Posts by Beth
Fifty Years of Singing
When I was nine years old, I saw a movie that immediately took a very special — and permanent — place in my heart. That movie was The Sound of Music. If you saw the tribute to the movie and to its star during the Oscars telecast on February 22nd, you’re likely aware that The…
Read MoreWhat I’ve Read in February
I didn’t get nearly as much reading done in February as I did in January — and I’m hiding my face in shame about the scarcity of blog posts on both my blogs, as well as the scarcity of my presence on others’ blogs in February. I will try to do better in all areas…
Read MoreA Word With Beth — About Well-Meant Words
Instead of a grammar post today, this will be a bit of a rant, but hopefully a gentle, thoughtful rant. There’s a phrase that bothers me every time I hear it. I know what is meant by it, but still it bothers me. Very often, people who work for a cause with great dedication are…
Read MorePaying It Forward, with Links to Cool Blogs & Sites
My writing friend and colleague, Tracey M. Cox, recently tagged me in a blog award post. Thank you so much, Tracey. I’d urge my writer friends to click on the link in Tracey’s name and check out all that she does for the writing community: picture book critique services; platform building consultation services; “Summer Sparks,”…
Read MoreWhat I’ve Read in January
In December, I did a post listing the best of the books I’d read during 2014 – the ones I hadn’t had time or space to review over the course of the year. Rather than waiting until the end of the year, I’ve decided to do a mini-list at the end of each month, instead.…
Read MoreWinter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold — Perfect Picture Book Friday
Title: Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold Author: Joyce Sidman Illustrator: Rick Allen Publisher: Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014 Genre: Picture book, poetry and non-fiction Audience Age: 6 to 12 Themes/Topics: Animals, Winter, Poetry Opening Sentences: Dusk fell and the cold came creeping, came prickling into our hearts. As we tucked beaks into feathers…
Read MoreA Word with Beth — About Commas, Part Two
At the request of a couple of readers, the Owl and I are taking a second look at commas today. Before the Owl sinks his talons into a few more comma rules and faux pas, we have a little bit of housekeeping to deal with. Apparently, for some readers, the avatars are obscuring part of…
Read MoreHow to Make a Picture Book, Part 4
The Making of Bubblegum Princess Creating a Picture Book Dummy The launch of KidLit TV had me fairly busy this past fall and I’m thankful that Lori was able to fill in by sharing how she created all the characters—from Queen to corgi—for Bubblegum Princess. But before I continue the series, I’d…
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