Recently, the 6-yr-old interrupted our bedtime routine because he needed to desperately create. Which meant writing a cautionary tale about getting too close to the sun. We tend to focus on Japanese mythology in our house, but maybe some Icarus & Daedalus snuck in!

Discussing Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech in today’s creative writing class for kids.

My recent author tour has come to an end! A big thank you to School District 58 for hosting me. I loved working with your students.

The quote of the week for the teens in my creative writing classes comes from writer Erica Jong:

“I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something, you can be judged.”

More thoughts on this quote on my blog:
kendrakandlestar.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/wis…

Readers can get swept away, but so can authors!

Favourite question from today's school visit:

Have you ever published a book that you wished you had done differently?

(Answer: Yes! All of them—there's always SOMETHING I would have changed.)

Happiest bookday to FINN AND EZRA'S BAR MITZVAH TIME LOOP

FINN AND EZRA'S BAR MITZVAH TIME LOOP

FINN AND EZRA'S BAR MITZVAH TIME LOOP
(Darn time loop)

How can you not love a writing competition that gives unpublished Canadian #kidlit writers written evaluations of their work by Canadian #kidlit professionals? Past entrants agree! Deadline May 31. Submission guidelines: bit.ly/3L2xhc0 #WFCC2024

Wow! Stunning welcome board for my school visit today, done by a very gifted young artist.

The quote of the week for my creative writing teens usually comes from someone older than them—but this week it comes from my son!

“Let’s walk without talking so we can be with our peaceful thoughts.”

More thoughts on this quote on my blog:
kendrakandlestar.wordpress.com/2024/05/09/wis…

Had so much fun leading a day at a young authors' conference last week. I helped almost ninety kids write magical school acceptance letters—and build the mini-brooms to deliver them! 🧹✨🧙🏼

Happy #MaytheFourth

If you need some help navigating the many characters in Star Wars, 11-year-old Lee has you covered. Well, at least for The Empire Strikes Back.

#starwars #theempirestrikesback #maythefourthbewithyou #happystarwarsday

Quote of the week for the teens in my creative writing classes:

“Playfulness gets you somewhere.”
Hans Zimmer

More thoughts on this quote on my blog:
kendrakandlestar.wordpress.com/2024/05/01/wis…

Wrapped up a residency at a local school this week, which is always bittersweet! I spend so much time working with the kids and then it seems over in a heartbeat. We sure had fun building magical schools and monster stores!

We're proud to have been invited to speak at the Surrey Teachers' Association annual conference. We're bringing our talented author and illustrators to speak at two different sessions. Can't wait to connect with Surrey educators!

I brought in a stack of envelopes to my creative writing kids and got them to imagine that one of their characters received a mysterious message—but one that had been through quite an adventure, as demonstrated by the condition of the envelope!

Discussing Coyote Tails by Thomas King in today’s book class.

Quote of the week for the teens in my creative writing classes:

“Ideas can be a very small spark, then they marinate.”
Judy I. Lin (Judy I. Lin (updates only))

Lucky to meet the author in person this week!

More thoughts on this quote on my blog:
kendrakandlestar.wordpress.com/2024/04/25/wis…