Contest – Aimee Reid | Children's Author

Animal Snuggles and two giveaways!

October 27, 2023October 25, 2023 by Aimee Reid

Sometimes a moment stays with us.

That’s what happened with my new book, Animal Snuggles. Years ago, I saw one of my children nestled on my husband’s chest and said out loud, “That looks cozy.” I jotted a note about the scene in my writing book.

Years later, when I came across that note, I immediately recalled the safe, peaceful moment of cuddling that inspired it. A poem started forming in my mind:

Belly to belly.

Cheek to cheek.

Elbow to elbow.

Beak to beak . . .

These words were the beginning of the text for Animal Snuggles, which releases from Sourcebooks eXplore on November 7^th, 2023. The book features 13 animal pairs showing physical affection: elephants, swans, penguins, kangaroos, dolphins, and more. Sebastien Braun’s adorable illustrations capture the tender bonds that exist between these caregivers and their young.

The otters on the cover are positioned much like the snuggle that inspired the book—belly to belly. The final spread shows human adults and children who are hugging “heartbeat to heartbeat.”

The child who sparked the idea for this book has now grown into a curious, competent teenager who is full of information about the natural world. I’m happy that the book contains information about each animal pair in the back matter so those who are interested can learn more.

I hope that readers will enjoy sharing this book. What’s more, I hope they do so while snuggled up with a trusted loved one. Moments like those leave lasting memories.

In celebration of all of the affection in our world, I am holding two giveaways!

Draw for bookstore gift certificates!

What’s better than buying a book? More books—for free!

Everyone who pre-orders Animal Snuggles can:

enter a draw for one of two $50 gift certificates. The winners may select their favorite store, and I’ll arrange for the gift certificate in the funds of your country.

receive a link to my online launch, which will include puppetry, music, action rhymes, and a reading of Animal Snuggles (available for a limited time).

Here is the link to enter this draw: https://bit.ly/AnimalSnugglesGiveaway

The deadline to enter is midnight (EST) on November 6^th, 2023. One entry per person.

Teacher Giveaway!

As a teacher, I recognize all of the work and care that goes into making a classroom a safe, interesting place to learn, so I am holding a special giveaway for teachers.

Each teacher who pre-orders Animal Snuggles will receive:

a link to the pre-recorded online launch video for the book that you can share in your school at your convenience,
a curriculum extension activity guide with ideas for ways to use the book with your students, and
an entry into a draw for a prize pack of signed copies of my other four picture books (Mama’s Day with Little Gray, Welcome Home, First Morning Sun, and You Are My Friend).

The first ten teacher entrants will also receive:

a free, online, 25-minute LIVE author visit from me that may include as many students as you like,
a signed bookplate for Animal Snuggles, and
temporary tattoos for your students that feature the adorable otters from the cover.

Here is the link to enter the teacher giveaway: https://bit.ly/TeacherGiveawayAnimalSnuggles

The deadline to enter is midnight (EST) on November 6^th, 2023. One entry per person. Teachers may enter both giveaways.

Virtual Book Launch + Giveaways (worth total of $900.00)

June 20, 2022 by Aimee Reid

Since I’m releasing two new books this spring, I’m giving away twice the prizes: two copies of each book, two bookstore gift certificates, and two author visits to teachers. (See details below.)

It’s been wonderful to connect with readers from all kinds of locations and settings—-schools, libraries, faith-based organizations, moms’ groups, preschools, and family gatherings. I wanted to hold a virtual book launch that people can join at their convenience, no matter their time zone.

Welcome Home, with art by Rashin Kheiriyeh, depicts the joyful welcome of a new baby. First Morning Sun, with art by Jing Jing Tsong, follows the milestones a child experiences as she grows. Together, these books invite us to form welcoming communities that celebrate belonging and growth, which is the focus of the launch.

The event is 20 minutes of family-friendly content suitable for classrooms, libraries, preschools, and viewers of all ages. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for permission to read the books aloud during the school year. The video will remain available through June 24th, 2022.

You can view the video here: https://bit.ly/AimeeReidspringLaunch

Giveaway details:

Enter the giveaway here: https://bit.ly/AimeeReidSpringGiveaway

Prizes will be drawn randomly on June 25th. I’ll contact the winners by email and post a notice about the winners on this blog. Registrants from Canada and the United States are eligible to participate.

Books and bookstore certificates giveaway:

I’m giving away two signed copies of each book (approximate value $25 CAD each) and two bookstore gift certificates ($50 each, either USD or CAD depending on the location of the bookstore). If your name is drawn as a winner for a gift certificate, you can select the bookstore, and I’ll make arrangements for you to receive your prize.

Author visit giveaway for teachers:

I’m giving away two online author visits (approximate value $350). The author visits may be booked anytime through December 2022.

Happy spring and summer, everyone!

New Books and Beginnings + Two Giveaways!

April 28, 2022 by Aimee Reid

Happy Spring!

I’m grateful to be welcoming two new books into the world, both of which celebrate beginnings. Two giveaways seemed appropriate. Read on to find out how you could win a signed book or a certificate for your favorite bookstore.

Welcome Home depicts the joyful celebration surrounding the birth of a new baby.

The welcome begins with the baby’s mom and dad and expands to siblings and grandparents. Then aunties, uncles, cousins, and neighbors join in, and finally the circle widens to include the whole community in embracing this new life. Rashin Kheiriyeh’s exuberant art gives the book the expansive, cheerful feeling of a warm hug. It’s been a joy to sign this book for new babies!

“In this moving picture book in rhyme . . . an idealized and irresistible picture of community is formed, amplifying the book’s message of earnest affection and welcome.” — Publishers Weekly

First Morning Sun begins with a baby’s first day and traces the milestones she experiences as she grows.

We witness her first peekaboo, first word, and first birthday cake, then cheering her on as she moves into brave new experiences such as her first day of school. The story closes with the addition of a brand new sibling with whom the family will experience firsts all over again. Jing Jing Tsong’s illustrations capture the poignancy and wonder of a child’s early years.

If you share one of my books with someone, I’d love to hear about it! It’s always special to receive an email or see a post. Finding a review online is another wonderful way to know that my books are being discovered.

I think it’s important to celebrate goodness wherever we find it, and that’s what I hope my books will encourage.

As we enter this season of new growth, I’m wishing you everything good.

Aimee

Giveaways:

You’re invited to join in the fun by participating in these giveaways! (Canada and USA only)

First Morning Sun pre-order:

This book releases on May 3^rd, which is perfect timing for a Mother’s Day gift. If you pre-order the book, please send me an email at this link. I’ll enter you in a draw to receive a personally inscribed copy of Welcome Home as well as a signed bookplate to place inside of First Morning Sun. The giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on May 2, 2022.

New Books and Beginnings giveaway:

I’m holding a draw for a $100 gift certificate to your favorite store. There are five ways you can enter, and each of them will give you one entry into the draw (to a maximum of five). The contest closes by 11:59 EST on May 6^th, 2022. I’ll draw a name and announce the winner here on May 7^th, 2022. Entry options are:

Comment on a favorite early childhood memory on this blog post,
Sign up for my newsletter by entering your email address through the “subscribe” form at the bottom of this page,
Find the New Books and Beginnings post on my Facebook author page, be sure you’re following the page, and leave your comment about a favorite early childhood memory on the post,
Make sure you’re following me on Twitter at @aimeereidbooks, find my pinned tweet about this giveaway, and share your comment on a favorite early childhood memory,
Share a favorite early childhood memory on the New Books and Beginnings Giveaway Instagram post @aimeereidbooks, and make sure you’re following me on Instagram.

Best wishes!

Giveaway! Gift Certificate for Bookstore

December 17, 2021 by Aimee Reid

Many of you have reached out to ask when you can purchase Welcome Home. Thanks for your enthusiasm! It means a great deal to me that you are happy to welcome this book into the world.

That’s why I’m especially excited to share news of a giveaway being hosted by Simon & Schuster Canada. Pre-order your copy of Welcome Home from any Canadian retailer and go to Simon & Schuster on release day, January 4th, 2021: spr.ly/6014JosgK. You’ll be able to enter to win a gift certificate of $100 CAD for any Canadian bookstore. I love the idea of someone—maybe you!—picking out some some new books to enjoy.

As well, I’m happy to sign bookplates and send them out for free to the first 200 people who request one. Just let me know to whom I should write my message and where you’d like me to mail the envelope. It’s the next best thing to having me drop by your loved one’s home to sign a copy.

One of my favourite parts of being a children’s author is signing books for families. I still treasure books from my childhood, and it’s an honour to inscribe my books with a message written just for each recipient.

Please know that I am sending my heartfelt wishes for a safe, wonder-filled holiday season. Each one of you is worth celebrating. Together, we share this fragile, beautiful world, and I am grateful.

Kindness in the Classroom Giveaway: Toast Sticks and Teaching

November 10, 2021November 9, 2021 by Aimee Reid

Mama Bell Frampton and Freddie Rogers, as depicted by Matt Phelan

Mama Bell Frampton was a neighbor of the young Fred Rogers. Fred describes with fondness his visits to her home. Time and again, she welcomed him with a cheery greeting and the gift of a simple offering: buttered toast. What’s more, she showed young Freddie how to make “toast sticks” all by himself. She had no way of knowing how deeply her everyday kindness would affect her young neighbor.

Mama Bell Frampton’s consistent, caring presence helped to form Fred’s vision of a healthy neighborhood—a place where all were welcomed and encouraged to grow. That sense of connection and warmth pervaded the television program that would bring Mr. Rogers into the homes and hearts of countless families over the decades it was on the air.

Fred recognized the transformative power of those who care for children, calling them his heroes. As a former teacher, I honor the vital work of educators. I’m cheering you on as you create communities that recognize the dignity of the students in your care. In honor of World Kindness Day, which is recognized on November 13^th, I want to celebrate Kindness in the Classroom.

I am holding a giveaway for a special prize pack. It will include an online author visit and a signed copy of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood as well as postcards and temporary tattoos featuring art from the book for every student in the winning teacher’s class.

If you are a teacher, you can enter the draw in four ways:

(1) comment on this blog post,

(2) comment on and share the corresponding World Kindness Day Classroom Giveaway post on my Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/aimeereidbooks/,

(3) tag me on Twitter (@aimeereidbooks) and use the hashtags #WorldKindnessDay and #teaching, and

(4) tag me on Instagram (@aimeereidbooks), using the hashtags #WorldKindnessDay and #teaching. Each of the four options will give you an entry.

I’ll hold a draw on Sunday, November 14^th and be in touch with the recipient to find out how you’d like your book personalized and where you’d like me to send the book, postcards, and temporary tattoos. We’ll also set up a time for the online visit.

All teachers who participate will receive a link for a downloadable booklet that expands on the themes in You Are My Friend and invites students to write or draw about their own uniqueness. I’d love to see pictures of the booklets your students create!

Special note: I’m also holding a separate giveaway of two signed books for individuals. Check out my blog post entitled World Kindness Day Giveaway: Neighbors, Helpers, and Everyday Goodness for those details. Teachers are welcome to enter both draws.

World Kindness Day Giveaway: Neighbors, Helpers, and Everyday Goodness

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021 by Aimee Reid

from You Are My Friend, illustrated by Matt Phelan

I spent some time standing on my front lawn last night, listening to a neighbor. The stress of the pandemic had taken a toll. I didn’t have answers for the thorny questions that troubled this person, and that was okay. We lingered while my dog played until the growing chill nudged us back indoors.

At the end of the conversation, my neighbor expressed gratitude for an increase in front-lawn visits on our street over the past year or so. “It’s something good,” said my neighbor, who made sure that I knew this observation was not meant to diminish the loss and uncertainty of these months.

I agree.

You may know of Fred Rogers’ advice for children when they encounter frightening situations: “Look for the helpers.” Fred was passing along his mother’s words when, as a child, he had heard scary news on the radio.

One reason I admire Fred Rogers’ work is that he told the truth to children. Fred’s advice was not meant to simply distract them from the fact that the world contains sadness. It was rooted in equally deep and, I believe, more compelling truths: our world is filled with kindness and we have the power to choose our responses.

Good people are everywhere. Thoughtful acts are woven into the fabric of our society, and we can pay attention to them. Cups of tea poured, hands extended, neighbors shoveling walks: these ordinary decisions to care for one another deserve celebration.

In honor of World Kindness Day, which is recognized on November 13^th, I want to give away two signed copies of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood. You can enter to receive one of the copies in four ways:

(1) comment on this blog post,

(2) comment on and share the corresponding World Kindness Day post on my Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/aimeereidbooks/,

(3) tag me on Twitter (@aimeereidbooks) and use the hashtag #WorldKindnessDay, and

(4) tag me on Instagram (@aimeereidbooks), using the hashtag #WorldKindnessDay.

Each of the four options will give you an entry. I’ll hold a random draw for the two prizes on Sunday, November 14^th and be in touch with the recipients to find out how you’d like your books personalized and where you’d like me to send them.

Holiday gifts

If you would like to order a personalized copy of You Are My Friend as a gift, let me know. You can reach me through the contact form on my website. I’ll be happy to personalize an inscription and send a copy out in time for the holidays.

Note for teachers and those who appreciate them: I’m also holding a special giveaway for teachers. Check out my blog post entitled Kindness in the Classroom Giveaway: Toast Sticks and Teaching. Teachers can enter both contests.

Rebecca Bender on Getting Lost in Books * Plus a Giveaway!

July 5, 2019February 7, 2017 by Aimee Reid

Rebecca Bender is an art director and designer as well as an author-illustrator. Her books, Giraffe and Bird and Don’t Laugh at Giraffe, have won the Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award and Blue Spruce Honour, respectively. Rebecca’s newest book, How Do You Feel?, releases in 2017. Be sure to comment on this post in order to be entered in the draw for a signed copy!

Please share about your experience of connecting with books as a child. What positive memories do you have?

We were lucky that my mother read to us a lot. The way I remember it, she always wanted to read the more serious stories, like The Little Match Girl, whereas I always preferred something light that would make me laugh and think at the same time, like Dr. Seuss.

I was a child that loved to draw and get lost in make-believe worlds. Picture books were inspiration for my art, and I was drawn to ones where the illustrations hooked me and took me somewhere. I spent a lot of time with the Serendipity series and still have a few of these books today. They were beautifully illustrated and full of vivid, endearing characters. I can see why I adored them as a child.

Some books I’ve hung onto since childhood; part of a series called Serendipity by Stephen Cosgrove, illustrated by Robin James

What are your favorite aspects of sharing good books with kids?

I’m always amazed to see how children internalize a good book and the fruits that come from it; be it my 3 year-old architect meticulously building his own home with Magformers and Lego, after reading If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen, or my 5-year-old fashion designer creating her own line of clothing after reading Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress by Sujean Rim.

We also have fun adopting terms and phrases from stories into our way of communicating with each other, such as, are you feeling like a Boo Hoo Bird today? Or, remember Hamilton Squidlegger, stay in your own mud tonight. Or, if I’m too clean The Witches will smell me!

Me reading with my two children. (Pulling photos for this post, it struck me how similar this one looks to the earlier one of my mom reading to my sister and I!)

My daughter’s line of fashion clothing, inspired by a picture book we read together

Please share your thoughts on and tips for sharing good books with children.

When I’m sharing my books in a classroom I set up the story first by showing the cover and then asking the children what they learn from the illustrations alone. It’s a good opportunity to show them how illustrations play a big role in telling the story in a picture book. Sometimes I introduce my characters by drawing them on chart paper and talking about who and what inspired them. Before reading we also practice sound effects so they are ready to make the silly noises that happen in the story. While reading I stop to ask questions at key moments in the story. Afterwards I like to hear how they connect the story to their own lives; we discuss, for example, if Giraffe and Bird really like each other or not, and if this is similar to how siblings behave sometimes.

My daughter reading to me from my new book, How Do You Feel?

I take a similar approach at home with my kids. I focus on finding connections in their lives, and even days after we’ve read a book I will refer back to it if something comes up that relates. I try to keep drawing supplies, building supplies, and raw materials available for them to follow their whims and inspirations and suggest crafts and activities relating to the books we read.

Looking back, I’m glad my mother read the more serious books to me. I’m a believer in letting children make their own choices whenever possible, so I do let them pick their own books at story time, but I also adopted the rule that mommy gets a pick, too!

My studio while working on art for *How Do You Feel?*

Close up of painting in progress on my desk

Thanks, Rebecca! How fun to see your illustrations in progress.

Check out Rebecca’s work:

Exciting news—my first picture book, Giraffe and Bird will be re-released with Pajama Press, in a padded, hardcover edition (April 2017)

These lively and unlikely friends are back.

How about you? Which books captivated you because of their illustrations?

Post a comment on this blog, and your name will be entered in a draw for a personally inscribed copy of Rebecca’s newest book, How Do You Feel? This book will be sure to captivate young readers. I’ll draw the winning name on February 13, 2017.

Sign up to Aimee’s newsletter below for more giveaways and to receive inside information from children’s book writers and illustrators.

Connect with Rebecca:

Website: http://rebeccabender.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleStreetStudio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleStRebecca

Tumblr: http://littlestreetstudio.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_bender/

Expanding Horizons

March 24, 2015 by Aimee Reid

The gestation period for my book was much longer than it was for my three children. I first had the idea nine years before Mama’s Day with Little Gray was published. Launch day brought feelings of excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of maternal protectiveness. Would my book find its way safely to new shelves? Would it be accepted? Liked, even?

I remembered the days of parting with my children at the Kindergarten door. Sometimes the teacher would send a note home with one of them that said: “I had a great day!” How much I appreciated those. Now that my book is out in the big, wide world, it’s been special to receive reports and pictures of Little Gray from various places. Like postcards from camp, they let me know that my book is faring well on this new adventure.

Below are a sampling of the places I’ve heard from:

Charlotte Glover, former children’s librarian and owner of Parnassus Books and Gifts in Ketchikan, Alaska wrote to say that she enjoyed Mama’s Day with Little Gray and had featured it for Mother’s Day in her store.

Ben McNally Books, a gorgeous store on Bay Street in Toronto, Ontario displayed the book by the cash.

Nancy Fanning, event coordinator at Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach, Delaware reported that Mama’s Day with Little Gray was a hit at a recent story time.

Friends far and wide sent pictures of my book in their local Chapters, Indigo, or Barnes and Noble stores.

And I found it nicely displayed in an area bookstore, Bryan Prince Bookseller, on the first day of release.

How wonderful to see Mama’s Day with Little Gray keeping company with such fine people and books. Thanks for celebrating with me, everyone.

Launch Party for Mama’s Day with Little Gray

February 3, 2014 by Aimee Reid

I’m excited to invite friends new and old to the launch party for my brand new book, Mama’s Day with Little Gray.

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014

Place: Hamilton Public Library, Central Branch, 55 York Blvd., Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Special Features: Martha Krueger, a wonderful recording artist and music instructor, will be singing. Her joyful, participatory concerts are enjoyed by children of all ages. There will be elephant crafts, elephant tattoos, and elephant-sized fun. All is free, and all are welcome.

Giveaway: Enter to win prizes, including a one-day family pass (two adults and two children) to the African Lion Safari, where you can see real elephants! * Watching the elephant swim at the African Lion Safari inspired part of my book.

Autographs: You will be able to buy your own copy of Mama’s Day with Little Gray, and I will be happy to sign it for you.

Note: If you are planning to purchase Mama’s Day with Little Gray at the launch and you’d like to be sure that a book is reserved for you, please email areid@www.aimeereidbooks.com and place the words “Save Me a Book” in the subject line. We’ll be sure to set a copy aside just for you.

Please come out and join in the fun. I hope to see you there!

* If you can’t come to the launch party, you can still enter two giveaways.

African Lion Safari Giveaway: To enter the draw for tickets to the African Lion Safari, email areid@aimeereid.books .com and write “Lion Safari” in the subject line. The winners will be able to use their passes any one day of the 2014 season (May 3 to October 13, 2014). Thanks to the African Lion Safari for this generous donation.

Time Together Giveaway: If you’d like to be eligible for more kid-friendly gifts, such as books and CDs, go to my Time Together blog post and choose one of three easy ways to enter.

Additional details: One entry per draw per person. Both contests close at midnight (EST) on Mother’s Day, May 11th, 2014. The draws will take place on May 12th. Winners will be contacted by email.