The Missouri Reader Vol. 38, Issue 2 | Page 16

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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Visit our website

http://www.missouri reading.org/

Find a local council and join!

http://www.missourireading.org/membership/zones

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