As I type out the words ‘Debut Picture Book Author’ in front of Cathy’s name, I feel a surge of excitement and pride course through
Category: Book Reviews – Picture Books
Following the Tracks of a Story Idea
Finding a tale or a topic that intrigues me is only the first step. Sometimes it takes years from my original inspiration to the final product.
Library Girl: How NANCY PEARL Became America’s Most Celebrated Librarian by Karen Henry Clark
Library Girl (May 2022, Penguin Random House, Sasquatch Books) is an incredibly inspiring, well-crafted, true tale of unsung heroine Nancy Pearl and her lifelong commitment
Meet the amazingly talented author/illustrator, Katie Mazeika!
Carol Gordon Ekster: Katie Mazeika is in my picture book marketing group, PBrockiteers22. When I read Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette Kellerman,
Examining the Personality Traits of Memorable Characters
Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern. Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, and Christopher Robin. If you read and/or write kidlit, I’m sure you know these well-loved characters and the phenomenally popular books they inhabit. So how do we create characters as memorable as these?
HOW AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS INSPIRE EACH OTHER WITHOUT EVER TALKING!
Guest Post by Rebecca Gardyn Levington When I first started writing picture books, I was FLABBERGASTED to learn that authors don’t choose the illustrators of
Gifting – Evidence of a Book’s Lure
The goal of publishing a book is to sell it, but what characteristics of a book inspire that purchase? Of the two ways that most
ATLAS of DOGS: Explore the PAW-SOME World of Pooches
The ATLAS OF DOGS introduces 150 paw-some pooches in the geographic region from which they hail with engaging, kid-friendly language and vibrant, personality-packed illustrations. Though the reading level is tagged at grades 1-3, this is an atlas an entire family of dog lovers can enjoy!
Interview with Picture Book Author Carol Gordon Ekster…and a Critique or Author Chat Giveaway!
I am so lucky to be able to be able to sit down today with one of my favorite writing mentors and critique group buddies, Carol Gordon Ekster.
Dedications: How Do You Decide?
Congratulations! You wrote the manuscript, sold the manuscript, and revised the manuscript. You’ve seen the art and finalized the title. Now, it’s time to decide to whom you will dedicate your book.
It Only Took a Mere Two Decades to Become an Overnight Success
Here we are on the Eve of Christmas Eve and the 6th night of Hanukkah. Our menorah candles are burning bright. The Christmas lights twinkle. Cookies are cooling. And latkes sizzle in the pan. I love it when both holidays overlap as they do in my book, Latkes for Santa Claus.
Before We Turn the Page: The 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
2022 brought a marvelous array of posts to inspire, inform, teach, and delight Writers’ Rumpus readers, but don’t fret if you missed one here or there. Each December, it’s my honor to highlight one post from each of our talented contributors with an image, a link, and a brief summary. So kick back with your favorite beverage and cuddly blanket while you peruse the 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Review.
#kidlit Interview with the fabulous author, JYOTI RAJAN GOPAL
Carol Gordon Ekster: Having connected with Jyoti through the Courage to Create program through the Writing Barn, I wanted to share her wisdom, strength, and
Keeping a Series Fresh with Kid-Friendly Conflicts and Changing Genres
Josh Funk shares tips and anecdotes about keeping the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series fresh with relatable conflicts and swapping genres in each subsequent release.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 