Teen Librarian Toolbox
I’m so flattered to be asked to write a guest post about Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week for School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox. Thanks, SLJ!
Read MoreHappy Book Birthday to Two Friends!
Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is in stores and on shelves today. Happy birthday to Emily and Rani, two friends who learn what rules are for–and how to break them.
Read MoreWombat In the World
I had a wonderful, lively visit at the George Mitchell School in Waterville, Maine, with a talk about Wombat Underground. The audience was great and I got the best question during the Q&A: “Why do wombats poop in cubes?” Being prepared to talk about poop with a straight face is an essential skill for a children’s book author.
Read MoreKnow What’s Next
Writing Tip for today: Never stop writing for the day at a spot where you don’t know what will happen next. This will leave you stranded the next morning, sitting at your desk and staring at your paper.
Always know at least what the next sentence will be. Preferably the next paragraph or two. By then your brain will hopefully understand what it’s supposed to be doing and supply paragraphs three, four, and so on.
Read MoreA Wombat To Enjoy
I’m busy updating the website (do check out new pages for Wombat Underground; Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright; and A Pandemic Is Worldwide), so no super-exciting post today…but do enjoy this picture of a wombat, which I hope will brighten your day.
WOMBAT UNDERGROUND in Indiana!
Very excited and honored that Wombat Underground has been chosen for the Indiana Library Federation’s Read Aloud Indiana list! It’s included in their “Ageless” category which I love, since I hope this is a book that will appeal to many different readers.
A picture book is always meant to be read aloud–slowly, savoring each line and embracing each pause–and also shared between readers, experienced together. So lovely to have this book recognized as a read-aloud!
Read MoreLibrarians Don’t Belong In Jail
This is the kind of books that could have educators fined or jailed if LD 123 becomes law in Maine.
I’m from Portland, Maine. If you’re also a Mainer, please call your state representative and speak out against a bill, LD 123, which could leave school librarians open to $5000 fines and five years in jail for making books accessible to kids.
I hate the idea of targeting librarians and educators who are just trying to teach, inspire, and help kids. And I also hate the fact that this bill’s language is so vague that no one will be able to figure out what material violates it. Playboy? It’s Perfectly Normal? Any James Bond novel? GenderQueer? Speak? Julie of the Wolves? Who knows?
And that’s deliberate, of course. People who propose bills like these want every educator on edge all the time, worried about crippling fines and jail time instead of doing their jobs.
It’s vicious. It’s vile. Please push back.
Here’s an easy way to do just that.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly