Category Archives: Uncategorized

A story’s first line is an invitation to the reader. In a few short phrases, the author introduces the subject and tone of the story, creating context and mood. This is particularly true of picture books, where low word counts create even more pressure for an opening line that pulls the reader in. So muchContinue reading “First Line Transformations & GIVEAWAY”

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a preschooler-approved picture book, so today I’m thrilled to share Cow Says Meow by Kirsti Call and Brandon James Scott, which launches on March 16th! With this fantastically fun read, Call, who co-authored Mootilda’s Bad Mood, has become the official queen of Bovine Silliness (you heard it hereContinue reading “Preschooler-approved PB: COW SAYS MEOW”

As a picture book creator, getting high-quality feedback on your work can be a huge hurdle to upping your writing game. Good news! Brian Gehrlein (author of THE BOOK OF RULES–out next year–and creator of pbspotlight.com) is running a FANTASTIC critique giveaway this month! Some of the biggest names in kidlit, including Ame Dykman, TaraContinue reading “Critique Giveaway: #PBCritiqueFest”

When you think of teaching science, you might imagine dry, boring textbooks. And if you unexpectedly find yourself homeschooling this year, you might be less than enthused about teaching those. Luckily for you, your local library is chock full of gorgeous, engaging STEM picture books. These books are perfect for early elementary schoolers and alsoContinue reading “Perfect Picture Books for Science Homeschooling”

I am this cow. She is me. We are one. And we are in a bad moooooooood! Mootilda’s Bad Mood by Corey Rosen Scwartz and Kristi Call and illustrated by Claudia Ranucci comes out September 1st, and I may need all the time between now and then to list all the things I love aboutContinue reading “Review: Mootilda’s Bad Mood”

Need some good news? Two Tough Trucks has a sequel! And, it’s coming out in less than a month. WOO-HOO! Last year, I wrote about the delightful Two Tough Trucks as a zippy and fun addition to the back-to-school genre. That its sequel, Two Tough Trucks Get Lost(written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J.Continue reading “Review: Two Tough Trucks Get Lost”

It’s a strange time right now. There’s uncertainty and anxiety and cabin fever. And, in difficult times, there are stories. Stories can entertain, transport, and comfort. And, picture books, in particular, foster closeness between reader and listener, parent and child. That’s why I’m highlighting a fabulous new picture book, which is itself an ode toContinue reading “Review: HELP WANTED: MUST LOVE BOOKS”

This is the third in my series of nonfiction picture book reviews (read the first and second) that explores what makes outstanding nonfiction. Have a nonfiction picture book you love? Let me know in comments! WATER IS WATER (written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin) is a book that I beg my childrenContinue reading “Nonfiction Picture Book Perfection: WATER IS WATER”

This is the second in my series of nonfiction picture book reviews (read the first here) that explores what makes outstanding nonfiction. Have a nonfiction picture book you love? Let me know in comments! My four-year-old loves asking questions. Right now, everything is “why?” Or “what does that mean?” He particularly loves asking the definitionsContinue reading “Nonfiction Picture Book Perfection: GRAVITY”

Opening GIANT SQUID (written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohman) is a revelation. It’s beautiful. It’s strange. It delights in the beautiful strangeness of this world we live on. And one beautifully, strange creature in particular. This creature is, of course, the titular Giant Squid.   GIANT SQUID is lyrical, but it’s lyricism alwaysContinue reading “Nonfiction Picture Book Perfection: GIANT SQUID”