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PEACOCK AND SKETCH
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2022
A fame-obsessed peacock gains much-needed perspective.
A purple peacock at the zoo loves having his photo taken by visitors and showing off his beautiful plumage. A young girl named Sketch with unnaturally pink skin is the only one uninterested in taking his photo; instead, she regularly visits Peacock to draw pictures of him in her notebook and tell him stories. Hungry for even more fame, Peacock escapes the zoo. He parades down the street on the roof of a school bus, strutting, posing, and garnering more and more attention. He wanders into a library, where everyone except the stereotypically stern librarian marvels at him. But being famous, it turns out, is exhausting; luckily, worn-out Peacock runs into Sketch, who begs him to “go back home.” Back at the zoo, Peacock loses his fan base when his feathers start to molt, but loyal Sketch is there to comfort him as the seasons change. Peterkin’s straightforward yet moving cautionary tale is capped off by backmatter urging caregivers to use the “3 C’s” of social media—content, contact, and conduct—as a framework for discussing “the benefits and risks of social media” with children. Prabhat’s cartoon-style digital illustrations depict animal and human figures alike with oversized, round eyes and vibrant colors and use close-ups to capture key emotional moments. Background characters have a range of skin tones from deep brown to tan.
A helpful title for kids growing up in the social media age. (Picture book. 4-7)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/allan-peterkin/peacock-and-sketch/
From School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-Peacock loves to show off his beautiful feathers to zoo visitors, and they, in turn, reward Peacock with adoration in the form of “oohs” and “ahhs” and photo ops. Not only is prancing in front of zoo visitors one of his favorite things, Peacock also enjoys seeing a little girl he calls “Sketch” drawing pictures of him. Peacock knows he is the one of the best things in the zoo, because he is the only one. However, the adoration of Sketch and the zoo visitors aren’t enough to quell Peacock’s growing desire to be famous; so he decides to take action. He soon learns that fame is everything he imagined-but only temporarily. Prabhat’s use of vibrant colors coupled with Peacock’s expressive poses amplify his proud handsomeness. Readers will note the similarities between Peacock and Mo Willems’s beloved Pigeon, while enjoying the illustrations and wisdom imparted; the lesson is further reinforced by the back matter. VERDICT A gorgeously illustrated cautionary tale about the peaks and valleys of fame, this is a recommended purchase.-Tamela Chambersα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
National Geographic Kids Dream Journal
CNN REVIEW:
Dreams are the best show in town. Here’s why you should write them down
By David G. Allan, CNN
8 minute read – Updated 11:28 AM EDT, Thu August 4, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/04/health/dream-journal-wisdom-project-wellness/index.html
Listen to Dr. Allan Peterkin speak about “Dreams” on the Phil Parker Show (on SPREAKER)
Here’s an online review by some folks who read the book.
By Glenda C. / May 29, 2020
Charlie and I had received National Geographic Kids Dream Journal a while back and it ended up packed in a box the last time my dad came to stay with us.
The other day when David and I was cleaning out dad’s room I found National Geographic Kids Dream Journal which Charlie and I will begin using next week.
Even though School has ended I want Charlie to do at least one or two lessons a day so he is prepared for 7th Grade. Using the journal will keep Charlie reading daily and help improve his writing and spelling as he answers the questions in National Geographic Kids Dream Journal.
Charlie and I will also be able to come up with Art projects through reading National Geographic Kids Dream Journal as well as building new Unit Studies and Lesson plans for us to use.
Decode your dreams and discover the fascinating science, history, and culture behind dreaming in this awesome write-in journal.
Have you ever wondered where your dreams come from? Or why they’re so hard to remember? Or how to make that monster in your nightmares a little bit more … friendly? We’ve got answers to these musings and more!
In this journal, you’ll explore the mysteries of the unconscious mind. You’ll learn how dreams inspired some of the most popular art in recent history, how the ancient Greeks used dreams to answer their questions, and how your brain works as it conjures up these amazing, imaginative, and often weird reveries. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, remember more about what you dream, and conjure lucid dreams. It’s the perfect tool to help kids remember, record, and reflect on their nighttime adventures. Catching Z’s has never been so much fun.
With lively text, and vibrant imagery, and plenty of space for writing, this journal is your go-to place to document, learn, and celebrate the powers of your fantastic, creative brain.
Inside this post are my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the items you purchase.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates,
The Mommies Reviews
SOURCE: https://www.themommiesreviews.com/national-geographic-kids-dream-journal/
The Flyaway Blanket
Allan Peterkin, illus. by Emmeline Pidgen. APA/Magination, $14.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4338-1046-6
From Publisher’s Weekly
In a sensitive lullaby, a small boy and his mother hang the laundry to dry on the clothesline, as she sings, “time to fly, touch the sky, fly up, high up, wave goodbye.” Jake doesn’t want to let go of his comforting blue blanket, but his mother assures him that it will soon be dry. As they sit together in the sun, Jake falls asleep, and a gust of wind sends the blanket sailing. “First it brushed against the apple tree, where a mother bird was feeding her babies,” and it soon warms a shivering calf, tickles turnip-munching bunnies, and is used by a puppy and its mother for tug-of-war. After a final gust, the mother bird tugs the blanket down to earth, “right to where it belonged,” encircling Jake and his mother in a cozy embrace. Pidgen’s cheerful artwork is reassuring, with a bright palette, loose, sweeping lines, and plenty of attention on mother-child tenderness, human and animal alike. The message about attachment, security, and sometimes letting go is conveyed subtly and organically. Ages 4–8. (Nov.) — Publishers Weekly, October 17, 2011
Winner of a Mom’s Choice Award.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781433810466
A children’s picture book that tutors us in loving and cherishing the things we own.
Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
TwitterFacebookLinkPrint (Spirituality in Practice)
In this dreamlike children’s book for kids ages 4-8, Jake and his mother go outside to hang the laundry out to dry. She helps him hang his special blanket which “was extra soft from so much love and from Momma’s gentle washings.” While Jake is resting in the sun, a wind snatches the blanket away into the sky. This comfort object brings love to some baby birds, a calf, some bunnies, and a puppy before it finds its way back to Jake.
The Flyaway Blanket was written by Allan Peterkin and illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen; it is published by the press of the American Psychological Association. An end note to parents describes it as a story about the strength of the bonds between parents and their children and the important rule that transitional or comfort objects can play as children begin to explore the wider world.
We think it also tutors us in the art of loving things and cherishing them. Pychologist James Hillman believed that the things in our lives can turn toxic if we handle them badly. Treat them with love and care and they will return the favor. Let this story work its magic on you so that you may invest more of yourself in your possessions.
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/22138/the-flyaway-blanket
Chill: Discover the Cool (and Creative) Side of Your Fridge
Reviewer: Jean Mills (from Quill & Quire)
Publisher: Kids Can Press
The first question author Allan Peterkin asks in his new book is, “What kind of moron would write a book about fridge art?” The real question is: who would want to read it? Hands-on, creative kids who are looking for unusual art projects? Budding scientists who want to explore the science and psychology of refrigerators? Hard to say, and it’s likely that both audiences will be disappointed. This is neither a science nor an art book, but rather a well-written hodgepodge of facts, activities, and history presented humorously and very attractively.
For the creative, hands-on artist, this book provides instructions for making fridge magnets that range from simple (glue small item to magnetic backing) to complex projects requiring scanners, printers, and specialized software. For kids wanting to exercise their entrepreneurial spirit, Peterkin offers an eight-step business plan for starting a world-dominating fridge magnet empire.
The author, a doctor of psychology at the University of Toronto, steps into another realm completely when he suggests analyzing how families get along by examining their fridge art to look for narcissists (lots of mirrors), dominators, and collaborators. Would any young reader care?
Some pages are heavy on text, but illustrator Mike Shiell contributes mightily with vivid, energetic drawings, and the layout – considering how much material is packed into this book – doesn’t overwhelm the eye…
SOURCE: https://quillandquire.com/review/chill-discover-the-cool-and-creative-side-of-your-fridge/
What about me? When brothers and sisters get sick
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids
From the Introduction:
Children may try to overcompensate for ill siblings and attempt to please the parents by becoming “superkids” who never have a problem. At the other extreme, they may start to misbehave at home or at school. They may be teased by other children because their brother or sister is not “normal.” They may feel angry at their sick sibling for getting so much attention, and then feel guilty for having such unacceptable feelings, with resulting damage to their self-esteem…. Children will identify with Laura, the young girl with a sick brother in the story, and will know that their feelings are acknowledged. Sharing this understanding will help reestablish the closeness between you and your child that is so essential to your child’s comfort and well-being.
Join us in welcoming Ella Beckett from the Children’s Healing Center as we read “What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick” written by Allan Peterkin, MD and illustrated by Frances Middendorf. We’ll also do a fun activity together and discuss the Children’s Healing Centers program.
https://www.facebook.com/gildasclubgr/videos/what-about-me-when-brothers-and-sisters-get-sick-family-workshop/396194158827789/
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