I was so surprised to learn about author Teresa Robeson’s experience creating DISGUSTOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF GROSS because it’s the opposite of the usual way authors, illustrators, and pu…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah, so much fascinating research, and so limited story space! Prolific author Darcy Pattison shares how she organized and focused NOT EXTINCT: THE PRZEWALSKI’S HORSE RETURNS FROM EXTINCT IN THE WILD, an amazing story with a ride range of appeal. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing to win a copy … More Behind the Scenes: “Using Timelines to Focus a Conservation Narrative” by Darcy Pattison| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah yes, the conundrum of TMI (too much information). I know it well. It’s like you’re a kid in a candy store and can only choose one of the many varieties tempting you. Here’s a wonderful post from Julie Winterbottom on how she drilled down for her focus in MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER: … More Behind the Scenes: “Using Poetry to Get Unstuck” by Julie Winterbottom| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah, the fun of mud! But how does one create a viable manuscript with this topic and a pile of information? Like a mudpie, it takes some squishing and slopping and playing around. Here’s a pos…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Writers are always in search of a special way to tell a story or a unique format that serves the topic. In this post, Eileen Rajala Meyer shares the process that led to the final version of BUILD A SANDCASTLE. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing for a … More Behind the Scenes: “Finding ‘Something Extra'” by Eileen Rajala Meyer| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah, the HOOK! How can you grab the readers’ attention? Snag their interest? And pull them in to read your work? Hooks are key, but sometimes hard to come up with. Take a read through Ann McCa…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
“Finding a way in” is one of the challenges for an author. But it was also the challenge for the subject of author Jeanne Walker Harvey’s biography of architect I.M. Pei which foc…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Kids love animals—especially the weird ones! Elizabeth Shreeve shares a science book for ages 7-10 that celebrates one of Earth’s most unique group of critters. The Teacher Guide comes with “The Ad…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
With a goal of writing a book for kids about volcanoes using lyrical language, author Nell Cross Beckerman not only researched for information, she also used her own and gathered more sensory input…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
In an article I wrote recently for GROG Blog about my experience with illustration notes with THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, my look back over the editorial revision process showed th…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
There are so many ways to tell a story. Author Julia Wasson tried many formats before she found the right voice and point of view for CAN YOU HEAR THE PLANTS SPEAK? And landing on just the right wa…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Some topics and themes are “evergreen,” eternally relevant, but they present their own challenges. Check out this post from author Christine Van Zandt about how she handled a familiar t…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Rain painting! This hands-on rainy-day art idea, science activity, and STEAM project teaches kids how to make rain art outdoors or indoors.| Rhythms of Play