Children's Author Literacy Educator Writing Teacher
Judy Bradbury writes books that open minds and hearts, initiate conversations, and expand possibilities.
Judy’s Children’s Books
The Cayuga Island Kids
chapter book series
The Cayuga Island Kids chapter books engage 1st-to-4th graders with exciting backyard adventures that demonstrate leadership skills and the power of information literacy. Five big-hearted friends follow clues, find answers, and puzzle out solutions. Above all, they are kind, helpful, smart, and resourceful kids who have tons of fun together.
Book 1, The Mystery of the Barking Branches and the Sunken Ship, takes place during summer vacation. As the Kids hunt for a certain kind of tree, they unearth a cannonball. Thus begins the adventure for these inquisitive fact detectives who discover that the island they live on is home to both history and mystery.
Award-winning Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek, begins with the Kids rescuing a mallard caught in plastic. How they bring the community together to build a recycling bin big enough to hold plenty of plastic makes for a lively adventure and the realization that although we are each just one person, together we can make a BIG difference! Brainstorming, teamwork, community involvement, and recycling themes.
In Book 3, The Case of the Messy Message and the Missing Facts, Julian experiments with recipes for the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Then glitter pens go missing at school. Clues point to a suspect, but when the Kids encounter misinformation and disinformation, the consequences of jumping to conclusions becomes crystal clear.
Join the Cayuga Island Kids in their backyard adventures in this trio of engaging chapter books that encourage growing readers.
Click below to learn more and to access Educator Guides and activities.
Award News
Book 2 in the Cayuga Island Kids series, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek, was awarded the Ben Franklin Silver Award for Young Reader Fiction, 8-12 years!
Judy’s Professional Services
School Visits/ Writing Workshops
With over twenty years of experience teaching from preschool through graduate level, Judy is comfortable working with students of all ages.
Professional Development and Parent Programs
As a literacy specialist, Judy enjoys interacting with educators on a variety of topics related to literacy and children’s literature.
Educators' Guides for Children's Books
Judy enjoys developing Educators’ Guides for children’s books created by other authors and illustrators.
Editorial Services
Judy has years of experience working with aspiring writers and enjoys guiding them as they hone their skills, from identifying genre and age range to crafting and revising text.
Visit Judy’s Blog
Visit my Children’s Book Corner blog where I interview authors and illustrators and offer suggestions for using their books to connect social-emotional learning to curriculum in Grades Pre-K—8.
All Because You Matter
written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier; Orchard Books, 2020.
The books we choose to share with children can acknowledge feelings, convey options and paths for positive action, nurture, and initiate conversations based on common language. Books can offer kids affirmation, and from this comes agency, possibilities, and choice. A book such as All Because You Matter gives kids space to be heard, and gives educators an opportunity to listen.
A Place at the Table
by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan; Clarion, 2020.
Told in alternating viewpoints, A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan is a middle-grade contemporary novel that chronicles the growing friendship between 11 year-olds Sara and Elizabeth. As they grapple with family dynamics, school and friendship challenges, growing awareness of racism, and a cooking competition, they learn about themselves and claiming their space in the world.
Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2020.
Years in the making, the eagerly-anticipated Gurple and Preen picture book began with Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog, which features broken-crayon art and has grown to enjoy immense popularity. I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Gurple and Preen, a collaborative effort between Debbie and Newbery Award and New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park, with an interview featuring both creators and plenty of ideas for sharing this picture book adventure with children!
The Christopher Counts Series
(McGraw-Hill)
This four-book series includes the titles:
- One Carton of Oops!
- Double Bubble Trouble!
- A High-Fiving Gift for Mom!
- Doggone Lemonade Stand!
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