Ever had something slip out of your mouth that you immediately wished you could call back? Join the club. As adults, we know how embarrassing it feels to open mouth, insert foot. We also know it isn’t the end of the world. Well, we eventually know that. But when it happens …
One of my favorite books of 2014 is Froodle, by Antoinette Portis. Delightful wordplay is the star here, and I’m not sure who would have more fun with it – the kiddos listening or the adult reading/performing it aloud. …
Hi, everybody. Instead of a post today, we’d like to direct you to the TeachingBooks Blog. During the month of October, they’re giving away a BUNCH ‘o books for kids of all ages, and we wanted to make you aware. Here’s a partial list to give you an idea of …
I’m choosing to talk about John, Paul, George & Ben today – what I suppose has to be classified as an oldie, but goodie, since it was published in 2006 – only because I keep running into newish writers who aren’t familiar with it. In my opinion, every writer (and …
At book signings there’s always somebody who, after flipping through a book, looks at me to ask, “Where’d you get this idea?” Honestly, it isn’t always easy to remember, 3-5 years after the fact, what sparked a story idea. But if they ask that about my newest book, Elwood Bigfoot: …
First things first. My last post included a giveaway, so I’m happy to announce that the WINNERS of the newest Explore My World books from National Geographic Kids are: Baby Animals – Katy Duffield Nighttime – Kathy Doherty Congrats, you two, and a big THANK YOU to all who entered. …
Eliza Wheeler is deep into a project, so I’m filling in to bring you an interview with the delightful Marfé Ferguson Delano. Marfé is the award-winning author of more than 20 children’s books published by National Geographic (check them out on her website). Her most recent titles include Welcome to the …
Julia Sarcone-Roach’s new book, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, is a delight. Why? First of all, the narrator is relating a little-bit-wacky story that readers/listeners will almost-but-not-quite doubt. It’s just crazy enough that it COULD be true, after all. A bear COULD have accidentally made his way to town and, …
As a reader, the story-within-a-story format has always appealed to me. As a writer, I know this format is difficult to pull off. Because I’m working on one of my own, I pulled three from my bookshelves to take a closer look. How did their authors handle voice, pacing, tension …
My latest picture book crush? Lucky, by British author/illustrator David Mackintosh. Happily, David was kind enough to answer a few questions about the book. Also, ARTWORK! How much do we love that?! Story synopsis, from the title page: When Leo’s mother announces there will be a surprise at dinner, Leo …