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Rick LeCouteur
Inviting young readers to marvel at the wonder of nature's creatures
Rick's Blog
#bunyipsbooksbeyond
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Never Say Never, Always Avoid Always: Mantra for a children's picture book author (#212)
As an aspiring children’s book author and illustrator striving to make my mark, I often think about the words we choose and the stories...
Rick LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
Blue Ocean Opportunities: Exploring authenticity in children's picture books (#211)
A red-billed oxpecker and an African buffalo in a biodiverse savannah setting. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, innovation,...
Rick LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
From Veterinary Clinics to Storybooks: The power of anticonventional thinking (#198)
In a world that often emphasizes conformity and efficiency, creativity can sometimes feel stifled. Jeffrey Baumgartner’s book on...
Rick LeCouteur
Dec 18, 20245 min read
Pet Food & Children's Picture Books: It's all about the brand (#191)
At first glance, pet food companies and children's picture book author/illustrators might seem worlds apart. One deals in kibble and...
Rick LeCouteur
Dec 15, 20243 min read
AI and the Written Word: Protecting authors in a digital era (#161)
Imagine a world where your carefully crafted stories fuel the creativity of AI, reaching audiences you never dreamed of - but at what...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 27, 20244 min read
More Than Meets the Eye: How illustrations influence children’s reading (#155)
Ever wondered why some children’s books capture a child’s attention instantly while others are tossed aside after a quick glance? The...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 24, 20244 min read
Toward a Compassionate Classroom: Inter-species learning and conviviality (#136)
Imagine a classroom where students learn not only about academics but also about their shared world with animals. This isn’t just a...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Let Kids Be Kids: Picture books can address gender stereotypes (#126)
During a classroom discussion about toys, a five-year-old named Janine made a simple yet powerful observation: “There’s no such thing as...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 3, 20244 min read
More Than Pets: The profound role of animals in kids' lives (#121)
From furry friends to feathered teachers, animals are more than just companions for children - they’re lifelong allies in building...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 29, 20243 min read
Don't Rush the Magic: The importance of picture books in early literacy (#102)
The trend of some parents skipping picture books and rushing to chapter books for their children has garnered mixed reactions. On the...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20242 min read
Little Readers, Big Trends: What’s new in children’s picture books? (#101)
Children’s picture books hold a unique and cherished place in our culture, offering young readers their first glimpses into the wonders...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20244 min read
From Sweetheart to Springtime: The origins of 'Bunny’ (#94)
Whether it’s the playful Easter Bunny, the adventurous Peter Rabbit, or the mischievous Bugs Bunny, the word "bunny"instantly suggests...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 29, 20242 min read
Lessons & Legacies: “It’s about the people, stupid!” (#91)
We often measure life by milestones - achievements, possessions, and accolades. But as the years pass, it’s not the trophies on the shelf...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 27, 20244 min read
From Bluey to Books: Gender roles in kids' stories (#89)
This picture shows Bluey and Bingo with two Australian white ibis who have joined their picnic lunch. It’s no wonder that these birds are...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 26, 20243 min read
Nurturing Nature: Why animals matter in early childhood learning (#81)
Introducing young children to nature through animals profoundly impacts their development and environmental awareness. Animals serve as...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 22, 20242 min read
Talking-Animal Picture Books: Exploring the Animal-Human Bond (#80)
Ever wondered what it’s like to see the world through the eyes of a penguin? Children’s picture books about talking animals don’t just...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 18, 20243 min read
Hardcover vs. Softcover Children's Picture Books: Which is the better choice? (#79)
When it comes to children's picture books, parents, educators, and gift-givers often face a decision: should they choose a hardcover or a...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20243 min read
Tales with Tails: Animals in children's picture books (#72)
Young readers generally have a fondness for animals, a sentiment that literature has effectively harnessed for educational purposes....
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20242 min read
Wild Hearts: 7 inspiring ways to teach kids to respect wildlife (#68)
In an increasingly urbanized world, fostering a deep respect for wildlife in children is more important than ever. By nurturing this...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 12, 20242 min read
Why Picture Books Matter: The holistic benefits of children's picture books (#64)
In a world dominated by screens and smart devices, the humble picture book might seem like a relic of the past. But beneath colorful...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 9, 20244 min read
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