Book Giveaway: WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER by Eileen Spinelli

Eileen Spinelli has written a new picture book, WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan and published by Highlights Press. It is 

available in bookstores, now. Eileen has agreed to share a copy with one lucky winner living in the United States.

All you have to do to get in the running is 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 other things you do to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you.

Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging really helps spread the word about a new book. So, thanks for helping Eileen and Ekaterina.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and it is delivered to you every day, please let me know when you leave a comment and I will give you an extra ticket. Thanks!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Cooperation, helping, and working together are beautifully illustrated in this book that demonstrates the joys of community and teamwork for young readers.

We’re better together when we play, when we make music, and when everyone pitches in. This celebration of coming together to solve problems, support communities, and honor everyone’s differences is perfect for young children who are learning about empathy and cooperation. With durable cardstock pages and approachable language, this book will help spark meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom.

Winner, Mom’s Choice Award, Gold

BOOK JOURNEY:

In 2019 Marlo Scrimizzi , editor at Highlights Press, invited me to write a book: We’re Better Together. The book was to be the third in the series of Highlights’ Books on Kindness. The series is aimed at kids 2 to 5. So I had to keep that in mind. My natural style of writing leans toward the lyrical–words deployed for sound as well as meaning–so some readjusting was in order.

Marlo was kind, patient and helpful throughout. The easy part was coming up with “better together” scenarios. After all–we are mostly better together, aren’t we? I used examples from my own childhood:  huddling under the kitchen table with my cousins during a storm… playing circle games…using my toy mop to clean up spills. And from the lives of our kids and grandkids: searching everywhere for that special toy/blanket…hanging their artistic masterpieces in the kitchen…listening to their bouncy music.

Marlo  gave me ideas as well. It was her idea that a young mother carrying groceries while pushing a stroller might need some help. And what picture book journey could be complete without the art?

We’re Better Together was delightfully illustrated by Ekaterina Trukham. The first time I saw her illustrations I couldn’t stop smiling. I love her bright, crayon-box colors, the expressions on the sweet faces, and the playful spirit on each spread.  My personal favorite is the bath-time spread–complete with yellow rubber ducky.

The last page is what being better together is all about. Here real kids tell how they are making the world a better place. And the question is posed: How do YOU work together?

EILEEN’S BIO:

Since her debut in 1991 with Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, an IRA/CBC Children’s Choice book and Christopher Award winner, she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, and the critically acclaimed Sophie’s Masterpiece.

Then it was off to the races with numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including: When You Are Happy, Hero Cat, Do You Have a Hat?, Do You Have a Cat?, City Angel, Something to Tell the Grandcows, Princess Pig, Hug a Bug, Silly Tilly, The Miss Fox’s Class series, Lizzie Logan series, One Earth, to name a few. Throughout her writing career, her poems and stories have been regularly featured in Highlights Magazine.

Eileen has published over 88 books, 82 still in print. She lives in Media, Pennsylvania with her Newbery Medal-winning husband Jerry Spinelli.

EKATERINA’S BIO:

Ekaterina Truhan is a Russian illustrator who graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a BA degree in Illustration. She creates illustrations for children’s books, magazines and products.

She is also the author of several children’s books published in the UK, USA, Russia and Slovakia. Here are some of her clients: Lagom Design / Penguin Random House / Little Tiger Press / Ladybird Books / The Highlights Press / Abrams Appleseed / Nosy Crow.

Eileen thank you for sharing your book and journey with us. A book that helps children see the importance of working together is crucial to leading a meaningful life. Ekaterina’s colorful illustrations will keep young children wanting to read it over and over again. Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy