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Shorts for Booktalking Line Leads the Way
Thank goodness for adult daughters. My daughter Maddie made these two fun little shorts for Line Leads the Way. <3 Enjoy! More about Line Leads the Way here. [My Classroom Connections posts share a way to connect one of my books or poems to a classroom topic–often something timely that you might be covering in
Knitting Demolition
Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone, whether you’re brand new or a regular! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’ve been away for a couple of weeks because I was in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Randy and I were so lucky to see so much beauty. I’m sure I’ll share more about it in the
Time for Fall Knitting and Celebrating Bookiversaries!
Let’s talk about fall—my favorite season! It’s the perfect time to break out some knitted goodies. I’ve been working on this circular vest thingamabob for so many months! Most of the time I haven’t been actually knitting…just trying to figure out the abysmal can’t‑really-be-called-a-pattern! I think it’s destined for the garbage, so I’m afraid to
I’m Going to NCTE—Are You?
Even though I’m an introvert, I’m excited to be going to NCTE in Boston next month. And I’m SUPER excited that I’ll be presenting in a session with Matt Forrest Esenwine and Charles Waters! Our session is called Poems and Picture Books as Writing Prompts and Conversation Starters, and we’re presenting at 8:15 am on
Are You Ready for Winter? The Animals Are!
Fall is my very favorite time of year. But even as I’m enjoying the fiery colors and ice-free sidewalks and trails, I’m aware that it’s a short season here in Minnesota. And part of fall is getting reading for winter. People, just like other animals, get ready for winter in lots of ways. Here are
When I Take a Bath
Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) Swinging in to share a poetryaction that I wrote after reading Michelle Schaub’s lovely new book, A Place for Rain. It’s lively language and a great environmental story! I really didn’t know what rain gardens actually were before reading this, although I’d heard the term
Color Your Way to the Library!
I have one last downloadable that goes with Line Leads the Way, and it’s a coloring sheet! I love illustrator Alice Caldarella’s charming and expressive art for this book. Hope your kids have fun coloring in all these shape characters that are climbing the library stairs for their big audition! Just click on the thumbnail
7 Ways of Looking at a Ripple
Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone–whether you’re brand new or an OG PF friend! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) This month, my Poetry Sisters and I (along with others in this community) wrote poems inspired by Wallace Stevens’ “13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” I’ll be very honest and say this poem has
A Student Writing Downloadable Around Struggles and Strengths
I’ve been sharing downloadable activity sheets kids can do in conjunction with reading Line Leads the Way, illustrated by Alice Caldarella. This one has two writing prompts on it. You’ll notice there’s not a whole lot of room for writing, and I think the small space is a blessing! These big topics can be kind
Underdog, a Poetryaction to Spin a Circle!
Happy Poetry Friday, and welcome! Whether you’re a longtime participant or someone who just wandered in this week, I’m glad you’re here. (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) Friends, I realized last Monday that I didn’t comment on anyone’s posts. I didn’t put it on my weekend to-do list, and next thing I knew,
How Is Your Library a Treasure?
In the last week of August, I took my loon storytime on the road. I led storytimes at 10 Central Minnesota locations. It was a great reminder of how libraries are treasures. Here’s a lovely activity sheet from Capstone. It’s for my newest book, Line Leads the Way (illustrated by Alice Caldarella), which celebrates libraries.
Threads, a Poetryaction–Plus Three Fantastic Poetry Books
Happy Poetry Friday, and welcome! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’m so happy you’re here, and I’m happy to be here, too. I’ve been absent the past week or two (or three?) due to family and book things in August, and I’ve missed you. Recently, a library in Florida recommended four duck‑y picture
Sharing Ourselves with a Growth Chart
Hello, teachers, and happy fall! I hope you had a fabulous summer! I had a busy one–more about that in the coming weeks. But right now, I want to share an activity that I think could be great for community building as your school year is getting into gear. My newest picture book, Line Leads
Minnesota Storytimes and a Colossally Beautiful Poetryaction
Happy Poetry Friday, and welcome to all! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’m heading out on a 5‑day, 10-library, 3‑hotel For the Love of Loons storytime tour in the Kitchigami Regional Library system of Minnesota! The August whirlwind continues :>) Before I start two frantic days of prep and packing, I’ll quickly share
“Heart of Earth” choral performance, using lines from my poems!
Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) Whether you’re a regular or a new visitor, I’m glad you’re here! Things are chaos at our place, as our younger daughter’s fiance just left after a 10-day visit, and my sister arrived from Florida with a couple of overlapping days. Lots of great times
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Are You Looking For?
Go to my Poetry page for:
- National Poetry Month projects through the years
- Small Reads Roundups (poems grouped by topic)
- Introductions to several favorite poetry forms