Category: biography

Behind the Scenes: “A Perfect Symphony, Mining for Gold in The Greatest Song of All” by Megan Hoyt

June 17, 2022

I can totally identify with the problem of finding so much goodness in a story that it becomes overwhelming! Megan Hoyt shares how she pulled multiple threads into one in THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL: HOW ISAAC STERN UNITED THE WORLD TO SAVE CARNEGIE HALL (releases 7/5/22). Megan is offering a GIVEAWAY of a picture … More Behind the Scenes: “A Perfect Symphony, Mining for Gold in The Greatest Song of All” by Megan Hoyt

Mining for Heart: “Finding a Fresh Angle on a Famous Figure” by Meeg Pincus

April 22, 2022

I remember being amazed by Helen Keller’s story as a child. Such a fascinating person! It’s no surprise we have multiple books on her for children…so do we need more? Absolutely! But not more of the same. Finding a fresh angle is part of the challenge when writing about such a major figure. Here Meeg … More Mining for Heart: “Finding a Fresh Angle on a Famous Figure” by Meeg Pincus

Mining for Heart: “Weaving in the Story’s Layers” by Elizabeth Brown

April 1, 2022

I met Elizabeth Brown at a nonfiction retreat in 2016, and, in a round table session with an editor, I saw the beginning of this story. I’m so thrilled it’s now as a picture book! Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your process of ensuring the balance of layers while also keeping your focus. And Elizabeth … More Mining for Heart: “Weaving in the Story’s Layers” by Elizabeth Brown

Cover Reveal! Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier

March 20, 2022

Women’s History Month bonus! COVER REVEAL! The gorgeous and creative cover for CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER is out in the world! Yes! Another revolutionary woman! REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT (released 2/1/22) is set at the opening of the American Revolution, and Deborah Sampson’s story takes place during the last 2 years of … More Cover Reveal! Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier

Behind the Scenes: “Face to Face with Clara Barton” by Christopher Cyr

March 11, 2022

As a child, I read a biography about Clara Barton. In those days bios were “MG” books with possibly a couple line drawings, but otherwise, no illustrations. Wow! have bios for children changed! Now we have incredible art to bring stories of people from the past to life. And the new bio of Clara Barton, TO … More Behind the Scenes: “Face to Face with Clara Barton” by Christopher Cyr

Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum

February 25, 2022

Jill Esbaum is one of the incredible children’s authors I met at my first writing retreat. She shared her knowledge, encouraged us, and made me think this crazy writing for children idea just might be possible. I’m grateful to know Jill and excited to share this post about crafting heart in her fabulous new release, … More Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum

Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

January 28, 2022

It’s truly special when I get to share a post from an illustrator who brought my words to life on the page. The illustration process is fascinating to me! I’m so grateful for Susan Reagan’s gorgeous work. And for her willingness to share a piece of her process here—the cover! The crucial cover! Think about how … More Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

Mining for Heart: “Embracing and Learning from Your Cultural Heritage” by Songju Ma Daemicke

October 1, 2021

Today, we get to celebrate a book birthday with this post! Congratulations to author Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrator Lin on the release of TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY. Thank you for sharing the cultural heart of the story, Songju, and also, thank you for offering a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Embracing and Learning from Your Cultural Heritage” by Songju Ma Daemicke

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

July 30, 2021

Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m sharing another favorite from the “BEST of 2020” lists. EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS truly is exquisite! Suzanne Slade is another favorite author who continually teaches me about the craft of writing picture books. Congratulations to Ruthie Kirk! You’ve won a copy of IS IT … More Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Cover Reveal! Revolutionary Prudence Wright

July 2, 2021

With the Fourth of July around the corner, I thought it’d be a perfect time for a sneak peek and cover reveal for REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE. We all learn about Paul Revere’s ride and the battles at Lexington and Concord where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were … More Cover Reveal! Revolutionary Prudence Wright