Aimee Reid

A Spring Giveaway!

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I am visiting Vancouver right now, and my friend was showing me the city this weekend. We stopped into a local Indigo store where I was delighted to find my newest book, A World of Love, on a table at the front of the kids’ section as a suggested gift for Mother’s Day. I love the thought of families celebrating the occasion by sharing this story, which honors parental love!

I also recognize that many people in our lives who are not blood relations can serve as cheerleaders, supporters, and chosen family. I’m thinking of all the ways that people form community while I write this post. The friends with whom I’m staying have raised their kids alongside ours. We’ve swept up ground Cheerios and done dishes together. We’ve served as emergency contacts for school trips. We’ve passed along children’s clothing, celebrated holidays, and been there for birthdays, graduations, concerts, and many, many kid-created plays in our basements and living rooms. 

I’m grateful for our community of friends that has been an integral part of our children’s lives. As Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood says, “Anyone who does anything to help a child . . . is a hero to me.”

I wanted to offer a giveaway in honor of those people in our lives whose care has nourished us–moms, grandmas, aunts, and anyone whose support has made your life richer. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate (CAD) to the bookstore of your choice. It could be a fun gift to offer someone special this weekend. I’d love to have you enter here: https://bit.ly/MayGiveaway2024 The giveaway runs until midnight EST on Friday, May 10th, and I’ll email the winner on Saturday, May 11th. (One entry per person.) 

If you are giving one of my books to someone this weekend and you’d like to make it a little extra special, just email me through the contact form on my website and let me know. I’d be happy to sign a bookplate and mail it to you or directly to the book’s recipient.

Welcome Home is perfect for new parents. First Morning Sun celebrates the milestones of a child’s first five years and also highlights the special role of older siblings. 

Animal Snuggles features animal and human parents showing affection through physical touch, and A World of Love showcases many ways that animal parents all over the world nurture their young. 

However you spend time this weekend, I hope you realize how irreplaceable you are.

I’m wishing you a world of love!
Aimee

Animal Snuggles and two giveaways!

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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 7th, 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:

The deadline to enter is midnight (EST) on November 6th, 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:

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

Behind the scenes: a free, virtual visit with illustrator Jing Jing Tsong

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Did you know that most authors and illustrators never meet? Yet a good picture book is a beautiful marriage of text and art. Opening my computer to see finished illustrations is always a highlight of the process of bringing a book into the world. 

Thanks to Telling Tales, a wonderful literacy festival, teachers are invited to experience a free virtual visit with me and artist Jing Jing Tsong, illustrator of my newest picture book, First Morning Sun.

This session is a great opportunity to watch Jing Jing demonstrate some techniques and hear about how she approached illustrating the text. 
Teachers, please sign up and share! This session has had a lot of interest already, but because each classroom only counts as one registration, there is plenty of room for you and your colleagues. Parents and grandparents, feel free to pass along the information to educators you know.

Here is the registration link: Imagination Station (Virtual Event) with Jing Jing Tsong and Aimee Reid Registration, Wed, Oct 19, 2022 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

Hope you can join us!

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

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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:

Giveaway details:

Enter the giveaway here:

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!

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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 3rd, 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 6th, 2022. I’ll draw a name and announce the winner here on May 7th, 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

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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

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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 13th, I want to celebrate Kindness in the Classroom.

You Are My Friend cover

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 14th 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

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  • 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.

You Are My Friend book cover

In honor of World Kindness Day, which is recognized on November 13th, 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 14th 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.

Making your gift special

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It’s been a joy to connect with readers of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, which shares the story behind Fred’s iconic message: “You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.”

Fred’s words honored the uniqueness of each individual. In that spirit, we’re offering free personalized bookplates that you can place inside a copy of You Are My Friend to create a one-of-a-kind gift.

Just send an email through this link on the website: https://www.aimeereidbooks.com/contact/ Let us know the name(s) of the recipient(s) and the address where you’d like the bookplate mailed. I’ll autograph the bookplate with a personalized message and send it out. (Postage is free for the first 100 respondents. After that the small shipping cost of $2.00 CAD may apply.)

Happy holidays and warm wishes for a joy-filled new year.

You’re Invited!

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Hi, everybody,

My latest book is You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood. It tells the story of how Fred Rogers’ childhood influences shaped his legacy of kindness.

In keeping with the spirit of Mister Rogers’ life and work, my book launch will be a family-friendly event that’s open to all. We’ll have music and books and crafts to try. I’ll also be holding a draw for prizes of gift certificates, CDs, movie passes, and more.

Books will be available for purchase, and if you’d like one signed, I’d love to do that.

I hope that you can come out and join us.

Here are the details:

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