Larry Verstraete's Blog

In my proposal for what would eventually become Case Files: 40 Murders and Mysteries Solved by Science, I envisioned a book where “readers encounter perplexing cases, many solved with clues unmasked by scientists and considered closed, and still others baffling puzzles open to speculation.” To me, it was important to show that science is an […]

The post Controversial – The Lindbergh Kidnapping and Murder appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

Not every book idea appeals to publishers. After S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet, I pitched another alphabet book tentatively titled C is for Courage: A Character Alphabet where each letter stood for a positive characteristic such as responsibility, determination, and of course, courage. Each letter was to be accompanied by a 4 line […]

The post G is for Generosity – A Story for World Sight Day appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

This story intrigued me for a number of reasons. While I was writing Lost Treasures: True Stories of Discovery, it arrived much like treasure sometimes does as an unexpected find, hidden but always there waiting to be found. At the time, the story was new to me. The treasure wasn’t, though. It had been viewed […]

The post No Ordinary Stone appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

While researching At the Edge: Daring Acts in Desperate Times, I discovered the story of Stanislav Petrov and his heroic deed. At the time, his was not a well known story and it took a while to stitch together the details. What struck me then was how a split second decision and an act of […]

The post Counterstrike appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

With  COVID-19 sweeping the world, I’ve been thinking about several stories I had written about medical breakthroughs for Accidental Discoveries: From Laughing Gas to Dynamite.  This one in particular seems relevant to our current situation.  The discovery by Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis was big news over a century ago, but its principles are still being touted […]

The post Mysterious Deaths appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

Like most of the world, I’ve been in semi-isolation for months.  You might think this would be a blessing for a writer, especially an introverted one, wouldn’t you?  Yes and no. According to Health Canada, depression, anxiety, and stress are common side-effects of the pandemic.  The outer signs vary from one individual to another.  In […]

The post Writing During a Pandemic appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

Im thrilled to announce that Coop the Great is going to Germany!  The German language rights have been sold to publisher Little Tiger Verlag.  While I cannot travel due to COVID-19, its wonderful to know that my little dachshund is going to be a globe trotter.  Many thanks to Great Plains Publications and Little Tiger []

The post Coop Travels to Germany appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

Recently fellow author Margriet Ruurs interviewed me for the Can Write column of the Canadian Teacher magazine. Each issue of the magazine features a different Canadian children’s book author or illustrator, and the questions posed delve into the stories behind their creations. Margriet’s full interview is posted below. For more interviews of authors and illustrators, […]

The post The Canadian Teacher – Meet Larry Verstraete Interview appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

During “I Love to Read” month, or one of its variations around the globe, books are celebrated in schools, libraries and homes. It’s a time when readers of all ages are encouraged to hunker down with books of every genre and variety. A few years ago, I wrote those words in a post similar to […]

The post I Love to Read Month 2020 appeared first on Larry Verstraete.

With Coop the Great on the MYRCA (Manitoba Young Readers Choice Awards) shortlist, teachers and librarians have found clever ways to connect readers to my down-and-out dachshund who eventually rises to greatness. Here are four examples: Sketchbook – Grosvenor School, Winnipeg, Grade 3, Ms Kristin Robbins class Ms Robbins, my granddaughter Abby’s teacher, read Coop […]

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