Category: biography

Behind the Scenes: “Writing a picture book biography – Stop or Go?” by Anne Renaud

November 1, 2019

Today we go Behind the Scenes with author Anne Renaud as she explores the writer’s all important decision of whether to go ahead with a picture book biography or not. Heading down the rabbit hole of research involves a lot of time and effort. I love historical figures that have been lurking in the shadows, … More Behind the Scenes: “Writing a picture book biography – Stop or Go?” by Anne Renaud

Guitar Genius

October 18, 2019

Cue the air guitar. It’s time to rock on Perfect Picture Book Friday with GUITAR GENIUS by Kim Tomsic! It’s music, engineering, and rock and roll paired with perseverance, ingenuity, and pure joy.  Next week, Kim Tomsic gives us a peek “Behind the Scenes” of her writing journey and shares some craft nuggets..  Title: Guitar … More Guitar Genius

Her Fearless Run

May 24, 2019

If you’re a kidlit writer and aren’t familiar with KidLit 411, you need to check out their website. It’s hands-down the site with the most and best info on a plethora of topics for writers. There’s a FaceBook group, too. And a bonus to all this goodness  – lots of giveaways! I recently got lucky. … More Her Fearless Run

Just Like Rube Goldberg

May 10, 2019

Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out.  Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg

Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown

May 3, 2019

Elizabeth Brown found the heart of her story by examining how her character overcame obstacles. What pulled her through? How did that perseverance manifest itself? Then, how could the author thread that through her story for children? Today we dig deep into DANCING THROUGH FIELDS OF COLOR: THE STORY OF HELEN FRANKENTHALER by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated … More Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown

Howard and the Mummy

March 29, 2019

Perfect Picture Book Friday digs deep today…into the past. Find out how one budding archaeologist followed his passion to uncover King Tut.  Title: Howard and the Mummy, Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut’s Tomb Written by: Tracey Fern Illustrated by: Boris Kulikov Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018 Suitable for ages: (not really 4-7) more … More Howard and the Mummy

Doctor Esperanto AND Lights! Camera! Alice!

February 22, 2019

It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! Today, we’ve got a double-feature – two new picture book bios by the incredible Mara Rockliff! AND on March 1st, Mara will share her process of Mining for Heart. Come back and hear the story behind the stories. Title: Doctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope Written by:Mara Rockliff Illustrated … More Doctor Esperanto AND Lights! Camera! Alice!