Thinking about sharing good news, when so many have been bombarded with only bad news for so long, has had me a little paralyzed for the last couple of days. None of that paralysis detracts from the huge amount of surprise and joy that the @americanlibraryassociation and the Caldecott committee (who had the hardest job in the world) gifted me on Monday with their honor.
Most immense appreciation to @stephfret , @minjipatterson and @hellogreg , who have their fingerprints in every spread of this book. And the whole Atheneum/S+S kids team who have done more than I’ll ever really know.
Fellow teachers, librarians and booksellers, kid wranglers of all varieties, publishing friends and artists, the support has been deeply moving. I know my stuff is a little different, and it’s been so, so, so lovely to find one’s people in this ecosystem.
@jasharawan , @anqiekanq , @zpvisual and @catia_chien congratulations.
I’m lucky to be mentioned in the same sentences as you all.
Take care out there. ❤️❤️❤️
Big news! @drewbeckmeyer is now a proud Guardian of the Picture Books! 📚🛡️
He’s helping lead the charge in showing how powerful, playful storytelling can spark curiosity and creativity in young readers — the heart of STEAM learning.
What do a time-traveling cave, a tornado with big feelings, and a mystery student have in common?
They all live in the wild, wonderful world of Drew Beckmeyer’s books — brought to you by @simonandschuster — and they’re perfect picks for the S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge! 🚀🌈
From the prehistoric hilarity of Stalactite & Stalagmite to the emotional whirlwind of I Am a Tornado, celebrated author-illustrator and schoolteacher, @drewbeckmeyer blends stories with science, humor, and heart in unforgettable ways. His books invite readers to think deeply, laugh loudly, and see the world a little differently — just what STEAM learning is all about!
💡 Perfect for:
🧠 Budding earth scientists
🎨 Imaginative storytellers
🌪️ Kids learning big emotions
👽 Anyone who loves a weird twist
#ReadSteam #STEAMReadingChallenge #STEMEducationForKids #ScienceIsCool #PictureBooksWithPurpose
You know what I love? Non fiction PBs that make me go, WOW! and wrap me up in some new information in fun and engaging ways. Ones that go beyond cradle-to-grave structures or that do more than just tells me facts about a person, place or thing.
And today’s #booksiwontshutupabout does EXACTLY that.
STALACTITE AND STALAGMITE by @drewbeckmeyer is the kind of NF PB that draws kids in with a great voice, keeps you locked in with the art, then takes you on a fun ride. And that’s saying something, because the whole book takes places in the same cave, and the protagonists cannot move! But they do grow, and you follow them on their journey, drop by drop, and they get bigger and bigger, and closer and closer to each other.
What happens when they meet? You gotta read the book to find out!
Stalactite and Stalagmite have SO much personality, and the other creatures they meet during their lifespan — from earth’s early days to the present — are just as fun!
This book makes for a GREAT read aloud, and if you’re like ya girl and do voices for each character?! An entire PERFORMANCE will be had with this one, yall.
This is the kind of PB that encourages kids to be curious, to learn more about the natural world around them, and to want to see stalactites and stalagmites IRL!
I scooped this book up at #ALA, and it’s on several lists as one of the best PBs of the year. And to me, it lives up to every bit of that hype.
Already read STALACTITES and STALAGMITES? Let’s rave about it in the comments! 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
#amreading #bookstagram #kidlit #booksiwontshutupabout #bookish #books #booktalk #picturebooks #cave #nature
#PictureBookPalooza is tomorrow! 📚 Visit the exhibit hall, chat with authors and publishing teams, download digital galleys & resources, and be prepared to be inspired as you build your collection, one picture book at a time.
📅 July 17
⌚ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
🔗 Register now at the link in bio!
