I don’t know when it began, my interest in how seemingly disparate things are connected. Maybe it was all the mysteries I read as a kid, trying to suss out what the clues were and how they fit together before the detective did. Maybe it was learning about the butterfly …
It’s labeled Read Aloud on the classroom schedule, but it’s hard not to think of it as Story Time. It’s where we gather on the floor and make our voices sound like each of the three Billy Goats Gruff, where we make predictions about whether Little Star will eat the …
Little lion Luka is NOT worried about a visit to the doctor. He’s NOT scared of getting a shot. And he’s definitely NOT a little lion anymore. R-O-A-R! His younger sister, Lulu, might be nervous for her checkup, but no need to worry–big brother is here to set a brave …
Oh, readers. Today is pretty special. I asked three picture book writing friends to tell us–in less than 100 words!–about one of their favorite picture books of 2022. Let’s give it up for Jean Reidy, Meg Fleming, and Anika Denise! _______________________________________________________ First, we have Jean Reidy. The book she chose …
Pictured above is the newest addition to our classroom library: TOGETHER WE RIDE by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita (Chronicle). Yes, I know it’s an empty book stand. But that’s just because ever since it arrived, the book has been passed from one marker-stained set of hands to the next, …
Do you sometimes get tired of listening to the news? Mentally exhausted, bone-deep tired? I do. I used to be a newspaper reporter, so I know the drill. Average, everyday people going about their business hurting no one don’t make the news. Exceptions make the news. People doing something spectacular …
I absolutely love introducing debut authors, and today I get to bring in not one, but TWO. Co-authors Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson, with the help of illustrator Stephanie Laberis, have brought to life a bright, snappy twist on the Cinderella story, CINDERELLIOT – A Scrumptious Fairytale (Running Press Kids). …
Yeah, I know, this blog is about picture books. And though technically not a picture book, this early reader has a LOT of pictures. So, I’m going with it anyway. Written and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist, Matthew Cordell, this enchanting book about two mice, two best friends will be a …
Confession time: I’m an office hopper. By that, I mean I’ve never had an “officey” office, or even managed to store all my writing/art related tools in a single space. That’s partly because our house is small, but also because I’m organizationally challenged. Or maybe I enjoy the hunt, trying …
Dr. Irvin Kerlan (1912-1963 (Killed at only age 51 in a traffic accident)) was the chief of medical research for the US Food and Drug Administration and an alumni of the University of Minnesota. An avid collector of rare books, he began focussing his collection toward children’s books. Dr. Kerlan …