Beth Anderson's Blog, page 22
May 1, 2020
Behind the Scenes: “The Writing Journey” by Laura Perdew
A picture book takes longer than most people think.and longer than an author may thinkso I love this post from Laura Perdew who persevered with this story, pulling it out of the drawer to let it evolve over time with new learning and realizations. So for all of you out there with manuscripts in the drawerdont give up! Sometimes stories take time and growth. So how about a drawer challengedo you have story tucked away waiting for a revisit? I do!
The Writing Journey by Laura Perdew[image error]
I wrote the...
April 24, 2020
Behind the Scenes: “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin
[image error]2020 is a big year for Nancy Churnin with two picture book releases! How does she decide what subjects are worth pursuing through months of research and revision? Read on to learn about Nancys process when she discovers a fascinating person from the past
My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books by Nancy Churnin
People often want to know how I pick subjects for my picture book biographies. My three main ingredients are curiosity, identification and impact.
I know Im curious enough if Im...
April 17, 2020
When the Babies Came to Stay
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Heres an irresistible new fiction picture book that will dig deeper into your heart every time you read it.
[image error]
Title: When the Babies Came to Stay
Written by: Christine McDonnell
Illustrated by: Jeanette Bradley
Viking, PRH 2020, fiction
Suitable for ages: 2-5
Themes/topics: adoption, acceptance, community
Opening:
The first arrived on the mail plane.
The harbormaster opened the canvas bag.
Inside was a squalling red-faced baby.
Overview:
The first baby...
April 10, 2020
Behind the Scenes: “One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui” by Lisa Robinson
Last week I shared Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Ropedancer, and this week you get to hear from the author, Lisa Robinson. The journey a story takes from idea to out-in-the-world is always interesting. I often think a manuscript teaches us something we need as we work through the story and get to know the character. Madam Saquis keep at it attitude just may have been contagious.
One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui by Lisa Robinson [image error]
This book began with a book: The Ordinary Acrobat by Duncan...
April 3, 2020
Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer
What child hasnt pretended to be a circus performer? Taming lions! Walking tightropes! Flying on the trapeze! Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, in the center ring, all the way from France, in the midst of a revolution, with captivating illustrations and the wonder of well-chosen words.I give you Madame Saqui!
[image error]Title: Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer
Written by: Lisa Robinson
Illustrated by: Rebecca Green
Schwartz & Wade, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes/topics: dreams, circus,...
March 22, 2020
Introducing the Books Brothers!
[image error]Oh, such a special treat today! It just so happens that the Books Brothers are off of school and have time to share some of their thoughts about books.
First I asked about any favorite picture books.Paxton, age 8, says that funny ones are his favorites. Some of the titles hes read over and over are: There Was an Old Dragon that Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann and Ben Mantle, Mos [image error]Mustache by Ben Clanton, This Is a Moose by Richard T. Morris and Tom Lichtenheld, and Mr. Tiger...
March 13, 2020
Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery
Stories begin in all sorts of places, and often, I think, they begin with an emotional reaction to something we see or hear. Thank you, Julie Abery, for sharing how YUSRA SWIMS came to be.
[image error]Thank you so much, Beth, for inviting me on your blog to share my debut picture book biography, Yusra Swims (Creative Editions, illustrated by Sally Deng). It is an honor to share a behind the scenes look at how this story began.
In the spring of 2016, overloaded refugee boats appeared on the news on an...
March 6, 2020
Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson
Each manuscript Ive tackled has brought new lessons in the research process, so its always helpful when I get to learn from someone elses experience. In this guest post, Kirsten Larson shares some Behind the Scenes learning from the research process for her debut picture book, WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE.
Straight to the (Primary) Source [image error]
When I dive into a new nonfiction project, I typically start with secondary sources. My first reads are normally books. I want...
February 28, 2020
Wood, Wire, Wings
Get ready for Womens History Month! Ill start you off with this weeks pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, about a woman Im willing to bet youve never heard of!
But first, its time to announce some winners in the giveaways..
Winner of Beautiful Shades of Brown from Nancy ChurninPatricia Tilton!
Winner of Patricias Vision from Michelle LordAnnie Lynn!
Congratulations to both of you! Enjoy these fabulous female stories!
[image error]Title: Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane
Written...
February 21, 2020
Patricia’s Vision
Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Womens History Month! Its exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord.
MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Patricias Vision. (US addresses) Winner announced 2/28.
[image error]Title: Patricias Vision: The Doctor Who...
