What child hasn’t pretended to be a circus performer? Taming lions! Walking tightropes! Flying on the trapeze! Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, in the center ring, all the way from France, in the midst of a revolution, with captivating illustrations and the wonder of well-chosen words….I give you Madame Saqui! Title: Madame Saqui: Revolutionary … More Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer
Oh, such a special treat today! It just so happens that the Books Brothers are off of school and have time to share some of their thoughts about books. First I asked about any favorite picture books. Paxton, age 8, says that funny ones are his favorites. Some of the titles he’s read over and … More Introducing the Books Brothers!
Stories begin in all sorts of places, and often, I think, they begin with an emotional reaction to something we see or hear. Thank you, Julie Abery, for sharing how YUSRA SWIMS came to be. Thank you so much, Beth, for inviting me on your blog to share my debut picture book biography, Yusra Swims … More Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery
Each manuscript I’ve tackled has brought new lessons in the research process, so it’s always helpful when I get to learn from someone else’s experience. In this guest post, Kirsten Larson shares some “Behind the Scenes” learning from the research process for her debut picture book, WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE. Straight … More Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson
Get ready for Women’s History Month! I’ll start you off with this week’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, about a woman I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of! But first, it’s time to announce some winners in the giveaways….. Winner of Beautiful Shades of Brown from Nancy Churnin…Patricia Tilton! Winner of Patricia’s Vision … More Wood, Wire, Wings
Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord. MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! … More Patricia’s Vision
Here’s another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Laura Wheeler Waring spoke through her art, painting people she saw in her life but absent from galleries. Nancy Churnin’s latest picture book, gorgeously illustrated by Felicia Marshall, tells how Waring persevered to find her place in the art world. NANCY CHURNIN … More Beautiful Shades of Brown
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is the story behind a photograph, a great example of how “a picture is worth a thousand words.” After seeing a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, author Vivian Kirkfield dug into the story of a special friendship and found a way to share that with kids. Title: Making Their … More Making Their Voices Heard
You’ll have to wait until October 13 for the book, but since today is a special day—my dad’s 93rd birthday—it seems a perfect day to share the cover of “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES: HOW JAMES KELLY’S NOSE SAVED THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY. Though my father doesn’t have an extraordinary nose, he’s a … More Cover Reveal! “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses
In anticipation for NF Fest coming up in February, author Lisa Amstutz gives us a peek into the thought processes involved in digging out the heart of science. Thank you, Lisa! Finding the Heart of Science I’ve enjoyed reading the posts here on mining for heart – so many helpful ideas! As a (mostly) science … More Mining for Heart: “Finding the Heart of Science” by Lisa Amstutz
