Meet the Author! Hezreen Abdul Rashid!

Meet children's author, Hezreen Abdul Rashid.

She is from Kuala Lumpur and loves the outdoors. Hezreen is an author, writer, teacher and student. Her first published book is called, Hassan & Hussein: The Riddle of 22 Lane.
It was published this year!!!!Congratulations, Hezreen!!!

 Today, Hezreen will share her Fab Five with us.

What is your favorite color?

Favourite colour crayon: red. It's the brightest and most cheerful colour. Whenever I see a rainbow, red is the first colour I notice.

What is your favorite book?

Road Dahl; Charlie and the chocolate Factory. Never got bored reading it.

Where is your favorite writing spot?

Favourite writing spot; my study area upstairs. There is a window and I get to see the lush football field in front of my house. It's scenic especially after it rains, the birds come out and the air is so clear!

What is the funniest thing you have ever done?

The funniest thing I have ever done happened during secondary school. We had to practice for the opening ceremony of a sport's event; it was a dance performance. There were at least 400 of us performing during a rehearsal one afternoon on a muddy field. I was enjoying the rehearsal, until I slipped and slid on the mud in full view of the audience! I was embarrassed, yes, but luckily I escaped unhurt.

What is your favorite food?

Favourite food; difficult question since I live in Malaysia. It has to be Laksa Johor. It's rich fish gravy with a lot of condiments and herbs, and we eat it with spaghetti! 

Recommended Picture Book: You're All My Favorite by Sam McBratney

Title: You’re All My Favorite

Author: Sam McBratney

Illustrator: Anita Jeram

Publisher: Candlewick Press, December 1, 2008 (Board Book Edition)

Age: 2 - 5

Topic: Insecurities of children, Family bonds, Parental love and reassurances, Uniqueness and Individuality.

Opening: Once upon a time there was a mother bear, a father bear, and three baby bears. A first baby bear. A second baby bear. And a third baby bear.

Book Summary: Mommy and Daddy Bear convince three worried cubs that there's plenty of love to go around in this comforting tale

Resources:
Activity: make a family portrait. Discuss the qualities of every member of the house that makes them special and loved in their own way.

Why I Like This Book:
This is a quiet, warm and gentle tale of reassurance that no matter what, you are loved. It is hard to convince children that they are all special and loved equally by their parents. This book in a way helps parents to reassure their questioning little ones they are all special, all loved and all can be their parents’ favorite for their uniqueness and individuality.

Recommended Picture Book: Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

Title: Too Many Tamales

Author: Gary Soto

Illustrator: Ed Martinez

Publisher: Puffin, August 8, 1996

Age: 4-8 

Topic: Cooking, Ceremony and Tradition, Extended Families, Mexican and Mexican American

Christmas, Problem Solving, Taking Responsibility for Mistakes.

Opening: Snow drifted through the streets and now that it was dusk, Christmas trees glittered in the windows.

Summary: Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get-together. Panic ensues when, hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.

Resources: Find a discussion guide for the book here. Too Many Tamales writing prompt. Find a teacher's guide for the book here filled with fun activities that include art, writing and language, math and cooking, games and more.

Why I Like the Book:

Too Many Tamales teaches children the meaning of being responsible for their mistakes. It teaches problem solving and team work.It reinforces the importance of being truthful and honest. It does all of this in a warm and gentle manner that is not overly pushy and with humor as well.