That an illustrator gets the core of the story is critical. Because no matter how outwardly entertaining, there must be something of lasting value, something universal the reader takes away from a picture book. The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town, for instance, is a tall tale, but more importantly, it’s a story about a misunderstood outlaw, who underneath his rough exterior, is a struggling reader . . . and about young Sam, who recognizes this and tries to help.
At this time, Ard Hoyt and I are collaborating on three forthcoming picture books. We work with our editors, and we’re also sharing ideas and images throughout the process. I recog-nize that our author-illustrator experience is atypical. In collaborating so closely as
author and illustrator, I like to think
that Ard and I are adding a little
more magic--a little more heart --
in our books for readers of every
age.
You can find all of Mary's books and her contact information on her website and connect with her on Facebook . You can
also find a helpful teacher resource guide
to teach with many of the stories mentioned in her article. Please use the information freely
and pass it on to your colleagues.
About the Author
(adapted from her website):
Mary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and
picture books. Many
of her books stem
from her life on the
Minnesota-Canadian
border; yet some of
her stories have taken
her as far away as
France, Norway, and
Belize for research.
Mary grew up in a family of ten children in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a bustling camp-like atmosphere, Casanova found that writing became her voice. Now, with 31 books pub-
lished and many more under contract
and forthcoming, she divides her
time between writing and travel-
ing. Nationally and internationally,
at schools and conferences, Mary
shares her love of writing and
reading with children and adults.
Click here to connect with Mary and get her FREE Teacher Resource Guide!
"Words are my paintbrush, my way of exploring the world around me."
---Mary Casanova
16
https://www.facebook.com/mscira - Look for information about upcoming events, new book releases, and links to interesting literacy information
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Sept. 1 - Research in Reading Award deadline
Sept. 8 - International Literacy Day
Oct. 11 - Literacy For All Conference, Harris-
Stowe State University, St. Louis
Nov. 1 - Literacy Poster Contest deadline for
local school district (see p. 18)
Nov. 12-14 - MSTA State Convention, Holiday Inn
Executive Center, Columbia
Nov. 20-21 - MO Early Learning Conference at
Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, MO
Nov. 20-23 - NCTE Annual Convention in
Washington, D.C.
Jan. 16 - Literacy Poster Contest deadline for
local councils (see p. 18)
Feb. 26-28 - Write to Learn Conference at Tan-
Tar-A in Osage Beach, MO
July 17-20 - IRA 2015 Conference in St. Louis
July 2015 - MSTA Leadership Symposium, Tan-
Tar-A, Osage Beach (specific dates to be announced)
Ways to Connect
Dates to Remember