I have a confession. I am an over-researcher and an relentless self-critic. My friends call me a perfectionist (but only when it comes to my manuscripts.) That is not a positive trait. When the inner voice begins to nag, the creative juices ooze to the paper with the speed of molasses. The voice whispers in… Read more »
Ya know the old saying that “Everything is bigger in Texas?” Over the unique history of this state, Texans have nurtured a huge sense of humor. There are 254 Texas counties spread across approximately 1,000 cities and towns. The settlers who named these locales are long lost to history. Either they had little imagination or… Read more »
Pop over to the Publisher’s Weekly site and peruse the 3/23/09 article by Diana Roback titled the “Bestselling Children’s Books 2009: Meyer’s Deep Run.” Truly, this is a look back on 2008. Anyway, following the article is a list of the top children’s books of the year broken down by front list, back list, hardcover,… Read more »
Get out there and dance a little Irish jig. And don’t forget the green.
There’s a reason why Austin SCBWI has such a following around the country. This is a community overflowing with talent. Not only do children’s authors flourish here in central Texas, they are also generous with their knowledge and support. Once a month, SCBWI members gather to hear one of our own share wisdom, experience, and… Read more »
Victor Borge was a remarkable pianist and comedian. His Phonetic Punctuation might be the lost holy grail to interest children in punctuation. I dare you not to laugh out loud. Quote for the Day: We are all here for a spell, get all the good laughs you can.—Will Rogers
Okay, better late than never. Listed below are some of the books I’ve read in the last week or so. Watch for nonfiction reviews in separate posts. Recent fiction reads worth picking up:Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Scholastic, 1999) Fiction (ages 9-12)Definitely worthy of its Newbery medal. This is a book full of… Read more »
To follow my previous post about the effects of kids’ texting on education, I’m expanding the topic and would love to hear your responses. Do you think E-books will replace physical page turners? I happen to love the feel of a book in my hand. I love the smell of books, the sound of turning… Read more »
Recently, the subject of kids’ obsession with texting came up during a casual lunch with friends. Specifically, the new theory that these kids of the digital age might eventually benefit from similar technologies in the classroom. One worry has nagged teachers and parents ever since cell phones landed in every adolescent’s pocket; That the unique… Read more »
Okay, I just stumbled upon this hilarious 17 minute video clip by Jarrett Krosoczka, author/illustrator of numerous books including Lunch Lady, Good Night, Monkey Boy, Baghead,Punk Farm, and Max for President. Sit back and giggle at this funny skit starring Tomie dePaola, Jane Yolen, Jon Scieszka, Tony DiTerlizzi, Grace Lyn, Mo Willems, Jeanne Birdsall, and… Read more »
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