My first career was as a newspaper reporter. There, I learned that — to quote former Washington Post journalist Maxine Chesire: “With a roll of quarters and a phone, you can find out anything.” (Side note: If you want a great look at how Maxine overcame sexism and racisim to …
The winter solstice has passed. Every year, I look forward to the sense of renewal and hope that comes with the lengthening days, the additional sunlight. Today I want to call attention to people who bring light and hope to others. As author Deidre Havrelock and illustrator Aphelandra share in …
Picture book biographies are some of my favorite things to read. Why? Well, first, I always learn something new. And, I love learning new things. I think that’s part of what makes me a successful writer. If you don’t understand the power of picture books, you might wonder how an …
In the spirit of “Every day is Earth Day,” every day is also a great day to read a conservation-themed book! Here are two new picture books to inspire readers of all ages to help protect our planet. MAYA MAKES WAVES, written by Maya Gabeira and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, …
I was in Singapore recently to speak at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content and was incredibly fortunate to meet Melanie Lee. Melanie was not only the moderator of one of my panels, but is also a children’s book author, a journalist, a multimedia project creator, and a teacher of …
Hearing children learn a new word — even if their pronounciation is not perfect — is always a milestone moment. I specifically remember my oldest daughter excitedly referring to parking spots as “sparking pots” when she was around three years old. But, when the child learning a new word is …
Today I want to share a lovely picture book pairing: one is a nonfiction biography and the other is a fictional tale written by the subject of the biography and her daughter. Who else could it be but the amazing and multitalented Dame Julie Andrews! In SONG AFTER SONG: THE …
Brrrrrrrrr… it’s getting cold outside! What better time to start thinking about winter than to take a look at this BEAUTIFUL new photo-illustrated, rhyming picture book!? (Answer: there is NO better time!) We are lucky enough to have author Buffy Silverman here today to answer some questions about this fabulous …
One of my favorite things is when I stumble across a picture book I haven’t heard much about and it ends up being practically perfect. (And it also goes well with a book I already know about.) The book: PIECE BY PIECE: ERNESTINE’S GIFT FOR PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT is written by …
Today’s picture book bounty is a double feature of new books by Maria Gianferrari: Thank a Farmer (illustrated by Monica Mikai) and Fungi Grow (illustrated by Diana Sudyka). Before my interview with Maria, here are quotes from a few reviews: “Rooted in gratitude, this educational title explains in simple yet …