This week for PPBF, I want to share a gentle, thoughtful, beautiful picture book with a story like none I’ve ever seen. Title: The Dam Written by: David Almond Illustrated by: Levi Pinfold Candlewick Press, 2018 Suitable for ages: 5-8 Themes/topics: music, change, hope, loss Opening: He woke her early. “Bring your fiddle,” he said. The … More The Dam
These days, picture books come in all sizes and lengths. There are so many new ones that are longer, meant for upper elementary and middle school aged kids. Yes, picture books are not just for little ones anymore! Yay! Because I think this unique art form is perfect in so many ways—and here’s an example … More Countdown, 2979 Days to the Moon
Though you might be tired of hearing the word “wall,” there’s a good chance you’ll love today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection. You might see it as politically and socially relevant, or you might see it as a fun story for kids. Either way, it’s a winner! Title: The Wall in the Middle of … More The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Barbara Jordan always impressed me as a phenomenal woman. She inspired reverence and awe and spoke to something deep inside. Such dignity and resolution. There are hardly words for her. But Chris Barton found the words, and Ekua Holmes has created such magnificent and complex illustrations. This is a picture book is big and bold … More What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s the perfect book for little ones ready to hit the slopes! Title: Teach Your Giraffe to Ski Written by: Viviane Elbee Illustrated by: Danni Gowdy Whitman 2018 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: skiing, learning something new Opening: Uh-oh. It’s snowing and your giraffe wants you to teach … More Teach Your Giraffe to Ski
Having experienced loved ones struggling with memory loss in my own family, Jessie Oliveros’ debut picture book, THE REMEMBER BALLOONS, really touched my heart. It’s clear that this story came straight from her own experience, but how does a writer convey an abstract concept like memory loss and make it comprehensible to children? Thank … More Mining for Heart: “The Metaphor” by Jessie Oliveros
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s one of my new favorites that’s layered with fun. Title: Douglas, You’re a Genius! Written and illustrated by: Ged Adamson Schwartz and Wade 2018 Suitable for ages: 3-7 Themes/topics: STEM, ingenuity, cooperation, perseverance Opening: Nancy and Douglas were playing ball in the backyard, when Nancy hit one too hard. … More Douglas, You’re a Genius!
This is the second in a new series I hope to grow – about what goes on “behind the scenes” in writing for children. If you put together all the writing that’s done for a picture book, it would be enough for a novel. All the revisions. All the cuts. Ideas tried and dumped. Information … More Behind the Scenes: Out-Takes from An Inconvenient Alphabet
A few weeks ago, author Hannah Holt shared her process of finding the heart of this story in my blog series “Mining for Heart.” Now, here’s a look at this gem of a picture book. And don’t miss the epic giveaway going on – details below. Title: The Diamond and the Boy: The Creation of … More The Diamond and the Boy
Vivian Kirkfield has a really big year coming up in 2019! I had to nab her now to share her process of ‘Mining for Heart’ before she takes off on her trip hopping across the globe and gets too busy with multiple book launches! Thank you, Vivian, for your thoughts on heart as the emotional … More Mining for Heart: “Plucking Heart Strings with Word Choice” by Vivian Kirkfield
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 