Here’s a new picture book that’s really won my heart with it’s word play, timely message, and irresistible illustrations! Author Beth Ferry and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal have created an endearing and humorous story about not getting what you want, but rather, what you need. Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Congratulations to the winner of WATERCRESS … More Swashby and the Sea
Andrea Wang’s new picture book, WATERCRESS, has been all over the news recently. It’s an outstanding book in every way, a collaboration of skilled, sensitive, extraordinary book creators. I wish I’d had this book when I had a classroom full of English language learners from around the world with their myriad of experiences. Here Andrea … More Behind the Scenes: “Collaborating with an Illustrator” by Andrea Wang
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Prepare to be amazed! In honor of Earth Day and the myriad of extraordinary creatures on our planet, I’m sharing a book that totally fascinated me. Let’s double-down efforts to heal the environment, preserve these treasures, and stall the devastating effects of climate change. Congratulations to Kristin Sawyer – you’ve … More Flying Frogs and Walking Fish
Inquiring minds want to know the answers to all these frequently asked questions! Thank you, Emma Bland Smith, for addressing these issues! Nonfiction writers, biography writers, parents, educators, librarians, and readers—dig in. I’ll bet you all find something of interest here. Emma is offering a GIVEAWAY, too! Just leave a comment below for a chance … More Behind the Scenes: “Best Practices for Reaching Out (or Not!) to Biography Subjects” by Emma Bland Smith
Welcome, Kirsti Call! Thank you so much for sharing this essential part of the path to publication! Waiting is hard. So hard. And after experiencing rejections, even harder. But…patience can make all the difference. If you’d like a chance to win a copy of COW SAYS MEOW, just leave a comment after the post to … More Behind the Scenes: “How Waiting Saved My Writing Career” by Kirsti Call
I started seeing today’s guest, Hope Lim, in online kid lit writing groups a few years ago, and am truly excited to see all her hard work pay off! Hope mined her own heart for her new book MY TREE. Here she shares her connection to a special tree and how that translated into a … More Mining for Heart: “Family Connection” by Hope Lim
When I saw the title of this book, I had to know more! A story about stinks? Right up my alley! Or should I say “Smelly” Kelly’s subway tunnel! 😁 Back matter is a chance for authors to present all sorts of ideas. Here, Colleen Paeff shares how she used back matter to connect the … More Behind the Scenes: “Connecting the Past to the Present with Back Matter” by Colleen Paeff
What a special treat I have for you today! Where does writing begin? With a voice. With ideas. With lines or letters. AND usually, with an encourager. How many of us trace our love of writing back to a teacher or multiple teachers? I know I do! In the beginning of February, Tina Barrett sent … More Special Feature: “Where Writing Begins” with Tina Barrett, Kindergarten Teacher!
Facts can be loads of fun. But often they’re dropped in as info dumps. And many times dates, places, sizes, costs and such don’t hold much meaning for kids. So what does an author do with all those fascinating facts? Chana Stiefel sorted through them and found a way to bring the ones vital to … More Behind the Scenes: “Kid Friendly Facts” by Chana Stiefel
It’s such a pleasure to share critique partner Julie Rowan-Zoch’s debut picture book as author/illustrator! What fun to see this story develop over time, and, as the die-hard nonfiction person in our local critique group, so cool to see the nonfiction element grow stronger and even inspire back matter! Thank you, Julie, for sharing how … More Behind the Scenes: “BACK MATTER? How a Character-Driven Picture Book Became Informational Fiction,” by Julie Rowan-Zoch
