As promised, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, author of The Oldest Student, is here to share a bit from “behind the scenes” in the publishing process. Authors are often in a quandary about illustration notes, so here are some thoughts from Rita on her experience with her latest picture book. Notes from THE OLDEST STUDENT: What I … More Behind the Scenes: Rita Lorraine Hubbard on “Illustration Notes”
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is truly a treasure—the story of Mary Walker’s 121 years of perseverance, all the while holding onto her dream to learn how to read. Don’t miss it! And come back next Friday to hear from author, Rita Lorraine Hubbard. A momentary pause here to congratulate PATRICIA NOZELL, the winner from last … More The Oldest Student
Vivian Kirkfield had a tremendous 2019 with three books releasing, and she’s off to a busy 2020! Like the women she writes about in MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD, she has found her voice and is making it heard in the kid lit world! Writing a story with two main characters, means not only connecting the … More Mining for Heart: “The Voice of Heart” by Vivian Kirkfield
I have to say, I couldn’t have made it to published without the collective knowledge and generosity of the kid lit village. Big thanks to all those who share their experience and create forums for learning! THE VILLAGE OF WRITERS –NF FEST by Pat Miller I couldn’t have published six fiction picture books by myself. … More Behind the Scenes: “The Village of Writers —NF Fest” by Pat Miller
Maps! I love maps! I’m a word nerd and a map nerd, so can’t resist sharing this beauty for Perfect Picture Book Friday. It’s the evolution of an island, the collision of man and nature. Fascinating! I spent some time poring over old maps of Manhattan as I worked on Lizzie Demands a Seat, so … More Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island
It’s so exciting to see a critique partner’s books come out—manuscripts you’ve watched develop from the early stages, take shape, and find their polished form. Michelle Lord and I must have both started investigating Maria Toorpakai Wazir about the same time, unbeknownst to each other. I set it aside, but Michelle kept on it. I … More Behind the Scenes: “Write What You Know?” by Michelle Lord
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is A GIRL CALLED GENGHIS KHAN by Michelle Lord and illustrated by Shehzil Malik. It provides a peek into culture, sports, and one girl’s dream to be free to follow her heart. Next week, the author and illustrator will share their process of finding a bit of themselves in the story. … More A Girl Called Genghis Khan
Being the 1st is not enough.” I’ve heard these words from editors who probably receive way too many picture book manuscripts about someone who did something first. Authors scramble to uncover inventions and accomplishments, discoveries and honors, breakthroughs and court victories. Being first is commendable and implies individual greatness, but it’s not always interesting, engaging, … More Behind the Scenes: “Being the 1st Is Not Enough”
If you saw last week’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post on DUCKWORTH THE DIFFICULT CHILD, you might be curious as to how Michael Sussman comes up with his ideas. Well….here he is to share his process of “mining” for the heart of humor. Thanks, Michael! The Heart of Humor Is anything more delightful than the … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart of Humor” by Michael Sussman
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s a refreshingly fun tale that turns the usual upside down. Next week author Michael Sussman will be back to share his take on the heart of humor! Title: Duckworth the Difficult Child Written by: Michael Sussman Illustrated by: Júlia Sardá Simon & Schuster 2019 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: … More Duckworth the Difficult Child
