Each summer I like to feature the Children's Literature Faculty at Hollins University, to help celebrate their successes. I kick off this summer's features with the author of over 110 books, Candice Ransom, and her latest picture book... "Picture Book Sequels, Easy Peasy?” Candice Ransom In the spring of 2015, I was asked by Frances Gilbert of Doubleday to write a picture book about a cute panda character created by an illustrator. This is not my normal way of working, but I was game. Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten was published in 2017, with illustrations by the fabulous Christine Grove. The summer before Kindergarten came out, Frances Gilbert came to Hollins University, where I teach in the Graduate Program in Children’s Literature, to speak to the students. After picking her up at the airport, I drove us to a cafeteria. “Shall we talk about a sequel?” Frances said over buttered coconut pie. “Hmm. What about a birthday story?” I said. But then our conversation shifted to a vastly more important topic: our cats. After Frances’ visit, I took her back to the airport. “What about the sequel?” I asked. “The birthday idea sounds good,” she said. Was it? It seemed big and vague. Still, how hard would it be to write a sequel? Since my work is often rooted in my past, I scrolled through childhood memories and recalled a cousin’s birthday party. Jeani received a big stuffed horse I wanted terribly. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t give me her present. A Kodachrome snapshot from that day shows us in a hammock, my arm possessively around her stuffed horse. Still unsure of the plot, I moved into the dining room with a stack of loose leaf paper, a pen, and that photograph. The big, vague idea loomed over me like Mt. Everest. Each morning, I went to my “office,” copied over work from the day before, then chipped away at that mountain with what felt like a toothpick. Some days I added only a few lines. I started writing in September, and finished the story—all 863 words—the first week in November. Tolstoy wrestled less with War and Peace. This isn’t to say I write my picture books in a flash. But since this book was a sequel, there were expectations I had to uphold. The character I’d created in the first book changed in the course of that story, but not entirely. That held the door open for a sequel. But I couldn’t set Amanda back to zero, either. The new story walked a fine line between giving the reader a familiar, yet different experience. In Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday (2018), Amanda doesn’t crave another character’s birthday present, as I did when I was six. Instead I gave her the emotions I felt that day, of wanting to be the star. One of childhood’s hardest lessons is learning to share the stage. Those weeks at the dining room table, I whittled a picture book from a huge block of an idea. The finished text reflects none of my fretting (I hope). Christine Grove’s expressive illustrations kept Amanda Panda’s angst on the light side, and elevated frenemy Bitsy to new heights of outrageousness. If I’m asked to write another Amanda Panda book, I’ll remember my own hard lesson: have no illusions that sequels are a downhill slide, but a higher mountain to climb. Artwork ©Christine Grove
Title: Third Grade Detectives Author: Candice F. Ransom Edition: 1994 Troll Paperback Edition Great condition. Minor wear to cover (pictured).
by Candice Ransom (Author), Ashley Evans (Illustrator) Get ready for some outdoor fun in this Step 1 book that's perfect for readers ages 4-6! Join the Day kids as they gear up for field day at school. What's more fun than field day? The Day kids are so excited! They gobble their breakfast and race to the bus. So many fun things are waiting for them! Spoon-and-egg race! Face-painting! Kickball! A bouncy castle! Brother and sister can't wait! Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. A day with family is always a great day! Read all the DAY family books: Apple Picking Day! Pumpkin Day! Garden Day! Beach Day! School Day! Author Biography CANDICE RANSOM, who has never wanted to be anything besides a children's book writer, has published over 150 books for children and young adults, garnering many awards. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and naughty cats, Faulkner and Edison. ASHLEY EVANS loves creating colorful, fun, and dynamic illustrations. Born and raised in Queens, she now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her boyfriend and their daughter. When she's not creating art, you can find her decorating cakes, enjoying her family, or catching a much needed nap! Number of Pages: 32 Dimensions: 0.32 x 9.29 x 6.14 IN
Here you'll find over 100 Apple Activities for Preschool, Kindergarten, Toddlers and early elementary. Plus, Preschool Theme Apple Activities and Lesson Plans including Apple Crafts, Apple Printables, Apple activities for kids, Fall Preschool Activities for literacy, math, and Apple Playdough sensory play ideas that are fun and educational. Apple Worksheets
About the Book A family of monsters cleans its messy house to make space for a new pet goldfish. Book Synopsis In this rhyming second book in the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Red Truck Monsters series, the fun-loving family of monsters gets a new pet! A family of monsters go for a drive in their red truck and buy a new pet goldfish. But then they get home and realize there's no place to put the fishbowl in their cluttered space! Can they clean up and turn their "mess sweet mess" into a "home sweet home?" About the Author Candice Ransom is the author of more than 160 books for children and young adults. She has an MFA in writing from Vermont College (VCFA) and an MA in children's literature from Hollins University. She teaches in Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature. With her husband and two cats, she lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tyrell Solomon was born in Hampton, Virginia, and raised in Dover, Delaware. Tyrell attended Say Sí, a non-profit art program in San Antonio, Texas, before going to School of Visual Arts in New York, New York, for cartooning. Tyrell uses whimsical and colorful comics and illustrations to promote messages of inclusivity and mindfulness.
Title: Who Needs Third Grade? Author: Candice F. Ransom Edition: 1996 Troll Communications Paperback Edition Minor cover wear (pictured) and internal pencil mark (pictured).
Cornelius and I are thrilled to welcome award-winning children’s author Candice Ransom to the Alphabet Soup kitchen today. As you may know, we’re in love with her latest book, Iva Honey…
Speaking of pie, I hope you saved your forks, because today we’re serving up an extra delicious portion of Southern goodness thanks to the kindness and generosity of multi-talented, award-win…
About the Book "A family spends a day at an apple orchard"-- Book Synopsis Who doesn't love to go apple picking at the first sign of fall? A sister and brother celebrate autumn with a trip to a local apple orchard in this simple, rhyming Step 1 early reader. The kids bound with glee through the rows of trees, and race against other children to pick the most and the best apples. The story of their day is bright, fun, and full of light action. It's told in easy-to-follow rhyme, ensuring a successful reading experience. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. These books are for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Review Quotes A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book 2016 (Fiction for Young Readers) About the Author CANDICE RANSOM only ever wanted to be a children's book writer. She is the author of over 125 books for kids and young adults, including Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten and Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday, and teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cats, Faulkner and Edison. Visit her at www.candiceransom.com. ERIKA MEZA is from Mexico and has a taste for traveling. She creates detailed dreams in acrylic and watercolor, and explores her limits in other media. In addition to being an illustrator, she is a conceptual artist and animation geek. Erika is currently based in Paris.
Are you ready for round two? Let’s go!
A children’s librarian reviews twenty of the best children's books about women who have improved our world with creativity, tenacity, and problem-solving skills. Use these books at home, in the classroom, or read aloud in any setting.
About the Book Discover the origins of some of the spookiest tales in this thoroughly researched, kid-safe series! Book Synopsis Tales of a mythical underwater creature have haunted Scotland's Loch Ness for ages. Is the Loch Ness Monster real? Readers will discover the spine-tingling truth behind one of the world's most famous monsters. Review Quotes "Informative, impressive material. Recommended for school and public library collections."--School Library Journal-- (11/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)
About the Book "A family of monsters enters its red truck into a monster truck race, but will it win first place?"-- Book Synopsis This energetic rhyming story is the first in a new Level 1 Ready-to-Read series starring a family of fun-loving monsters and their beloved red truck! Monsters high five. Monsters grin. Monsters hope their truck might win! A family of monsters enter a race with their beloved red truck. But soon they realize the race is for monster trucks, not monsters in trucks! Can they still finish in first place? About the Author Candice Ransom is the author of more than 160 books for children and young adults. She has an MFA in writing from Vermont College (VCFA) and an MA in children's literature from Hollins University. She teaches in Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature. With her husband and two cats, she lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tyrell Solomon was born in Hampton, Virginia, and raised in Dover, Delaware. Tyrell attended Say Sí, a non-profit art program in San Antonio, Texas, before going to School of Visual Arts in New York, New York, for cartooning. Tyrell uses whimsical and colorful comics and illustrations to promote messages of inclusivity and mindfulness.
About the Book The brother and sister from "Pumpkin Day!" and "Apple Picking Day!" wake up to a winter wonderland--it's a snow day! Youngsters can read along as the siblings engage in favorite winter activities with their neighborhood friends on their day off from school. Full color. Book Synopsis A Step 1 reader to welcome winter, featuring the family from Pumpkin Day! and Apple Picking Day! The brother and sister from PUMPKIN DAY! and APPLE PICKING DAY! have woken up to a winter wonderland--it's a snow day! Read along as they engage in favorite winter activities with their neighborhood friends on their day off from school. Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, and bright, fun art enhances the story. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. About the Author CANDICE RANSOM, who has never wanted to be anything else besides a children's book writer, has published 110 award-winning books for children and young adults. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cat, Atticus. ERIKA MEZA is from Mexico and has a taste for traveling. She creates detailed dreams in acrylic and watercolor, and explores her limits in other media. In addition to being an illustrator, she is a conceptual artist and animation geek. Meza is currently based in Paris.
About the Book A boy and his family visit a pumpkin patch, where they ride on a cart, see animals, and pick out a pumpkin that's just right for carving. Book Synopsis Carve out family time for this Step 1 Step into Reading early reader! Read along as a boy and his family visit a pumpkin patch to pick out perfect autumn gourds! Buoyant rhymes and joyful art evoke the excitement of the season. Pumpkins big and pumpkins small. There are so many--I want them all! Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. About the Author CANDICE RANSOM only ever wanted to be a children's book writer. She is the author of over 125 books for kids and young adults, including Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten and Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday, and teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cats, Faulkner and Edison. Visit her at www.candiceransom.com. ERIKA MEZA is from Mexico and has a taste for traveling. She creates detailed dreams in acrylic and watercolor, and explores her limits in other media. In addition to being an illustrator, she is a conceptual artist and animation geek. Meza is currently based in Paris.
About the Book "A girl spends a very special day with her grandparents, going to the museum and the park, and ending up helping her grandfather paint a new birdhouse."-- Book Synopsis Celebrate grandparents with this Step 1 reader featuring the kids from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, Garden Day!, and Snow Day! and their family. What could be more fun than spending a whole day with Grandma and Grandpa? Brother and sister get to visit a museum, do crafts, feast on homemade brownies and watch old home movies with their very special grandparents! It's a memorable day full of laughter, good food, and love. Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, while bright, lively art brings this intergenerational story to life. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Review Quotes "Bright colors and energetic text with simple rhyming sentences and phrases make this celebration of grandparents a winning title for the youngest beginning reader." --School Library Journal About the Author CANDICE RANSOM, who has never wanted to be anything besides a children's book writer, has published over 150 books for children and young adults, garnering many awards. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her naughty cats. Visit her at candiceransom.com. ASHLEY EVANS loves creating colourful, fun and dynamic illustrations.Born and raised in Queens, she now lives in Charlotte, NC with her boyfriend and their daughter. When she's not creating art you can find her decorating cakes, enjoying her family or catching a much needed nap!
About the Book A family spends a fun day at the beach, collecting shells, building sandcastles, and flying kites. Book Synopsis Summer sun and fun in this Step 1 reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, Garden Day, and Snow Day! Family time means it's time to pack up the car and head to the beach! The brother and sister from Pumpkin Day! and its many companion books return for a fabulous day at the shore. Collecting seashells, building a sand castle, visiting the seaside attractions--enjoy all the indelible memories of childhood summers! Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, while bright, lively art brings the story to life. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. About the Author CANDICE RANSOM, who has never wanted to be anything besides a children's book writer, has published 110 award-winning books for children and young adults. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cat, Atticus. Visit her at candiceransom.com. ERIKA MEZA is from Mexico and has a taste for traveling. She creates detailed dreams in acrylic and watercolor, and explores her limits in other media. In addition to being an illustrator, she is a conceptual artist and animation geek. Meza is currently based in England.
Physical map of Virginia showing major cities, terrain, national parks, rivers, and surrounding countries with international borders and outline maps. Key facts about Virginia.
About the Book It's springtime, and the perfect day to plant a garden! The brother and sister from "Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, " and "Snow Day!" return and plant peas in their backyard. Readers follow along as they dig holes, water the plants, and build a scarecrow with their parents. Full color. Book Synopsis A welcome-to-spring Step 1 reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, and Snow Day! It's springtime, and the perfect day to plant a garden! The brother and sister from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, and Snow Day! return and plant peas in their backyard. Read along as they dig holes, water the plants, and build a scarecrow with their parents! Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, and bright, fun art enhances the story. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. About The Author CANDICE RANSOM, who has never wanted to be anything besides a children's book writer, has published 110 award-winning books for children and young adults. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cat, Atticus. ERIKA MEZA is from Mexico and has a taste for traveling. She creates detailed dreams in acrylic and watercolor, and explores her limits in other media. In addition to being an illustrator, she is a conceptual artist and animation geek. Meza is currently based in England.
About the Book Uni the Unicorn helps her friend to bake and frost a cake they hope will win a contest Book Synopsis Uni the Unicorn for early readers! This Step 2 Step into Reading book features Uni's best girl friend and a cake baking contest! Uni slides down the rainbow to see the little girl--the best friend a unicorn could have. It's baking time! The little girl is worried that her cake won't be as pretty and tasty as the other children's. Will Uni use unicorn magic to help? Will the little girl win the blue ribbon--or will she find that winning isn't everything, and the most important thing is having fun with friends? Find out in this all new Step 2 reader. Uni the unicorn is a charming and relatable character! Fans of the picture books, as well as new Uni fans, will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on an amazing journey. Look for all the Uni stories, including early readers Uni's First Sleepover, Uni Goes to School, and more! Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. About The Author AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL (Uni the Unicorn; Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True) was born in 1965, and graduated from Tufts University. A prolific writer, speaker, film maker, and radio show host, she also contributed to TED Talks and wrote several adult and children's books. She lived in Chicago with her husband and children for several years, and then announced on March 3, 2017, that she was terminally ill with cancer. Her essay for the Modern Love column in the New York Times, entitled You May Want to Marry My Husband, went viral online. She died on March 13, 2017. CANDICE RANSOM who has never wanted to be anything besides a children's book writer, has published 110 award-winning books for children and young adults. She teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cat, Atticus. BRIGETTE BARRAGER graduated from CalArts with a BFA in character animation in 2007. She likes tea and books and general old lady-ish stuff, and hates when people's toes hang over the edge of their sandals. Visit her at brigetteb.blogspot.com.
