Got the luck o’the Irish this month with an extra guest post! In anticipation of her debut picture book bursting into the world on March 19, Elizabeth Brown shares a bit of the story behind the book: DANCING THROUGH FIELDS OF COLOR: THE STORY OF HELEN FRANKENTHALER by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated by Aimee Sicuro (Abrams … More Behind the Scenes: “Knowing the Why, Finding the How”
I am such a fan of Mara Rockliff’s books: MESMERIZED, GINGERBREAD FOR LIBERTY, AROUND AMERICA TO WIN THE VOTE, and soooo many more! Plus a few brand new ones! Thank you, Mara for sharing your process of “mining for heart.” Where should a story end? If your story—like many of mine—is a biography, the answer might … More Mining for Heart: “Knowing When to Stop” by Mara Rockliff
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! Today, we’ve got a double-feature – two new picture book bios by the incredible Mara Rockliff! AND on March 1st, Mara will share her process of Mining for Heart. Come back and hear the story behind the stories. Title: Doctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope Written by:Mara Rockliff Illustrated … More Doctor Esperanto AND Lights! Camera! Alice!
This week for PPBF, I want to share a gentle, thoughtful, beautiful picture book with a story like none I’ve ever seen. Title: The Dam Written by: David Almond Illustrated by: Levi Pinfold Candlewick Press, 2018 Suitable for ages: 5-8 Themes/topics: music, change, hope, loss Opening: He woke her early. “Bring your fiddle,” he said. The … More The Dam
These days, picture books come in all sizes and lengths. There are so many new ones that are longer, meant for upper elementary and middle school aged kids. Yes, picture books are not just for little ones anymore! Yay! Because I think this unique art form is perfect in so many ways—and here’s an example … More Countdown, 2979 Days to the Moon
Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 is the 10th annual World Read Aloud Day!! Join with people of all ages around the world and celebrate the joy of story! Pull a book off the shelf. Visit a library. Stop in a bookstore and find a new treasure. A shared reading experience has always been one of my … More Happy World Read Aloud Day!!
Though you might be tired of hearing the word “wall,” there’s a good chance you’ll love today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection. You might see it as politically and socially relevant, or you might see it as a fun story for kids. Either way, it’s a winner! Title: The Wall in the Middle of … More The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Have you heard complaints about the deterioration of the language? How kids don’t learn cursive anymore? How texting is ruinous? Well, it’s nothing new! Today, in honor of Ben Franklin’s 313th birthday, I’d like to invoke a birthday Festivus and air his grievances. Ben Franklin is a historical rock star with his endless curiosity, sharp wit, … More Behind the Scenes: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin! You’re Quite a Character!
Barbara Jordan always impressed me as a phenomenal woman. She inspired reverence and awe and spoke to something deep inside. Such dignity and resolution. There are hardly words for her. But Chris Barton found the words, and Ekua Holmes has created such magnificent and complex illustrations. This is a picture book is big and bold … More What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?
Every once in a while I like to include a recommendation for middle grade books. I haven’t featured one in a while, so when the publisher offered to send me a copy of THIS PROMISE OF CHANGE for review, I welcomed the opportunity. This is an important book for young readers anytime. May we all … More This Promise of Change
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 