Phew! The month of February flew by! I suppose that’s how it always is, but with deadlines, school visits, and my family’s schedule (and a bit of illness), it seemed especially busy.
Behind-the-Scenes
In February and the first week of March, I visited seven schools and shared seventeen presentations with children in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Plus I have some work-for-hire deadlines to meet. I met one last month and will meet another this month.
Huge News
I am absolutely thrilled to share with you that I have been named the 2025 Outstanding Pennsylvania Author by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association! As you might imagine, this is a huge honor and my largest ever since it honors my collective work instead of just a single book.
I will receive the award at the PSLA Conference’s awards breakfast on April 4 in Erie, PA. (Will I see you there?) I’ve been asked to prepare an acceptance speech and short presentation. To be included with past winners is simply amazing.
PD handout
A while back I taught an online professional development workshop. If you still need the handout, here you go!
Celebrate Curiosity
Early Spring Challenge: Since my children are all teens, they all now have cell phones. I decided to take advantage and challenge the family. Who will be the first to take a picture of an American Robin? With the promise of a few dollars to spend at the local grocery outlet as a reward (which can buy a ton of candy or a half gallon of ice cream and candy, they seemed eager...but I’m still waiting for a picture. (I may have seen twenty robins in the yard a few days ago, but I wanted to give the family a chance to win…)
Frogs: Have you heard the first frogs of the season? Did you know wood frogs quack? Really! They sound like ducks and are an early spring frog. I am still waiting to hear my first frog. (Around here, it’s typically wood frogs and spring peepers.)
Here is a spread from Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs.
Do you need a frog teacher guide? I have one! Check out all of my free teacher guides!
Good to Know
Author Visit Booking Tip (for event coordinators and authors): A recent client asked me how long I prefer to have an author visit or event booked before the event. I prefer to have a signed contract no less than 6 weeks before the event. Discussion might take just a few days but sometimes takes weeks.
Conferences for Children’s Writers: I was also asked by a writer what conferences/workshops I recommend for those who want to write for children. These stand out as some of the best {online and in-person).
My Recent Blog Posts
Free Teacher Guides for Nonfiction Books https://www.annettewhipple.com/2025/02/free-teacher-guides-for-nonfiction-books.html
The Publishing World’s Best Kept Secret https://www.nffest.com/2025/02/the-publishing-worlds-best-kept-secret.html
When Did Laura Ingalls Wilder Die?https://www.wildercompanion.com/2025/02/when-did-laura-ingalls-wilder-die.html
Bonus: An interview with Bookworthy Podcast https://www.valeriefentress.com/post/bookworthy-chats-with-annette-whipple
Upcoming Schedule to Celebrate Curiosity
May I serve your community? I love to excite all ages about literacy, science, and history. Schools, libraries, and community groups have been thrilled with my presentations. Can I help your group celebrate curiosity? Contact me now for future events!
March 24: Tinicum Elementary, Pipersville, PA
April 1: TLA, Houston, TX
April 4: PSLA, Erie, PA
April 10: Richland Elementary, Quakertown, PA
May 6: Lampeter Elementary, Lancaster, PA
May 6: Lampeter-Strasburg Early Childhood Center, Lancaster, PA
July 13: Barnes and Noble, Vestal, NY
July 14-18: Montrose Christian Writers Conference, Montrose PA
September 6: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA
Happy reading! Happy writing!
Annette
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