Today we welcome author-illustrators Flavia Z. Drago (whose sketchbook is pictured above) and Nicola Killen, who highlight the importance of having lots of ideas as creators of children’s books. They’ll share the inspirations behind their recent works, Gustavo the Shy Ghost (Candlewick,
Continue Reading Author-Illustrators Flavia Z. Drago & Nicola Killen on Cultivating Lots of Ideas »
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,
Carolyn Dee Flores is the author-illustrator of nearly a dozen books. Her latest, The Amazing Watercolor Fish (Arte Publico, 2018), has the unique distinction of rhyming in both Spanish and English. I’m very excited to share Carolyn’s insights with Cynsations readers!
What was your initial inspiration for writing The Amazing Watercolor Fish?
Pat Cummings is a successful children’s author-illustrator with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing and illustration, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart),
Learn more about Leslie Helakoski; pictured here at the ALA Conference.
In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
By Traci Sorell
Today we welcome two of my fellow Epic Eighteen creators, Elizabeth Lilly, author-illustrator of Geraldine (Roaring Brook, 2018) and Shanda McCloskey, author-illustrator of Doll-E 1.0 (Little, Brown, May 2018).
Both Shanda and Elizabeth devoted time and effort to developing their skills before landing their first book contracts.
By Traci Sorell
I’m always amazed by those creators who can both write and illustrate their stories. Okay, I’ll admit a little jealous too. My talents do not lend themselves to do both.
So shining the Cynsations’ spotlight today on Sarah Lynne Reul is a treat.
She shares about how she creates her art and why she ultimately decided to become a children’s book author-illustrator instead of focusing solely on illustration.
Continue Reading New Voice: Sarah Lynne Reul on The Breaking News »
By Traci Sorell
To say that I’m thrilled to feature Daria Peoples-Riley, fellow Epic Eighteen member, today on Cynsations is an understatement.
This Is It (Greenwillow, 2018), her debut picture book as an author-illustrator, follows a young girl of color getting ready for a ballet audition.
By Traci Sorell
Today I’m pleased to shine the Cynsations’ spotlight on Dana Wulfekotte, a fellow Epic Eighteen member. Her debut picture book, Rabbit & Possum (Greenwillow, 2018), features the antics of these two friends hoping to share a snack but having to overcome an obstacle first.
Continue Reading New Voice: Interview & Giveaway: Dana Wulfekotte on Rabbit & Possum »
By Traci Sorell
I am pleased to shine the spotlight on a fellow Epic Eighteen debut picture book, Love, Mama by author-illustrator Jeanette Bradley (Roaring Brook, 2018). From the promotional copy:
When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows she’ll return home soon—yet he still can’t help but miss her.
Continue Reading New Voice: Interview & Giveaway: Jeanette Bradley on Love, Mama »
