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 »
School Visits
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Yukky and Yummy Plates!
When we think of at-home learning, we can’t forget the younger set. Here’s a simple activity I did with kindergartners who were cracking up over my book TOO PICKLEY! You don’t need to have the book in front of you to do the activity, but it’s obviously more fun if you do. And you can… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Color a Bedtime Quilt
Hi friends, I’m so thrilled that teachers and librarians are re-discovering my book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. Because while it’s certainly a cumulative verse bedtime book, it’s also an early social studies, science and geography lesson about earth, space and a kid’s sense of place. And, interestingly, the activity below is a math activity and… Read more »
Low-Tech At-Home Learning: Create a Playground Blueprint
When we’re stuck inside, there may be no better time to dream about the great outdoors – walks in the park, riding bikes, a game of tag … and what about that perfect playground? All through my book Busy Builders, Busy Week! young readers find clues as to what our animal characters are constructing. They… Read more »
Low-Tech At-Home Learning: Truman’s Obstacle Course
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 »
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 »
My Books
