Emily Starr

Are you a teacher that loves to read aloud, yet feels like you are somehow "taking a break?" You are not. You are doing important brain building work, and now you have the research to prove it! Check out my blog post and be sure to grab the printable!

starrmatica.com/want-to-stre...

Need some STEM-spiration in the new year? Join me next week to mine every K-5 science standard for ideas and insights to fuel your 2026 manuscripts!

Learn more and register here: starrmatica.com/k5standards/

What a thrill it was to have the opportunity to "talk science" with my mentor, Kirsten Larson!

I just polished the slides for the first webinar in my K-5 Science Deep Dive. There is still time to sign up to explore the science and engineering practices at 11 am CDT. All webinars are recorded, and the handouts are stellar! Learn more: www.starrmatica.com/kidlitscienc...

When I am here, it is to share something exciting!

Do you write STEM-themed nonfiction or fiction? Join me for a deep dive into K-5 science! Attend 1 session or all 5 in this webinar series designed to help #kidlit creators master the seismic shifts in science ed.
starrmatica.com/kidlitscienc...

Thank you for reposting, Carrie! I've been wanting to offer this deep dive for awhile. I can't wait to share!

Do you write STEM picture books? Come learn about the inner workings of elementary science classrooms to strengthen your partnership with educators and deepen your positive impact on young readers!

You can learn more and register here: www.starrmatica.com/kidlitscience

Educators! Make the Most of Your Bookstore Visit - From The Mixed Up Files Everyone can benefit from the soul-filling experience of holding a brand-new book in their hands; however, if you are an educator, there are many other ways you can make the most of a local bookstore ...

Educators! Make the most of your bookstore visit, with tips by @emilystarr.bsky.social #kidlit #middlegrade #edusky fromthemixedupfiles.com/educators-ma...

Laptop! Hand cramps are a real thing...though so is carpal tunnel from too much typing. :-)

My nearest indie bookstore is an hour and a half drive from my home, so I always seek one out when traveling. Next Page Books in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, filled me with wonder and delight. Of course, I bought two favorites from a fellow Iowa author!

Peacocks! What a strange call they make. I have now visited two farms within a few miles of my home that have peacocks!

I need to keep a spotlight in the back of my car. This would have made for a very interesting photograph before the sun went down. Make a prediction and then check the comments to see what wildlife was making a ruckus in this tree near my home in Iowa last night.

Sometimes your books take you the most amazing places and give you the most incredible opportunities... #lovemyjob
I'm a LEGO Minifigure! Check out this video to learn how this happened www.youtube.com/shorts/VBhFe...
And learn about World Book Day in London next March! #kidlitcommunity #science

It has been a fantastic week of learning! Thank you!

It is a few years old, so I was in need of a new one/ Thank goodness for Black Friday deals! Copying and pasting every "l" is slowing me down! I've been using a / instead of the period and doing a find and replace/ 😊

I also apparently need to clean my keyboard!

When you write so much that two keys call it quits... I guess I need to make more exclamations and ask an uncomfortable number of questions in the near future!

It is fun to celebrate the successes of agent siblings!

It blew my mind when I first learned about it! I need to know what happened!!

This is such a great phenomenon for kids to notice and wonder about My favorite geologic mystery is The Great Unconformity where 250 to 1200 million years of the rock record are missing! 😶

Five nonfiction book covers are shown on a graphic titled: Five Friday Favorites. Also shown is a graphic of a girl hugging a stack of books.

Butt-breathing turtles, Mars mountains, and ninja sea urchins fill the pages of this week's Five Friday Favorites!
starrmatica.com/five-friday-...
What were your favorite reads this week?

#KidsLoveNonfiction #kidlit #EduSky #teachers #librarians

Image title: Engaging with Science Phenomena in Ela Images include: Screen shots of a map, the picture book "Make Way for Animals" and elk crossing a road next to a clip art graphic of an open book and science objects.

One of the most powerful, yet simple, nonfiction strategies I share is engaging students in noticing and wondering with science phenomena before a read aloud. Check out a few examples on my blog:

starrmatica.com/engaging-stu...

#STEMForKids #teachers #librarians #KidsLoveNonfiction #kidlit

Tips and Tools for Nonfiction Book Talks Book talks are a great way to get students excited about books and reading — including nonfiction! Here are some tips on bringing nonfiction book talks into your classroom.

Teachers! Librarians!
Tips and Tools for Nonfiction Book Talks
tinyurl.com/4ek65k95
#kidslovenonficiton #edusky #kidlit

It's Time for the Sibert Smackdown!
Introduce students to great nonfiction titles that may win the ALA Youth Media Award's Sibert Medal.
tinyurl.com/y7ka7dp8
#edusky #kidlit #kidslovenonfiction

bsky.app/profile/emil...

Every Friday on StarrMatica's blog, I share five favorite nonfiction picture books I read (or re-read!) the previous week. Are any of these new to you?

starrmatica.com/five-friday-...

The #PBParty finalist showcase is open. Wahoooo!

I can't wait for you to read the incredible entries & see the stunning illustrations.

Comments are for agent/editor/AD requests only.

mindyalyseweiss.com/...

Author/illus entries are at the end before the Illustration Showcase

A first post should be epic, right? I think this qualifies! Chosen out of nearly 1100 picture book manuscripts, the top 55 (including my entry!) can be browsed along with the illustrator showcase starting this Monday. mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2024...