Contests – Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Educators and Students: Meet Fault Lines in the Constitution

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 18:00:00 +0000

Fault Lines in the Constitution has been a big hit this season! With 4 starred reviews, and inclusion in Publishers Weekly‘s Best Books of 2017 list, it’s clear that readers are enjoying this “timely and thought-provoking” look at the Constitution. After her various presentations to educators and their students, author Cynthia Levinson agreed to provide more insight into how these readers were using this book in the classroom.

Since it was published in September 2017, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today has gotten quite a lot of attention from teachers, librarians, and even students. My favorite question-from-a-kid was lobbed at us (“us” consists of my co-author/husband Sandy Levinson and me) at a bookstore event. Even before we spoke, she asked, “How do you know enough about the Constitution to write a book?” In other words, “Why should I believe you?”

I love that she was questioning authority from the outset. Her teachers have probably taught her to check her sources and make sure they’re credible. Great! Fortunately, she was convinced we’re legit when I told her that Sandy teaches Constitutional Law at the University of Texas and Harvard Law Schools and has written multiple books on the subject.

Amy Shine Jones, a high school Civics and History teacher in Haverhill, Massachusetts, pointed out that many teens have a facility for spotting deception and that Chapter 5 of Fault Lines would especially appeal to them. Not because it’s fake! Rather, this chapter, titled “How to Cherry-pick Voters,” shows how politicians “gerrymander” the shapes, sizes, and constituents of Congressional districts so their party will win as many seats in the House of Representatives as possible.

“It’s good for discussing fairness,” Jones said, adding that teens love to debate. “The book has lots of areas that are hotly contested.”

We witnessed just such a disagreement among teachers while they talked about the book at a gathering for law students and community members. Dan Carpenter, a professor at Harvard, supported the idea of national-level referendums—the ability of citizens to adopt or veto laws without going through Congress—which is discussed in Chapter 7. If the State of Ohio allows it, he asked, why not the federal government?

Shep Melnick, on the other hand, a professor at Boston College, argued that the Constitution should not allow for referendums. Direct democracy “takes power away from elected politicians, who are supposed to balance” the views of their constituents, he said.

These two profs spontaneously demonstrated that Fault Lines promotes what Melnick called “civil political discourse,” which is not common these days. Carpenter said the book is filled with such “teachable moments.”

Jones predicted that students would get into meaningful arguments about the Preamble—how well do we “establish justice,” for example?—if they were asked to grade the Constitution both before they read Fault Lines and then again afterward. We give the Constitution a grade at the end of the book, based on how well we think it meets the goals set out in the Preamble. Teachers often give pre-tests and post-tests. What do you think: Would the Constitution get a better or worse grade after it’s taught?

Leezia Dhalla

Jones also appreciated the stories that open each chapter. Pointing to the one about a Dreamer—an undocumented young woman named Leezia Dhalla who desperately wishes to become a legal resident—she said they “give teens someone to identify with.” The problems aren’t abstract; they affect real people, like the students themselves.

Above all, Jones said, kids want to make a difference. In Fault Lines, they can see, she said, that “average citizens have helped shape the Constitution and the government. It shows that teens can become agents of change.” That is our highest hope for this book.

Teachers can use these and other ideas by looking at Peachtree’s Discussion Guide.

Teachers, librarians, and students can join the conversation right now by registering for our blog at https://faultlinesintheconstitution.com/. One of our posts focuses on three teenagers who are running for governor in Kansas and a thirteen-year-old who is running for the same office in Vermont.

They can also enter our Blog-a-Fault-Line Contest.

Here’s how:

First, students should read Fault Lines in the Constitution (Peachtree Publishers/Listening Library) and the authors’ blog (www.faultlinesintheconstitution.com). Then, they write a blog post relating a current event or issue to a topic in the book or to a flaw they see in the US Constitution.

Entries can take a stand, propose alternatives, or raise questions for discussion. They should not be politically partisan.

Two winning blog posts will be featured on www.faultlinesintheconstitution.com, and each winner’s school will receive a free 20-minute Skype visit with co-authors Cynthia and Sanford Levinson!

How to enter

Teachers or librarians must subscribe to www.faultlinesintheconstitution.com. (Students can subscribe, too.)
Then, submit student- and teacher-written blog posts for each class that is reading Fault Lines in the Constitution.
Send submissions to clevinson@austin.rr.com by April 16, 2018.

Guidelines

Contest is open to students ages 10-18.
Each blog post should be a maximum of 550 words.
Winning entries may be edited by Cynthia and Sanford Levinson and by Peachtree Publishers, with edits approved by the student, before publication.

Prizes

Two sets of prizes will be awarded—one for students ages 10-13 and one for students ages 14-18.
Each winner’s school will receive a free 20-minute Skype visit with the book’s co-authors.
The winners’ blogs will be posted on www.faultlinesintheconstitution.com.

And, when they’re done, they can proudly wear a sticker that says, “I Am Constitutionally Literate.”

Get your copy of Fault Lines in the Constitution at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble! And check out our website for great resources, including an excerpt, a discussion guide, a Q&A with authors Cynthia and Sanford Levinson, and more!

Madeline Finn Photo Sweepstakes #ReadingUnleashed

Peachtree Publishers — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:00:00 +0000

Are you a little dog crazy? Book crazy? Madeline Finn crazy? You could win the Ultimate Canine Collection from Peachtree Publishers.

But first, if you don’t already know her, meet Madeline Finn. Madeline Finn did NOT like to read. That is, until she met Bonnie, a very special library dog who snuggled close, encouraged her to keep trying, and helped her realize that reading is fun!

Madeline Finn, Bonnie, and all of us at Peachtree invite you to unleash your own love of reading with your favorite pooch and enter to win our Ultimate Canine Collection.

How to enter*:

1. Take a picture of yourself/your child/your student reading to an adorable pooch. You can star with any pup you want, but if you want to partner with a real library dog, click here to find a library dog program in your area: http://www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.D.html.

2. Post the picture using the hashtag #ReadingUnleashed and tag Peachtree Publishers in your post. (Twitter: @PeachtreePub; Instagram: @peachtreepublishers Facebook: Peachtree Publishers)

3. If you’re reading Madeline Finn and the Library Dog in the picture, we’ll count it as TWO entries!

When to enter:

Post your picture(s) by February 28th. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by March 3rd.

What you’ll win:

The Ultimate Canine Collection includes one (1) hardcover copy of each of the following Peachtree Publishers titles:

Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats

Claude in the Country

Stay! A Top Dog Story

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

First Dog Fala

The Blue House Dog

Camp K-9

SeaMan

Dog Sense

We can’t wait to see your entries!

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 years old as of date of entry. All photos featuring children under the age of 13 must be taken with the permission of a parent or guardian. Sweepstakes begin February 17th, 2017 and end on February 28, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. Limit (2) entries per person. One Grand Prize winner shall be selected in a random drawing to receive one copy of each book in the “Ultimate Canine Collection.” Winners will be notified by March 3, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. Void where prohibited.

Story Time Snack: Touchdown Dip

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:10:00 +0000

Do you know what our favorite thing about football is?

The tackles? The fumbles? The fierce competition between teams?

Nah. THE FOOD!

We thought we’d share one of our favorite game-day snacks in honor of the release of Fred Bowen’s Double Reverse! We’ve even included some pictures to help you follow along.

So grab some friends (because the second best thing about football is the people you watch it with) and try this amazing Touchdown Dip!

(Keep reading to the end of this post to see how you can win a copy of Double Reverse!)

Here’s what you’ll need:

One container of whipped cream cheese (the softer kind it makes it easier to spread)
Salsa (about 2/3 to 3/4 of a jar)
Shredded Mexican cheese (8 oz.)
Nacho Chips
9 x 13 pan

Here’s what you do:

1. Layer the ingredients in the order of cream cheese, salsa, Mexican cheese

2. Heat until cheese is melted using either your microwave or oven (350º F for about 10 minutes)

3. Enjoy with nacho chips!

There you have it! Easy & delicious Touchdown Dip.

But hold on!

Do you have a fabulous game-day recipe?

Email us your recipe and picture(s) to publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com or comment below for a chance to win a copy of Double Reverse!

Claude’s Picture Adventure

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 18:38:00 +0000

Alrighty, friends, today we’re doing something crazy! We’re doing something nuts! We’re doing a…D.I.Y. post!

So roll up those sleeves and get ready to make your very own Claude and Sir Bobblysock cut-out!

For those of you who have yet to meet this charming traveling duo, there are just a few things you ought to know about Claude and Sir Bobblysock (besides the fact that Sir B is extremely photogenic):

1.) Claude is a small, plump dog who wears shoes and a sweater and a rather nifty beret. (See diagram below.)

2.) Claude’s best pal in the whole world is both a sock and quite bobbly. (Though, what it means to be bobbly, he has yet to explain.)

But most importantly…

3.) They love to go on adventures!

In fact, Claude and Sir Bobblysock are looking for new places to go this summer, AND THEY NEED YOUR HELP! Whether it’s to the beach, a theme park, a big city, or a neighborhood cookout, these two want to come along! Look, they’re already packed!

So here’s the D.I.Y. bit:

1.) Print this Claude and Sir Bobblysock cut-out on plain white paper. (Hint: If you use card stock it will work better!)

2.) Gather your other supplies! (Glue, scissors, & a Popsicle stick)

3.) Use scissors to cut along the dotted line.

4.) Glue or tape the cut-out to the Popsicle stick.

5.) Take a picture of Claude and Sir Bobblysock on your trip!

6.) Finally, send your pictures to publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com by August 31, 2014 at 11:59pm EST.

Are you on social media? You can post them there too! Just post your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and tag us with #ClaudesPictureAdventure so we can see the fun! (And don’t forget to follow us!)

After the summer is over, we’ll put all the pictures we receive together in a video montage/slideshow so everyone can see all the exotic places Claude and Sir Bobblysock went!

Need ideas?

Take a look at their past adventures, Claude at the Beach, Claude at the Circus, and Claude in the City. And get ready for their next adventure, coming out in October, Claude on the Slopes!

Happy adventuring!

Chris Platt: Peachtree’s Renaissance Woman

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:42:00 +0000

If I was an eighteenth century lady and you and I were wearing petticoats and chatting over tea and scones, I’d probably refer to Chris Platt as accomplished.

Since I’m wearing jeans and typing this while munching on a microwaved veggie burger, I’ll say instead that Chris is pretty awesome.

She’s broken barriers as one of the first female jockeys in Oregon, can often be found shooting bows, and has a black belt in a hard-style karate discipline called “Shotokan.” She’s played the drums since she was a kid and is currently taking a break after playing for 12 or so years in a bagpipe band. She’s also run a couple of marathons, and even had a pot-bellied pig that lived in her house for a while.

Somewhere in there, Chris has found time to author more than a dozen books for young readers, including the popular horse novels Willow King, its sequel Race the Wind, and many titles in the Thoroughbred series.

This month, she published Wind Dancer, and we at Peachtree couldn’t be more excited about it! It’s the story of a neglected horse who helps a girl named Ali get through to her brother, a young man suffering from PTSD after his tour in Afghanistan.

Chris dropped by the blog to chat about her new book, writing professionally, and her (ADORABLE) horses.

Chris Platt on the Daily Life of a Writer

Aside from writing, how do you spend your days?

Chris shooting her bow

I’m a crazy-busy person. A usual day for me is getting up around 8:30, feeding my 4 horses and cleaning stalls, taking care of the cats and parrot, and feeding all the neighbor cats that hang out in my yard. (I’m the only one in the neighborhood who doesn’t have a dog. lol)

I’ll go for a run 2-4 times a week, or the gym, karate, or horseback riding.

I live on an acre of land, and have another 5-acre parcel, so I do a TON of weeding and cleaning outside, plus building fences, painting, roofing, etc.

I also have a part-time job in a mall, so I squeeze work days in there, too. I have friends and elderly people that I help out doing odd chores and errands. I’m currently sewing a quilt for my 91-year-old grandma. Gotta squeeze time in for the hubby and doing some fun things. We love to go to the movies.

I do my writing on the back end of the day, and don’t get to bed until about 1 or 2 am.

If you could invite any 3 people (living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you pick?

One would be my grandmother. She’s 91 and one of my favorite people in the world. Her cancer just came back and we don’t know how much longer she has. I’m going back to see her in a few days. I just want to spend every minute I have with her talking, enjoying her.

Another would be God. Lots of questions to ask.

And just for fun a favorite author, Ray Bradbury, or an actor like Russell Crowe.

Chris as a jockey!

Tell us a little about your career as a jockey.

I’ve been riding since I was two. My uncle used to take me out to a field of ponies and put me on one of them and slap it on the rear end. I’d hang on to the mane and we’d go jetting off across the pasture. That came to an abrupt halt when my mom found out. Ha, ha!

As far as the jockeying… when I was 16 I started helping someone out at the racetrack in Salem, Oregon. He let me get on a few of his horses and gallop them around the track. A few of the more experienced exercise riders took me under their wings and taught me how to do things correctly. I galloped horses in the morning workouts for a few years and then got approved for a jockey’s license.

There were only a few women riders at that time. Some of the male jockeys used to give the girls a hard time: cutting them off in a race, or slapping them across the seat of their pants with a whip as they rode past. I didn’t have much trouble with them.

I spent 5 years on the track, and loved every minute of it, but eventually, you’ve gotta eat. Ha, ha! I got tired of the constant diet and always having to weigh in. You needed to weight about 103-108 lbs. I naturally weighed about 120 lbs at that time. When I turned 21, I moved to Reno, Nevada, and that was the end of my jockey career.

Storm Chaser & Trip

Tell us about your horses!

I’m down to only 4 horses now: 2 black and white paints that are beautiful, and a cute little miniature mare and her baby. I used to have 8 horses. I don’t know how I did it. It’s a lot of work.

You’ve lived such an interesting life so far, do you ever put your own experiences into your books?

Yes, all the time. I use a lot of things that happened to me during my years of owning and working with horses. Sometimes I model characters after people I’ve known. I don’t use the exact person, but I’ll take many of his/her characteristics and toss in a few of other people’s that I’ve known. It adds a lot to the book when you use real life experiences.

Chris signing copies of Star Gazer

What is your favorite part about being a writer? What is your least favorite part?

Favorite part is getting to create characters and the world they live in. Getting to see my book in a book store. Talking to fans.

My least favorite part is deadlines. Ugh!

Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing?

From the time I was about 11 or 12, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I started out writing poems and then moved to short stories and eventually books.

Do you have anything in common with your characters?

Yes. My values and viewpoints go into many of my characters. I think every writer has a character in their book that has same point-of-view as themselves. I think they’re fibbing if they tell you they don’t. lol.

Whom, of all the characters you’ve written about, would you most like to meet?

Probably Katie, my main character from my first book, Willow King. She was born with a slight handicap and had to overcome a lot of things. She was a strong character. I think I’d also like to meet Camela, from the sequel, Race the Wind. She was a blind girl and a real pill. She was very smart, but also a bit mischievous. In the book, she uses her cane to trip people that she doesn’t like, or who are mean to her or others. Then she sits there looking all innocent. Nobody suspects that it was her.

Do you have a favorite of your books?

Of my horse books, Willow King and Race the Wind were probably my favorites. They were loosely based on a real racehorse I used to ride and a great trainer I worked for.

But my favorite book is the one I’ve been trying to write for years now, in between writing horse books. It’s a coming of age book about 4 teenage girls growing up in a small town. One can’t wait to grow up and leave, another discovers her roots, and how deeply they’re buried in the town, another is trying to hold her family together and the last is trying to prevent changes that will drive them all apart.

Maybe I can finish it this summer. J

Chris Platt on Her Writing Process

Were there any authors who inspired you to write?

Yes, when I was young, I LOVED to read Marguerite Henry’s horse books (Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind) and Walter Farley (Black Stallion, Man O’ War). When I was in my teens, my favorite English teacher helped me discovered Ray Bradbury and his science fiction books (R is for Rocket, S is for Space, Martian Chronicals). They taught me to love books.

Where do you get your ideas from?

I’m not really sure “where” they come from. Mostly they pop into my head when I’m jogging, or as I go about my day. Things just kind of come to me, and then I flesh out the idea.

Where do you do your writing? Do you have one place where you feel most inspired?

I do most of my writing in my work office at my house. I have a room that is set up just for me and my writing. But I do a lot of my plotting in my head while I’m jogging. I’ve always been a runner. I love to run long distance. That’s my quiet time that I reserve just for myself. I make lists in my head, think about things I have to do, and plot books. (I know, I’m a crazy person. lol)

How do you get your creative thoughts flowing?

Like I said, a lot of things come to me while I’m running, but I don’t say to myself, “Hey, I need an idea, so I’m going to go for a run.” When it’s time to write, I write. I have a degree in Journalism. I know a lot of people like to get inspiration from special routines or such, but I’m trained to park my behind in the chair and write. No time for waiting around for things to happen or to “feel” like it. I make things happen by sitting down in the writer’s chair and writing.

What part of a story comes to you first?

The basic plot. I just get a loose idea of a plot line: “Girl rescues abused horses.” Then I flesh it out a bit: “Girl lost her beloved horse a few years earlier and vows to never love another horse.” Then throw in the idea of the girl having a brother who returned from the war with PTSD, and parents who bring home the abused horses for the girl to care for, and there you have it… Wind Dancer.

Are you a meticulous plot planner or do you just let the story flow?

I’m what’s known as a “pantster.” I fly by the seat of my pants, writing as I go. lol. It’s a crazy process and probably not the best, but I HATE doing a synopsis, or chapter outlines. When I wrote for the Ashleigh Thoroughbred series, I had to write a chapter-by-chapter outline. I hated it, but I have to admit, it definitely made writing the book soooo much easier.

Do you ever get writer’s block? How do you overcome?

I don’t let myself have writer’s block. I just sit down and write. If I read it later, and don’t like what I’ve written, I can always change it. Never be afraid to change things and make your work better.

How do you know that a story’s finished?

When it feels like all the loose ends are wrapped up and there’s nothing more to say.

How do you go about revising your writing?

I’m one of those writers who writes a few pages, then goes back over those to make sure everything looks good. Or, if I find something that’s wrong, I fix it then and there. Then I continue on writing the next few pages. I’m a really busy person, with a gazillion things I’m doing all at once. So, sometimes I will go days or weeks without writing anything. (I probably shouldn’t admit that. lol) When I get back to writing, I need to go over a chapter or two and refresh my memory before I continue on with the book. When I get to the end of the book, I may or may not go over it, depending on how many times I’ve re-read and re-written it as I go.

Do you have any advice/resources (books, blogs, etc.) for aspiring authors?

Yes… If you truly want to be an author, don’t EVER give up! Keep writing until you get it right. Every author has a book or two under their bed that will never see the light of day. Learn to take criticism. Too many writers have very thin skin and quit when someone points out their weaknesses. Listen, learn, and grow. Get into a GOOD critique group.

As far as books on writing… Debra Dixon’s Goal, Motivation & Conflict is the best. Also anything from the Reader’s Digest books on writing series is good.

Christ Platt on Wind Dancer

Are all of your stories about horses? Why do you write about them?

Yes, so far, all of my books are about horses. I love horses and I loved reading about them when I was growing up. They made me happy. I want to write books like the ones I read as a child. I hope they’ll make others happy.

Little Bit

Do you think of the horses in your stories as characters? Do they need the same kind of development?

Yes, the horses all have a distinct personality, just like they do in real life. They often will develop right along with the human character.

Tell us about the inspiration for Wind Dancer.

Wind Dancer was another story that came to me when I was jogging. I pull crazy ideas out of the air and say, “What if?”

I have a friend who came home from the war with PTSD, and he doesn’t think he has it. I wanted to put a character that has some of those issues in the story in hopes that it will help others learn to deal with it.

The story deals with some serious issues. Did you have to do a lot of research on PTSD?

Yes, there’s a lot of stuff on the internet that explains what PTSD is. But I also used a lot of the behaviors of my friend, and what his family went through with him.

How would you use this book in a classroom?

There are several ways this book could be used in the classroom. The first one is intertainment value for those who love to read. The second it to teach kids about caring for animals, and for our friends and members of our families. The third is to approach the subject of PTSD and make kids aware of what it is, and some of the warning signs, and where to get help if needed.

What do you hope your readers get out of this book?

I hope that they learn a little about being aware of what’s going on around you; about caring for people and animals; about friendships, about PTSD, and I hope that they enjoy the story and find value through either entertainment or gaining of knowledge.

Thanks so much to Chris for spending time with us this morning!

Leave a comment about your own favorite horse memories, and one of you will win a copy of Wind Dancer!

You can pick up your own copy of Wind Dancer at your local bookstore and visit Chris’ website to see the rest of her fabulous work.

Psst! Follow the Wind Dancer blog tour here!

Gordon vs. the Writing Assignment

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:00:00 +0000

As part of his Grand Prize, Gordon’s story is being published today on the blog! We’re all quite impressed with his imagination and how much fun he had with his story; we think you will be too 🙂 Enjoy!

Gordon vs. the Writing Assignment

Gordon was just sitting down at his desk at school when his teacher asked him to write a story for her. He said, “Oh, I don’t have anything to write. This is going to be so hard. I’ll just sit here and try to think of something.” He puts his head on his desk. All of a sudden the bell rings. He jumps on his bike and rides it toward home and then things start to get weird. Rocks start shooting out of trees. He sees fireworks blasting (p.s. it is not the Fourth of July). He goes straight home.

Weird things are happening there too! His Mom has elephants on her head. His Dad is throwing the chair, his sister is throwing sandwiches at him, and a giant chicken is attacking him. They finally let him sit down and read a book. Then things start getting weird again. The characters from Gordon’s books start to jump out at him. Some of his books have dragons in them and instead of shooting fire they shoot spikes. He runs for his life. He gets on his bike and drives off but as he drives away the bike changes into a rocket ship and by the time he stops it he is at Mars.

An Alien starts to chase him. He gets into a space suit he found on a hook next to the door and goes out the back door. The Alien starts chasing him again. The Alien chases him for an hour and then the Alien is out of breath. It walks to its home and Gordon walks back to the rocket ship and flies home. When he lands he sees there is a tiny bomb in this rocket ship. He has one second and then he suddenly wakes up.

He is at school where he can write his story very quickly.

He has a story to write! Hurray!

The End

Gordon, the winner of Mrs. Burke’s You vs. Who? contest, is in second grade.

You vs. Who? Contest & Giveaway

Peachtree Publishers — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:03:00 +0000

Greetings, denizens of the blogiverse!

Since the title of Teacher of the Year was bestowed upon me, I’ve received a number of inquiries on an array of subjects.

What is my first name? What activities are best for fourth graders? Did I suffer any lasting effects from the flying sneaker incident? How is my snap so impressively loud?

I’ve been asked to answer a few of those questions here today.

The snap, I’m afraid, is one of the most fiercely guarded secrets of the Empire—Mrs. Burke’s Empire, that is. The technique was passed down in a sacred trust from my mother, and I couldn’t possibly divulge it here.

Actually, I suppose I could, but my hood of ninjas would instantaneously escort every person reading this post to a remote island surrounded by man-eating octopi. I doubt the secret of the snap would do you much good in such an exile.

Activities, however, I am happy to share!

1. Plays:

Each year, the citizens of Mrs. Burke’s Empire perform a play. I’m not given to bragging, but this year’s—The Sorcerer’s Castle—might be this director’s masterpiece. I’ve found that my students learn quite a bit about themselves when they’re forced to play someone else.

2. Writing:

I suggest having your students write about their own experiences.

Here’s a prompt that works well with my own students: You vs. Who?

Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars! Give it a title like Suzie Rice vs. The Vacuum of Suction Destruction or Mrs. Burke vs. The Slippery Ramen Noodle.

3. Contests:

When all other hope is lost and mutiny seems inescapable, make it a contest. In fact, let’s do just that!

Have your child, student, or library patrons answer the You vs. Who? prompt.

You (the teacher, librarian, parent, etc.) must send the stories to the folks at Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail before the deadline. (See details below.)

Win a glorious prize and bring honor to your own empire!

CONTEST DETAILS

PRIZE: Peachtree Publishers is giving away ten (10) Charlie Bumpers prize packs!

Nine winners will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, and one (1) galley of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome (April 2014!).

One Grand Prize winner will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome, and one (1) Audio Book CD of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year (performed by author and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Bill Harley!).

To enter: Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle like Charlie does. Adult must send the stories in to Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars!

E-mail Address:

publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com

Snail Mail Address:

Peachtree Publishers

Publicity Dept.

1700 Chattahoochee Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30318

DEADLINE: Contest ends March 26, 2014, at 11:59 pm EST

OPEN TO: US Addresses Only

Mrs. Burke is Coming…

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:52:00 +0000

You lucky, lucky ducks. Do we have a treat for you!

Word on the Peachtree street (Ha. If you’ve ever been to Atlanta, you know that there are approximately 52,648 variations of “Peachtree Street” here. Seriously. Google it.) is that Mrs. Burke—yes the Mrs. Burke of Charlie Bumpers fame—will be stopping by the blog this Friday!

You never know what the Teacher of the Year might say or do, but I hear she might have a giveaway up her sleeve…

See you Friday!

Peachtree Love

Peachtree Publishers — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:12:00 +0000

Ah, romance. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

For kids, though, love and romance are big concepts associated with deep emotions that they may not be ready to tackle.

But self-respect, self-acceptance, and self-love? Those are seeds that can be planted early.

Below are 3 fantastic titles (with sneak peaks of 2 not yet published titles & a look inside one that you can borrow from your local library today!) with themes of finding value in yourself.

PLUS, because we forgot to send you roses on Valentine’s Day, we’re doing a giveaway! (Details below.)

Churchill’s Tale of Tails

Churchill the pig has lost his tail.

In an effort to replace it, Churchill tries on all sorts of other options, but none is quite right.

His tail isn’t as grand as the peacock’s or as bold as the tiger’s, but it’s the one that suits him best.

When kids are first sorting out who they are, they play dress up, they experiment, and despite who they choose to make themselves into, it’s good to remind them that they are special just as they are.

Lost for Words

Tapir is in search of his voice.

He’s discouraged when he can’t write the way his friends can.

Realizing that he’s different is hard for Tapir, but, instead of giving up or thinking of himself as inferior, he starts looking for something he is good at.

He soon discovers that he doesn’t need words to express himself as beautifully and thoughtfully as anyone else.

Penguin’s Hidden Talent

Penguin wants to be a part of the talent show, but he doesn’t have the flashy gifts that belong on stage.

Instead, he helps organize the production.

It’s not until his friends attempt to throw him a party (and botch it!) that Penguin realizes his knack for organization is a talent in itself.

Some kids have less dazzling—but no less impressive—talents; they’re organized or they’re great at listening or they’re a stellar student. Not everyone can star in the show, but there would be no show without someone to run it.

Food For Thought

By starting early and instilling values of self-respect and confidence, and celebrating the differences that make us unique, we can help cultivate a kinder generation—one that’s compassionate towards others and gentler on the person in the mirror.

That’s what our giveaway contest is all about. Here’s what you must do to enter:

Think about self-worth. What does it mean to you as an adult? What does it mean to the kids in your life (yours, your younger siblings, the kids you teach, the kids that come to your library)? What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself or your parents about self-worth?

Then talk to the kids & work together on a little (or huge!) project about positive, healthy self-love.

That’s it!

Your project can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish, and you can answer in any method you see fit. The important part is collaborating with a child (or group of kids!) to be creative. Draw us a picture like Tapir, record a fashion show like Churchill, or just write a thoughtful blog post like Penguin might—it’s all up to you and your kids!

Giveaway Details

The Prize: One winner will receive one copy each of Churchill’s Tale of Tails, Lost for Words, and Penguin’s Hidden Talent.

Eligibility: Must have a U.S. address. We cannot ship overseas or to P.O. Boxes.

Open: February 20, 2014 – March 6, 2014, 11:59 pm EST.

To Enter: Post a link to your response in any format (video, art, blog post—whatever!), on either Facebook or Twitter. In your post you must:

Include a link back to this blog post.
Tag Peachtree Publishers so we can find your post!
Use the hashtag #PeachtreeLove

Please Note: You must follow these steps exactly in order to qualify.

Happy creating!

C&N

Win a Copy of The King of Little Things!

Peachtree Publishers — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:30:00 +0000

This week we’re celebrating all things little with Bil Lepp and David T. Wenzel’s The King of Little Things.

So, tell us! What little things in your life make a BIG difference? Leave your comments below or email us and you could win a copy of The King of Little Things!

*Contest ends 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013
**U.S. residents only, please