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Vivian Kirkfield's Blog (88)

Why Attend a SCBWI Conference #2013AFCC

Why attend a SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference?

I’ve been writing picture book stories since I was a…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on June 3, 2013 at 1:35am — No Comments

Play It Safe This Summer: Window Safety

Jake, at Time after Time, has a Sunday Post Challenge. The theme this week is WINDOW.…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on May 20, 2013 at 2:36am — No Comments

Endangered Species Day: Gone Fishing: Oceans by the Number Review and Activity

Today is Friday – so we have a children’s book to review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on May 18, 2013 at 4:39am — No Comments

I Was Invited To Speak in Singapore!!!!

In less than two weeks, I'll be flying to Singapore to participate in the 2013 Asian Festival of Children's Content.

This annual international conference brings together authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of children's media.

I'm thrilled to have been invited to share my passion for using picture books as a parenting tool to build self-esteem and strengthen the parent-child connection. The event…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on May 11, 2013 at 5:12pm — No Comments

Super Bowl Sunday: Including the Kids with Snacks and Stories

Super Bowl Sunday is three days away. What does Super Bowl Sunday mean to you? Are you having a Super Bowl Sunday party at your home? Does your family cluster around the TV, watching all of the action?

If you have young children, you can include them in the festivities. Read this wonderful picture book. Invite them into the kitchen to help prepare some yummy and healthful Super Bowl Sunday snacks.…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on January 30, 2013 at 6:08pm — No Comments

Connecticut School Tragedy and a Children's Christmas Story

1993…The Year of the Graduations (Junior High, High School and College)

We raised our three children in a small Connecticut town less than thirty minutes from yesterday’s tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

For twenty-five years we lived happily and peacefully. Our children went from elementary schools to middle schools to…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on December 15, 2012 at 2:57am — 2 Comments

How To Help Kids Deal With Anxiety: The Worry Glasses

Many people suffer from anxiety…adults as well as children. But the question is: how to help kids deal with anxiety. The Show Me How program uses picture books to help young children deal with the challenges they face so today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’ve chosen a story that addresses that problem.…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on November 30, 2012 at 11:38pm — 1 Comment

Sunday Post: What Are Our Greatest Natural Resources?

Have you ever thought about what are our greatest natural resources?

Are they forests of timber?

Are they pristine rivers flowing freely?…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on November 25, 2012 at 2:36am — No Comments

Parenting Advice from the Andy Griffith Show

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review.

Before I get to the picture book review, I wanted to share some thoughts about parenting.

Last night, my husband and I enjoyed watching an old Andy Griffith Show from the 1961 season…”…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on November 24, 2012 at 12:04am — No Comments

Thanksgiving Day: Thankful Thoughts and Thoughtless Tragedies

Spending time with each helps keep the spark alive…relationships are strengthened when you take on challenges together.

Today, November 22, 2012, is Thanksgiving.

It is also the…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on November 22, 2012 at 4:03pm — No Comments

Universal Children's Day: A Plea for Children's Rights

Photo courtesy of: http://www.siteunspecific.com/?p=1936

Today is Universal Children’s Day.

On December 13, 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day, to be observed as a…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on November 20, 2012 at 6:48pm — No Comments

Bullying Problem? The Adventures of Tempest & Serena

As a child, I loved books in all shapes and sizes.

I remember the summer between third and fourth grade, I would go to the library and take out piles of books…and sit reading in the back yard…all day long! …

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on August 24, 2012 at 12:50am — No Comments

Back-to-School Series: Easing School Anxiety

Do you practice attached parenting? Are you a helicopter mom? Have you encouraged your child’s independence?

No matter what type of parent you are, you may be experiencing some anxiety as you send your child off for the first day of school.

Many children also…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on August 13, 2012 at 11:22pm — No Comments

Show Me How! School Initiative Nominations Open Today!

The school bells are already ringing, announcing the start of a new school year.

Here at Positive Parental Participation, we are joining the celebration.

We believe that building self-esteem is of critical importance. Do you?

Studies show that children with a positive…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on August 2, 2012 at 2:13am — No Comments

Collectibles: Picture Books and People

Children’s picture books are among some of the most prized collectibles. Many don’t survive the wear and tear of childhood…others live on to be passed down from generation to generation.

For me, the value of the book is in the joy each story gives to the children who hear it.

Some collectibles are valued in the millions but the smile on a…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on July 24, 2012 at 12:31am — No Comments

Animal A to Z Picture Book Recommendations for Great Summer Reading

Summertime gives us a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors. Kids love hiking in the park, going down the slide and playing ball at the playground, building sandcastles at the beach…sometimes it seems as if they have a boundless well of energy. But even kids need to sit down in a cool spot to relax…that’s the perfect time to get out the books!

If you…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on July 13, 2012 at 11:48am — No Comments

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

According to the dictionary, a village…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on June 24, 2012 at 2:57am — No Comments

When Fathers Step Up to the Plate: Book Review of "After Charlotte's Mom Died"

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susannah Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review and related resources for parents, teachers…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on June 15, 2012 at 8:19pm — No Comments

Summer Water Safety Tips for Parents

WATER: provides a wonderful intergenerational recreational opportunity.

WATER: gives parents a chance to help kids master skills and develop an appreciation for preserving nature and the environment.

…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on June 13, 2012 at 1:43am — No Comments

Save The Bookstores Day...Indian Two Feet and His Horse Book Review

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susannah Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a…

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Added by Vivian Kirkfield on June 8, 2012 at 2:57am — No Comments