I’m one of the lucky ones. At a picture book workshop I was leading, I got to hear Penny Parker Klostermann first read her hilarious picture book manuscript THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT. I knew instantly she had a winner. So it brought me great happiness to hold this shiny, new… Read more »
News
Time Travel for Kindergarteners – Guest Post by Susan Lynn Meyer
When I read New Shoes several weeks ago, I knew I had to invite author, Susan Lynn Meyer to my blog. Susan takes a micro-fact in the history of the Jim Crow era and turns it into a story of resilience and courage in the face of injustice. New Shoes (illustrated are by Eric Velasquez)… Read more »
Laurie Ann Thompson: Why dogs – and simple stories – are the best!
When I first heard about Laurie Ann Thompson’s latest picture book My Dog is the Best, I thought, “Brilliant! Simply brilliant!” – emphasis on the word “simply.” And the reviewers agree. “This simple, quiet story conveys the enduring bond between child and dog, with the added appeal of a joke that younger children just beginning… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: “This Is My Universe” Mentor Text Poetry
Today, I’m proud to feature another guest post by another amazing teacher. Heather Natale and her 2nd graders captivated me with their honest, deep and stunning free-verse poetry. This is an exercise to note and use over and over again in classrooms of any age as a perfect introduction into the depth and breadth of… Read more »
Tuesday for Teachers: “Time In” and “Time Out” Corners
One of the greatest pleasures of my school Skype visits is meeting amazing teachers. Susie Gruben, a first Grade teacher at Strawberry Park Elementary School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is one such teacher. Take a look at how she used one simple picture book to touch on 8 – you heard me, 8! – academic… Read more »
Zeroing in On an Idea: Using LIGHT UP THE NIGHT as a Mentor Text
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 »
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 »
Skyping with Older Students and “What I Love Most.”
My published picture books are aimed at the youngest readers, so teachers of 2nd-12th graders often wonder what I can do in their classrooms. Why Skype with an author who writes kiddie books? With older students, we usually talk more about writing and I often share with them my Top Ten Super Secret Writing Tips…. 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 »
My Books
