The Heartbeat Drum by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Aphelandra

The winter solstice has passed. Every year, I look forward to the sense of renewal and hope that comes with the lengthening days, the additional sunlight. Today I want to call attention to people who bring light and hope to others. As author Deidre Havrelock and illustrator Aphelandra share in …

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25 Picture Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2025

It’s that time again! I hereby give you my list of 25 of the MANY Picture Books I’m Looking Forward to in ’25! Annnnnnd I’m extra excited about Mary Had a Little Jam, illustrated by the amazing Vanessa Brantley-Newton, which debuts in March. This is the third book in our …

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Keeping up with all. those. lists.

I don’t know about you, but I’m already flinging my hands skyward in surrender. Uncle! There’s simply no way I can find/read every Best-Picture-Books-of-2024 list dropping about now, not during this, the busiest (most wonderful?) time of the year. My dream is to catch up next month…. With that in …

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Sleepy Snuggles + Interview with Diana Murray + a GIVEAWAY!

Hello Picture Book Builders peeps!  Today we are taking a closer look at SLEEPY SNUGGLES, the gorgeous, cozy, sweet picture book by my good friend and critique partner, Diana Murray! It is illustrated by the fantastic Charles Santoso (whom I’ve also been a fan of for years, ever since my …

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Kende! Kende! Kende! by Kirsten Cappy & Yaya Gentille, illustrated by Rahana Dariah

One of the people I am most grateful for is Kirsten Cappy. For years, Kirsten has worked tirelessly to promote children’s books, first as a book consultant for Raising Readers and then as a creator of engagement materials at Curious City, which is how I met her. Kirsten created amazing …

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The Boy and the Elephant, by Freya Blackwood

“Ahhhhhhh… yessssss,” I said out loud as I gazed at Freya Blackwoods’ hypnotically captivating cover for her stunning new picture book, The Boy and the Elephant. And one of the best surprises— after going in with those incredibly high exceptions, is that this wondrous book never let me down— not …

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