Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thursday's Special Is...Elizabeti's Doll!

ELIZABETI'S DOLL by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Illustrated by Christy Hale






Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen





“Elizabeti doesn’t have a doll and yet she wants to take care of a baby all her own, just like Mama takes care of the new baby. So she finds a rock, kisses it, and names it Eva. Like her friend Rahaili, readers may at first laugh at such an idea, but they will soon be won over. The text is original, clever, and consistent in its respectful treatment of Elizabeti’s notion. As the rock is compared to the real infant, it actually takes on a personality so that when it’s lost, having been mistakenly used for the fire pit, it’s clear that no other rock can take its place. Once found, Eva is quickly cleaned off, hugged, and soothed with a lullaby. This story takes place in Tanzania, and lifestyle differences, such as how a baby is carried in a kanga cloth and the way that food is cooked in a separate hut, are an integral and unobtrusive part of the text. The mixed-media illustrations are intimate and remain focused on the girl and her family while also giving a sense of place. Bright cloths and patterned dresses add a touch of color to the splattered backgrounds painted in dry desert tones. This book is a splendid celebration of life and the power of a child’s imagination.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL


“Charmed by her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides that she wants a baby of her own; she picks up a smooth rock, names it Eva.. [T]he illustrations reflect the story’s simplicity; accompanied by an attentive hen, Elizabeti follows her indulgent mother about, mimicking each nurturing activity. The object of Elizabeti’s affection may be peculiar, but the love itself is real..Stuve-Bodeen’s debut is quirky but believable, lightly dusted with cultural detail, and features universal emotions in an unusual setting.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS





Christy Hale




"I received a B.A. in Fine Arts and Masters in Teaching at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, then worked as an art educator for several years. I relocated to New York, earned a B.F.A. in illustration at Pratt Institute, then worked in publishing as a designer and art director. I taught at the Center for Book Arts and in the Communication Design department at Pratt while beginning my illustration career. I’ve illustrated many books for children and now am writing stories as well. After 9/11 I relocated to Northern California with my husband and daughter. I still enjoy illustration, design, and art direction projects, and continue as an educator, developing art curriculum for Scholastic and Instructor magazine as well giving presentations at schools and libraries, and leading programs for staff development."


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Excerpt from ELIZABETI'S DOLL (a picture book)

((Note: For those unaware of picture book length, well, they're shorter than your average mystery or romance novel. Besides, we gave you extra helpings yesterday. Today, it's half portion.))

Elizabeti had a new baby brother named Obedi. Elizabeti watched Mama take care of him and she wanted to care for her own baby.

She didn't have a doll, so she went outside and picked up a stick. She tried to hug it, but it poked her and she dropped it on the ground.

Then Elizabeti picked up a rock. It was just the right size to hold and it didn't poke Elizabeti when she hugged it. She kissed the rock and named it Eva."


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Please answer the following question for a chance to win a free copy of ELIZABETI'S DOLL! Or drop by and chat with Stephanie and Christy!!


What after-school activities would Eva be signed up for?

17 comments:

Chris Eldin said...

I adore picture books, I really do. I wish there were picture books for older kids....

Welcome everyone, and top of the morning!!!

:-)

Stephanie said...

Hey, good morning:) It's still dark here though...

Anonymous said...

Hey Stephanie,

Well, turn up a candle....

Good morning to ya!!!
:-)

Christy said...

I'm here too, waiting to hear what is in store for our dear Eva.

Stephanie said...

Chris, you do come up with the best questions.

Charles Gramlich said...

Sounds like a great idea for a picture book. A simple, short concept, but with a lot of underlying importance.

Chris Eldin said...

Some warm-up ideas...

"Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Camp for Problem-Solving"

"Decorating Your Garden with Phesui Rock Designs"

:-)

laughingwolf said...

welcome back stephanie; welcome christy... good excerpt, chris :)

eva would be signed up for hopscotch, herding chia pets, the prime ingredient in stone soup, one of the true rolling stones... and 'how to become a genuine rock star' :O lol

Stephanie said...

That's good. Love the stone soup reference:)

laughingwolf said...

thx stephanie :)

Chris Eldin said...

Good evening everyone...

We had so many lurkers, but no talkers today?
I want to thank everyone who did stop by and read, and many thanks to Stephanie and Christy....

Good Night all!
:-)

laughingwolf said...

charles and i are nobody, chris? :P lol

good nite to you as well :)

Chris Eldin said...

Oh No!!!! Geeshhh!!! I didn't mean that AT ALL, LW! Very, very sorry for that....I meant that in comparison to the number of people who dropped by for Pitch Party and posted something, yesterday and today have been very, very quiet.

You and Charles are deeply appreciated supporters of BR---

Come over here for a group hug...
:-)

laughingwolf said...

you know i'm just pulling your leg, chris ;) lol

group hugs all round :D

laughingwolf said...

is there a winner?

Chris Eldin said...

Hi LW,
With only two commenters, I decided that choosing a winner wouldn't be good sport...
I know it doesn't say that anywhere, and if you were Thing 1 or Thing 2 I'd be called out for it, but I just can't ask anyone to choose "1" when there were only "2." Sorry!!!

Hopefully things will pick up again next week!!!

Thanks!
:-)

laughingwolf said...

thx chris... i agree :)