This book shows children's writers how to generate, assess, and apply ideas for fiction as well as nonfiction, short projects as well as long ones. They'll find exercises, worksheets, and guidelines that will enable them to apply what they learn to on-going projects - or to help them begin new projects. The authors begin with an overview of how to write for children then move into the specifics of idea generation. Readers will learn creativity techniques, where to find ideas, how to assess each idea's potential and which form will suite the idea best - picture book, chapter book or nonfiction article. Marcia Thronton Jones and Debbie Dadey are the authors of the bestselling Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, Triplet Trouble series, and the Bailey City Monsters series, all published by Scholastic. Both speak at writer's conferences across the country. Children's writers will recognize the names of these authors and want to find out their formula for success. There is no other book like this one for children's writers.

One of the world's leading children's dramatists provides a practical handbook of the skills involved in entertaining and involving audiences of children. A marvelous contribution to the world of Youth Theater...a must. —Robyn Flatt, Dallas Children's Theater. He has often been called the National Playwright for Children and he deserves it. —Cameron Mackintosh

Here is the comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for the ever-expanding and always exciting children’s market—now in a new and updated third edition. • Includes new chapters on self-publishing and on "how to choose a how-to," plus revision and updates throughout • Offers practical advice on getting started--and on dealing with out-of-print books • Covers picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, middle-grade and young novels, and common formats and genres • Reveals what happens inside a children's publishing company, and provides guidance in working with an editor • Sample cover and query letters, manuscript format, glossary, and recommended resources in an extensive appendix • Plus information on agents, contracts, copyright, marketing, and more “Honest and precise… everything about writing for children there is to know.” —Jane Yolen, author

Impatient with the constraints put on her as an aristocratic girl living in Korea during the seventeenth century, twelve-year-old Jade Blossom determines to see beyond her small world.

"In fifteen essays that challenge the notion that literary and genre fiction are mutually exclusive turns to Cormac McCarthy, Ursula K. Le Guin, Stephen King, and others to discover how contemporary writers engage plot, character, dialogue, and suspense"--Page 4 of cover.

Join a family of three who spend nine whole months waiting, from a frosty winter through a sun-dappled summer, until finally . . . a baby is here. A Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor Recipient An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title A soon-to-be big sister and her parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby in the family. Alternating panels depict what the family is experiencing in tandem with how the baby is growing, spanning everything from receiving the news about the new baby to the excitement of its arrival. In this pregnancy book unlike any other one out there, watch what's actually happening through meticulously detailed, actual size illustrations, perfectly paired with a lyrical yet informative text, and culminating in a warm, joyful birth scene. Complete with backmatter that includes an elaboration on pregnancy, a list of amazing things babies can do before they're born, and more, Miranda Paul and Caldecott Medalist Jason Chin deliver another spectacular nonfiction picture book. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Horn Book Best Book of the Year A Bank Street Best Book of the Year - Outstanding Merit

Hippopotamus had a spotamus . . . on her bottomus! "It's a blister!" said her sister. "It's measles!" said Weasel. "It's hippopox!" said Fox. But in the end the spotamus turns out to be something hilariously unexpected!