craft – Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Hansel & Gretel: Deliciously Wicked

Peachtree Publishing Company — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:30:13 +0000

Hansel & Gretel
Written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

From the author-illustrator of Rapunzel and New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Little Red comes another fractured fairy tale! This time, Bethan Woollvin’s clever twist redefines the meaning of a villain.

Willow is a good witch who lives deep in the forest, practicing good magic and minding her own business. That is, until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails or parts of her carefully constructed gingerbread house being eaten. No one has ever bothered with her spell books or been rowdy in her quiet little yard. But that’s exactly what Hansel and Gretel do, and who knows how long Willow’s patience will hold.

This subversive retelling of the classic “Hansel & Gretel” tale features Bethan Woollvin’s signature, striking three-tone illustrations and sassy sense of humor. Readers will gasp with glee at the turn of each fun and boldly printed page. Woollvin is sure to have readers thinking about what it means to be a heroine or a villain, considering their sense of good and evil…and possibly rethinking that next bite of gingerbread.

“Striking… Children will enjoy comparing the traditional story to this delightfully twisted version.” —Booklist Online

“Marked by sly humor and an impish sense of mischief…entertaining text… Wicked fun.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“A bold, graphic style… Delicious.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Readers get a humorous and unique version of an oft-told tale.” —School Library Journal

Follow along with the story by creating your own Hansel and Gretel! Check out the activity sheets here!

Also, we are so excited to announce that Bethan will be going on tour with us this month in New York, DC, Athens, GA., and Atlanta! Come to one of these events in your area to meet Bethan Woollvin and get a signed copy of Hansel & Gretel!

New York City: BookFest @ Bankstreet – Saturday, October 20

Washington, DC: Politics and Prose – Monday, October 22 @ 10:30am

Athens, GA: Avid Bookshop – Tuesday, October 23 @ 6:00pm

Atlanta, GA: Little Shop of Stories – Wednesday, October 24 @ 5:00pm

Get your own copy of Hansel & Gretel on Amazon or at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

Izzy Gizmo: Maker Spaces, Inventions, and a Sweepstakes

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Izzy Gizmo

written by Pip Jones

illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

For all the little makers itching to invent, Izzy Gizmo is your gal. Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent—and they often malfunction. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she just has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. And that makes Izzy really cross! Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly?

“This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers’ interest in STEAM subjects. Additionally, themes of creativity and tenacity, together with the portrayal of a girl who’s allowed to show anger and frustration, make this a worthwhile read. Fun, with depth.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The text is full of challenging new words for young readers and the text rhymes, which allows the story to flow in a fun, inventive way. The theme of not giving up after a first, second, and third failure will resonate with readers of all ages. This book will inspire kids to get out there and to try new things.” —School Library Journal

With valuable STEAM components, as well as themes of failure, learning from your mistakes, and not giving up, Izzy Gizmo is already being hailed as a process-oriented, determined, and creative engineer for young readers to emulate. We can’t wait to get this book into the hands of other little inventors, but first, we thought we’d sneak a peek at the very places where those inventors are at work!

The Izzy Gizmo Sweepstakes

How to enter:

1. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

2. Comment on any of our Izzy Gizmo sweepstakes-related social media posts

3. Share a picture of your educator- or librarian-run makerspace program on social media (Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram) and tag us!

*Enter multiple times! Each comment and picture will count as an entry.

What you’ll win:

1. A copy of Izzy Gizmo
2. An Izzy-approved measuring tape key chain with level

When to enter:

The sweepstakes end on February 23rd!

*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 of age or older as of date of entry. Sweepstakes will begin February 6th, 2018 and end February 23rd, 2018 at 11:59 pm EST. One winner will be selected randomly to receive the prize. Winners will be notified by February 27th, 2018. Void where prohibited.

Make Your Own Kite!

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

So Big Wind Day is a thing. And it’s today! It certainly comes at the right time of year, with all the lovely spring breezes ushering in some warm weather. Of course, with lots of windy days, kite-flying should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list.

If you need some literature to get you in the mood for windy days and kite-flying, be sure to check out Elizabeth Spurr‘s latest board book In the Wind. Perfect for toddlers, the simple, evocative language describes a girl’s experience on a windy day; the lovely illustrations by Manelle Oliphant could even give you some design ideas for your next kite project or kite-flying outing!

In case you don’t happen to have a kite handy, we’ve collected a few kite-making tutorials so that everyone can join in the fun of Big Wind Day.

This one is for the kite-flyers who like the more natural, neutral look for their kite.

Style Me Pretty

This one has streamers galore, with more simple ingredients for a bright and beautiful end product.

Inner Child Fun

This one removes all excuses for not being able to fly a kite. All the components are right under your nose!

2 Little Hooligans

This one is for any kite-makers who want to break out of the usual kite box with some fun designs!

Red Ted Art

This one leaves the design up to the kite-flyer but provides all the necessary blueprints for the perfect kite.

Squawk Fox

Find In the Wind at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

A Bumpers Thanksgiving

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 21:30:00 +0000

What’s the best part of Thanksgiving? The food, of course! The creamy mashed potatoes, the savory crescent rolls, and not to mention the delicious golden turkey! At least, that’s what I thought growing up. When I got older, I began to realize how the holiday brought loved ones together, and I was reminded the importance of spending time with family. Luckily, Charlie Bumper learns this important life lesson much earlier than I did, but his adventure toward this discovery is one crazy ride!

In Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey—the fourth installment of Bill Harley’s Charlie Bumpers series—middle-schooler Charlie should be spending his Thanksgiving break without a care in the world, watching superheroes on TV. Instead, Charlie has to deal with not only his stubborn big brother and his bothersome little sister, aka the Squid, but also the 10 people invited to dinner, including his annoying “turkey” of a cousin, Chip. On top of that, he has homework to do: a paper about his definition of family. But this Thanksgiving, Charlie gets into all sorts of trouble while ultimately learning how cool it is to have your family by your side.

Want to see what mess Charlie gets into this Thanksgiving? Check out Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. It’s a book the whole family will enjoy!

Speaking of family, Charlie and his family recommend creating these awesome crafts and crazy cool experiments together this Thanksgiving.

The Hand Print Turkey

*Squid Approved*

Via: http://lizoncall.com/

You can’t let this Thanksgiving pass without making the classic turkey craft. All you need is colorful construction paper, empty toilet paper rolls, scissors, and some glue. With these ingredients, you can make some creative and unique place settings for your dinner table. You can find the step by step guide at Liz on Call.

The DIY Bottle Rocket Launcher

*Charlie Approved*

This experiment will make your family fun time rocket sky high! With parental supervision, kids can build their rocket out of a soda bottle and some cardboard, and use a pump to create water pressure, just like Charlie, Chip, and Uncle Ron. The water pressure will send the rocket soaring! To get the complete directions and learn the science behind it all, head on over to Science Sparks.

The Indoor Bottle Rocket

*Mom Approved*

Via: livewellforless.sainsburys.co.uk

To avoid a similar fiasco like Charlie Bumpers’, this indoor rocket can get anyone’s imagination fired up, without destroying the living room or your Thanksgiving feast. Using a soda bottle, paint, and a few other items you can find around the house, building this rocket is all about creativity, and it’s a creation you are going to want to keep for years to come. Find everything you need at Sainsberry’s Live Well For Less.

What’s your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Do you have any special crafts you like to do with the family over the holiday? We can’t wait to hear!

Countdown to Halloween!

Peachtree Publishers — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 15:00:00 +0000

The best way to wait for Halloween is obviously with picture books and fun arts and crafts! Check out our Halloween-related book round up featuring all of your favorite characters, monsters, and ghouls—good ones and scary ones alike!

Trick or Treat on Monster Street

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
978-1-56145-465-5

A boy’s dread of things that go bump in the night fills his head with monstrous thoughts. So when he is separated from his older brothers on Halloween night and finds himself alone on Monster Street, he fears the worst! Lightning flashes. Bats flap overhead. Doors squeak open. Hairy arms and tentacles drop spiders into his sack. The boy is relieved when he finally meets up with another trick-or-treater. That is, until his new friend removes his mask…

The Monster Who Ate My Peas

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
978-1-56145-216-3

What do you dread eating the most? For the hero of this story, it’s peas. A young boy thinks he’s discovered a way to avoid eating his peas—he makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. First the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster’s demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision—can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?

The Monster Who Did My Math

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Bill Mayer
978-1-56145-420-4

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided

Written by Kevin Shortsleeve
Illustrated by Michael Austin
978-1-56145-146-3

Come along with Professor LeGrand as he warns readers about the outrageous habits and appalling behavior of thirteen mischievous monsters whom the creature teacher hopes the readers never have to meet. There’s the Scarce Sissyfoos, Mess Monsters, and the Hedge-Standing Snit, just to name a few!

Clatter Bash!

Written and illustrated by Richard Keep
978-1-56145-322-1

At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll in this spirited Day of the Dead celebration.

When Edgar Met Cecil

Written and illustrated by Kevin Luthardt
978-1-56145-706-9

When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person – or alien – you’d expect.

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull

Written by Bill Harley
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
978-1-56145-808-0

Charlie and Tommy have big plans for Halloween. They’re going to trick-or-treat and sleep over at Alex’s house. But when Charlie finds out that the entertainment at the party will be the “Scariest Horror Movies Ever,” he is struck by panic. Charlie loves candy, he loves sleepovers with his friends, but he absolutely hates horror movies. Can Charlie face his fear of horror movies and enjoy Halloween?

Claude in the Spotlight

Written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith
978-1-56145-895-0

Claude and Sir Bobblysock join a dance troupe and head to the theater to perform their act. But being backstage gives them the heebie-jeebies! It’s so dark and spooky…could the legend of the theater ghost be true?

My Life and Death by Alexandra Canarsie

Written by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe
978-1-56145-387-0

Everything in fourteen-year-old Allie Canarsie’s life has gone wrong until she finds meaning investigating the circumstances behind a young boy’s unexpected death.

Giving Up the Ghost

Written by Sheri Sinkykin

978-1-56145-572-0

“That’s the first step, you know. Admitting you’re afraid. But when there’s love, there can be no fear.”Davia is afraid of many things, and everything about her elderly great-aunt Mari and her spooky-looking plantation home terrifies her. And when she encounters Emilie, the tortured ghost of a well-to-do adolescent girl from the nineteenth century, she is even more frightened.

Want to grab these spooky titles before All Hallows’ Eve? You can find them at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Feeling inspired by some of our titles and looking to include some fun crafts in your Halloween plans?

Via www.babyrabies.com

We thought this Monster Wreath would be the perfect addition to any Halloween décor; Baby Rabies has a simple tutorial for you to follow.

Via craftsbyamanda.com

You could even create a paper monster for your own little monster to take on his or her trick-or-treating adventures! There are tons of ideas out there, but these examples from Crafts by Amanda look great for parents and children to do together!

Via growingupbilingual.com

Light the pathway to your door with these Glow in the Dark Lanterns to celebrate Día de los Muertos; you only need some glow-in-the-dark sticks, a black marker, some mason jars, and your creativity! Growing up Bilingual also gives more lantern ideas geared towards younger children, like using LED tea lights and plastic cups instead.

DIY: Poem in your Pocket Day Display

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:12:00 +0000

Hey Guys!

(Or should we say poets and artists?)

In honor of National Poetry Month’s upcoming Poem in your Pocket Day (TOMORROW, APRIL 30TH), Peachtree Publishers wanted to show you all how we decided to celebrate and at the same time teach you how to make a perfectly poetic poetry project (Alliteration ftw!). Here’s a great Do-It-Yourself idea!

Supplies

Tri-fold Display Board
1 pack of multi-colored construction paper
Jean Pocket template
Stickers
Writing utensils (Markers, Color pencils, Crayons, etc.)
Scissors
Glue
Set of cherished poems

Instructions

1. Using the Jean Pocket template, print 12 pockets and cut them out separately.

2. Lay out your Tri-fold board.

3. Next, glue down pockets to board in three parallel rows. Remember to only glue the sides and bottom of the pockets down so there can be space for the pockets to open at the top.

4. With your writing utensils, copy some of your favorite poems onto the sheets of construction paper.

5. Then, fold these sheets in half length-wise.

6. Adorn the sheets with stickers and other doodles.

7. Once done beautifying your poems, slide the folded sheets into the pockets on the board. You may choose to leave a pocket with blank paper and markers for others to write their special poems.

8. Finish by adorning the pockets and display with your remaining stickers and other fun doodles.

9. Enjoy sharing your poems!

Julie Paschkis’ Unconventional Guide to Throwing the Best Pysansky Party

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:57:00 +0000

Author illustrator Julie Paschkis created a simple (and colorful) guide to hosting your very own pysanky party, just in time for Easter! Read the book P.Zonka Lays an Egg, host an Egg Decorating Party, and make the most beautifully authentic decorated eggs. Are you the P.Zonka in your group of friends? Or, are you more of a Gloria?

Julie Paschkis’ Unconventional Guide to Throwing the Best Pysansky Party