Teaching By the Book
From Idea to Book
Whenever I get an idea for a book, I ask myself, What will this book give to a child? More questions follow: What will children learn? Will the learning be fun? Will the book entice children to read more? Will it help a child feel valued? Provide a laugh for a difficult day? Can the book help a teacher by holding students’ attention? If the answers seem promising, I’ll give the idea a try.
Here are some questions I posed when I got the idea for a book featuring groups of animals asking to be seated at a restaurant. The idea eventually became Dinner at the Panda Palace.
What will children learn?
There would be math concepts with children counting animals singly and in groups, along with corresponding tables, chairs, etc. There would be shape recognition with round plates, napkins folded in triangles, tablecloths with patterns of squares. To make the book richer, there’d be a theme of hospitality.
Can the book make learning fun?
Envisioning a lively cast of characters bounding into the restaurant, I decided the answer could be yes. For example, there’d be carsick lions, funny pigs trailed by a wolf; monkeys swinging from chandeliers, penguins dressed for a party, and more. I was enormously lucky to have the artist Nadine Bernard Westcott bringing it all to life.
Will the writing make the reading fun?
See what you think: “Along came some pigs who needed to hide. ‘Quick, Mr. Panda. Let us inside! There’s a wolf on our trail. We must lose him, you see. We’ll stay here for dinner. Have you a table for three?'”
Will the book help children feel valued?
I believe the answer to this question is the reason Dinner at the Panda Palace has been in print so long—35 years as of this writing. When every table is filled, there’s a knock at the door and a tiny mouse asks, “Is there room for one more?” Though it seems an impossible situation, Mr. Panda finds a solution, making a special table with a fine feast for the mouse to eat. And, as the book comes to a close, each child is reassured that “No matter how many, no matter how few, there will always be room at the Palace for you.”
Will the book help children feel valued?
I believe the answer to this question is the reason Dinner at the Panda Palace has been in print so long—35 years as of this writing. When every table is filled, there’s a knock at the door and a tiny mouse asks, “Is there room for one more?” Though it seems an impossible situation, Mr. Panda finds a solution, making a special table with a fine feast for the mouse to eat. And, as the book comes to a close, each child is reassured that “No matter how many, no matter how few, there will always be room at the Palace for you.”
Ideas that Became Books
There are many ideas that fail to make it through my series of questions. There are others that make it through but get stuck in the drafts phase. Here, joining Dinner at the Panda Palace, are some ideas that succeeded.
How to Cheer Up a Friend and How to Say You're Sorry
A child and elephant friend share what they know about getting along and helping one another.
Dozens of Dachshunds; Oodles of Poodles and Doodles; Frenchies High and Low ("Woofing, Wagging" concept book series)
So far, the themes have been counting, colors, and opposites.
May I Pet Your Dog? The How-to Guide for KIDS Meeting DOGS (and DOGS Meeting KIDS)
My dachshund, Harry, was the inspiration for this book that teaches the safe way to meet and become a friend to dogs. Harry is the star in this book that is used in classrooms and at shelters.
Ollie's School Day: A Yes-and-No Book
With participation and lots of silliness, readers learn school manners.
Stomp!
When frustration leads to a stomping temper tantrum, the Statue of Liberty offers tips to bring back the calm.
Look! Flowers!; Look! Birds!; Look! Fish!; Look! Bugs!
This series encourages children to observe and learn about nature.
Teaching By the Book
Thanks to the many wonderful teachers I had starting in kindergarten, I grew up wanting to be a teacher and landed the job of my dreams as a kindergarten teacher in the very same school I went to! Though my job ended thanks to budget cuts, I’ve been able to continue connecting with children as an author, teaching through my books.