Cecil’s Pride

Today we look at a real Lion King. Tomorrow I’ll announce the winner of a copy of Miranda Paul’s 10 Little Ninjas. You’ve got a few more hours to leave a comment and be eligible for the drawing. Title: Cecil’s Pride, The True Story of a Lion King Told by: Craig Hatkoff, Juliana Hatkoff, and Isabella Hatkoff … More Cecil’s Pride

Mining for Heart: From Classic to Contemporary – Writing (or Rewriting) a Concept Picture Book By Miranda Paul

Do concept books have a special element of heart? The good ones do! This month, Miranda Paul shares her process in creating her latest book, 10 Little Ninjas. … More Mining for Heart: From Classic to Contemporary – Writing (or Rewriting) a Concept Picture Book By Miranda Paul

Mining the Setting: “In the Canyon: How Setting Became Story” by Liz Garton Scanlon

With the “Paging Through the Parks” celebration of the 100th anniversary of  U.S. National Parks during August, it’s the perfect time to examine setting. Liz Garton Scanlon  shares her experience mining the setting for story. What she found sprang from her own experience and memories, and how the setting had touched her.  In the Canyon: How Setting … More Mining the Setting: “In the Canyon: How Setting Became Story” by Liz Garton Scanlon

It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post features a man of seemingly endless talents, author /illustrator Don Tate. Looking forward to meeting him at the WOW retreat and learning about his process, with text and art! Title: It Jes’ Happened, When Bill Traylor Started to Draw Written by: Don Tate Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie Lee and … More It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

The Kid From Diamond Street and other Audrey Vernick favorites

Another WOW Retreat author is Audrey Vernick. She’s definitely a baseball fan and writes nonfiction as well as fiction picture books. Title: The Kid From Diamond Street, the Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton Written by: Audrey Vernick Illustrated by: Steven Salerno Clarion, HMH, 2016, biography Suitable for ages: 4-7 (easily extends to age 10) … More The Kid From Diamond Street and other Audrey Vernick favorites

Teeny Tiny Toady and other Esbaum favorites

Today on PPBF I’m featuring another author participating in the WOW retreat. Jill Esbaum, a rhymer, hits age-old childhood themes in new and creative ways. Title: Teeny Tiny Toady Written by: Jill Esbaum Illustrated by: Keika Yamaguchi Sterling, 2016, fiction, 40 pages Suitable for ages: 4-7 Lexile: AD520 Themes/topics: problem solving, siblings, rescue Opening: (Opening … More Teeny Tiny Toady and other Esbaum favorites

Dorothea’s Eyes and The Noisy Paintbox

Another author I’m thrilled to meet at the Week of Writing (WOW) Retreat is Barb Rosenstock. I’ve already started my list of questions for her. What an amazing writer! It’s hard to choose just two favorites… Title: Dorothea’s Eyes, Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth Written by: Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by: Gerard DuBois Calkins Creek, 2016, … More Dorothea’s Eyes and The Noisy Paintbox