Especially for Educators: “A Treasure Trove for Teaching Writing” by Julie Danneberg

February 4, 2022

Julie Danneberg’s post has inspired me to add a NEW CATEGORY to my blog! From the start, my intent with this blog was to offer quality content for kid lit creators, and also for educators. So many of us kid lit people are/were educators inspired to write by our experiences in the classroom. Much of … More Especially for Educators: “A Treasure Trove for Teaching Writing” by Julie Danneberg

Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

January 28, 2022

It’s truly special when I get to share a post from an illustrator who brought my words to life on the page. The illustration process is fascinating to me! I’m so grateful for Susan Reagan’s gorgeous work. And for her willingness to share a piece of her process here—the cover! The crucial cover! Think about how … More Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

January 21, 2022

Writing expository nonfiction has its own challenges, and finding “heart” may be one of them. Julie Danneberg shares her approach to this genre and how she brings it home to middle grade readers. Her post might send you directly to your closet! Don’t miss Julie’s GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

January 14, 2022

Even when YOU are part of the story, research can be a challenge. Kathlyn Kirkwood shares a few of the ups and downs she experienced in the research phase of her debut book, AIN’T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME ‘ROUND: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day. This middle-grade memoir about her teen … More Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

Mining for Heart: “Hearts Longing to be Free” by Selene Castrovilla

January 3, 2022

After a bit of a lull, I have lots to share in the new year! If you’re a regular reader, you know I love little-known stories from past. So let’s start with an important new-to-me piece of history— and a giveaway! I appreciate the deeper, more complete understanding of our past these overlooked stories offer, … More Mining for Heart: “Hearts Longing to be Free” by Selene Castrovilla

The Gravity Tree

December 3, 2021

Here’s a book I’ve been wanting to see… And after seeing it, I had to share it for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Anyone who knows me is probably aware that I am a lover of trees. And fascinated by history. So putting those together in a picture book is pretty irresistible! I hope you’ll check … More The Gravity Tree

Behind the Scenes: “Connecting to Characters” by Kirsti Call

November 26, 2021

Today I welcome back author Kirsti Call to share a bit about creating COLD TURKEY, her latest picture book. I truly think authors put a bit of themselves in the characters they create. In my case, working with historical figures, I always find a bit of myself in them. That author connection can serve a … More Behind the Scenes: “Connecting to Characters” by Kirsti Call

“Not Just for Little Kids: Five Reasons to Use Picture Books with Older Students” by Carolee Dean

November 12, 2021

I firmly believe that picture books aren’t just for little kids. And also that they’re not just for Language Arts classrooms. As a teacher, I LOVED using picture books with a wide range of ages for a wide range of skills. Picture books are magical in so many ways and open the door to a … More “Not Just for Little Kids: Five Reasons to Use Picture Books with Older Students” by Carolee Dean

Cover Reveal! Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

October 29, 2021

I was a kid blessed with a father who had a workshop—a section of the basement with work benches, tools, hardware, and LOTS of scraps! I could go down there to create, experiment, and “invent” (crude versions of things that had already been invented). I distinctly remember a stirring device I built with a crank … More Cover Reveal! Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes

October 15, 2021

My sister was the one who loved horses in my family. A pair of disgruntled ponies instilled a wariness in me, but as an adult, I appreciate the beauty and power of horses. Jennifer Thermes’ new picture book HORSE POWER: HOW HORSES CHANGED THE WORLD caught my eye after I had spent time thoroughly enjoying … More Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes