Mining for Heart: “Tips for Writing a Picture Book with a Mission” by Sarah Jane Abbott

July 5, 2019

A big THANK YOU to Sarah Jane Abbott, associate editor at Simon and Schuster, for sharing her thoughts today on Mining for Heart. I love opportunities to get a peek into the editorial process and learn how editors see and evaluate manuscripts.  Tips for Writing a Picture Book with a Mission I’m a firm believer … More Mining for Heart: “Tips for Writing a Picture Book with a Mission” by Sarah Jane Abbott

The Night Library

June 28, 2019

Take a magical trip to the New York Public Library for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a touching tale of stories, loved ones, precious memories, and the magical power of the  library lions that stand guard in the front..   Title: The Night Library Written by: David Zeltser Illustrated by: Raul Colón Random House 2019 Suitable for … More The Night Library

Behind the Scenes: Illustrating Titan and the Wild Boars by Dow Phumiruk

June 7, 2019

Today I welcome the amazing Dow Phumiruk to share what goes on “behind the scenes” for illustrators. Dow writes and illustrates multiple books each year. And this project presented several challenges – time -wise, emotionally, creatively. Thank you, Dow, for taking the time to share your experiences! The process of illustrating a picture book is … More Behind the Scenes: Illustrating Titan and the Wild Boars by Dow Phumiruk

Her Fearless Run

May 24, 2019

If you’re a kidlit writer and aren’t familiar with KidLit 411, you need to check out their website. It’s hands-down the site with the most and best info on a plethora of topics for writers. There’s a FaceBook group, too. And a bonus to all this goodness  – lots of giveaways! I recently got lucky. … More Her Fearless Run

Just Like Rube Goldberg

May 10, 2019

Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out.  Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg

Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown

May 3, 2019

Elizabeth Brown found the heart of her story by examining how her character overcame obstacles. What pulled her through? How did that perseverance manifest itself? Then, how could the author thread that through her story for children? Today we dig deep into DANCING THROUGH FIELDS OF COLOR: THE STORY OF HELEN FRANKENTHALER by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated … More Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown

Thank You, Omu!

April 26, 2019

Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s a gem that everyone will enjoy and is certain to touch your heart.  Title: Thank You, Omu! Written and illustrated by: Oge Mora Little Brown, 2018, fiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: gratitude, generosity, community Opening: On the corner of First Street and Long Street, on the very … More Thank You, Omu!