I too am enamored with the view of the Rocky Mountains. Along with the wonder they inspire, somehow, they anchor you. In writing the story of a piece of land, Stacy Jensen faced the challenge of finding the heart of a story about something that’s not human. Here she shares the process of writing BEFORE … More Mining for Heart: “Digging into the Heart of the Land” by Stacy S. Jensen
Sharing the past can inspire the future! In her new book, author Melissa Mwai gives young readers a peek into the Harlem Renaissance, and in this post, she shares three activities for the classroom to build understanding of the time, make use of nonfiction text features, and extend learning. Leave a comment below to get … More Especially for Educators: “Harnessing the History of the Harlem Renaissance” by Melissa H. Mwai
My sister was the one who loved horses in my family. A pair of disgruntled ponies instilled a wariness in me, but as an adult, I appreciate the beauty and power of horses. Jennifer Thermes’ new picture book HORSE POWER: HOW HORSES CHANGED THE WORLD caught my eye after I had spent time thoroughly enjoying … More Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes
Being the 1st is not enough.” I’ve heard these words from editors who probably receive way too many picture book manuscripts about someone who did something first. Authors scramble to uncover inventions and accomplishments, discoveries and honors, breakthroughs and court victories. Being first is commendable and implies individual greatness, but it’s not always interesting, engaging, … More Behind the Scenes: “Being the 1st Is Not Enough”
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
In previous guest posts, other authors have written that the heart of the story is in the characters and their relationships. I agree. But when writing about real people from history using limited resources, it’s often a challenge to get to know them. When I’m digging for what makes an historical figure tick, I look … More Mining for Heart: Listen to Your Characters
Sgt. Reckless – the only animal ever to officially hold military rank——and receive two Purple Hearts! … More Sergeant Reckless, the True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero
This week’s Perfect Picture Book takes us up in the air and back in time. Title: A Voyage in the Clouds, the (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 Written by: Matthew Olshan Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall Farrar Straus Giroux, 2016 Historical fiction, 40 pp. Suitable for ages: 4-8 Lexile: … More A Voyage in the Clouds
An incredibly interesting and engaging book… Title: Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras Written and illustrated by: Duncan Tonatiuh Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015, biography, 40 pages Suitable for ages: 6-10 (and older) Themes/topics: art, Mexico, Day of the Dead Opening: Skeletons riding bicycles…skeletons wearing fancy hats…skeletons dancing and strumming … More Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
PPBF: Six Dots. Another gem from Jen Bryant. She’s amazing! … More Six Dots
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 