I have many jobs related to books; I’m a librarian, a book buyer for a bookstore and have served on many book award committees. Now I have one more job: children’s book author. It has been perhaps the most elusive title to get. When I was a child, I loved listening to the books that… Read more »
In this dark and cold (and for some people, incredibly snowy!) time, it’s such a treat to host Amalia Hoffman, who brings vibrancy and color to the world through her books. It’s a pleasure to host Amalia today, in celebration of her newest picture book, My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo Press). My inspiration for My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo… Read more »
Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by emotions this past year? Toni Yuly has created a sweet character with whom we can all identify in that regard. I so appreciate the glimpse she’s giving us below about how the idea for Ollie Octopus came to her — I’m fascinated by others’ creative processes. Tony’s inspired me to… Read more »
Sometimes I chat with folks outside the kid lit world who think because picture books are so short that they are easy to write. I personally think they are the most difficult of all genres because each precious word must earn its way into the story. Though I would love to write more picture books,… Read more »
Okay; I’m going to admit that I am completely jealous that Margo Sorenson was voted “Walking Dictionary” in 9th grade. Who wouldn’t want to have every word at her/his/their command at such a vulnerable age? Now that she’s a grown-up, I admire how Margo has spun her word-love into a sibling rivalry picture book that… Read more »
I love it when my friends help me make new friends! Thank you Dana Sullivan for connecting me with Susan Novich. And thank you Susan for sharing your book creation story with us today; while I needed a reminder of its message, I especially love its happy ending: a brand new (debut!) board book, Guess… Read more »
My sweet friend Helen Ketteman and I have known each other longer than dirt’s been around. In our early writing careers, we were part of a magical group called The Write Sisters, meeting each summer for an annual marathon critique session and pj party prior to the summer SCBWI conference in LA. I learned one… Read more »
What a joy to make the acquaintance of Jennifer Ward, a fellow bird lover. As a complete amateur, I am in awe of Jennifer’s knowledge and how she shares it in such an accessible way! She has joined us today in celebration of her newest book, How to Find a Bird, illustrated by Diana Sudyka… Read more »
A few years back, I was chatting with Varian Johnson after a long day of conference presentations. He was debating leaving his day job to write full time. He had the pros and cons spelled out, as an engineer would. Luckily for children’s literature, the pros won out. I am so pleased to host Varian… Read more »
Three squeezes are woven into the fabric of the Larson family household. From the time my kids were itsy, they knew that three squeezes when holding hands meant “I love you.” So my heart was immediately captured by Jason Pratt’s poignant picture book, Three Squeezes, illustrated by Chris Sheban (Roaring Brook Press). Jason takes that… Read more »