Babies and Toddlers (0-2 years) & Preschool (3-5 years):
Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Middle Grades (8-12 years):
Nov
1
2015
Oct
29
2015 Halloweensie Contest
For fun, I’m entering Susanna Leonard Hill’s “Halloweensie” contest this year. The rules: write a children’s story about Halloween in 100 words or less using the words costume, dark and haunt.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Too Much (97 words)
By Susanne Whitehouse
Costumed kids are on the prowl
Mummies stalk and werewolves howl.
Haunted ghouls walk side by side
With fairies, clowns and little brides.
Ring the bell for something sweet
Bags outstretched, yell “Trick or Treat!”
Two down the hatch and one to keep
Must get more loot, so time to creep.
From street to street and door to door
They still press on and ask for more.
With bellies full, but bags so light
The mood is dark this Halloween night.
Too much candy has made them sick
Next time less treat and a lot more trick!
Check out Susanna’s blog and the other entries here.
Oct
25
2015 PiBoIdMo 2015
Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) is just days away! The concept is simple: 
come up with 30 picture book ideas in the 30 days of November. Can you do it? Are you up for the challenge? Head over to the website of picture book author and blogger extraordinaire, Tara Lazar, to sign-up. I’ve participated the past two years and am ready to do it again!
Every day you will be inspired by guest posts from picture book authors and illustrators. Check-out this amazing line-up:
Even if you get just one idea out of the challenge, wouldn’t it be worth it?
Go over there now and sign-up!
Oct
24
2015 Conference Quotes – SCBWI Mid-Atlantic 2015
I am an avid collector of words.
When I hear something interesting or profound, I write it down. I love attending children’s literature conferences and hearing authors, illustrators, agents and editors impart their infinite wisdom on all things in the world of children’s books. There are usually a few gems that I scribble down and star at each conference.
Here are some deep thoughts from the 2015 SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference:
“Voice is the magic of you as an author.”
-Caitlyn Dlouhy, Vice President & Editorial
Director of Caitlyn Dlouhy Books at Atheneum
“Always recognize that the world goes beyond your circle…
it opens up your storytelling in magical ways.”
-Marietta Zacker, Agent with Nancy Gallt Literary Agency
“Write like your fingers are on fire.”
-Kathi Appelt, Author
“Don’t forget the joy.”
-Laura Whittaker, Freelance Editor
Oct
18
2015 The “Thesaurus”
A little word humor to kick off the work week…
Oct
15
2015 #PBPitch October 15
I participated in another #PBPitch party on twitter today. You could pitch up to three of your picture books for agents and editors to read. If you get a favorite from one of them, then you get to submit! You can find more details about Picture Book Pitch at www.pbpitch.com.
Oct
1
2015 What I’ve Been Reading (September 2015)
Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Middle Grades (8-12 years):
Sep
28
2015 You Can Read It…Anywhere!
Personally, I think anywhere you read a book is a great place. But I’m sure there are some unusual places that you’ve read a book or seen someone else reading. Or maybe some strange positions you’ve found a reader?
I found my daughter reading her book in this position today while I was shopping for new carpet. Hilarious!
Channeling Dr. Seuss…you can read it on a plane, you can read it in the rain, in a park, at the fair, you can read it anywhere!
Anytime you are reading or see someone reading in an unusual spot or position, snap a picture and send it to me. Title it “You can read it…_________________”. I’ll post it here on the blog!
Sep
1
2015 What I’ve Been Reading (August 2015)
Preschool (3-5 years) & Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Early Elementary (5-8 years):
Middle Grades (8-12 years):
Aug
14
2015 Eye Before Flea…
Last school year, I co-taught 4th grade math and science. In a few days, I’ll be heading back for teacher work days and this year I’m co-teaching 5th grade reading and writing. I guess I better brush up on my rules! Eye before flea…
