Things That Go Away, by Beatrice Alemagna. I’m recommending this book for its beautiful artwork, clever design, and message. A message that I think is especially important for our young ones to hear during this difficult time. Things go away. Things change. Things will not always be as they are. …
Whenever I speak about writing picture books to aspiring authors, I leave time for questions at the end. Almost always, the first question I get is: “Do you get to choose who your illustrator is?” And, when I answer that, no, I do not, there’s an immediate follow-up: “But … …
When I saw Sue Lowell Gallion’s new book, OUR WORLD (Phaidon), illustrated by Lisk Feng, I knew I had to share it here. For the youngest readers, OUR WORLD is an easy-to-read, rhyming introduction to Earth’s various features and habitats. But it also works with older kids who want a …
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann is a delightful and engaging look at a young girl’s very first camping trip. Ernestine, who lives in the city, is invited to join her Aunt Jackie and her cousin Samantha for a camping trip. Even though she has never been before, she …
One of my favorite things about storytelling is establishing a sense of cause and effect. This happened because this happened. Not just this happened, this happened, and this happened…. As storytellers, we get to use our creativity to make decisions about how we organize the events in our story, including …
A few years ago, I let Kelly DiPucchio know that SUPER MANNY STANDS UP! struck a chord for me. It brought back memories from when I was in elementary school and witnessed bullying. It always bothered me to see bullies target certain students repeatedly and with such meanness. And while …
Recently, I rediscovered the value of making time for critiques. How did that happen? Well, two critique groups I’d belonged to years ago (and had disbanded), both decided to get back together via Zoom. In the few times we’ve met since then, I’ve received a wealth of awesome feedback on …
Get your tickets, Picture Book Builders readers! On August 11, there’s a way off-Broadway production coming to bookstores, libraries, and barnyards near you. It’s called The Farm that Mac Built. But Mac doesn’t deserve all the credit for building this farm. Nope. He had a little help. I wrote the …
Fish Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup. Oh my goodness this is a gorgeous book ?? Seriously, the cover alone with its raised fish and metallic gold pattern. The shimmer of the shiny texture makes the fish come alive. Layers of them. Just exquisite! May I please have wallpaper with these end …
If you’re a picture book writer — aspiring or published — you’ve likely heard someone say: “Don’t write your story in rhyme. Editors say they don’t want that.” Then, arguments often ensue, with some people talking about how rhyme helps beginning readers learn to process language, and other people talking …