This post from author Darcy Pattison is a perfect sequel to Colleen Paeff’s post last week. Both authors experienced the power of place as they approached a story. A trip to Poland helped Darcy visualize the life of Copernicus so very long ago to create NIGHT: HOW COPERNICUS MADE THE SUN STAND STILL AND THE … More Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison
Finding your own deep connection to a person, topic, or event can create the path to finding the heart of the story. In this post, author Gary Golio shares his experience with his latest release, SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOHN CAGE. GIVEAWAY! We’ve got a copy of SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE … More Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple
It’s truly a treat to share illustrator Dow Phumiruk’s process for HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE: THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE! If you haven’t shared this book with kids in your life yet this year, it’s a must read! I love seeing it alongside REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT and CLOAKED … More #AmericanRevolution250 Behind the Scenes: “Illustrating Her Name Was Mary Katharine” by Dow Phumiruk
The pandemic a few years ago put us all in the throes of history and pushed thinking in many ways, not only medically, but also regarding human connections. And here we have a children’s book by Zewlan Moor impacted by creative greetings that widened the scope of greetings in the animal world. Giveaway!! Leave a … More Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor
Many myths persist in US history, but never fear, author Christy Mihaly is here with a super new book for this year’s 250th anniversary! I can attest, it’s a fascinating read chock full of info delivered with great voice and engaging graphics to capture any reader. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Exploring What Really Happened” by Christy Mihaly
Any kids who fill their pockets with rocks definitely need this book! In this post, Melissa Koch shares the spark that started STONE BY STONE: A ROCK’S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME and how she revised for the heart in this engaging approach. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of STONE … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch
Like me, author Gretchen Woelfle enjoys digging into untold stories from the revolutionary era. Here she shares some of the people whose stories have the power to widen our understanding of the American Revolution. SPECIAL GIVEAWAY FOR EDUCATORS! Leave a comment below to get into the drawing for a copy of ANSWERING THE CRY FOR … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Chasing Liberty in Michigan” by Gretchen Woelfle
A great way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States is to encourage children to ask big questions about the founding—especially the WHYs! Every time I dive into researching a topic in this fascinating era, the WHYs open the way to deeper understanding and connection. In this post, author Roxanne Troup shares a … More #AmericanRevolution250 + Especially for Educators: “The Big Why” by Roxanne Troup
Writing about current technology presents the challenge of how to keep up with ever-changing information. In this post, author Elaine Kachala puts the future in the hands of students with capable imaginations and critical thinking skills. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of BUILDING HOMES FOR ALL by Elaine … More Especially for Educators: “What To Do When the Information Keeps Changing” by Elaine Kachala
I’m hopping on The Children’s Book Review blog tour bandwagon for author Lauren Kerstein and her amazing new release: HOPE RODE: THE PROMISE OF THE PACKHORSE LIBRARIANS! GIVEAWAY! Don’t miss the special opportunity below to win a signed copy of HOPE RODE from Lauren Kerstein! Congratulations to Teresa Robeson, the winner of a copy of … More Mining for Heart: “The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians” by Lauren Kerstein
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 