Hi, I’m Rebecca. I write books and I write here at This Joyful Mess to inspire everyone to find JOY in the everyday messes of life. Here you’ll find inspiration, educational resources, and so much more. Please explore and connect—I’d love to hear from you!
Be Inspired with the Poetry Journal Project: A Printable Journal of Writing Prompts
Anyone can use this journal, even if you don’t normally write poetry. The Poetry Journal Project began to inspire everyone to explore and enjoy poetry.
October's Wonderful Natural World - Free Journal Printable
Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. Find October’s installment here, as well as helpful educational links and more ideas for crafts and fun.
Free Printable Nature Journals for for Preschoolers and Toddlers!
Picture it: the big kids are on their nature hike, and the toddler is either whining to get out of the stroller or backpack, or crying to get back in it. What if your toddler could join in the fun? What if your preschooler had a resource that needed no (or very little) reading, with cheery drawings, and easy, fun activities?
Free Printable Nature Journal Just In Time for September’s Back-to-School
Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. I’m aiming the printables at PreK-3rd graders, and plan to include an abundance of STEAM activities: loads of natural science, art, creative writing, and so much more.
Make Your Own Video Book Trailer Part II: A More Helpful Tutorial
Making a book trailer can be as easy or as complicated as you want. I’ve made all of mine with nothing but iMovie, photo editing software, and an internet connection. I’m not a video expert by any means, but here’s a brain-dump of everything I know about creating a video trailer yourself, for free!
How (not) to Write a Boring Book
I first started thinking about tension when I heard Donald Maass speak at a conference some years ago. He described how the simple scene of a man looking at his watch while waiting for a bus can go from bland to Bang in a matter of words. Since then I have often noticed the varying levels of tension, both in books I have enjoyed and in those I haven’t. Here I'll discuss the ten levels of tension, and what they mean to the writer.
Comparative Literature Study: Little Red Riding Hood
Nearly every elementary school teacher will need to prep a lesson on fairy tales, specifically comparing fairy tale versions. Many wonderful options exist, and many we’ve used ourselves. One of my favorites has always been Little Red Riding Hood. Of course when it came time to write a fractured fairy tale of my own, I picked one of my favorite tales! Find a FREE comparative literature printable unit study based on Violet and the Woof and Little Red Riding Hood.
What I Almost Stole From My Kids, and What They Gave Me Instead
How do children learn creativity? Creativity requires courage, and courage requires risk. This lesson is especially vital for children of Apraxia of Speech and their families. Plus discover the inspiration behind the hit retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Violet and the Woof!
Retell Little Red Riding Hood (aka Violet and the Woof)!
I’ve created a set of Violet and the Woof stick puppets—complete with a puppet stage. Print (card stock is best for this), cut, paste onto craft sticks to retell the story of Violet’s adventure again and again. And be happy knowing you’re helping develop the love of literature and early reading skills.
Free Violet and the Woof Picture Book Wallpapers!
Carry the new release, Violet and the Woof, with you everywhere with these adorable free wallpapers! Made for iPhone, iPad, and desktop/laptop, you can smile every time you unlock your device.