BicadeIdeias

There are not many bookstores in the Algarve and those that exist have a limited English section. So I tend to read children’s picture books in Portuguese. While shopping this morning a bright yellow cover grabbed my attention. Papa das pernas longas ( Daddy Long Legs). Yellow always works well. Here is my review in English.

When Matthew’s father’s car has trouble starting, Matthew thinks they may never get to kindergarten. Worse still, what if they get there but the car won’t work in the afternoon? How will his father pick him up? Matthew is so worried that his father won’t be able to fetch him that he keeps asking him questions to reassure himself. The patient father’s answers get more and more imaginative until Matthew is satisfied. One thing is clear, nothing will stop Matthew’s father from fetching his son. The quaint illustrations depict the father’s rich imagination and the fresh colour palette enhances the positive mood of the story. A comforting father and son story suitable for any young child with separation anxiety.

Daddy Long Legs

Written by Nadine Brun-Cosme

Illustrated by Aurélie Guillerey

Ages: 2 to 6

First published by Nathan (Paris) in 2015

Published in Portugal in 2019

Portuguese edition

ISBN: 9789897078699

Edição ou reimpressão: 02-2019

Editor: Fábula

Idioma: Português

Dimensões: 219 x 271 x 9 mm

Encadernação: Capa dura

Páginas: 32

It´s tIme again for Susanna Leonard Hill´s Halloweensie Contest. YAY! 

Snap Apple Fright (99 words)

By Corine Timmer (second entry)

On the night of All Hallows’ Eve,

Granny Smith a plan did weave.

Ever since the village kids’ foolery,

Her thoughts had grown ultra-delusory.

Dressed in rags and a witch’s shawl,

She sneaked into the village hall.

In the cauldrons her apples were nodding.

Their plan would surely get somebody sobbing.

She injected each apple with cochineal cream,

A potion so red it could make you scream.

When the villagers flocked to the feast,

Granny Smith escaped on her beast.

In a shiver of wind she could hear the howls,

And all the little devils threw in their towels.

It´s that time of year again. Susanna Leonard Hill´s Halloweensie Contest. YAY! 

The Contest: Write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words shiver, cauldron, and howl.

Here is my entry,

Pet Cemetery Picnic (100 words)

“I don’t like trick-or-treating,” Lily said. “Why don’t we have a pet cemetery picnic?”

Alfie shivered at the thought.

“Don’t you wonder what ghost mutts do on Halloween?” Lily continued.

“I guess,” Alfie mumbled.

So, they filled a picnic basket with treats and set off . . .

“Look! There’s a ghost in the cemetery!” Alfie howled.

“Don’t be such a wuss,” Lily said. “It’s a man.”

“I am the critter-sitter,” the man explained, while stirring in a cauldron. “Who wants some pet stew?”

Alfie’s knees wobbled.

Then, out of nowhere, dogs and cats appeared and joined in the feast.

I am excited to present my book at the Faro Book Fair on August 10 at 21.30.