Picture Books

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.

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 #80: How to Write an Exceptional Book Description with Michelle Schusterman

On this episode, Laura welcomes author, writing instructor and ghost writer Michelle Schusterman. The topic: How to craft a standout, succinct book description. A good book description can help you know if your idea is working and will find an audience, and provides the basis for your query letter.

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!

Kidlit Social #69: ‘Radical Solutions’ to Beat Fear, Doubt & Criticism and Thrive Creatively

On this inspirational episode, meet award-winning Middle Grade/YA author and creative writing professor Todd Mitchell. Todd joins us to share insights from his new book Breakthrough: How to Overcome Doubt, Fear, and Resistance to Be Your Ultimate Creative Self.

Todd offers up some amazing, radical, perspective-shifting solutions for how to enhance creativity, deal with doubt, procrastination, and criticism, and make creative endeavors more enjoyable and effective.

Kidlit Social #68: Writing Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers

In this edition, meet authors Lola M. Schaefer and Jill Esbaum. Lola and Jill are both part of Simon & Schuster’s breakthrough Ready to Read Graphics series, which introduces young readers to the graphic novel concept.

This is an important trend, and one you should definitely be aware of. Lola and Jill l also share their thoughts on the Easy Reader market and give some great tips.

Kidlit Social #65: Melissa Stewart on Creating Nonfiction for the Classroom

On this episode of The Kidlit Social, meet Melissa Stewart, author of “5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books”, along with dozens of kidlit nonfiction titles currently in use by school districts as part of their curricula.

Melissa discussed creating nonfiction for kids while keeping educators’ needs in mind – a vital skill as schools and libraries are the biggest market for children’s nonfiction.

Kidlit Social #64: Picture Book Author Nadia Salomon on Getting Published & Promoting Your Work

In this episode, meet Nadia Salomon, author of the wonderful, recently released Goodnight Ganesha (Philomel, 2021, ill. by Poonam Mistry).

Nadia joins us to discuss the steps she took to get her debut picture book published, and what she’s done since the release date to assure its success. Expect lots of great tips you can start applying right now to help aid your own publishing journey!

Kidlit Social #63: Writing Books w/ STEM Tie-Ins & Crafting Realistic Animals

Meet illustrator, explorer and children’s book author Katy Tanis. Katy’s work bursts with color, and a true love for every creature on land, in air and under sea. In this episode of The Social, Katy talks about her writing/illustration process, and gives her advice for aspiring illustrators. She also touches on the necessity for authors and illustrators to do their research and accurately reflect the behaviors of animals in children’s book texts (fiction and nonfiction) and illustrations, as well as the environment.

Katy gives some examples of how to do that research, and why this accuracy is important since so many publishers are looking for books with STEM tie-ins (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).