
Children’s Book Review: Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles
Children's Book Review: Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles
Do you love, love, love noodles?
Come along and join one little noodle-lover on a hilarious, noodley, noodle adventure!
This poetic, imaginative, irresistible story will have you laughing out loud and craving — you guessed it — noodles!
Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles, winner of the 2020 Kids Bookshelf Books Cover Design Award by Cindy Grant and illustrated by Katie Weaver, is a silly rhyming children’s book about a girl named Charli who loves noodles! This children’s book takes young readers on an awesome adventure with Charli as she talks about all of the kinds of noodles she loves. Including Alphabets, Macaroni and Cheese, Fettuccine, and much more. This charming, hilarious, imaginative story is the perfect read-aloud book for children and lovers of noodles!
In this book, children will learn the names and characteristics of all kinds of noodles in a fun and exciting way as they read it. The author also sneaks in pronunciations of each noodle featured to help build children’s vocabulary of these yummy noodley noodles. This book is also a great way to engage children in a discussion about noodles and how each noodle looks and how they are the same and different. “What noodle do you like?” “Why?” “Is it short or long?”
Cindy Grant includes a delicious Spaghetti and Meatball recipe at the end of the story that you can make with your kiddos after reading this children’s book. Because what kid doesn’t like to help make dinner?!
I love the illustrations in this children’s book. The artwork by illustrator, Katie Weaver, is colorful, appealing, and filled with plenty of humorous detail. My children and I had so much fun reading this book. The witty, vibrant illustrations, coupled with the funny rhyming text from the book, make this the perfect book to read.
Why and How to Use it With Your Kids
- Great gift to give a child of any age.
- Use along side a noodle-fun word find!
- Use in a variety of settings including at home and in classrooms.
- Use alongside Charli’s favorite noodle-activities and recipes.
Where Can I Find "Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles"?
You can find Children’s book, Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy (Ninni) Grant HERE.
About the Author, Cindy (Ninni) Grant
“Cindy (Ninni) Grant is a former Kindergarten teacher with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After many years of reading aloud to her four sons and many little ones, Ninni dreamed of writing a silly rhyming children’s book of her own to share with others. That dream came true in this, her debut project. When she’s not writing her next book, you can find Ninni boating and floating with her very supportive husband.”
Rapid Fire with Cindy (Ninni) Grant
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Cindy: My vision of writing goes back thirty-four years. I wrote my Master’s thesis on “ How to Publish a Children’s Book.” I thought I’d write a children’s book called “Oodles and Oodles of Noodles.” I knew it would be about a little kid who loved noodles. It was set aside as I taught Kindergarten, raised our four sons, and had a daycare home for teacher’s kids. One day, one of my sons asked me if I ever thought about finally writing my book. So, here I am.
Q. What does your family think of your writing?
Cindy: My husband and sons are as excited as I am. I know they couldn’t be prouder. They have been on this writing journey right along with me, from the first manuscript to all the edits, and the sketches and the final illustrations. Their feedback and participation means the world to me.
Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?
Cindy: That not only was I now a writer and a published author, but part of a wonderful writing community. I have made new friends who support and root me on. This has become my new tribe.
Q. What does your creative process look like?
Cindy: My writing process is old fashioned. I write ideas and thoughts down in notebooks. I wrote my first manuscript with a pen and paper. When it’s time for editing, I transfer it to the computer so the editor and I can exchange information. Technology and I don’t see eye-to-eye.
Q. What advice do you have for new writers?
Cindy: I would tell a new writer to read everything they can find about the industry, to take notes, take classes, and watch podcasts. Building a tribe of fellow writers who will offer support and guidance as you work through the writing process is important. But, most of all, I would tell a new writer to have fun, keep going, and never give up.
Q. What do you love most about the writing process?
Cindy: I love the creativity! How the littlest thing, like a noodle, can become a story full of imagination that children enjoy. I find myself looking at everything differently now. Ideas pop into my head all the time. Magic is everywhere! Life is full of pastabilities!
Q. What inspires you as a writer?
Cindy: Kids inspire me to write. I love how they find joy in the simplest things and how they use their imagination to enter into fantasy worlds and adventures. I want to continue to enrich children through reading books that become a treasured part of their day.
Q. What do you love most about being an author?
Cindy: I love watching children laugh, learn, and grow from reading my book. I love watching their feelings as they react to the story. It makes me happy that I wrote something that brings them joy and that they want to read it over and over again.
Q. Tell us about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Cindy: My vision is to continue writing Charli books that are fun, diverse, and educational for children around the world to enjoy. I’ve always loved reading fun, silly, rhyming books to young children. These are what I want to continue to write for years to come.
Q. What do you do when you’re not writing?
Cindy: Seven months out of the year, I live in a marina on a 30 -year- old boat with my hubby. That’s where I write. I love the water! It’s good for the soul! And, the perpetual lullaby of the boat’s rocking is super relaxing. I also love riding my bike and visiting with friends and family.
Don't Forget To Join Cindy on Social Media!
About the Illustrator, Katie Weaver
“Katie Weaver has always had a love for art. Since childhood, she has had an artist’s heart and an entrepreneurial mind. Weaver has always found herself in creative fields from sculpting and designing cakes that are too pretty to eat, to designing and executing large scale events and weddings, to selling artwork, of all types. Recently, she has taken on a new interest and love for children’s books where she uses her passion for art to tell a story through her creative illustrations. This book is her first pride and joy. When Weaver’s not illustrating, she’s chasing after her four sons, spending time with her husband, working on home projects, and dreaming of the art she will create next. “
A little more about Katie Weaver
Q. What process takes place in creating your artwork?
Katie: When I first started working with Cindy, I asked her to describe her main character to me. Once I had a good idea of what she had in mind, I started to draw several variations of the character until I landed on one we both loved. (Then Cindy changed her main character to a girl, so I started over again with the “new Charli”- haha!).
As part of the character development phase, I drew Charli in various positions, with different emotions, etc. Once I felt comfortable with Charli at all angles, I started to “storyboard” the book and sketched each full-page-spread in detail, using my iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate, for Cindy to approve. Then, in photoshop and using my MacBook Pro and Wacom Screen Tablet, I traced over each sketch with color and slowly added detail, one shadow, and highlight at a time!
Q. Which page was the most fun to illustrate?
Katie: It’s not every day that you get to draw a dog pooping – I think that was probably the most fun. I also love Charli the most on that spread as she giggled and rolled on the floor, laughing at Noodle pooping a noodle log.
Q. Did you draw as a child?
Katie: I did! I actually used to draw digitally, too… but, without the proper equipment, I improvised by using my computer mouse and Microsoft Paint! Once, I drew the entire cast of Winnie the Pooh using only my mouse and the Paint program. I remember vividly telling my mom that day that I wanted to grow up and become a children’s book artist or movie animator.
Q. How did you start your career as an illustrator?
Katie: Years ago, I owned a high-end wedding trade show called Capital Bridal Affair. Through the process of advertising for the show, I discovered how fascinating Photoshop is and decided I would learn how to use it myself. After about five years of teaching myself how to use the program, I heard of digital tablets and how professionals use them to make their workflow faster – so I wanted one!
I bought one and immediately fell in love with drawing on the screen… this was less than a year ago. I started by drawing simple things… a strawberry, then a turtle.. then a cute elephant. At some point, I decided I wanted to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator and realized that it would be difficult to find someone willing to hire me without already having done a book. So, I decided I would write my own book and illustrate it. But, before I got too far into illustrating my book, I met Cindy, who was kind (and brave) enough to give me a chance!
Q. Where can we find you online?
Katie: I have a small online presence – www.ALittleOffbeat.com. If you’re brave enough to visit my corner of the internet, you’ll quickly discover that I do a little bit of everything and try to have fun with everything I do. <3
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Cindy (Ninni) Grant in exchange for an honest review.
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