Writing NF for Kids

My friend, and brilliant kidlit author, Jen Swanson writes the most fabulous NF books for younger audiences. And she teaches about it! Here is a link to one her (many) posts on the subject: 

Writing NF for Kids

For more, head to her website at: 

Jennifers Swanson Books

GOODNIGHT SCHOOL

 Happy News! Happy News! PW just announced the sale of my picture book, GOODNIGHT SCHOOL, to Union Square Kids, with Cori Doerrfeld illustrating. I am over the moon excited for this two-book deal, and grateful to FLSCBWI for all their support. Yay!

DINOS DON'T MEDITATE

I have NEWS!

I am happy to share that Rex and Sam will return in DINOS DON’T MEDITATE in 2023. Thank you @soundstruekids @andreabrownlit and Alex Willmore for teaming up with me on another Dino-mite adventure!

#dinosdonttmeditate #dinosdontdoyoga #picturebook #dinobooks #dinopb #pb #dinosauryoga #trexyoga

 

“an author of sorts”

 

 

When I was 8 years old, I met James Howe at the local library. He wrote some of my favorite books, HOWLIDAY INN and BUNNICULA. Our local newspaper covered the event and snapped my photo, describing me as “an author of sorts.” I still have the books that he graciously signed, and I am still a super fan of librarians and authors everywhere.  

HUSTLE BUSTLE ... REVIEW!

A wonderful review from The Librarian's Quest - thank you so much! 

https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2022/03/on-move.html

School Library Journal Review: Hustle Bustle Bugs

From the prestigious reviewers at the SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL... 

"It’s a challenge to write an informational book in rhyme without the word choices seeming forced, but this one succeeds. With text that flows naturally; it begs to be read aloud. The rhyming phrases are accompanied by companion facts that appear as scraps of paper taped onto the pages. While there are many other insect books, this one employs a distinct concept. The work of each of the bugs being considered is compared to different jobs humans may have. Many of the connections are especially inventive and surprising. Bailey writes “rain or shine, sleet or snow, it’s one big bug world on the go!” In this way, she shows that they are like postal workers who do their work in all kinds of weather. She compares fireflies to park rangers, as both send out protective warnings. Excellent for vocabulary building, a lot of strong words, such as chomp, chew, croon, dance, trek and trap, stand out in contrasting colors. Eldridge has constructed scenes using real environmental materials like sticks, leaves, and dirt, employing a variety of craft materials to sculpt the bugs and the two inquisitive characters. Back matter includes additional fun facts. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase for collection seeking to expand their insect resources or informational books in rhyme."

Kirkus Review: Hustle Bustle Bugs

 

From the Kirkus...

"Rhyming couplets meet larger-than-life creatures … How could a bug lover not appreciate two dung beetles who seem to be conversing across their ball of poop? Beyond its three-dimensional flora and fauna, the art includes two wide-eyed, observant girls, both brown-skinned. ... Lively affirmation for budding entomologists."