As a contributing blogger on STEMTuesday, I helped create the book list for July's posts on pollinators. Be sure to check out these great Middle Grade books next Tuesday, July 7th. Included on this list is a book from ABDO Publishing's "Team Earth" series* - Pollinators: Animals Helping Plants Survive by Martha London (ABDO 2020). This book examines the insects, birds, and bats responsible for the majority of plant pollination. Large color photographs, cross-curricular exten

After I watched Bambi as I child, I had nightmares about fires for years. Sweat drenching, scream inducing nightmares. I never remembered the actual nightmare, as much as the terror I felt and the need to hug my mom. A small, deeply hidden, part of me was concerned when I first looked at this book. How scary would this be for the next generation? For me? But, ultimately, my love for dogs, and dog books, overcame any hesitancy. I was relieved and excited to discover a touching

The best thing about writing books is getting to visit lots of cool places for research, like Alcatraz. ~ Emma Bland Smith Emma Bland Smith is the award-winning author of Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West, as well four other picture books, two chapter-book series, as well as an older book on San Francisco. Emma is a librarian and author who lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids, dog, and cat. She was born in Scotland, grew u

It's always tough to be the youngest, to watch siblings go to that mysterious place, "school," for the whole day. They want to do everything the older kids "get" to do. Even pretending to go to their own school - although I'm not sure how much fun sitting in the garage with a lunch box actually was. I was already at school. Toni Yuly has created an amazing book to not only intrigue but allay the fears of younger siblings about to head to school. As well as remind everyone abo

Today, I get the privilege to feature a dear friend of mine. Toni Yuly has been an early bird all her life and loves to start the day in the studio listening to other early birds sing outside her window. She was born in Seattle and now lives in Bremerton, Washington, in a small house by the water. She studied painting at the University of Washington, where she worked with the great American painter Jacob Lawrence. Toni spent a year in Sendai Japan as a cultural exchange stude

Our towns, country, and world are reeling from Covid and senseless violence. It all feels dark, oppressive, and gloomy. But just like in this week's #PPBF choice, people are standing up, caring about others, sharing their light and their gifts to make a difference. This week's choice is especially poignant and needed right now. It's interesting the connections one's brain makes. The idea of sharing one's light made me hum the song, This Little Light of Mine, I haven't thought

Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to three authors from the STEAM Team 2020 with books releasing (mostly) in June. I do hope you enjoy this look at some great books and fascinating creatives. "STEAM Team 2020 is a group of authors who have a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math books releasing in 2020. It includes fiction & nonfiction, trade or educational books.” Welcome everyone, Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write? How long have yo

Look around! We are surrounded by lights! ~ Faith Pray Faith Pray is an author-illustrator from the Pacific Northwest who regularly wrangles four wildebeests - twins plus two - and two cats. She is excited about books, rainstorms, kids, and sharing kindness. Several years ago, following a stroke and surgery, Faith struggled to find her writing again. So, she took visual storytelling classes in hopes of finding a back door to stories. Her illustrator debut picture book, Once

What a week! When I arranged for Patricia's interview and this #PPBF post in January, I had no way of knowing how timely and relevant this book would be. I can only imagine how frustrated and sad Ella Josephine Baker would be if she could see our country now. Sad that despite some progress, there is still so far to go. Frustrated that so many years later, we are still "fighting for the freedom of the human spirit." Though, the increasing number and determination of the multi-

Michael Armstrong began his career as a marketing professional. Changing course, he served as the Executive Director of The ALS Association, The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and other nonprofit organizations. When his daughter was born, Mike changed course again to become a stay-at-home dad. Soon after, he began writing children’s books (and rekindled his love affair with Play-Doh). Mike also rehabs old houses, has an unhealthy obsession with sports trading cards, and ignore