Go Team! Interview with Knopf Editor, Michelle Frey

When I guest post here on Picture Book Builders, I tend to use the space to bring you some of my favorite people, editors! I guess it’s because picture book editors possess the most control over the many parts of the publishing process. As a certified control freak I’ve always …

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A behind-the-scenes look at WIDE-AWAKE BEAR. And, a GIVEAWAY.

Wide-Awake Bear

“What process do you follow to write your stories?” I’ve heard that question more frequently as I’ve sold more picture books, and I never quite know how to answer. The people asking usually look as if they’re waiting for a golden ticket to inspiration. Like, maybe I’ll say that I …

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Hoot & Honk Just Can’t Sleep + Giveaway x 3!

I love rhyming stories that employ brevity. I love colorful artwork. I love stories that provide talking points between reader and listener(s). Leslie Helakoski’s Hoot & Honk Just Can’t Sleep delivers all three. And look at this beeee-yootiful cover! A storm upsets two nests,  a goose’s and an owl’s. Each …

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One Curious Pony

Otis is a very curious pony. So many questions run through his head. In PONY IN THE CITY by Wendy Wahman, Otis peppers his stable mates into the night with questions about the children that visit and ride them during the day. “do they graze on grass and daisies?” “Do …

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In Praise of Bonny Becker

Well, here we are—shockingly—in December. ‘Tis the season to be harried, so for everyone’s benefit (including my own), this post will be short and sweet. In fact, I could probably boil it down to one sentence: Read Bonny Becker’s Bear & Mouse books. Which one? Any will do. But, given …

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Science Rocks!

When I was young, science was my favorite subject in school and I was always on the lookout for interesting books on science topics. Today teachers, librarians, and young readers are still hunting for great STEM books. Fortunately, it seems more and more wonderful science titles are being published lately. …

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