Frog Calls, Blood Moons, and More

Last week I saw my first American robin of the season! That means spring must be on its way. I’m ready for sunshine and warmer temperatures. I know we’ll still have the cold of early March here in Pennsylvania, but I’m grateful for the warm weather teases. That reminds me of a recent event. Authors Barb Boustead, Cindy Wilson, and I were part of a book talk with The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society. We discussed Wilder’s book, The Long Winter. If you would like access to the recording use this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/jIQ853htJOLYwVd_NAj-vgU1m5RpL0-3RT7pUy45ipWh2LHyUNFHScWs6RSZQXwO.eukwZF_6C0NpG7UP You’ll also need this passcode: !0s$ScxB

(We’re also planning another book talk, perhaps for the end of April. So keep an eye out for details!)

Last month I had the privilege of visiting four schools. Each visit was unique! I loved learning how librarians and classroom teachers introduced my books and me to students. Teachers do like to use my books as a mentor text, but this was the first time I ever heard of a teacher using my books as a mentor text to have students write about ME! In the pattern of my animal books, they titled it Author! The Truth About Annette Whipple. How clever and fun! The students used my website (and likely beyond) to research and write about me. Take a peek!

One of the great things about driving 8 hours to Ohio was spending an evening with writing friends! (One drove 2 hours to the restaurant!) It was a real treat to see Tracy Vonder Brink and Rebecca E. F. Barone—two friends who I often email but rarely see. Tracy has been my critique partner for ten years! Rebecca is an author who I’ve admired for a long time and have been friends with for a couple of years now. (I also co-wrote Where Is New Jersey? with Tracy.)

March is always a busy time for events for me! This month I’ll visit schools in PA, a literary festival in NC, and a literacy conference and library event in MD.

Recently I was told Flick! The Truth About Lizards was nominated for an award. With that, I was asked if I had a teacher guide for Flick! The Truth About Lizards. If you have any suggestions or examples from your classroom, please let me know!

And a short health update: I was diagnosed with vestibular migraine (as I suspected). This is why I have had dizziness/unbalance with headaches—daily. I’m currently on a “migraine diet” to see if it helps. I’ll also meet with a neurologist. I’m trying to avoid city driving and night driving which are triggers. (I may not update about this again. Just know if you see me and I seem off, I am not drunk…this is just me.)

I suspect a lot of writers get asked the same questions a lot. A few years ago I created a FAQ article, and I recently updated it! You can read it here: https://www.annettewhipple.com/2017/02/faq-for-author-annette-whipple.html

Are you a writer? A teacher? Know a writer? Here’s my big revision tip. It’s a tool that’s free and appropriate for every age! Learn more: https:/ /www.annettewhipple.com/2026/02/the-best-revision-tool-for-writers.html

Do you need to boost your nonfiction book collection? Check out some of these awards lists that focus on children’s nonfiction. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2024/09/nonfiction-childrens-book-award-list.html

Or if you’re looking for some nonfiction books and resources that I’ve recommended in the past during professional development workshops, you’ll find them here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2025/10/celebrate-curiosity-nonfiction.html

I’m looking forward to some travel in the next couple of months! Please reach out if I can serve your community. (Last month I had my first inquiry about next school year. It is not too early to plan ahead!)

March 2: Cornwells Elementary, Bensalem, PA

March 3: Faust Elementary, Bensalem, PA

March 4: Belmont Hills Elementary, Bensalem, PA

March 10: Westtown-Thornbury Elementary, West Chester, PA

March 20: Mt. Pleasant Literary Festival, Mt. Pleasant, NC

March 25: State of Maryland Literacy Association Conference, Towson, MD

March 25: Cecil County Public Library: Elkton Branch, Elkton, MD

April 2-3: PLA, Minneapolis, MN

April 9: Foster Elementary, Pittsburgh, PA

April 10: Avonworth Primary Center, Pittsburgh, PA

April 19: Betsy-Tacy Society, online

April 21: Cecil County Public Library: Perryville Branch, Perryville, MD

May 8: Exton Elementary, Exton, PA

May 14: Linden Elementary, Doylestown, PA

May 14: Kutz Elementary, Doylestown, PA

June 10: Avon Grove Library, West Grove, PA

July 13-17: Montrose Christian Writers Conference, Montrose, PA

On March 3, 2026, a “blood moon” will happen—during the total lunar eclipse! This article tells more. https://www.udel.edu/faculty-staff/media-experts/spotlight/?postid=11421

In late winter and early spring, frogs fill the air with their calls! Follow the sounds to find frog eggs--but be careful. Never touch frog eggs with lotion, sunscreen, or perfume on your hands.

Learn more in my book Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs. Ask for it at your local library or bookstore. It’s also available anywhere books are sold. (Just ask for it with the title and my name.) A free, comprehensive teacher guide with 8 ELA and 11 STEM activities is available at my site—no email needed>> https://www.annettewhipple.com/2022/05/frog-teacher-guide-with-activities.html

Have you heard any frog calls yet?

Often new children’s writers write a great story, but submit it as a picture book where it doesn’t get published. This is a great article explaining the difference between the two. https://www.writersdigest.com/picture-book-or-short-story-which-is-it

Thanks so much for all of your support! I’m so glad you are here.

Happy reading! Happy writing!

Annette

Annette Whipple website • Instagram • Facebook • Substack • Twitter/X

Annette Whipple thinks facts are fun so she writes nonfiction for children focusing on history and science. She has written more than thirty books for children and was named the 2025 Outstanding Pennsylvania Author by school librarians in her state. Read more at AnnetteWhipple.com.