My two 2020 picture books are both set in New York City, both feature transportation, and both highlight heroes. But the stories are very different. Lizzie Demands a Seat, released in January, is the story of how Elizabeth Jennings won the first courtroom victory against segregation on transportation in 1855. She was bold and brave, … More James “Smelly” Kelly, Everyday Hero
What a treat to have an author/illustrator share the process of “mining for heart”! I’m always fascinated to learn more about how illustrators think. Here, the amazing-how-does-she-get-so-much-done Dow Phumiruk shares her process with her forthcoming book, Hugsby. AND…Dow is generously offering a GIVEAWAY of one of her books – your choice! Just leave a comment … More Mining for Heart: “Mining for Hugsby’s Heart” by Dow Phumiruk
One of my long-time critique buddies is here with some thoughts on finding the heart in her debut picture book, HO’ONANI: HULA WARRIOR. Illustrated by Mika Song, the book will release from Tundra Books on Oct. 1, 2019. It’s so exciting to see a manuscript you’ve watched grow and change into a story become a book! AND … More Mining for Heart: “Strong, Sure and Steady: The Beat of Ho’onani’s Heart” by Heather Gale + giveaway!
“…by thus clubbing our books to a common library, we should, while we lik’d to keep them together, have each of us the advantage of using the books of all the other members, which would be nearly as beneficial as if each owned the whole.” From Ben Franklin’s Autobiography And thus began America’s first lending … More National Library Week! April 7-13, 2019
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 