Introducing Kidlit for Growing Minds News

by Keila V. Dawson

Who are we?

Every story has a beginning. Ours started during a time when everything changed. In 2020, Beth Anderson, Jeanette Bradley and I were having separate conversations about the same question regarding the pandemic, “What can we do?” We had books published that year, books forthcoming the next and in-person school visits and book events were getting postponed, then cancelled. We knew educators were feeling angst and uncertainty, too. And they needed as much support as those of us in the publishing industry. So we reached out to other like-minded children’s book creatives who write and illustrate children’s nonfiction and informational fiction books to form Kidlit For Growing Minds.

Our members: Beth Anderson, Jeanette Bradley, Tina Cho, Nancy Churnin, Keila Dawson, Rita Hubbard, Vivian Kirkfield, Teresa Robeson, Zeena M. Pliska

Why we’re here

This year, we wanted to explore using a newsletter as a different way to expand our reach. You’re busy, we’re busy, so we’ll keep it fresh and simple. A different member will write a monthly post with news and tips for teachers. We’d love to hear your thoughts on ways we as authors and illustrators can help your students connect with our books. We want children to enjoy reading, the power of story, and help them discover their own voices and joy in writing as much as we do.

You are part of our community

Our group’s focus:

• Seeking and interacting with educators, librarians, and readers.

• Create offerings and content for students and educators.

• Taking an active role to support other group members.

• Submitting panel proposals to state and school library association meetings, nErDcamps, etc.

What to Expect

What’s New for You

In this space we’ll share announcements, book news, and offers specific to educators.

This month we’re hosting a Back-to-School Book Bundle Giveaway to subscribers! A winner will be chosen in early October.

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The Writer’s and Illustrator’s Corner

Here we’ll share something related to our book or author/illustrator journey or creative process.

For example, follow this link to the Kidlit For Growing Minds YouTube channel to listen to Lindsay Metcalf, Jeanette Bradley, and me talk about NO WORLD TOO BIG that’s part of this month’s giveaway, with an editor from Charlesbridge Publishing.

Curriculum Connections

Here we’ll share teaching tips. Check out the Kidlit For Growing Minds YouTube channel for content videos made by us.

We hope you’ll subscribe, share with others, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” -Robert Louis Stevenson