Horses and books — what more could you ask for? I’m excited to chat with dear friend Maria Gianferrari today about her latest book, RAIN AND THE READING HORSE, illustrated by Hannah Salyer. The book publishes today! Here’s the description from the flap copy: “When a shy girl attends a …
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 …