This month I wanted to share one of my favorite picture books of all time. I’m embarrassed to say I only discovered the book a few years ago, but immediately fell in love with the magical title, the stunning illustrations and the ingeniously original, lyrical rhyme scheme. On the off …
Author Anne Wynter is here to tell us about her debut picture book releasing in October. With gorgeous illustrations by Oge Mora, EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING is a fun, rhythmic read-aloud celebrating apartment living and a variety of sounds. In this clever story, one sound leads to the …
I’m not sure what the temperature has been like where YOU live, but in Oklahoma? It’s been HOT. Let’s cool off with a cooler than cool book, shall we? First, let’s talk about this cover. It’s cool, right? Check out those stances! Check out those sunglasses! Check out those fringe-y …
My librarian friend ran up to me a few weeks ago and excitedly said that she had a book on order that she thinks I would really like. Noah’s Seal, written and captivatingly illustrated by Layn Marlow. I trusted my librarian friend, so I ordered it. I’m going to be …
I’ve read a lot of picture book manuscripts — written by current and aspiring authors — during the past year. Some have been from conference critiques I’ve done, some from contests I’ve helped judge and some from mentorship programs or writing seminars I’ve been part of. And, recently, as I …
Whoa, baby. I feel really fortunate to have snagged Kelly Starling Lyons for a chat, because this is one. busy. woman. Prepare to be INSPIRED, people. JE: Welcome, Kelly! After watching your recent SCBWI Zoom, I knew you were perfect for this OUTSIDE THE BOX feature. In that presentation, you …
For my family, August and Maine are synonymous. Well, a few weeks of August anyway. We spend time with my mom in her parents’ old farmhouse in a rural corner of the state, enjoying long soaks in Kezar Lake (to which I dedicated my book Come Next Season) and visiting …
From the vibrant, intriguing cover to the lively story, I’m loving CAT LADIES! Author and illustrator Susi Schaefer is here to tell us all about it. From the book description: “Princess has four ladies. Some cats say that’s too many, but there’s no such thing! Taking care of all these …
Hello, Picture Book People. Prepare to get slimed! I invited Frances Gilbert, author/Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers, to join us to discuss her latest book, her thoughts on titles, and some funny business. TS: Hi, Frances! Welcome back to Picture Book Builders. Please tell us about your latest …
With a title like that I think I could just stop here? ❤️ This wonderful picture book written by Josh Crute and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen is sensational indeed. In London, back in the way back days in the mid 1700’s, men did not carry umbrellas. And therefore, London …