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The Children’s Book Review
Jacqueline Jules has been writing poems since middle school. Her poetry has been published in over a hundred publications. She is also the author of more than forty books for young readers, including the Zapato Power series, the Sofia Martinez series, and Duck for Turkey Day. She lives in northern Virginia and enjoys giving poetry workshops to students, teachers, and anyone else who loves poetry as much as she does.
I write because …
I love to play with words. When I was a child, I loved doing jigsaw puzzles, turning little pieces around and around until they fit together to make a picture. Now, I arrange and re-arrange words, moving them on the page, substituting one for the other, until they make a picture for my reader.
I read because …
I love to learn new things. Reading has always been my favorite way of understanding the world and myself. I have been an avid reader since childhood.
My latest published book …
Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence
I wrote this book because …
I love finding metaphors in everyday activities. Tag Your Dreams begins with a poem comparing a game of tag to chasing one’s dreams. The book ends with a poem about a hockey puck flying out of reach, away from players who want to control it. Writing this book let me think about how a kite is like a child who wants to fly high and free without losing the security of having someone on the ground who cares. Metaphors can be found in every activity, particularly games and sports.
My special place to write …
On long walks around my neighborhood. I carry a small notebook and pen, stopping to write whenever I have an idea.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
A keyboard with a mouse. I don’t like to cut and paste in a document without a mouse.
The person who has been my greatest writing teacher or inspiration is …
I am drawn to stories of perseverance. A Wrinkle in Time was rejected dozens of times before going on to be a perennial bestseller. Emily Dickinson’s poetry was not published in her lifetime. Vincent van Gogh never sold a painting. Walt Whitman had to self-publish Leaves of Grass. Every story of an artist who believed in the value of their work despite obstacles and rejection inspires me.
Currently reading …
I am working my way through a big pile of ARCs I picked up at Midwinter ALA including Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park, Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros, We Had to Be Brave by Deborah Hopkinson, Storm Dog by L.M. Elliott, All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani, and others.
Favorite bookshop …
One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia. Not only does One More Page have a terrific staff who curate the book collection, but it also sells amazing chocolate.
All-time favorite children’s book I didn’t write …
I always feel uncomfortable choosing one all-time favorite because I fall in love with so many of the books I read and I am always reading. Instead of an all-time favorite, I will share a current favorite that I have been widely recommending to friends. The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is a beautiful book that touched me deeply.
Favorite illustrator …
Once again, I am not a person who picks favorites easily. I love many illustrators and a variety of styles. But I do own two giclée prints by Mercer Mayer. One from Sleeping Beauty and one from Beauty and the Beast.
A literary character I would like to vacation with …
The Little Prince
When I am not reading or writing I am …
Hanging out, watching television with my husband.
To learn more about Jacqueline Jules, visit: jacquelinejules.com.
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Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence
Written by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Whether just trying out for the team or reaching for the Olympics, there’s something for every reader in this playful poetry collection! From baseball, basketball, and football to double-dutch, mini-golf, and turning a cartwheel, these poems look at facing fears, dreaming big, and never giving up. This well-rounded collection explores sports and play across all abilities and backgrounds.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company | April 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-0807567265
Buy the Book
Book Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence!
Three (3) winners receive:
- A copy of Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence
Giveaway begins April 16, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends May 16, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
How To Enter
- Complete the entry form below.
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- Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence book giveaway sponsored* by Albert Whitman & Company.
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- Go to https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2020/04/my-writing-and-reading-life-with-jacqueline-jules-author-of-tag-your-dreams-poems-of-play-and-persistence.html on a computer or wireless device and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions.
- Three (3) winners receive:
- A copy of Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence
- Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
- Winners will be selected at random on or about May 19, 2020.
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Discover more books like Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence written by Jacqueline Jules and illustrated by Iris Deppe, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Dream Big Books, Jacqueline Jules, National Poetry Month, Perseverance, Picture Book, Poetry Books for Kids, and Sports; plus, be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.
