Have you heard about #KidsNeedMentors? It’s a grassroots program started by a group of passionate people (teachers and a children’s book author/illustrator) who want to move the needle on literacy through real connections between children’s book creators and students. I’d heard about the inaugural program last year and was bummed that I missed the window… Read more »
I’m pleased as punch to be a Special Guest for the fifth Picture Books and All That Jazz Workshop at Highlights. Every year, this Workshop receives high praise from attendees. The Workshop is run by award winning authors, Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski (also an author/illustrator) who focus on helping writers bring their manuscripts to… Read more »
All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer (White, 1906; Heyns, 1978; Entwisle &… Read more »
Are you taking advantage of your SCBWI Membership?SCBWI offers several awards and grants for members. I know this because in 2013, I won a Work of Outstanding Promise (WOOP) grant that allowed me to research a new manuscript. [stay tuned for more news on this project]Work-In-Progress (WIP) Awards assist children’s book writers and illustrators in the… Read more »
When I accepted the invitation to speak at the 2015 Michigan Reading Association Summer Literature Conference on Mackinac Island, July 8th/9th seemed so far away. But now, here we are on the almost-eve of the conference and I’m really excited. Aside from the obvious way the Island captivates (no cars allowed!), it will be a treat… Read more »
This represents my feelings about speaking and signing books at the Michigan Reading Association conference this weekend! My presentations are:Literacy at the Intersection of Fiction and Nonfiction and Humor in the Classroom: Bring On the Funny. Please say hello if you are there!
Let’s go! Our Michigan SCBWI chapter has been busy creating a stellar spring conference for illustrators (and anyone interested in how art influences storytelling). Although I am drawing-challenged, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to learn how art moves story forward. Here’s a link to the registration and more information. Maybe I’ll see you… Read more »
The SCBWI Work-In-Progress (WIP) Grants assist children’s book writers and illustrators in the completion of a specific project currently not under contract, and are made possible by a generous grant from Amazon.com.Award: Seven Grants of $2,000 will be awarded annually, one in each category. Seven Runner-Up Grants of $500 will also be awarded, one in each… Read more »
If you are a picture book writer or illustrator, I sure hope you will consider participating in Tara Lazar’s extravaganzic Picture Book Idea Month. She’ll have guest posts from some of the industries best thinkers, opportunities for prizes (including critiques from stellar agents), and a community-wide buzz. Go here to learn more.
I’ve shamelessly lifted the full description of this amazing award opportunity. It’s your job to submit! The SCBWI is dedicated to fostering the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books. The SCBWI On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award was established in 2012 with funding from Martin and Sue Schmitt of the 455 Foundation. The grant will be given to two writers or… Read more »
Sharing insights on writing children’s books and the publishing industry, and offering trinkets for creators and educators because you rock.
