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On this spooktacular episode, we meet the very talented author/ illustrator Ashley Belote, whose STEMsational books include the brand new Witch and Wombat, Frankenslime, Valenslime, Listen Up, Louella, and Don't Wash Winston (available for pre-order now). We talk about the importance of read-alouds, of the joy of illustrations that leave you searching for clues and hidden gems, and how to create STEM/STEAM connections for all ages.
- [01:10] Ashley's Background and Adventures in Learning
- Growing up in a publishing family
- Lifelong love of art.
- [03:17] The Whole Book Approach
- Impact of Megan Dowd Lambert's "The Whole Book Approach" course.
- Fostering curiosity and critical thinking through an interactive approach to sharing books.
- [05:09] Ashley's Approach to Illustration and Writing
- [08:14] Witch and Wombat
- Childhood inspiration and personal connection to characters and plot.
- Adaptation and accepting change.
- [11:09] Read Aloud from Witch and Wombat
- [15:20] Ashley's Art Process
- Character sketches.
- How illustrations inspire writing.
- Approach to character development and maintaining consistency.
- [19:28] Ashley's Experience Illustrating for Other Authors
- Separation between authors and illustrators in traditional publishing, with examples from Frankenslime and Valenslime.
- [22:50] Social Emotional Learning and Listen Up, Louella
- [26:22] Childhood Book Influences
- Impact of the Pokey Little Puppy and Jolly Christmas Postman on her journey as an author and illustrator.
- [29:13] The Lifelong Educational Value of Books
- How books shape individuals and create lifelong memories.
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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.