Every once in a while you come across a story too fantastical to be true. If you found it when cruising the internet, there's a good chance that it could be hoax. The modern-day equivalent of the tall tale told around the table or campfire. So, when I heard of a story about a baboon that worked for the South African Railways, I was ready for an entertaining fiction read. Imagine my surprise to discover that this brilliant baboon, Jack, and his inventive, caring friend, Jim, a

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators. Seven years in, MCBD’s mission to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate

I feel my stories advocate for unheard voices whose lives may not have been inherently spectacular, but nevertheless made a mark on history. ~ KT Johnston I'd like to introduce you to an exciting debut author. KT Johnston writes historical narrative nonfiction. KT's interest in the past developed from a sweeping curiosity about the way things were and how history has impacted the way things are. She enjoys feeding her interests by traveling, whether she's touring a historic

Thinking back to the few shows that my mother allowed us to watch as young kids, I remember Sesame Street - especially the mysterious Mr. Snuffleupagus that none of the adults could see. The Electric Company & School House Rock - I still remember the songs for Conjunction Junction & I 'm Just A Bill! Talk about earworms. (Sorry if I just one stuck in your head!) But I especially remember Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I loved all the places he visited, in person or through Picture

I have loved books for as long as I can remember. Picture books, poetry, chapter books, series. I love them all. Books nourish my soul. ~ Laura Renauld Prior to becoming a children’s writer, Laura Renauld shared her love of books with her third-grade students. After experiencing first-hand, the power of story to captivate, amuse, and encourage, Laura knew that she wanted to create books for kids. When she is not writing picture books about porcupines, pirates, and pickles,

Life is full of surprises and wonderful coincidences. Sometimes, you're in the right place at just the right time. When Vivian Kirkfield stumbled across a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe animatedly talking, she was captivated and curious. So, she dug into their history. Vivian's discovery of a possible friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe required that she exhibit the characteristics which she admired in these two women - persistence, stubbor

Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to four authors from the STEAM Team 2020 - who joined together to celebrate and help promote their books releasing this year. I do hope you enjoy this peek at some great books and fascinating creatives. "STEAM Team 2020 is a group of authors who have a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math book releasing in 2020. It includes fiction & nonfiction, as well as trade & educational books.” Welcome everyone, Tell us a little abou

Magic Happens When You Make Every Word Count. I love interviewing authors and illustrators. Especially when the author is a dear friend. Today, I get the privilege to spend some time with one of my best kidlit friends - Vivian Kirkfield. Vivian is an amazing cheerleader and supporter of all children’s authors and illustrators. She's interviewed innumerable debut authors and highlighted their books on her website/blog - Picture Books Help Kids Soar. She created the #50Precious

The civil rights movement is more than a few notable named and studied individuals. It's a societal uprising by blacks and whites, young and old against unfair and unjust, mean and arbitrary rules. Though many of the participants remain unknown and unsung, this Spring a couple of picture books are remedying this and bringing fascinating stories and people to light. I wish I could say that our society is better now. But the recent experiences of very close and dear friends say

Monday, I was honored to talk with Floyd Cooper, the illustrator of A Ride To Remember: A Civil Rights Story. Today, I get to chat with the amazing duo who wrote the book. And boy are you in for a treat! Sharon Langley is an author, playwright, and voice actor who lives in Los Angeles. Her debut picture book, A Ride to Remember, is about her historic ride of the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park carousel in 1963. Amy Nathan is an award-winning author of books for adults, teens, and yo