Category Archives: Kid lit

Creating the Book Cover

This morning, I got up a little sleepy, needing my cup of tea and wondering what the day might have in store for me. I’ve been waiting to hear from the book designer and now I just feel like celebrating because my inbox has the cover edits for Katie Shaeffer, Pancake Maker and the cover isContinue reading “Creating the Book Cover”

Getting Inspiration

For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources. Katie Shaeffer, Pancake Maker was inspired in part by the book Loose Parts , Inspiring Play in Young Children written by Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky. The book is full of beautiful photographs of loose parts arranged to inspire play in young children.  Here are a fewContinue reading “Getting Inspiration”

Katie Shaeffer Synopsis

“Why won’t my Mom and Dad just trust me to use the stove?” Katie wonders. Does Katie let that stop her? No! Join Katie and her friend Baxter in this fun story as they use a passion for collecting and building to find a way to realize Katie‛s pancake dream! This upbeat energetic tale with greatContinue reading “Katie Shaeffer Synopsis”

Books About Pancakes

When I decided to write “Katie Shaeffer, Pancake Maker” I felt I could not find the just right book about pancakes to read to my preschool class.  I was in search of a pancake book because I love to read a story and then extend the story somehow and making pancakes is a favourite activity forContinue reading “Books About Pancakes”

Working With a Book Designer

  My first experience working with a book designer is something I’ve looked forward to for a long time. Now it is actually happening! As a teacher, I had hoped to do a lot of this work over the summer but that just didn’t happen.  I admit, I got a lot of work done preparingContinue reading “Working With a Book Designer”

Writing Books and Hikes

Hike A hike is always a good thing for me. It starts out with promise. I love a new trail to explore accompanied by a friendly conversation as we make our way along the trail. It may be raining or sunny, warm or cold and as long as I go prepared, I am happy toContinue reading “Writing Books and Hikes”

Fifty Tips for New Picture Book Authors Who Wish to Self-Publish

Okay, I’ll admit I’m no expert but I do like to share so here’s my list of 50 tips for brand new writers and self-publishers of the kid-lit variety. Show don’t tell  You will hear this a lot.  In a nutshell, this means your words need to paint a picture by including details, coversation andContinue reading “Fifty Tips for New Picture Book Authors Who Wish to Self-Publish”

Glitter Bottles

“Katie loved building things, she loved collecting things but most of all she loved pancakes.” –Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker Here’s an idea for those empty water bottles you may be collecting! You will need: clear plastic bottles hot water lily white corn syrup (if you use the darker corn syrup, you won’t really see theContinue reading “Glitter Bottles”