Farewell + THE WAY THE STORM STOPS + Michelle’s Favorite Writing Tip!

Friends – This is my last post with Picture Book Builders, and I want you to know how grateful I am to have spent two wonderful years with you – celebrating words, art, storytelling, and our collective love of children’s books! By now, you know how much I love tips, …

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COUGAR CROSSING: Interview with Meeg Pincus (+Giveaway)

I am thrilled that author Meeg Pincus is here to fill us in on the making of COUGAR CROSSING: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife. With mesmerizing illustrations by Alexander Vidal, this inspiring picture book features the cougar that crossed 16 lanes of traffic to …

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EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING: Interview with Anne Wynter

Author Anne Wynter is here to tell us about her debut picture book releasing in October. With gorgeous illustrations by Oge Mora, EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING is a fun, rhythmic read-aloud celebrating apartment living and a variety of sounds. In this clever story, one sound leads to the …

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THE RAMBLE SHAMBLE CHILDREN: Interview with Christina Soontornvat (+Giveaway)

Christina Soontornvat, a two-time Newbery Honor-winning author, is here to tell us about the creation of THE RAMBLE SHAMBLE CHILDREN! Written by Christina and illustrated by Lauren Castillo, this sweet picture book received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, and School Library Journal. From School Library Journal: “No need …

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THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH: Interview with Bryan Patrick Avery (+GIVEAWAY)

I love it when fascinating, true stories inspire fiction for children. A brand new picture book called THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH is a wonderful example. Join me in welcoming author Bryan Patrick Avery to Picture Book Builders! Bryan’s rhythmic language and Jerome White’s charming illustrations are full of emotion. Inspired …

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Poetic Picture Books With Author Notes

Poetic picture books make my heart soar. They make complex themes accessible, capture deep emotions, and convey stories with brevity and grace. No easy feat. Author notes are a wonderful way to provide additional details that complement a lovely, spare text. Here’s a look at three of my favorite poetic …

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Manuscript Transformations: Staying Open to New Approaches & Books!

I have accumulated a big, beautiful pile of rejection letters over the years. I believe the more rejection letters you get, the easier it is to let them roll off your back and keep writing. But what really makes my pile beautiful is that I have identified some interesting patterns …

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