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 »
picture books
Engaging the Picture Book Crowd
Here’s a short piece I wrote a couple of years ago. But it seems even more appropriate on the eve of World Read Aloud Day. Enjoy your reading, everyone! 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… 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 »
I can’t wait for the world to meet TRUMAN!
Here’s my latest news: Emma Ledbetter at Atheneum has acquired world rights to Truman, a picture book written by Jean Reidy (l.) and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins, about an ordinary little tortoise and the day that everything changes, when he has to find his most extraordinary self. Publication is set for summer 2019; Erin… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: The Inside Out Quiz
The Inside Out Quiz Author Skype Session by Ashley Daniels I am blessed with the opportunity to student teach twenty-six wonderful second graders. One goal I set for myself while finishing my degree was to bring technology into the classroom in a tangible way. With 21st century technology available, I decided to use Skype to… Read more »
My Own Little Piece of the Universe Nesting Boxes
Recently, at a bookstore signing event, I met an energetic and passionate Montessori teacher who shared with me her creative, hands-on Geography tool that also happens to be a perfect companion to my book Light Up the Night. Please welcome Pauline Meert and her fabulous Universe Nesting Boxes! I am a Montessori teacher to 20… 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! Blog Tour Schedule
I’m thrilled to be featured on so many fabulous teacher, librarian and mommy blogs over the next two weeks. I hope you can stop by to say “hi” and to read reviews, news and interviews. Mon, Aug 22 Cracking the Cover https://www.crackingthecover.com/ Tues, Aug 23 Literary Hoots http://www.literaryhoots.com/ Wed, Aug 24 NC Teacher Stuff http://ncteacherstuff.blogspot.com/… Read more »
My Books
