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 »
Tools for the Taking
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 »
Ah, Those Secondary Characters
Your story sings when your secondary character (SC) is on the scene. Your plot comes alive when your SC is around.Your readers beg to see more of your SC. Uh oh! SCs create conflict, throw out obstacles and cause trouble. Or they may offer loving support, friendship and wisdom. They poke at our main characters… Read more »
Sweet Little Book Cover Video Created in 15-Minutes for FREE!
I’m enrolled in Katie Davis’s Video Idiot Boot Camp. And while I haven’t had time to dive into a larger project, I’ve had a little fun with some quick and easy tools introduced in her class. Here’s a little Animoto gem created in about 15 minutes for FREE. For more information on Katie’s fabulous online… Read more »
Writing as a Career: Jennifer Nielsen on the Realities and Economics of Publishing
As the new year begins, whether you’re dabbling in writing, considering a career as a writer, selling your first book or just curious about the nuances and economics of traditional publishing, you might wonder if children’s authors can make a living. The truth – some do and many don’t. In today’s guest post, award-winning, best-selling… Read more »
5 Unusual Places to Find Picture Book Inspiration
Picture book ideas can hit at the most unlikely times. In honor of picture book month, I’m reprinting my post from last year’s PiBoIdMo about my most unusual sources of inspiration. 1. YouTubeKids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books. But… Read more »
Another TIME OUT FOR MONSTERS! inspired art project!
Aren’t these dudes the cutest?Thanks, Judith Snyder, for sharing.
Giving books to the youngest readers …
One of my writer buddies, Diane Marty, believes in building a child’s library from birth. That’s why she gives books as baby gifts. Brilliant! With those gifts, she includes the lovely sentiments below and gave me permission to share. FOR A FIRST CHILD: I am giving you and your child what I treasure most. Words…. Read more »
Cool Stuff for Summer Reading Fun!
Welcome to Summer Vacation! As a way of kicking off a great summer, I’d like to introduce you to the FREE resources available to parents and kids on my website at www.jeanreidy.com to supplement summer reading fun. Downloadable Fun and Educational Activities Guides for all my books TOO PURPLEY! Activities Guide TOO PICKLEY! Activities Guide… Read more »
Teachers – My Way of Saying Thank You!
Dear Teachers – Welcome to Summer Vacation! As a way of saying thanks for another great school year, I’d like to introduce you to the FREE resources available to teachers, readers and writers on my website at www.jeanreidy.com. Just follow the Teachers/Writers Menu link to find: Downloadable Curriculum Guides linked to learning standards for all… Read more »
My Books
