Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m sharing another favorite from the “BEST of 2020” lists. EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS truly is exquisite! Suzanne Slade is another favorite author who continually teaches me about the craft of writing picture books. Congratulations to Ruthie Kirk! You’ve won a copy of IS IT … More Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Get ready for Women’s History Month! I’ll start you off with this week’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, about a woman I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of! But first, it’s time to announce some winners in the giveaways….. Winner of Beautiful Shades of Brown from Nancy Churnin…Patricia Tilton! Winner of Patricia’s Vision … More Wood, Wire, Wings
Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord. MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! … More Patricia’s Vision
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
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is truly a treasure—the story of Mary Walker’s 121 years of perseverance, all the while holding onto her dream to learn how to read. Don’t miss it! And come back next Friday to hear from author, Rita Lorraine Hubbard. A momentary pause here to congratulate PATRICIA NOZELL, the winner from last … More The Oldest Student
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
It’s so special when I get to share a critique partner’s book for Perfect Picture Book Friday! Based on a true story, this book sprang from the documentary, A Place in the Middle. A few weeks ago, author Heather Gale wrote a guest post for Mining for Heart. If you missed it, go back and … More Ho’onani: Hula Warrior
Last week, Dow Phumiruk shared her illustration process for Titan and the Wild Boars. This week, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, learn more about this outstanding new book. Title: Titan and the Wild Boars, The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team Written by: Susan Hood and Pathana Sornhiran Illustrated by: Dow Phumiruk Harper Collins … More Titan and the Wild Boars
If you’re a kidlit writer and aren’t familiar with KidLit 411, you need to check out their website. It’s hands-down the site with the most and best info on a plethora of topics for writers. There’s a FaceBook group, too. And a bonus to all this goodness – lots of giveaways! I recently got lucky. … More Her Fearless Run
Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out. Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 