Monday Musings
Beverley Brenna — Printz Honor Book author — Interview
I was thrilled on Monday, January 28, when the American Library Association announced its annual youth media awards (such as the well-known Caldecott and Newbery) and I learned that a book written by my cousin, Beverley Brenna, The White Bicycle, had been named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. I immediately emailed her to suggest…
Read MoreWe Shall Overcome…
When I was growing up, I didn’t have many records to listen to, but those I had I listened to over and over again. I can honestly say they helped shape the person I am today, my likes and dislikes, and more significantly, my beliefs and the mores by which I live. One such record…
Read MoreWith gratitude to a teacher and mentor
“Bonjour, mes amis!” Those were the words that greeted our Grade Seven classroom that early September day in 1968 when Monsieur Pugh strode into our first French class. Little did I know, the first time I encountered the sandy-haired recent arrival from England that he would have an impact on my life that continues to…
Read MoreSome 12s and 56s, and much gratitude…
I still remember the delight I felt on my 12th birthday — not because I was turning 12, although that sounds so much more grown up than 11. It was because I was turning 12 on the 12th day of the 12th month. That alignment of numbers seemed to make the day more special somehow…
Read MoreCelebrating One Year of Perfect Picture Books!
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday/Susanna Leonard Hill Week on By Word of Beth! On November 14, 2011, author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog featured a post that piqued my interest (to say the least). Reviewing picture books every week? Sharing resources to help families, classes and libraries more fully utilize those picture books? I didn’t have…
Read MoreDreams Really Do Come True — The Great American Mousical
In the wonderful new musical, The Great American Mousical, the young theatre intern mouse Pippin sings a song called “What Do You Think of That?” in which he expresses his excitement and awe at finally being on Broadway, realizing his dream. The verse that begins “What do you think of that? Dreams really do come…
Read MoreWhere Do Ideas Come From?
Sometimes that question seems almost as hard to answer as the dreaded “where do babies come from?” This is especially true when you’re searching for inspiration and it just isn’t appearing. Those of us who are participating in Picture Book Idea Month right now may sometimes ask the question in despair, wondering if we’ll be…
Read MorePiBoIdMo 2012
November is often seen as a rather gloomy month, as autumn gives way to winter in what can be a series of dull, grey days. My mother used to quote the poem by Thomas Hood that begins “No sun — no moon — no morn — no noon” … and ends “November.” Evocative and well-written…
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