Category Archives: Uncategorized

Discovering New Old Poems: Karla Kuskin

When I visited my parents this winter, they presented me with a thick brown file labeled Cathy: School Papers which they had uncovered in the process of decluttering the attic. Inside I found lots of stories and worksheets, plus some art gems like … Continue reading

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Fernalicious Forest Fun

My dear friend Catherine Johnson is up to some poetry hijinks today at her marvelous eponymous blog Catherine Johnson, Writer.  We’re celebrating spring, fiddlehead ferns, and …frittatas? Mother Nature’s tender tendrils Push up through the forest floor. Springtime spirals gyrate … Continue reading

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The Merry, Merry Month of May

Didn’t May just begin? Things have been busy around here in a good way.  May 1st kicked off Paula Yoo’s fifth annual NaPiBoWriWeek,  a fun challenge for writers to draft up to 7 picture books in 7 days. As Paula notes on her site, ”I am … Continue reading

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Walking Through the Forest

We’re walking through the forest, And looking at the trees. I hope the ticks don’t bite me, Cause I don’t want Lyme disease. – Anonymous 10 year old fellow hiker We’ve been hiking our kids through the woods since before they … Continue reading

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Sparkle and Spin

Sparkle and Spin Author: Ann Rand Illustrator: Paul Rand Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1957/1991 Suitable for ages 4 and up Themes: words, word meanings Opening:  “What are words?  Words are how what you think inside comes out and how to remember what … Continue reading

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Book Lovers with Patience and Fortitude

In celebration of Women’s History Month, I have enjoyed reading some wonderful posts about exciting new picture book biographies featuring incredible pioneers like Clara Lemlich, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Molly Williams. Jeanne Harvey Walker’s marvelous blog True Tales and a Cherry on Top featured a peek into … Continue reading

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Pareidolia: I Saw A Swon in Cupcake Badr

I love to bake, especially when I have company in the kitchen. One day Grace and I were preparing cupcakes when the phone rang.  I asked her to keep stirring for a minute while I answered.  She continued to swirl the mixture determinedly … Continue reading

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A Milestone Birthday Blizzard

I didn’t think you’d mind That the sugar bowl was low. I headed out with cake pans and scooped batter from the snow. We frosted it with flurries, Sprinkled birdseed decorations, Then found a twig-ish candle To complete the celebration. Happy … Continue reading

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Happy Groundhog Day Phyllis!

Let’s see what our good friend Phyllis from Susanna Hill’s charming book Punxsutawney Phyllis is up to for Groundhog Day 2013! Phyllis was a tad grouchy when emerging from her den, lured by Pig Newtons and cream-phylled cookies. When we informed … Continue reading

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Perfect Picture Book Friday – Just Because

Just Because Author/illustrator Rebecca Elliott Lion Hudson, 2010 Suitable for ages 4- 7 Themes: Sibling bond, disabilities Opening: “My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. … Continue reading

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