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One for my baby and one more (page turn) for the road
That last page can make or break a story. At the SCBWI Schmooze the other day, someone asked what I was learning from the Great Picture Book Read of ’07. So here’s the biggest thing. It’s not enough to...
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Books of the Week: ‘Truck’ Books
There’s probably a better name for this genre, but I call them Truck books. It includes any book that kids love because of the big machines, trains, or trucks that vroom and crunch through it. Though I...
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Mirror, Mirror, on the wall…
I was trying to express the other day why the children’s book community is such a warm and supportive place. I think it’s the same reason why I write for children and young adults in the first place....
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Books of the Week: Great books, Tough topics
There are some topics that it’s impossible to imagine a great picture book about. Until someone does it. Here are a few books that are great stories first, important topics second. As I mentioned in my...
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Books of the Week: Did I mention…
My Little Sister Ate One Hare written by Bill Grossman and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes Maggie and the Monster written by Elizabeth Winthrop and illustrated by Tomie dePaola The OK Book written by Amy...
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Words VS Pictures
My friend, Tonilyn, asked me the other day if I thought illustrations and text were a 50/50 partnership in picture books. Hmmm…. lets find out. Fight! Illustrations can make or break a picture book....
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Books of the Week: Illustrators
I’m constantly delighted by the illustrations in the picture books I’ve been reading. Here are a few illustrators that have really captured my imagination. Dan Yaccarino (Every Friday, Trashy Town)...
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Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree
Haiku Review: Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry Christmas time machine, This book is just the right size. I am 5 again. Merry Everything, Everyone!
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1000 Books!!!
Hooray! On the last day of 2007, I reached my goal of reading 1000 picture books in 100 days. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing. I have a new understanding of picture books...
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Field Trip!
There’s nothing like a field trip to break out of the routine and make some trouble. Today, a group of illustrator/writer friends of mine packed our lunches, got on the bus, and descended upon the...
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