Congratulations to our own Cynthia Leitich Smith on the publication of Firefly Season, illustrated by Kate Gardiner (Heartdrum, May 13, 2025)! From the publisher’s website:
Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck),
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Cynthia Leitich Smith Reflects on Craft, Career & Creativity »
Cynsations welcomes Kidlit Caravan members, Kimberly Wilson, Robyn McGrath , and Suma Subramaniam today!
Why did you write this picture book?
Kimberly: A Dollar’s Grand Dream, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann and published by Page Street Kids,
I was born and raised in India and had always been a reader since I was a child. Most of my time while in school and outside school was spent in the library. We didn’t travel much. We couldn’t afford to travel much. But my parents filled my life with books.
Continue Reading Cynsations Intern: Suma Subramaniam on Her Love of Books »
By Karen Kane
How you use feedback can make or break your story.
Which feedback do you follow?
Which feedback do you ignore?
Most importantly, how can you make sure the feedback you do use deepens your writing, and not derails it?
Here’s what I know about feedback: you are in charge.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Karen Kane on Analyzing Feedback »
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, what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
By Cate Berry
Looking back on your undergraduate years, do you have remorse? What got away?
Mine is easy. I regret not spending a semester abroad.
Enter my grad school: Vermont College of Fine Arts. I graduated this July with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Cate Berry on VCFA at Bath Spa University »
By Jane Kurtz
Giving birth to a book is hard. I know. I know. Whine whine whine. Anyway, labor pains are almost over. The new middle grade novel is almost out in the world.
On the verge of my book’s birthday, I returned to the Portland school where my brother and fellow author,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Jane Kurtz on Bringing Books Into the World »
From author Jane Kurtz:
“Pennies promise poetry.
Dollars deliver dreams.
A buck can buy a book and books change lives.
“Instead of asking ‘a penny for your thoughts,’ we’re asking you to put your two cents in by donating a dollar to Ethiopia Reads during the month of May help in celebration of our fourth anniversary.
