It’s not often Third Coast Review gets a chance to review children’s books. Luckily, Chicagoland author JB Frank has given us a fantastic reason to do just that. somewhere in town and Count on me 1 2 3 are Frank’s new children’s books and, obviously, are the first to come.
Published by Familius, these charming stories reflect the author’s sense of family and fantasy.
somewhere in town is the delightful story of a little girl who anxiously awaits her father’s return from work. She can’t wait to hear his voice. As her dad comes home from the office, Lucy picks up all the sounds and sights of her street, from the baker baking delicious treats to a worker cleaning the floor of the grocery store. Lu Yeng’s illustrations of Lucy and her father “in town” are exceptionally well done and bring Frank’s words to life.
In my recent chat with Frank, (full disclosure, we’ve been friends for 35 years), she explained the significance of this sweet story.
“I was the third eldest in a family of 14, and I vividly remember walking to the bus stop to greet my dad on his way home from work. I never understood what was actually doing, but I was looking forward to seeing it. In my book, Lucy just doesn’t sleep until her father arrives. And he’s just as eager to rush home to read a story at the lay down and tuck her in,” she explained.
Frank’s other book, Count on me 1 2 3, is a colorful board book celebrating the people and characters that children can count on. From 10 to 1, each page is filled with adorable hero images for kids to admire. From firefighters and teachers to grandparents and siblings, the book engages the child with catchy messages and ends with a surprise. 
Win a free autographed copy of each book. Simply comment below why you would like to have an autographed copy of either book. Be creative and be sure to include your email address! You could be the lucky winner of one of these charming books.
The author, a Chicago native who now lives in Barrington, has spent most of her career as an award-winning television producer. Yet she has always had a passion for children and writing and has published several short stories over the years. After earning an MA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University, she decided to write prose for young children.
“Writing for children is so rewarding. They are little sponges, absorbing all the information around them. While it can be difficult to find the right tone and imagery for toddlers, it’s exhilarating when you do. The beauty of books like mine and so many others is that parents or caregivers can connect on a special level with children by reading to them. I can still hear my father’s voice as he read to me every night.
somewhere in town and Count on me 123 are ideal for holiday gifts. They are available at local bookstores, on Amazon, Workman Publishing and through JB Frank. Frank is also available for school readings and can be reached through his website.
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