Author: Josh Funk

#pb10for10 Food Books!

~ Josh Funk ~ 6 Comments

It’s #pb10for10 day! It’s #pb10for10 day! For years now, Mandy Robek & Cathy Mere (two all-star educators … but all educators are all-stars, really) have been running #pb10for10. What’s #pb10for10? Pick 10 picture books you simply can’t live without and share today, August 10th, with the hashtag #pb10for10 (see the official rules here). Share your own list and check out all the others in the #pb10for10 Google Community.

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I participated each of the last three years and loved it each time. My themes were Rhyming Picture Books in 2015, Pirates, Dinosaurs, & Dragons in 2016, and Fairy Tales in 2017 (you don’t need a theme, but swith so many incredible picture books out there, it helps narrow things down).

In precisely 53 days, on September 25th, 2018, the third book in the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, Mission Defrostable, will be released. And to celebrate, my chosen theme this year is (anthropomorphic) Food Books!

 

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here is my #pb10for10 for 2018:

1. The Great Pasta Escape written by Miranda Paul & illustrated by Javier Joaquin

2. Fruit Bowl written & illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

3. Sweet Success written & illustrated by Liz and Jimmy Reed

4. Everyone Loves Bacon written by Kelly DiPucchio & illustrated by Eric Wight

5. The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School written by Laura Murray & illustrated by Mike Lowery

6. Arnie the Doughnut written & illustrated by Laurie Keller

7. Nothing Rhymes with Orange written & illustrated by Adam Rex

8. You Are My Cupcake written & illustrated by Joyce Wan

9. The Great Lollipop Caper written & illustrated by Dan Krall

10. Rot, The Cutest in the World! written & illustrated by Ben Clanton

Don’t forget to check out everyone else’s favorite picture books, comment, and share in the #pb10for10 Google Community! Happy #pb10for10 Day!

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Where I’ll Be Next

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My 2017-18 School Year in Review

~ Josh Funk ~ 2 Comments

During the 2017-18 school year (which, I’m defining as ending on June 30th – therfore, beginning today, on July 1st), a lot of fun stuff happened.

Three books I wrote were released:

I had readings, signings, & events at:

  • 11 Public Libraries
  • 11 Conferences & Festivals
  • 16 Book Stores

I visited 108 schools

  • 8 in-person visits
  • 99 virtual visits
    • one of the visits was a double-visit – two school in the same districut skyped in at the same time

Dear Dragon was named a 2018/19 Missouri Association of Librarians (MASL) Show Me Award Nominee AND a 2018/19 Indiana Library Federation (ILF) Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee.

It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk was named to the 2018 Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) Picture This Recommendation List.

How to Code a Sandcastle was selected to the 2018 Summer Indie Next List by the American Booksellers Association.

And for 2018-19 … who knows what’ll happen? Have a fabulous summer everyone!

(don’t forget about the *big* MISSION DEFROSTABLE preorder giveaway – details available here:  https://mailchi.mp/2d7e5b10c2c6/the-great-mission-defrostable-pre-order-giveaway)

_Mission Defrostable

 

Where I’ll Be Next

Two for You

1. Iver & Ellsworth written by Casey Robinson & illustrated by Melissa Larson

2. 100 Bugs! A Counting Book written by Kate Narita & illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

Mission Defrostable Giveaway & On My Way to ALA!

~ Josh Funk ~ Leave a comment

Two weeks ago, I revealed the musical book trailer for Mission Defrostable, the 3rd Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast adventure!

And last week via my newsletter, I announced a …

Massive Preorder Giveaway

  • One Grand Prize Winner will receive signed copies of all NINE of my Books!
  • 10 Lucky First Prize Winners will get swag packs from all three books in the series!
  • EVERYONE who enters will get exclusive signed memorabilia!

How do I enter? (easy as 1-2-3)

  1. Pre-order MISSION DEFROSTABLE.
  2. Snap a picture of your receipt.
  3. Email the picture (and your snail mail address) to:

joshfunkbooks+giveaway [at] gmail [dot] com

*** Bonus: Your entry counts double if you pre-order from
an independent or brick-and-mortar bookstore ***

Wait, what’s the book about?

From the publisher: Brrr! There’s a frost in the fridge—and it’s hardened Pudding Pond and frozen Yogurt Falls. Agent Asparagus is on the case, and she begs Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast to join her superspy team. But when the enemy snatches Asparagus, Pancake and French Toast have only one man to turn to for help: the evil Baron von Waffle! Will he help them save the fridge . . . or are they doomed to become frozen food? Our favorite breakfast food friends are back and all bready for their next chilling adventure!

Where I’ll Be Next – ALA New Orleans Edition

Are you heading to ALA’s Annual Summer Conference in New Orleans this week? So am I! Here’s where I’ll be – come and say hello!

Three for You

1. Adventures to School: Real Life Journeys of Students from Around the World written by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul & illustrated by Isabel Muñoz.

2. Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished written by Camille Andros & illustrated by Brianne Farley

3. Hoot and Peep written and illustrated by Lita Judge

Learn How to Code a Sandcastle – Tomorrow!

~ Josh Funk ~ 1 Comment
Tomorrow, May 15th, 2018, my 7th book, How to Code a Sandcastle, will be released!
HowToCodeASandcastle_coverreveal_rev

How to Code a Sandcastle is the first in a series of picture books about coding, which, if you didn’t know, is my day job. I’m a software engineer, and have been for my entire “adult” life. Writing for children is a more recent endeavor.

What’s How to Code a Sandcastle about?

All summer, Pearl has been trying to build the perfect sandcastle, but out-of-control Frisbees and mischievous puppies keep getting in the way! Pearl and her robot friend Pascal have one last chance, and this time, they’re going to use code to get the job done. Using fundamental computer coding concepts like sequences and loops, Pearl and Pascal are able to break down their sandcastle problem into small, manageable steps. If they can create working code, this could turn out to be the best beach day ever!

What are people saying about How to Code a Sandcastle?

“Josh Funk has written a smart, engaging, and easy-to-follow book about coding that easily explains the subject to readers of all ages. Add a fun beach setting as we head into summer and amazing illustrations by Sara Palacios, and it’s a perfect equation for success.” – an Indie Next List selection by the American Booksellers Association (review by Holland Saltsman of The Novel Neighbor)

“An excellent, age-appropriate introduction to the world of coding. Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal

“[T]his painless introduction to coding basics will engage, entertain, and educate audiences.” – Booklist

“An accessible introduction to coding rules that also easily entertains.” – Kirkus Reviews

What do I do now?

Now, you pick up a copy of How to Code a Sandcastle at any of the following bookstores for anyone ane everyone who either might want to be a coder someday or just likes entertaining picture books!

                         

Where I’ll Be Next

Two for You

1. Twilight Chant written by Holly Thompson & illustrated by Jen Betton

2. Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes & illustrated by Scott Magoon

 

Happy (Book) Birthday, Albie Newton

~ Josh Funk ~ Leave a comment

Today, May 1st, 2018, my 6th book, Albie Newton, hits shelves – and I’d love for you to celebrate with me!

Untitled design

What’s Albie Newton about?

Meet Albie Newton: child genius. He’s a whiz at inventing things. But is he inventive enough to figure out how to make friends?

“Part ode to creativity, part reminder to be a conscientious classmate, this title will find its niche in elementary STEM collections and classrooms everywhere.”—School Library Journal

“This engaging tale offers messages about being oneself, accepting differences, and forging friendships.” —Publishers Weekly

“Funk’s playful, rhyming descriptions of his impressive toddlerhood feats immediately land this story in the realm of tall tales. . . . Throughout, Garay’s colorful, digital, cartoon illustrations match the text’s silly, humorous tone.” —Kirkus Reviews

Check out the book trailer here:

How can you celebrate Albie Newton‘s book birthday with Josh?
  • Tweet a picture of the cover (don’t forget to tag me, @joshfunkbooks)!
  • Request that your local library order a copy!
  • Review it on Goodreads or Amazon!
  • Share Albie Newton all over social media, in your neighborhood coffee shop, or with strangers on the street!
  • Download and print the *Free* Albie Newton Activity Kit right here!
  • Come to the Albie Newton Book Launch at Blue Bunny Books on Saturday, May 12th (see below)!
  • And consider buying the Albie Newton all for yourself (and a second copy for your kids) – it’s available at all of the booksellers below:
                         

Where I’ll Be Next

Two for You

1. You Know What? written by Carol Gordon Ekster & illustrated by Nynke Mare Talsma

2. What If … written by Samantha Berger & illustrated by Mike Curato

Mission Defrostable!

~ Josh Funk ~ Leave a comment

Mission Defrostable, the 3rd book in the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, has a cover!!! I’m so excited about this book! It’s the best one  yet!

_Mission Defrostable

Check out the full cover reveal over at Margie Myers-Culver’s website, including a short interview with the author (that’s me).

Mission Defrostable, illustrated brilliantly once again by Brendan Kearney, and published by Sterling Children’s will be served on 9.4.18 – but you can put your order in for it right now at every bookseller everywhere!

                              

Where I’ll Be Next

 

Two for You

1. The Breaking News written & illustrated by Sarah Lynne Reul

 

2. Alfie written & illustrated by Thyra Heder

Global Read Aloud Finalist

~ Josh Funk ~ Leave a comment

I’ve got incredible news this week! I am one of the finalists for the 2018 Global Read Aloud Picture Book Study. And you can help vote!

What’s the Global Read Aloud? Well, in short, for every age group, a book is picked that classrooms across the globe read aloud and then use to connect over Twitter, Skype, etc. with others reading the same book (in the case of picture books, an author, illustrator, or author/illustrator is picked to have many of their books read). Founded by Pernille Ripp in 2010, the Global Read Aloud has millions of participants across 80 countries annually.

(Note for all teachers out there – GRA is an incredible experience – you should totally look into it. Details are here.)

What does being a finalist mean? It means that YOU can help select which of the following picture book creators will have their books read aloud to classrooms across the globe in 2018. The finalists include:

  • A combination of Julie Flett and Monique Gray Smith.
  • Christian Robinson
  • Pat Zietlow Miller
  • Josh Funk*
  • Dan Santat

I’m incredibly honored to be on a list with these amazing artists. To be honest, it’s a bit surreal.

Global Read Aloud Picture Book Finalists.png

With all that said, I encourage you to head over to the Global Read Aloud website and vote for your favorite!

* That’s me.

Where I’ll Be Next

 

Two Four for You

1. My Heart Fills with Happiness / Ni Miyawaten Niteh Ohcih written by Monique Gray Smith & illustrated by Julie Flett

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2. Sophie’s Sqaush writtenby Pat Zietlow Miller & illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

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3. Gaston written by Kelly DiPucchio & illustrated by Christian Robinson

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4. The Three Ninja Pigs written by Corey Rosen Schwartz & illustrated by Dan Santat

9780399255144[3]