Author Sara Laux Akin and Caldecott Honoree Micha Archer have created a truly original Icelandic folk tale that can’t help but be a big hit. I give you the cover of THE GEYSER SISTERS – a Tale from the Arctic Circle (Little, Brown). This colorful cover does exactly what it’s …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people! Today, the spooktacular Jen Anyong, author of the newly released book, The Ghost Who Saved Halloween, is here with a ghost post, errr I mean GUEST post. Heeeeere’s Jen. If you’re like me, sometimes you reflect on the people who’ve come into your life and …
Hello Picture Book Builders! Today I’m thrilled to be able to feature one of my very favorite books of the year, AWE! IT’S EVERYWHERE! and its AWE-some author, Chana Stiefel! Here’s the review I posted of this glorious book when it came out earlier this year: This is an absolutely …
My first look at Becky Janni’s BRANCH, A Resurrection Story (Eerdmans) gave me goosebumps (that cover!). And when I began clicking through the PDF, I kept having to lean in closer. All those details! All those colors and intricate illos! I couldn’t help thinking that this was the most beautiful …
Hello Picture Book Builders! Today is super exciting because it’s the day I welcome my 10th picture book into the world! I WISH THAT YOU KNEW is illustrated by the incredible Alyssa Russell, published by Little Bee Books, and is out in the world TODAY! I am celebrating another milestone …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. Today, I wanted to focus on one way that I get picture book ideas. It’s a pretty straightforward strategy. I will start with a setting. (As I am sure you know, a setting is where a story takes place.) I will brainstorm a list of …
Last week was National Moth Week. You may have noticed all the posts about these fascinating creatures. And it reminded me of a picture book that I thoroughly enjoyed, Moth~ An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas and stunningly illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. This award-winning book tells the true story of …
My friend Lola Schaefer has a new book out, Because of a Bee (Chronicle). It’s a companion, of sorts, to her Because of an Acorn, and I have no doubt it’s going to be as BIG a hit as that one with preschools and kindergartens across America. Is this not …
Hello Picture Book Builders! For my post this month, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of just ONE creator interview, what do you think about having THREE? (Did I hear a “Yes, please!” I thought so!) Lesléa Newman, Alison Goldberg, and Richard Ho are all phenomenal award-winning authors and …
Note from Jill: Kate Hannigan is filling in for Barb Rosenstock today, and boy, are you in for a treat. Take it away, Kate! Even though I’m a grown woman, I spend a lot of time thinking about the nine-year-old I once was. Reading and writing didn’t come easy to …