Ta-Da! Let the conversations begin!

Hello… *taps the screen* … Is anyone out there?

Allow me to introduce myself, in a blogging sort of way.

 I am, first and foremost, a reader. Always have been, always will be.

Also, a writer.

Oh, and a thinker.

Also a gabber.
And an infrequent Tweeter, @PBWorkshop.

In addition I’m an elementary educator, a teacher trainer, a library advocate, a book reviewer, an animal lover, and the child who was read to every single night.

As I debated whether or not to author a blog, I extended my search of existing blogs. (I’m an advocate of learning by example.) Considering the many superb blogs already “out there”, I reviewed my list above carefully. Could I actually contribute something unique to this topic in the vast world of blogging—something that would garner a following of like-minded readers?

As you can see, I’ve decided to step off the cliff into the blog-o-sphere to open a dialogue about a favorite literacy topic: the lovely, lively, and often surprising world of picture books.

I’m launching this blogging venture for a number of reasons. First, I am convinced there are many of you out there who believe, as I do, that using quality literature with young readers is a privilege and a responsibility. Sadly, the constraints of budgets, testing, packaged curricular programs, and misguided accountability have been squeezing quality literature out of the classroom.

Additionally, I’ve found there are many adults (and kids) who think picture books are limited to the narrow (although admittedly valuable) categories of board books, concept books, and wordless books. This is as far from reality as I am from becoming America’s next super-model. Some of the finest quality fiction and non-fiction, the most challenging content, the most lyrical and inspiring language and intriguing images can be found between the covers of picture books.

And finally, I want to join the growing chorus of voices raised in protest over the premature declarations of the death of picture books. (New York Times article, April, 2011). Voices more authoritative than mine have taken on the defense of the vitality and value of picture books in current and future publication. And that means in print, not just as eBook versions. This is a conversation I am no longer willing to monitor from the sidelines.

For now, if you have a related blog (or know of one) you’d recommend on this or related topics, please share those links in your comments. I don’t wish to duplicate others, and do want to encourage as much exploration and use of picture books as possible.

And please, if you know a picture book, new or not, (authors, agents, editors, publishers?) you’d like to have discussed in the future, let me know.

And so, with a plan to post on any and all of the above and beyond, I’ll hope to see you back about once a week to join me in these conversations. And do join in. The sidelines are safe, but real power is in participation.