In my picture book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, a child uses his imagination and his blanket to travel through his universe before bed. The child’s blanket, white and red, represents the themes of the book – security and a sense of place. By zeroing in on a significant object in their lives, students can explore… Read more »
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Noticings and Wonderings: The Best Questions a Parent or Teacher Could Ask While Reading Aloud.
Guest Post by Boni Hamilton One of my best memories of childhood happened at a family friend’s country farmhouse during an unexpected snowstorm that stranded us. Imagine seven kids, chattering and giggling, snuggled together in a single bedroom. Either of my parents could have squelched the noise with a look, but our friends’ parents –… Read more »
In the Hands of a Great Librarian …
FUN = Attending a “Things That Go” story time at the amazing Koelbel Public Library and watching the hilarious and energetic librarian, Lori Noreen, bring ALL THROUGH MY TOWN – and many more wonderful picture books – to life. Thank you, Lori, for letting me spy on your greatness! … Read more »
Tuesday for Teachers: A View From their Window
In my book TIME OUT FOR MONSTERS, the boy in the story draws a window with a view. What would students like to see outside their windows? Let them draw their dream views on square-shaped pieces of paper. When they’re finished, let them add a paper window frame and panes with thin strips of brown… Read more »
Robots and Rust Monsters: Anna Staniszewski on Developing a Picture Book Idea
In the world of picture book writing, much attention is given to idea generation. But so little is said about the actual process of writing the book. Today, friend and fellow author, Anna Staniszewski, shares her journey from a nugget of an idea – a brilliant one at that – and the dreaming, building and… Read more »
2015 ALSC Book & Media Award Winners
Wondering what to read next? I’d start here! Congratulations to all the wonderful winners! John Newbery Medal The Crossover written by Kwame Alexander and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Newbery Honor Books El Deafo by Cece Bell, illustrated by Cece Bell and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. Brown Girl Dreaming written by… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: “TOO” Cool Copycat Writing
Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it’s also a darn good writing tool. I call it “copycat” writing. Educators call it using a “mentor text.” If you’ve read my book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, you realize that it was patterned after the classic THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. The structure of the… Read more »
Board Book Giveaway – ALL THROUGH MY TOWN!
ALL THROUGH MY TOWN is making its board book appearance on February 17th. But why wait? I’m giving away 5 copies on Goodreads. So stop on over and enter. It’s SO easy! Here’s the link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/123966-all-through-my-town
When Writers Write Together – Guest Post by Claudia Mills
How inspiring it was to host the prolific and talented Claudia Mills in my home for a writers’ write-in. Claudia is one focused author – let me tell you! – and able to tune-out the cackling coffee drinkers in my kitchen, a.k.a. me. But then she graced us with stories, humor and wisdom during her… Read more »
Appearances 2015
1/30/15 Seminole Trails Elementary, West Palm Beach, FL, Skype school visit 2/05/15 Colorado Council International Reading Association Conference, SCBWI Booth, 4-6 P.M. 2/10/15 Institute for Early Learning, Alexandria, VA, Skype conference presentation 2/20/15 Abilene Elementary, Valley Center, KS, Skype School Visit 3/3/15 Overdale Elementary, Louisville, KY, Skype School Visit 3/26/15 … Read more »