Children's Writer
As we prepare to turn the page and open 2017, take a stroll back in time with some classic children’s books. Writers agonize over first lines, and for good reason. Beginnings are hard. Within them, there is the promise of a story. Some introduce the conflict, some the characters, others an odd tidbit tempting you … More Beginnings
Celebrate science in 2017! … More Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects
Perfect Picture Book Friday: One Word from Sophia … More One Word From Sophia
Many agents and editors say they are looking for stories with heart, but what does “heart” really mean? Why does it matter to your story? And how does it impact your journey to publication? … More Mining for Heart: An Agent’s Point of View
Some Fridays, I share middle grade titles. Others, I share picture books. Today, I offer a special combo – a middle grade biography filled with pictures. Check it out! Title: Some Writer! The Story of E.B.White Written and Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet Hougton Miflin Harcourt, biography 2016, 176 pp. Suitable for ages: 7-10 Lexile: 1030 … More Some Writer!
Perfect Picture Book Friday is back with The Lion Inside, a tale that inspires empathy and courage. … More The Lion Inside
In this month’s Mining for Heart, Cindy Reeg shares her process of creating characters with heart. … More Mining for Heart: “Making Monsters Who Matter” by Cynthia Reeg
Just released! Middle grade monster mayhem! Title: From the Grave Written by: Cynthia Reeg Release date October 18, 2016 Suitable for ages: 9-12 Juvenile fiction, fantasy, humor Themes/topics: belonging, tolerance, monsters Opening: Shocktober 13, Year of the Scrull Moanday morning, with all its determined drear, crept upon me with silent, somber feet. It settled heavy … More From the Grave
Time for class pictures? Smile pretty! Let those pearly whites shine! Title: Tooth by Tooth, Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers Written by: Sara Levine Illustrated by: T.S. Spookytooth Millbrook Press/ Lerner, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4-10 Lexile: 820 Themes/topics: teeth, animals, mammals Opening: Open Wide! Look at all those chompers in there. Mammal teeth … More Tooth by Tooth
An incredibly interesting and engaging book… Title: Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras Written and illustrated by: Duncan Tonatiuh Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015, biography, 40 pages Suitable for ages: 6-10 (and older) Themes/topics: art, Mexico, Day of the Dead Opening: Skeletons riding bicycles…skeletons wearing fancy hats…skeletons dancing and strumming … More Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 