By Kelsey Buckley When I was a sophomore in high school, my Language Arts teacher paired a picture book with our discussion of unreliable narrators. We gathered on the rug in the middle of the classroom while she read us The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane… Read more
IRW’s fall programming is officially underway. This semester we’ll visit 21 schools with eight authors and illustrators on Maine’s islands and throughout Washington County. IRW also planned two special programs: an upcoming program for homeschooling families (November 10) and an inter-island day of exploration with our friends at the Maine’s Seacoast Mission’s Teaching and Learning… Read more
We were delighted to welcome our friends and supporters to the Hull’s Cove Schoolhouse in Bar Harbor in early August to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together in the last year. Our featured speaker was author, illustrator, and Maine Master Naturalist Rebekah Lowell, who spoke about her experiences in schools alongside Trenton Elementary School Principal… Read more
Earlier this month, IRW partnered with the Jesup Memorial Library to host Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Children’s Literature, for two public events. Abby Morrow, Youth Service Librarian, shared with us some of her favorite moments from the day. On June 3, the Jesup Memorial Library opened our expansion, the Thomas Lord Wing, to the… Read more
Island Readers & Writers was honored to be selected as one of five sites nationwide for National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett’s 2026 tour. We had the opportunity to host two public events with Mac at the beautiful Jesup Library, as well as take him on a school visit to Milbridge Elementary School…. Read more
This spring, Island Readers & Writers brought picture book and middle-grade author Evan Griffith on a three-island tour, with visits at Islesboro Elementary School, North Haven Elementary School, and Vinalhaven Elementary School. Nature, science, and discovery are at the heart of author Evan Griffith’s books for children. During the spring 2026 semester, IRW featured his… Read more
IRW was honored to receive a mini-grant from the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MaineAEYC) to attend their event, “Where Play Meets Policy” at the Maine Statehouse in Augusta on Wednesday, April 22! IRW’s Literacy Coordinator, Celine Martin, and Director of Communications, Kelsey Buckley, went to advocate for the importance of early… 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. 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
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