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: Canva.com 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!
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 Mia loves her grandmother, but she is no ordinary grandma. She calls her Glamma, because she’s such a glamorous granny. She doesn’t sit in a rocking chair all day but gets up to all sorts of exciting and energetic things from exercise class to experimenting with her hair, to online shopping and wearing glittery shoes. (I’m so this grandma in the making!) Mia’s Glamma doesn’t do the regular thing that other grandma’s do, she does things with a lot more razzle, dazzle and flair. I love that in this story, she lives in ‘Mia’s house, surrounded by her family’. The author has used a clever tool when writing for children aged 3 and up, she uses the language a child would use. Making it all about Mia, her house and her family, children will relate to this clever technique. I used to sew layered tutu skirts when my son was a baby. I had never really sewn before but I had always wanted a tutu skirt as a little girl, which was not a ‘thing’ in those days. I guess I saw this newfound passion as a chance to make other little girls dreams come true. My long-winded story brings about my love for the character that the illustrator Carla Hoffenberg has created in this story. I would definitely have been a gum boot/ tutu skirt wearing little girl. And if you look at my wardrobe, I know I have the essence of Mia’s Glamma in my soul. When I grow up (eventually) I will carry this book under my arm to see how many other grandma’s I can turn into Glamma’s. The sentence, ‘She doesn’t have time to be old - she’s too happy feeling young.’ is probably one of my favourite lines from this book and I will write it up and stick it all over my house as it is something I like to live by. I absolutely adore the end pages. The illustrations bring out Mia’s Glamma in her best possible way. Her exquisite facial expressions drew me in, each smile and wrinkle has a story of its own. The little twist at the end, in the illustrations, will leave you smiling. I saw Glamma through Mia’s eyes and throughout the book I felt the love this little girl has for her grandmother. I don't just want to be a Grandma one day, I really hope to be a Glamma! •MIA’S GLAMMA •Written by Josie Montano •Illustrated by Carla Hoffenberg •Published by Interactive Publications Pty Ltd, 2023 Amanda’s career as a worldly actress has been her favourite so far, she hopes
writing for children will be her next new favourite! In between, she’s taught English, Drama and early childcare and now works with children with special needs, where she bring her imaginative flair into the classroom, always dreaming of the being back on the stage. Amanda’s writes a variety of stories from those that are sensitive, humorous and sometimes quirky with fairytale-esque elements. She hopes her books will influence children to read and write their own wonderful stories. Being active in SCBWI, CBCA NSW and a graduate of the Children's Book Academy keeps Amanda focused and honing her craft. Her debut picture book My Giant Sea Shell is now available. Find Amanda here: https://amandalieber.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amandalieber https://www.facebook.com/amanda.lieber.1 Or find her book here: https://amandalieber.com/books/ Fall has officially landed. In Texas that means one thing: pecan pie! And in honor of the harvest, here is one award-winning book you should definitely crack open. Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter and Daniel Miyares was recently chosen as the 2023 Youth Selection “Texas Great Read,” representing The Friendly State at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. And it’s easy to see why. Anne Wynter’s lyrical language tells the story of one little girl’s careful tending of a small seed resulting in a stately tree that’s enjoyed by generations. Daniel Miyares’ pen and ink color palette creates a sense of family warmth, and his visual cues help little readers connect the past and present effortlessly. Together they create a story about connection, comfort, and care. But here are some things this book made me ponder. NELL PLANTS A TREE MAKES ME THINK ABOUT: Antoine: The 19th century enslaved gardener in Louisiana noted for becoming the first person to successfully propagate individual pecan trees, maintaining enough uniformity to turn them into a cash crop. My Grandfather: Most of the time my grandfather’s Christmas gift to the family was a bucket full of pecans that he spent hours selecting and shelling from the tree in my grandparents’ front yard. My Pecan Tree: A few years ago, I purchased a house with a colossal pecan tree in the front yard. Most of the time when I looked at it, I found myself asking: “Who is going to rake all those leaves? Who is going to wash all that sap? Who is going to eat all those nuts?” But after reading Anne and Daniel’s book I ask different questions: “I wonder who planted this tree? How many families enjoyed its shade? How do I preserve it for the families to come?” A Quote by Alice Walker: “If I could live as a tree, as a river, as the moon, as the sun, as a star, as the earth, as a rock, I would. … Writing permits me to experience life as any number of strange creations.” Go pick up this book today and see what it makes you and your little readers think about!
By Kourtney LaFavre As we all know, writing for children is a powerful opportunity in helping young minds grow and evolve. And incorporating STEM concepts into your stories is one of the ways to do that. Why Integrate STEM into Children's Books? STEM subjects play a crucial role in our modern world, and fostering an early interest in these fields can open doors to countless opportunities for young readers. By incorporating STEM into your children's books, you can:
1. Relatable Characters and Settings Create characters who mirror the interests and backgrounds of your young readers. If your story is set in a futuristic world, make it relatable by incorporating advanced technology that's grounded in reality. Characters can be aspiring scientists, young engineers, or curious explorers, making STEM careers seem attainable and exciting. 2. Weave STEM into the Plot Integrate STEM concepts organically into the story line. For example, if your characters are on a quest, have them encounter scientific challenges or engineering puzzles that require creative problem-solving. Make the STEM elements an essential part of advancing the plot, so they don't feel forced. 3. Visual Storytelling If possible, collaborate closely with illustrators to visually represent STEM concepts (or offer helpful illustration notes). Infographics, diagrams, or visually engaging depictions can help clarify complex ideas. The visuals should be age-appropriate and enhance the narrative rather than overwhelming young readers. 4. Relatable Everyday Situations Show how STEM is relevant in everyday life. Whether it's explaining the science behind a rainbow, the engineering behind a playground, or the technology in a smartphone, relate STEM to experiences children can connect with. 5. Encourage Exploration Include interactive elements like experiments or activities at the end of your book that align with the STEM concepts in your story. This hands-on approach encourages readers to explore and experiment on their own, reinforcing the learning experience. *See my post about backmatter here: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/blogfish/back-matter-at-its-best Here's some inspiring examples of STEM integration in children's books:
Kourtney is a mom, author, and educator with a BS degree in Childhood Studies and 20+ years experience working with children and families in classrooms and other community programs. As a life-long learner she’s always questioning and watching the world with glittering eyes, on the lookout for beautiful and amazing things. Being a SCBWI member and graduate of Children's Book Academy, helps fuel her passion for quality children's literature. She writes to inform and inspire.
Find Kourtney Here: www.facebook.com/kourtneylafavre.writer/ https://www.instagram.com/kourtneylafavre/ https://twitter.com/KourtneyLafavre https://kourtneylafavre.com/ Or find her book here: https://kourtneylafavre.com/book/ by Melissa Stoller September is a perfect month to listen to and appreciate the sounds all around you, and to incorporate those sounds in your story ideas. Adding the senses to manuscripts adds depth, emotion, and richness to the work. Here are a few prompts to help you notice and gather sounds to use in stories this month: Canva Image 1) BUZZ and TWEET - insects and birds are all around in September. Listen carefully to the sounds in your garden, in a neighborhood park, or in a Botanical garden. Then research some of the insects and birds you hear. Perhaps look at photos on your computer or on an APP too. Jot down some story ideas revolving around those sounds. 2) BEEP BEEP - think about transportation sounds. Notice cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and more. Incorporate the sounds you hear into an existing manuscript or think of a new idea that uses these sounds. 3) SIZZLE, POP, CRACK - listen to sounds in your kitchen or in a restaurant. Notice the sounds in relation to the food. Create an idea based on the foods and the sounds. Write a title, first line, or story arc. I hope these prompts help you discover some ideas this September that incorporate the sights and sounds in your life. Let me know in the comments! MELISSA’S BIO: Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. She is 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 with Callie Lovvorn and Shirin Rahman). Melissa is a Blogger and Course Assistant 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 |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with former school psychologist Dr. Debra Collins who will be writing about Social emotional Learning in kidlit and behind the scenes as well as Jewish children's books. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature our new blogger coming soon. 4th Mondays features new blogger, the fabulous Brentom Jackson, who has a beautiful approach to blogging. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
April 2024
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