Category: Mining for Heart

Mining for Heart: “Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal” by Lydia Lukidis

January 17, 2025

Today’s nonfiction picture books invite young readers in with a huge range of creative ways to share information. Here’s how author Lydia Lukidis went after finding an effective format, point of view, and structure for her newest release, UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere. Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal by Lydia Lukidis Thanks … More Mining for Heart: “Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal” by Lydia Lukidis

Mining for Heart: “The Inspiring Fabric of Community…and Underwear!” by Jonathan Roth

December 13, 2024

Author-illustrator Jonathan Roth found a unique and fascinating object to take a reader on a special journey through time. But ALMOST UNDERWEAR: HOW A PIECE OF CLOTH TRAVELED FROM KITTY HAWK TO THE MOON AND MARS has more than a piece of cloth tying history together, Jonathan found a special emotional element to pull through … More Mining for Heart: “The Inspiring Fabric of Community…and Underwear!” by Jonathan Roth

Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

October 4, 2024

Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos. And don’t miss the book trailer linked at the end of the post—it gave me goosebumps!  Congratulations to Marcia Strykowski, winner of … More Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

Mining for Heart: “Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope” by Barbara Herkert

September 27, 2024

Where do you find inspiration? Barbara Herkert found it growing near her home. Here she shares how she brought the source of her own inspiration to young readers in THIS OLD MADRONE TREE.  GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered  to win a copy of THIS OLD MADRONE TREE!     And congratulations to … More Mining for Heart: “Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope” by Barbara Herkert

Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

July 5, 2024

Think back…do you have a favorite piece of furniture from your past? One that comes with precious memories? One that’s part of YOUR story. But what if that special piece of furniture could share ITS story? Author Cathy Stefanec Ogren’s latest book is just such a tale, and here she shares how she found the … More Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

Mining For Heart: “Inspired by a Magical Moment with a Bunny” by Nell Cross Beckerman

May 24, 2024

One of the questions I get asked most is, “where do you get your ideas for stories?” As a nonfiction nerd, I’m always on the lookout for bits of history few know about—events that open our minds to understanding the past and the present. But there are all kinds of books and all kinds of … More Mining For Heart: “Inspired by a Magical Moment with a Bunny” by Nell Cross Beckerman

Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

April 28, 2024

That sneaky octopus has been hiding for a day or two, but fear not…author Randi Sonenshine is here with a post on how she lured that fascinating and elusive creature out with lyrical nonfiction!  Randi’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS … More Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui

April 19, 2024

I spent my teaching career teaching English to students like young Hanh Bui, hoping that they would find their voice in a new language, hoping they would share their stories one day. Stories like Hanh’s touch my heart, and I’m so glad she’s found a way to bring her experiences to others who will be … More Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui

Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

April 12, 2024

Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more … More Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum

March 22, 2024

I wonder if we all have a childhood passion sleeping inside of us just waiting to be awakened. For Jill Esbaum, this was her personal connection, her way into a story about Gene Stratton-Porter. With this post and this gorgeous new book, Jill will have all of us thinking about revisiting long ago  joys. We … More Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum