Hello everyone! I believe there are many reasons for writing the stories we do. Maybe it’s a personal adventure we want to share; or a desire to make people laugh or think; or even just the need to create something – I couldn’t possibly guess all the reasons. In Here …
When I was young, science was my favorite subject in school and I was always on the lookout for interesting books on science topics. Today teachers, librarians, and young readers are still hunting for great STEM books. Fortunately, it seems more and more wonderful science titles are being published lately. …
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Do you believe everything you read in the newspaper? Early in August 1937, a newsflash came: a sea monster had been spotted lurking off the shores of Nantucket Island. Historically, the Massachusetts island had served as a port for whaling ships. Eyewitnesses swore this …
Here on Picture Book Builders we love to chat about how beautiful books are created. It’s my opinion that one of the under recognized contributors of the ‘team’ is the art director. I have been fortunate enough to work with Senior Art Director/Creative Director, Christine Kettner on three books. She …
Versatility is one of the characteristics I admire in other writers. It’s awesome when someone can do totally different genres or styles or voices equally well. If you appreciate this too, you’ll want to meet Dashka Slater. I first was introduced to Dashka’s picture books like DANGEROUSLY EVER AFTER, ESCARGOT …
Johnny Mathis crooning The Christmas Song My mom’s Russian Tea Cake cookies The lumpy Santa’s face pillow that’s been propped atop my parents’ sofa every December as far back as I can remember. Those things are guaranteed to put me into a mellow Christmas mood. This year, I’m excited to add …
Ann Whitford Paul is an author, poet, teacher and mentor to many writers (including me). In addition to her acclaimed children’s books, Ann is the author of Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication. Ann’s latest book is If Animals Said I Love You, illustrated by …
You could say Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have become a pretty well known team in the picture book world, aaaand I think many will agree that’s for pretty good reasons. One of those reasons is for me is Extra Yarn. It felt like something I would have enjoyed as …
This past Saturday I attended a fabulous conference — the annual SCBWI Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day at Harper College in Palatine, IL. (Okay, I might be slightly biased because I’m on the conference planning committee, but all the attendees I spoke with were thrilled with the event!) The theme …
This post does not feature a book. It stars a bridesmaid dress. (Keep reading for the takeaway.) 🙂 Back in June, I posted this on Facebook: In under an hour, my bridesmaid Heidi sent a collage to me in the comments. I thought it was too good not to share, …