Its a lovely FREE 18-Page Workbook on... Writing Stories with The 5 Ps of Publishing"
This delightful workbook is designed to guide you through the essential steps of bringing your children's book dream to life. Packed with tips and worksheets to get you focused on the craft of creating and publishing kidlit, this workbook is your re-usable companion on your exciting journey of crafting captivating and meaningful children's stories and publishing them.

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​Yabba dabba doo and wait for your goodies!

Sending much love,
Dr. Mira and the CBA gang xoxox

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Bing, Bop, Bam: Time to Jam is the latest collaboration of Valerie Bolling and Sabrina Khadija, and it will surely make your heart sing. The duo creates a colorful community of diverse instruments, people, food, and fun. Readers follow an intergenerational group of musicians and music lovers as they plan, decorate, and participate in the “neighborhood jam!”
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Bolling’s signature rhyming couplets become a soaring sing-along to little listeners' ears. Meanwhile, Khadija’s bold, geometric illustrations create rivers of rhythm that all eyes are sure to follow.

This book was put to the test by my three-year-old picky reader, and it passed with flying colors. Whether it was finding the red balloons shaped like hearts, taking a slight online detour to listen to the sound of an erhu, or belting "Applaud, bow. Encore! WOW!" He quickly deemed it a repeat read along with its companion book Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun. 

Bing, Bop, Bam, and Valerie Bolling's debut picture book Let's Dance makes the perfect musical pairing. While one showcases instruments from around the world, the other presents dances from across the globe. Together, they are a testament to the magic of music and movement. And they deserve a special place in pre-schools, primary grade music rooms, or wherever we gather to be seen and heard.
 
Bing, Bop, Bam Time to Jam! Makes Me Think About:

Babatunde Olatunji: Nigerian drummer, activist, educator, and graduate of Morehouse College whose 1959 album Drums of Passion introduced many Americans to world music.

The Pan-African Connection Bookstore and Art Gallery in Dallas, TX: The Sunday afternoon drum circle is North Texas' weekly “neighborhood jam!”

Ms. Meg, Ms. Courtney, and Ms. Hannah: Instructors with the Music Together program my son has attended over the years. Each of them contributed to his growth in such a meaningful way.

A quote from Tony-award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad: "Before a child speaks, it sings. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression."

​Go pick up this book today and see what it makes you and your little readers think about!

​By Melissa Stoller
 
We are celebrating Thanksgiving this month where I live in New York City. So it’s a great time to be mindful and write about what we are thankful for.
 
Here are a few seasonal prompts to help you incorporate gratitude into your writing life this November:
 

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1. Write about a time you were thankful for a meal, an event, or a celebration. Imagine the scents of the food and the spirit of the occasion. Include several of your senses in your descriptions if possible. 

2. Craft a scene about a childhood memory surrounding Thanksgiving or another fall holiday. Incorporate details such as the people present, any dialogue you remember, and any seasonal decor. 

3. Think about a time you were grateful for the actions of another person. What were the circumstances surrounding those actions? How did that make you feel? Try to capture these moments in story titles or scenes.  

4. Imagine how you can feel grateful and also spread kindness during this season and beyond. What would that look like? Write a story based on these images. 

I hope these gratitude-related prompts help you nudge into November ideas. Let me know in the comments! 
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​MELISSA’S BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency.
 
 
CONNECT WITH MELISSA:
 
https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
www.twitter.com/melissastoller
www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller 

​As writers it is our “job” to play with words, sentence structures, and points of view.  But as writers for children, it is our duty to play with the world around us.  The holidays are approaching, and the publishing industry will take a pause. Could this be the perfect opportunity for you to step away from the desk and go establish a “play life” to fuel your writing life?

Some notable creatives credit their playful hobbies with keeping their well of artistic expression flowing and fresh.

In between composing jazz standards:
Miles Davis was an avid boxer and accomplished sketch artist. 
Duke Ellington painted landscapes.
Louis Armstrong collaged with old concert flyers, programs, and photos.

Before and after writing classic literature:
Sylvia Plath tended to colonies of bees.
Emily Dickinson won baking contests.
Alice Walker still grows most of her own produce.

Research has also shown that engaging in hobbies outside of one's primary work or responsibilities can boost creativity. A study published in the journal "Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts" in 2017 found that participating in creative hobbies led to increased creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Suggesting that “playing” is not a distraction from writing, instead it is essential.

But no worries, I’m not suggesting you go to the local playground, frolic, and scare children.  Unless that sounds like fun?  There are plenty of ways adults and children at heart can find their perfect playscape.

• Devote one hour to simply browsing your local arts and crafts store.  Slowly walk through each aisle and spend some time checking out anything that catches your eye.  If you simply can’t resist an item or idea, take it home. And just play with it! This same technique can work at a hardware store, music store or five-and-dime.  Many cross-stitchers and cajon players were created this way.

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• Explore the digital world of play. Currently my playscape has become Canva.  Sitting down to create reels, collages, and promotional materials for my upcoming book, Elijah’s Easter Suit, feels like play.  Even though it is somewhat connected to my work. While playing around on the online graphic design site: I have no harsh judgements of myself when I make mistakes, I have no expectations of a “successful” outcome, I lose track of time and it’s fun! If you’re interested in something like this check out Mira and Leda Chung's "Fun With Photoshop" Course! www.childrensbookacademy.com/fun-with-photoshop-for-kids-book-creatives.html

 
Writing is a demanding and often solitary craft. And writing for young readers means we must constantly see the world from a perspective that is much different than our own. Playful hobbies become the perfect solution.  Providing a break from writing problems, connecting us to a wider community, and helping us see the world through another lens.  So, get out there (or stay in) and play.  Your writing and your readers are depending on it! 

Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage.  His debut picture book Elijah's Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available for pre-order now.  Follow him on all sociamedia @brentomjackson.
www.brentomjackson.com

​By Melissa Stoller
 
Pumpkins are everywhere! From pumpkin picking to pumpkin-spiced lattes and spooky pumpkin carvings, it is the season to enjoy this tasty treat. And there are many other ideas and activities also associated with October.
 
Here are a few seasonal prompts to help you make the most of your writing time this fall:

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1. Think about your childhood and remember times where pumpkins featured prominently. Do you recall pumpkin picking? Or maybe you planned pumpkin-related adventures with family or friends. Choose one moment and write a few lines about the feelings associated with that experience. 

2. What other fall treats do you enjoy? Apple picking? Making candy apples or apple crisps? Write about a scene in an apple orchard or anywhere else that reminds you of a favorite fall activity or treat. 

3. Do you associate the fall with other types of adventures such as trips to watch the leaves change colors? Choose one special type of leaf or tree, or a fall color, and write a story that incorporates those images. 

4. Of course, for those who celebrate Halloween, there are many ideas that can surface. Choose your favorite Halloween image and write a title, a line, or a story surrounding the holiday. 

I hope these seasonal prompts help you fall into October ideas. Let me know in the comments! 

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​MELISSA’S BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency.
 
 
CONNECT WITH MELISSA:
 
https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
www.twitter.com/melissastoller
www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller