After spending two weeks in Singapore earlier this year and then two weeks in Shanghai, I’m in serious dumpling withdrawal. So what better time than to read picture books about dumplings? A quick search revealed that other authors also have dumplings on the brain. I only needed two books to …
When we last left kindergartener Lupe Lopez at Hector P. Garcia Elementary School, she was living her best life. In LUPE LOPEZ: ROCK STAR RULES (Candlewick, 2022), Lupe had mastered the rules of kindergarten and kept her rock star persona intact, all while starting a band with her friends Ana …
I’m happy to welcome illustrator Keisha Morris to the blog today. Keisha created the art for A GIRL CAN BUILD ANYTHING, written by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and me, which joined the world on April 18. When e.E. and I were writing the book, we thought it would be super-cool if the …
Andrea: It’s my favorite kind of birthday–a book birthday! Today on PBB we’re celebrating Frances Gilbert and her latest wonderful picture book, Can You Hug a Forest? Hi and happy book birthday, Frances! It’s great to have you back on Picture Book Builders! Can you tell us about Can You Hug …
People who have hung out with me for any period of time have probably heard me talk about picture books I want to hug. These are books I love so much, I just have to hug them and re-read them, and then go off and attempt to write something even …
For most of my writing career, I never considered writing with a co-author. I was happily writing my own picture books with no shortage of inspiration or ideas. And, then, my long-time writing friend, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo said: “I’ve got this idea for a picture book.” e. is no stranger to …
If you’re looking for a family Christmas book to read out loud, there’s still time to find CHRISTMAS FAIRIES FOR OUMA, a new picture book by Lindsey McDivitt and Katarzyna Bukier that came out this year from Familius Books. The book is about Tessa, who wants to show her far-away …
Last weekend I attended the annual convention of the National Council of Teachers of English in balmy Anaheim, CA. The last time the convention was in person was 2019, and it was great to see many author/illustrator friends again! The NCTE convention is a great way for authors and illustrators …
The magic of picture books is how they tell a complete story in few words. To help that happen, picture book authors often use repeating elements. Repeating elements are words, phrases or sentence structures that occur several times in the story. They provide a strong framework and help the plot …
Wally was the world’s greatest piano-playing wombat—until he realized there was an even more talented piano-playing wombat in town! This funny picture book’s bright colors and imaginative musical scenes teach children to have self-confidence when faced with competition. ~Wally the World’s Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat, flap copy Andrea: Hi Ratha! Thank …