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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”

Interview: R.W. “Bob” Alley and Zoë B. Alley on Lunch, Children and Shampoo

R.W. “Bob” Alley and Zoë B. Alley are a powerhouse couple in kidlit, charming children with beautiful illustrations and fun stories. Bob is the illustrator for the much-loved Paddington Bear books, and together they’ve created the nursery tale retelling picture books THERE’S A WOLF AT THE DOOR and THERE’S A PRINCESS IN THE PALACE.

What makes them work so well together? We’re tickled to have a joint interview with the creators. Read on… Continue reading “Interview: R.W. “Bob” Alley and Zoë B. Alley on Lunch, Children and Shampoo”

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”

October Book Releases, Cover Reveals & More From Our Clients

In this month’s news, our clients have new books coming out, new book deals announced, new book covers revealed, and much more. Read on… Continue reading “October Book Releases, Cover Reveals & More From Our Clients”

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”

Interview: Kathi Appelt on Coffee, Freedom and Cowgirls

Kathi AppeltAward-winning author Kathi Appelt has written books that are loved by children of all ages — including adults who are adventurous enough to venture into the kidlit sections of bookstores. Kathi has written about dogs, foxes, bats and babies, swamps, oceans, bayous and deserts. And her books have earned her numerous national and state awards, including her well-known debut novel THE UNDERNEATH, which was a National Book Award Finalist, a Heart of Harwick Children’s Book Award finalist, a Newbery Honor Book, and received the Pen USA Award. We know her through her stories, but what’s she like in the real world? She let us know… Continue reading “Interview: Kathi Appelt on Coffee, Freedom and Cowgirls”

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.

Dianne White
Dianne White

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”