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Kidlit Social #85: The Final Kidlit Social: Ask Laura Anything!
On this final episode, Laura answers a wide range of questions about writing and publishing
Kidlit Social #83: Picture Books – A Look Into the Author/Illustrator Relationship
On this episode, Laura welcomes John Bray and Josh Cleland, the author/illustrator team behind the acclaimed new picture book The End (Starry Forest Books). Laura, John and Josh talk about the creation of this book and the creative collaborative process necessary for the words and pictures to work together to build a book that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Meet Frances Gilbert, Author & Editor-in-Chief, Doubleday Books For Young Readers
A chat with Frances Gilbert. In addition to being the editor-in-chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, Frances has authored picture books for Simon & Schuster and Random House, several Step Into Reading leveled readers, and a Little Golden Book.
Kidlit Social #81: Meet the Publisher, with Robert Agis of Starry Forest Books
Laura welcomes publisher Robert Agis. Robert is President of Starry Forest Books, an independent publisher with titles ranging from board books to chapter books published under their Starry Forest and Little Hero imprints.
Kidlit Social #79: Chris Barton on Supporting Teachers & Free Expression in the Classroom
On this episode, Laura welcomes Chris Barton, author of 23 books including the New York Times Bestseller Shark vs. Train. Chris discusses a vitally important topic: How authors can actively support libraries, teachers and free expression in the classroom.
He also offers tips for writing compelling fiction and nonfiction picture books, and share insights into the creation of his newest books Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates, How to Make a Book (About My Dog) and Fire Truck vs. Dragon.
Kidlit Social #78: Writing Picture Books with Layers and Purpose with Carol Gordon Ekster
On this episode, Laura welcomes Laura welcomes picture book author Carol Gordon Ekster (Some Daddies, Before I Sleep I Say Thank You, You Know What?, Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?: Kids Coming to Terms with Divorce).
They discuss why picture books need layers of meaning today in order to earn the right to be published. Carol gives tips for developing ideas into publishing-worthy picture books, as well as revealing how she has turned over 2000 rejections into a learning opportunity. Join us for some inspiration and great advice!
A Chat With Renowned Children’s Author Laura Numeroff
New York Times bestselling author Laura Numeroff talks about the creation of her beloved picture book series that began with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, as well as her other children’s book series, and supporting causes she loves with her writing.
Michael Sampson, NYT Best-Selling Author & Collaborator with Bill Martin Jr.
New York Times best-selling author Michael Sampson talks about writing for children and his longtime collaboration with the late Bill Martin Jr.
Kidlit Social #73: Wildlife Author Laurel Neme on Building a Writing Career Around Your Passions
Meet wildlife author and journalist Laurel Neme, author of ANIMAL INVESTIGATORS: How the World’s First Wildlife Forensics Lab is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species, which has been featured on ABC News Nightline and NPR’s Science Friday.
She was just nominated (by National Geographic) for a Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting, together with her colleague, Jeff Barbee, for their series of articles on oil drilling in the Okavango. Laura and Laurel chat about how to use your passions to establish yourself as a specialist/expert in magazine and book publications (and build a career around those passions) and Laurel’s research techniques.
Kidlit Social #72: How Lesléa Newman Changed the World – And What Comes Next
Meet Lesléa Newman, author of dozens of children’s books that have made a major impact on our culture. In 1989, Lesléa published her first picture book, Heather Has Two Mommies. It’s a work that has deeply inspired parents and children, LGBTQ and otherwise, and has been a lightning rod for censorship and book bannings. Since then, Lesléa has built an award-winning career filled with beautifully written and meaningful books that give life to her motto: Changing the World One Book at a Time.
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