NILA'S PERFECT COAT - February 7, 2023/Beaming Books
Available for Preorder through the following or any independent bookstore:
An engaging and uplifting story about having enough and helping others in need.
Nila and her mom love shopping at the thrift store. But when Nila finds the most perfect, shiny, puffy coat, Mom says no: Nila's winter coat still fits her just fine. With a lot of determination and some birthday money from Dad, Nila sets out to prove the coat really is perfect—but along the way, learns maybe it's perfect for someone else. Someone who needs both a coat and a friend.
About the Author
Norene Paulson writes picture books that celebrate friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. She is the author of Benny's True Colors and What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair? A former language arts teacher, Norene is passionate about sharing her love of words with young readers. She lives in Iowa with her husband and rescue pup, Ellie.
About the Illustrator
Maria Mola is an illustrator from Barcelona currently living in Boston with her husband and their three children. She has illustrated Sparkle Boy, Maya Papaya, Koala Challah, and more.
Nila and her mom love shopping at the thrift store. But when Nila finds the most perfect, shiny, puffy coat, Mom says no: Nila's winter coat still fits her just fine. With a lot of determination and some birthday money from Dad, Nila sets out to prove the coat really is perfect—but along the way, learns maybe it's perfect for someone else. Someone who needs both a coat and a friend.
About the Author
Norene Paulson writes picture books that celebrate friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. She is the author of Benny's True Colors and What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair? A former language arts teacher, Norene is passionate about sharing her love of words with young readers. She lives in Iowa with her husband and rescue pup, Ellie.
About the Illustrator
Maria Mola is an illustrator from Barcelona currently living in Boston with her husband and their three children. She has illustrated Sparkle Boy, Maya Papaya, Koala Challah, and more.
For a signed copy of the book, contact Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, at (515) 279-5400 or email Alice at beaverdalebooks@gmail.com. I'll stop by to sign the book, and she will ship it to you.
DISCUSSION/EDUCATOR GUIDE
Click HERE for discussion questions and learning activities for Grades Pre-School through Second Grade
Click HERE for discussion questions and learning activities for Grades Pre-School through Second Grade
REVIEWS
This picture book acknowledges economic realities within a story that is wholly positive. While the narrative has an implicit message, it’s lightly delivered. The characters’ emotions are sensitively portrayed in the colorful illustrations. An appealing read-aloud choice for primary-grade social studies units on wants and needs. ~~Carolyn Phelan, ALA Booklist
This picture book acknowledges economic realities within a story that is wholly positive. While the narrative has an implicit message, it’s lightly delivered. The characters’ emotions are sensitively portrayed in the colorful illustrations. An appealing read-aloud choice for primary-grade social studies units on wants and needs. ~~Carolyn Phelan, ALA Booklist
This book is genuine and heart-warming and is a must-read by every child (and adult) who wants...more! More of this and more of that. A gentle reminder that we all need to be a little more like Nila. More giving. More thoughtful. Children will get a PERFECT lesson n generosity, empathy, and friendship disguised in this PERFECT story. ~~Dedra Davis, Children's Book Author and PB Reviewer
WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? - March 23, 2021/Albert Whitman
Available through the following or any independent bookstore:
Another uplifting and empowering book about self-acceptance and inclusion.
Bea has alopecia areata--that means she doesn't have any hair. So when it's time for Silly Hair Day at school, Bea doesn't know what to do. Her best friend, Shaleah, is determined to help. With Silly Hair Day fast approaching, they're focused on finding a way for everyone to take part.
About the Author
Norene Paulson is a former middle school language arts teacher who loves words. She is the author of Benny's True Colors, and her articles have also appeared in several children's magazines including Highlights. Norene lives with her husband on a country acreage in Iowa.
About the Illustrator
Camila Carrossine was born in Brazil and still lives there today. She has illustrated more than thirty books.
Bea has alopecia areata--that means she doesn't have any hair. So when it's time for Silly Hair Day at school, Bea doesn't know what to do. Her best friend, Shaleah, is determined to help. With Silly Hair Day fast approaching, they're focused on finding a way for everyone to take part.
About the Author
Norene Paulson is a former middle school language arts teacher who loves words. She is the author of Benny's True Colors, and her articles have also appeared in several children's magazines including Highlights. Norene lives with her husband on a country acreage in Iowa.
About the Illustrator
Camila Carrossine was born in Brazil and still lives there today. She has illustrated more than thirty books.
For a signed copy of the book, contact Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, at (515) 279-5400 or email Alice at beaverdalebooks@gmail.com. I'll stop by to sign the book, and she will ship it to you.
TEACHING RESOURCES
Before, During, and After Reading Questions
| Silly Hair Day Discussion Questions |
CURRICULUM GUIDE
This guide includes Literary, Math, Fine Motor, Art, Written Expression, and STEM activities based on the book.
This guide includes Literary, Math, Fine Motor, Art, Written Expression, and STEM activities based on the book.
| What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair Curriculum Guide |
September is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month. Check out the link below for activities.
https://www.naaf.org/programs/september-is-alopecia-areata-awareness-month
YouTube Video – "Alopecia Areata: Why My Hair Falls Out"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1RwDayaqNU
,Click HERE to listen to DeeAnn Graham and me discuss a variety of topics from back-to-school to raising alopecia awareness and the role WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? plays in both. If your school or local library doesn't have a copy of the book, please put in a purchase request. September is ALOPECIA AWARENESS MONTH and what a great way to raise awareness. Purchase links and curriculum activities are available under the MY BOOKS tab above.
Thank you for listening and doing your part to raise awareness of alopecia and support the kids who live with alopecia.
Bald is Beautiful, Brave and Bold!
Thank you for listening and doing your part to raise awareness of alopecia and support the kids who live with alopecia.
Bald is Beautiful, Brave and Bold!
Reviews
We need more books like this that address and include less talked about themes in picture books. The author has done an excellent job including relatable scenarios, great storytelling, and wonderful back matter. There's so much to love in this book on acceptance and inclusion, a must-have in classroom bookshelves! Meera Sriram, author
BENNY'S TRUE COLORS - November 17, 2020/Imprint, Macmillan
Available through the following or any independent bookstore:
Discover the joy of being your true self in this uplifting and empowering picture book.
Benny may look like a bat, but Benny doesn't like flying at night or eating bugs or hanging upside down. Benny does like sunshine and fluttering and colorful wings. On the inside, Benny knows he is a butterfly!
"I want by outside to match who I am inside!" With the help of some butterfly friends in the garden, Benny makes a happy change. And his friends and his momma all love him just the same.
Benny's True Colors is a transformative story about knowing your true self and the joy of letting the world know you, too.
REVIEWS
An incredibly powerful, compassionate book- a must read for anyone who wants to encourage kids to be true to themselves. Dr. Donna Cangelosi, Child Psychologist/Children's Author
HONORS
ABA Winter 2020-2021 Kids’ Indie Next List – “Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers.”
For a SIGNED copy of the book, contact Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, at (515) 279-5400 or email Alice at beaverdalebooks@gmail.com. I'll stop by to sign the book, and she will ship it to you.
NORENE PAULSON - Author
I love words. As a former middle school language arts teacher, I spent almost twenty years sharing that love with middle school students in a rural Iowa school district. As a children's PB author, I continue to share my love of words with young readers. My children's magazine articles have appeared in Highlights for Children, Child Life, and Live Wire, and my debut picture book, BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, released in 2020 from Macmillan, and my second picture book WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? released in 2021 from Albert Whitman.
I love words. As a former middle school language arts teacher, I spent almost twenty years sharing that love with middle school students in a rural Iowa school district. As a children's PB author, I continue to share my love of words with young readers. My children's magazine articles have appeared in Highlights for Children, Child Life, and Live Wire, and my debut picture book, BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, released in 2020 from Macmillan, and my second picture book WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? released in 2021 from Albert Whitman.
ANNE PASSCHIER - Illustrator
www.annepasschier.com
I am an illustrator and surface designer from The Netherlands, currently living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. I am non-binary and use they/them pronouns.
I have a whimsical and colorful design approach that I use to create both narrative illustrations as well as pattern collections. I love to mix graphic shapes with subtle texture, and my work has a playful, hand-drawn quality. I am represented by The Bright Agency/Anne Passchier
www.annepasschier.com
I am an illustrator and surface designer from The Netherlands, currently living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. I am non-binary and use they/them pronouns.
I have a whimsical and colorful design approach that I use to create both narrative illustrations as well as pattern collections. I love to mix graphic shapes with subtle texture, and my work has a playful, hand-drawn quality. I am represented by The Bright Agency/Anne Passchier