Remy Lai, author and illustrator of Pie in the Sky (Henry Holt, 2019) and Cory Leonardo, author of The Simple Art of Flying (Aladdin, 2019) reflect on the debuts of their middle-grade novels. For both, finding fellow writers as mentors or critique partners along the journey proved invaluable.
Continue Reading New Voices: Remy Lai & Cory Leonardo Reflect on their Middle Grade Debuts »
By Traci Sorell
Getting a sneak peek at a beautiful picture book before it’s printed always brings me joy. When the book combines poetry and breathtaking images, my joy increases and my heart sings.
That’s what happened when I saw Evan Turk’s You Are Home: An Ode to the National Parks (Atheneum,
By Janet Wong
It’s the start of a new year—the school year—the real new year to many of us.
Are you ready for a vacation already?
If you are a writer, consider this: Sign up this month for a conference, something—anything—having to do with books. Why?
Blogs like this one can be incredibly inspiring and easy to read in the comfort of your kitchen or office,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Janet Wong: Happy New Year! (It’s Time for a Vacation) »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Q & A with Kekla Magoon by Sally Lodge from Publishers Weekly. Peek: “If you recognize the power of your own voice and your good qualities, you will be able to discover and stand up for what you believe in….
Charlotte Nicole Davis is the debut author of The Good Luck Girls (Tor Teen, Oct. 1, 2019).
How would you describe your writing apprenticeship and transition to an actively publishing author? What were the surprises, challenges and strategies that have defined your experience along the way?
I love true stories about people, which is why I write biographies. While I include names, places, events, dates, and accomplishments, I want them to be a natural part of the story.
Equally important to me is that I craft the text so that readers will feel something about the person I’m writing about.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Carla Killough McClafferty on Evoking Feelings in Nonfiction »
By Barbara Dee
These days educators agree that there’s no such thing as a “boy book” or a “girl book.” All kids, whatever their gender identity—male, female or nonbinary—should have access to every book on the shelf, no matter the color scheme of the cover or where the main character falls on the gender spectrum.
Lee Bennett Hopkins, celebrated and renowned poet, educator, and anthologist, died Aug. 8 in Cape Coral, Florida. He was 81.
Obituary: Lee Bennett Hopkins from The New York Times. Peek:
“Mr. Hopkins was famed in the children’s book world for championing poetry as well as for the sheer volume of his output.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Illustrator Spotlight: Marlena Myles from KidLit 411. Peek: “Saturated colors is one of the trademarks of my work; I wasn’t intentionally trying to illustrate for children, but…became aware of how attracted kids were to my art organically on their own.
“You’re on fire!”
“Rockstar!”
“You’re killing it!”
Those are the types of comments that came across my social media feed last fall as I posted screenshots of my most recent book deal announcements.
Due to publishing’s funky and unpredictable timing, I had back-to-back announcements two weeks in a row: one for my middle grade nonfiction about the Thai Cave Rescue and another for my new chapter book series,