Maryann Cocca-Leffler has written and Illustrated a new picture book titled, GROWING SEASON. Published by Sterling Children’s Books. Maryann has agreed to share a book with one lucky winner. All you have to do to get in the running is to leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know the other things you do to share the good news, so I can put in the right amount of tickets in my basket for you.
Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, reblogging really helps spread the word for a new book. Thanks for helping Maryann!
BOOK’S DESCRIPTION:
El and Jo are the shortest kids in class, and they’re inseparable. But what happens when Jo starts to grow? This sweet picture book explores the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up. “A sweet story with emotional depth.” —Kirkus
El and Jo are the smallest students in their class—and best friends, too, like peas in a pod. Even their names are short. But in springtime, something BIG happens: Jo starts growing like a weed, while El feels smaller every day. On the last day of school, their teacher asked every child to pick a plant to care for over the summer. All the other kids reach over El to grab their plant, and she has to take the very last one: a tiny, flowerless aster. At first, she’s disappointed. But as summer progresses, the aster begins to bloom—and so does El!
BOOK’S JOURNEY:
People who know me, know that I love to watch things grow…I carefully nurture my indoor plants all year long, start flowers from seed in my bright porch, and when the warm weather arrives in New England, flowers bloom in my yard.
While thinking about flowers I began to make a comparison to children…the vast variety, the nurturing, the time it takes to grow. Growing Season is not only a story about growing flowers…but also about growing friendships, growing patience…and growing up.
Like the rich array of flowers I featured in my illustrations, I purposely created a beautifully diverse garden of children; different colors, sizes, shapes and personalities. And like flowers, children bloom at their own rate and at the perfect time.
Happy SPRING! It’s Growing Season. Plant some flowers…but sprinkle your garden with patience, because all things take time to grow…even kids.
MARYANN’S BIO:
I’ve been writing and illustrating children’s books for more than 30 years and have published over 60 books. I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art with a BFA in illustration. My Italian childhood has inspired several books. The first book I wrote and illustrated was “Wednesday is Spaghetti Day”. My books “Bus Route to Boston” and “Clams All Year” are family stories which I hold dear to my heart. Recent books include: “Growing Season” and the Janine books; “Janine” and “Janine and the Field Day Finish” which were inspired by my daughter (www.Janinesparty.com).
My most popular series are the “LET IT” Books; LET IT RAIN & LET IT SHINE, LET IT FALL & LET IT SNOW. Please keep checking my website – www.maryanncoccaleffler.com to learn more about my books, school visits and upcoming projects. I live and work in Maine where I am working on my next new book!
Maryann, thank you for sharing your book and journey with us and thank you for sending me a copy. It is a very sweet book with a special story and great illustrations. I am sure it will be a big hit. Good luck!
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
I can’t wait to read this one! Looks so wonderful and timely with spring finally arriving. Congrats!
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By: Laurie L. Warchol on May 13, 2019
at 10:38 am
This sounds like a wonderful book and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for sharing!!
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By: Sandra Sutter on May 13, 2019
at 11:08 am
This book looks delightful! I love how the author used her real interests in life to draw inspiration for the book 🙂
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By: Lydia Lukidis on May 13, 2019
at 11:16 am
Such an adorable book! Love the garden theme. Congrats!
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By: Angie on May 13, 2019
at 11:21 am
This looks adorable! Can’t wait to read it! I will post on Twitter as well. 🙂
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By: RebeccaTheWriter on May 13, 2019
at 11:22 am
What a wonderful way to express growing a friendship. I look forward to reading this book the characters are adorable.
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By: Maria Marshall on May 13, 2019
at 11:43 am
What a darling idea. I hope your sales grow as well!
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By: Natasha Wing on May 13, 2019
at 12:21 pm
Love seeing things grow! Perfect timing for spring. I’ll tweet it out there!
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By: Melanie Ellsworth on May 13, 2019
at 1:40 pm
What a delightful book, so seasonal. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I tweeted a link to this post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/1127993906505740288, and pinned an image on Pinterest with a link as well: https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/336573772150638717.
Thanks again, have a great week everyone!
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By: carlrscott on May 13, 2019
at 1:49 pm
Such a relatable them for kids. Thank you for sharing the journey of your book.
I tweeted this post.
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By: Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg) on May 13, 2019
at 2:35 pm
Oh this book sounds absolutely delightful. I facilitate a literacy and music group on Saturdays. This is definitely a book I would love to share with my kiddos. Congratulations to you!!
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By: pamelacourtney on May 13, 2019
at 2:37 pm
I love friendship stories. Perfect for spring!
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By: jillnogales on May 13, 2019
at 4:31 pm
I love this premise and the illustrations! Congrats!
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By: tinamcho on May 13, 2019
at 4:56 pm
Gosh, this book is perfectly adorable. What a sweet idea for a book. Thanks for telling me about it. I will check it out.
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By: rosihollinbeck on May 14, 2019
at 12:35 am
I DO love sweet, poignant books and this one looks like a keeper. Congrats, Maryann! 😀
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By: writersideup on May 14, 2019
at 10:31 pm
I love the garden theme. It looks adorable! Thank you for sharing it!
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By: Linda KulpTrout on May 15, 2019
at 4:17 pm