Tuesday, December 20, 2016

BEFORE YOU by Rebecca Doughty / Blog Tour: Book Review / Author Q&A #picturebookparade


Written and Illustrated by: Rebecca Doughty
Published by: HMH Kids
To Be Released on: December 27th, 2016
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: HMH Kids | Amazon | B&N
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A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Through simple, yet lively text and whimsical illustration, the love from parent to child, or friend to friend, is celebrated. The perfect gift for a loved one and fans of perennial favorites like I Like You and Guess How Much I Love You.


Simple rhyming phases, and childlike illustrations, make for an easy to read picture book. 


This book is about how someone feels until that special person comes into their life, and makes it complete. Doughty uses simple phrases pre-school age children can understand. Pairing those phrases with rhyming, make for a quick, easy read that will hold even the shortest attention spans. The illustrations have a childlike look and feel to them, which may appeal to young readers. I think this book would make a great board book for toddlers, vs being in picture book form.


Phasing examples:


Prior to the special person coming to the the story, 


"I was a bowl without a fish. | A birthday cake without a wish."


After that special person is introduced to the story,


"I had a cup, you brought the tea. | I had a boat, you brought the sea." 


While we thought the concept of the story was good, overall we didn't enjoy this picture book as much as we have the vast number of other picture books we've read this year. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW 



If you weren't an author or illustrator what would you do for a living? 
I’d be an acrobat.

What is the first book you remember loving as a child?
Boats Finds a House by Mary Chalmers.

The best thing about my job is ______ 
Wearing pajamas.

What's your favorite word? 
Yes.

If you could have any super power what would it be? 
To bring universal happiness.

What's the best snack to eat while reading a good book? 
Lobster.

Picture books are important because _____ 
They have superpowers.

An ice cream sundae is not complete without _____ 
Tums.


*Interview questions provided by the publisher 


Don't miss the fun! Be sure to HMH Kids's Picture Book Parade. You can follow along via the social media hashtag - #PictureBookParade 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~