Beth Anderson

Behind the Scenes: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin! You’re Quite a Character!

January 17, 2019

Have you heard complaints about the deterioration of the language? How kids don’t learn cursive anymore? How texting is ruinous? Well, it’s nothing new! Today, in honor of Ben Franklin’s 313th birthday, I’d like to invoke a birthday Festivus and air his grievances. Ben Franklin is a historical rock star with his endless curiosity, sharp wit, … More Behind the Scenes: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin! You’re Quite a Character!

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?

January 11, 2019

Barbara Jordan always impressed me as a phenomenal woman. She inspired reverence and awe and spoke to something deep inside. Such dignity and resolution. There are hardly words for her. But Chris Barton found the words, and Ekua Holmes has created such magnificent and complex illustrations. This is a picture book is big and bold … More What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?

This Promise of Change

January 4, 2019

Every once in a while I like to include a recommendation for middle grade books. I haven’t featured one in a while, so when the publisher offered to send me a copy of THIS PROMISE OF CHANGE for review, I welcomed the opportunity. This is an important book for young readers anytime. May we all … More This Promise of Change

Teach Your Giraffe to Ski

December 14, 2018

It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s the perfect book for little ones ready to hit the slopes! Title: Teach Your Giraffe to Ski Written by: Viviane Elbee Illustrated by: Danni Gowdy Whitman 2018 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: skiing, learning something new Opening: Uh-oh. It’s snowing and your giraffe wants you to teach … More Teach Your Giraffe to Ski

Mining for Heart: “The Metaphor” by Jessie Oliveros

December 7, 2018

Having experienced loved ones struggling with memory loss in my own family, Jessie Oliveros’ debut picture book, THE REMEMBER BALLOONS, really touched my heart. It’s clear that this story came straight from her own experience, but how does a writer convey an abstract concept like memory loss and make it comprehensible to children? Thank … More Mining for Heart: “The Metaphor” by Jessie Oliveros

Douglas, You’re a Genius!

November 30, 2018

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s one of my new favorites that’s layered with fun. Title: Douglas, You’re a Genius! Written and illustrated by: Ged Adamson Schwartz and Wade 2018 Suitable for ages: 3-7 Themes/topics: STEM, ingenuity, cooperation, perseverance Opening: Nancy and Douglas were playing ball in the backyard, when Nancy hit one too hard. … More Douglas, You’re a Genius!

Behind the Scenes: Out-Takes from An Inconvenient Alphabet

November 23, 2018

This is the second in a new series I hope to grow – about what goes on “behind the scenes” in writing for children. If you put together all the writing that’s done for a picture book, it would be enough for a novel. All the revisions. All the cuts. Ideas tried and dumped. Information … More Behind the Scenes: Out-Takes from An Inconvenient Alphabet

The Diamond and the Boy

November 16, 2018

A few weeks ago, author Hannah Holt shared her process of finding the heart of this story in my blog series “Mining for Heart.” Now, here’s a look at this gem of a picture book. And don’t miss the epic giveaway going on – details below. Title: The Diamond and the Boy: The Creation of … More The Diamond and the Boy

Of Home and Gratitude

November 12, 2018

What a perfect time of year! What a perfect place! What a thrill to do my first school visit where my writing journey began – at Woodview Elementary School in Grayslake, IL! Last Friday, while visiting family in the area, I returned to the school where I attended 2nd through 5th grade, oh so long … More Of Home and Gratitude

Mining for Heart: “Plucking Heart Strings with Word Choice” by Vivian Kirkfield

November 2, 2018

Vivian Kirkfield has a really big year coming up in 2019! I had to nab her now to share her process of ‘Mining for Heart’ before she takes off on her trip hopping across the globe and gets too busy with multiple book launches! Thank you, Vivian, for your thoughts on heart as the emotional … More Mining for Heart: “Plucking Heart Strings with Word Choice” by Vivian Kirkfield

Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Reader, Writer, Miner of Moments

Author: Beth Anderson