2018 has been filled with so many wonderful moments for our family of children’s book writers and illustrators. We asked our clients to share some of their favorites, and here’s what they said: Continue reading “2018 Memories from Book Festivals, Reader Letters & More”
Category: Author Visit Tips
Books for Thinking, Books for Feeling with Ammi-Joan Paquette
Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a line of people to get the right book into the right young hands. Agents and editors are the first gatekeepers, acquiring books that they think will enrich the lives of many kids. Teachers and librarians are in the front lines, getting to know each book and each child then playing match-maker with recommendations. But how does the first link in the chain work? What makes authors create a story that will be passed from agent to editor to librarian to child?
Our client, Ammi-Joan Paquette, has been that first link for picture books, middle-grade, young adult and even non-fiction. In this guest post, she explores how a spark of inspiration can become a guiding light for so many… Continue reading “Books for Thinking, Books for Feeling with Ammi-Joan Paquette”
Use the Power of Yes to Teach Writing in Classrooms
Our client Molly B. Burnham is no stranger to teaching and the theater. Molly studied acting in London, England, holds a Masters in Elementary Education and taught kindegarten, third grade and at a school for emotionally challenged middle- and high-school age students.
That’s why we’re excited to have this guest post about improv and The Power of Yes from Molly and author Lisa Papademetriou. Read on… Continue reading “Use the Power of Yes to Teach Writing in Classrooms”
35-Point Checklist for a Great Author Visit
Setting up a great author visit is a big job, but the more organized you are up front, the better the event will be.
To help, we’ve compiled a handy checklist so you can make sure all your bases are covered. The checklist is broken down by timeline, but this might change based upon your school district and schedule. Read through the entire checklist, then do each step in accordance with your school’s needs. Continue reading “35-Point Checklist for a Great Author Visit”
Picture Books Are Teachers, guest post by Dianne White
There’s been discussion lately about how picture books shouldn’t be thought of as books only for the youngest readers. These seemingly simple yet complex formats offer a lot to readers of all ages and writers for all ages.
Our client, Dianne White, knows a lot about this. Her picture book BLUE ON BLUE has been loved by readers of all ages, as well inspired and been used for instruction. We asked Dianne to tell us more about how picture books can help educators with their students, even above the age of 6. Here’s what she told us… Continue reading “Picture Books Are Teachers, guest post by Dianne White”
How and Why to Build Diversity Into Your Speaker Program
Diversity in publishing is becoming more and more important as the industry grows to understand its role in providing a mirror of society and sees the opportunity to build empathy in all readers. But what about diversity among speakers at author visits, conferences and festivals? Should librarians and event organizers be thinking diversely as they plan their year-long programming? Continue reading “How and Why to Build Diversity Into Your Speaker Program”
The World Outside the Window: Using Nature Non-Fiction in the Classroom, by Janet Fox
While non-fiction books are increasingly being embraced as tools for teaching, books about nature are especially useful for reaching some of most children who are farthest away from books: reluctant readers and STEM fans. Continue reading “The World Outside the Window: Using Nature Non-Fiction in the Classroom, by Janet Fox”
7 Ways to Use Books to Spark Creativity in Kids
Picture book author Adam Lehrhaupt knows a lot about building creativity. He grows stories from the smallest sparks of ideas to tell tales of a chicken in space, a book that begs to not be opened, words that play and more. Continue reading “7 Ways to Use Books to Spark Creativity in Kids”
Salina Yoon: 10 Ways to Empower Kid Reading
A love of reading is one of the most important things anyone can foster in a child. Reading helps with analytical thinking, creation and builds confidence and empathy. That’s why we’re so excited for this guest post by our wonderful client, author/illustrator Salina Yoon, on how student empowerment can create a life-long love of literature. Here’s Salina… Continue reading “Salina Yoon: 10 Ways to Empower Kid Reading”
15 Steps to Make Your Next Author Visit the Best
Author visits have enormous benefits for students. They bring books to life and help reluctant readers become avid readers. They reinforce the lessons of teachers and librarians. They inspire children who see authors and illustrators who persevered and made their dreams come true.
But one snag in the organization of an author visit, and it can suck all the life, reinforcement and inspiration from the event.
Here are 15 tips to make sure your next school visit will run smoothly and leave your students motivated to read and succeed in everything they do. Continue reading “15 Steps to Make Your Next Author Visit the Best”