Stories Close to Home “Write what you know,” the advice goes. Instead, for years I wrote what I didn’t know. I’ve found most of my nonfiction topics by traveling (physically or through primary research) far away from my home. Searching for unusual stories (or unique takes on known stories,) I wound …
Hello, readers. Happy Women’s History month! I’m thrilled today to introduce my newest book (illustrated by the extremely talented Rebecca Gibbon and published by Calkins Creek), a biography of author Gene Stratton-Porter. One hundred years ago, Gene Stratton-Porter was a monstrously popular woman. She’d written 26 books, both fiction and …
Hello, readers! Today I’m keeping it short with a quick look at a funny title from 2022 (Kids Can Press), written by Monica Silvie and illustrated by Elina Ellis. This cover grabbed me right away. Those eyes, right? This little chickadee could not be more quirky and original. Right off …
Long-time award-winning nonfiction author (and former PBB blogger) Suzanne Slade has a new book debuting this month, and … hold onto your hats … it’s FICTION. I’ve been a fan of Suzanne’s practically forever, so of course that had me curious and I had to hear all about it. Take …
Want to write a picture book text worthy of a poet laureate? This is how you do it. Since Carla and I have an in-depth chat about her book below, I’ll simply share the book’s synopsis from the publisher: Ted Kooser: More Than a Local Wonder, a biography of poet, …
I don’t think I’ve ever done this, but since we especially like to talk about ONE element of a picture book that we think is exemplary, I’m giving you a sneak peek at this charming book’s back matter glossary. Take a look: Oh, Jody Jensen Shaffer … I absolutely adore …
My friend Sarah Glenn Fortson has a new nonfiction book perfect for October. From Sarah, illustrator Kris Aro McLeod, and Peter Pauper Press, I give you: I found this entire book fascinating from cover to cover. It’s geared toward independent readers, but an apple-loving younger kiddo would get lots from …
Am I ever glad I met this funny, sweet, lighthearted, fall-iscious romp! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: My all-time favorite acorn book. (y’know. so far.) Random spreads to whet your sightbuds:
My author friend Linda Skeers is always on the lookout for great nonfiction picture books, and when she brought this one to our Whispering Woods Picture Book Retreat/Workshop last month, I liked it so much I had to buy my own copy. How often does that happen? Not often. But …
As soon as I saw Janet Nolan’s new book, Get Ready For School (Albert Whitman), I knew it would be the perfect book to feature in a late-July post. This is an ideal book to share with kiddos on the cusp of that all-important (and more than a little intimidating) …