Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our embgs have it all. In keeping with… Read more
IRW’s spring semester begins in mid-March, when Maine’s winter begins to thaw and makes travel to the rural parts of the state we serve less of a challenge. Each year, we’re eager to return to schools and see familiar, excited faces. Where will the spring semester take us? Read on! Read more
Following the national theme for each month of the year is a fun way to take a deep dive into a subject. Last month, we offered a showcase of picture book biographies for Black History Month. Whether you want to talk about art movements, musical achievements, discoveries in science, contributions to civil rights or simply learn… Read more
Each year, IRW onboards new authors and illustrators of books for children to participate in our programs. Books and their makers are chosen by our School Programs team through a process that ensures they’re well matched to our partner schools. We always look forward to introducing new friends to creative, curious kids, talented teachers, and… Read more
Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs) or Storytime Guides (for pre-K readers). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our book… Read more
National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett will Visit Maine this Spring! IRW was overjoyed this winter when we learned that we had been chosen as one of just five organizations in the country to host National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (NAYPL), Mac Barnett! Apart from being big fan’s of Mac’s work, we… Read more
Picture book biographies are a great, accessible way to explore big topics. They can bring eras of history, artistic and political movements, or scientific discoveries and inventions to life by delving into the stories of the real people who lived them. Often, they include rich back matter for further reading and learning. We’ve rounded up… Read more
Forever Books is a new initiative at IRW designed especially for children ages 3–5 and their families. Made possible through the generosity of Nancy B. Putnam and the Nancy Fund, this program marks an exciting expansion of IRW’s work. While our school programs have traditionally served children in Pre-K through 8th grade, Forever Books focuses… Read more
Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our embgs have it all. Our January Explore… Read more
This summer, IRW’s Director of Communications, Kelsey Buckley, and her husband, Matthew, welcomed twin girls—Molly & Maeve—into the world. read on to find out more about why it’s never too early to lay the foundation for future literacy. In my years working at IRW, I’ve sometimes come across enthusiastic new parents who love what we… Read more
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