Have you read the picture book The Library by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by her husband, David Small? From the moment I saw the cover illustration, I knew I would love …
Keeping Hopes Alive (for writers and others)
My Dad loved to tell a story about my cousin who, when he was in first grade, came downstairs one morning, set a copy of Black Beauty on the corner …
Seize the Opportunity!
Something writer, actor, arts advocate, literacy advocate Julie Andrews stresses, no matter who she’s talking to — aspiring writers, young people wanting to become involved in the arts, whoever — …
Just one more chapter before lights-out? Please?
Although I expect those words can be frustrating to a parent who just wants a child to go to sleep, the words are still something that I think all parents …
Open your big blue/brown/hazel eyes…
When I was a child, searching for something in my room, I’d eventually say, “I can’t find it!” and Mum would come into my room, say, “Open your big blue …
How Do YOUR Writing Shoes Fit?
The book title that caught my eye, and inspired this reflection on writing, is Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. Although the edition I have is the 75th Anniversary Edition, I …
Hanging On… and Letting Go
The book title that inspired today’s post in my ongoing miniseries is Something to Hang On To, by Beverley Brenna (whose name has come up a couple of times on …
Giggles Galore
One of the chief objections a young reader had to the first version of my middle grade manuscript was that it wasn’t funny. She said she likes funny books. In …