Dear friends, It’s been a truly memorable few weeks. First, with my daughter’s engagement. Second, with the birth of my third grandchild. Third with the announcement of my 3-book deal with Harper Collins. And now TRUMAN winning not just one, but two major awards. I’m overcome with gratitude. But as you might expect, my excitement… Read more »
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TRUMAN and PUP 681 are both finalists for the Colorado Book Award!
With all of the other headlines lately, I forgot to mention this. Both Pup 681 and Truman are finalists for the Colorado Book Award. Colorado Humanities and Center for the Book will announce the winners today at this virtual ceremony right here on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/events/261107828598260/ Lucy Ruth Cummins, Ashley Crowley, and I couldn’t… Read more »
Low-tech Learning: Sound Surfing
Nearing the end of my book, Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, our little pup draws comfort from the rhythmic rocking provided by her caregiver. Why? Because the rocking reminded her of the rhythm of the ocean waves. Young readers can easily learn the relationship between rhythms and patterns by exploring ocean rhythms and… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Seeing the World Through Tortoise Glasses
When you change your point of view, your world grows. And that’s a beautiful thing. The following activity shows young readers what it might mean to walk in someone else’s shoes – or see from their glasses if you will – changing their perspective or point of view. It’s based on my book, Truman. And… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Your Traveler’s License and Postcards
In my book Light Up the Night, a child ventures all through his universe – all the way from his galaxy to his bedroom. And his beloved red and white blanket becomes his rocket, his spaceship, his truck, his train, his plane, etc. as he travels. What a wonderful dream for any child. Well, let’s… Read more »
Low-tech, At-Home Learning: Counting With Critters
If you think about it, there are dozens – if not hundreds – of ways to interact with a picture book. Exploring, discussing, and comparing details in the art are some of those ways. The art of illustrator Leo Timmers is loaded with discoverable details. Just flip through a copy of my books All Through… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Rhythm and Rain Sticks
“April showers bring May flowers.” How many times have we heard that? Interestingly, the rain stick project below is based on my book When the Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall. And here in Colorado, we’ve got as much chance of April snow as we have April showers. But we’ve got the entire month… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Sea Otter School
When sea otter Pup 681, Luna, was found, she was so young and so tiny, the Shedd Aquarium staff had to teach her how to act like an otter – it was almost like going to school. During my launch parties and book festivals for Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, I invited young… Read more »
Low-tech, At-Home Learning: Decorative Dinosaurs
What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? And so do most adults. But while kids are often ready with names and facts, there are some dino details that remain a mystery. Adapted from my book Time Out for Monsters!, this creativity project combines paleontology and art – perfect for all ages. You don’t need Time Out for… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: TRUMAN Finger-Play
Don’t we all love the amazing, free and fun programming offered by bookstores and public libraries? What a gift. But I know that with these community mainstays closed, families with little ones are missing their storytimes. Well, here’s a fun, storytime, finger-play activity (below) to practice with your young readers and listeners. It’s based on… Read more »
My Books
