Category: fiction

! (Exclamation Mark!)

March 17, 2017

Today’s PPBF post is in honor of Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a children’s author who left this world much too soon. Title: ! (Exclamation Mark!) Written by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal Illustrated by: Tom Lichtenheld Scholastic 2013 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: punctuation, fitting in Opening: He stood out from the very beginning. Brief synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com) He … More ! (Exclamation Mark!)

Du Iz Tak?

February 24, 2017

Here’s a fun one for Perfect Picture Book Friday! Title: Du Iz Tak? Written and illustrated by: Carson Ellis Candlewick, 2016, fiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: nature, insects, life cycle, plants, language Opening: Du iz tak? Ma Nazoot. Brief synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com) Du iz tak? What is that? As a tiny shoot unfurls, two damselflies … More Du Iz Tak?

Multicultural Children’s Book Day review

January 27, 2017

So happy to be part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Thank you to author Valarie Budayr and Audrey Press for supplying a review copy. Dragons are Real Written by Valarie Budayr Illustrated by Michael Welply Audrey Press, 2016 Fiction Dragons Are For Real is not a typical “multicultural” book. While the book shows diverse children … More Multicultural Children’s Book Day review

From the Grave

October 27, 2016

Just released! Middle grade monster mayhem! Title: From the Grave Written by: Cynthia Reeg Release date October 18, 2016 Suitable for ages: 9-12 Juvenile fiction, fantasy, humor Themes/topics: belonging, tolerance, monsters Opening: Shocktober 13, Year of the Scrull Moanday morning, with all its determined drear, crept upon me with silent, somber feet. It settled heavy … More From the Grave

Mining for Heart: From Classic to Contemporary – Writing (or Rewriting) a Concept Picture Book By Miranda Paul

September 2, 2016

Do concept books have a special element of heart? The good ones do! This month, Miranda Paul shares her process in creating her latest book, 10 Little Ninjas. … More Mining for Heart: From Classic to Contemporary – Writing (or Rewriting) a Concept Picture Book By Miranda Paul

Mining the Setting: “In the Canyon: How Setting Became Story” by Liz Garton Scanlon

August 19, 2016

With the “Paging Through the Parks” celebration of the 100th anniversary of  U.S. National Parks during August, it’s the perfect time to examine setting. Liz Garton Scanlon  shares her experience mining the setting for story. What she found sprang from her own experience and memories, and how the setting had touched her.  In the Canyon: How Setting … More Mining the Setting: “In the Canyon: How Setting Became Story” by Liz Garton Scanlon