Meet some of the [b]Capstone authors and illustrators[/b] behind the articles and books and celebrate the power of reading, creativity, curiosity, and wonder. With sessions for educators and students, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to sign up to reserve your spot!

[accordion] +Session Information All books come from an idea. But where do the ideas for books come from? The answer is everywhere. In this lively session, author Miriam Keish-Moore takes students on a behind-the-scenes adventure into how stories are made and inspire your students to find BIG ideas in seemingly 'little' moments, big feelings, and surprise thoughts that take hold and won't let go. Miriam shares the true inspiration behind her own book, [i]This Is My Wonderful Face[/i]. With warmth and kindness, she shows how listening to the world -- and children -- around her turned into a story that helps people feel brave, proud, and seen. Students will also get: • An exclusive look at early sketches and rough ideas. • BTS before-and-after looks at the book. • The opportunity to compare and contrast ideation vs. finished book. If there's one message she hopes your kids take from her talk it's this: Your face is wonderful, your ideas matter, and your story could be next. [url=https://shop.capstonepub.com/Shop/s/product/detail/01tVW00000CPQNtYAP]Purchase Book[/url] [/accordion]

[accordion] +Session Information Your classroom is made up of students with a wide range of reading skills and attitudes: reluctant readers, emergent readers, advanced readers, obsessive readers! In this session, we’ll explore how to build a strong, joyful reading culture in your classroom that includes all students. Come away with practical tips and go-to books and articles (think: sports fiction, trendy celebs, gross science, escapist fantasy, and more!) to motivate even the most reluctant readers.  [/accordion]

[accordion] +Session Information Get ready for a creative showdown [i]Author vs. Illustrator[/i] style! Young readers often imagine books appear like magic, but this lively author-and-illustrator team will reveal the truth: It takes two very different creative superheroes working together to bring a story to life. Through fun storytelling, real-world examples, and plenty of laughs, students will discover what really happens behind the scenes as stories go from brainstorm to bookshelf, and why making a book takes teamwork. Along the way, our dynamic duo will also talk about how they started working together and what it’s like to build a story as a team with plenty of time for students to ask questions at the end. [url=https://shop.capstonepub.com/Shop/s/product/detail/01t4z00000AdeW9AAJ]Purchase Book[/url] [/accordion]

[accordion] +Session Information What really happens between a first idea and a finished picture book? In this engaging webinar, [i]Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library[/i] author, Julie Gassman, takes students inside the creative process of storytelling and publishing. Kids will explore each stage of making a book all the way from brainstorming to drafting to revising and bringing the artwork to life through illustrator sketches and design decisions. This is a wonderful opportunity for K–5 classrooms to learn how stories are created and feel inspired to write their own! [url=https://shop.capstonepub.com/Shop/s/product/detail/01t4z00000Ad9zLAAR]Purchase Book[/url] [/accordion]

[accordion] +Session Information Can you tell a story without words? Russell Griesmer, author of the nearly wordless picture book, [i]My Hometown[/i], can. In this interactive 30-minute session, students will go behind the scenes and learn how stories can be told through images alone. Students will learn what a storyboard is and how it helps plan a story… especially if there are few or no words. Students will then create their own two-panel story board for "My Hometown: Now & Then," choosing a magical object and a time period to shift their story through time. [url=https://www.amazon.com/My-Hometown-Russell-Griesmer/dp/1623701740/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31SMH4GLENHUO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w7JErmOXAhVELxdywvqlrQ.fAtP6kIjALxsWnHHVyCrhn8_F0HZAWtfWvSho-jL4nk&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+hometown+russell+griesmer&qid=1770065075&sprefix=my+hometown+russell+griesmer%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1]Purchase Book[/url] [/accordion]

[accordion] +Session Information Did you know that PebbleGo and PebbleGo Next have over 3,000 articles that touch on key curriculum topics like the American Revolution, ancient civilizations, natural disasters, the human body, Indigenous history, geology, plants, and so much more? In this session, we’ll discuss ways to use PebbleGo and Capstone eBooks in your literacy block to build knowledge and supercharge learning for all students. Learn about eBook collections specifically curated to help you meet your state’s standards. Plus, share what other topics you’d like to see in PebbleGo—we’re always adding more!  [/accordion]

This isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community! Whether you’re an educator, librarian, or student, the Great Story Makers Parade is for everyone and a chance to come together, celebrate achievements, and meet the creators behind some of your favorite Capstone Books.