All picture books, all the time

Guest post & giveaway– Lisa Robinson runs away to the circus!

Hi, friends. I love when a real-life passion fuels a story. Any book that results from that is truly a labor of love and feels like so much more than “just” a story. It feels like a part of us, pulled into the light from way down deep. Such is …

Taeeun Yoo chats about WHEN THE STORM COMES (plus Giveaway!)

I’m very happy to report it’s pub day for When the Storm Comes, and even happier that the book’s super-talented illustrator Taeeun Yoo is here for a chat. (And you can win a copy! See below . . .) Taeeun is the author and illustrator of You Are a Lion! …

DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS: Interview with Carrie Finison (+Giveaway)

Carrie Finison is here to talk with us about writing her debut picture book, DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS – coming from Putnam on July 21, 2020! With an irresistible refrain and cozy illustrations by Brianne Farley, this fun picture book celebrates friendship, sharing, and math – covering all three successfully …

A “THANK YOU” post!

During this challenging season in history, perhaps you’re feeling a bit like me: stressed, fearful, isolated, and/or disappointed over cancelled plans. With all the craziness going on, it may be hard to recognize the good things still in our lives, particularly the wonderful people! Today I hope you might be …

HURRY UP! A Book About Slowing Down by Kate Dopirak (+GIVEAWAY)

Hello, everyone! One of my critique partners was the late great Kate Dopirak. Even though my life and the lives of countless others have not been the same without her, Kate left behind a wonderful message for for all of us. That message can be found in her new book, …

NONSENSE! and Giveaway winners announced

Nonsense! The curious Story of Edward Gorey, written by Lori Mortensen and brilliantly illustrated by Chloe Bristol. It’s hard to know how much of why I am obsessed with this book is because I have been obsessed with Edward Gorey for most of my life? Non fiction biographies are very …

Crafting Narrative & Expository Nonfiction PBs, a guest post by Maria Gianferrari (+ a giveaway!)

I love nonfiction, both reading it and writing it, so I’m delighted and honored to be a guest today on Picture Book Builders, one of my very favorite blogs—thanks, Jill! I have a deep love of the natural world and the creatures who live in it, and I aim to …

Talking with Beth Ferry about SWASHBY AND THE SEA and more (+ Giveaway!)

Hello, PBB friends— First of all, how are you doing in this strange and otherworldly time? Are you writing? Baking? Discovering new talents? Or, like me, are you feeling scattered and unfocused? A month ago, when my last post was due, I couldn’t put a sentence together (thanks, Jill, for filling …

MARISOL McDONALD DOESN’T MATCH / MARISOL McDONALD NO COMBINA

It’s hard to believe that I was in New York City on the weekend of February 7-9 for the SCBWI conference – meeting up with friends for breakfast in the Grand Hyatt Hotel and attending crowded sessions. So much has changed since then; I am grateful for that weekend full …

EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS + Giveaway!

April is National Poetry Month! And just in time, a beautiful new book titled EXQUISITE (by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera) released this month to celebrate one of the most inspiring poets of all time — the incomparable Gwendolyn Brooks. In fact, Gwendolyn Brooks’ exquisite poetry earned her …