Tag: poetry

Mining for Heart: “Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal” by Lydia Lukidis

January 17, 2025

Today’s nonfiction picture books invite young readers in with a huge range of creative ways to share information. Here’s how author Lydia Lukidis went after finding an effective format, point of view, and structure for her newest release, UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere. Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal by Lydia Lukidis Thanks … More Mining for Heart: “Writing Nonfiction with Kid Appeal” by Lydia Lukidis

Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

April 5, 2024

When I read LEAFY LANDMARKS by Michelle Schaub, I was amazed by the layers! Not only all the research and multiple angles, but also an incredible poetry collection! Such a great book for the classroom! Michelle is here to share how the layers of her manuscript grew over time as she persevered to publishing.  GIVEAWAY! … More Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

Mining For Heart: “An Outside-In and Inside-Out Look at Creating a Book” by Keila Dawson

February 24, 2023

If I was still teaching, I’d have both of these books in my classroom! In varied types of poetry, voices of kids speak out and invite all to join in their call to action. With a book like this, the challenge of finding the “heart” is different than in a narrative. This post from Keila … More Mining For Heart: “An Outside-In and Inside-Out Look at Creating a Book” by Keila Dawson

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

July 30, 2021

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

Behind the Scenes: “A Case Study in Collaboration” by Lindsay Metcalf

November 6, 2020

Lindsay Metcalf is having a big year! Today she takes us behind the scenes again with another new release: NO VOICE TOO SMALL: FOURTEEN YOUNG AMERICANS MAKING HISTORY. This anthology was a team effort. Thank you, Lindsay for sharing how this collaborative effort came together. And also thank you for offering a signed copy as … More Behind the Scenes: “A Case Study in Collaboration” by Lindsay Metcalf