What does it really look like to retell a classic fairy tale for today’s readers? In this episode of 5 for 5, Amanda Zieba sits down with bestselling author Mac Barnett and Caldecott Honor illustrator Carson Ellis to talk about picture books, fairy tale retellings, creative collaboration, and careers in children’s literature.
This conversation is perfect for middle school ELA teachers, school librarians, literacy leaders, and educators teaching career exploration or career readiness. Students will gain insight into the writing process, illustration process, storytelling craft, and what it actually takes to build a creative career in publishing.
✨ In this episode:
• 5 Fairy Tale “Would You Rather” questions (great for classroom discussion!)
• 5 interview questions about retelling Rumpelstiltskin
• Insight into picture book structure and fairy tale conventions
• Behind-the-scenes details about writing, illustrating, and collaboration
• Career education connections for students interested in writing, art, publishing, and storytelling
We discuss:
• Why fairy tales still matter in modern classrooms
• How retelling a classic like Rumpelstiltskin requires both respect and reinvention
• The role of picture books in building critical thinking and emotional resilience
• The creative partnership between author and illustrator
• Surprising parts of a professional creative career
This video can be used for:
✔️ Author study units
✔️ Fairy tale analysis lessons
✔️ Figurative language and metaphor instruction
✔️ Creative writing mini-lessons
✔️ Career pathway exploration (arts, publishing, media)
✔️ Library programming and literacy events
You are never too old for a picture book!! Get your copy of Rumplestilskin, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Carson Ellis, here: https://amzn.to/3P1VIKx
If you’re an ELA teacher or librarian looking for authentic author content that sparks real reading conversations, this episode is for you.
Subscribe for more First Chapter Friday videos, author interviews, literacy strategies, and student engagement ideas for middle school classrooms.
Music Credit: Suno Pro and Amanda Zieba (2026)
Background Slides: Created in Canva Pro by Amanda Zieba (2026)
#MacBarnett #CarsonEllis #Rumpelstiltskin #FairyTaleRetelling
#PictureBooks #MiddleSchoolELA #ELATeacher #SchoolLibrarian
#AuthorInterview #LiteracyEducation #ReadingInstruction #CreativeWriting
#CareerEducation #StudentEngagement #WordNerd #amandazieba
This conversation is perfect for middle school ELA teachers, school librarians, literacy leaders, and educators teaching career exploration or career readiness. Students will gain insight into the writing process, illustration process, storytelling craft, and what it actually takes to build a creative career in publishing.
✨ In this episode:
• 5 Fairy Tale “Would You Rather” questions (great for classroom discussion!)
• 5 interview questions about retelling Rumpelstiltskin
• Insight into picture book structure and fairy tale conventions
• Behind-the-scenes details about writing, illustrating, and collaboration
• Career education connections for students interested in writing, art, publishing, and storytelling
We discuss:
• Why fairy tales still matter in modern classrooms
• How retelling a classic like Rumpelstiltskin requires both respect and reinvention
• The role of picture books in building critical thinking and emotional resilience
• The creative partnership between author and illustrator
• Surprising parts of a professional creative career
This video can be used for:
✔️ Author study units
✔️ Fairy tale analysis lessons
✔️ Figurative language and metaphor instruction
✔️ Creative writing mini-lessons
✔️ Career pathway exploration (arts, publishing, media)
✔️ Library programming and literacy events
You are never too old for a picture book!! Get your copy of Rumplestilskin, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Carson Ellis, here: https://amzn.to/3P1VIKx
If you’re an ELA teacher or librarian looking for authentic author content that sparks real reading conversations, this episode is for you.
Subscribe for more First Chapter Friday videos, author interviews, literacy strategies, and student engagement ideas for middle school classrooms.
Music Credit: Suno Pro and Amanda Zieba (2026)
Background Slides: Created in Canva Pro by Amanda Zieba (2026)
#MacBarnett #CarsonEllis #Rumpelstiltskin #FairyTaleRetelling
#PictureBooks #MiddleSchoolELA #ELATeacher #SchoolLibrarian
#AuthorInterview #LiteracyEducation #ReadingInstruction #CreativeWriting
#CareerEducation #StudentEngagement #WordNerd #amandazieba