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Blogging A to Z

H is for Hands

April 9, 2019 Claire Annette Noland 3 Comments

This year for the A to Z Blog Challenge, I am marching through the alphabet celebrating ABC books. Today I’d like to give a hand to Hands that communicate.   THE HANDMADE ALPHABET by Laura Rankin (author and illustrator) Dial Books 1991 This stunning book features soft pencil illustrations of human hands signing the letters […]

Filed Under: alphabet books, Blogging A to Z, Uncategorized Tagged With: a-z blog challenge, ASL in picture books, Handmade alphabert, Laura Rankin author-illustrator

G is for gruesome, ghastly, and gasp!

April 8, 2019 Claire Annette Noland 6 Comments

The most interesting alphabets are centered around themes – similar to the best posts in the A to Z Blog Challenge. Today’s alphabet book is definitely one of the most unusual I’ve come across. THE GASHLYCRUMBTINIES Or, After the Outing By Edward Gorey Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1963 64pages The jacket flap warns the reader – An […]

Filed Under: alphabet books, Blogging A to Z Tagged With: A to Z Blog Challenge 2019, Edward Gorey, Gashleycrumb Tinies

F is for Flowers

April 8, 2019 Claire Annette Noland 4 Comments

It’s Spring! And the flowers are blooming – what better time to look at an ABC of flowers? A FLOWER FAIRY ALPHABET by Cicely Mary Barker Frederick Warne originally published in 1934 – new reproduction 1990 I have fond memories of hours spent with my grandmother reading and admiring the Flower Fairy books written and […]

Filed Under: alphabet books, Blogging A to Z, Books, picture books Tagged With: A Flower Fairy Alphabet, a to z blog challenge, Cicely Mary Barker

Eating the Alphabet

April 5, 2019 Claire Annette Noland 5 Comments

Today’s alphabet book is a simple concept  but the choice of objects for each letter and the art combine to make a very special book.   EATING THE ALPHABET Fruits and Vegetable from A to Z by Lois Ehlert HMH Books 1989 “Apple to Zucchini, come take a look. Start eating your way through this […]

Filed Under: alphabet books, Blogging A to Z, Books, picture books

D is for Dangerous

April 4, 2019 Claire Annette Noland 3 Comments

Today’s book is another story told through the alphabet. It is a story of suspense and mystery… THE DANGEROUS ALPHABET by Neil Gaiman, author and Gris Grimly, illustrator Harper Collins 2008 In this rhyming picture book we meet two children who sneak out with a treasure map and find themselves in the sewer. A is […]

Filed Under: alphabet books, Blogging A to Z, Books, picture books Tagged With: Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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claireannettenolandbooks

Author | teacher | Field Trip Planner
books that take you places
Raven’s Gift
Nancy Bess Had a Dress
Evie’s Field Day
Out and About w George series

Our book/movie club continues. I have to admit, I Our book/movie club continues. I have to admit, I had never read any of the Wimpy Kid Diary books before. I enjoyed #1 in the series. The animated movie was filled with humor and heart with lots of laughs and “awe” moments. The kids give the books and movie 5 stars. I enjoyed them but one book was enough for me.
#diaryofawimpykid #bookormovie
Black dogs are the best! Black dogs are the best!
It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day!
I returned home from the @SCBWICENCAL Writer’s Day to a full mailbox.
I first opened a lovely letter from my dear pen pal friend, Naida. We met when I was new to town because the mail carrier kept delivering mail to the wrong houses. Naida lived at 1203 Campus and I lived around the corner at 1203 Westwood. We bonded over letters and continue to this day (we do love seeing each other in person often).
I also opened a package containing SUNFLOWER HOUSES by Sharon Lovejoy. Years ago, I visited Sharon’s shop, Heart’s Ease in the beautiful town of Cambria. I took the children there to wander the gardens and be inspired to grow our own. We enjoyed her Fairy Festival and whenever I saw her, I knew she was someone I would love to have as a friend. And now we are which makes me so happy!
Finally, I opened an envelope to discover THE SUMMER BOOK, 30th Anniversary edition, by Susan Branch. I think we have made everything in our original copy, and I read it cover-to-cover. I own all of her books, but this is my favorite. Now I can gift the new edition to my children who are making their own memories with their families. Hopefully, I will meet Susan one day as she has moved back to Central California and is a friend of Sharon’s.
Here's to letters, books, friends, and summer days.🌻
@aussienonna @sharonlovejoyauthor @susanbranchauthor
#letters #bookmail #sunflowerhouses #thesummerbook
Thank you @workmanpubkids for sharing Roots, Shoot Thank you @workmanpubkids for sharing Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots. Our copy is worn and tattered but continues to be loved and used. @sharonlovejoyauthor ‘s books gave me the tools to introduce the wonders of gardening to my children and now my grandchildren.
I just wish Sunflower Houses would come back in print. I love gifting it to young families.🌻@scbwicencal #kidsgardening
EL NIÑO, by Pam Munoz Ryan, is a lush and lyrical EL NIÑO, by Pam Munoz Ryan, is a lush and lyrical middle grade novel for everyone who loves the ocean and mythology. Kai, who is dealing with grief over the loss of his sister, Cali, discovers a book that she had repeatedly checked out about a “Library of Despair and Sorrow” inhabited by mermailens who are charged with protecting feelings that are stored in the library’s vaults. Kai’s life intersects with the mysterious underwater world in dramatic ways. This was the perfect book for a California summer- especially as I read it on a San Diego beach where the book is set. 
The book is gorgeous with blue ink and delicate drawings by illustrator Joe Cepeda, that made me feel like I was in the water with Kai. I can’t stop thinking about this one.
#pammunozryan @joe_cepeda #booktravel #afieldtriplife
🌟 “Writers, dreamers, storytellers…let’s 🌟 “Writers, dreamers, storytellers…let’s connect! I’ll be at the Central Coast Writers’ Conference September 26 & 27 in San Luis Obispo, CA and I’d love for you to join me. 📚 Reserve your spot today at centralcoastwritersconference.com 

@claireannettenolandbooks @scbwicencal #writingforkids
It’s #nationalreadabookday and @mrernierecommend It’s #nationalreadabookday and @mrernierecommends and I are enjoying reading Books Travel The World by @joan.schoettler illustrated by @helena.Perez Garcia

This celebration of librarians and readers takes us from Columbia to Thailand to San Francisco and many locations in between. It is extraordinary to see the dedication and perseverance of those who want to make sure that children have books to read. Kids will be fascinated to learn that books are delivered by elephant, ship, and camel. The lyrical, free verse text shares how, in each location, books are shared, and children always request, “One more story, please!”
Each colorful spread is a visual delight showing details of each country, animals, plants, storytellers, and the excited children. 
BOOKS TRAVEL the WORLD is a love letter to all who care about books, reading, and accessibility for those in far-flung locations. It offers an appealing invitation to open and share books and is a tribute to those who help readers discover the world through books. 
I love Joan's beautiful dedication. ❤️
THE STORY Of FERDINAND is an all time favorite pic THE STORY Of FERDINAND is an all time favorite picture book but the animated movie…
Too scary for a three-year-old. We’ll stick with the classic book.
#thestoryofferdinand #book/movieclub
What fun- reading around the country! Thank you @c What fun- reading around the country! Thank you @cindyschrauben for including Nancy Bess Had a Dress which is set in Central California 
@gnomeroadpublishing @angelac.hawkins #floursacks #booktravel #afieldtriplife
September means back-to-school and new supplies. W September means back-to-school and new supplies. Who doesn’t like to open a new box of crayons?
I’m booking author visits for 2025-2026 school year. In person for local classes (Central California) or zoom. Message me if you’re interested.
Highlights Summer Camp inWriting: Create and Dream Highlights Summer Camp inWriting: Create and Dream was definitely a highlight of summer 2025!
A week of inspiration from wonderful mentors, writers, and staff was just what was needed to fuel creativity. I’m excited and ready to work on my next project. ✍️
@highlightsfound @jkaybanta @devas_t @heidieys @nonieqa.ramos
It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie!
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