I’m excited to tell you about a great idea that hopefully spreads to picture book lovers and students everywhere! About two years ago, I received a group email sent by Carolyn Crimi, one of my favorite picture book authors (whose latest picture book JADEN NOTICED is awesome btw!) Carolyn was …
Last year, Kashmira Sheth sent me a PDF of TAKING FLIGHT, her upcoming picture book with Nicolò Carozzi. Would I, she asked, consider writing a blurb for it? I read the book and instantly realized two things. Here’s what ended up going on the back of the book: “With gorgeous …
Hello Picture Book Builders! I don’t often share board books, but this one was just too adorable to pass up! Here’s my review: This genius little board book is perfect for any music lover and their little one. Using the structure of the song “Rock-a-bye baby,” McMullin introduces babies and …
A lot of beginning picture book authors write stories told from the view of an inanimate object. A toaster named Timmy. A chair named Charlie. A flower named Flora. While these authors’ intentions are good, their stories often aren’t. It is exceedingly hard to write a story that works using …
Recently, I was online looking — not at all compulsively — for news or reviews of my latest picture book ONE CAN BE. I found my book, but I also found a picture book I hadn’t heard of before called ONE CAN written by Lana Button and Eric Walters and …
December is a month full of lists: to-do lists; wish lists; gift lists; and, of course, book lists of every category and description. So I’m jumping on the listicle bandwagon with six picture books that I read this year and why I think they’re great for this holiday season (as …
When my family gathers for Thanksgiving, we have food and games. This year, we’ll also have a story. The idea to share a story for the holiday came when I first saw GATHER GRATEFUL (Candlewick Press, 2025), written by Megan Litwin and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey. And, yes, in my …
Every once in a while you find a picture book that is nuthin’ but fun. WALLY MAMMOTH: THE SLED RACE by Corey R. Tabor and illustrated by Dalton Webb is one of those books. First of all…Wally Mammoth? How freakin’ clever is that? It is a simple and delightful story …
It’s a special day, Picture Book Builder folks! It’s pub day for the adorable TIC, TAC, AND TOE, written by my dear friend Sheri Dillard! 🎉🎉🎉 Sheri and I first met when I joined the online critique group that she was in, about fifteen years ago now. 🥰 I’m so …
Hi Everyone! Last month, I celebrated the release of my 9th picture book, SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND, illustrated so beautifully by Dinara Mirtalipova (WhooHoo!). So, I thought this month I’d share with you a little behind the making of this book (and, of course, offer a giveaway! More on …