Celebrating TEN YEARS with The Children's Book Review - INTERVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!

Welcome back to another bookish celebration here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...and this one is even MORE BOOKISH than usual.  Why?  Well, because we're pulling out the party hats, sending up the balloons, and wielding the confetti as we help Bianca of The Children's Book Review celebrate her TENTH ANNIVERSARY!

The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association For Library Service To Children) Great Web Sites For Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. TCBR publishes reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. TCBR also produces author and illustrator interviews and shares literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and librarians to grow readers. Bianca Schulze is the founder of TCBR and the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Walter Foster Jr. 2016), an Amazon “Best Book of the Month” in October 2016. 

That's right!

She's been in the biz delivering booktastic information, resources, reviews, and more for TEN YEARS and while she's busy muppet flailing for joy, you'll be joining her in a moment because she's sharing the presents with you!  More on that in a second...first, I "sat down" with Bianca for a chat to find out just how it all came to be, her most memorable moments, and what's in store for the future.  So settle into your favorite reading spot and get ready to meet the one, the only, Bianca Schulze!

INTERVIEW:  Author Bianca Schulze 

How did TCBR come about?  Was it a long held dream, a random thought, a product of your bookish imagination?

It was more like a combination of serious book love and a spur of the moment idea that came up over a glass of wine while on a date night with my husband back in 2008. At the time, I was working as a children’s bookseller at an indie store in Washington, D.C., and when I would come home I always had to share the news on the latest and greatest new kids books. The Children’s Book Review (TCBR) became the perfect place to channel that energy.

Did you think it would be as BIG as it has become?

No! I got so excited the first time I realized I was not the only one reading TCBR. And then it felt awesome when the other people reading it were not just family and friends. I have put so much time into creating this resource, so I’m over the moon that many others find it to be a useful site for sourcing kids books and raising readers. That’s why I love doing book giveaways—it’s a fun way to say thanks to TCBR’s loyal readers.

You get to work with a lot of bookish minds while running the TCBR show.  What has been your most memorable moment thus far?

Honestly, it’s the collective experience of being surrounded by kids books; coordinating with kids book publicists, authors, and illustrators; collaborating with other book bloggers like yourself, and getting to read and write on a daily basis. However, if I were to pick just one moment to share today, it would probably be the time I got to speak to Katherine Paterson over the phone to discuss the movie adaption of The Great Gilly Hopkins. I have been a fan of hers since childhood and it was such a great experience.

And then … the most memorable moment, in terms of personal achievement found through TCBR, would have to be when the folks at Walter Foster Jr. approached me to write my own book, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up.

There are always those dream authors and publishers you wish to work with.  Who would be on your wish list?

Just to get started: Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, Jacqueline Woodson, Kate DiCamillo, and Katherine Applegate. I would have loved to work with Maya Angelou, Roald Dahl, William Golding, and Harper Lee.

Look into the future...tell us, what do you see for TCBR in the coming years?

More! More of everything! More books, more interviews, more book news, more book friends, and more fun! And then, of course, there are always other quieter ideas that need to percolate a bit more. Dream big, they say!

I speak from experience, she's a kind soul and has always brought the bookish fun to whatever title or event she's stood behind.  That being said, CONGRATULATIONS BIANCA!  Wishing you much success in the coming years.  Now, for the second best part of this celebration...THE GIVEAWAY!

The Children’s Book Review 10th Anniversary Giveaway!

Enter for a chance to win a special prize pack that will help a lucky reader create a fun kids reading nook—including a framed TCBR original print created by children’s author & illustrator Alexandra MacVean.

One (1) winner receives:

A framed and matted TCBR original “Growing Readers” print. Frame size: 12.25 X 12.25

A Black Stripe Teepee from Crate and Kids

A copy of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, autographed by Bianca Schulze

A $20 Target gift card

Value: $291.95

Here's a little more about the prizes...

TCBR Original “Growing Readers Print

Alexandra MacVean was commissioned to create a commemorative illustration that honors 10 years of The Children’s Book Review’s mission of growing readers. She is a professional award-winning, freelance children’s illustrator who creates vibrant, whimsical illustrations for children’s books, greeting cards, and more. Her desire is to touch the lives of adults and children alike, bringing some sort of hope, peace and love along the way. The 6″ x 6″ print is surrounded by white mat and a thin white frame that looks great in any space.

Black Stripe Teepee

Crate and Kids Overview: Our black and white teepee has a simple yet bold design that can match all types of home decor. Plus, this striped play teepee is crafted from durable cotton canvas and bamboo, so it’ll last and last.

101 Books To Read Before You Grow Up

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Shaw Nielsen

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up provides a comprehensive list of kid-friendly books for children to read before they grow up. This must-read review list acts as an interactive journal where kids can document the books they read, why they like them, and how they rate them. Divided into sections by subject, from fairy tales and fantasy to sports and nonfiction, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Upcelebrates the importance of reading and encourages family participation to develop lifelong readers. The perfect reference guide for book lovers of all ages, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up helps both kids and parents decide which books to read next!

Ages 5-11 | Walter Foster Jr. | October 10, 2016 | 978-1633221697

JUST CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway begins March 30, 2018, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 30, 2018, at 11:59 P.M. MT.  Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.  Prizes provided by The Children’s Book Review.

Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this celebration to the masses and for all the memories along the way.  (YOU ROCK!)  For more information on TCBR, or the titles/prizes featured here, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!