Hello! In my first post of 2021, I wrote about the importance of making space for new things. And so, after more than six years and nearly 80 posts, I’m stepping away from PBB. I’m grateful to Jill Esbaum for inviting me to join this effort, to the talented authors …
Hello, all— I’ve been a fan of Tom Lichtenheld’s books since picking up DUCK! RABBIT! many moons ago, one of his many collaborations with the multitalented and much-missed Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who passed away in 2017. His books are funny, smart, eye-catching, kid-friendly and highly-acclaimed—and more than a few have …
I like checking out ALA’s Geisel Award winners, given to authors and illustrators of “the most distinguished” books for beginning readers. I’m not exactly sure what the judging criteria are, but—since they’re geared to the newest readers—I figure the books are likely to have engaging stories told in simple language. …
Got five minutes? Is that a lot of time? Or a little? Depends on what you’re doing, right? That’s the concept behind FIVE MINUTES (That’s a lot of time) (No, it’s not) (Yes, it is) written by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Olivier Tallec (Putnam, 2019). …
Hello, all! Today I’m thrilled to welcome Brandon Reese to the blog. Brandon is the author and illustrator of several picture books, including, most recently, CAVE DADA (Chronicle Books, 2020)—a classic bedtime story with a Stone Age twist. When Baba asks for his favorite book, his weary father resists. But …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …