The Cool Kids Club

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. 

SCWBI link

Words Matter

Specifically, terminology matters. So here is a brekdown of key picture book terms, from BINDING to VIGNETTES. 

PICTURE BOOK TERMS

NEWCOVERNEWCOVERNEWCOVERIMSOEXCITEDNEWCOVERSOHAPPYNEWCOVERNEWCOVER

 

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.

A Moment for My Hero

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:

Harold Underdown

The Numbers Are In

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:

• 01

  21. 82% of parents read picture books to their children 3+ times per week.

• 02

  22. 60% of children aged 2-8 own over 50 picture books.

• 03

  23. 75% of picture book purchases for young children are influenced by parental recommendations.

• 04

  31. 90% of elementary school teachers use picture books in daily lessons.

• 05

  32. Picture books improve vocabulary by an average of 12% in preschool children when used in weekly reading programs.

• 06

  33. 85% of kindergarten teachers report that picture books enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) in students.

• 07

  41. 35% of picture books now include interactive elements (e.g., pull-tabs, touch-sensitive pages).

THE STATS

Got Jesus, Need Books?

 

Look no further than Paraclete Press. If you are looking for beuatiful faith based childrens books, or want to write them and need inspiration, click the link for more information: 

Paraclete Press

"For more than 40 years, Paraclete Press has presented the Christian faith in written work, sacred music, and visual art— from ancient spiritual writings and classics to contemporary works, including devotionals, seasonal studies, poetry, fiction, children's books, and recordings. Partnering with Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox voices, Paraclete Press is known for publishing books and music of spiritual depth, thoughtfully created and beautifully presented"

Cute New Book Alert

 

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.”

Click to buy