As someone who also does a daunting amount of research for my books, I completely relate to Rob Sanders’ experiences, shared below. Not only do we writers need to answer the question of why a certain story matters, we have to figure out how it matters to our young readers. I love the way Rob… Read more »
One of my passions is to tell little-known stories of the past; clearly Shari Becker and Louisa Jaggar share that passion. They went to incredible lengths to tell the story of determined flyer James Banning and now we are the beneficiaries of their hard work. It’s a pleasure and honor to host them today in… Read more »
Sometimes fortune does favor the bold! I was very bold in reaching out to a writer whose work I have long admired with an invitation to be my Friend Friday guest — and Virginia Euwer Wolff agreed! My excitement is understandable: She’s won two Golden Kites (SCBWI), two Oregon Book Awards, a Jane Addams Book… Read more »
Cameron Kelly Rosenblum drew a tough Friend Friday slot: just a few days after an unsettled (and unsettling) election. But I am grateful she is here today because I think the messages of her essay are essential at this particular time. Please read on for more about how The Stepping Off Place (Quill Tree Books)… Read more »
What fun it is to host my lovely friend Jennifer K. Man today in celebration of her newest picture book, The Camping Trip, (Candlewick Press). There is something so dear in Jennifer’s kid-friendly illustrations, which are deceptively simple. These charming drawings invite us in, and they reveal something new with each reading. And even though… Read more »
My friend Dana Sullivan has a huge imagination and a huge sense of humor. And he is terrific about supporting other book creators. So it gives me great pleasure to shine the spotlight on him today, in support of his brand new series, Dead Max Comix, and the first installment in the series, The Deadening… Read more »
All I have to do is think of Elly Swartz and I smile. She is one of those people who radiates joy. And hopefulness. And I love her even though she likes Twizzlers, when anyone knows red licorice is way, way better. Her latest book is sure to expand even the Scroogiest of hearts. And… Read more »
I am so pleased Jenn Bailey took time out of her busy book launch schedule to visit with us here at Friend Friday. If you’re like me, you’ve seen buzz for her picture book, A Friend For Henry, illustrated by Mika Song (Chronicle Books) EVERYWHERE. That energy is particularly rewarding for a “quiet” book like… Read more »
Erica Perl and I bonded over yogurt. Passionfruit, to be precise. Evidently yogurt is quite the predictor of whether two book creators will be copacetic as we have been good friends for a good long while. I admire many things about Erica’s writing, including her humor, warmth and respect of her characters. Even when they… Read more »
Behind Dan Richards’ mild mannered appearance lurks a superhero; or at least, he was dressed in a superhero costume one of the first times we met at the International SCBWI conference in Los Angeles. Dan is a great supporter of his fellow book creators, especially those in the Pacific Northwest. He has a great sense… Read more »