A huge thank you to Andrea Wang (a recent Friend Friday guest) for introducing me to Sheri Dillard, so that we could celebrate the publication of Sheri’s first picture book, Cowhide-And-Seek, illustrated by Jess Pauwels (Running Kids Press) today for Friend Friday. I always love learning about a particular book’s story seeds – and Sheri’s… Read more »
There are two things I love about Lisa Robinson’s story below. The first is that she saw a need in children’s literature and got the idea to fill that need. The second is that, even though it took her twelve years, she did not give up. Perseverance is an essential trait for book creators and… Read more »
I am so pleased Jenn Bailey took time out of her busy book launch schedule to visit with us here at Friend Friday. If you’re like me, you’ve seen buzz for her picture book, A Friend For Henry, illustrated by Mika Song (Chronicle Books) EVERYWHERE. That energy is particularly rewarding for a “quiet” book like… Read more »
I am “quackers” about today’s guest, Liz Wong, and her work. As a volunteer in my granddaughter’s school library, I’ve noticed that Liz’s first picture book (Quackers/Knopf) is one that students wrestle over weekly. So I am delighted that we are celebrating her newest picture book, Goose Egg (Knopf Books for Young Readers). And even… Read more »
It is a sheer delight to host a longtime friend, Kaelen Felix, today, along with Allistar Banks, the author of the book Kaelen illustrated. I “met” Kaelen through email years ago, when she wrote to ask me for tips on being a children’s book creator. Not only have we kept in touch, I actually got… Read more »
I reconnected with Carolyn Dee Flores at the International Literacy Association conference this past summer. She was bubbling with excitement over her forthcoming book, The Amazing Watercolor Fish (Arte Publico/Pinata Books) and I couldn’t resist asking if she would share some of the story behind the book with my followers. She graciously agreed and it… Read more »
One of my earliest memories is of my dad inviting me to watch “an exciting show about Pirates and Giants.” I eagerly climbed up on the sofa next to him. . .to watch a baseball game. The soundtrack of my childhood held the crack of bats, baseball chatter and the satisfying smack of a caught… Read more »
My guest today is Jill Esbaum, who even though she lives in Iowa, has a new picture book about a Pacific Northwest native: BigFoot. This new title joins a long list of charming Jill-created picture books that all channel her inner child. . .but in animal form. (she has a very lively website here; check… Read more »