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Something Shiny, Something Round

Something Shiny, Something Round
Author: Juile Goulis, John H. Ferguson
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Bubblegum Books

Book Description

A little old-fashioned imagination leads to extraordinary adventures in this sequel to "The Things A String Can Be. "Sam is back as he and his friends are desperately trying to enjoy the last days of winter. Sledding down their favorite hill, the three friends hit an old hubcap buried in the snow. Not knowing what a hubcap really is, they spend the day dreaming up what they think it could be—until they find where it really belongs. Sam and his friends imagine the hubcap as everything from a cymbal in a rock "n? roll band to a UFO from outer space to the helm to a ship at sea, creating a vibrant world of adventure.

With rhyming, repetition and bold, colorful graphics, author Julie Goulis and illustrator John Ferguson encourage children to be creative as they are captivated by Sam and his friends? wild imaginations. The adventures are journeys all kids can dream. The book opens up imaginations and helps children develop the power of their own minds. As an added bonus at the end of the book are fun and educational activity ideas that complement various scenarios from the story. The strikingly original illustrations are hand-drawn in pencil and then colorized and enhanced by computer.

Lots of fine work by local authors came our way in 2005, and it’s time take a look back at the best of it? For younger readers, picture book Something Shiny, Something Round by author Julie Goulis and illustrator John Ferguson is about imagination and improvisation. -- Akron Beacon Journal

Julie Goulis teams up with John Ferguson in two outstanding picture books. Both are superbly created. The Things A String Can Be and Something Shiny, Something Round are picture book springboards for young imaginations long after the books have been read. -- Midwest Book Review

The easy, rhyming text definitely is meant for multiple readings. The illustrations are bold and dominate the pages they’re on. Looking closely at them, one will notice a blending of drawings and actual photographs, which is quite clever. Add this one to your child’s library. -- Rockland Review

From the Publisher

Continue the journey with a little boy named Sam and his friends who turn an ordinary object into extraordinary adventures using nothing but their imaginations. Something Shiny, Something Round is the sequel to The Things A String Can Be. This time, the ordinary object is a hubcap and the adventures are as clever as ever with a lesson of responsibility in the end.

With dynamic illustrations and copy that begs to be read over and over again, author Julie Goulis and illustrator John Ferguson spark children’s creativity as they are captivated by Sam and his friends’ wild imaginations. This is Julie and John’s second book together. The third book in the series is scheduled for release in 2006.

About the Author

In addition to writing children’s books, Julie works in the creative department at a Cleveland advertising agency as a senior advertising copywriter. She discovered early on that her imagination could keep her entertained for hours. When she and her sisters weren’t playing keep away from the imaginary crocodiles at the bottom of the stairs, she was out running around with her Holly Hobby doll. She also loved to read. She now uses her imagination dreaming up new book ideas. Julie still has her Holly Hobby doll, but she has a few new favorite children’s books. Julie lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

In addition to illustrating children’s books, John works in the creative department at a Cleveland advertising agency as a senior art director. Growing up, his bunk bed was a time machine that took him on adventures around the universe, which gave him ideas for the comics he drew. John also loved reading Curious George books and playing with his Star Wars toys. Years later, his time machine landed him in the book publishing and advertising businesses. If his wife would let him, he’d still wear his Jedi costume out to trick or treat. John has two children, ages three and six.

Excerpted from Something Shiny, Something Round by Juile Goulis, John H. Ferguson.

What’s that? said Suzy. Something shiny and round. Over there, sticking out of the ground. What could it be? Could it be a big Frisbee? Or a saucer for a big cup of tea? Oh what, oh what could it be? Could it be the helm to a ship at sea? Look at me - Ahoy matey! Could it be a serving tray I hold just so? Look at me - I run a French bistro!


So, if you are interested in winning this autographed book,

Follow this link
to go to Unplug Your Kid and leave a comment before the night of 14th March.

Head over to Wildwood Cottage where Jenny is also giving away a signed copy of Something Shiny, Something Round. She too, will announce her winner on Saturday, March 15th.
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