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 am not a fan of reptiles. Frankly I’m kind of terrified or freaked out by most. I have dreams of snakes every now and then and it is never good. Amphibians? They are not nearly as stress-inducing, but they still give me a low-grade bout of the willies. I …
WHAT ROSA BROUGHT by Jacob Sager Weinstein and Eliza Wheeler is the story of the author’s mother, how she fled Nazi-occupied Vienna, and what she brought with her to America. The book begins with Rosa being looked after by her loving grandmother in a sun-filled city while her parents tend …
I always have a wonderful time at the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) conference, and last week was no different! Celebrating books with other book lovers and creators always fills my well and gives me hope for the future. I started off the conference by doing a Build …
It’s that time again! 🙂 I hereby give you my list of 24 of the MANY Picture Books I’m Looking Forward to in ’24! ********************************************* WINNER: Congratulations to Quinette Cook! She won a signed copy of Willow and Bunny by Anitra Rowe Schulte and Christopher Denise.
I’m in love with the illustrations of this gorgeous picture book, A THING CALLED SNOW by Yuval Zommer. It’s a sweet, beautiful book perfect for the holiday season. “Fox and Hare were born in the spring, grew up in the summer, and were best of friends by autumn.” The two …
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 …
Today is the book birthday of author Chelsea Lin Wallace’s newest book, THE BOO-BOOS OF BLUEBERRY ELEMENTARY, illustrated by Alison Farrell. And what better way to celebrate than a fantastic author interview! Let’s get started, shall we? RGL: Welcome to Picture Book Builders, Chelsea! And HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! What a …
A few years ago, I was walking home to my apartment in Brooklyn, NY, when suddenly I noticed everyone on the block was frozen. I froze too, and then I saw what had made everyone stop in their tracks—a red-tailed hawk, perched on a chainlink fence. It was absolutely majestic, …
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 …