Students at Emerson Elementary in Elmhurst, IL – under the direction of awesome librarian Lauren Blanford – were the first to try this fun activity. And it’s a perfect STEAM project to try at home. While it’s based on my book Truman, illustrated by the amazing Lucy Ruth Cummins, you don’t need the book in… Read more »
School Visits
Low-Tech At-Home Learning: Onomatopoeia Poems
Hi all, In the middle of this global crisis, parents, teachers, caregivers, librarians, publishers, authors and illustrators are all rising to the challenge of at-home learning. I’ve been trying to do my part by supplying links to my FREE Curriculum, Activity and Storytime Guides linked to learning standards for all my books. But I also… Read more »
Appearances 2020
New appearances are added daily! 2/6/20 CCIRA Denver 10:30-11:30 Noticings Wondering and Listerner-Led Read Alouds 2/7/20 CCIRA Denver RMC-SCBWI Panel 4:00 2/10/20 Willowbrook School Visit, Glenview, IL 2/11/20 Westcott School Visit, Northbrook, IL 2/23/20 … Read more »
The PUP 681 Curriculum and Storytime Guide is here! And it’s FREE!
Dear Teachers and Librarians, My latest book PUP 681: A SEA OTTER RESCUE STORY is based on the true story of Luna, a rescued sea otter who now lives at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It’s a heart-filled and hopeful tale about family and love which Kirkus – in their STARRED review – calls “unabashedly… Read more »
Today is the Day! PUP 681 is HERE!
I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest book PUP 681: A SEA OTTER RESCUE STORY Here’s where you can buy your copy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound or request it at your library. I’ll be celebrating and signing books at (click for more information): 3/16/19 Colorado Book & Arts Festival, Arvada, CO 3/22-23/19 Children’s Festival of Stories, Denver, CO… Read more »
Engaging the Picture Book Crowd
Here’s a short piece I wrote a couple of years ago. But it seems even more appropriate on the eve of World Read Aloud Day. Enjoy your reading, everyone! Engaging the Picture Book Crowd Whether it’s through quiet, cuddle time, conversation or comic relief, engaging the picture book crowd is a delightful task. I like… Read more »
Appearances 2019
1/29/19 North Jackson Elementary, Talmo, GA, School Virtual Visit 1/31/19 Martha Reid Leadership Academy, Mansfield, TX, School Virtual Visit 2/1/19 New Interdisciplinary School, Medford, NY, School Virtual Visit 2/1/19 Chamberlin Elementary School, Stephensville, TX, School Virtual… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: Opinion Pieces for Early Learners
After a recent Skype school visit, I received a fabulous file of “Best Book” reports from a phenomenal first-grade class … which reminded me, author studies and opinion pieces are not just for big kids. By reading, together as a class, several books by the same author – and maybe even scheduling a virtual visit… Read more »
Appearances 2018
2/1/18 Elizabeth Green Elementary School, Newington, CT, Virtual Visit 2/1/18 Providence Elementary School, Aubrey, TX, Virtual Visit 2/1/18 Palencia Elementary School, St. Augustine, FL, Virtual Visit 2/13/18 Tuckahoe Common School District, Southampton, NY, Virtual Visit 2/14/18 … Read more »
Get ready for World Read Aloud Day … or everyday!
February 1st is World Read Aloud Day! Hooray! But there’s no need to limit your read aloud talent to one day of the year. Take every opportunity, all year long, to read with young readers or listeners. Whether it’s cuddled up on your couch, at a library, in a bookstore or via the internet, you… Read more »