In honor of Children’s Book Week, here are 87 great kids’ books. (That should help keep your minions busy this summer.) Bookmark it, load up your library queue, or head to your local bookstore to pick up a few for someone special. Most of these are for younger kids, but if you scroll down to … More Kids’ Books
Once upon a time, there was a hero. (S)he lived in a world where things weren’t perfect, but they were livable. Then something happened to change all that. At first (s)he denied it. Then someone convinced the hero otherwise. (S)he set off to do something. Things challenged the hero along the way. Eventually, (s)he got … More Story
Sometimes you just need a little soul food, a breadcrumb from the universe, a taste of that dream ever waiting beyond the bend. Sunday I enjoyed some much-needed soul food at the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators conference—along with these tasty morsels of encouragement. May they help feed your dream, too.
Love poetry? Hate it? Don’t get it? Now’s the perfect time to give it fresh look. It’s National Poetry Month! Here are a few quick ideas for anyone: readers, teachers, parents, kids, writers, and even the “I’m not really a writer” word dabblers (you know who you are). Read Want to join my “poetry club”? … More National Poetry Month
What do you think of when you hear “Comicon”? I’m guessing your top 3 would likely include comic books, nerd herds, and costumes. Excuse me, epic costumes. That’s what I thought three years ago. Then I attended one for the first time. Now my top 3 would be inspiration, imagination, and motivation. Why? Because of the … More Top 3: Inspiring Tales from the Con
Here are three of my favorite kids’ books published last year. If you don’t have them, check them out. I think you’ll like them as much as your kids do. And if you’re interested in my other Top 3’s, check out my recommended blogs for moms and apps for traveling toddlers. Have your own Top 3 … More Top 3: Kids’ Books of 2012
Sue had a thing for Jamie Lee Curtis. She respected her, related to her. And the more I learn about Jamie (and myself), I do, too. It started with this, a magazine spread where Jamie insisted on two pictures: one glammed up and airbrushed, one stripped down and real. It was Jamie’s idea, not her … More Inspiring Minds: Jamie Lee Curtis
Do you ever wonder if maybe life isn’t about trying so hard or racing to the finish or filling up every minute with something productive? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s good to be lazy all the time either, but what’s the point of life if you can’t enjoy it? That’s why it … More Inspiring Minds: Kurt Vonnegut
What’s your favorite fairy tale? Mine is the one in which I’m a children’s book author. When I was little, I imagined it as: unknown girl is destined, acts, triumphs, and lives happily ever after. Maybe even throw in a TODAY show appearance. But that flight of fancy didn’t take into account the state of the … More Publishing: Choose Your Own Adventure
Do you have shelf after shelf of kids books at home, many of which leave you wondering, “How in the hell did these even get published?” I ask myself that about three times a day, especially given the meaningful gem currently imprisoned on my computer. But I’ll save you that rant.
My Castle Heart Publications 