New books are released every week — on Tuesdays if they’re traditionally published. And, while I try to stay on top of what’s coming out, there are SO MANY BOOKS. And, lately, I’ve felt like I’m falling behind. So, last week, I reacquainted myself with the library loan program and …
Hello, picture book people! This past spring, I was lucky enough to meet author Jyoti Gopal at a Highlights retreat, and when I learned she had TWO new books releasing this summer, Over in the Mangroves (illustrated by Dikshaa Pawaskar – Orchard Books) and The Power of Your Name (releasing …
The title of the new book by Martha Brockenbrough and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, A Gift of Dust, inspires one’s imagination. Is it about Star Dust and how it is in everything? Or the magic of Fairy Dust and the possibilities it brings? Maybe it is a picture book introducing …
I’m very excited to share with you all a wonderful picture book biography called REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability, written by Danna Zeiger and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. It comes out from Millbrook Press on September 9th. Here’s my review …
What school librarian doesn’t love a first day of book? BIG KIDS by K.L. Going and Reggie Brown is one of my favorites to come out this back-to-school season. Let’s take a look. I just love how the lettering of the title stretches to the very edges of the cover. …
Despite being a writer, grammar is *not* my strong suit. Aside from the basic parts of speech, I can’t remember what anything is called or what most of the rules are. Mostly, I rely on intuition and whether something sounds right, based on decades of reading. That’s why I’m so …
Hello, Picture Book Builder people. Are you wanting to read and/or write a great read aloud? Well, I have the book for you. Please get your paws on Cats in Construction Hats by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Leeza Hernandez. This book had me sold on the dedication: “To our agent, Rachel: …
THE BOY WHO BECAME A PARROT, A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear, Who Invented Nonsense Well, who wouldn’t want to read a book written by Wolverton Hill, and learn about the person who invented nonsense? What does that even mean? And, if you add absolutely stunning illustrations by Laura Carlin …
One of my absolute favorite parts of creating picture books is discovering which illustrator will be working on a manuscript I’ve written. No matter who it is, I’m guaranteed to have one more creative, talented person in my mental Rolodex. I recently got to know Annie Cron, who illustrated One …