I so appreciate Margo Sorenson’s insights below, about the need to take a story from “oatmeal” to something special and unique. She does it through aloha spirit and puns, resulting in a charming picture book, Little Calabash, illustrated by Anneth Lagamo, about overcoming obstacles. And if you want to hear more about Margo’s work, see… Read more »
I am so pleased to host Kristin O’Donnell Tubb today in celebration of her newest novel, Luna Howls at the Moon — and not just because she’s a fellow dog lover. She’s a generous spirit, as you’ll read below (be sure to comment quickly to enter to win a copy of Luna!) and tender-hearted as… Read more »
While I do not have an origami box for moving multiple minuscule creatures, I am famous for not killing spiders. “What if it’s Charlotte?” I always ask. It is clear that we humans have a great impact on the natural world which is why I so appreciate Curtis Manley’s latest book, The Rescuer of Tiny… Read more »
Beth Bacon is one of the hardest working writers I know. One who is not dismayed if the road to publication takes several circuitous routes. I will confess that when she told me about her books for kids who (think they) don’t like to read, I was, “Oh, that’s. . .interesting.” But Beth’s faith in… Read more »
I had the great fortune to “meet” Jamie Hogan through the Institute of Children’s Literature, when I was an instructor there. I don’t remember if I was helpful to Jamie, but I certainly remember how her good heart shone through her work. I’m thrilled to be celebrating her return to the author/illustrator role with her… Read more »
What a pleasure to celebrate author/illustrator Don Tate today! The experiences he shares below remind me a bit of the cruel experiments that inspired Gennifer Choldenko’s Orphan Eleven, where kids were berated for the way they spoke until some gave up speaking altogether. Today’s readers are so grateful Don did not give up and that… Read more »
I so appreciate Suzanne Kaufman for many reasons, two of which are her perseverance with getting this post to me despite the cyber-imps working overtime to keep it from happening, and her honesty. Because picture books are so beloved and so slim, there is often the stereotype that writing them is all rainbows and unicorns…. Read more »
My sweet friend Helen Ketteman and I have known each other longer than dirt’s been around. In our early writing careers, we were part of a magical group called The Write Sisters, meeting each summer for an annual marathon critique session and pj party prior to the summer SCBWI conference in LA. I learned one… Read more »
Who offers a complete stranger a ride from the Detroit airport to nErDCamp? Anica Mrose Rissi, that’s who. She’s so generous, she not only gave me that ride some years back, she introduced me to Cracker Barrel! And as you learn below, Anica also found a way to be a true light during this difficult… Read more »
Today’s guests are supreme examples of writers who have built long, successful careers through hard work and innovation. Joan Holub and I have a special connection (my name inspired one of her chapter books about pen pals!) and Suzanne Williams has been a good friend since we were baby writers. The post below gives you… Read more »