Children's Author Literacy Specialist 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.
Big Papa and the Time Machine
by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2020.
Our young narrator is scared. He doesn’t want to go to school. Big Papa understands. He knows a thing or two about being scared, about being brave, and about love. Here, woven between and beyond the being scared is the tender story thoughtful caregiver Big Papa and the time machine (or his beloved car), and the wisdom he imparts to the boy in his care.
Just Like a Mama
by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.
Hosea Plays On
by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.
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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