Megan Maynor is a local author of children’s books. She writes picture books with the goal of something both kids and grown-ups will want to share. As a former advertising copywriter, Megan’s worked for eight years to publish her first Ella and Penguin book. Ella and Penguin Stick Together was published in January of 2016 and was followed a year later by Ella and Penguin, A Perfect Match. She has since authored several more children’s picture books. Since then she has continued to add delightful picture books. Crafts in the Cold: Two Activities to do at Home When You Don’t Want to Leave Your House Ella and Penguin books explore friendship and growing up – whether it is getting past a fear of the dark or learning that friends don’t have to be alike to like each other. Reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes, you are never really sure whether Penguin is a stuffy or a friend and kids can make up their own minds on that point. Fun extras with this set of books would be making stick puppets like Gianna’s family made, playing dress up, and getting your own set of glow-in-the-dark stickers. Pair this summery book with a Sandcastle Summer to Remember Adventure We loved this book. My 6-year-old daughter loved it so much that, after running out of renewals on our library copy, I had to sneak it out of the house. I am definitely adding it to our to-buy list. What I loved the most about this book is that is that it is a book with a girl protagonist, but it is not about being a girl. While everyone questions Helga’s ability to be a warrior, no one ever says she can’t because she is a girl. This makes it a book that boys can like, too. My 9-year-old son enjoyed this book and found the information in back about Vikings very interesting. Megan was Gianna’s first BookHounds guest. Get to know her as they chat at Addendum Books.
Megan Maynor and Gianna hang out to talk about Ella and Penguin Stick Together with you.  See below for all the show notes. Please forgive the technical difficulties at the beginning of the scope.  Bear with us because the discussion becomes really interesting. Have fun!  Enjoy your very own private BookHounds meeting. We a blast partnering with the author of Ella and Penguin Stick Together Megan Maynor. She knows and loves her children’s books, and she has some great suggestions for you to enjoy together with your kids. Reading picture books together as a family is so important. At our first meeting, Megan mentioned the importance of picture literacy. It’s important to understand what is happening in the pictures. This is the beginning of discerning irony in plotlines and understanding people’s emotions. It also helps us to use our imaginations even as adults. While I recommend Ella and Penguin Stick Together for practicing studying pictures because it is a very cute and fun read, these books are some of Megan’s favorites. I can’t wait to read them myself. Find these books in our Bookshop. FamilyFunTwinCities is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. They also contribute a matching commission to independent bookstores. If you want to support a specific local bookstore, find them on Bookshop’s map and they’ll receive the full match. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop).
Articles Related to Megan Maynor
Fun Facts about Megan Maynor
Books by Megan Maynor*
1. Ella and Penguin: A Perfect Match – Illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet
2. Ella and Penguin Stick Together – Illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet
3. The Sandcastle That Lola Built, illustrated by Kate Berube
4. Helga Makes a Name for Herself, illustrated by Eda Kaban
5. A House for Every Bird, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
6. Henry at Home, illustrated by Alea Marley
7. Not Enough Lollipops, illustrated by Micah Player
Poor Jason! He got a little reprimanded for his puppet!
Megan Maynor Visits BookHounds
Show Notes:
Welcome and Introduction
Megan’s Book Loves
Wrap Up
Read Aloud Wednesday ‘Ella and Penguin Stick Together’ Inspired Book Suggestions
Read Aloud Tip: Take time to enjoy the pictures before plunging into the words.
by James Marshall
Poor George and Martha, sometimes being friends can be super tricky. Â But good friends are worth it.
by Mo Willems
This is one of my favorite picture books series ever. Â I would love to own every single one of these books! Â The illustrations are so funny and the lessons learned are so perfect.
Megan recommends this book in the spirit of Shel Silverstein. Â Each letter has its own story and throughout the book, you will see snatches interwoven.
by Ame Dyckman
“He’s gonna eat us!” Â There’s only one clear-thinking member of this family, but who is it?
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