Foundation programs provide a range of rich learning and networking opportunities designed to build participants knowledge of children's literature. We draw on an extensive and diverse network of talented professionals -- master teachers, children's book specialists, authors and illustrators -- to develop compelling programs.

Professional Development

Training, information, and resources on topics related to children's literature and literacy are provided to teachers and library personnel. The FCB partners with school systems and other organizations to customize professional development programs.

All programs are developed by children's literature experts and educators to complement the schools' existing programs and meet the objectives of Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The FCB is a Massachusetts Professional Development Provider. In keeping with recertification regulations issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education, we offer blocks of 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs) to educators who attend five or more of the programs in the Conversations with... author/illustrator discussions and the What's New in Children's Books? workshop.

In the Classroom

One effective way to excite students about books is through direct exposure to the creative process. The FCB, in collaboration with school districts, arranges author and illustrator visits to under-served elementary and middle schools.

Our work in schools has expanded substantially in the past several years. Through the generous support of individual donors, we've brought illustrators such as Giles Laroche, Grace Lin, Judith Moffatt, and Ashley Bryan to various schools in Boston. With funding from the Plymouth Rock Foundation, we've presented a Poetry Residency for grades K-5 featuring authors Lyn Littlefield Hoopes and Jacqueline Davies at the Winthrop School in Dorchester. During the 2007-08 school year, again with the support of the Plymouth Rock Foundation, the FCB is presenting a Writing Residency for grades 4 and 5 at the Winthrop featuring authors Tonya Bolden, Barbara O'Connor, Susan Goodman, and Jeff Kelly. The FCB also began a program during Children's Book Week 2006 to bring together Boston-area publishers Houghton Mifflin Company, Charlesbridge Publishing, and Candlewick Press in sponsoring author visits and book donations to Boston Public Schools.

We see our role as building a bridge between the author or illustrator and the students, most of whom have never met a "real" author or artist/illustrator. In building that bridge, we hope to ignite a love of reading and learning among kids and provide their teachers with new tools for inspiration.  Contact us for information on sponsoring an author/illustrator visit.