All picture books, all the time

TEN BEAUTIFUL THINGS is one beautiful book

Sometimes, life is hard. And, when it is, remembering that there are lovely things alongside the hard ones can be helpful. Not that that’s easy to do when you’re sick, sad, scared or angry. That’s one reason why TEN BEAUTIFUL THINGS by Molly Beth Griffin and Maribel Lechuga (Charlesbridge, 2021) …

Not Now, Cow by Tammi Sauer/Troy Cummings (+ GIVEAWAY)

Hello, Picture Book Builders people. I hope you’re in the mooooooood for a book that features one cow, four seasons, and lots of silliness. NOT NOW, COW is written by yours truly and illustrated by the one-and-only Troy Cummings. Rooster and his farm friends are ready for springtime play. But …

King of the Birds

My agent has challenged me to consider a young graphic novel, so I’ve spent the past few weeks (and a good number of dollars) exploring graphic novels for the very young. There are a lot of them. One that stuck out to me, with characters I instantly liked is Arlo …

THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY by Maya Tatsukawa

I like checking out ALA’s Geisel Award winners, given to authors and illustrators of “the most distinguished” books for beginning readers. I’m not exactly sure what the judging criteria are, but—since they’re geared to the newest readers—I figure the books are likely to have engaging stories told in simple language. …

THE LOST PACKAGE: Interview with Richard Ho (+Giveaway)

Author Richard Ho is here to tell us about his brand new picture book with illustrator Jessica Lanan! THE LOST PACKAGE shows what goes on at the post office while also celebrating hope and new friendships. Hooray for mail! With all the emphasis on technology these days, it can be …

JUNE ALMEIDA, VIRUS DETECTIVE! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus (+GIVEAWAY)

One year ago, everything seemed to change overnight. Suddenly we were hunting down toilet paper, sewing masks, learning to Zoom, and doing “drive by” birthday parties — all because of a microscopic particle called coronavirus. The Covid-19 pandemic also shined a light on a brilliant scientist named June Almeida. Most …

The Bear Must Go On by Dev Petty

As you may have guessed by reading my posts, I love funny picture books. Today I give you The Bear Must Go On written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Brandon Todd. Bear and his woodland friends are putting on a show, and there are lots of plans to be …

Always by My Side~GiVeAwAy!

Always by My Side, A Stuffie Story is out in the world today 🎉. If any of you follow me on Social Media (thank you) you might be aware that my once-upon-a-time-little boy, Will, and his beloved stuffed dinosaur, Dina, were the inspiration for my story and the character of …

OUTSIDE THE BOX with Ann Ingalls

My friend Ann Ingalls is the perfect example of a writer who thinks outside the box. First of all, in addition to fiction picture books, she writes nonfiction picture books, emergent readers, series nonfiction, and co-authors an early reader series with her pal Sue Gallion. She also has an overall …

Meet the latest super science hero — Alan Turing

My Super Science Heroes is a picture book series for children, ages 4-9, that highlights traits and characteristics — or super powers! — that all children embody. Each trait is paired with a specific scientist who flexed that super power to great effect in their own life. The books are designed …