LITapalooza 2024 was not just a literary love fest … but an educator, librarian, creator, young reader, young artist, organizer and volunteer love fest as well. I loved participating on panels chatting about SEL, poetry, picture books, writing buddies and more. Plus, I was thrilled to lead the Raise Your Antenna! Rev Your Imagination! Get… Read more »
teachers
GROUP HUG Kindness Craft – Make a “Hug” Jar!
Since my latest book GROUP HUG hit bookstore and library shelves, I’ve had so much fun reading and talking about hugs. But as we all know, and especially now, hugs aren’t appropriate or possible in every situation. But there are so many ways to show kindness. We can offer a kind word. Help with a… Read more »
School Library Journal Loves GROUP HUG!
And I’m loving their review! Thank you School Library Journal! “A group hug begins when one very kind slug hugs a lonely beetle. A mouse then stumbles onto the scene, and the hug expands; skunk, squirrel, and beaver follow, and so the comfort of a hug is shared with every animal that feels frustrated, down, misunderstood,… 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 »
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 »
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 »
When Being “Too Pickley” Was “Just Right”
Last month I had the great honor of a virtual visit in the classroom of one of New Jersey’s finest teachers, Kevin McCann. Kevin brings out the best in kids. It shows in his amazing students, and – as you’ll see below – in his adorable sons. I know you’ll enjoy this peek into our… Read more »
Time Travel for Kindergarteners – Guest Post by Susan Lynn Meyer
When I read New Shoes several weeks ago, I knew I had to invite author, Susan Lynn Meyer to my blog. Susan takes a micro-fact in the history of the Jim Crow era and turns it into a story of resilience and courage in the face of injustice. New Shoes (illustrated are by Eric Velasquez)… Read more »
Zeroing in On an Idea: Using LIGHT UP THE NIGHT as a Mentor Text
In my picture book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, a child uses his imagination and his blanket to travel through his universe before bed. The child’s blanket, white and red, represents the themes of the book – security and a sense of place. By zeroing in on a significant object in their lives, students can explore… Read more »
My Books
