Tag: STEM

Behind the Scenes: “The Evolution of a Picture Book Biography from Sub to Pub” by Danna Zeiger, Ph.D.

October 17, 2025

Looking back over the process of a book can be really informative. So much is forgotten over the course of the several years it takes from idea to published. Here’s an interesting post from debut author Danna Zeiger on the journey of REWRITING THE RULES: HOW DR. KATHLEEN FRIEL CREATED NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR BRAIN RESEARCH … More Behind the Scenes: “The Evolution of a Picture Book Biography from Sub to Pub” by Danna Zeiger, Ph.D.

Especially for Educators: “From Story to STEAM: Building Project-Based Learning from Picture Books” by Lindsay Moretti

October 3, 2025

If you’re not familiar with Lindsay Moretti’s endeavor for educators called KIDLIT GROVE, please…read on! In this post, she shares her process of using picture books as a springboard for creating Project-Based Learning (PBL) units. I totally agree with her—books don’t end with the last page! GIVEAWAY! Lindsay is offering winner’s choice: a free 1-month … More Especially for Educators: “From Story to STEAM: Building Project-Based Learning from Picture Books” by Lindsay Moretti

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: “Creative Collaboration” by Teresa Robeson

July 18, 2025

I was so surprised to learn about author Teresa Robeson’s experience creating DISGUSTOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF GROSS because it’s the opposite of the usual way authors, illustrators, and publishers work together. And what a great idea to share this collaborative process for use in the classroom to practice communication, creative thinking, and working in partnerships! … More Especially for Educators: “Creative Collaboration” by Teresa Robeson

Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

June 28, 2024

In an article I wrote recently for GROG Blog about my experience with illustration notes with THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, my look back over the editorial revision process showed that when the text was clarified, the notes weren’t needed. In this post, Maria Marianayagam shares a very different experience. Once again, there are no … More Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

April 28, 2024

That sneaky octopus has been hiding for a day or two, but fear not…author Randi Sonenshine is here with a post on how she lured that fascinating and elusive creature out with lyrical nonfiction!  Randi’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS … More Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

April 12, 2024

Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more … More Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

December 1, 2023

Educators! Here’s a terrific science activity using carnivorous plants and a new book from author and science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither! AND Jessica is offering a GIVEAWAY! A copy of NATURE’S RULE BREAKERS: CREATURES THAT DON’T FIT IN! Just leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing.  Congratulations to ejdthomasville winner of … More Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

October 27, 2023

Oh, so many challenges with the writing of A RIVER OF DUST: THE LIVE-GIVING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AMAZON. I’d never heard of the “river of dust” and was fascinated to learn about this amazing process of nature. In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the process of finding the heart … More Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

Especially for Educators: “Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Children” by Leslie Barnard Booth

October 6, 2023

This week we’re featuring another gorgeous picture book about geology! Author Leslie Barnard Booth shares some fantastic classroom activities for educators based on her new book A STONE IS A STORY.  Leslie is also offering a giveaway of a 30-minute virtual classroom visit! Just leave a comment after the post to get in the drawing! … More Especially for Educators: “Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Children” by Leslie Barnard Booth