Hi everyone, while Vivian is now in Geneva I did before she left New Zealand have a chance to talk to her about her book Sweet Dreams Sarah which is due out April 2nd 2019. It was originally meant to be her debut book after having received a contract back in 2015, but after a couple of set backs it finally is hitting shelves in April this year. Sweet Dreams Sarah has been a labour of love for Vivian and like Sarah she persisted in getting Sarah’s story out there. Here is a short interview with Vivian and I’m delighted to also have Vivian read Sweet Dreams Sarah for us. Enjoy…
Sweet Dreams Sarah
Written by: Vivian Kirkfield
Illustrated by: Chris Ewald
Published by: Creston Books, LLC 2 April 2019
Ages: 5 – 9 years
Theme: perseverance, will-power,
Opening Lines: Before the Civil War, Sarah obeyed her owner. Hurry Up, eyes down, don’t speak. Slaves were property – like a cow or plow or the cotton that grew in the master’s fields.
Synopsis. From Amazon… Sarah E.Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a U.S. patent. Working in her husband’s furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true
Why I like this: I have been fortunate to view how Vivian crafted this story draft after draft, after draft. Her studious research, lyrical sentences and detail to word choices makes this a gripping, heart-warming story of reaching for your dreams – and succeeding! In a few words Vivian shows how a master controls his charges… Eyes down, don’t speak. Or Sarah’s dreams… A husband, a family, and a job. Thoughts, feelings and even action are conveyed in as little as three words. For example.. Measure, cut, sand. What I love about this story is that it inspires children to dream, to strive and persist in working towards their goal or dream. To hold onto their high expectations and meet the challenges, at the same time teaching us all a little more about American history. Vivian brings this story to life for Sarah and Chris’s honey warm colours in his illustrations allow us to step back in time to watch Sarah’s progress. In the back is the Author’s note, what a Patent is and Sarah E Goode’s Timeline, along with selected resources. This book should be in every school.
Resources/Findings:
Visit Vivian’s website: https://viviankirkfield.com/my-book/
I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.
PS: Giveaway of a signed copy of PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE winner is……
PATRICIA TILTON
Congrats Pat. Drop me a line with your address and we will make sure you get this beautiful book.
