Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

October 20, 2023

One look at my bookcase will tell you I’m a fan of Benjamin Franklin. That man was into everything! For a writer, no matter what you want to share about him, there’s the challenge of focus, scope, and finding the best way to tell the story. In this post, author Gretchen Woelfle shares how she … More Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

Especially for Educators: “Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Children” by Leslie Barnard Booth

October 6, 2023

This week we’re featuring another gorgeous picture book about geology! Author Leslie Barnard Booth shares some fantastic classroom activities for educators based on her new book A STONE IS A STORY.  Leslie is also offering a giveaway of a 30-minute virtual classroom visit! Just leave a comment after the post to get in the drawing! … More Especially for Educators: “Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Children” by Leslie Barnard Booth

Mining for Heart: “The Journey of a Rock, a Story, & a Writer” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

September 29, 2023

Ever interview your main character? What if it’s a rock? Sounds like a good idea to me! Once you start asking questions a path can open. In this post, author Carmela LaVigna Coyle takes us down her path to her beautiful new picture book, SOMETHING SPECTACULAR: A ROCK’S JOURNEY. GIVEAWAY! Carmela is offering a copy … More Mining for Heart: “The Journey of a Rock, a Story, & a Writer” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Behind the Scenes: “Creating a Book Trailer with Canva” by Kari Gonzalez

September 22, 2023

Technology. [sigh]  A challenge and a wonder! I’ve experienced the full-frustration-ready-to-explode load of trying to make a book trailer without the needed skillset. And…MANY hours later, the joy of the finished trailer.  If only I had had this post. Thanks, Kari Gonzalez for sharing how you made the trailer for your new release, HOW TO … More Behind the Scenes: “Creating a Book Trailer with Canva” by Kari Gonzalez

Especially for Educators: “Using Science to Teach Language Arts” by Elizabeth Shreeve

September 15, 2023

Kids love sloths! I love sloths! And I love the bonus of science in language arts lessons. Here’s a science book  that’s perfect for teaching language arts—on a topic that students can’t resist. Elizabeth Shreeve shares a flexible, fun “Discovery Tree” activity developed with a STEM teacher especially for busy classrooms. GIVEAWAY! Just leave a … More Especially for Educators: “Using Science to Teach Language Arts” by Elizabeth Shreeve

Behind the Scenes: “The Sweet Spot Where History and Fiction Meet” by Nancy Churnin

September 8, 2023

As a children’s author drawn to nonfiction topics, I know the most difficult part of writing a book about real people and events in the past is to figure out the best way to tell a story to make it matter and connect to kids today. THAT is everything. And that challenge can lead a … More Behind the Scenes: “The Sweet Spot Where History and Fiction Meet” by Nancy Churnin

Mining for Heart: “One Seed, Many Connections” by Sue Heavenrich

August 25, 2023

THE SEED THAT MOLLY GREW is all about connections that come from the miracle of a tiny seed. Author Sue Heavenrich even found a way to make story structure a part of that heart! This is a perfect book to share for fall as kids’ attention turns to pumpkins.  Congratulations to A. Turner, winner of … More Mining for Heart: “One Seed, Many Connections” by Sue Heavenrich

Behind the Scenes: “Circular Thinking” by Sue Lowell Gallion

August 18, 2023

There’s nothing more fun than a book that is a shape! The first book of the nonfiction board book series by Sue Lowell Gallion and Lisk Feng (Phaidon Press) caught my eye immediately. It looks like a globe and stands up! One thing I didn’t think about was what that means for the writing. So … More Behind the Scenes: “Circular Thinking” by Sue Lowell Gallion

Especially for Educators: “Recentering Diversity and Decentering White/Eurocentric Culture” by Zeena M. Pliska

August 11, 2023

Just in time for the start of a new school year! This post from author and teacher Zeena Pliska shares an activity for educators to help explore, examine, and evaluate classroom libraries. AND she’s offering a copy of her newest picture book, EGYPTIAN LULLABY. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to get in the … More Especially for Educators: “Recentering Diversity and Decentering White/Eurocentric Culture” by Zeena M. Pliska

Behind the Scenes: “The Long Journey of ARMANDO’S ISLAND” by Marsha Diane Arnold

August 4, 2023

I would bet just about every writer has been asked, “How long does it take you to write a book?” Well…it turns out every book has its own story of becoming. And if you peruse this blog, you’ll find many books that sprang from ideas or experiences many years earlier. Here, Marsha Diane Arnold shares … More Behind the Scenes: “The Long Journey of ARMANDO’S ISLAND” by Marsha Diane Arnold