Category: picture books

Behind the Scenes: “Building Tension in Nonfiction Picture Books” by Donna McKinney

October 25, 2024

In this post, author Donna McKinney addresses the challenge of finding the essential tension needed to pull readers through a nonfiction story and keep them turning pages. GIVEAWAY! Donna is giving away a copy of TINY TERN TAKES FLIGHT to one person who comments below! Congratulations to Lillie Pardo , winner of a copy of … More Behind the Scenes: “Building Tension in Nonfiction Picture Books” by Donna McKinney

Behind the Scenes: “Facets of Light” by Karen M. Greenwald

October 11, 2024

When authors dig into history, we find all sorts of surprises, endless fascination, and so much relevance to our world today. The ability to vicariously explore the human experience of the past gives us perspective and can inspire us to meet present day challenges with hope, empathy, and perseverance. Author Karen Greenwald hears the past … More Behind the Scenes: “Facets of Light” by Karen M. Greenwald

Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

October 4, 2024

Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos. And don’t miss the book trailer linked at the end of the post—it gave me goosebumps!  Congratulations to Marcia Strykowski, winner of … More Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

Mining for Heart: “Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope” by Barbara Herkert

September 27, 2024

Where do you find inspiration? Barbara Herkert found it growing near her home. Here she shares how she brought the source of her own inspiration to young readers in THIS OLD MADRONE TREE.  GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered  to win a copy of THIS OLD MADRONE TREE!     And congratulations to … More Mining for Heart: “Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope” by Barbara Herkert

Especially for Educators: “Passive to Active: Using a Game to Engage Students with Nonfiction” by Elizabeth Shreeve

September 6, 2024

Kids love animals—especially the weird ones! Elizabeth Shreeve shares a science book for ages 7-10 that celebrates one of Earth’s most unique group of critters. The Teacher Guide comes with “The Adaptation Game,” a fun, card-based activity developed with STEM experts. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to enter the drawing for a copy … More Especially for Educators: “Passive to Active: Using a Game to Engage Students with Nonfiction” by Elizabeth Shreeve

Behind the Scenes: “How to Get an Expert Interview for Your Nonfiction PB” by Becca McMurdie

August 23, 2024

It’s always hard to approach an expert to ask for their time and expertise. And when you don’t have a track record and published titles to prove you’re bonafide, the real deal, worthy of trust, it can be truly daunting. In this post, debut author Becca McMurdie shares her approach and the sample letter that … More Behind the Scenes: “How to Get an Expert Interview for Your Nonfiction PB” by Becca McMurdie

Behind the Scenes: “A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction” by Nell Cross Beckerman

August 9, 2024

With a goal of writing a book for kids about volcanoes using lyrical language, author Nell Cross Beckerman not only researched for information, she also used her own and gathered more sensory input. Here’s how using her senses paid off in writing VOLCANOES. Congratulations to Claire Annette, winner of Lori Alexander’s giveaway of a picture … More Behind the Scenes: “A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction” by Nell Cross Beckerman

Behind the Scenes: “A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively” by Lori Alexander

August 2, 2024

Transforming a pile of information into story is a challenge. And then when you think you’ve done it, you learn it’s not working as you’d hoped. In this post, author Lori Alexander shares how she continued to revise until the story came alive. Her examples are informative, and the tips she leaves us with are … More Behind the Scenes: “A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively” by Lori Alexander

Cover Reveal! Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln

July 26, 2024

If I asked you to name a detective, I’d likely hear Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, Dick Tracy, and maybe even Allan Pinkerton… BUT…I’m willing to bet no one would mention Kate Warne. I’m hoping HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE ABRAHAM LINCOLN might change that and shine some … More Cover Reveal! Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln

Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

July 5, 2024

Think back…do you have a favorite piece of furniture from your past? One that comes with precious memories? One that’s part of YOUR story. But what if that special piece of furniture could share ITS story? Author Cathy Stefanec Ogren’s latest book is just such a tale, and here she shares how she found the … More Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren