Today I’m thrilled to welcome debut author, Traci Sorell, to PBB to share her incredible new book, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (illustrated by Frané Lessac.) This lovely picture book releases today, September 4, from Charlesbridge. As an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Traci provides an authentic look at modern Native …
It seems some story ideas take longer than others to turn into books. COUNTDOWN: 2979 DAYS TO THE MOON (illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez) was one of those ideas. Ironically, my journey to create this book was about 2979 days. And it’s finally releasing tomorrow—September 1st! Of course, the “2979 Days” subtitle doesn’t refer …
I have a lot to talk about in a short post today. First of all, I want you all to see this gorgeous picture book: ROSA’S ANIMALS is Maryann Macdonald’s newest, from Harry N. Abrams. It’s a lush biography of French painter Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) that you really shouldn’t miss. …
Remember the book I’m Bored from a few years ago? You know, the one by Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi in which a young girl, who is bored, tries to prove to a potato, also bored, that kids are not boring. Despite all her creative efforts—spinning, singing, pretending she’s …
A few years ago I had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster for A TIGER TAIL and a second TBT title. Long before I had finished off A TIGER TAIL I had been thinking and planning for what the second book could be, as I usually have …
Most of my books have some sort of story about how they came to be. BE KIND was inspired by the time I spilled grape juice in my then-boyfriend, now-husband’s car. WIDE-AWAKE BEAR was inspired by an epic meltdown my youngest daughter had. WHEREVER YOU GO was inspired by all …
My friend and member of my critique group, Janee Trasler, loooves a good picture book as much as I do. When we fall for a book, we FALL HARD. I recently asked Janee if she’d like to provide a guest post and share a book recommendation here at Picture Book …
Many: the Diversity of Life on Earth, written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Emily Sutton is full of many wonderful things. I am obsessed with Emily Sutton’s illustrations. They carry me back to my beloved Golden Books with their gentle palettes and decorative layouts. A combo of Mary Blair …
There are books I like. There are books I love. And, there are books that — let’s be honest — I want to hug. Books that astound me. Books that I read. Then read again with wonder. Then try to convince everyone I’ve ever met to read as well. All …
Think writing a simple concept book is easy? Not. First, you have to come up with a topic to capture the interest of preschoolers. Then you have to get into the head space and emotions of a three or four year old. Always, you’re reminding yourself to keep it simple …