Children's Writer
Thank you, Cathy Ballou Mealey, for sharing your process in writing WHEN A TREE GROWS. Besides the quest for heart, Cathy gives us a peek into how she worked out the unique structure for her concept. As I began writing WHEN A TREE GROWS, I envisioned a series of calamitous, connected events that would be … More Mining for Heart: “Start with the Heart!” by Cathy Ballou Mealey
Stardust! We are made of stardust! What a mind-boggling concept! Today’s Perfect Picture Book takes a complex topic, makes it beautifully simple, and aims it straight at the heart. Amazing! Title: The Stuff of Stars Written by: Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by: Ekua Holmes Candlewick 2018 Suitable for ages: 5-10 Themes/topics: universe, nature, stardust Opening: … More The Stuff of Stars
There are so many recent wonderful picture books about kindness and gifts from the heart. Here are three that stand out to me as having actionable examples we can bring to our own lives. Title: Emma’s Gems Written by: Anne Renaud Illustrated by: Leanne Franson Peanut Butter Press 2019 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: kindness, … More 3 Picture Books—3 Kinds of Gifts
A big THANK YOU to Sarah Jane Abbott, associate editor at Simon and Schuster, for sharing her thoughts today on Mining for Heart. I love opportunities to get a peek into the editorial process and learn how editors see and evaluate manuscripts. Tips for Writing a Picture Book with a Mission I’m a firm believer … More Mining for Heart: “Tips for Writing a Picture Book with a Mission” by Sarah Jane Abbott
Take a magical trip to the New York Public Library for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a touching tale of stories, loved ones, precious memories, and the magical power of the library lions that stand guard in the front.. Title: The Night Library Written by: David Zeltser Illustrated by: Raul Colón Random House 2019 Suitable for … More The Night Library
Last week, Dow Phumiruk shared her illustration process for Titan and the Wild Boars. This week, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, learn more about this outstanding new book. Title: Titan and the Wild Boars, The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team Written by: Susan Hood and Pathana Sornhiran Illustrated by: Dow Phumiruk Harper Collins … More Titan and the Wild Boars
Today I welcome the amazing Dow Phumiruk to share what goes on “behind the scenes” for illustrators. Dow writes and illustrates multiple books each year. And this project presented several challenges – time -wise, emotionally, creatively. Thank you, Dow, for taking the time to share your experiences! The process of illustrating a picture book is … More Behind the Scenes: Illustrating Titan and the Wild Boars by Dow Phumiruk
If you’re a kidlit writer and aren’t familiar with KidLit 411, you need to check out their website. It’s hands-down the site with the most and best info on a plethora of topics for writers. There’s a FaceBook group, too. And a bonus to all this goodness – lots of giveaways! I recently got lucky. … More Her Fearless Run
Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out. Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg
Elizabeth Brown found the heart of her story by examining how her character overcame obstacles. What pulled her through? How did that perseverance manifest itself? Then, how could the author thread that through her story for children? Today we dig deep into DANCING THROUGH FIELDS OF COLOR: THE STORY OF HELEN FRANKENTHALER by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated … More Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 