Tag: primary sources

Behind the Scenes: “How Primary Sources Can Grow Your Nonfiction Nature Picture Book” by Lynn Street

September 5, 2025

It’s quite amazing when you find primary sources that provide the seed, or acorn, that allows you to tell a story that for a while seemed lifeless. Check out this great post from debut author Lynn Street about how THE BLUE JAYS THAT GREW A FOREST grew from deep research and personal immersion in the … More Behind the Scenes: “How Primary Sources Can Grow Your Nonfiction Nature Picture Book” by Lynn Street

Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 3” by Beth Anderson

August 15, 2025

I felt like this last part should be titled “From whence it came and where it goes,” but that just seemed a bit unwieldy. Every manuscript I tackle teaches me more about researching, so I often add a note on what was special in the back matter—sometimes a short note, sometimes longer. It’s valuable for … More Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 3” by Beth Anderson

Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 2” by Beth Anderson

August 8, 2025

Though much of the fascinating information I glean from research never makes it into the story, some of it earns a place in back matter if it has the potential to engage and benefit educators, librarians, parents, and, most of all, young readers. Images and graphics are always a favorite! GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below … More Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 2” by Beth Anderson

Behind the Scenes: “The Bounty of Primary Sources” by Beth Anderson

May 3, 2024

Here’s a bit of the story behind the story of THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE! Research is definitely an adventure. All of you who do it know the lure of the rabbit hole and the joy of surprises that add richness to the writing. Letters seem like a lost … More Behind the Scenes: “The Bounty of Primary Sources” by Beth Anderson

Behind the Scenes: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin! You’re Quite a Character!

January 17, 2019

Have you heard complaints about the deterioration of the language? How kids don’t learn cursive anymore? How texting is ruinous? Well, it’s nothing new! Today, in honor of Ben Franklin’s 313th birthday, I’d like to invoke a birthday Festivus and air his grievances. Ben Franklin is a historical rock star with his endless curiosity, sharp wit, … More Behind the Scenes: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin! You’re Quite a Character!