It’s hard to write a classic. Most picture books are released, get a bit of fanfare — or not — and then are forgotten in the next year or two as more new books come out. It’s sad, but true. So when a book has staying power, it’s an impressive …
A few years back, I was given the happy opportunity to mentor Cindy Chambers Johnson through SCBWI-IA’s mentorship program. She was hugely talented, but she was also witty and charming and soon felt like a friend. So I couldn’t be more excited about her debut picture book, RUSSELL WRESTLES THE …
In August 2017, Truck, Truck, Goose! debuted. I wrote this book about Goose and his pals, and Zoe Waring illustrated it. Last summer, Zoe was kind enough to stop by Picture Book Builders. She answered some questions and told us a little about her process. You can find that interview …
A few weeks back, I was fortunate to interview Katherine Roy, author and illustrator of the Sibert Honor Book Neighborhood Sharks and her title from this past spring, How To Be An Elephant. And also (lucky me!) my partner as illustrator of our upcoming picture book Otis & Will Discover the …
Well it’s time for the conclusion to this short series on how I get from a book idea to a book deal. As I’ve said previously, this is obviously specific to my own experiences and working with the folks I do, but I’d imagine there will be similarities for your …
In two weeks an exceptional nonfiction picture book titled THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS releases on July 3. This delightful book shares fascinating activities in nature, both day and night. Written by Natalie Rompella and illustrated by Carol Schwartz, THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS reveals the hidden lives of insects and other …
Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall’s latest picture book, Hello Lighthouse evokes gasps of awe from both it’s gorgeous look and feel, to its beautifully written story and message. Savvy readers of Picture Book Builders will note that Suzanne Slade posted earlier about the book, which you can see here . I wanted to …
Today’s is my daughter’s last day of school. Which means there’s a long summer ahead. My favorite thing to do during summer vacation when I was a kid was read. It was, for many summers, my primary activity. If you have small ones and want to start that same trend …
Maria Gianferrari has another beautiful nature book hitting shelves this Friday, Hawk Rising (Roaring Brook Press, illus by Brian Floca). I started writing this post three or four times, but I kept getting hung up … where to begin, where to begin… because the book has so many great elements …
I love lists. They make me feel more organized than I actually am. So I’m going to dive right in with eight things I love about Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal: Alma! Just look at her—that sweet face, those adorable pants. The book’s premise, which …