Beth Anderson's Blog, page 15

Behind the Scenes: “Beyond Biographies of People” by Kirsten Larson

Even the nonliving can have a life of their own! So why not a biography of Wonder Woman?! I can’t wait to explore Kirsten Larson’s A TRUE WONDER! Thanks for sharing your process, Kirsten! 

Kirsten is offering a GIVEAWAY, too! A copy of A TRUE WONDER! Just leave a comment below to enter. 

“Beyond Biographies of People” by Kirsten W. Larson

When people ask me to describe A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything (illus. Katy Wu, Clarion Books, 9/28/21), I tell them it’s a biogra...

Behind the Scenes: “Subverting Expectations with a Nonfiction Narrator” by Henry Herz

Bringing nonfiction topics to kids can entail challenges but also can invite creative approaches. Henry Herz took on an unlikely topic—smoke—and made it a character. Read on to learn how he used a narrator as a fictional element to share science, culture, and more. After reading I AM SMOKE, you’ll probably never think of smoke the same way as you once did!  

Subverting Expectations with a NF Narrator by Henry Herz

Just like kids need a balanced diet in what they eat, young readers also benefit f...

Mining for Heart: “A Difference of Color” by Larry Dane Brimner

Sometimes, a story idea won’t let go, but, like Larry Dane Brimner, until I connect on an emotional or experiential level that hits me in the heart, it won’t become a story. Here, Larry shares how he found his way into his latest book: Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez, releasing Sept. 14, 2021. 

AND—a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez. 

A Differe...

Countdown to the RESTLESS WRIGGLE!

One month until TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE gets loose!Expect PANDEMONIUM.Hope for PATIENCE.  Discover 1863 IN THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE!

School is starting, and kids everywhere are getting to know each other. So let’s get to know Tad Lincoln. 

To view the BOOK TRAILER, download an EDUCATOR’S GUIDE, and learn more about TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE, click HERE . 

 

TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE: PANDEMONIUM AND PATIENCE IN THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE releases October 5!  Now available for pre-or...

Mining for Heart: “Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

I know too well that loglines can be pure torture. All the essential pieces of story have to be there. I absolutely love Karen Yin’s post about her process using the logline to guide her writing—pure gold! Read on to see how her debut picture book, WHOLE WHALE, came to be.

AND don’t miss the GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of WHOLE WHALE! (drawing 9/3)

“Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

I have a confession: I’m a chronic overthinker, and it shows up in m...

Behind the Scenes: “Working with Experts to Verify Information in Back Matter” by Debra Shumaker

One of the challenges with nonfiction, whether a full manuscript or elements within an otherwise fictional story, is vetting. Sounds easy, right? Well, sometimes that little fact check turns into its very own rabbit hole and swallows up a huge chunk of time. I’ve been there! Here, Debra Shumaker shares her experience with one little tidbit from the back matter in FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH. If you read my previous post, you know I LOVE this book! Thank you, Debra for s...

Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish

If you’ve ever thought that informational nonfiction might be dry….you need to see FREAKY, FUNKY FISH by Debra Shumaker and Claire Powell. My Perfect Picture Book Friday pick, this picture book will surely have your jaw dropping, smiles spreading, and awe popping at the wonders of nature. Come back next week when Debra Shumaker shares a bit of what happened “Behind the Scenes”—AND a chance to win a signed copy!

 

Title: Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish

Written by: Debra Shum...

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m sharing another favorite from the “BEST of 2020” lists. EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS truly is exquisite! Suzann e Slade is another favorite author who continually teaches me about the craft of writing picture books.

Congratulations to Ruthie Kirk! You’ve won a copy of IS IT OVER? by Sandy Brehl!

Title: EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS

Written by: Suzanne Slade

Illustrated by: Cozbi A. Cabrera

Abrams, 2020, biograp...

Behind the Scenes: “Crafting Memory into Story” by Sandy Brehl

Sandy Brehl is one of those kid lit people who shares picture book love through thoughtful interviews and posts. I’m just one of many kid lit creators who is grateful for her support and honored to call her a friend. Here, Sandy shares how a memory kept calling her through time, finally resulting in her new picture book, IS IT OVER? She started like many of us, trying to write a memory as story. Through feedback, she learned to let go of her reality and craft the emotional core of that memory in...

Cover Reveal! Revolutionary Prudence Wright

With the Fourth of July around the corner, I thought it’d be a perfect time for a sneak peek and cover reveal for REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE.

We all learn about Paul Revere’s ride and the battles at Lexington and Concord where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired on April 19, 1775. But…few have heard of another event just a day or two later when women stood ready at a moment’s notice, too, and stepped forward as patriots. ...