The Weekly 411 (10/4/24)

© Natasha B. Padhiar


 Oct. 4, 2024 vol. 40

The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updatesAre you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. This week's illustration is by Natasha B. Padhiar.

Picture Book Giveaway

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the debut picture book, When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel, by Chris Pine, illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Penguin Young Readers) out on Oct. 8. Enter to win a copy via Rafflecopter below!


About the Book: Chris Pine's debut picture book, When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel 
 tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a dog and a squirrel, who, despite their differences and a bit of a backyard turf war, find that sometimes the best friendships are found in the most unlikely of circumstances. Lush and ethereal illustrations by Chuck Groenink help bring the story to life.

About the Author: Chris Pine is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Known for his diverse work on the silver screen (Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Hell or High Water; Star Trek (franchise), on the stage (The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Farragut North,) and on the small screen (“I Am the Night”), Pine has a resume that is extensive and versatile. Chris made his directorial feature film in May 2024 with Poolman, which he co-wrote, executive produced and starred in opposite Annette Bening and Danny DeVito. Teaming with producing partner Ian Gotler, the duo founded Barry Linen Motion Pictures with the goal of producing resonant, timely material designed to entertain and enlighten audiences. When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel is his first book.

About the Illustrator: Chuck Groenink grew up in the Netherlands, where he spent his formative years climbing trees, drawing, reading, and cycling. He graduated from the Artez Institute of Visual Arts in Kampen, and is the illustrator of many picture books, including I Am Not a Fox by Karina Wolf. Chuck moved to the United States in 2010, going from Portland, Oregon, to Kinderhook, New York, where he lives with his wife, dog, three cats, and several rowdy chickens.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Middle Grade Giveaway

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the middle grade novel, The Best Friend Bracelet, by Nicole D. Collier (HarperCollins) out on Oct. 15. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below!

art by Paul Kellam/ design by Chris Kwon

About the Book: At Hurston Middle School, best friendship is a big deal. And Zariah Brown makes the best friendship bracelets in town. Business is booming; Zariah can hardly keep up with orders. The problem is, Zariah doesn’t have a best friend of her own. As the entire seventh grade gears up for their big Pajama Jam weekend, it seems as if everyone else is paired up except her.

So Zariah pours her heart and soul into making the ultimate friendship bracelet, using a set of beads gifted to her by a mysterious woman. But the bracelet turns out to be a tiny bit . . . magical. In fact, anyone who puts it on instantly becomes Zariah’s best friend! Now all she has to do is find the perfect best friend and get the bracelet on them! Easy, right?

 

It turns out finding the ideal friend isn’t so simple, and things quickly spin out of control. Will Zariah ever find her true BFF, or is she destined to be alone forever?

 

About the Author: Nicole D. Collier writes warm-hearted stories about learning to be true to yourself. Her work to date centers smart, creative girls who discover the power of courage, compassion and inner wisdom. She often explores themes of identity, family and friendship, while depicting the many faces of love. Her debut, Just Right Jillian, was nominated for several state book awards and best of lists. Her sophomore project, The Many Fortunes of Maya, earned starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. The Best Friend Bracelet is her first book with a hint of magic.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

For Writers

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How to Work with Character Backstory

Raise the Stakes in a Novel

Why Your Plot isn't Working

The Six Stages of Writing

Picture Books

The Magic of Picture Book Pacing: Tips for Tightening Your Story

Character Driven Picture Books- Definition and Examples

Why Picture Book Openings Matter

Social Media

Bookstagrams of Ebooks: 38 Stunning Examples You Must See

Writing Courses

Nov. 9 10-11 a.m. EDT Get Your Foot In the Door: Word For Hire Writing Assignments

Are you interested in getting published without a platform or agent? Are you looking to get into the education market? Author and speaker Annette Whipple is presenting a webinar on the topic of WORK-FOR-HIRE package and working in the education market. Participants will learn about this market and how to approach publishers with a work-for-hire package. Get publishing experience with books and other resources for children (K-12) without the slush pile.


Legal Resources for Creatives


Work for Hire: A Cautionary Tale



Comments

  1. Thanks for the opportunity! These books look fantastic!

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  2. Both of these will be fun to read.

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  3. I'd love to read the Chris Pine/Chuck G picture book!

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  4. I love the thought of squirrels and dogs being friends! Can't wait to check out the book.

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  5. Thanks for highlighting upcoming middle grade books!

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  6. Congratulations on your fabulous books!

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  7. The cover of Chris Pines’ picture book will certainly hook preschool/lower elementary readers…it certainly makes ME want to read it!

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  8. I have loved Nicole Collier’s Marvelous Maya and Just Right Jillian books and am excited for this new one! #BookAllies are sharing an arc but I’d love to also have one for the Little Free Library I steward or to donate to one of the elementary libraries in the district where I retired.

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  9. Wow, both of these books look great! Congratulations!

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