It appears that novels in verse are now the rage (at least for me), and it's a good rage (as opposed to the other rage I've been feeling lately.) I just finished the dazzling debut YA novel: by Elizabeth Acevedo, longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. In another life, Ms. … Continue reading The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
See that lighthouse? That was me at the Rutgers One-on-One Conference last year, a juried one-day event that pairs writers/illustrators with editors, agents and published authors. Fellow #kidlit author, Jennifer Prevost, just posted my rundown and tips about the conference. If you're wondering what it was like, or if you're thinking about applying, take a … Continue reading Guest Post – Rutgers One-on-One Conference
Looking for a new read aloud? One that's absurd—sure to make kids laugh? Look no further. But what's truly special about this book is its design and illustrations. The cover gives the reader a hint. The giant's stomach is a die-cut hole, filled with goodies. And as we open the book and read the first … Continue reading There Was An Old Giant Who Swallowed A Clock – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Contest Rules: A character must be hopeful 214 words max, title not included Appropriate for ages 12 and under No illustration notes See other stories at Susanna Hill's Valentiny post. Now, for my story in exactly 213 words. The Best Valentine's Day Party Ever by Jilanne Hoffmann Sal’s a maker. Cal’s a baker. Val’s … Continue reading The Best Valentine’s Day Party Ever – Contest Entry
If you were the moon, what would you do? Would you just lollygag up there in the sky, lazily rotating about your axis once every 27 days, never showing your dark side to your mama? "Helloooooo up there, moon! I'm sooooo tired. I wish I could do exactly nothing, just like you." "But I … Continue reading If You Were the Moon – Perfect Picture Book Friday
As a fan of writing, including punctuation and puns, I got the biggest kick out of: When we first encounter our hero, Period, that little piece of punctuation is inspired: Period asks Paper and Pencil for a little help, but then realizes: Enter Question Mark, who decides to—what do you think Question Mark does? I'll … Continue reading Where Are the Words – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Well, well, well. Somehow we've made it to the end of yet another year. And once again we have Susanna Hill's 7th Annual Holiday Contest. RULES: 250 words or fewer, written for children ages 12 and under, and must contain a holiday surprise of some kind. Mine is 248 words. Here goes..... Fleecetown’s Turnaround … Continue reading Fleecetown’s Turnaround – Holiday Contest Story
And now, another entry into Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie story competition. The Rules: must be 100 words or fewer; must contain any form of the words monster, candy corn, and shadow; and must be appropriate for kids through age 12. So here goes! Oh, and I used only 88 words if we're counting candy corn … Continue reading Goblin’s New Blood – Halloweensie Competition
It was the cover that called to me from the bookshelf: Who wouldn't be drawn in by those eyes. Everyone on this cover looks GUILTY!!! But what is their crime? Well, it turns out that these three are not the perps. They're the victims!!! They have lost their voices. The cat can't meow, the dog … Continue reading Whoops! – Perfect Picture Book Friday
STOP THE PRESSES!!! Announcing the first picture book to win both the Caldecott and the Newbery!!!! Well, if the judging were up to me, that is. Seriously, folks. This book gobsmacked me. Dan Santat has created a touching, funny book about overcoming your fears, and in the process transforming your life. "My name is Humpty … Continue reading After the Fall – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 