Project Description

Picture Books

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Activity Kit

P. Zonka Lays an Egg

by Julie Paschkis

Why doesn’t P. Zonka, an imaginative hen whose head is always in the clouds, lay eggs?

Extraordinary hen P. Zonka spends her time taking in the beauty around her: the shiny green of the grass, the buttery yellow of the dandelions, the deep blue of the sky. The other hens can’t understand why she never lays eggs like they do―they think she’s just plain lazy. But when P. Zonka finally decides to give egg-laying a try, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise!

Award-winning author and illustrator Julie Paschkis is sure to delight readers with this lovely story, inspired by the Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, about enriching the imagination and appreciating the beauty of the world.

Format: Hardcover
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-819-6
Publication Date: 4/1/2015
Page Count: 32
Size: 9-1/2″ x 11″
Age Range: 4 – 8
Language: English
AR Level: 2.6
F&P: GRL K, Gr 2, Genre TL
Lexile: AD500L
Themes: Artistic Process, Creativity, Imagination
BISAC 1: JUV002090  JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
BISAC 2: JUV019000  JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 3: JUV002280  JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Ducks, Geese, etc.

Reviews

“[A] tale of the dividends of daydreaming, beautifully enhanced by colors and designs that shout “Spring!” to a winter-weary world. Charming, unusual and sure to induce smiles.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A lyrical and lushly illustrated allegory about creativity and taking time to notice beauty.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Vibrant watercolor illustrations… burst from the pages to draw viewers in to share P. Zonka’s delight with the colors and patterns of her world. A first-rate selection” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“If every picture book is a little world unto itself, P. Zonka Lays an Egg is a place where the skies are forever bright and all things radiate delicious hues.” ―The Wall Street Journal

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“This ranks along books such as Leo Lionni’s ‘Frederick’ (1968) that celebrate artistic dreaminess over conformity and remind us that good things are worth waiting for.” ―Booklist Online

“P. Zonka’s lesson is gently delivered: take time to produce something you will be proud of.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“Every charming page…is awash in cheerful watercolors, decorative folk-art patterns and kinetic black like work worth crowing over.” ―Shelf Awareness

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Awards

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016

CCBC Choices (Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens ―Capitol Choices, 2016

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Texas 2×2 Reading List ―Texas Library Association, 2016

Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2016-2017

Red Clover Award (Honor List) ―Vermont Department of Libraries, 2016-2017

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Meet the Author/Illustrator

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.