Linda Ashman

Articles posted by Linda Ashman

On Pencils, Erasers & Making Space in 2021

Hey, it’s 2021. We made it! Anyone manage to flourish creatively last year? I commend you, if so. (And please share your secret below.) I did not. For various reasons, both universal and personal, my creative well was bone dry. But it’s a new year, things are looking up, and …

Chatting with Sue Soltis about THE STARS JUST UP THE STREET (+Giveaway!)

Hello! I’m so pleased to have author (and fellow Chapel Hill resident) Sue Soltis here today to chat about her beautiful new book The Stars Just Up the Street, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Candlewick Press, 2020). In the book, young Mabel—with assistance from her grandfather—convinces neighbors and town officials to …

BECOMING A GOOD CREATURE by Sy Montgomery and Rebecca Green

Welp, here it is—Election Day at long last. If, like me, you’ve found this election—and, well, the last four years—incredibly stressful, disheartening, and often infuriating—here’s a book to soothe your spirits. Two books, actually. Becoming a Good Creature, written by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Rebecca Green (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt …

THE PRESIDENT OF THE JUNGLE + Voting + Giveaway!

Many of us are drawn to writing picture books because we want to have a positive impact on kids. Maybe we hope to encourage a sense of empathy, kindness or self-acceptance, or teach them about a person or issue we find important. But—as my files full of clunky manuscripts attest—good …

CAN I BE YOUR DOG? by Troy Cummings

Back in the Before Times when we were still crowding into libraries, I’d checked out stacks of picture books to prepare for a writing workshop (which happened) and my weekly one-on-one, side-by-side reading sessions with two first graders (not happening any time soon). I’ve since returned the books to our …

Taeeun Yoo chats about WHEN THE STORM COMES (plus Giveaway!)

I’m very happy to report it’s pub day for When the Storm Comes, and even happier that the book’s super-talented illustrator Taeeun Yoo is here for a chat. (And you can win a copy! See below . . .) Taeeun is the author and illustrator of You Are a Lion! …

Talking with Beth Ferry about SWASHBY AND THE SEA and more (+ Giveaway!)

Hello, PBB friends— First of all, how are you doing in this strange and otherworldly time? Are you writing? Baking? Discovering new talents? Or, like me, are you feeling scattered and unfocused? A month ago, when my last post was due, I couldn’t put a sentence together (thanks, Jill, for filling …

Chatting with Jane Massey about MY DADDY AND ME (+ Giveaway!)

Just in time for Super Tuesday (have you voted?), I’m super happy to report some news of my own. It’s Pub Day for My Daddy and Me, a padded board book from Cartwheel Books/Scholastic—and I’m thrilled to celebrate with its acclaimed illustrator, Jane Massey, visiting from the south coast of …

THE PERFECT SEAT by Minh Lê and Gus Gordon

The crazier the world gets—and it’s been especially crazy lo these past few years—the more I crave simplicity. Based on my first two posts of 2020, this longing applies to picture books as well. This month’s pick? The Perfect Seat by Minh Lê, illustrated by Gus Gordon (Disney-Hyperion, 2019). Like …

GOOD BOY by Sergio Ruzzier

My son Jackson grew up with four furry “siblings.” Nicky and Remy greeted him when he came home from the hospital. After their sad departure years later, we adopted Sammy and Stella. Each one embraced her role as best friend, jester, team mascot, clean-up crew and comfort object. Jackson is now 21, …

Author: Linda Ashman