literacy

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 »

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 »

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 »

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.”        

Oh Happy Day! Two New Picture Books on the Way!

One manuscript was older. The other, brand new! But they wrapped up nicely in a two book deal to the editor who purchased my PUP 681 picture book as well. Here’s the announcement from Publishers Marketplace: “BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! author Jean Reidy’s WHEN THE SNOW IS DEEPER THAN YOUR BOOTS ARE TALL, about a… Read more »

Connecting with Authors – Bringing Literacy to Life

Ellie Rumney is a library media specialist extraordinaire from Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  Her heartfelt post gave me goosebumps. Yes, small moments can provide endless inspiration. Thank you, Ellie! Connecting with Authors – Bringing Literacy to Life by Ellie Rumney The joyful faces of student connecting an author to a book is a priceless sight. On one… Read more »