Category: picture books

Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes

October 15, 2021

My sister was the one who loved horses in my family. A pair of disgruntled ponies instilled a wariness in me, but as an adult, I appreciate the beauty and power of horses. Jennifer Thermes’ new picture book HORSE POWER: HOW HORSES CHANGED THE WORLD caught my eye after I had spent time thoroughly enjoying … More Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes

Behind the Scenes: “Letting Math Tell the Story” by Ann Marie Stephens

October 8, 2021

As an educator, I’ve always favored engaging stories that support curricular areas. So, math stories? YES! A series with chickens AND math? FUN! And math illustrated by the phenomenal Jenn Harney who did “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses? OH, YEAH! Thanks to author Ann Marie Stephens for sharing a bit from “behind the scenes” … More Behind the Scenes: “Letting Math Tell the Story” by Ann Marie Stephens

Mining for Heart: “Embracing and Learning from Your Cultural Heritage” by Songju Ma Daemicke

October 1, 2021

Today, we get to celebrate a book birthday with this post! Congratulations to author Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrator Lin on the release of TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY. Thank you for sharing the cultural heart of the story, Songju, and also, thank you for offering a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Embracing and Learning from Your Cultural Heritage” by Songju Ma Daemicke

Behind the Scenes: “Beyond Biographies of People” by Kirsten Larson

September 24, 2021

Even the nonliving can have a life of their own! So why not a biography of Wonder Woman?! I can’t wait to explore Kirsten Larson’s A TRUE WONDER! Thanks for sharing your process, Kirsten!  Kirsten is offering a GIVEAWAY, too! A copy of A TRUE WONDER! Just leave a comment below to enter.  “Beyond Biographies of People” … More Behind the Scenes: “Beyond Biographies of People” by Kirsten Larson

Behind the Scenes: “Subverting Expectations with a Nonfiction Narrator” by Henry Herz

September 17, 2021

Bringing nonfiction topics to kids can entail challenges but also can invite creative approaches. Henry Herz took on an unlikely topic—smoke—and made it a character. Read on to learn how he used a narrator as a fictional element to share science, culture, and more. After reading I AM SMOKE, you’ll probably never think of smoke … More Behind the Scenes: “Subverting Expectations with a Nonfiction Narrator” by Henry Herz

Mining for Heart: “A Difference of Color” by Larry Dane Brimner

September 10, 2021

Sometimes, a story idea won’t let go, but, like Larry Dane Brimner, until I connect on an emotional or experiential level that hits me in the heart, it won’t become a story. Here, Larry shares how he found his way into his latest book: Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez, releasing Sept. … More Mining for Heart: “A Difference of Color” by Larry Dane Brimner

Countdown to the RESTLESS WRIGGLE!

September 3, 2021

One month until TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE gets loose! Expect PANDEMONIUM. Hope for PATIENCE.   Discover 1863 IN THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE! School is starting, and kids everywhere are getting to know each other. So let’s get to know Tad Lincoln.  To view the BOOK TRAILER, download an EDUCATOR’S GUIDE, and learn more about TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS … More Countdown to the RESTLESS WRIGGLE!

Mining for Heart: “Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

August 27, 2021

I know too well that loglines can be pure torture. All the essential pieces of story have to be there. I absolutely love Karen Yin’s post about her process using the logline to guide her writing—pure gold! Read on to see how her debut picture book, WHOLE WHALE, came to be. AND don’t miss the … More Mining for Heart: “Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

Behind the Scenes: “Working with Experts to Verify Information in Back Matter” by Debra Shumaker

August 20, 2021

One of the challenges with nonfiction, whether a full manuscript or elements within an otherwise fictional story, is vetting. Sounds easy, right? Well, sometimes that little fact check turns into its very own rabbit hole and swallows up a huge chunk of time. I’ve been there! Here, Debra Shumaker shares her experience with one little … More Behind the Scenes: “Working with Experts to Verify Information in Back Matter” by Debra Shumaker

Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish

August 13, 2021

If you’ve ever thought that informational nonfiction might be dry….you need to see FREAKY, FUNKY FISH by Debra Shumaker and Claire Powell. My Perfect Picture Book Friday pick, this picture book will surely have your jaw dropping, smiles spreading, and awe popping at the wonders of nature. Come back next week when Debra Shumaker shares … More Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish