Painted Furniture, Makeovers and Upcycle Projects, DIY Home Decor and Crafts, and Recipes

Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon {Giveaway Winner Announced}

by

“It’s a promising debut by Abby Hanlon, a former first-grade teacher who does delightful childlike drawings.” – USA Today


Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

In this picture book debut, Hanlon (a creative writing teacher) tells the story of Ralph, a boy who’s paralyzed by a classroom writing assignment. He feels like he has nothing to say–and he’s horribly embarrassed. With the help of his classmates, Ralph realizes that a great story can be about something very little… and that maybe he really does have some stories to tell. 
(Amazon Childrens Publishing, ages 6 up)

We’re a family of readers, from my youngest on up, so to say that I think we’ve found a new family favorite book is saying a lot!
However, I honestly can’t remember the last book I read with the kids that had us all cracking up laughing the way this story did. Not only that, but the way Ralph Tells a Story encourages imagination, thinking outside the box for a creative story, and adding a touch of your own personality and humor to tell a tale is more than encouraging. 

We loved the illustrations, and my boys especially got a kick out of the part with the baby and the inch worm (no spoilers here, you’ll just have to read the book and see).  Another part of the book that was a favorite was in the end, where it showed the titles of the new stories that Ralph creates (When Milk Came Out of My Nose- by Ralph, anyone?) What little boy wouldn’t love to read that! 

The best part of all, was that this book has encouraged my first grader to create his own little books. He mostly illustrates them, because he’s still learning to write well, but if you ask him, he can “read” any of his books to you. 



Needless to say, I am fully impressed with this author, and will eagerly await another story by her!


Abby’s Writing Tip of the Day-

Let your child see you write (not just on the computer!). Write with your child and to your child. There are lots of great reasons to write: birthday cards, shopping lists, to do lists, thank you cards, signs around the house, notes for the UPS guy, love notes, love notes to the UPS guy. . . .



Abby
Hanlon has a master’s degree in early childhood education from the City
College of New York and bachelor’s from Barnard College, Columbia
University. Abby has taught creative writing and first grade in the New
York City public school system. Inspired by her students’ storytelling
and drawings, Abby began to write her own stories for children.
Determined to illustrate her stories, Abby taught herself to draw after
not having drawn since childhood. Ralph Tells a Story is her first book. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and their two children.
To learn more, visit her website: http://www.abbyhanlon.com/


Would you love to win your own copy of Ralph Tells a Story for your children or classroom? 

Then a big thank you to Abby Hanlon and Amazon Children’s Publishing, because they are happy to offer one copy for giveaway to one of my readers! 
(U.S. and Canada addresses only, please)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Pin It







Like what you’ve seen? Follow along




Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. abby hanlon says

    Thanks so much for the wonderful review!! I especially love the photo of your son with his illustrated books! Much of the fun of storytelling is in the illustration!

  16. Tammy H. says

    I'd like to win this book because I love introducing my 5 year old son to new books. We read together every night and he enjoys it so much! Thanks for the chance!

  27. Wayne Lecoy says

    Please Enter Me In Your Book Giveaway.
    In Response To Your Question Of
    Why Would You Like To Win This Book?
    I Would Like To Win A Copy Of
    Ralph Tells A Story By Abby Hanlon
    Because I Think My Nephew And Niece Would Enjoy Reading This.
    Thank You For Having This Giveaway!!!!!!