mentor texts

Writing with Emotion: A Review of Ida, Always

Ida, Always is a gentle and honest picture book for helping young children deal with and talk about loss. It's also an excellent mentor text you can use in writing workshop.

conferences · teacher writing · Teachers who write

Classroom Takeaways from #NJSCBWI16

Sharing some highlights from the New Jersey Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference, which took place this past weekend.

Author Spotlight Series · illustrators · picture book

How NOT to Publish a Picture Book.

Author/illustrator Val Jones's first picture book, Who Wants Broccoli? was released earlier this month. She tells us about her path to publication in today's Author Spotlight post.

introduction · narrative

Opening Lines

Opening lines should draw readers into the world of a story & involve them from the start.

conferences · writing

So you say you want to write children’s books?

Last weekend I took a major step forward towards my dream of publishing children's books. I attended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference in New York. This post includes highlights from the keynotes and breakout sessions.

inspiration · writing

Climbing out of a Writing Rut

I’ve been writing daily for years, but lately I feel as if I haven’t written anything worthwhile. Sure – I’ve written blog posts about family and the teaching of writing.  Sure – I’ve jotted ideas down in my Noteshelf App.  Sure – I’ve worked on a nonfiction writing project I’ve been trying to move forward… Continue reading Climbing out of a Writing Rut