I just finished my last critique for PB Peek Week #1. What fun to read and analyze 7 totally unique manuscripts. Hurray for all the participating children’s writers!! What a stellar group. After reviewing my letters to the authors, I’ve found some recurring comments that I thought might be helpful to note and share. Here… Read more »
jean
If I Stay – Not So Dark
I just now finished IF I STAY by Gayle Forman. In case you don’t know, it’s gotten rave reviews and is one of the books featured in the WSJ article “Young Adult Fiction Takes a Dark Turn.” IF I STAY doesn’t have the shock value of WINTERGIRLS or perhaps the unraveling mystery of THIRTEEN REASONS… Read more »
Is Dewey Decimal Done?
See yesterday’s Denver Post article “Adams County Libraries Shelving Dewey Decimal.” It appears some local libraries are reorganizing their shelves in a Barnes & Noble sort of way. At first glance, I feel as though bookstore systems like WordThink cater to store browsers who visit categorical sections and peruse the possibilities. But I wonder if… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week #1 Winners Announced!
Oh wow! So many titles and perhaps more to come. And they all sound like winners to me. I’m so honored that you all took advantage of my humble offer. And I loved that you had your pointers poised on that send button right at noon Eastern Time. Just so you know, the time stamp… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week begins June 8th!
Lately, I’ve been getting loads of requests for Picture Book manuscript critiques. I’m honored and I love to do them. So in an attempt to balance my reading with my writing, I’ve decided to host a Picture Book Peek Week during which time I’ll offer free critiques of select PB manuscripts – including those wretched… Read more »
Spreadsheet Novel Analysis and Free Download
Spreadsheet analysis of novels allows me to pattern author storytelling and plot devices. But the value in the methodology lies in the columns I create – in other words what I choose to track throughout the book. After reading HOOKED: WRITE FICTION THAT GRABS READERS AT PAGE ONE AND NEVER LETS THEM GO by Les… Read more »
No surprise – WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is #1
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is often touted as the perfect picture book and the one to study if you’re an aspiring PB writer. I remember, when I first read it (my oldest received it as a newborn gift) finding Max’s naughtiness distinctly refreshing. His smirky, little face could be found on any one of… Read more »
A Great Day for GOODNIGHT MOON!
HURRAY!! GOODNIGHT MOON took the #2 spot on Betsy Bird’s Top 100 Picture Books Poll. Tell me why you love GOODNIGHT MOON and win a copy of the book. I’ll draw a winner from the first ten readers to comment on this blog post.
Children’s Book Week begins Monday May 11th!!
Drum roll please! The Children’s Choice Book Awards will be announced next week. And while the voting is closed, you can still take a peek at the finalists. While you’re at it, check out the terrific resources the Children’s Book Council provided for Children’s Book Week . You’ll find nifty took kits and ideas for… Read more »
A Little Stand-Up with Lois Lowry
Having read her books like THE GIVER, GATHERING BLUE and NUMBER THE STARS I had almost forgotten that Lois Lowry has her ANASTASIA KRUPNIK side (do you remember what Anastasia wants to name the baby?) as well. Take a look at her hilarious judge’s decision process in School Library Journal’s “Battle of the Kids Books”… Read more »
My Books
