Show Me a Story Book Review and Giveaway

 

 When little E was a baby, I met a very talented crafter at a local fair.  Emily and I quickly became friends, and she was a source of crafty inspiration for me. 

Five years later, Emily has combined her creativity, teaching background, ability to inspire and personal love of story to create Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling.

It is filled with ideas for parents, teachers, caregivers and anybody who loves children and stories.  Emily offers engaging crafts and activities for all ages to nurture children's storytelling.

  

 The girls and I were fortunate to join Emily at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to make a project from her book.  We made Memory Cards.  Little E's first card was of a horse, a story long-forgotten in my mind.  It was enlightening to see her artistic rendition and hear her story of what must have been an important event for her. 

Here is our collection of memory cards when we were finished.  Can you guess which one the three year old did?  I think her story will be about creating the card, and I know Emily will be thrilled that the project inspired a story for little A.



The same joy and love of stories Emily exhibits in person is what makes her book so unique and a must-have!  (This is Emily looking at little E's horse memory card.)



Another wonderful thing about Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling is that Emily suggests ages for each project and activity.  Little A and I enjoyed collecting rocks one morning on our daily walk.



When we got home, she LOVED painting them and creating the Magic Pebbles from Emily's book.  For A, I think the magic and stories come from having a special project she could do herself.  Still, I can imagine her hiding these around the yard and pretending to be a fairy.



As the resident 5 1/2 year old, little E creates detailed works of art, and is starting to tell stories to accompany them.  After perusing Emily's book, she wanted to create the Traveling Puppet Theater. 



Like the other projects, there is as much story in the creation as there is in the final product.  Little E created her idea of Rapunzel (and was clear that the only puppets she wanted to make were Rapunzel and her mother - should I be flattered or worried?) and loves the power she has to tell and create the story to fit her ideas, loves and fears.

I love that Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling has projects and activities the girls and I can enjoy now, and so many more we can look forward to in the years to come.

I can't wait to hear what stories A and E come up with next!

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Now that you've seen what a lovely book this is, would you like a chance to win a copy?

Leave a comment telling what kinds of stories you prefer hearing or telling.  Is it mystery? fairy tale? fable?  Be sure to include your email!

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will run through Friday October 12th at 12 p.m. EST

You can also visit the Storey Publishing blog for a list of book reviewers (and a few more chances to enter and win!).

And, because I know your children will want to get their storytelling craft on after seeing this book, I am giving away this handsewn oilcloth smock to one other lucky winner! 

 

Good luck!