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31 Diverse Picture Books
Doing Good Together is a fabulous national nonprofit focusing on raising kids who contribute and who care. I was so pleased to share We Belong during their October Festival of Giving, right after I returned from Ireland. And we wrote a group We Belong poem together, too! The DGT folks are lovely, and they have
NCTE & Lost at Sea
Happy Poetry Friday, and welcome to you, no matter how you wandered in! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) First up…NCTE. Will you be there? I will! Now, for Poetry Friday this week, I’m sharing another poem inspired by our Ireland trip. You might remember that a few weeks ago, I mentioned trying to
Oskar’s Voyage Sails in Midwest Book Review
Reviews matter, and a review in a well-respected journal is such an honor. Midwest Book Review journeyed through Oskar’s Voyage recently and concluded: “An original and fun read from start to finish, ‘Oskar’s Voyage’ from the Minnesota Historical Society Press is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
Dublin Dinner Cruise, a Set of Pebble Wonder Poems
Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I apologize if I didn’t comment on your post last week. I’m having issues logging in to comment when I’m on my phone :>( I’m writing this post on Election Day as I steadfastly try to calm my nerves. The seeming seclusion of the canal
Who Inspired Me to Write Picture Books?
On the surface, Dav Pilkey and I have nothing in common as writers. His work is loud, bold, raucous, funny, and uber-popular! My work tends to be not quite as…well, any of those things! But one of Dav Pilkey’s books switched on a neon light in my head that flashed: I must write picture books!
Bike Tour of Howth
Happy Poetry Friday and welcome, whoever you are! I’m glad you’re here. (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I have a broken toe–what the heck. I have no time for this. And I’m grouchy from no treadmill desk, no gym, etc. I finally went to urgent care after 10 days. It’s broken, but nothing
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
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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