picture books
SPIES AND PIES, the sound of ie
The Child’s World, Jan 1, 2020
ISBN-10 : 1503835413
“PreS-Gr 2—Vowel blends are explored through short, quirky narratives in these charming titles. Each book takes a vowel blend and shares a story to show its use in a real-world setting; for example, two spies are looking for different types of pie in the book exploring “ie.” About five to 10 different words using the particular vowel blend are incorporated into the narratives. The repeated use of these vowel blends helps developing readers identify words and spelling patterns in the context of an amusing, enjoyable story. Each page features one to two sentences against a bright, primary-colored background and a photograph that corresponds with the text. Emerging readers could use these titles independently or with an adult. A word list is provided at the end. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries in need of titles teaching vowel blends or spelling patterns.” School Library Journal
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early reader, nonfiction, picture books, vowel blendTHE TRAIL, the sound of ai
The Child’s World, Jan 1, 2020
Simple text and repetition of the vowel blend ‘ai’ help readers learn how to use this sound. Also included are a word list for review, a note to parents and educators, and an introduction to the author.
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early reader, nonfiction, picture books, vowel blendCOACH FLOATS, the sound of oa
The Child’s World, Jan 1, 2020
ISBN: 9781503835382
“PreS-Gr 2—Vowel blends are explored through short, quirky narratives in these charming titles. Each book takes a vowel blend and shares a story to show its use in a real-world setting; for example, two spies are looking for different types of pie in the book exploring “ie.” About five to 10 different words using the particular vowel blend are incorporated into the narratives. The repeated use of these vowel blends helps developing readers identify words and spelling patterns in the context of an amusing, enjoyable story. Each page features one to two sentences against a bright, primary-colored background and a photograph that corresponds with the text. Emerging readers could use these titles independently or with an adult. A word list is provided at the end. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries in need of titles teaching vowel blends or spelling patterns.” School Library Journal
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early reader, nonfiction, picture books, vowel blendLET’S PLAY!, the sound of ay
The Child’s World, Jan 1, 2020
ISBN-10 : 1503835464
Simple text and repetition of the vowel blend ‘ay’ help readers learn how to use this sound. Also included are a word list for review, a note to parents and educators, and an introduction to the author.
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early reader, nonfiction, picture books, vowel blendIT’S A FIELD TRIP, BUSY BUS!
Illustrated by Claire Messer
Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster, September 3, 2019
ISBN: 978-1534440814
It’s a Field Trip Coloring Sheet
Busy Bus takes a field trip—and becomes a little jealous of a shiny red fire truck—in a warm-hearted sequel to It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! This darling picture book offers a gentle exploration of jealousy and a reminder that we each have our own unique talents that make us special.
Today is Busy Bus’s very first field trip! He takes the children to a fire house, where they meet Engine Four, a big, shiny, red firetruck. Engine Four has a hose to put out fires, a ladder to reach tall buildings, and a loud and impressive siren. Busy Bus has none of these things. Will the children still like him?
“Will an earnest school bus get the recognition it deserves?
Colorful, digitally enhanced lino prints and clear, minimal text tell the tale of a yellow bus, aka Busy Bus, on his first field trip. Unfortunately for Busy Bus, the trip is to a fire station to visit a fire truck. To the bus, the fire truck seems superior in every way; it is red, shiny, and huge, with hoses, a ladder, and a siren. Busy Bus looks close to tears—until the station’s captain mentions that there are some things the fire truck can’t do that Busy Bus can: protect children with a stop arm, carry students to and from school, bring kids on trips. An accessible tale of the pitfalls of invidious comparison and the importance of appreciating differences, this deceptively simple description of the ups and downs of new experiences, first field trips, and the characteristics of different vehicles will especially appeal to toddlers and young preschoolers who love buses and trucks. The children are a diverse crew, and their teacher is a black man—a welcome sight, as is the fact that the (light-skinned) firefighter captain is a woman.
Caregivers will find this to be a good conversation starter on topics such as strengths and weaknesses, insecurity, differences, and competition.” (Picture book. 4-8)
School Library Journal:
“VERDICT Many preschool classrooms have a unit of community helpers, and this satisfying story will be perfect for such a unit.”
Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA , Jul 31, 2019
Full review here.
Unpacking the Power of Picture Books:
“As I wrote this draft and saved it to publish now, I had time to think about the importance of young children developing confidence and agency, how they learn to trust older and more experienced kids and adults. I marveled again at the skill in storytelling and simple imagery that brings BUSY BUS to life as so much more than a machine or a character. BUSY BUS is truly a friend to the reader, and a heroic model for the courage he summons despite his self-doubt.” -Sandy Brehl
Full review here.
Bookroo
It’s a Field Trip, Busy Bus! is a “fabulous book about field trips!” See review here.
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bus, fiction, jealousy, picture books, school bus, sequelIT’S YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, BUSY BUS!
Illustrated by Claire Messer
Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster, July 3, 2018
ISBN: 978-1481494670
FREE to download
BUSY BUS coloring page
Discussion and Activity Guide
It’s the first day of school! But is Busy Bus ready? Find out in this darling picture book that showcases the excitement and worries little ones experience as they prepare for their first day.
Today is the very first day of school! Busy Bus is excited, but he also has some first-day jitters. Will the children like him? Will he be homesick? What if he gets lost?! Luckily, bus driver Ben knows just what to do to make sure that the school year gets off to a great start.
Praise for BUSY BUS…
School Library Journal – PreS-Gr 1–Although Busy Bus is nervous about meeting the children, Ben the bus driver performs final preparations for the first day by checking the tires, windshield wipers, and other safety precautions to reassure Busy Bus before they pick up the children. The illustrations, created with lino prints, black ink, and digital colors, use rounded shapes and a soft, limited color palette. Each scene takes up the full page spread and the illustrations make good use of white space, especially when framing Busy Bus’s most intense moments of anxiety about whether he will miss home or make new friends. The words and pictures together create the gentle introduction to the school bus and leave readers with the knowledge that Busy Bus is safe, clean, and ready for a great school year. VERDICT An excellent read-aloud for young children, especially during the first weeks of the school year or if children have worries about riding the school bus. – Kelly Topita
Publisher’s Weekly full review is here! “Fans of stories about trucks and how things work will enjoy the behind-the-scenes action at the bus barn…”
Kirkus full review is here! “For vehicle enthusiasts just starting school.”
Youth Services Book Review is here! “A perfect back to school read aloud…This is the perfect addition to back-to -school themed story times or one on one sharing.”
Celebrate Picture Books
Everyday Reading
Unleashing Readers
Everyday Reading
Writing and Illustrating
Kirsti Call
Beagles and Books
Unpacking the Power of Picture Books
Bookworm for Kids
Working Mother
Amazon Book Review
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bus, fiction, first day of school, picture books, school busEditing Services
Critiques for Writers:
I critique easy readers, picture books, magazine pieces, and poetry. For easy readers, picture books, and magazine pieces, I charge $100 (plus user fee for Paypal, Venmo, etc) for two critiques. For poetry, please contact me and we can discuss what you need. Critiques will focus on big picture items like character, story problem, plot, pacing, voice, structure, conflict, and resolution. I’ll also comment on grammar and punctuation. Payment is made via Paypal before we begin working together.
I am a traditionally-published children’s author of over 90 books, both fiction and nonfiction. I am also a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and two long-running picture book critique groups. I have served on picture book panels, at conferences, and as a picture book mentor. I taught College Composition in an earlier life. I love helping others make their writing shine!
To make the most of a paid critique, I recommend you make your manuscript the best it can be by running it past a writing friend or critique group ahead of time. Please note: a paid critique is not a guarantee that you will be able to sell your book to a publisher.
Testimonials:
“Jody is a professional children’s author herself, so you know she’s someone you can trust in her critiques. I sent her two stories, and in both of them, she could pinpoint where the reader would get stuck or lose interest, giving me some sound judgment and advice to help move them forward. It’s been a delight working with her so I know I’ll be doing it again for future stories. I’m happy I found her!” -Stephen W.
“Jody’s knowledge and expertise concerning writing and publishing children’s books is exceptional. She is a true professional and her advice and guidance was so helpful to me. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs direction in navigating the world of children’s book writing and publishing.” -Julie D.
“Jody is wonderful to work with. Her notes and insights were very valuable for my children’s book. I highly recommend her.” -Denise G.
“Jody’s guidance and feedback were invaluable. Her knowledge and personability combine for a quality service. Her ideas are creative and constructive but not imposing. She has a firm grasp of the publishing world and the different options it offers. She is also very easy to work with and quick to respond to inquiries. I highly recommend. “ -Shawn F.
Freelance Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading:
I edit and proofread for publishing companies and book packagers. I use Chicago Manual of Style 17 and Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I am intimately familiar with Microsoft Word and Track Changes. I am detail-oriented and always meet or beat my deadlines. Clients include Teacher Created Materials, Red Line Editorial, and A Child’s World, to name a few. References available upon request.
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early readers, editing, freelance, picture books, proofreading, work for hireAbout
Jody Jensen Shaffer (SHAY-fur) is an award-winning poet and the author of more than 90 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, including Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story (2026 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee, 2025-2026 Show Me Award/Missouri prelim nominee, Oklahoma’s 2025 Donna Norvell masterlist, 2024 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2024 Crystal Kite Winner, 2024 CYBILS Award Finalist Elementary Nonfiction, “Best of 2023” Pennsylvania School Librarians, SLJ starred review), The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend (2025 Crystal Kite Winner, Betsy Bird’s Best of 2024 Readalouds List), Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater (2026-2027 finalist Missouri Show Me Award), Prudence the Part-Time Cow (Missouri Show Me Award finalist, National Book Festival pick), A Chip Off the Old Block (Iowa Goldfinch Award nominee, Amazon Teachers’ Pick), It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! (Amazon best seller and Book Box pick), Sometimes I am Hot Lava, and more. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. Jody lives in Liberty, Missouri, with her family. When she’s not writing, Jody can be found spending time with family, walking her rescue dog, Sophie, and cheering on the Chiefs and Royals. You can find Jody online at jodyjensenshaffer.com, on Twitter and BlueSky @jodywrites4kids, and on LinkedIn.
Proudly represented by @casahasegawa of @the_t2_agency. You can reach Carter at carter@tugeau2.com.
From Jody:
I grew up the youngest of three kids in a northern Missouri college town, where my dad taught anatomy and physiology and my mom taught at the local elementary school. I earned my Bachelor’s in English from William Jewell College and my Master’s in English from Truman State University. After 12 years in the business world, I left to raise my children, and that’s when I fell in love with children’s literature.
10 random facts about me:
1. I am endlessly fascinated by the natural world.
2. I try to walk for exercise most days.
3. I like dogs. A LOT.
4. I am a member of two long-term writing groups. We give each other feedback to make our stories better.
5. I prefer a hoodie over a sweater, tennis shoes over heels.
6. The one food I can’t live without is peanut butter! Yum!
7. I love laughing and funny people and things.
8. I can sing the names of the 50 states in alphabetical order and the preamble to the constitution.
9. I remember the exact moment I learned how to read.
10. I loved being a kid.
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Author Visits, Children's Author, early readers, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, school visitsA CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
- Iowa Goldfinch Award finalist 2021-2022
- Alabama Camellia Award finalist 2021-2022
Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, Feb 20, 2018
ISBN: 9780399173882
FREE Download A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK Discussion and Activity Guide
A plucky pebble shows true grit as he travels the country trying to find out if he fits in with any of his famous rock-formation relatives.
Rocky comes from a long line of rock stars! Uncle Gibraltar, Aunt Etna, and Great-Grandma Half Dome are just some of the legendary rock formations he calls family. It’s no wonder he wants to matter in a big way too–but it’s not easy trying to get a foothold. Rocky gets tossed by The Wave and driven away at Devil’s Tower–but he’s determined not to allow these pitfalls to chip away at his confidence. Rather than feeling crushed, he keeps on rolling, hoping to become the rock-star he knows he’s meant to be.
Read the complete Kirkus review here
“Young readers will root for this less-than-pint–sized hero while he makes the most of his own personal talents…
Replete with wry, comic references and infused with a sense of adventure, this is a lighthearted tale that readers will certainly not “take for granite.” (Picture book. 4-8)”
Read the complete Publishers Weekly review here
“…Shaffer (Prudence the Part-Time Cow) comes up with lots of ways a rock can travel and uses every geological pun she can think of (“It was clear the two of them didn’t share the same sediment”). Rock hounds and teachers doing earth science units are a natural audience. Ages 5–8”
Let’s Talk Picture Books review here
Read. Learn. Repeat. review here
More reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal!
“Miyares’ vivid illustrations, painted in watercolor and acrylics, give this story momentum—paneled sequences depict stages of Rocky’s journey—and reflect the grandeur of many of America’s geologic marvels. An afterword on rock types and formations creates a natural segue for discussions on geology or geography, while the encouraging message of dreaming big grounds the playful story.”—Booklist
“Word play is peppered throughout the text. . . . The illustrations . . . depict amusing scenes of Rocky’s perilous journey and some impressive spreads of the majestic rock formations. This title may be a jumping-off point for a group discussion of perseverance in the face of obstacles as well as an introduction to famous rock formations.”—School Library Journal
Interview on Writers’ Rumpus here!
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earth science, fiction, picture books, rock cycle, rock pun, rock sciencePRUDENCE THE PART-TIME COW
- Missouri Show Me Award finalist 2019-2020
- Florida Literacy Association’s Children’s Book Award nominee 2018-2019
- Missouri’s choice to represent the state at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. on September 2, 2017!
BIG NEWS! I’m selling personalized and autographed copies of PRUDENCE THE PART-TIME COW for $15 (S&H included, US only)! Just email me, and I’ll get back with you! Thanks so much for your support!
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Henry Holt, June 13, 2017
ISBN: 9781627796156
Download the Discussion & Activity Guide PDF
Print the Prudence Coloring Page
Prudence looks like a full-time cow—she wanders through pastures, she swats flies, and she lines up for supper. But Prudence is a part-time cow—she is also a scientist, an architect, and an inventor, studying and building and dreaming and creating. To the other cows in the herd, Prudence is a bit too part-time. She’s just too different to be part of the herd. At first Prudence tries to fit in, suppressing all her scientific smarts and imaginative inventing. But in a moment of inspiration—Cow Power!—Prudence realizes how to show the others that she can be a part-time cow and a full-time member of the herd. Funny and sweet, this is a story for anyone who’s ever felt a bit different.
July 11, 2017 Celebrate Picture Books
“Jody Jensen Shaffer’s moooving and funny story of a cow with a scientific bent will delight kids. Little ones who think differently will empathize with Prudence’s wish to be herself while also fitting in with the herd. As the cows stand around in a pond and huddle under a tree, Shaffer offers a wink to the crowd mentality and peer pressure that can foster inaction and clone-like behavior. Prudence makes a gentle, but determined role model as a thinker who won’t be cowed by others’ opinions. Prudence the Part-Time Cow would be a wonderful addition to school and classroom libraries as well as to home bookshelves.”
https://goo.gl/3t4Skq
May 1, 2017 Publisher’s Weekly
“Shaffer (The Way the Cookie Crumbled) creates a sympathetic outsider in Prudence, whose dedication to self-betterment—and the sciences—should resonate with any reader who feels pigeonholed or underappreciated.”
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-62779-615-6
School Library Journal
“K-Gr 2–Prudence looks and acts like any other cow, but in reality, she’s only a part-time pasture resident. A lifelong reader, she is also a scientist and architect, and she peruses the pages of Bovine Engineering in her spare time. The rest of the cows don’t see her as “normal” and certainly NOT “part of the herd.” Prudence calculates water temperature and wind speed while standing in the pond, counts the calves as they leave the water, and comes up with inventions to help her friends, but the other cows insist, “She’ll never be one of us.” Colorful digital art with cartoon humor gives readers plenty of visual clues while Prudence suffers humiliation and attempts to establish her place. It takes a bit of “Cow Power” as Prudence harnesses her creative strengths to find her role among the other cows. Readers will appreciate her newly expanded role and her determination to be a full-time member of the herd. VERDICT A recommended general purchase for libraries with budding scientists and persistent, late-night readers. This tale speaks to creative minds just trying to fit in.”–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano Independent School District, TX
May 15, 2017 Booklist
“Most of the time, Prudence doesn’t mind being a cow—grazing, lolling in the sun, and sleeping in the barn are all okeydokey—but the rest of the time, Prudence is eager to study her surroundings and build contraptions. The rest of the herd doesn’t have much patience for Prudence’s inventions, since her experiments often lead to mild mayhem in the barn. Soon, though, the other cows mock Prudence for her curiosity and odd devices, and the pink-coiffed bovine starts feeling downtrodden. She has a eureka moment, however, when she realizes she can build some contraptions to solve problems around the pasture, and the rest of the herd starts appreciating Prudence for her scientific mind. Laberis’ energetic, stylized illustrations of candy-colored, cartoonish cows perfectly capture the comical contrast between Prudence’s oblivious experiments and the subsequent havoc she wreaks on her fellow cows. Comics-style speech balloons and over-the-top reactions add to the levity, and the ultimate message of valuing differences is a great one. This merry, animated picture book will have storytime listeners rolling in the aisles.”
— Sarah Hunter
https://www.booklistonline.com/Prudence-the-Part-Time-Cow-Jody-Jensen-Shaffer/pid=8755019
May 11, 2017 Jen Robinson’s Book Page
“Libraries looking for pro-STEM books, especially pro-STEM books with female characters, will definitely want to give Prudence the Part-Time Cow a look. Recommended!”
http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/2017/05/prudence-the-part-time-cow-jody-jensen-shaffer-and-stephanie-laberis.html
May 2, 2017 Unpacking the Power of Picture Books
“This is an original take on a non-conforming cow, incorporating elements of peer-pressure and bullying, expressing individuality, and adding a dose of STEM topics into the mix. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Prudence and her herd are cows you’ll want to meet.”
http://unpackingpicturebookpower.blogspot.com/
April 11, 2017 Little Crooked Cottage
“Snappy text + humorous details in the illustrations + a message of individuality (with some girl… er… cow-power thrown in) = a satisfying read.”
http://thelittlecrookedcottage.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-little-crooked-bookshelf-two-for.html
Kids Author Stays Busy During Fall, Winter, January 2019, Courier-Tribune