Deborah Freedman's Blog, page 6
October 2, 2020
What's On My Desk...
I had the idea for the title of my current work-in-progress a few years ago, but the story to go with the title didn’t occur to me until last November. I’m on my 3rd notebook now, in case you were wondering how long it takes me to write a 300-word text. :)
So excited to be doing another book with Viking Children’s Books!
September 11, 2020
Brand New Resources for You!
Have you been to my page of Resources for Parents and Educators recently?
Because it’s now updated! With
brand-new, downloadable PDF guides for each of my books (full of lesson ideas gathered from schools, libraries, museums, and my own brain),
including printable pages with writing prompts, word puzzles, and other activities,
and a link to my small, very amateurish and evolving channel on YouTube.
Hopefully there is something useful for everyone!
June 15, 2020
Live at the Mazza
Do you know about the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio? It’s a special place that “celebrates the original art of picture books using education, exhibits, events and artist visits,” and “is home to more than 14,000 pieces of artwork from picture books, making it the largest and most diverse collection of picture book art in the world.”
I was honored today by an invitation to chat via Zoom with my picturebook friends at the Mazza as part of their “Artist Monday” series. You can my interview over on Facebook here:
And because I love any chance I get to book-talk with other book-lovers, I recommended a few new picturebook favorites.
June 9, 2020
#Kidlit4BlackLives
In case you missed these children’s book creators and educators in the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children — it’s now available for watching on YouTube. During the first half, participants speak directly to children and teens; in the second, they speak to parents and educators. Every minute is powerful.
The Brown Bookshelf has also posted an extensive list of Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators — "We are sharing the resources… and invite you to do the work, every day, and move toward justice."
They generously did all of this work… so that nonblack people can. As we must.
Black lives matter.
May 13, 2020
1, 2, 3... an Oak Tree
Do you know about award-winning children's songwriter, author, and YouTube artist Emily Arrow? This former elementary music teacher, known for her literacy-inspired music and mindful approach, has been busy creating a delightful series, “At Home with Emily Arrow,” which will end on its 30th episode tomorrow, May 14th, live at 10:00 Pacific/1:00 Eastern time.
I’m in love with the song Emily wrote about my book, This House, Once, and I joined her yesterday for episode 29 to talk about the book’s inspiration. As always, Emily sang along with her ukulele, and taught us hand motions to go along.
It was so nice to see you again, Emily!
March 23, 2020
Splashing Paint, Drawing Snails
I’m still over on Instagram , having fun reading, drawing, painting…
So many authors and illustrators are now online with wonderful projects for homebound children. It’s hard to keep up! But I’m trying to update my Facebook Page regularly, posting links to some of those, as well as comprehensive listings that include:
• SCBWI Connects: a director of over 300 resources by published authors and illustrators that includes activities, art lessons, audiobooks and ebooks, bilingual resources, online book readings, emotional and mental wellbeing projects, podcasts, teaching guides, and virtual visits and workshops.
• Author Julie Falatko has posted a “Kidlit Online Schedule”
• Author Kate Messner has a page of videos by authors and illustrators, and links to additional resources
• My young friend @TheLivBits has put together a list of Interactive Read Alouds
Hope you find these helpful.
Stay in, stay well!
March 18, 2020
It's Storytime!
I finally figured out how to post an entire read-aloud as an Insta story…
Today's picturebook read is BLUE CHICKEN. Tomorrow, I'll do a splashy painting demo that kids can try at home. In the coming days, my plan is to read-aloud some of my books (up for 24 hours) and post art demos & activities (up permanently) — I’ll try to post by noon. If you are interested, stay tuned on Instagram!
Stay well, friends!
February 24, 2020
What's On My Desk?
Color proofs have arrived for my next book, Is Was!
For me, test proofs are the first thing that make a book feel real. There are so many steps in the picturebook process — and as I finish up final art, decisions are being made about the design of the book, including what kind of paper it should be printed on. What do YOU think? Coated or uncoated? ;)
Many people are surprised to know how long it takes to make and produce a picturebook! Perhaps a good topic for my next newsletter?
Is Was will be published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Summer 2021.
December 31, 2019
Wishing All a Good New Year
Winter under cultivation
Is as arable as Spring.
—Emily Dickinson
© Deborah Freedman 2019
November 19, 2019
On Writing Picturebooks for All Ages
Did you know that November is Picture Book Month? Appropriately, it comes right on top of Book Festival season—that time of year when I’m asked by parents stocking up on books for the winter, “what is the age range of your books?”
Innocent enough question, usually…
Read the rest in my recently mailed eNewsletter — here.*
*Scroll down to the bottom of any page on this site if you would like to sign up for future newsletters. Your information will be used for my e-newsletter only, and never, ever shared. You may unsubscribe at any time.
