I’ve found that I really enjoy exploring structure as a writer. Readers experience all kinds of text structures, but they seldom have a chance to learn all the planning and puzzling involved in the process of writing. Here, author Keely Parrack gives us a peek behind the scenes at how MORNING, SUNSHINE came to be. … More Behind the Scenes: “Puzzling Out a Picture Book” with Keely Parrack
Celebrate Children’s Book Week with characters from the past! People like you and me, facing life’s challenges. In the midst of this pandemic, living our own piece of history, we can all benefit from learning how others persisted through difficult times. Pictured are six new picture books to inspire children. And there are many more! … More Children’s Book Week 2020!
A picture book takes longer than most people think….and longer than an author may think…so I love this post from Laura Perdew who persevered with this story, pulling it out of the drawer to let it evolve over time with new learning and realizations. So for all of you out there with manuscripts in the … More Behind the Scenes: “The Writing Journey” by Laura Perdew
2020 is a big year for Nancy Churnin with two picture book releases! How does she decide what subjects are worth pursuing through months of research and revision? Read on to learn about Nancy’s process when she discovers a fascinating person from the past… “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin People often … More Behind the Scenes: “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s an irresistible new fiction picture book that will dig deeper into your heart every time you read it. Title: When the Babies Came to Stay Written by: Christine McDonnell Illustrated by: Jeanette Bradley Viking, PRH 2020, fiction Suitable for ages: 2-5 Themes/topics: adoption, acceptance, community Opening: The first … More When the Babies Came to Stay
Last week I shared Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Ropedancer, and this week you get to hear from the author, Lisa Robinson. The journey a story takes from idea to out-in-the-world is always interesting. I often think a manuscript teaches us something we need as we work through the story and get to know the character. Madam Saqui’s keep … More Behind the Scenes: “One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui” by Lisa Robinson
What child hasn’t pretended to be a circus performer? Taming lions! Walking tightropes! Flying on the trapeze! Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, in the center ring, all the way from France, in the midst of a revolution, with captivating illustrations and the wonder of well-chosen words….I give you Madame Saqui! Title: Madame Saqui: Revolutionary … More Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer
Oh, such a special treat today! It just so happens that the Books Brothers are off of school and have time to share some of their thoughts about books. First I asked about any favorite picture books. Paxton, age 8, says that funny ones are his favorites. Some of the titles he’s read over and … More Introducing the Books Brothers!
Stories begin in all sorts of places, and often, I think, they begin with an emotional reaction to something we see or hear. Thank you, Julie Abery, for sharing how YUSRA SWIMS came to be. Thank you so much, Beth, for inviting me on your blog to share my debut picture book biography, Yusra Swims … More Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery
Each manuscript I’ve tackled has brought new lessons in the research process, so it’s always helpful when I get to learn from someone else’s experience. In this guest post, Kirsten Larson shares some “Behind the Scenes” learning from the research process for her debut picture book, WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE. Straight … More Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 