Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Book Review, Author Interview and Giveaway: Kika the Upside-down Girl

Book Description:

Kika always seems to accomplish things differently than others and tends to get into trouble for it. She reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures makes her heart feel huge - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips! Join Kika, a girl who loves living upside down in a right side up world, on her unique journey to a fliptastic world! Kika reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures feels fliptastic - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips in the Gymnastics Emporium!

View from the Birdhouse Interviews Jessica Tudos:

1. Do you find any similarities in the practice of writing and the practice
of gymnastics?

I think the biggest similarity is the determination you need to stay focused and confident that your story, or your routine, will be focused.

2. What is the biggest message you would like to impart with this book?
That it is okay to feel different because in the end, kids can do anything
they want if they feel passion for it, have support and stay the course!

3. What is a typical writing day like for you?
There was never a typical day - it was all such a fluid and reactive
process. The story idea was clear to me from the start but the actual words and images were a longer process. As much as I planned ahead, I felt that my actual output was driven by my kickstarter campaign. Since I first self-published it via crowdfunding, that deadline is what made me want to finish it and make it great! I highly recommend a campaign to get things moving. To be successful you have to create what you want, how you want and on the timeline you need.

4. Who are your favorite authors?
I love to read Oliver Jeffers books, anything by Peter Reynolds and books illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi ("I'm Bored" and "Naked").

5. What will your next book about?
I am thinking about a sequel to Kika the Upside-Down Girl - Kika is older and has new adventures and challenges now that she has found what she loves - gymnastics. Her development includes learning from coaches, parental pressure, feeling different than other kids, balancing sport school and home life - that kind of thing, I am thinking though the kinds of things Kika would be exploring as a 12 year old - a whole new world! 

My Review:

Kika the Upside-Down Girl is an especially cute picture book for young children.  Children will love to "meet" Kika, a girl who has always enjoyed being upside down - even as a baby.  

Kika is happiest when being active and upside-down.  This makes her different, but she is a cheerful child who accepts that difference is okay.  However, she is even happier when she discovers the Gymnastics Emporium and meets other children who also love being upside down.  

This is a fun read for children with a great message.   It would be a great read aloud at home or in a classroom.  The writing is lively.  It is a picture book with a likable character, lots of action, and and a fast, fun-filled pace.  It is even more special because it is a book about gymnastics - written by an Olympic gymnast!

The illustrations are bright and colorful.  They really help to move the story along.  I especially love the illustrations when Kika imagines upside down adventures in the jungle, in space, underwater, and on a mountain.

This would be an especially fun book for a child who loves gymnastics.  It would be a great addition to a home or school library.   I recommend it highly!

Author's Bio:

Olympic gymnast turned author, motivational speaker and experiential educator Jessica Tudos (JessicaTudos.com) is on a mission to empower kids, youth and adults to develop the confidence and resiliency required to lead active, healthy and creative lives. In organizations around the world, Jessica empowers audiences through engaging stories, insights & reflections drawn from her upside down life, including her Olympic gymnastics adventures. Jessica is a sought after speaker, facilitator and professor in experiential education, physical literacy, leadership & elite sports.

Connect with Jessica: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Where to buy the book:

Giveaway:
Win a copy of Kika the Upside-down Girl and a $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open to USA & Canada) Ends June 20
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.