Dear Linda Urban: You know I’ve been a huge fan of your work even before your first published novel, having fallen in love with a picture book manuscript you read way back when at the Haystack Writers Conference. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve studied Crooked Kind of Perfect or Hound Dog… Read more »
I am so pleased that Danielle Joseph took time to visit with us today to share a bit of the story behind the story of her new picture book, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap, illustrated by Olivier Ganthier (FSG/Macmillan). This book is the perfect summer read with its upbeat energy and colorful illustrations!… Read more »
I still remember my first experience reading When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt. I’m pretty sure that’s when a Larson family un-favorite recipe, Burned Broccoli, was invented. Who could blame me for completely forgetting the vegetable steamer was on the stove when I’d been utterly transported to Antler, Texas? Kimberly graciously… Read more »
I adore Irene Latham and not just because she included a poem inspired by Hattie Big Sky in her collaboration with Charles Waters, Dictionary for a Better World, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini, published by Carolrhoda Books (pages 22-23, in case you’re interested). Irene embraces the fullness of writing in ways I much admire and long… Read more »
I first “met” Anne Nesbet through the wonderful historical novel, Cloud and Wallfish, becoming a fast fan of her work. Her latest novel, Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen (Candlewick) completely captured my heart and, in fact, I still think about the characters and the enchantment of the story itself, reeled out in true melodramatic… Read more »
It is so much fun to celebrate my fellow book creators and especially so when they’re practically neighbors. Kerri Kokias’ story-behind-the-story of Clever Hans is proof positive that writing for kids is anything but easy (trust me, there are lots of folks who think it is). Kerri’s essay also lends weight to the argument that… Read more »
While I love supporting all of my book creator friends, it’s always particularly wonderful when those friends, like Ellie Peterson, live in the Pacific Northwest. As a STEM educator AND author/illustrator, Ellie meshes her passions for science and art in her kid-friendly picture book explorations of the natural world. She was my Instagram Live Story… Read more »
Little did I know that, when my then-sixth-grade daughter introduced me to Karen Cushman’s Catherine, Called Birdy, my path would intertwine with Karen’s in lovely ways. (Exciting news: Lena Dunham is directing a movie version of Birdy.) After falling in love with Karen’s first book, I impatiently awaited each new title (I do think Matilda Bone is still… Read more »
I belong to a middle grade book club and last winter, when it was my turn to select a book, my choice was Finding Langston, by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Holiday House). The book is a jewel, sparkling with carefully curated historical details and powered by love (same for the second book in the Finding Langston trilogy,… Read more »
It’s difficult to think of someone enthused about life and the writing process than Erin Soderberg Downing. I can see a world where I absolutely have her on speed-dial whenever I need a pep talk! Her books are full of joy, family and life’s pickles. . .or, in the case of her newest book, pie…. Read more »