Frogs away
Today’s launch of A Great Big Night at the Lunenburg School of the Arts with Block Shop Books was so lovely, and had me reflecting on how my family have helped uplift my books and my fortitude for so many years. My mom made cookies and ‘teeny tiny rucksacks’ to give away as prizes; Nick captured it all on camera; Justin brought the kids, who all helped in their own sweet ways.
Times have been strange and stormy, haven’t they? I’m so grateful to have been able to gather for some storytelling about community care, resilience, and ‘riff-raff’.
The excellent folks at Block Shop, in addition to showing up to supply our books table at the launch party, also made me super-chuffed today with the first little review and recap of the book! These girls are serious experts—I’m beaming.
“A friend of mine who writes for children insists picture books must be read aloud to be fully appreciated. Since my daughter wasn't around - who at 14 will still sometimes humour me with a read-through - I had to read this title aloud to myself, and that was when it really popped and zinged.
The music train was a happy sight / Clickity-clackity three on bikes / Rolling in for a great big night.
The animals of the great green forest are abuzz with news that roving frog musicians have rolled into town with a motley collection of instruments. Soon they are all pounding the grass flat with jigs and reels, all except Grouse, that is, who disdains such idle lollygagging. Yet when a storm blows through and takes Grouse’s house and treasured belongings with it, those same lollygaggers come to his rescue. A toe-tapping rallying song summons a jolly crowd that makes quick work of cleaning up and rebuilding Grouse’s home. Riotous collage-style illustrations in this lyrical picture book help convey the cacophony of the travelling players who spread tunes, fun and, as even Grouse must concede, community throughout the forest.” —Anne-Marie, Block Shop Books
Hit up Block Shop Books—they ship worldwide!—for all those freshly signed copies from a wonderful day.
