Ever make a mistake, one you really wish you could undo? Do you ever just worry about making mistakes? Or been paralyzed by the fear of doing the wrong thing? Good news! We don't need a doctor, I can diagnose this one - you're human. Better news - everyone, even superheroes have this problem and these worries. Today's #PPBF book is a great one for kids (AND adults) who are a bit too perfectionistic, who fear taking an action(s) because they might mess up, or for those who've made an "awful" mistake and now need to figure out how to make things better. Even Superheroes Make Mistakes Author: Shelly Becker Illustrator: Eda Kaban Publisher: Sterling Children's Books (2018) Ages: 3-9 Fiction Them

Today is #Giving Tuesday. Earlier this year, I helped establish the Stuart Kirkfield Scholarship, to support writers and illustrators wishing to attend retreats at the Highlights Foundation. So many within the writing community, family, and friends of Vivian Kirkfield contributed that we were able to fund four scholarships - two full and two partial - to three different retreats. The Stuart Kirkfield Scholarship fund still exists. If you are looking for an organization to support for your "year-end" donation or just because it's "Giving Tuesday," check out the Highlights Foundation. If you are interested in giving to this particular scholarship, go to https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/don

You might mistake my next guest for a superhero. Because even without a cape or laser vision, she's able to channel super powers to help her conquer bad days and handle mistakes. Based out of Toronto, Canada, Shelly Becker gives us a glimpse into how she harnesses this super power (along with a pen) and attempts to help kids find their own super powers. If you can't tell from this interview what a wicked sense of humor Shelly has, be sure to check out her website. Welcome Shelly, Thank-you so much for stopping by to talk about writing and your newest book, Even Super Heroes Make Mistakes, which released October 2nd. It’s my pleasure, Maria. Thank *you*! ME: Tell us a little about yourself. (

I enjoy learning about new or little known aspects of history. I've known about Ben Franklin, his inventions, and the role he played in the American revolution. But I had not previously known about his attempts to create a new alphabet. And like so many others, I can't count the number of times I've used a dictionary and never really wondered how or why it was created. Nor did I know anything about Noah Webster. To examine these gentlemen and the morphing of the English language in America, Beth Anderson and Elizabeth Baddeley teamed up and created an entertaining, narrative nonfiction picture book. An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin & Noah Webster's Spelling Revolution Author: Beth Ande

As a rare treat, I have a dual interview with the author and illustrator of the nonfiction picture book An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin & Noah Webster's Spelling Revolution, which released September 25th. ​​I've had the privilege to spend time with Beth at a retreat and the honor to be one of her critique partners. Beth Anderson has always been fascinated by language. After years of teaching English as a Second Language, she took off in pursuit of her "someday" and began writing for children. She loves exploring points of view, playing with words, and digging into history and culture for undiscovered gems. Beth is drawn to stories that open minds, touch hearts, and inspire questions.

As the seasons change, the days get shorter and darker. We all start getting ready for winter. Animals and humans alike. Preparing the garden, stock piling supplies, getting ready for snow, and shopping for the holidays. I found the perfect picture book to welcome in winter. One you're sure to enjoy as you snuggle up in front of the crackling fire. Little Fox in the Snow Author: Jonathan London Illustrator: Daniel Miyares Publisher: Candlewick Press (2018) Ages: 4-8 Nonfiction Themes: Nature, foxes, habitat, and winter survival. Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble): Follow a young red fox on a snowy day in this striking glimpse of woodland life in winter from Jonathan London and Daniel Miyares.

Today is Little Fox in the Snow's book birthday! To help celebrate, I have a special treat for you. An interview with the illustrator, Daniel Miyares. [If you missed it, I interviewed the author Jonathan London, yesterday (here).] Daniel Miyares grew up in the foothills of South Carolina before studying at Ringling College of Art and Design. After graduating with a BFA in illustration he headed west to Kansas City where he now lives with his wife and their two children. He is the author/illustrator of five picture books and the illustrator of seven others. Welcome, Daniel. ME: Tell us a little about yourself. (How did you get started writing and illustrating? Where/when do you write/illustra

I get the pleasure of bringing you an interview with the prolific and talented Jonathan London. Jonathan is the author of over 100 picture books for children, many of them about wildlife. I suspect many of you know his picture book, Pup the Sea Otter. His most recent picture book, Little Fox in the Snow, releases this Tuesday, November 13th. Some of you may also recognize him as the author of the Froggy series. The first book in the series, Froggy Gets Dressed, was published in 1992. It is on the New York Public Library's 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know list. The most recent Froggy book, Froggy's Lemonade Stand, released on May 15th. He has also written a MG trilogy - Desolation Cany

What an emotionally caustic environment our country has become. It seems that there is one tragedy after another. A sad place to be raising children! I wish I could say that the mid-terms solved everything. While it may not change the minds of the tiny, powerful minority, it reaffirmed for me that a good portion of the country is not afraid of "the other," the "different from us." For the few that seek to polarize and corrupt this country, I would love to send them books like All Are Welcome, Polar Bear Island, and this delightfully simple, yet powerful new picture book by Suzanne Bloom - I Just Like You! Maybe if we get them into the hands, and minds, of enough kids, some adults will actual

Today I get the privilege to bring you an interview with author/ illustrator Suzanne Bloom. Suzanne claims “I come from cowboys and I come from Queens.” You’ll have to check out her website to figure out that riddle (and a few others on her “about me” page). Suzanne is the illustrator of three picture books, and the author/illustrator of six Goose and Bear stories and nine other books, including her newest one - I Just Like You, releasing on November 6th. Welcome Suzanne. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. ME: Tell us a little about yourself. (How did you get started writing and illustrating? Where/when do you write/illustrate? What is your favorite type of book to write or illus

Have I got a treat for you today! I get to offer you a sneak peek at Tammi Sauer's newest PB, which releases November 13th. This has been an amazing year for picture books. I have an ever growing list of "special friendship" books released in 2018. And this book just rolled right up there as one of my favorites. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) I sincerely hope that this book ends up in libraries and schools across the country. Making a Friend Author: Tammi Sauer Illustrator: Alison Friend Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing (2018) Ages: 4-8 Fiction Themes: Friends, winter, and play on words. Synopsis: Beaver is good at making just about everything...but not friends. One winter day, Beaver sees s