Category: biography

Behind the Scenes: “Working with an Editor from Start to Finish” by Lindsey McDivitt

September 18, 2020

Though working with an editor from start to finish sounds like a dream come true for most of us, the process exposes an author’s first attempts and the very rough beginnings of a manuscript. Here Lindsey McDivitt takes us through her experience of how her new picture book, Truth & Honor: The President Ford Story, … More Behind the Scenes: “Working with an Editor from Start to Finish” by Lindsey McDivitt

Behind the Scenes: “Tackling Difficult Topics” by Amalia Hoffman

June 5, 2020

There’s no denying it – we are living in difficult times. Helping kids make sense of what’s happening in the world isn’t easy. Picture books offer opportunities to process tough topics, see how people responded in times of crisis, and how they persevered with the power of hope. Today in Behind the Scenes, Amalia Hoffman … More Behind the Scenes: “Tackling Difficult Topics” by Amalia Hoffman

Behind the Scenes: “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin

April 24, 2020

2020 is a big year for Nancy Churnin with two picture book releases! How does she decide what subjects are worth pursuing through months of research and revision? Read on to learn about Nancy’s process when she discovers a fascinating person from the past…  “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin People often … More Behind the Scenes: “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin

Behind the Scenes: “One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui” by Lisa Robinson

April 10, 2020

Last week I shared Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Ropedancer, and this week you get to hear from the author, Lisa Robinson. The journey a story takes from idea to out-in-the-world is always interesting. I often think a manuscript teaches us something we need as we work through the story and get to know the character. Madam Saqui’s keep … More Behind the Scenes: “One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui” by Lisa Robinson

Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer

April 3, 2020

What child hasn’t pretended to be a circus performer? Taming lions! Walking tightropes! Flying on the trapeze! Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, in the center ring, all the way from France, in the midst of a revolution, with captivating illustrations and the wonder of well-chosen words….I give you Madame Saqui! Title: Madame Saqui: Revolutionary … More Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer

Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery

March 13, 2020

Stories begin in all sorts of places, and often, I think, they begin with an emotional reaction to something we see or hear. Thank you, Julie Abery, for sharing how YUSRA SWIMS came to be.  Thank you so much, Beth, for inviting me on your blog to share my debut picture book biography, Yusra Swims … More Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery

Wood, Wire, Wings

February 28, 2020

Get ready for Women’s History Month! I’ll start you off with this week’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, about a woman I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of!  But first, it’s time to announce some winners in the giveaways…..  Winner of Beautiful Shades of Brown from Nancy Churnin…Patricia Tilton! Winner of Patricia’s Vision … More Wood, Wire, Wings

Patricia’s Vision

February 21, 2020

Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord.  MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! … More Patricia’s Vision