Moon Book Parade: An Interview with Jessica Lanan
Welcome back to the Moon Book Parade, highlighting some fantastic 2023 picture books that feature the Moon. You can scroll down to see earlier posts in this series. Here’s a list of all the books: Full Moon Pups by Liz Garton Scanlon and Chuck Groenink Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond and Maribel Lechuga A […]
In the Illustrator’s Studio
One thing I love about the artwork in Tree Hole Homes is Amy Hevron’s clever idea of incorporating real pieces of wood into the illustrations. In all my years of publishing books, I’ve never seen that before. If you look closely at the images, you’ll see that the animals and backgrounds are painted, but the trees […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Deanna F. Cook
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Deanna F. Cook. Thank you, Deanna. When I was a child, my favorite books were nonfiction, and I especially liked cookbooks and craft books and nature sticker books. I was […]
The Low Down on Our Smackdown by Patti Francis
In the past, I’ve written a #SibertSmackdown Wrap-up post with tidbits from some of the classes and schools who participated. But this year, I decided to invite teachers to share a reflection of their class’s experience. It was a great decision. It’s exciting to find out exactly how educators integrated the activity into their curriculum and […]
Look Out World . . . There’s No Stopping These Students!
Not long ago, school librarian Meredith Inkeles (@KRESLibrary) tweeted the following: After sharing Sibert Award-winning Summertime Sleepers by Melissa Stewart and Sarah S. Brannen with 3rd graders, they had some amazing questions about the mangrove killifish & the pixie frog. I think we have some research to do! A few minutes later, she followed up with a […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Lita Judge
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Lita Judge. Thank you, Lita. I was a scientist—a geologist working on paleontology digs—long before I was a writer. I chose that path early in life because I was filled […]
Nonfiction Kids with Dyslexia Can Love by Elizabeth Steinglass
Today I’m featuring a post in which poet and children’s book author Elizabeth Steinglass shares an insider’s view of how we can create books that help children with dyslexia experience reading success. Thank you, Elizabeth. Light shines through the crack under the door. It is well past bedtime. I peek in to find our son reading. A tired […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Roxie Munro
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors compare the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Roxie Munro. Thank you, Roxie. I find the expository writing style perfect for the kinds of nonfiction books I write. It allows me to impart a lot of information in […]
In the Classroom: How Infographics Can Help Students Avoid Plagiarism
My upcoming book, Pinocchio Rex and Other Tyrannosaurs, is chock full of text features. One of my favorites is an infographic that began when I drew this very, VERY rough sketch and sent it to my editor. Let’s face the facts. My drawing skills leave a lot to be desired, but this sketch was enough […]
My Favorite Book of 2017
I don’t usually start thinking about the Sibert Smackdown this early in the year, but the moment I finished reading Grand Canyon by Jason Chin, I knew it would be on my list. I’m pretty confident that by the end of January, the cover of Grand Canyon will be jam packed with shiny stickers. I […]