Category: picture books

Behind the Scenes: “Working with an Editor from Start to Finish” by Lindsey McDivitt

September 18, 2020

Though working with an editor from start to finish sounds like a dream come true for most of us, the process exposes an author’s first attempts and the very rough beginnings of a manuscript. Here Lindsey McDivitt takes us through her experience of how her new picture book, Truth & Honor: The President Ford Story, … More Behind the Scenes: “Working with an Editor from Start to Finish” by Lindsey McDivitt

Behind the Scenes: “Why Have Faith in a Story” by Laurel Neme

September 4, 2020

We all need a reason to work through the hard parts. Laurel Neme found her reason in those who let her into their story, into what would become The Elephant’s New Shoe.  Laurel is doing a GIVEAWAY of a copy of the book as soon as it’s released October 6. To enter, just leave a … More Behind the Scenes: “Why Have Faith in a Story” by Laurel Neme

Behind the Scenes: “The Voices in My Head” by Lauren Kerstein

August 28, 2020

Do you have a voice in your head that continually gets shut down? Do characters talk to you? Do you have a snarky editor on your shoulder that criticizes your work? Voices in your head? This all sounds normal to me! Here, Lauren Kerstein shares what happened when she let that voice out onto the … More Behind the Scenes: “The Voices in My Head” by Lauren Kerstein

Behind the Scenes: “Making the Cover of SOAKED!” by Abi Cushman

August 21, 2020

I loved the cover of SOAKED! from the moment I saw it! And now we get to hear the story behind it. It’s fascinating to see the effects of changes in expression, composition, and color. Thank you, Abi Cushman, for sharing the process of creating this fabulous cover! AND….ABI IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT … More Behind the Scenes: “Making the Cover of SOAKED!” by Abi Cushman

Behind the Scenes: “What’s in a Name?” by Jenna Grodzicki

August 14, 2020

Welcome, Jenna Grodzicki, author of WILD STYLE: AMAZING ANIMAL ADORNMENTS! When I first saw the book, my first thought was, great title! And that doesn’t come easy. It’s often the source of much agony for me. Here Jenna gives you a behind the scenes peek at how that title came to be.  AND Jenna is … More Behind the Scenes: “What’s in a Name?” by Jenna Grodzicki

Mining for Heart through Bonding & Back Matter by Tina Cho

August 7, 2020

Welcome, and congratulations to Tina Cho on 4 starred reviews for The Ocean Calls! Bravo! That’s not an easy feat! Today Tina shares her process of “mining for heart” in the writing of this fabulous new picture book about a Korean tradition, grandmothers who dive deep into the sea to harvest its treasures. Tina has … More Mining for Heart through Bonding & Back Matter by Tina Cho

Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams

July 25, 2020

I’m popping in with a “perfect picture book” on Saturday. I’ve found a history sister in Sarah Jane Marsh. Her energetic writing brings fascinating detail and humor to the page, bringing to life a nugget from history. And I love that she’s found a way to share historical tales in a longer form of picture … More Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams

Old Rock (is not boring)

July 17, 2020

It’s been a while since I’ve done a post for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a new picture book that caught my attention. It’s creative nonfiction or possibly informational fiction—it’s hard to determine the lines these days—combining the fun of fiction with the joy of science.  And…Thanks to all who participated in the Everyday Hero Giveaway … More Old Rock (is not boring)

166 years ago today, Elizabeth Jennings boarded a streetcar…

July 16, 2020

166 years ago today, Elizabeth Jennings boarded a streetcar in New York City. She was in a hurry to get to church. But, when the conductor ejected her because of her race, too-late-for-church took a backseat to too-late-for-equality. Seven months later, the young school teacher sat in a Brooklyn courtroom, waiting for the white judge … More 166 years ago today, Elizabeth Jennings boarded a streetcar…