“Theme”, or Simple Gifts
The ‘What’s It All About’ discussion of the last post leads right to the next topic: theme. What do you want to say to your audience, and why? It’s not…
The Kidlit Compass Blog
What’s It All About, Maurice?
At the core of every successful children’s book is the “central dramatic question.” This is the question raised by, and in, the story. Will Max’s mother forgive him and give…
Verse vs. Prose in Children’s Books
I’m going to be very frank, since this is a subject that comes up over and over again in my editing practice. Language is a fundamental part of children’s literature.…
Writing Styles for Children’s Books
Style in Children’s Literature A major question to consider when developing an idea for a children’s book is what the style of the book will be. Will it be…
Defining the Hero in a Children’s Book
Welcome to the first entry in a new blog series on writing books for children! This series is part of a new e-course and group coaching program I am developing,…
My Daughter is Reading!
My daughter is reading. It happened overnight, or it least is seemed that way. Hope just turned six, so it’s age appropriate, but I’m still overcome with emotion and pride…
Poetry Can Change the World – Or At Least, How We View the World
My mother and I have always believed that poems, songs, and lullabies have the power to transform into family treasures. Poetry, in particular, is the perfect shared family experience –…
Share A Story About Your Favorite Reading Moment With a Child
In celebration of the Julie Andrews Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, please share a story with us about YOUR favorite reading moment with a child (your children, classroom, nieces…
