes getting up at 4:00 a.m. so I could think before the chaos of the day. I brought it to two summer camps at the Highlights Foundation, and revised it with their insightful and talented faculty. I sent it out to my critique partners. Even after my awesome agent, Jennifer Unter, sold it to little bee, I continued revising until the editors were happy. I grew so attached to PACO that he felt like one of my students. When I saw Joshua Heinsz’s brilliant illustrations, I knew PACO was (finally!) ready.
REVIEW
Paco has a problem. In school, he would rather be outside pretending he is a matador,
or drawing a picture.
Fortunately for him, his Profesor is very understanding.
Paco is thrilled to discover the art classroom where he can paint and create as much as he wants.
Azul. the blue in a beautiful sky. Blanco. the white in the clouds floating by. Amarillo, the rays of the sun shine bright.
After being complimented by his teacher, Paco realizes he is a painter.
Later that night, Paco crawled into bed, a palette of colors swirling in his head. Negro y blanco, azul y rosado. Rojo y verde y anaranjado.
The book is told in lovely rhyme and the bright, bold illustrations by Joshua Henisz will make the story stick in a reader's mind. The book includes an author's note on the importance of encouraging creativity in children, and a glossary. This book is perfect for a K-first grade classroom.
GIVEAWAY
To enter, please leave me a comment by Saturday August 25. DON'T FORGET: Leave your email address if you don't think I have it.
AND BY THE WAY...
PACO'S PAINTBRUSH is Tracey's third book. I won FOOD FIGHT FIESTA from Clara Gillow Clark's blog and it's packed in my suitcase for my grandson's big sister and her mother who is also a Spanish teacher. I hope you'll hop on over to Clara's blog to check out this fun book too.
17 comments:
Thanks for sharing the backstory, Tracy. As a teacher, I can totally understand how art gets through to kids at a level most tests do not. And thank you, Carole, for hosting Tacey and giving us an opportunity to be inspired by Tracy and Paco. :) I believe you do have my email.
Thanks Gayle, and yes I have your email!
This sounds like a great story to share with my granddaughter. She is four and she loves to paint and create and I hope that her teachers will also use different methods to help her learn.
Thank you for your giveaway. Enjoy your time away.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy to add your name Connie. Your granddaughter would LOVE this book!
I love how bright & colorful this story is. turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved the colors too, Jana. It really reflects the story. You're in!
Cute book and interesting backstory. Thanks for the post. I will pass on the giveaway.
Looks like a wonderful celebration of creativity and color!
I enjoyed reading about the process of creating this book. Love the title and would enjoy reading this with my daughter. Catrine, Catgiery at gmail dot com
Great title, and it sounds like a very interesting story. I would enjoy reading it with my daughter who is very much into art. Catrine, catgiery at gmail dot com
Congratulations on the newest grandchild, Carol. Enjoy your trip.
This book will encourage children to find themselves. Well done, Tracy. It seems your teaching moments were also teachable moments for you as well as your students.
Hooray! Heartened by discovering more books featuring diverse characters, Carol. (No need to enter me in the GA)
Thanks everyone. Barbara, Katie and LInda--you're in!
Thank you, Carol, for sharing Tracey Kyle’s new picture book and her writing journey. Taco is such a lovable character and his story is one that will inspire young listeners to find themselves. Loved the vivid colors and Tracey’s rhyming text with Spanish words included. Congratulations to Tracey!
Thanks for stopping by, Clara.
Looks like a great book! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Viviane.
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