Sunday, April 1, 2018

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.


  1. 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!


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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


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


TOUR SCHEDULE

March 30
Giveaway
April 2
Interview
April 3
Giveaway
April 5
Interview
April 6
Giveaway
April 9
Interview
April 10
Giveaway
April 12
Interview
April 18
Giveaway
April 20
Interview
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!!

5 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the giveaway chance and I enjoyed the interview.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the chance to enter this giveaway. It would enhance what I do with our elementary library learners.

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  3. I enjoy the Children's Book Review! Thank you for the giveaway - I will be sharing this across the state of Colorado!

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    Replies
    1. Please do - the more who know about the awesome TCBR, the better. :-)

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  4. Winning this would be wonderful for my primary school. I love learning about new books.

    ReplyDelete