Introduction I'm the last author in the world who knows how to incorporate humor into her stories. (Hey, my readers tell me that Josie, the goat in Half-Truths, provides comic relief and I didn't even know I was doing that!). Thankfully, there are writers who know how to write clever, funny stories that kids of… Continue reading Unlock Humor: Writing for Kids and Teens
Since I have a stack of picture books by my desk waiting to find good homes, I thought this was a good time of year to offer them as giveaways. Each one would make a special gift to a young reader in your life, to a library, or to a school. SALAMANDER SONG by Ginny… Continue reading Book Giveaways on Music and Voice: Enrich Young Readers’ Lives
It is my pleasure to share my fellow Write2Ignite team member, Brenda Covert's, debut picture book, Meanwhile Back at the Manger (Ambassador International, 2025). SYNOPSIS Thomas is frustrated with his job in the stable, pushing around hay and cleaning up after the animals. Leaving his stable job behind, he starts a new job, night fishing… Continue reading MEANWHILE BACK AT THE MANGER: A Christmas Picture Book and Giveaway!
REVIEW Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2025) is a sweet story about Tallulah, a mermaid who takes a pledge to serve the Great Lakes. Throughout the story, Tallulah faces challenges but faces them with bravery and even joy at the responsibility of preserving the lakes. One of the best parts is… Continue reading Tallulah the Mermaid: A Great Lakes Adventure
INTRODUCTION Carolyn Fraiser is not new to my blog; her last book I featured was Moon Tree. Carolyn has an exceptional talent of making what might appear to be ordinary, something quite spectacular! Her newest picture book is not just any ol' alphabet book. And it's not just a nod to farmers and to a… Continue reading M is for Mason Jar: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
How do you tackle something as complicated as gravity in a picture book? Author Henry Herz (author of I am Smoke) and Illustrator Mercè López did just that in another impressive picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Because it tackles an advanced scientific concept, I recommend this book for middle-grade classrooms as well as… Continue reading I AM GRAVITY- How’s That For An Intriguing Picture Book Title? A STEM Review and Giveaway
Today is the much awaited publication of Get Real, Lucille written and illustrated by Laura Petrisin, a fellow Monarch Educational Press author. How can a young reader not be hooked into turning the page with a cover like that? FROM THE PUBLISHER Lucille is just a rubber chicken in a circus act... or is she?… Continue reading Laugh and Learn with ‘Get Real, Lucille’ and an Author Interview
INTRODUCTION Today I'm happy to share my friend, Jolene Gutiérrez's picture book, Mamiachi & Me, which she wrote with her son, Dakota (Abrams, 2025). The book is beautifully illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. Jolene and Mirelle at the ALA conference in Philadelphia-- today! Jolene and I met at in 2016 at a Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop.… Continue reading Embracing Culture: ‘Mamiachi & Me’ Review and Giveaway
I have a stack of picture books to review and give away. Today I'm going to start with an autographed copy of Dark on Light written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Beech Lane Books, 2022). REVIEW This is a quiet story about three siblings who follow their dog out into the evening… Continue reading Enter to Win A Lyrical Nature Picture Book
Introduction Dorothy H. Price and I go way back. She was one of the first members of a SCBWI-Carolinas critique group I organized in Charlotte. Nine years ago I posted about her first picture book, Nana's Favorite Things and more recently about her chapter book series, Jalen's Big City Life which now includes eight books.… Continue reading Daddy Daughter Day: Win an Inspiring Picture Book by Dorothy Price