Hard to believe how 2018 has flown by. I didn’t want it to end without thanking YOU, loyal readers, for dropping in on us again and again, keeping up with us as we talk all things picture books. Thanks, too, for your occasional comments. Not much fun writing if nobody’s …
This summer, at NerdCampKansas, I met author Marcie Colleen and, as children’s book people tend to do, formed an instant bond (and wished we didn’t live half a continent from one another). While visiting, I was lucky enough to get a peek at the F&G of her latest picture book, …
I’m excited today to talk about Beth Anderson’s debut picture book, AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. This one had me at the cover. But when I got a look inside, word nerd me was absolutely bowled over. What struck me about this book—other than the delightful story itself and the lively, detail-packed …
One of my favorite books of 2017 is this quirky little number by Kenneth Kraegel. Green Pants (Candlewick) found a place in my heart because it’s a story in which every kiddo can see him/herself. Heck, every adult can, too. Jameson has these green pants, see, and they’re his favorite …
I have a lot to talk about in a short post today. First of all, I want you all to see this gorgeous picture book: ROSA’S ANIMALS is Maryann Macdonald’s newest, from Harry N. Abrams. It’s a lush biography of French painter Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) that you really shouldn’t miss. …
Think writing a simple concept book is easy? Not. First, you have to come up with a topic to capture the interest of preschoolers. Then you have to get into the head space and emotions of a three or four year old. Always, you’re reminding yourself to keep it simple …
A few years back, I was given the happy opportunity to mentor Cindy Chambers Johnson through SCBWI-IA’s mentorship program. She was hugely talented, but she was also witty and charming and soon felt like a friend. So I couldn’t be more excited about her debut picture book, RUSSELL WRESTLES THE …
Maria Gianferrari has another beautiful nature book hitting shelves this Friday, Hawk Rising (Roaring Brook Press, illus by Brian Floca). I started writing this post three or four times, but I kept getting hung up … where to begin, where to begin… because the book has so many great elements …
When I saw the cover/title of Josh Funk’s HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE, I knew I had to get a look. Because I’m a coder? No. Because I’m so not. And, guess what? After reading this one little powerhouse book, I could actually understand coding, albeit in a very basic way. …
When I learned that loyal PBB subscriber Kathy Doherty had her debut picture book coming out this spring, TODAY, as a matter of fact, I requested a review copy. Oh, what a fun read aloud it turned out to be! Kathy agreed to let me share it with all of …