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Fannie believed anyone could be a successful cook with specific instructions. The book is a wonderful introduction to an inspirational woman and an ode to the impact herwork has made in today's kitchens all over the world., 'She took a scientific approach to cooking. She didn't believe in just throwing things in,' Emma explains. 'Everything should be measured with great precision--otherwise, you'd have no way of knowing [...]

When a local newspaper ran a Belfast Zoo archive photo of a young woman in her garden with a baby elephant, author/illustrator Elian Rankin was intrigued. The article, published during [...]

Jerry Pallotta's inspiration to write his first book came in 1985, while reading alphabet and counting stories to his four children. He considered his own alphabet story, but one about [...]

When author/illustrator David Hillman asked himself, 'What legacy do I want to create?' he allowed his love of stories, creative freedom, and passion for writing and illustrating to guide him to release his new book, Berkley the Dog in a Noseful of Trouble. Moreover, it inspired him to launch Two Bridges Publishing. Two Bridges is on track to publish four titles in the next few years, with more books afterward. Working with picture books for various ages, David is intent on creating a platform enjoyable for both child and parent., He has little doubt if his wife or best friend ever wrote a story about him, it would be a comedy. In line with that fun joviality, the plot and [...]

'Quite a lot of my real-life made up the story,' says author Sharon Giltrow from her home in Perth, Australia. Sharon, an award-winning writer of several children's books, is sharing [...]

When I prod esteemed story ambassador, John Schu, to describe himself in succinct terms, the first words that immediately come to his mind are 'reader, teacher, and theater lover.' Then, [...]

Growing up near the Rockies with incredible nature views and armed with curiosity of the ways science helps explain how the world works, Alison Pearce Stevens became a zoologist. She [...]

Zandile Ndhlovu is a passionate advocate and leading spokesperson for ocean health and conservation. She's also the first black female freediving instructor from South Africa on a mission to connect [...]

Wintertime whirls in the neighborhood when author, podcaster, and Risen Motherhood's Executive Director, Laura Wifler, props her feet up on the hearth. There's a fire blazing nearby and she says, [...]

Sometimes our best friendships come in small, furry, tail-wagging packages. Author Karen Gray Ruelle and illustrator Hadley Hooper celebrate this delightful experience in an endearing tale of longing and happy discovery of kinship. Their children's book, Jump for Joy (Astra Young Readers), is heartwarmingly appropriate for all ages since everyone understands the passion of a fierce wish and can't resist a satisfying outcome., Little Joy has always longed for a dog. She makes imaginative dogs out of snow, out of seashells, sticks, flowers, but none of them last very long. Still, she holds [...]

As a lifelong lover of reading and writing, Dr. Simarjeet Kaur Sandhu felt inspired to write the books she couldn't otherwise find--those that included characters who not only looked like [...]

Sarah Martinez is a hacker facing years in juvenile detention. When she's saved by 'Mother,' a veteran spy who offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret agency, the adventures begin. Several other kids from various backgrounds are snagged as well and they enter into the covert British Secret Intelligence. These 'City Spies' hone unique spy skills to decipher mysteries in the world of espionage., The City Spies gear up for their newest escapade in the fifth book of the popular series, City Spies: Mission Manhattan. 'In this book, Rio finally gets the chance to [...]

A new cross-cultural children's book is making its mark. If you're a sports fan, you may be familiar with NFL Network and SiriusXM radio sportscaster and studio host, Mike Yam. [...]

In 2021, the world cheered for Zaila Avant-garde, when at 14 years old, she became the first African American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. And there was more good news! Zaila was also named SportsKid of the Year in 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids. Zaila holds two Guinness World Records: the most bounce juggles in one minute with four basketballs and most basketballs (six) dribbled simultaneously by one person. At a young age, she already had an impressive resume., People were intrigued by Zaila and how she'd achieved such lofty benchmarks, so she penned the personal anecdotes that shaped her experiences in her New York Times bestseller It's Not [...]

How would the inspiration to write The Wrong Book possibly come about? For Drew Daywalt, it happened unsuspectingly. 'My 8-year-old daughter Abby bonked me over the head with it 12 years ago. This book is yet another idea that I stole from my kids. It's okay though,' he says in characteristic joviality, 'I'm paying for her college with it.', Just in case your children's literary radar has been off course, Drew Daywalt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit series and The Legend [...]

Author Shaun David Hutchinson has a multi-faceted background. In addition to studying medieval and renaissance literature at Florida Atlantic University, he's been involved with emergency medicine, firefighting, and is EMT certified., Although in recent years he's held a position in the computer industry, Shaun segued into a career using his creative talents and has written a long list of YA fiction, [...]

For Jamie Lee Curtis, a wondrous event occurred on Christmas Eve, 2020. 'When I saw my 4-year-old neighbor, Betty, I said, 'Santa's on his way!' She scolded me and said, 'No no no, Jamie--one more sleep, then Santa.' That moment of her literal truth inspired my new picture book, Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... and Wait... and Wait. That's where the book was born.' And it was worth the wait., Jamie Lee Curtis has a successful career as an Academy Award-winning actress and producer, but she shimmers like the bright star she is for the children's community, too. Just One [...]

Ready, set, dance! Scientific studies have proven that dance is the best form of exercise for extending life and providing a host of benefits for the body and brain. Teacher Terrel of Once Upon a Dance, an expert in the field, says, 'It's non competitive yet social, allows for positive endorphins, and participants can see definitive progress very quickly.', Terrel continues to fulfill her choreographic destiny by releasing Once Upon a Dance's 35th book, a stand-alone, to get kids excited about their first dance class. 'We're thrilled about the [...]

Start with several children's stories, mix in science as needed, add a dash of cultural heritage, and you've got award-winning author Teresa Robeson's catalog of picture and middle grade books., 'Picture books are children's first introductions to the wider world,' she says. 'They show kids new settings, people, things, and experiences they might not yet have encountered, and that is [...]

Sandra Nickel, an award-winning author, has released a new picture book called Bear's Big Idea, which follows the success of her previous book, Big Bear and Little Fish. Sandra draws inspiration from generosity, kindness, and authors who write stories close to their hearts. She has written various books, including fictional kids' books of friendship and empathy, as well as biographical picture books. Sandra's writing is influenced by her dwelling in Switzerland, where there is a strong sense of respect and a social contract among citizens. She enjoys writing in her own little world and finds inspiration from authors like Arnold Lobel. Sandra's Bear and Fish series focuses on themes of friendship and philosophy, with the message of accepting oneself and embracing different types of friendships. She is currently working on a third book in the series. [Extracted from the article]

Ashley Iman's debut picture book, "Ruby René Had So Much to Say," introduces readers to Ruby René, an inquisitive young student who loves sharing interesting facts, thoughts, and dreams, as well as asking lots of questions. However, Ruby's behavior becomes distracting in class, leading to problems. The book aims to encourage children, especially curious little girls, to find the right outlet for their creative expression. Ashley, a former teacher and the director of a teacher residency program, drew inspiration from her own experiences and the desire to capture the tenacity of Ruby Bridges, a celebrated American Civil Rights Activist. The book is meant for both children and adults, emphasizing the importance of caring adults in nurturing children's voices. Ashley plans to continue Ruby René's adventures and is fascinated by different types of stationery. She also enjoys gardening and spending time in nature with her family. [Extracted from the article]

Margaret Finnegan, author of middle-grade novels, discusses her inspiration for her latest book, "Sunny Parker is Here to Stay." The story follows a young girl who learns to speak up for herself and others when her community opposes an affordable-housing project. Margaret emphasizes the importance of including humor in her work to bring joy and lighten hearts. She also shares her personal experiences with affordable housing and the shame associated with being low-income. Margaret's message in the book is that everyone belongs and has something valuable to say. She is excited about her upcoming project, "Spelling It Out," and enjoys connecting with young audiences. [Extracted from the article]

Pan Cooke, an Irish artist, has written and illustrated a graphic novel called "Puzzled: A Memoir About Growing up with OCD." The book offers an honest and humorous account of Cooke's experience living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cooke hopes that the book will raise awareness about the diversity of OCD and dispel misconceptions surrounding the disorder. He also discusses his journey into comics and his creative process. In addition, Cooke credits actress/comedian Amy Schumer for helping him get started in his career as a cartoonist. He is currently working on his next book. [Extracted from the article]

Mia Armstrong, a young teen with Down syndrome, has become a multi-talented actress, model, voiceover artist, and now author. Her book, "I Am a Masterpiece," shares her unique perspective on living with Down syndrome and celebrates her life with a playful and uplifting tone. Mia aims to change the perception of intellectual disabilities and promote inclusion, particularly among younger generations. She hopes her book will teach kids and adults to treat people with Down syndrome differently and appreciate their abilities. Mia plans to continue her activism, acting, modeling, writing, and voiceover work in the future. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses Emma Bland Smith's book, "Introduces Kids to Fannie Farmer," which serves as an introduction to the life and work of Fannie Farmer, a renowned cook and author. The book highlights Fannie's scientific approach to cooking and her belief that anyone can learn to cook with precise measurements. It also explores Fannie's unique life story, including her battle with polio and her success as a cookbook author. The article praises the illustrations in the book and includes two of Fannie's recipes adapted for modern chefs. Overall, the book aims to inspire young readers and promote the importance of home cooking. [Extracted from the article]

"The Secret Elephant" is a picture book written and illustrated by Ellan Rankin. Inspired by a true story set during World War II, the book tells the tale of a connection that develops between a zookeeper and a baby elephant. As bombs fall during the war, the pair seek safety and comfort in the keeper's home. The book offers a unique perspective on the war and invites children to explore themes of conflict, war, and immigration in a safe environment. Ellan Rankin, a Northern Irish author and illustrator, drew inspiration from her childhood love of art and her passion for history. She hopes the book will provide readers with a heartwarming and humorous story. [Extracted from the article]

Jerry Pallotta is a successful children's book author who has written over 90 books, including the popular "Who Would Win?" series. His inspiration to write came from reading to his own children, and he has since become a favorite in schools, visiting students over 150 times a year. His newest book in the series, "Blue Whale vs. Mosquito," compares and contrasts two animal subjects to determine a winner. Jerry's writing is influenced by his family, his experiences growing up by the ocean, and his Catholic education. He aims to appeal to reluctant readers and hopes to instill a love of reading in children. [Extracted from the article]

Sharon Giltrow, an award-winning children's book author from Perth, Australia, shares the inspiration behind her humorous role-reversal picture books, Bedtime, Daddy!, Get Ready, Mama!, and Let's Go Shopping, Grandma!. Giltrow drew from her own experiences as a parent and teacher for children with developmental language disorders to create these heartwarming stories. She also discusses her newest book, Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt, which follows an eleven-year-old girl who receives a magical utility belt to help her stand up to a bully. Giltrow hopes that her books will inspire children to realize their own inner strength and seek help when needed. [Extracted from the article]

Mike Yam, a sports broadcaster and host, has released a new children's book called Fried Rice & Marinara. The book features a mixed-race protagonist and aims to provide a relatable story for children from diverse families. The story follows Mikey, who is torn between choosing Italian or Chinese food for his birthday party. With the help of his grandmothers, Mikey creates a fusion dish that brings everyone together. Yam hopes that the book will promote inclusivity and expand perspectives for all children. The book is available in animated format on the Vooks platform and YouTube. Yam is also working on another book that aims to broaden the representation of Asian characters beyond traditional stereotypes. [Extracted from the article]

Shaun David Hutchinson is a multi-talented author who has written a wide range of young adult fiction, nonfiction, and short stories. Despite having a day job in the computer industry, he has managed to become a full-time writer and has published over 15 books. Shaun draws inspiration from his love of reading as a child, particularly fiction books like "A Wrinkle in Time" and "The Dark Is Rising." He believes in trusting his readers and advises new authors to avoid comparing themselves to others and to finish what they start. Shaun's latest middle-grade book, "The School for Invisible Boys," features a kind and empathetic male character and explores themes of bullying and self-acceptance. He hopes that readers will learn the importance of empathy and grace in solving problems and encourages them to embrace their true selves. Shaun has also written a companion book to "The School for Invisible Boys" called "A Home for Unusual Monsters." Despite the challenges of writing, Shaun finds it exhilarating to create stories that didn't exist before. [Extracted from the article]

Drew Daywalt, the New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit series, has released a new book called The Wrong Book. The inspiration for the book came from Daywalt's daughter, who suggested that a book shaped like a puppy should be called "The Kitty Book." The Wrong Book features a character named Bookmark who argues with the narrator about false facts, providing a relatable voice for child readers. Daywalt collaborated with illustrator Alex Willmore to bring the story to life. He emphasizes the importance of family and shares the creative process with them. Daywalt's message to children is that just because something is written down, it doesn't make it true. [Extracted from the article]

Jamie Lee Curtis, an Academy Award-winning actress and producer, has released her 13th picture book titled "Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... and Wait... and Wait." The book celebrates the benefits of delayed gratification and the joy of anticipation. Curtis emphasizes the importance of families sharing bedtime reading as a moment of connection. The book incorporates diversity and multicultural celebrations, reflecting Curtis's own life experience. Curtis's stories aim to comfort children and help them understand their emotions. She hopes her books can promote love, peace, and harmony in a world filled with division and anger. Curtis's ideas for her books come to her swiftly, and she collaborates with illustrator Laura Cornell to bring her words to life. "Just One More Sleep" is a celebration of celebrations that everyone can relate to. [Extracted from the article]