Ideas for books are everywhere, and sometimes arise from a question. In this post, author/illustrator Janice Hechter shares her process of gathering information, which ended up stretching her beyond what she’d anticipated. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to get in the drawing for a copy of WHERE ARE THE WOMEN by Janice Hechter. You’ve got … More Behind the Scenes: “Going Off Script” by Janice Hechter
Finding the focus and creating impact is always a huge challenge when faced with piles of research. I understand Megan Hoyt’s struggle with landing on just the right way to tell a story! In this post, Megan shares how she worked through a few ideas until she found what worked. GIVEAWAY! Megan is offering one … More Behind the Scenes: “A Grand Idea requires Perseverance, Determination, and Courage!” by Megan Hoyt
While many people are inspired to write a piece of family history, a memory or heartfelt reverence for ancestors’ endeavors isn’t usually enough to create a great picture book. Laurie Wallmark’s patient pondering to find the focus along with her expert knowledge of how to write an engaging story resulted in her latest release, RIVKA’S … More Mining for Heart: “Finding the Focus for Rivka’s Presents” by Laurie Wallmark
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
You’ll have to wait until October 13 for the book, but since today is a special day—my dad’s 93rd birthday—it seems a perfect day to share the cover of “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES: HOW JAMES KELLY’S NOSE SAVED THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY. Though my father doesn’t have an extraordinary nose, he’s a … More Cover Reveal! “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses
Go beyond planes, trains, and automobiles! Check out this week’s fascinating “Perfect Picture Book.” Title: The Secret Subway Written by: Shana Corey Illustrated by: Red Nose Studio Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 (I would say 5+) Lexile: AD810 Themes/topics: history, New York City, subways, invention Opening: Welcome to … More The Secret Subway
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 