Behind the Scenes: “Emotions Across Eras: Creating Characters That Connect” by Rosanne Tolin

December 20, 2024

Today we join the virtual book tour for FREEDOM’S GAME with author Rosanne Tolin and hear how a story opened up and a picture book moved into new territory to become a middle grade historical novel. The link for a GIVEAWAY follows the article, with an opportunity for multiple entries to win a signed copy … More Behind the Scenes: “Emotions Across Eras: Creating Characters That Connect” by Rosanne Tolin

Mining for Heart: “The Inspiring Fabric of Community…and Underwear!” by Jonathan Roth

December 13, 2024

Author-illustrator Jonathan Roth found a unique and fascinating object to take a reader on a special journey through time. But ALMOST UNDERWEAR: HOW A PIECE OF CLOTH TRAVELED FROM KITTY HAWK TO THE MOON AND MARS has more than a piece of cloth tying history together, Jonathan found a special emotional element to pull through … More Mining for Heart: “The Inspiring Fabric of Community…and Underwear!” by Jonathan Roth

Behind the Scenes: “Momentos for Momentum” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

December 6, 2024

 I love to hear about how the illustration process happens. I didn’t know about “Easter eggs” in illustrations until I saw the sketches and ideas from Sally Wern Comport for HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT. Indeed, it’s a thing!  Here, local critique partner Julie Rowan-Zoch shares some of her own special touches and a bit of … More Behind the Scenes: “Momentos for Momentum” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

Behind the Scenes: “Making Your Book Stand Out in a Crowded Market” by Suzanne Lipshaw

November 15, 2024

One of the great changes in nonfiction for kids is that, unlike the old days with a standard, sterile, informational text format, now we see all kinds of engaging nonfiction, including informational fiction, creative nonfiction, and narratives. Creative approaches broaden understanding by allowing kids to see a familiar topic in new ways, as well as … More Behind the Scenes: “Making Your Book Stand Out in a Crowded Market” by Suzanne Lipshaw

Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Wonder and Play” by Jami Gigot 

November 8, 2024

The words “wonder” and “play” make us think of kids. But, guess what? Wonder and play are beneficial for all of us! Here’s how author/illustrator Jami Gigot found an engaging path into story by following the wonder and freeing up her imagination to play with how she saw the real world around her. Giveaway! Jami … More Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Wonder and Play” by Jami Gigot 

Behind the Scenes: “The Ins and Outs of Writing Early Readers” by Kim Larson

November 1, 2024

Are you considering writing an early reader? Wondering where to start? Here’s an informative post from author Kim Larson on how she took what she learned from a webinar, did her research on the form, and worked her way to a published book.  Leave a comment below to get in on the GIVEAWAY for a … More Behind the Scenes: “The Ins and Outs of Writing Early Readers” by Kim Larson

Behind the Scenes: “Building Tension in Nonfiction Picture Books” by Donna McKinney

October 25, 2024

In this post, author Donna McKinney addresses the challenge of finding the essential tension needed to pull readers through a nonfiction story and keep them turning pages. GIVEAWAY! Donna is giving away a copy of TINY TERN TAKES FLIGHT to one person who comments below! Congratulations to Lillie Pardo , winner of a copy of … More Behind the Scenes: “Building Tension in Nonfiction Picture Books” by Donna McKinney

Especially for Educators: “What Can I Do? Using Books to Inspire Action” by Laura Perdew

October 18, 2024

As an educator, it was truly exciting to watch as kids discovered their agency. Here’s a great post from author Laura Perdew with a super new book and activities to inspire children to adopt sustainable habits, discover how they can make a difference, and become agents of change. Please share this post with teachers, parents, … More Especially for Educators: “What Can I Do? Using Books to Inspire Action” by Laura Perdew

Behind the Scenes: “Facets of Light” by Karen M. Greenwald

October 11, 2024

When authors dig into history, we find all sorts of surprises, endless fascination, and so much relevance to our world today. The ability to vicariously explore the human experience of the past gives us perspective and can inspire us to meet present day challenges with hope, empathy, and perseverance. Author Karen Greenwald hears the past … More Behind the Scenes: “Facets of Light” by Karen M. Greenwald

Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

October 4, 2024

Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos. And don’t miss the book trailer linked at the end of the post—it gave me goosebumps!  Congratulations to Marcia Strykowski, winner of … More Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman