Hello, Picture Book Builders people. Today, I wanted to focus on one way that I get picture book ideas. It’s a pretty straightforward strategy. I will start with a setting. (As I am sure you know, a setting is where a story takes place.) I will brainstorm a list of …
Last week was National Moth Week. You may have noticed all the posts about these fascinating creatures. And it reminded me of a picture book that I thoroughly enjoyed, Moth~ An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas and stunningly illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. This award-winning book tells the true story of …
My friend Lola Schaefer has a new book out, Because of a Bee (Chronicle). It’s a companion, of sorts, to her Because of an Acorn, and I have no doubt it’s going to be as BIG a hit as that one with preschools and kindergartens across America. Is this not …
Hello Picture Book Builders! For my post this month, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of just ONE creator interview, what do you think about having THREE? (Did I hear a “Yes, please!” I thought so!) Lesléa Newman, Alison Goldberg, and Richard Ho are all phenomenal award-winning authors and …
Note from Jill: Kate Hannigan is filling in for Barb Rosenstock today, and boy, are you in for a treat. Take it away, Kate! Even though I’m a grown woman, I spend a lot of time thinking about the nine-year-old I once was. Reading and writing didn’t come easy to …
I’ve loved Cynthia Harmony’s books since her lyrical debut, Mi Ciudad Sings, released in 2022. I’m thrilled that Cynthia has two new books out this year: Apapacho Love (illustrated by Erika Meza, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Macmillan) and Forest en Familia (illustrated by Renata Galindo, published by Yosemite …
I can’t tell a lie… I was expecting I TOLD A LITTLE LIE, by Judith Henderson to be predictable. I mean how many books about lying— you shouldn’t do it— always tell the truth— can there be? But I was reeled in by the first page, “It all started with …
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling like I need a pep talk lately. On multiple fronts. Let’s start with the children’s literature universe. Publishing seems to be moving very slowly right now. And, I can understand why. Some imprints have closed, some staff has shifted or been …
Out at last is the book that wraps up the Secret Animal Superpowers series (maybe), authored by me and hilariously illustrated by Bob Shea … If you’re new to PBB, this one is #4 in a series about REAL animals with extraordinary behaviors unique to their species. Horned Toads are …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. Are you ready to be amazed? Well, my lead character in The Amazing Augustus, illustrated by Pauline Gregory, is all set to prove just how amazing he is. But Augustus gets so busy boasting and celebrating himself that he winds up in the belly of …