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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 22h

So many stories, one cozy place to discover them. Browse the books on the LINK IN THE COMMENTS to find books that feel inviting for your child. #kidsbooks #kidlit #childrensbooks #kidlit #MiddleGradeFantasy #KidsFantasyBooks #ReadAloud

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Mythological creatures aren’t just monsters people invented to make stories scarier. They often stand for big ideas: courage, danger, mystery, change, greed, or hope. Check out my article to discover the hidden meanings. LINK IN 1ST COMMENT #FunforKids, #MythologicalCreatures, #Myths, #mythology

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

This is why mythology works so well for ages 8–12: it sneaks in history, vocabulary, and big feelings… while still being wildly entertaining. What’s your go-to “bridge story” that gets kids excited to read? #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #reading #kidlit #booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Parents and Educators: Check out these special materials to keep your kids entertained and learning! LINK IN THE COMMENTS! #Parents #educators #teachers #kidsactivities

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Are your kids ready for adventure reading? Set up an Explorer Kit for kids. A box or basket, exciting adventure book, notebook for clues/comments, flashlight to read in the dark for atmosphere, and snacks. #kidsbooks #kidlit #childrensbooks #fantasyforkids #fantasybooks #MiddleGradeFantasy

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

When kids talk about fantasy, they often start with creatures. Ask your young reader to design 1 creature and answer: 1) What does it eat? 2) What is it afraid of? 3) What is its secret talent? If your kid makes 1, tell me about it in the comments #kidlit #childrensbooks #KidsBooks #booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Family time doesn’t need major preparation. My article offers activity ideas that give everyone a role, allow silliness, and don't create a giant cleanup job afterward. Link in the 1st comment. #familyactivities #familytime #kidsactivities #kidscrafts #childrensactivities #craftsforkids #kidlit

image of a family playing a game with the caption "Family Activities at Home: Spending Time Together

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Turn a Norse myth into a “Story Map” activity. Draw: 1) realm 2) problem 3) helper 4) obstacle 5) choice 6) change Works for kidlit too. Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar has a quest kids can map without feeling like it’s homework. #kidsactivities #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #norsemythology

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I love to read at night when everything is quiet. As a kid, I spent breakfasts with a book propped in front of me, reading "1 more chapter" before school! What time of day is your "best" time for reading? How about your kids? #reading #readingtime #kidlit #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #Booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The key might be you said "the heart" of your story. Anything that takes you away from the core/heart of what you want your story to be could be the wrong direction. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I sometimes have trouble with guilt when I prioritize my needs. So difficult when you want to be helpful. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

So true. My problem often comes when it's something I know isn't quite right, but can't figure out what is wrong. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I also struggle when 2 critique buddies disagree about something I've written & I agree with both of their arguments! #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I'm getting much better at saying "no" to time demands, but I struggle when my characters want to do something I don't want. Sometimes I actually think they know best.🙂

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Hidden places work so well for ages 8–12 because they: Reward curiosity. Feel like a puzzle. Give kids a sense of agency. In Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar, the dwarf colony of Anasgar is a quest that makes readers whisper, “What if it’s real?” #kidlit #middlegradebooks #kidsbooks #booksky #fantasy

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Free activity: make a Boredom Buster Jar! Quest tokens present kids with tasks from 4 realms of Nadavir, spreading fantasy fun to bust their boredom. Sign up for my newsletter on my website at the link in the graphic for 60+ FREE activities! #kidsactivities #kidlit #booksky #freekidsactivities

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Reposted by Deb Cushman

Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Back to school means back to routines. Make reading the relaxing part. Check out these books for kids. Link in the comments. #kidlit #booksforkids #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #Booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Nope, with only two books out and working on my third, I'm the whole team!

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Trying to get back into the routine after summer! Writing and revising and good old marketing! How about you?

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Writer’s block doesn’t mean you’re broken, but something in your story is. Maybe you’re tired, your plot is faltering, or your character is acting out. If your draft has hit the ice, this article will help you thaw it. Link in the comments #writing #writersblock #authors #storytelling #Booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

When the school day ends, a story is the perfect way to exhale. Check out these books! LINK IN THE COMMENTS. #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #booksforkids #Booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Everyday is casual Friday at my workplace! #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I've got notes for a MG short story mystery collection with a setting in a boarding house by a lake. I think it started because I wanted to live in a boarding house by a lake with quirky characters! #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Thank you. I'm definitely celebrating any bit of progress! 😀#kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Yes, I started with short stories. There were quite a few kids magazines then. They've mostly gone away or are staff written now. Never paid well, but we gained experience and clips for our queries. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Sounds interesting. Different characters in separate houses? #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Yes! And eager to dive back in after a bit of feedback from writer buddies! #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Thanks! This one has been especially fun to work on. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I've been working on a few MG fantasy short stories when the muse strikes. Not sure what I'll do with them. Not a lot of places to submit them anymore. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Just finished a full revision of the 3rd book in my MG fantasy series. Feeling pretty good about that. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I know most schools started in August, but in the "olden" days, our school always started on the Tuesday after Labor Day. In my heart, I'll always equate September with the first month of school.

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Love this time of year! I remember the nervous excitement of starting a new school year. New teacher, new classmates, new clothes, and all those fresh school supplies! ❤️🎉 #backtoschool #firstdayofschool

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Back to school means back to routines. Make reading the relaxing part. Check out these books for kids. Link in the comments. #kidlit #booksforkids #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #Booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The Pippi Longstocking movies so far have all been poorly done. Hope they can make a better one! #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

So many! But one that I keep coming back to is Pippi Longstocking. What intrigued me as a child was that she embodied the exact mix of freedom, silliness, courage, and kindness that I craved, yet she did it while treating me as an intelligent person. #kidlitchat

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Fantasy for kids doesn’t need to be dark to be powerful. Sometimes it’s a kid choosing to lead, tell the truth, or keep going even when the land is unfriendly and the odds look impossible. #kidlit #middlegradefantasy #hopefulstories #booksforkids #kidsbooks #booksky

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Deb Cushman @debcushman.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Boredom Buster: Create a “10-Minute Challenge Jar” Write quick activities on slips of paper: draw a silly animal, build a paper tower, invent a handshake, organize five books, or make up a joke. When someone says, “I’m bored,” they pick one and get started. #kidsactivities #boredombusters #kidfun

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