Caldecott Excitement 2020

       Once a year the glorious marvelous and wonderful new books are celebrated by the American Library Association. I wait on pins and needles for the award announcements to be made. Of special interest to me and close to my heart are the Caldecott winners. I am tickled to pieces when I find my personal choice among those honored. 

      I tripped across one of this year's honorees while listening to a children's literature podcasts featuring an inspiring illustrator. I wasted not a moment and made a beeline to purchase this gem. Not only did I purchase one, but I bought multiples for family members young and older to give at the holidays. Without a doubt, I knew all would love the story and art as much as I did. I find it pure magic when words and art create a mesmerizing whole. This year, Richard T. Morris and LeUyen Pham did just that in BEAR CAME ALONG.  This story takes readers to bear's world where a river of excitement waits.  As bear's friends join the adventure, the journey becomes oh so much more thrilling. This tale is a true metaphor for life. Thank you both, Richard and LeUyen, for such a masterpiece. Congratulations!

Fall is knocking on the door. 

Granny, your Measurement Day Celebration is near.

Time to unwind the string from the silvered stick.

Pocket records.

Celebrating - Midwest Book Review - March 2019

Rae McDonald's original picture book story for children ages 6-10, GRAN, GRAN, GRANNY - is  "Charmingly illustrated by Eric Groff, "Gran, Gran, Granny" is highly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library picture collections for young readers."
Midwest Book Review March 2019

From Rae: 

The world outside is full of wonders, just step out into nature and feel the pull of curiosity, exploration, and the pull on our hungry outdoor spirit.  After reading Gran, Gran, Granny grab those those walking shoes or kick off those indoor shoes and let your feet explore a patch of green in the great outdoors. Scientists tell us that we feel better after a walk in the woods, although they haven't learned yet just why that is. Why wait...discover for yourself and adopt a special place to give you a best-day-ever kind of feeling after every visit.

School Visits, Tree Talk, and The Puzzle of a Story

 GRAN, GRAN, GRANNY  and Rae make their debut school visit, March 2019

Building the puzzle of a story.

And, oh for the marvelous trees of thanks!

Art extraordinaire from Centennial students.  

Thank you for sharing books, story, art, and your ideas with me.

The forest in all of its glory.

Which tree will you call friend?

30 Days...30 ideas...StoryStorm 2019

Thank you to marvelous Tara Lazar and a team of contributing authors and illustrators for sharing insight and inspirations every single day in January 2019.  This motivational and creative opportunity is a gift to all who aspire to tell their stories in word and picture.  I am grateful for all the learning. And, now, seat in the chair...time to get busy!

Gran, Gran, Granny - So glad to meet you at last!

Available Now:  Meet Gran, Gran, Granny 

Rae's Author Page on Amazon ... click here

Click on the link above for more SCBWI Book Birthdays

Gran, Gran, Granny 

Meet Granny

November 2018 Release

Clear Fork Publishing

Books take time, but in "tree years", not so much.

Thanks for your patience, Granny!

I am eager for the world to meet you in my new book.

      Party today, far away ... Sam finds a great deal to sing about as he echoes "the chat" on the way to visit a majestic forest friend. Lizzie tells this moment-in-time story as she, two brothers, and her parents hike up a well-worn trail to visit one grand old Douglas fir tree known as Granny. The forest is aflame with fall color and the path is carpeted with fall leaf confetti on the day following a fierce and worrisome storm. Lace up your hiking boots, get set to catch a swirling leaf, and head up the path to celebrate a very grand old tree.

Gran, Gran, Granny 

Meet Granny

July 2018

Clear Fork Publishing

Books take time, but in "tree years", not so much.

Thanks for your patience, Granny!

I am eager for the world to meet you in my new book.

      Party today, far away ... Sam finds a great deal to sing about as he echoes "the chat" on the way to visit a majestic forest friend. Lizzie tells this moment-in-time story as she, two brothers, and her parents hike up a well-worn trail to visit one grand old Douglas fir tree known as Granny. The forest is aflame with fall color and the path is carpeted with fall leaf confetti on the day following a fierce and worrisome storm. Lace up your hiking boots, get set to catch a swirling leaf, and head up the path to celebrate a very grand old tree.