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
It's been a long time since I've published a "You Heard It Here First" blog post. It's been an even longer time since I first began writing Half-Truths. My first blog was in 2007 when I wrote about attending a SCBWI-Carolinas conference and finding my character's voice. Since then, I've written over 100 blog posts about this… Continue reading YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST- HALF-TRUTHS HAS A HOME!
Sometimes authors stumble upon their stories. And even though that story takes time to write, that initial connection remains strong when the book is brought into the world. As you'll read in the book journey below, that was the case for Carolyn Fraiser's debut STEM picture book, MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree (Reycraft Books,… Continue reading MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree– A Review, Book Journey, and Giveaway
Today I'm proud to share two informational picture books by my SCBWI-Carolinas colleague, Megan Hoyt. No giveaways this week--my grandchildren will be the proud recipients of these fine books. But in case you need one (or two!) more gifts for the young reader in your life, check out these marvelous books.Megan Hoyt discovers small pieces… Continue reading TWO HISTORICAL PICTURE BOOK by MEGAN HOYT
Today, I have the honor and delight to introduce a fellow Matthews, North Carolina writer, Michelle Nott. Michelle is celebrating the publication of her debut picture book, Teddy, Let's Go (Enchanted Lion Books: December 2022). After the review, make sure you read my interviews with Michelle and Nahid Kazemi, the illustrator. It'll make you want to… Continue reading Teddy, Let's Go! A Debut Picture Book Review, Author & Illustrator Interviews, and a Giveaway!
REVIEW OF UNICORNS OF THE SECRET STABLEI'm joined by my granddaughter, Eleanor Edgar, in this review.Almost 7-year-old Eleanor, withher new books, unicorn, and favorite dog. It’s been a long time since I’ve read early chapter books. But when my fellow SCBWI-Carolinas friend, Laurie Edwards, reached out to me with the promise of books, how could I say no?Below… Continue reading UNICORNS OF THE SECRET STABLE: Early Chapter Books Review and TALKING STORY
"Hot off the minting press, Penny sparkled." That's the first line of Kimberly Wilson's debut picture book, A PENNY'S WORTH (Page Street Kids, 2022). With engaging illustrations by Mark Hoffman, this STEM story of a pretty copper penny will find a special place in a preschool - second grader's heart. REVIEWPenny launches into life ready to be… Continue reading A PENNY'S WORTH: A Picture Book Review, Giveaway, and Mini-Author & Illustrator Interviews
BATTLE OF THE BUTTS (Running Press, 2021) by Jocelyn Rish with illustrations by David Creighton-Pester, is really about a battle to determine which animal has the best buttocks of all. As Jocelyn tells her young readers in the introduction:You're the judge in the Battle of the Butts. As you meet each challenger in this battle and learn about… Continue reading BATTLE OF THE BUTTS: The Science Behind Animal Behinds– A Nonfiction Picture Book Review and Author Interview
Do you remember back in July when I reviewed Joy Keller's book Frankenslime that is illustrated by my SCBWI-Carolinas friend, Ashley Belote?I had announced that the next book in this series, Valenslime (Feiwel and Friends, 2021), would be ready in time for Valentine's Day. I am here today with a review and the perfect present for your little sweetheart!REVIEWHere is… Continue reading VALENSLIME: A Picture Book Review and an Autographed Giveaway
It's always a pleasure to introduce friends' books. Janine Yordy and I met years ago when the SCBWI Charlotte group met at Morrison library in South Park. The inspiration for this book came from Janine spending summers at the beach with her boys as well as the beauty she found in nature. As a biologist she… Continue reading JELLYFISH WISHES AND POEMS ABOUT FISHES: A Picture Book Review and Autographed Giveaway