My pal Janee Trasler is an author, illustrator, and esteemed member of PBJeebies, our critique group with Kim Norman and Jessica Young. I asked Janee to stop by Picture Book Builders and give us a little insight into creating an early reader series. Lucky for us, she said YES! The …
It Began with a Page; How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad. Here is a photo of one of my favorite picture books. Tattered and worn, splintered binding, and detached cover— this book was magical to me. My mother and I spent …
I always find it interesting when similar picture books are released by different authors working with different publishers around the same time. So much of writing and book creating is solitary, so it’s kind of remarkable when different bookmakers end up making similar stories with similar themes — even though …
Hi, friends. I love when a real-life passion fuels a story. Any book that results from that is truly a labor of love and feels like so much more than “just” a story. It feels like a part of us, pulled into the light from way down deep. Such is …
I’m very happy to report it’s pub day for When the Storm Comes, and even happier that the book’s super-talented illustrator Taeeun Yoo is here for a chat. (And you can win a copy! See below . . .) Taeeun is the author and illustrator of You Are a Lion! …
Carrie Finison is here to talk with us about writing her debut picture book, DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS – coming from Putnam on July 21, 2020! With an irresistible refrain and cozy illustrations by Brianne Farley, this fun picture book celebrates friendship, sharing, and math – covering all three successfully …
During this challenging season in history, perhaps you’re feeling a bit like me: stressed, fearful, isolated, and/or disappointed over cancelled plans. With all the craziness going on, it may be hard to recognize the good things still in our lives, particularly the wonderful people! Today I hope you might be …
Hello, everyone! One of my critique partners was the late great Kate Dopirak. Even though my life and the lives of countless others have not been the same without her, Kate left behind a wonderful message for for all of us. That message can be found in her new book, …
Nonsense! The curious Story of Edward Gorey, written by Lori Mortensen and brilliantly illustrated by Chloe Bristol. It’s hard to know how much of why I am obsessed with this book is because I have been obsessed with Edward Gorey for most of my life? Non fiction biographies are very …
I love nonfiction, both reading it and writing it, so I’m delighted and honored to be a guest today on Picture Book Builders, one of my very favorite blogs—thanks, Jill! I have a deep love of the natural world and the creatures who live in it, and I aim to …