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

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 sup

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 She

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 langu

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 beg

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 Nonfictio

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

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

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

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. Tha