When did I start writing? About the time I got my first pencil box - a real treasure chest, with two small drawers, a note pad, a pencil sharpener and a big pink (most necessary!) eraser.
At age 10, I published a neighborhood newspaper called the Ducky Doings, which sold for ten cents a copy. My happiest childhood hours were spent slaving with a purple pencil and ditto pad. My other favorite hours were time spent in the children's room at the Glendale, California library, from which I'd return home each week toting a wobbly stack of books.
After a year on a small daily newspaper writing about bridal gowns and funerals, I went into the advertising business as a copywriter, and spent four years among New York's best ad creators. Especially helpful was my work with Madison Avenue's talented art directors, who taught me to think visually and "write short."
Marriage and five rapidly-produced children stalled my writing career for a time, but gave me heavy experience for my future calling.
I now live with my husband, Jim McCoy, in Cayucos, CA, where I work over book ideas while strolling on the beach. Is this an ideal life? It is! I can imagine no happier pursuit than helping children learn the joy of reading.
Website: http://elizabethspurr.com/
About Manelle: I went to college at BYU-Idaho and got an illustration degree. I loved it there, met a slew of really awesome people and learned so much about draftsmanship, drawing and painting.
After college I worked for more than a year as a layout designer, who got to illustrate sometimes. I liked learning more about typography and graphic design here, but I also learned I'm happiest when I get to draw and paint.
Now I am a free-lance illustrator who loves solving visual problems, and telling stories with illustration. Drawing with a pencil or painting in watercolors are my favorite ways of working but I also use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign on a regular basis.
When I'm not drawing and painting, I love reading, playing various instruments in a fun but mediocre way, and performing improv comedy.
Where to find Manelle:
Google Plus https://plus.google.com/106729617250798495658/posts
Her Blog http://manelleoliphant.blogspot.com/
Published: May 1st 2012 by Peachtree Publishers
ISBN 139781561455812
Ages 1-3
About Book:
Simple and evocative language and charming illustrations describe a boy's experience in the garden.
In this gently rhyming board book, a young boy creates a garden, one small action at a time. First he digs in the dirt and plants seeds, then he adds soil, water, and some patience. With time, the seeds grow and the boy excitedly discovers what he has helped to make. Along the way, readers learn the words for simple objects related to the garden and nature.
Elizabeth Spurr and Manelle Oliphant together create a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers.
Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
My Thoughts:
This board book will fit perfect in a little ones hands as they beg you to read it to them over and over again.
The story tells of a precious little boy and his garden. From hoeing and turning the soil to pulling weeds that keep popping up. Then he carefully adds seeds to each row he has prepared in nice mounds. He covers the seeds with soil then waters each row. Now he waits and watches for the first sprouts to appear. When he gets distracted in play away from his garden he happens to glance toward the garden and low and behold he sees rows of sprouts. The child eagerly tends his garden as it grows and blooms then eventually bears fruit.
The author providing poetic words and the illustrator in painting a picture come together to create this darling book of about a child and his garden growing and becoming fruitful.
This is a special book that not only teaches the child to be in touch with our earth but it also teaches them patience.
I highly recommend this book for a special child in your life.
I rated this book
Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book for review from Peachtree Publishers. I was not compensated in any way for this review. Its is my honest opinion.
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To Win a Board Book Copy
Provided by Peachtree Publishers
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JUST LEAVE A COMMENT ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN.
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WINNER will be CHOSEN on MAY 31.
WINNER will be CHOSEN on MAY 31.
Thanks to Peachtree Publisher, Elizabeth Spurr and Manelle Oliphant for bringing us this darling book.
Patricia aka Mamaw
This looks like a nice book for little boys. Boys sometimes don't like to read or be read to and it is great when a book is directed at them.
ReplyDeletegodleyv at yahoo [dot]com
It looks like a cute book. The author looks very talented! Love her illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI love the illustrations. They look very cute.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! The winner of is Michelle G.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank everyone that left comments on the review.
Patricia aka Mamaw