If you're an elementary teacher or English language arts & literacy teacher of grades 3–5, you'll want to know about this amazing literacy opportunity for your classroom! Do your students know that published authors go through the same writing process as student writers? (brainstorming, researching, planning, drafting and editing . . . ) Celebrate the National Day on Writing With … [Read more...]
How to Host a Mo Willem’s Book Club For One or More Friends
Host a Mo Willems Book Club for Kids! If you're like us, and I think you are, you love Mo Willems and want to have a book clubfor kids all about his books. And Pigeon. Well, Pigeon has a new book!! Starring Duckling. (Who???) I know. Pigeon isn't going to like that, is he? Let's all watch this brief Duckling Gets a Cookie!? news update. In the book, Duckling Gets a Cookie!? (notice … [Read more...]
The Books of Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Not surprisingly, Amy Krouse Rosenthal's newest children's picture book, Al Pha's Bet, is deliciously imaginative. But so is everything she does, including her other children's books. So I decided to share my favorite Krouse Rosenthal children's books because I couldn't just pick one! Al Pha's Bet In a kingdom without a system of letter organization, Mr. Al Pha makes a bet with himself … [Read more...]
Author Study of Robert Munsch
We think Rober Munsch is hilarious! Do you agree? Here are some of our favorite funny Munsch picture books. Kiss Me, I'm Perfect - It will make anyone who's received a "grandma gift" groan with recognition. Stephanie's Ponytail - Great for reminding you to be yourself; to not do what everyone else is doing -- or you might end up bald! The Paperbag Princeess - The story of a brave … [Read more...]
Holiday Author Study of Jan Brett
Jan Brett is required reading for the holidays. Her writing tells a story, and so do her illustrations - especially the borders. Brett's website includes a ton of activities and coloring pages. Read these favorites--then try the fun activities! Happy holidays! Gingerbread Baby Make gingerbread cookies into different figures - girl, boy, cat, dog and so on. Retell the gingerbread … [Read more...]
Author Study of Audrey Wood
You'll recognize this author, Audrey Wood. She wrote Silly Sally and The Napping House, two of my all time favorite books. But, did you know that she's written 55 great picture books? Here are some of my favorites: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub - My favorite of all her books! It's a hilarious story about a king holding court all day in the bathtub. A Cowboy Christmas is a touching tale of … [Read more...]
Author Study of Mo Willems
I LOVE author and illustrator Mo Willems. Studying an author as brilliant as Mo Willems can help children to appreciate writing, illustrating, humor, cartooning, and literary elements - just to name a few. If you're not yet a fan, um, WHY NOT? Run to the book store or library and get all his books. Read his blog. Read his other blog. Now, read his books, laugh, and adore. Now, let's … [Read more...]