Small Reads for Brighters Days
Welcome, teachers, to the first Classroom Connections post of the new school year! I’m so glad you’re here! First things first, I have to tell you—I’m NOT here. I’m off the grid for the first half of September, but I hope you’ll enjoy these posts anyway! :>) So many educator friends have talked about the […]
It’s officially back-to-school time, at least according to all the school supplies I see on shelves everywhere. (Of course, by that logic, Halloween is in early September, but whatever.) Don’t miss this fun production of Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten: And check out several printables like a back-to-school countdown calendar here! [My Classroom […]
Howdy, friends. This never posted last week, and in the busy-ness of moving, I didn’t realize it. So–ta da! Check out this amazing new profession readaloud production of Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten! Just click below to watch, or click here to go to its YourClassical Storytime page, where you can scroll down and watch […]
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. I used to work as a personal care assistant for young adults with autism, and that impacted my creation of Clover, the main character in Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten. She shares some characteristics with some kids on the spectrum—most notably her sensitivity to sensory input. (I share […]
Finally, Clover Kitty’s day is coming–haha! She would like to knit and nap and perhaps do seesaws with her friend, Oliver. And she’d love to be part of your cat-themed storytime! Also, here’s a listing of cat-themed picture books, plus you’ll find a fabulous readaloud of Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten on my readaloud page. […]
Hey, teacher friends–here’s a super-cute readaloud of my latest picture book, CLOVER KITTY GOES TO KITTYGARTEN (Two Lions, illus by Hiroe Nakata). Ms J of Storytime with Ms J is such a wonderful storyteller! This story is awesome for discussions of friendship skills, anxiety, sensory sensitivity, and problem-solving. Enjoy!
Last month, I got an amazing email from a kindergarten teacher in Belgium named Eleonora about my most recent picture book, Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten. She said that a friend recommended the book to her because: “(I’m autistic and very sensitive to sensory stimuli) and a kindergarten teacher. And I really, really loved it, […]
This year, the phrase “back to school” is raising anxiety levels to a new high. I’m not even a teacher anymore, and my kids are grown, but even I’m feeling the pressure. (On a less dangerous level, it’s a rather nerve-wracking time to be a children’s writer, too, as getting our books to readers is […]
Hey, guess what? Author Angie Quantrell interviewed me for her blog, and the post is live! It’s not too long and has pictures of donuts, treadmill desks, adorable kids, and did I mention donuts? And a bit about my writing process for Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten. I hope you’ll stop by and say hi! […]
It’s almost time for school to begin—in one form or another! As a kid, one of my favorite things about school was spending time in the library (these were the days before media centers!). I’m so sad that this year, many school districts facing financial hardship have laid off librarians and media specialists. I’ve worked […]
