Last week Cathy Ballou Mealey shared her process in “Start with the Heart!” Here’s more about WHEN A TREE GROWS for Perfect Picture Book Friday…. Title: When A Tree Grows Written by: Cathy Ballou Mealey Illustrated by: Kasia Nowowiejska Sterling 2019 fiction Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: cause/effect, friendship Opening: When a tree grows in … More When a Tree Grows
Stardust! We are made of stardust! What a mind-boggling concept! Today’s Perfect Picture Book takes a complex topic, makes it beautifully simple, and aims it straight at the heart. Amazing! Title: The Stuff of Stars Written by: Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by: Ekua Holmes Candlewick 2018 Suitable for ages: 5-10 Themes/topics: universe, nature, stardust Opening: … More The Stuff of Stars
Take a magical trip to the New York Public Library for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a touching tale of stories, loved ones, precious memories, and the magical power of the library lions that stand guard in the front.. Title: The Night Library Written by: David Zeltser Illustrated by: Raul Colón Random House 2019 Suitable for … More The Night Library
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
Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s a gem that everyone will enjoy and is certain to touch your heart. Title: Thank You, Omu! Written and illustrated by: Oge Mora Little Brown, 2018, fiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: gratitude, generosity, community Opening: On the corner of First Street and Long Street, on the very … More Thank You, Omu!
I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled it off the shelf. But I immediately was glad I had paused to take a look. Here’s a creative Perfect Picture Book that has a bonus layer for reading teachers and lots for writers to enjoy. And kids? They’ll love it, too, because they have certainly … More No Boring Stories!
GIVEAWAY!! Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Last week Elizabeth Brown shared her process of finding how to write the story that became Dancing Through Fields of Color. This week I have more about the book and an opportunity to win your very own copy of this very lovely biography of Helen Frankenthaler. Be sure to … More Dancing Through Fields of Color
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
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 