custom image
Nilda Balerio

World Book Day

After my visit with the Franklin School in Newark on Monday, I’m storing up these sweet notes and videos from these second graders. If I could go back to second grade myself, sign me up for Ms Balerio. She captures their attention and provides the love and reassurance they need (all through Zoom). When you think the world is a mess, go visit a classroom of second graders. You will have faith in humanity again.

custom image

Author Acrostics with Madonna Dries Christensen

I know. I know. You’ve grown accomplished to children’s authors visiting for #AuthorAcrostics, but today I’m welcoming a columnist, poet, novelist and editor all in one. Madonna and I have only met through emails and online, but we have been friends for sometime now. We first connected when her work appeared in the anthology Toasts, compiled by June Cotner and myself. It’s been a grand time ever since. You may learn more about Madonna here.

custom image
Graeme George

Something Good!

The world has begun to take stock in a few good things that have happened during the pandemic. I would include my Zoom visit with the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) as one of those surprise blessings. I had such a good time working on list poems with them. Take a look at some of their creations. A special thank you to Ms Catherine Bae, their amazing librarian, who organized this visit. The poem below is entitled SUMMER ROCKS by Mr George’s Second Grade. Isn’t it grand?!