Rebecca Van Slyke’s new book, THE POWER OF YETI, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a nice reminder for us that we are not done learning, not done getting better at things. The story’s protagonist is a young boy who is not as strong or as fast as his friends. …
Challah Day! It’s Challah Day! I get to share this book today! Sorry, I can’t help it — the fabulous rhyme and meter in this new book has me so excited (and I just can’t hide it!). Challah Day!, written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner, and published by …
SARA: This week I transitioned from a career in early childhood education to life as a school librarian. Two New Years by Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield is one of the first books I put on order in my new role. It’s a beautiful story of a multicultural family celebrating …
Granny and her granddaughter are going on a walk. But this is not just any walk. It’s a walk that must not be missed–one that is more important than ever, but that has been made increasingly difficult for many to participate in. It’s a walk that joins together a community, …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. To celebrate the start of a brand new school year, my friend and critique partner, Catherine Bailey, thought we could use a back-to-school book around here. As usual, that smartypants pal of mine is RIGHT. Please welcome Catherine and her thoughts on a book that …
HIDING, written and illustrated by Kate Pugsley is subtitled, “A Story About Finding Quiet in a Busy World”. There was something captivating and refreshing about this seemingly ‘simple’ book. I put that word in semi-quotes because we all know that ‘simple’ does not mean ‘easy’, and is never really ‘simple’ …
Ten years ago this month, my first picture book was published. I sold SOPHIE’S SQUASH to Schwartz & Wade Books (now Anne Schwartz Books) after four years of persistent picture book writing and submitting on my part and 126 rejections on a wide variety of manuscripts. But, after all that, …
My author friend Linda Skeers is always on the lookout for great nonfiction picture books, and when she brought this one to our Whispering Woods Picture Book Retreat/Workshop last month, I liked it so much I had to buy my own copy. How often does that happen? Not often. But …
I am a sucker for art supplies. Like most artists I know, I’m a coveter, a collector, a hoarder of them. Every time I am drawn into an art supply store I am mesmerized. Overwhelmed by a feeling of “must have.” I am beckoned by pencils and paints and papers. …
Happy summer, Everyone! When Jill handed out the blog schedule and I saw that had been assigned Aug. 15th, I was like: “Why does that date seem SO familiar?!” And then I realized: it’s the 1-year birthday of BRAINSTORM!, my debut book, illustrated by Kate Kronreif! Talk about time flying! …