Deborah Freedman's Blog, page 3
July 11, 2023
Aunt Mary Ann, 1930-2023
Mary Ann Hoberman and her great niece, Emma Ledbetter
Mayfly
Think how fast a year flies by
A month flies by
A week flies by
Think how fast a day flies by
A Mayfly’s life lasts but a day
A single day
To live and die
A single day
How fast it goes
The day
The Mayfly
Both of those.
A Mayfly flies a single day
The daylight dies and darkness grows
A single day
How fast it flies
A Mayfly’s life
How fast it goes.
June 11, 2023
Welcome to a Wonder-full Conversation!
I cannot wait for this conversation with collaborators on Welcome to the Wonder House, to be moderated by librarian Betsy Bird. Would you like to join us?
Join moderator and esteemed librarian, Betsy Bird, as she hosts a discussion featuring WELCOME TO THE WONDER HOUSE. In this engaging conversation, Betsy will be joined by celebrated poets Georgia Heard and Rebecca Kai Dotlich, talented illustrator Deborah Freedman, and editor extraordinaire, Rebecca Davis, who serves as the editorial director of Wordsong. Together, they will explore the fascinating journey of how this beautiful poetry picture book came to life, from the initial spark of an idea to the printed final copy. You will gain insights into their sources of inspiration, the challenges they encountered, and the joys of collaborating on a poetry project. They will share insights and practical strategies on how to empower educators, parents, and caregivers in creating an environment that encourages wonder in young hearts and minds.
Join us as we explore the profound impact wonder can have on fostering curiosity, igniting imagination, and nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
July 11, 11:30am ET: Register here for this Zoom webinar!
June 2, 2023
Have You Always Dreamed of Writing or Illustrating for Children?
Do you love to write or draw in your spare time, and wonder if someday you might even be a published author or illustrator of books for children? If so, you are not alone—every published author started out there!
If you are like me, maybe it’s a bit of a secret that even your closest friends don’t know about. Maybe you have been at it for years. But you have NO idea how to get help with your craft or find information about the publishing industry. If so, I get it. It’s hard to know where or how to start.
Which is why, years ago, I put together a list of the resources that helped me in the beginning. Of course, a lot has changed since then. Every day there’s more and more information out there, so (in a fit of productive procrastination), I recently went through my list and updated it. It’s certainly not exhaustive, but hopefully it’s more than enough to help you get going.
Thanks for visiting my website. I hope you find the page useful, and wish you the best in your children’s book journey!
HOW DO I PUBLISH A PICTURE BOOK? Resources for Writers & Illustrators of Children’s Picturebooks
© Deborah Freedman 2014. Originally posted on Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) .
May 25, 2023
"A beautifully conceived invitation..."
Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, and I are thrilled to see our first review for Welcome to the Wonder House — thank you, Kirkus Reviews, for the words and the ⭐️!
★ “Set within 12 ethereal “rooms,” 29 poems contemplate the wonders of Earth, sea, sky, and beyond. . . The poets infuse their verse with vibrant, child-accessible imagery. . . This slim volume teems with STEAM extensions, from exploring poetic forms and devices to investigating scientific facts and hypotheses. A beautifully conceived invitation: to look, see, wonder. ” – Kirkus, starred review
April 23, 2023
Adventures in Learning
In honor of Earth Day this weekend, a new podcast interview at Dr Diane’s Adventures in Learning—with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, an adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Shenandoah University who works with teachers across the country, focusing on connecting multicultural literature with engaging and meaningful STEAM challenges. Many thanks to Dr. Diane for the terrific questions and conversation!
February 2, 2023
Welcome to...
a cover reveal!
Many thanks to John Schu, aka educator “Mr. Schu”, for hosting Georgia Heard, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, and me over at his blog—and for sharing the cover of our collaboration, Welcome to the Wonder House. Go over to Watch. Read. Connect. for an interview and a sneak peek at some interior art!
More about our July book here, and in my latest newsletter.
WELCOME TO THE WONDER HOUSE, poems by Georgia Heard & Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illustrations by Deborah Freedman
December 19, 2022
Happy Holidays!
Wishing all lots of light this season!
© Deborah Freedman 2022
November 30, 2022
It's that time of year for LISTS
I spy TINY DINO on Kirkus Review's list of "Best 100 Picture Books of 2022", and as one of their 7 "Best Picture Books of 2022 for Animal Lovers". I am honored to see my book in such amazing company. Thank you, Kirkus!
November 7, 2022
Under the Big Tents
What a wonderful book festival season it's been! I've loved seeing old friends and making new ones.
To the coordinators & volunteers who worked so hard, to every teacher & librarian who stopped by to say hi (and even give a hug or take a photo), to the families who turned out, to ALL who support young readers—I appreciate you!
Photo credit, Laura Harrison
September 30, 2022
See You Soon??
Rain or shine or rain, my October Saturdays are for readers—and I’d love to see you! Where I'll be, beginning tomorrow:
See my EVENTS listings for links!
