Tuesdays for Teachers

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 »

WHEN THE SNOW IS DEEPER THAN MY BOOTS ARE TALL is out today!

There’s something magical about snow – whether you’re rolling it, stomping it, or watching it from your window. I happen to LOVE snow. That’s why I’m so excited to reveal my latest book – out today. And I’m loving this Kirkus review! “… this snow ballad (with repeated and expanding chorus and onomatopoeic exclamations) sings:… Read more »

Introducing … TRUMAN!!!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest book TRUMAN! Here’s where you can buy your copy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound I’ll be celebrating and signing books at (click for more information): 7/14/19       The Boulder Bookstore, Boulder, CO, TRUMAN Launch Party 8/3/19        The Book Stall Bookstore, Winnetka, IL, TRUMAN Launch Party 8/24/19      Book People Bookstore,… Read more »

Communication Inspiration from LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Virtual visits are always a treat, but they take on extra value and depth when students lead the lesson. Such was the case with Laurie Ann Moore’s Copper Hill Elementary (Ringoes, NJ) 3rd-grade class. The students’ readings of their thoughtful and personal poems and presentation of their related artwork not only made for a most-memorable… 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 »