I love the way bedtime books make the florescent lights and hard linoleum of the classroom feel a little softer and cozier. The children lean closer, their fidgeting slows, and we wrap ourselves in the warm hug of a beautiful book. Of course, THE COT IN THE LIVING ROOM, written …
Huge thanks to all my PBB colleagues and to you, dear readers, for your kind words of congratulations! I can’t believe that it’s been a month since the ALA Youth Media Awards were announced. It feels like yesterday. It also feels like 4 months, not 4 weeks. I guess that’s …
This little sideways book by Corey R. Tabor, published last year by Balzer & Bray … Want to write a simple story? Type out this text to get a feel for it. Sooo much characterization here, yet the text (less than 300 words) is simplicity itself. A little bird named …
Need to relax? Unwind? Calm down and breathe? Hello, Moon, by Julie Downing will help you do just that. This is a gorgeously illustrated book written in rhyme. The word selection and alliteration is captivating and whether you are a little one snuggling in for the night, or a grown …
Sometimes, there’s that person in your life who just gets you. Your BFF. Your bestie. Your boo. Maybe they’re someone you’ve known forever. Maybe you’ve only just met. You might love them platonically. Or romantically. They might live close by. Or far away. Eliza Wheeler and I — with some …
Oh, people. I am very excited to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at No Bunnies Here!, a book illustrated by Ross Burach and written by yours truly. No Bunnies Here! stars a super savvy bunny who tries to save himself and his cotton-tailed pals from a wolf by conning him …
I’m excited because this is my first opportunity, since joining the PBB blog, to have a chance to interview the illustrator of one of MY books! Today, (Feb. 1, 2022) is the publication date of HUSH, LITTLE TRUCKER, published by Abrams Appleseed, and illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura. Toshi, as he …
Hello, friends! Jill Esbaum here. We were terribly sorry to lose from the blog our friend Michelle Meadows. Michelle’s voice was always one of positivity and light, her insights (and tips!) smart and spot-on. While I’m sad she left us, I’m happy her career is going so well. She also …
Today we welcome Selene Castrovilla, author of Seeking Freedom, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, published on January 4th, 2022 by Calkins Creek Books. Booklist’s starred review praises the book’s drama and illustrations, saying “This beautifully illustrated picture book enables readers to see the Civil War from a different point of view.” Kirkus, …
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day and la-la-la-la-love is in the air! Evidence: Lovebird Lou, illustrated by Steph Laberis–and written by yours truly–stars a little lovebird who is learning to embrace who he is. This is what Kirkus had to say about our book: “This entertaining picture book would be a wonderful …