Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord. MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! … More Patricia’s Vision
Here’s another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Laura Wheeler Waring spoke through her art, painting people she saw in her life but absent from galleries. Nancy Churnin’s latest picture book, gorgeously illustrated by Felicia Marshall, tells how Waring persevered to find her place in the art world. NANCY CHURNIN … More Beautiful Shades of Brown
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is the story behind a photograph, a great example of how “a picture is worth a thousand words.” After seeing a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, author Vivian Kirkfield dug into the story of a special friendship and found a way to share that with kids. Title: Making Their … More Making Their Voices Heard
You’ll have to wait until October 13 for the book, but since today is a special day—my dad’s 93rd birthday—it seems a perfect day to share the cover of “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES: HOW JAMES KELLY’S NOSE SAVED THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY. Though my father doesn’t have an extraordinary nose, he’s a … More Cover Reveal! “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses
In anticipation for NF Fest coming up in February, author Lisa Amstutz gives us a peek into the thought processes involved in digging out the heart of science. Thank you, Lisa! Finding the Heart of Science I’ve enjoyed reading the posts here on mining for heart – so many helpful ideas! As a (mostly) science … More Mining for Heart: “Finding the Heart of Science” by Lisa Amstutz
As promised, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, author of The Oldest Student, is here to share a bit from “behind the scenes” in the publishing process. Authors are often in a quandary about illustration notes, so here are some thoughts from Rita on her experience with her latest picture book. Notes from THE OLDEST STUDENT: What I … More Behind the Scenes: Rita Lorraine Hubbard on “Illustration Notes”
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is truly a treasure—the story of Mary Walker’s 121 years of perseverance, all the while holding onto her dream to learn how to read. Don’t miss it! And come back next Friday to hear from author, Rita Lorraine Hubbard. A momentary pause here to congratulate PATRICIA NOZELL, the winner from last … More The Oldest Student
Vivian Kirkfield had a tremendous 2019 with three books releasing, and she’s off to a busy 2020! Like the women she writes about in MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD, she has found her voice and is making it heard in the kid lit world! Writing a story with two main characters, means not only connecting the … More Mining for Heart: “The Voice of Heart” by Vivian Kirkfield
I have to say, I couldn’t have made it to published without the collective knowledge and generosity of the kid lit village. Big thanks to all those who share their experience and create forums for learning! THE VILLAGE OF WRITERS –NF FEST by Pat Miller I couldn’t have published six fiction picture books by myself. … More Behind the Scenes: “The Village of Writers —NF Fest” by Pat Miller
Maps! I love maps! I’m a word nerd and a map nerd, so can’t resist sharing this beauty for Perfect Picture Book Friday. It’s the evolution of an island, the collision of man and nature. Fascinating! I spent some time poring over old maps of Manhattan as I worked on Lizzie Demands a Seat, so … More Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 