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 »
literacy
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 »
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 »
Tuesdays for Teachers: Opinion Pieces for Early Learners
After a recent Skype school visit, I received a fabulous file of “Best Book” reports from a phenomenal first-grade class … which reminded me, author studies and opinion pieces are not just for big kids. By reading, together as a class, several books by the same author – and maybe even scheduling a virtual visit… Read more »
Monday, Tuesday … Mentor Text Poetry
Early learners master days of the week quickly – and there are plenty of picture books that can help them do that – including my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! A days-of-the-week picture book can also serve as a fun mentor text or a basis for a calendar activity. Students – or the class all-together – can… Read more »
Get ready for World Read Aloud Day … or everyday!
February 1st is World Read Aloud Day! Hooray! But there’s no need to limit your read aloud talent to one day of the year. Take every opportunity, all year long, to read with young readers or listeners. Whether it’s cuddled up on your couch, at a library, in a bookstore or via the internet, you… Read more »
Story Universe Writing Prompt for Young Writers
Recently in an interview about BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! on the Mom Read It Blog I was asked – MRI: You’ve also written a book called ALL THROUGH MY TOWN that features animals as the main characters. Do you think these two books could take place in the same storytelling universe? Could the kids from… Read more »
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 to tell young readers that when we read a picture book, we don’t just decipher the words. We talk about it. We explore it. We discover it. We relate to it. We might move… Read more »
Busy Builders, Busy Week! Book Bash Day 3
Welcome, friends, to Day 3 of my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! Book Bash. In my latest book, each day of the week features a colorful cast of animal characters and a different construction activity as the digging, dumping and ‘dozing lead up to one stupendous surprise! So, it seemed only fitting that for a days-of-the-week… Read more »
Feeling the Love from Rhinelander!
My Skype visit with first graders in Rhinelander, Wisconsin was one of my favorites of the year! And the happiness continued a week later when their lovely letters and art arrived in the mail. Thank you, students and teachers for such a warm and gracious “getting to know you.”
My Books
