Valerie Bolling Gets Readers Rolling!

 by Sue Heavenrich

Valerie Bolling’s first book, Let’s Dance! is a whirl and a slide of dance moves. It is full of life and dance and fun to read. Third book in, Valerie hasn’t lost any of her action-magic! Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun! (released yesterday from Abrams Appleseed) is every bit as fun and movement-filled as her first. 

Here’s the thing: these books make you want to get up and move. They are perfect for reading out loud to squirmy kids of any age – because you can stop and hop (or skip or jump) before heading to the next page.

And here’s another thing: the rhythm and rhyme of Valerie’s words support the lively language. If all you knew about Ride, Roll, Run was that it was about games kids play after school lets out for the day, I’m pretty sure you’d know what was going on even without pictures. For example:

Throw a stone, hop in zone. Totally old-school hopscotch when you don’t have a hoppy taw handy.

Pedal, pump. Speed bump! I’m sure bike riders everywhere can relate. Even street artists get into the action: Blank sidewalk. Draw with chalk.

So I just had to ask Valerie how she does it.

Valerie: I start by thinking about my own experiences and those of my nieces. And I think about universal things, like dancing (Let’s Dance!), learning to ride a bike (Together We Ride), or playing outside with our friends (Ride, Roll, Run). Even so, books take shape over time and with revision. Take Ride, Roll, Run. At first I set it at a playground. Then I revised it with a city neighborhood in mind. Originally, it was very short – only 50 words – and the editor asked me to expand it. 

Me: I notice most of the words in your book are verbs. Do you create word banks for each activity? 

Valerie: Even though I wanted Ride, Roll, Run to get kids up and moving, I wasn’t intentionally focusing on verbs. It was more like imagining kids playing basketball, for example, and then jotting down what they were doing. I’d ask myself how I would describe their actions to someone else. I was also trying to come up with words and phrases that rhymed. RhymeZone helped there. 

Me: How did you decide what activities to include in your book?

Valerie: I’ve been working in schools for many years, and I’ve watched kids play. And I also remembered some of the things I enjoyed doing outside as a child. So I thought: what do kids around here do after school? Maybe a kid will read my book and think, “Hey, I haven’t ever done that.” So they might try something new, like hopscotch or jump rope or sidewalk art. Ride, Roll, Run is about finding ways to have fun, about finding ways to join with their friends in activity. For example, in the book some kids are playing ball and their friends are standing along the sides cheering them on.

Me: You have three books out now, with six more – three picture books and three early readers – scheduled for publication in 2023 and 2024. Given your success with action-filled picture books, what advice do you have for writers who want to liven up their manuscripts?

Valerie: If you want your writing to be more active, then focus on verbs. Think about how you can show a kid doing something – what words will you use? Make sure you read your story out loud – does it sound active? And then remember, the illustrator has a big part in creating the energy in your book.

Me: Is there anything you wish you’d known before writing your first book?

Valerie: I didn’t know how the publishing industry worked. I didn’t know anything about basic picture book structure. Mostly, I didn’t realize how much time and commitment it would require to make a book. It takes time to get from submissions to having an editor say yes, and time to go from that point to a book being published.

Beyond the writing, there’s my relationship with editors, my activity on social media, and promoting my books. I also speak at conferences [note from Sue: Valerie presented sessions at the SCBWI summer conference!], and I also want to have my own opportunities to learn more about the craft. And I want to make sure I have personal time to write and connect with other writers.

Valerie Bolling is a reader, writer, thinker, fighter, traveler, walker, listener, talker. She has taught elementary and middle school, and now is an instructional coach collaborating with teachers to implement instructional strategies tailored to their students’ needs.

When she is not writing verb-filled books for kids, Valerie keeps active by walking, riding her stationary bike and, when the occasion presents itself, dancing. She has a bunch of books on the way:

Together We Swim (Chronicle, April 2023)

Bing, Bop, Bam: Time To Jam! (Abrams, Oct. 2023)  

Rainbow Days (Scholastic, May/Aug./Nov. 2023)

I See Color (Harper Collins, Feb. 2024)

Valerie is represented by James McGowan of BookEnds Literary Agency. You can find her at her website (http://valeriebolling.com) and she is active on twitter (twitter.com/valerie_bolling).

We Are On This Journey Together: Writers Helping Writers

by Sue Heavenrich

Writing can feel like a long and lonely enterprise. Fortunately, in the kid-lit community, other writers are often willing to share the journey. Sometimes they offer a place to hang-out, eat cake and talk about books. Sometimes they offer a series of MFA-worthy lessons on the craft. The only thing they ask in return is that you pay it forward. 

Here, in no particular order, are a few of the groups and blogs that have helped me in my writing journey.

NF Fest is a “month-long crash course in writing nonfiction for children” organized by the Nonfiction Chicks. Nonfiction writers and illustrators share their accumulated wisdom in blog posts about graphic nf books, back matter, resources for research, structure, and more. There are activities and challenges, and always suggested books to read. You get out if it what you put in. Last year I studied 25 expository nf picture books and 25 narrative nf picture books, jotting notes about each one. Not only did I learn a whole bunch, but now I have a useful bunch of mentor texts for future projects. What’s cool: posts are archived so you can refer to them any time.

StoryStorm is a month-long brainstorming event that happens every January. Tara Lazar created it back in 2009 as Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Eight years later, she moved the event to January and changed the name to Storystorm – to reflect a broader scope. The event is open to any writer of any genre eager to brainstorm ideas. The basic idea: come up with/brainstorm 30 ideas for picture book stories (or novel chapters or essays or….) in 30 days. Each day there’s a post by a writer or illustrator sharing tips, thoughts about rhyme, how-to’s and more. What’s cool: There are prizes, and some lucky writers win opportunities for manuscript critiques, books, etc. Also, posts are archived.

12 Days of Christmas for Writers is a post-Solstice event that invites writers to welcome back the light, and bring light into the areas of our writing that are dark. Julie Hedlund started it a few years ago. There are no prizes and there aren’t any lessons, as such. Instead, you get inspiration and time to reflect. Participants get daily exercises to evaluate the previous writing year, tools to illuminate successes, resources, inspiration, and tips on how to go forward with our writing into the new year. It’s a nice bridge from one year to the next. You can sign up for the email notifications here and find the group on Facebook. 

March On With Mentor Texts is a month of reading - and discussing - mentor texts. Mentor texts are books writers look to as excellent examples of story structure, or point of view, or narrative arc. Starting in March 2022, Rate Your Story has taken on hosting the event, so what used to be known as ReFoReMo (Research for Reading Month) has been given a new name and switched addresses. It continues to be free to all, and this first year they are taking “late registrations” for participants. I’ve learned a lot from reading the suggested books and the blogs, which touch on topics as diverse as back matter to how-to-hook a reader. You can find March On with Mentor Texts here. Also on the blog: Mentor Text Mondays. There are free Mentor Text Talks on Sundays as well -   join the Group to stay updated on upcoming guests and other info.

There are so many info-packed websites and blogs that I could not mention them all. So I’ll mention a few of my favorites. Feel free to add your faves in the comments below.

Melissa Stewart has a wonderful blog that focuses on nonfiction. “Info-licious” offers Inspiration Celebrating Nonfiction Reading and Writing. She explains different types of nonfiction, story structures, shows her own process, and often features nonfiction authors who write about their books and most interesting research adventures.

Rosi Hollinbeck regularly reviews books for San Francisco and Manhattan Book Reviews, and posts reviews for middle-grade books at her blog. She also shares inspiration and information for writers, gleaned from a number of places, and often posts a comic or bit of writerly humor.

Kidlit 411 shines a spotlight on authors, curates and shares posts from other blogs, and has a vast library for writers seeking information about writing picture books, from formatting to character arcs. Another library for middle grade, one about mentor programs, and links to upcoming contests and awards.

Susanna Leonard Hill hosts Tuesday Debuts, where she interviews a newly published picture book author. She also hosts Would You Read It Wednesdays, where someone posts a pitch and other writers offer comments about what works and what could be improved. In addition to Friday book reviews, Susanna also hosts writing contests – her blog is like a coffeehouse where writers can gather, nosh on brownies, and chat about writing. 

Another way writers help each other is with collaborative marketing. The idea is to share news about each other’s book releases across social media outlets. You may have heard of  The Soaring 20s or PB Crew 22 or STEAM Team books. Some authors review books, others share and retweet, others help find book bloggers, and even others create online book release parties. The idea is that two (or twenty) heads are better than one…

What can we do to help our fellow writers?

• We can be active in a critique group, offering constructive comments on other’s works-in-progress. 
• We can be an accountability partner to another writer, checking in each week to encourage and support their journey.
• If we’re submitting our manuscripts, we can support others in their submission journey. Look for groups like the facebook group 100 Rejections are a Good Thing or Sub it Club 
• We can actively participate in local gatherings of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators or other local writing groups.
• We can share good books we’ve read on social media, and share/retweet book release announcements for our friends.
• We can suggest books to our local libraries and school libraries.
• We can … (add your own ideas in the comments)

This post was edited March 19, 2022.

A Tool Box for Creatives

By Suzy Leopold

Today is Groundhog Day! Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?

Since today’s GROG Blog post is about toolboxes—not the legendary groundhog, let's move on . . . 

Many creatives keep toolboxes. 

A toolbox contains various tools. A toolkit also keeps tools—resources and skills to increase knowledge and support—creativity all kept inside a box or container.

Many writers and illustrators create toolboxes. Items are organized in one place and can easily be transported. The toolbox supports creating at home, at the library, a cafe, at a writing conference or workshop.

A writer's toolbox can be used to expand and master the craft of writing.

A toolbox may be a physical container with shiny tools and resources or it can be a metaphorical toolbox to develop deeper knowledge. Both are designed to improve creativity.

It is not the tools that matter but what one does with the tools and the ability to use the tools effectively.

Peer Inside a Toolbox

Suzy’s Writing Toolbox

• Writing tools--pens, pencils, markers

• A package of highlighters

• Post-its for plotters and pantsers; Post-it plotting ideas 

from Leah Cheak; from Julie Cohen (links will redirect you)

• Index cards

• Dictionary and thesaurus

• Mentor texts to mine for the author's craft

• A timer

• Craft of writing books

More Tool Ideas for a Writer's Toolbox

• A writer's notebook or journal

from Ralph Fletcher & Dolly Garland

• Picture book elements 

from Kathyrn Evans

• Picture book essentials 

from Joanne Sher

• Writing tips:        

 1. Make every word count with excellent word choices 

from Debbie Ridpath Ohi & Josh Funk 

 2. Rules of three 

from Pamela Hodges

• Create graphic organizers 

from Rob Sanders

• Create book templates or book dummies 

from Debbie Ridpath Ohi

• Continue to grow and learn 

from Josh Funk

• Revisit goals and adjust as need be; SMART Goals 

from Joe Bunting; Suzy

• Keep records of manuscript submissions 

from Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Index cards with tips

What's in your toolbox? In the comments share the tools you keep in your writer's toolbox.

Figurative Langauge, The "Author's Tool Belt" & 5th Grade Writers by Kathy Halsey

I have been co-teaching/volunteering as a "Writer-in Residence" with Lydia Tokarz, 5th grade gifted E/LA teacher and her class for 3 months now. Lydia and I hope to turn this experience into a professional book for educators and writers alike. We work together in a language arts block Mondays and Fridays. Today is a sneak peek into the fun 5th graders have writing picture book biographies. Yes, they study mentor texts like us in our project #Write4Real, crafting their own PB bios. 

We have dumped our info into rough drafts and are letting our writing "rise" by revising. Two weeks ago we focused on Figurative Language, a CC standard. ( We ARE fitting Common Core into this project. Our advice: teach from your passion and work the standards around it.) Lydia is so creative, and she made up this chant for her kiddos about Figurative Language. They've recited it for me, acted it out, can identify it in others' work. NOW they are making it real in their OWN writing.

Figurative Langauge Chant

by Lydia Tokarz

An author wears a tool belt of figurative language. 

Figurative language helps a reader visualize.

I say simile, you say..."like or as" 

(right hand, left hand)

I say metaphor, you say..."is" 

(hands on hips)

I say personification, you say..."person"

(motion head to toes-Vanna White style)

I say hyperbole, you say "exaggeration" 

(spirit fingers)

I say idiom, you say "funny expression"

(thumb on nose waving fingers)

I say onomatopoeia, you say "pow, pow!!" 

(Comic character double punch) 

Together in our Readers' Circle we read Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle (Pura Belpre Award, Illustrator) twice and discussed its evocative use of language. 

We always read aloud, and strive to use diverse, recent mentor texts. Next, students paired up, we divvied out books, and dove into language, recording our results on a class poster which delineated poetic devices. Each pair shared their findings, and finally we gathered into critique groups to discover/add these elements to  our manuscripts.

Here are a few of our texts and findings:

Firebird  is filled with great text: exaggeration - "The space  between you and me is longer than forever;" simile - "like the dying sun over the horizon;" metaphor - "You are the sky and clouds and air."

In Shooting for the Moon: The Amazing Life and Times of Annie Oakley they discovered onomatopoeia - "BANG!" and consonance - "the fierce wind whipped."

 

And suddenly, after another group noted that Balloons Over Broadway's title was itself figurative language, kids began pointing to titles that flanked the room shooting out, "Mrs. Halsey, Mrs. Tokarz, look, Star Stuff, Earmuffs for Everyone! Figurative language is everywhere." What a great "aha" moment for us all. 

Two fun craft books for student writers we'd also like to recommend that our kids enjoy were If You Were Alliteration by Trisha Speed Shakan and her companion book, If You Were Onomatopoeia. 

#Write4Real continues until spring break. We'll keep you informed of our progress. Other amazing moments on our journey thus far include:

•  a Skype visit with author friend Miranda Paul, One Plastic Bag
•  student writers receiving email from Walter O'Brien, founder of Scorpion Computer Services and executive producer of the TV series Scorpion. Two fifth grade boys emailed questions to fill in their research holes. 
• sharing our impressions of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast with author Josh Funk. We may Skype with him this coming Friday. 

My "aha" moment so far: Make writing real, share your passion and your work with students. You teach them and they teach you. It's a win-win for all even if you are still not published.You have so much to share about the TRUE process of writing.

Graphic Organizers in a Writer's Toolbox ~By Suzy Leopold

As an instructor, who has taught hundreds of students, throughout the years, teaching the subjects of reading and writing are my favorite.  During Writer’s Workshop lessons, my students are encouraged to use a Writer’s Toolbox.

As a writer, you too, need a Writer’s Toolbox.  What do you have inside your toolbox?

Graphic organizers are one of the many items that are included my students’ toolboxes as an instructional tool that aids in the writing process.  As a writer, I use graphic organizers as a visual aid that organize my thoughts and ideas as I write.  Being able to effectively communicate ideas onto a graphic organizer is an excellent starting point that enhances one's writing.

WHO?        Writers
WHAT?       Graphic Organizers/Webs/Mind 
                        Maps/Concept Maps
WHEN?       Prewriting or anytime during the 

                        writing process

WHERE?    In a Writer’s Toolbox
WHY? To improve on the task or skill of
                        writing

HOW?          That is the big question and I have 

                        the answers.

Graphic organizers are outstanding instructional strategies that come in a variety of formats.  There are so many to choose from.  Each one serves as a tool that helps a writer to plan and organize ideas, brainstorm, research, problem solve, jot down thoughts or even identify the characters in a picture book story.  There are so many uses for this writing tool.  

Using a graphic organizer, during prewriting, becomes a diagram or a visual map that effectively organizes and enhances a story.  Just as the name implies, a graphic organizer provides organization through a visual along with coherence as a first step with the writing process.  Graphic organizers guide a writer's thoughts, while one writes, filling in the template, which then becomes a visual.  Having a visual guides the writer, throughout the writing process, allowing one to revise, edit and finally creating a polished manuscript that is ready to submit.

• Venn Diagram:  Effective for comparing and contrasting as it visualizes similarities and differences.

• Outline:  Helpful to a writer to ensure all points are well thought out and includes detail and support.

• Ladder:  Using sentence strips or strips of paper, write a stanza, for a poem, on each one.  Revise and edit by moving the written lines around until your piece is polished and just right.

• A Bubble Graph: An effective visual tool that guides and organizes a writer through brainstorming and pre-writing, while planning an outstanding story, that catches the reader's attention.

• The Five Ws and How: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, and How?

• The Hamburger: Write a topic sentence, that includes a hook, followed by many details and a conclusion.

Meet Rob Sanders,  an author of a delightful picture book: Cowboy Christmas.

Rob, too, uses graphic organizers for his craft of writing, occasionally. Following are Rob Sander's thoughts on the use of graphic organizers when he writes:

"I imagine it's the teacher in me that always wants to find ways to present information in new ways, to create a new graphic organizer, to help with a problem, or plan step-by-step how to do something (and to teach someone else the steps).  In that spirit, I'll share once again the graphic organizer I designed to help plan a picture book.  I don't use this tool every time I write -- no tool is that wonderful -- but this graphic organizer has come in handy more than once."  May 2012

• Rob Sander's Picture Book Graphic Organizer:

For more information about Rob Sanders, and his fantastic books, along with resources and critique services, check out Rob's web site, blog spot or you may consider following him on Facebook or Twitter.

Cowboy Christmas By Rob Sanders
Golden Books/Random House

Outer Space Bedtime Race By Rob Sanders
Release Date: Spring 2015, Random House Children's Books

Ruby Rose On Her Toes, By Rob Sanders 
Release Date: Winter 2016, HarperCollins

Web site: www.robsanderswrites.com
Blog: www.robsanderswrites.blogspot.com
Twitter: RobSandersWrite

Facebook: RobSandersWrites 

Thank you, Mr. Rob Sanders, for permission to share your thoughts and information about the use of graphic organizers to better our writing.

These examples are just a handful of suggested graphic organizers that you may want to consider. 

There are so many graphic organizers to choose from.  You, too, may find the usefulness of using graphic organizers with your writing.  As your ideas flow, jot down your thoughts onto a graphic organizer. Use pictures along with your words. Your thoughts and ideas do not need to be complete sentences at this point. Set your graphic organizer aside. Put it down and return to it later when additional ideas begin to flow from your heart and onto the template. As you continue through the writing process, use the graphic organizer to create a draft.  Write a second draft. Revise and edit.  Write a third draft. Revise and edit some more, and more, if need be. Soon you will create a final, polished copy that is ready for a critique group and/or several rounds of critiques, followed by the just right moment to submit. 

Consider adding several graphic organizers to your writer’s toolbox as you write.