Today on “Take Five” I’m recommending Before We Stood Tall: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree. This picture book was written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper (Kids Can Press, 2021). From the front flap: “Discover the extraordinary life cycle of trees—in reverse! From mature tree to young tree to sapling to sprout… Read more »
Nonfiction
Introducing “Take Five”—Book Talks in Five Bullets
I’m starting a series of short posts about children’s books I recommend. In each post, I will list five aspects of the text that strike me as memorable, magical, or noteworthy. My goal is to showcase great books while highlighting effective writing techniques. To kick off the series, I present an award-winning, nonfiction picture book… Read more »
Apple Blossoms, MTV Awards, and Finding Awe Outdoors
Nature instills wonder. We just have to notice. I recently read a Writer’s Digest article on how authors should gauge their success. It said, “Start by asking yourself: Why did I write this book?” I wrote Night Becomes Day: Changes in Nature because transformations fascinate me. Each summer, I watch flowers turn into fruit in… Read more »
I’m Back! (with Book News!)
Last December, a family member had a health crisis. For the next several months, I wasn’t able to keep up my correspondence with readers. Thankfully, my family member is much better now. 🙂 And I have NEWS to share! My next book—NIGHT BECOMES DAY: CHANGES IN NATURE—will enter the world October 5. That may seem… Read more »
From Nancy Drew to Annie Dillard… and Beyond
I love nonfiction. I love to read it, and I love to write it. But when I was a child, I mostly liked fiction: Amelia Bedelia, Nancy Drew mysteries, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and so many more. I hardly remember any nonfiction. And while I enjoyed researching topics like stars… Read more »
Tea of the Week
Earl Gray
It has turned windy and cold here in the Midwest, and hot tea is a daily afternoon ritual now!