music – Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Behind the Scenes: “Discover the Victorious “V” in Voice!” by Caitlin DeLems

March 24, 2023

Voice—mysterious, essential, unique—that quality that every editor wants, the “flavor” bestowed by the author that makes a story come alive. Here Caitlin DeLems shares her struggle to find voice in her nonfiction book PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT! THE MUSICAL DEBUT OF AMY CHENEY BEACH. And you’ll see that even Caitlin’s blog article has voice! GIVEAWAY! … More Behind the Scenes: “Discover the Victorious “V” in Voice!” by Caitlin DeLems

Mining for Heart: “Highlighting the Essential in Biographies” by Donna Cangelosi

October 7, 2022

After a short lull in posts, we’re back digging into the “heart” of a story. I’m guessing most all of you are familiar with Mister Rogers and know that he made music a part of his show. Here Donna Cangelosi examines music as her focus in writing a bio on Fred Rogers. GIVEAWAY! For a … More Mining for Heart: “Highlighting the Essential in Biographies” by Donna Cangelosi

Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars

May 28, 2021

Popping in with a Perfect Picture Book Friday recommendation. This book is in my top 10 for 2020—a lyrical, gorgeous, important book about the power of music. Don’t miss it! Title: Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars Written by: Gary Golio Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis Nancy Paulsen Books/PRH 2020, biography … More Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars

Making Their Voices Heard

February 7, 2020

Today’s Perfect Picture Book is the story behind a photograph, a great example of how “a picture is worth a thousand words.” After seeing a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, author Vivian Kirkfield dug into the story of a special friendship and found a way to share that with kids. Title: Making Their … More Making Their Voices Heard

Guitar Genius

October 18, 2019

Cue the air guitar. It’s time to rock on Perfect Picture Book Friday with GUITAR GENIUS by Kim Tomsic! It’s music, engineering, and rock and roll paired with perseverance, ingenuity, and pure joy. Next week, Kim Tomsic gives us a peek “Behind the Scenes” of her writing journey and shares some craft nuggets.. Title: Guitar … More Guitar Genius

The Dam

February 15, 2019

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