Years ago I attended a writng workshop with Boyds Mills and I would love (love) to go back. They sell out quickly but do still have spaces available for a picture book retreat this September. If you go, you will NOT regret it. Great instruction, tons of quiet writing time, cute accomodations, and yummy food. Here is the link:
And if a trip to Pennsylvania is a no-go, consider their wonderful online courses. They have another picture book class with the same staff mid August, linked here:
Want to join a really cool club? Okay, fine. A really cool professional association? Check out SCBWI - membership offers access to development events, marketing opportunities, networking with industry professionals, and resources for writers and illustrators. Members also benefit from exclusive discounts, awards, and grants - so, yea, it's pretty awesome.
I am not 100% sure if I can *officially* share the cover of my latest picture book, ALL THE WAVES I LOVE YOU, but I just received the file in my inbox, so I simply must give you a sneaky peek (because #patienceofatoddler). But ... you guys ... it is SO good. And all the credit goes to the talented illustrator Bhagya Madanasinghe and the entire fabulous team at Charlesbridge Publishing.
Deadlines are coming up for many book awards, inclduing those from CHLA. Click below for more information:
Specifically, terminology matters. So here is a breakdown of key picture book terms, from BINDING to VIGNETTES.
I have a lot of heroes, like Jesus (obviously) and Dolly Parton and
whoever invented Diet Coke, and that list also includes Harold Underdown. If you
want to write children's books, you need to know about Harold (genius) and his
website (so good). I attended one of his conferences years ago, and it led to a
book deal. Want to know more, check out the link below:
Math is not my thing, but Picture Book Industry Statistics? I'm all over it. Here are a few key takeaways from recent studies, with a link to more below:
Ya'll know I love a "Top Ten" list - and this one targets common charcater-based misteps illustrators may make in their picture book artwork.
No purpose. Too perfect. It is a great article. And yes, it is about illustration, but authors need to understand how their illustratoprs work so they can give them great material to work with.
HOW A BEAR BECAME A
BOOK: THE COLLABORATION THAT CREATED WINNIE-THE-POOH
by Annette
Bay Pimentel (Author), Faith
Pray (Illustrator)
Published by Henry Holt and Co., 2026
“How a Bear Became
a Book tells the story of how writer, illustrator, and editor came
together to craft Pooh's first adventure. But deeper than that, this book
introduces our youngest readers to how stories begin and where they can go. As
Pooh's voice enters the text, he slowly comes to life in the art.”
THIS! This is one of teh most common issues I see when I am hired to critique a pictuer book manuscript. Mary explains on her website, "[o]ne of the biggest challenges I encounter in my editorial practice is picture books that show character change in a clumsy or overbearing way. Picture books, more than any other category of kidlit, are about character change, a moral, or a lesson. A strong takeaway is expected because we want our young readers to be eating a little bit of medicine (the moral) with their syrup (the story). Like those cookbooks for moms who want to sneak veggies into brownies. But how do we do this effectively, without turning readers (and agents and publishers) off with too much lecturing? It’s all about character!"
What does a faith-based imprint have to do with a really
(really) fun Saturday night I had in June 2025? Let me tell you - it's all
about Leeanne Morgan. She is a brilliant comedian that I had the good fortune
to see in person last summer, and her latest book will debut from Convergent in
August 2026. These people just happen to publish the most wonderful books, and
I can't wait for my copy. (No, it's not a picture book, but it will be fabulous
nonetheless).
According to their website, "The Children’s Book Council (CBC) is the nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children’s books and reading." So if you want to write for children, you shodul know these people. Link below for more information.
Dear God above, I pray today
for guidance on just what to say.
Help me write something true,
with words that bring hearts to you.
Amen.
This author's blog is chock full of great tips and good book recommendations, complete with notes on craft. Love it.
Worth the follow!
The article is titled HOW TO WRITE A PICTURE BOOK IN 18 STEPS. I clearly did not write this article as it takes me about 2,184 steps to write a picture book, many of which are backwards. But take a look and tell me what you think. Personally I think it's a good start, but oh my goodness there is so much more to it than this.
It's picture book month so I had to share a fabulous new find, THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF THE HUMAN BODY. I mean, who doesn't love a little nonfiction, right? Learn more here:
Dream #10,824 of mine is to publish a board book (better yet - a serie sof board books), so obviosuly I have to talk about Cottage Door Press.
Their website says it best "Cottage Door Press was founded with a simple yet profound mission: to create connection and spark imagination through the magic of storytelling. From our earliest days, we became a beloved name in children’s publishing, capturing the hearts of young readers and their families with enchanting characters, vibrant illustrations, and engaging, multi-sensory formats. With best-selling series like Peek-a-Flap, and innovations such as the Luna StoryTime Projector, we have worked to transform story time into an extraordinary journey where learning and wonder come alive. Our dedication to nurturing early childhood development through imaginative storytelling has earned us a trusted spot on family bookshelves around the world... At Cottage Door Press, we believe in the power of stories to unite generations and ignite imaginations. From toddlers delighting in their first words to adults exploring new activities, we remain dedicated to enriching lives, one story—or activity—at a time."
