What a morning! First, it was a 'practice run' for Africa as a snowstorm knocked out power in our neighborhood. So sorry I'm late to post the winner of my contest!
I must say, I thought all three entries were very creative and well done. Each had originality and were completely different (which is the kind of diversity I was aiming for!). But, you've chosen your winner, and it is...
I must say, I thought all three entries were very creative and well done. Each had originality and were completely different (which is the kind of diversity I was aiming for!). But, you've chosen your winner, and it is...
for
"Totenkinder!"
Congratulations, Rena! You've won $20 to BarnesAndNoble.com as well as a copy of Tales From China: World Favorite Fables!
And...as promised...there's a second-place prize, too. With the second-highest total of votes, congratulations goes to Nessa Morris for "Punch-Out!" Woo hoo! You've won a copy of Tales From China: World Favorite Fables.
But that's not all, folks (I sound like an infomercial...) - Damon Dean's "As It Really Was" is going in the record books as an honorable mention. And, for that, you're also getting a copy of Tales from China: World Favorite Fables!
Congratulations, winners - and remember to contact me with your address so I can mail out prizes. Hope you all - and many others - will enter my next contest...details coming in late March.
Now, in the interest of time...two birds with one stone today:
Poetry Friday & Perfect Picture Books
(please visit Susanna Hill's Website for more info about Perfect Picture Book Friday)
And, surprise – they have to do with Africa.
Today's Perfect Picture Book is:
OFF TO THE SWEET SHORES OF AFRICA
(And Other Talking Drum Rhymes)
by Uzo Unobagha
Illustrated by Julia Cairns
Author: Uzo Unobagha
Illustrator: Julia Cairns
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2000
Genre: Poetry, Multicultural
Ages: 2-8
Topics: Nursery Rhymes, Songs, Kids, Play, Africa
About the book: Off to the Sweet Shores of Africa is a colorful collection of original, African-inspired rhymes is accompanied by exquisitely detailed illustrations.
Why I chose it: Well, I'm heading to the Sweet Shores of Africa (The Gambia) very soon. But I also LOVE the original rhymes that bring in cultural and natural references in a totally whimsical and sing-song way. This book is really a "bridge" linking many shores. The illustrations are beautiful as well.
Resources: I didn't find any for the book...but if you've never heard the sound of a talking drum, check out this YouTube video to see one of the most amazing players I've seen. There's a glossary in the back of the book, too, and you may want to Google other terms such as baobab, calabash, etc.
Bon Voyage!