I had the pleasure, the joy, of listening to Carmen Agra Deedy hold an audience spell bound as she read her story, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach at a children's picture book conference about four years ago.
Carmen weaves magic when she tells a story. Her books are fascinating, clever and fun - but to hear her in person is another experience altogether.
Carmen Agra Deedy and me in June 2007
At the conference her Martina the Beautiful Cockroach had not hit the shelves yet, so I went ahead and purchased The Secret of Old Zeb and Agatha's Feather Bed. They are all filled with imagination, and I love the puns.
When Martina the Beautiful Cockroach was released, I quickly ordered it (I also love gifting it) and couldn't wait to read it to my girls. I even incorporated a very amateur, very paltry imitation of Carmen when I read it to my girls. That book is one any woman who has dated can relate to, and laugh. The book also teaches kids the importance of seeing what is right before your eyes, and simply being yourself. I couldn't help but wish I had a Cuban grandmother too.
Not only is the writing clever, fun, and so rhythmic to read - the illustrations are elegant and mesmerizing. I love how the artist, Michael Austin, keeps a certain little mouse in many of the illustrations, for he was there, all along.
My husband even listed it as one of his favorite books one Christmas - he thoroughly enjoys reading this book to our girls.
For this giveaway you'll receive a copy of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, or On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. Please note which book you'd like to receive in the comments.
Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link.
Giveaway will close on Saturday, May 7 at midnight PST.
Cheers!
ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.
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7 comments:
Oh! I was there too! Thank you for reminding me about this book (Cockroach) because I totally fell in love with it when she read it.
On The Night You Were Born is a favorite!
I've always wondered what a story about La Cucaracha would be like.
Tough choice. But I think I'll go with On the Night You Were Born. You're so generous!
I linked to this on fb as well.
LOVE "Martina"!! It is a family fave...and oddly enough, one my husbands favorites to read to the girls as well! Guess those daddy's are little protective of their girls, huh? ;) Have not read On The Night You Were Born, but would love ANY book that you recommend, so would like to try it!
Hmm, the beautiful cockroach sounds intriguing.
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