Last month I had the great honor of a virtual visit in the classroom of one of New Jersey’s finest teachers, Kevin McCann. Kevin brings out the best in kids. It shows in his amazing students, and – as you’ll see below – in his adorable sons. I know you’ll enjoy this peek into our… Read more »
Tools for the Taking
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: “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 »
Author Spots for Schools is in Session for the 2014-2015 School Year!
Here’s a great way to connect children’s authors and readers, and it’s a WIN-WIN-WIN for schools, authors and school book fairs everywhere! AUTHOR SPOTS FOR SCHOOLS! Author Spots are FREE mini-commercials created by children’s authors which schools can broadcast to promote their book fair to kids and parents. I’m not talking about anything fancy here… Read more »
Conrad Wesselhoeft, Author of DIRT BIKES, DRONES AND OTHER WAYS TO FLY, Talks About Place.
When I read Conrad Wesselhoeft’s DIRT BIKES, DRONES AND OTHER WAYS TO FLY – if you haven’t read it, do it NOW – I had to know how my friend, fellow author, and Seattle dweller was able to pull off a New Mexico setting so spectacular, I felt like I was riding on the back… Read more »
Novel Epiphanies Part 2
After I put the word out that I needed help with my novel’s epiphany, I continued to research the topic in craft books and online. Below I’ll share with you some notable quotes and the resources that helped most. But before I do, here’s how I ended up revising my epiphany and related chapters. First,… Read more »
Critique Questions for the Average Mike … Picture Book Edition.
Sometimes the freshest eyes are those of readers who don’t also write. And without minds muddied by picture book writing rules or market madness, Average Mike (nicknamed after my husband who sometimes fills this role) readers can offer a quick, clear assessment of where your story works or doesn’t. With just one read under their… Read more »
Picture Book Month: “Ask the Education Consultant” Blog Hop!
I’m thrilled, as part of Picture Book Month, to host Educational Consultant, Marcie Colleen. Marcie is not only a teacher but also a picture book writer who so understands the importance of picture books in the education and lives of kids. Today, she stopped by to answer a few of my most pressing picture book… Read more »
DOES YOUR PICTURE BOOK PREMISE HAVE POWER?
Every once in a while, one of my editors throws me a bone. Not just any old bone, but a big beautiful “our kids’ list needs a book about ‘community’” hambone. When that happens, all other Milk-Bones – I mean, ideas, are pushed aside and I chase after that hambone idea with the gusto of… Read more »
How to Love a Squash: Pat Zietlow Miller on Finding the Universal Truth in a Picture Book
Think about your favorite picture books. Lyrical text. Gorgeous or whimsical art. Endings that make you smile, sigh or shriek with delight. And something else – satisfaction. A satisfaction that makes you want to read them again and again and again. But a brilliant rhythm won’t guarantee satisfaction. Nor will page after page of laugh-out-loud… Read more »
My Books
