Thursday, February 13, 2020

"After Dark" Blog Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to the 2nd Stop on the After Dark Blog Tour!
Today, I am delighted to present David L. Harrison's imaginative book to readers
and offer a book giveaway.  

Have you ever thought about what happens in the outside world of animals after dark? Lately, my family has been following the antics of three feral cats in our neighborhood. Reading David L. Harrison's beautifully written children's book, After Dark-Poems About Nocturnal Animals, has given me insight into the world of animals who are awake while humans sleep.  

As you can see by the above book cover, this book offers a delightful look at animals living in the wild. David Harrison masterfully weaves a story about the nocturnal world of animals through a series of poems while illustrator Stephanie Laberis offers vivid images to capture a nighttime awakening. Each page of the book builds on the other to intrigue children, adds to their background knowledge of nocturnal animals, and sparks interest in blending poetry with science.

I thank David, Word Song, and Boyds Mill Press & Kane for offering this type of reading experience for young readers. Within the pages of the book and the back cover, you will find twenty-two descriptive, lyrical poems, two interesting fact pages, and an array of artwork that pops out from a dark-night scene. After Dark is a wonderful book to spark a child's imagination while focusing on information about nighttime animals. 

Giveaway News:
Readers within the United States can enter a drawing to win David L. Harrison's latest book by commenting about the book in the space below. You can also use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin as your platform to share your thoughts. Please add my Twitter handle, cvarsalona or Facebook name, Carol Varsalona, so I can be sure to enter your name in the raffle drawing. As Kathy Temean says in her February 11th blog post  that was the first stop on the #After DarkBlogTour, "Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, reblogging really helps spread the word for a new book." 
The deadline for commenting is February 16th at 8 pm EST.

Quick Peek Inside The Book:
Curious children may wonder what happens at nighttime after they are tucked in bed. Nocturnal animals awaken. In After Dark, poet David L. Harrison and Illustrator Stephanie Laberis bring the world of selected nocturnal animals to life. We see animals being mischievous, playful, or on the prowl for food within twenty-two descriptive, lyrical poems. In addition, there are two interesting fact pages to broaden children's knowledge base of nocturnal animals. Laberis' artwork pops out from darkened night scenes, introducing readers to the amazing world of nocturnal animals.  

On the back cover, David Harrison features a raccoon whom he calls an escape artist. In a whimsical way, the raccoon is shown pilfering food and hiding. I can relate to Harrison's description of the raccoon. This nighttime creature has been spotted in my neighborhood for years. Each time a crafty rascal is spotted, he quickly returns to his home in the sewer system with his food loot. Before he reaches his destination, he topples over garbage pails leaving a mess for humans.



My Burning Questions for Author/Poet David L. Harrison:
Because I am curious about the why behind writing a children's book via the lens of poetry, I asked David L. Harrison, "How did you conjure up such an inventive collection of poems about what happens in the quiet of night?
The tone of a book needs to be set with the first words and maintained consistently throughout. And after I finish my work the artist must find that same groove and stay in it. My mood here, what I was feeling and wanting to convey to young readers, is that after dark is a busy time for wildlife. Creatures of the night open their eyes, sniff the air, and venture forth from nests, dens, and tunnels to begin their evening’s activities. The same is true of many kinds of insects, spiders, and scorpions. No matter where we live our nights are populated by a bustling community of creatures, many of them seldom observed by humans, especially young humans with early bedtimes. 
My approach was to show my respect for the individual creatures I chose to include and to fit my words to their own particular lifestyle. For the wolf I focused on a cub. You wild thing./You bouncy pup,/roughhousing/with your siblings. The cougar Pads on soft,/silent feet./Leaves few clues/to where he’s been. The screech owl, who doesn’t bother to build a nest, advises, Don’t waste effort/with twigs and thatch./They’re only eggs./They’re going to hatch. The slug poem needed to sound like a slug with its slow, sticky gait.  Along a path of slime/you softly flow. The firefly blinks around the yard looking for love.  Firefly flashes/polka dot the lawn./Blinker off…/Blinker on.

While dabbling in different poetic formats myself, I inquired, "Are all the poems in your book based on a specific format?"
Poetry ranges from doggerel to sublime. At its worst it should be shot on sight. At its best it protects our language and reminds writer and reader that every word has meaning and only the right one will do for the purpose at hand. Now and then when I finish a poem that works I sit back and brag on myself. I nod and smile and say, “That’s really good, Harrison. Way to go!” Most of the time that doesn’t happen. And some of the time I throw out the work and start again. In the end I wind up with a collection of offerings for my reader that include numerous poetic devices put there to make his or her experience more enjoyable and meaningful. I like interior rhyme, near rhyme, free verse, traditional formats -- couplets, triplets, ballads -- but sometimes I find myself in unknown (to me) territory when I’m looking for a unique way to express what I want to say. At such times I’m not sure if I’ve just invented a new form or stumbled across an existing one unknown to me. Either way, if it works, I go with it. 
In a Hurry is an example of a poem that will engage children with its rhyming format
and a title that is appropriately visualized through Laberis' illustration.

I encourage my 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter who loves books to talk about a book after a read aloud, so I asked David, "What would you like my little reader to take away from your fanciful collection of animal poems?  
Your granddaughter is going to love the pictures. Stephanie (Steph) Laberis is a gifted artist who also develops characters for animation. I hope your little one will follow the general gist of the poems though a fuller understanding may have to wait until she’s a bit older. Each time she hears the words, a little more of their meaning will be clearer. The wolf cub might grow up to be a leader. The raccoon looks adorable, but she is a sly old thief. We have much to learn from our fellow creatures so the younger we start thinking about them the better.
About the Author:
David L. Harrison, prolific poet and children's book author, stated in the Reader - The Journal of the Arkansas Reading Association, "Authors think: reader, reader, reader. How can I entice my reader to giggle? Think? Feel? Turn the page." The book, After Dark, Poems About Nocturnal Animals does this. Any child who loves to read will eagerly want to turn each page.

I look forward to sharing David L. Harrison's book, After Dark, with my granddaughter. I will travel to Virginia next week with the book in hand. After a read aloud of After Dark, Sierra will most likely point to each illustration and retell the story about the nocturnal animals she sees. Reading with a grandchild is special. 

Thank you for joining me for a sneak preview of David L. Harrison's After Dark. This book will provide children with the opportunity to engage in the act of reading while building a wealth of information and language.

Please follow the #AfterDarkBookTour. Many of the blog tour spots provide an opportunity to win a copy of After Dark like I am offering tonight. You have until Sunday, February 16 at 8 pm EST to enter the giveaway.  Be sure to include my handle or name when responding on social media so that you will be included in the raffle for a copy of the book.
Keep reading, #BooksMatter!


It's almost time for the Poetry Friday Roundup at Teacher Dance. Thank you to a wonderful writing colleague and poet, Linda Baie, for hosting. Enjoy all the poetic goodness awaiting you at Linda's blog site!

62 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read David's latest book. Thanks for featuring it here and for a chance to win.

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    1. Thanks, Rosi, for stopping by. I think you are really going to enjoy David's new children's picture book.

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  2. Carol, thank you for your wonderful review and support as I introduce AFTER DARK. This is one I'll want to return to and send others to read. Gratefully, David

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    1. David, you know that I really enjoyed writing this review and publicizing it. I also loved finding that photo of you and your grandsons. It is a wonderful accompaniment to the post. Watch for additional tweets throughout the weekend. I will announce the winner of the giveaway either on Sunday night (if I have time) or Monday.

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  3. Hi, Rosi. It's always good to see your name pop up. I hope things are well and good with you these days. All the best. David

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  4. Thanks for this review, Carol. David's book looks fabulous, as one would expect. I can't wait to see it in my own hands...

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  5. Hi, Karen. I appreciate your kind words. With fond memories of those poetry workshops at The Barn, David

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  6. This book looks so compelling visually, as well as in topic and form. I can see my newly-acquired 4-year-old granddaughter being thrilled to have it read to her! I especially loved all of Harrison’s insights and tips about writing: “ At its best [poetry] protects our language and reminds writer and reader that every word has meaning and only the right one will do for the purpose at hand.” Thank you for sharing this treasure!

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    1. Fran, I loved David's quote that you mentioned. It is one to ponder and maybe use in one of our slices. I think your granddaughter will love this book. Maybe you will be the winner of the giveaway book.

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    2. Hello, Fran, and thank you for your kind words. I'm having a fine time taking my first ever blog tour. My thanks to Kathy Temean, Carol, and the dozen others to come. Everyone had different questions so it kept me busy for some time responding to all of them.

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  7. I really love the way the poems capture the personality of the creatures, and the illustrations are adorable. I enjoyed reading David's answers to your questions. Thank you for this great post!

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    1. Linda, thanks for stopping by. I was very impressed with the way David answered my questions. I am adding your name to the giveaway list.

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    2. Hello, Linda! I'm so glad you visited Carol's great post and of course I'm delighted that you liked this glimpse into the book. If you see a whole copy, I hope it lives up to expectations. It was one of my favorites to write.

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  8. It's a marvelous review, Carol. You know I've read this, so don't put me in the drawing, but I love all the 'extras' you included, David's answers and that sweet picture of him with his grandchildren. I love the ideas of animals out 'on the town' when most of us are inside having our evenings, then bedtime. I'm sure kids will enjoy it immensely.

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    1. Linda, thanks for your comment. I appreciate the care you take in always responding to the Poetry Friday posts. Thank you for hosting today. I agree that children will love this book. I can't wait to share it with my granddaughter.

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    2. Hi, Linda. I agree that Carol did a wonderful job with her review. I'm feeling petted enough to purr.

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  9. As David already knows, I love sharing his poetry books with the elementary students I'm lucky to sub for! I've got kids excited and waiting for me to show up in their class with this book in my bag! His books always captivate the kids...and make them want more poetry! Yay!

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    1. I hope the person who wrote this will send me her name so I can include her in the giveaway. Thank you for responding and have fun captivating your students with David's new book.

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    2. Dear anonymous Su. You are always there for your kids and I love it when you give them poetry to sharpen their senses and encourage their involvement. I'm proud to know you. Hugs.

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    3. LOL! I'm glad I checked back on your blog, Carol! David made me laugh, because he KNEW this was from me!! susanhutchens@ymail.com

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  10. Thanks for the fun interview, Carol, and a peek at a couple of the gems inside After Dark. I love David's word choice in "No Fooling," Shaggy streak--that captures a night-time bandit perfectly!

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    1. Buffy, I agree with you about the right word choice in David's poems. Thank you for commenting. I will add your name to the giveaway.

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    2. Thank you, Buffy. We've had our share of run-ins with raccoons around Goose Lake. Bandits indeed!

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  11. Thanks so much for the sneak peek into After Dark. The poems and illustrations work beautifully together. I, too, love the "shaggy streak" of that cagey raccoon. (I'm pretty sure I've seen it around here a few times, absconding with blocks of suet or emptying the feeders!) I also thoroughly enjoyed David's reflective responses to your thoughtful questions. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this book (but no nighttime thievery for me! lol).

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    1. I'm so glad you like the interview. Carol asked provocative questions and I had to work through my thoughts before responding. I'm in her debt.

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    2. Molly, I was very impressed with the way David L. Harrison answered my questions. I especially liked his quote on poetry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the rascal bandit in your neighborhood.

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  12. This is definitely one for my granddaughter's bookshelf. I always give her a basket of books for Easter, and this one needs to be included. Thank you for sharing this with us, Carol.

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    1. Good morning, Kimberly, and thank you for your kind words about AFTER DARK. I hope your granddaughter has fun with the book. She'll love the pictures for sure. Stephanie's details bring the eye back again and again.

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    2. Kimberly, I thought I had sent you a response but it must not have gone through. I think your granddaughter will love David's book. I like the idea of giving your granddaughter a basket of books for Easter. I usually bring Sierra books every time I visit.

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  13. Thank you for sharing! Have you seen the Netflix series "Earth at Night" (I think that's what it is called). It follows various animals through the night using super photo sensitive cameras showing their world. Amazing and beautiful and scary.

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    1. That series sounds truly amazing, Tim. Thanks for sharing. I have not seen it. Enjoy your Valentine Day. I am including you in the giveaway raffle.

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    2. Hi, Tim, and thank you for leaving your tip about "Earth at Night." I've seen bits and pieces of what I think you are talking about. I love that sort of thing too.

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  14. A terrific review! Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. And thank you for being one of the hosts on the tour. I'm eager for yours!

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    2. Thank you, Linda, for joining. I look forward to other posts to add to the excitement of David's new book.

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  15. I have loved David Harrison's work for a long time, can't wait to see this new book! And I always love actually hearing from the poet! Thanks for the terrific interview!

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    1. Thank you, Carol! I hope you like the full book if you get a copy. It's one of my favorite projects.

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    2. Carol, thanks for stopping by. You will be impressed with David's book as I am.

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  16. Thanks for sharing this. I went straight away and added it to my want to read list. I will have to track down and read some of David Harrison's other work!

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    1. My dear Cheriee, I love it when you talk like that! Many thanks.

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    2. As a librarian, you will be able to influence many others to read David's book, Cheriee. Thank for stopping by.

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  17. From Jan Godown Annino who is having trouble leaving this comment:

    David L. Harrison's light-up word pictures are an eye-smiling match for Stephanie Laberis' artistic vision of after-dark wild animal adventures. AFTER DARK will bring families out into the night for some wonderings and wanderings and in inclement weather, reading the book will excite interest in what's flying, crawling, sneaking about.
    Although I'm exempting myself from the book drawing, I so much love this team's work. Such a beautiful eye-Valentine to find here, dear Carol.

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    1. Jan, I am sorry that you had difficulty adding your comment. As you asked, I added it above. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I like that you indicate a family outing into the night to explore animal life. It would prove interesting and might even provide a sneak peek of what goes on after dark. I know when my children were little, we tried to get a glimpse of the neighborhood raccoon and now everyone is fascinated by the feral cats.

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    2. Dear Jan, I hope you are right about the book drawing family interest toward spending time outdoors after the sun goes down. Sitting silently under the stars on a calm evening never fails to bring treasured moment to remember.

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  18. Thank you for sharing this new book and your wonderful review. I love the night time, and I love that picture and poem with the raccoon!

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    1. David L. Harrison's new book has a great deal to love about it, Leigh Anne. Thanks for joining me here.

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    2. Leigh Anne, I agree with you about Carol's review of my new book. I am most grateful to her and to everyone who has been leaving such encouraging comments.

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  19. This is going to be a book readers fall in love with!

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    1. I totally agree with you, Mary Lee. I can't wait to share this book with my granddaughter.

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    2. Dear Mary, I love it when you talk like that!

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    1. Thank you, Ruth. It was a pleasure to write and I love Stephanie Laberis's illustrations.

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    2. Ruth, thank you for joining me and yes, David's book is a really great choice for classroom libraries. I am wondering what type of nocturnal animals are in Haiti?

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  21. Wonderful review and interview, Carol! One of the things I especially appreciated from your Q&A with David was when he gave specific examples of how his chosen words respected the individuality of each animal. There's nothing worse, IMHO, than a themed anthology where all the poems sound alike!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle,
      My HO agrees with yours. If a poet is unwilling to put in the effort it takes to create an entertaining variety of forms, he is showing a disregard for the needs of his reader.

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    2. Michelle, thank you for sharing your comment here. I appreciated the way David presented his story of the nocturnal animals. Each poem he took great care in giving us a look into the nighttime creature in a realistic but lyrical way.

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  22. Thanks Carol for this rich peek inside David's new and fascinating book! I loved hearing about all the different poetry forms he uses and sometimes stumbles upon. I'll be sharing a review of his book this Thursday morning.

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    1. Michelle, I look forward to reading your book review of David's new book. You certainly have a wealth of poetry and a variety of illustrations to draw thoughts for writing a blog post.

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    2. Hi, Michelle,
      I'm so glad you also hosted a stop on my tour. Many thanks for your time and talent!

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  23. Thanks for this interview, Carol. I especially liked hearing what David has to say about poetry--from the worst to the well-versed.

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    1. Hi, Jane,
      What a fine time I've had at every stop along this tour. Thank you so much for being one of them and for your wonderful support of AFTER DARK.

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