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
Read our Winter Newsletter 2026 for a letter from our new Executive Director, an update on what our staff has been up to through 2025, a Summer Morning in Maine save-the-date, and more! Winter Newsletter 2026 Read more
The start of the New Year here in Maine has brought us some snowy, cold days. For now, curling up in a cozy spot with a book to escape into is easy! How can you keep reading & promoting literacy all year long? We’ve got plenty of ideas to take you through the seasons and… Read more
When the days grow frosty and the nights sparkle with snow, there’s nothing sweeter than curling up with a good story. This collection is filled with stories that feel like soft blankets—tales that invite young readers to slow down, settle in and let their imaginations wander. We hope you enjoy these 35 book recommendations for… Read more
Jake Burt’s workshop: “Yeah, but how do YOU write?” was a hit at our 2025 Dear Teacher conference! He’s generously provided us with resources from his session: hands-on, steal-able mini-lessons and activities you can drop into a writing lesson (anytime, anywhere!) to build student confidence and create a culture of authorship in your classroom. Bonus:… Read more
When you plan a three-day trip with author Anna Crowley Redding to visit schools on Islesboro, Vinalhaven, and North Haven, be ready for adventure! With her Emmy in tow—the one she earned during her previous career as an investigative TV reporter—we kicked off our tour at Islesboro Central School. After a lively school-wide presentation, Anna… Read more
Two months ago we kicked off the start of IRW’s school season—and what better way to begin than with community, creativity, and a little island adventure! Our first school program of this busy year featured long-time friend and author/artist Kevin Hawkes. Kevin—along with IRW team members Lisa Herrington, Celine Martin, and Courtney Waring—met bright and… Read more
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