Behind the Scenes: “The Mysterious World of Work-for-Hire Early Readers” by Melissa H. Mwai

March 8, 2024

Today we get a peek into the world of work-for-hire early readers with Melissa H. Mwai. Along with essential info for people interested in breaking into writing for children via work-for-hire, she also shares links to resources and more specifics to explore. GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of … More Behind the Scenes: “The Mysterious World of Work-for-Hire Early Readers” by Melissa H. Mwai

Behind the Scenes: “Making Marketing Fun – From Facebook Post to Podcast in Under 12 Months” by Gina Soldano-Herrle

March 1, 2024

Many people are surprised to learn that much of the marketing for children’s books is placed in the laps of authors and illustrators. For most of us, it’s daunting and uncomfortable. But Gina Soldano-Herrle has made it fun, and she’s here to share how she discovered this piece of her journey. GIVEAWAY! Gina is offering … More Behind the Scenes: “Making Marketing Fun – From Facebook Post to Podcast in Under 12 Months” by Gina Soldano-Herrle

Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield

February 16, 2024

Vivian Kirkfield, one of the kid lit community’s most energetic encouragers, has a new book hitting bookstores—and wow! it’s a powerful story beautifully told! PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: ANNIE LONDONDERRY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CYCLE AROUND THE WORLD will inspire and bring history alive for all ages. Like Vivian, I’m a former teacher who’s a firm … More Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield

Especially for Educators: “Using Storytelling to Teach Math in the Primary Classroom” by Keila Dawson

February 9, 2024

Welcome to Keila Dawson, a fellow member of Kid Lit For Growing Minds, a group of kid lit creators whose books cross curricular areas and support educators. Keila’s got a delicious activity to use with her latest release, YUMBO GUMBO, that brings math into the kitchen in the best way, merging learning, culture, and food! … More Especially for Educators: “Using Storytelling to Teach Math in the Primary Classroom” by Keila Dawson

Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

February 2, 2024

So glad to see another book about writing nonfiction for kids! My copy has arrived, and I’m diving in! Thanks, Kirsten Larson, for sharing your knowledge in the book, and also for this post about taking on this endeavor.  Kirsten is also doing a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to be in the … More Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

December 1, 2023

Educators! Here’s a terrific science activity using carnivorous plants and a new book from author and science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither! AND Jessica is offering a GIVEAWAY! A copy of NATURE’S RULE BREAKERS: CREATURES THAT DON’T FIT IN! Just leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing.  Congratulations to ejdthomasville winner of … More Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Behind the Scenes: “Expanding Your Book with Back Matter” by Kelly Rice Schmitt

November 21, 2023

Back matter in a book serves a multitude of purposes—it’s like a bonus book that can extend the journey, spark curiosity, and answer questions! If you’re a person who tends to skip over back matter or a writer who’s looking for ideas, here’s a great article from Kelly Rice Schmitt about all that back matter … More Behind the Scenes: “Expanding Your Book with Back Matter” by Kelly Rice Schmitt

Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

November 10, 2023

Reading and books are near and dear to the hearts of so many of us. Here librarian Ronni Diamondstein shares her path to the heart of her new book JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, finding connection in a love of reading and writing.  Giveaway! Ronni is offering a signed copy of her book to … More Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

Mining for Heart: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” by Nancy Churnin

November 3, 2023

WHY? That’s always my driving question as an author bringing stories from the past to life. And it was where author Nancy Churnin started, too, for her latest book, VALENTINES FOR ALL. Here she shares her process of putting her heart and the heart of the story on the page. GIVEAWAY! Nancy’s giveaway comes with … More Mining for Heart: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” by Nancy Churnin

Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

October 27, 2023

Oh, so many challenges with the writing of A RIVER OF DUST: THE LIVE-GIVING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AMAZON. I’d never heard of the “river of dust” and was fascinated to learn about this amazing process of nature. In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the process of finding the heart … More Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann