Despite being a writer, grammar is *not* my strong suit. Aside from the basic parts of speech, I can’t remember what anything is called or what most of the rules are. Mostly, I rely on intuition and whether something sounds right, based on decades of reading. That’s why I’m so …
One of my absolute favorite parts of creating picture books is discovering which illustrator will be working on a manuscript I’ve written. No matter who it is, I’m guaranteed to have one more creative, talented person in my mental Rolodex. I recently got to know Annie Cron, who illustrated One …
Hi, friends! I’m currently attending a family reunion in Taiwan, so I’ve invited Sue Soltis to share about her and illustrator Sonia Sánchez’s new book, The Moon Moved In. Thank you, Sue! Here is a snippet from the publisher’s description: What would happen if the moon moved in next door? …
Suzanne Kaufman is the illustrator of the the New York Times Bestseller ALL ARE WELCOME series, written by Alexandra Penfold. They are wonderful, beautiful, and inclusive books that I imagine make DEI haters combust with nonsense and anger. Penfold’s text celebrates the joy of differences, and Kaufman’s characters pepper every …
Look at that glorious cover! Doesn’t it just reach out and wrap its musical arms around you? Today I have the pleasure of interviewing co-author Jolene Gutiérrez about her new book, MAMIACHI & ME. Here’s the publisher’s description: Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by …
One of my favorite things to do is listen to picture book authors talk about how they create their stories. I love the sneak peek into their heads to see how they do what they do. So I’m thrilled to welcome poet and author Eileen Rajala Meyer to share her …
From the flap copy: An old blue van may not look like much, but it holds everything one girl’s family needs. There’s an outdoor kitchen, a hammock-closet above the family bed, and a cozy library full of favorite books. But sometimes living in Old Blue makes her feel like she’s …
I bought piles of picture books before I ever had children. And well before I wrote my own books. I read those books myself, of course, reveling in each word. And, when my two daughters — who are now 27 and 23 — arrived, I read to them. When Gwen …
Hey Picture Book Builders! I have the sweetest and fluffiest treat for you today, just in time for the Jewish holiday of Passover, which is coming up on April 12th! I am thrilled to have the amazing Jenna Waldman with us to celebrate the release of her newest rhyming picture …
Hello Picture Book Builders family! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the (fingers crossed) tail end of winter. Not sure where you are, but here in NJ, it has been c-c-cold, but I feel optimistic that spring warmth will be on its way soon! I have to admit …