The Children's Book Review Anniversary Tour

INTERVIEW WITH BIANCA SCHULZE

 

1. What was your vision when you began The Children's Book Review? You reach children, parents, educators, librarians … was there one audience that was your main focus?

The vision was simple: To spread the word about amazing and inspiring kids books to anyone that would listen. Originally I imagined the TCBR readership would be parents and caregivers—I am completely humbled and overjoyed that the TCBR audience has grown to include educators, librarians, authors, illustrators, and other industry experts.

2. What has been the most difficult part of providing all the incredible information that you share? Is there anything that has been easier than you anticipated it would be?

Time! There are so many amazing books, authors, and illustrators out there—I wish there were more hours in the day so that I could share more of them. As for finding anything to be easier than anticipated … still working on TCBR after 10 years. The past decade has proved to me that passion and hard work really do make a difference. Best. Job. Ever!

3. Your book, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, came out at the end of 2016. Did you ever think when you started TCBR that you would someday be writing your own book?

I had the dream to write a children’s book a few years before I started working on The Children’s Book Review. So, as you can imagine, I was beside myself to see this dream come to fruition—there were tears of happiness.

4. Who is the one author that you have always wanted the chance to meet? Has that meeting happened yet?

Katherine Paterson! I just loved Bridge to Terabithia as a child—the fact that she trusted a young person to be able to cope with one of life’s harder issues through storytelling was so powerful. While I haven’t met her in person, I did get to interview her over the phone to discuss the movie version of The Great Gilly Hopkins. And I could keep going with authors I’d like to meet … Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, Jacqueline Woodson, Kate DiCamillo, and Katherine Applegate. I wish I could have met Maya Angelou, Roald Dahl, William Golding, and Harper Lee.

5. What plans do you have for the future? Will TCBR change or expand? Another book from your own pen/keyboard? A well-deserved vacation?

Yes! A few quiet plans are buzzing around at TCBR headquarters… but remember my answer to the second question: Time! As for another book, I sure hope so. I have a fun and interactive picture book manuscript I’m shopping around to agents at the moment—fingers crossed. And yes please for a vacation!

GIVEAWAY

The Children’s Book Review 10th Anniversary Giveaway!

Enter for a chance to win a special prize pack that will help a lucky reader create a fun kids reading nook—including a framed TCBR original print created by children’s author & illustrator Alexandra MacVean.

One (1) winner receives:

• A framed and matted TCBR original “Growing Readers” print. Frame size: 12.25 X 12.25
• A Black Stripe Teepee from Crate and Kids
• A copy of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, autographed by Bianca Schulze
• A $20 Target gift card

Value: $291.95

Giveaway begins March 30, 2018, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 30, 2018, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.

Prizes provided by The Children’s Book Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE PRIZE PACK

TCBR Original “Growing Readers" Print

Alexandra MacVean was commissioned to create a commemorative illustration that honors 10 years of The Children’s Book Review’s mission of growing readers. She is a professional award-winning, freelance children’s illustrator who creates vibrant, whimsical illustrations for children’s books, greeting cards, and more. Her desire is to touch the lives of adults and children alike, bringing some sort of hope, peace and love along the way. The 6″ x 6″ print is surrounded by white mat and a thin white frame that looks great in any space.

Black Stripe Teepee  

Crate and Kids Overview: Our black and white teepee has a simple yet bold design that can match all types of home decor. Plus, this striped play teepee is crafted from durable cotton canvas and bamboo, so it’ll last and last.

101 Books To Read Before You Grow Up

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Shaw Nielsen

Publisher’s Synopsis: 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up provides a comprehensive list of kid-friendly books for children to read before they grow up. This must-read review list acts as an interactive journal where kids can document the books they read, why they like them, and how they rate them. Divided into sections by subject, from fairy tales and fantasy to sports and nonfiction, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Upcelebrates the importance of reading and encourages family participation to develop lifelong readers. The perfect reference guide for book lovers of all ages, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up helps both kids and parents decide which books to read next!

Ages 5-11 | Walter Foster Jr. | October 10, 2016 | 978-1633221697

AVAILABLE HERE: http://amzn.to/2cEPtJT

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association For Library Service To Children) Great Web Sites For Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. TCBR publishes reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. TCBR also produces author and illustrator interviews and shares literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and librarians to grow readers. Bianca Schulze is the founder of TCBR and the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Walter Foster Jr. 2016), an Amazon “Best Book of the Month” in October 2016.

OFFICIAL LINKS

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com

TOUR SCHEDULE

To Read, or Not To Read	March 30	Giveaway
The Fairview Review	April 2	Interview
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	April 3	Giveaway
jrsbookreviews	April 5	Interview
A Dream Within A Dream	April 6	Giveaway
Fundamental Children's Books	April 9	Interview
The OWL Book Review Blog	April 10	Giveaway
My Momma's Heart	April 12	Interview
Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog	April 18	Giveaway
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	April 20	Interview
Confessions of a Book Addict	April 25	Giveaway

The Fairview Review is working in partnership with The Children’s Book Review to promote this anniversary tour. Happy 10th and wishing you many more!!