SARA: In Mixed-Up Mooncakes, written by Christina Matula and Erica Lyons and illustrated by Tracy Subisak, Ruby gets ready for the Mid-Autumn Festival with her nainai and Sukkot with her zayde. Told in an appealing voice and adorable watercolor and pastel illustrations, Ruby takes the reader from her yard to …
I had the great good fortune to attend Minh Lê’s author event at my local library last week. Ever since I read Minh and Dan’s first collaboration, the APALA award-winning DRAWN TOGETHER, I’ve admired his ability to tell a story in just a few words. Total number of words in …
Attention, Picture Book Builders People. My favorite month is nearly here! In honor of October, I wanted to share a book that just might make you howl with delight. Benita and the Night Creatures is written by my pal Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Cocoretto. Book Description: Benita loves to …
I’m a big fan of Gianna Marino’s books. I especially enjoyed NIGHT ANIMALS and posted about it on Picturebook Builders. And now, here I am again singing the praises of Gianna’s clever story telling and glorious illustrations in her latest book, THE OUTSIDE. THE OUTSIDE features a funny cast of …
Picture book biographies are some of my favorite things to read. Why? Well, first, I always learn something new. And, I love learning new things. I think that’s part of what makes me a successful writer. If you don’t understand the power of picture books, you might wonder how an …
Hello, picture book people! When I ran into my Missouri friend Jody Jensen Shaffer at the Marvelous Midwest conference this past spring, we had a lot of catching up to do. (See this 2023 interview with Jody about CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH!, which went on to WIN an SCBWI Crystal Kite …
I’m so excited to celebrate the book birthday of the adorable rhymer, PIGS DIG A ROAD, written by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Brian Biggs! WhooHoo! My sons would have absolutely LOVED this book when they were little as they were OBSESSED with construction equipment and trucks. (Side note: for …
It takes about 4 hours to make a challah and about 6 years to make a book about one. At least this was my experience for my most recent picture book, Challah for Shabbat Tonight. Below is a behind-the-scenes look at my sometimes-messy writing kitchen, plus a GIVEAWAY! Recipe timelines …
In the spirit of “Every day is Earth Day,” every day is also a great day to read a conservation-themed book! Here are two new picture books to inspire readers of all ages to help protect our planet. MAYA MAKES WAVES, written by Maya Gabeira and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, …
Answer: She wanted a good BAWK! If you know me, you know I love chicken books. Chickens have starred in many of mine. Evidence: I also own a lot of chicken-y books written by other people. Chicken Big by Keith Graves, however, is one of my all-time favorites. I would …