A look at how Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown grow their beloved Creepy picture books into early chapter books — and why spooky stories work year-round for young readers.
Category: Inspiration
The 2025 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
Before we close the book on 2025, I welcome you to peruse my annual Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review. As with my first review post back in 2017, my goal for 2025 is to showcase the breadth and depth of our offerings from our talented contributors with a single post from each. Click on a date link below, and you’ll be magically whisked to the complete post, no sleighs or reindeer required!
FROM IDEA TO IMPACT: WRITING SEL PICTURE BOOKS
Guest Post by Danna Smith What are SEL Picture Books? An SEL picture book teaches children about emotions, life skills, and empathy. Creating one can
New in Picture Books: Hello, Tobi! by Andrea Cáceres
Hello, Tobi (Candlewick, 2025), by Author/Illustrator Andrea Cáceres had me at hello. Literally. The cover is a playful invitation, with an illustration of Cáceres’s 15-year-old
Writing Across Genres & Empowering Indie Authors: Author-Publisher Donna L. Martin
I met children’s author and indie publisher Donna L. Martin through a #BookHero school library book drive I coordinate every March with fellow kidlit authors
How to Become Your Own Copy Editor
“Impossible!” you cry. “Nonsense!” I reply. Here are ten common issues found in novel manuscripts and tips to help you avoid or correct them.
Writing About a Living Person: A Conversation with Author Danna Zeiger and Dr. Kathleen Friel
If you’ve been keeping up with our wildly engaging Writers’ Rumpus blog this summer, then you’ve already become well-acquainted with debut author Danna Zeiger and
Meet the Talented #kidlit #debut author, Danna Zeiger, plus #giveaway
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Danna is in my Andover, MA SCBWI critique group. Her debut book comes out this September, and I want to introduce you
INTERVIEW WITH #KIDLIT #PICTUREBOOK AUTHORS AND #AGENTS HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM JAMES AND LUCY CATCHPOLE, PLUS A CRITIQUE/AMA GIVEAWAY
By Danna Zeiger (and her kids) We just missed Disability Pride Month (July!) but I would love to extend the festivities with James and Lucy’s
Celebrating World Tiger Day! Interview with Debra Kim Wolf, author of A FAMILY FOR ZOYA: The True Story of an Endangered Cub … and a giveaway!!
When Debra wrote to our blog about a potential interview regarding her nonfiction picture book, A Family for Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub, I took one look at the book cover and signed up immediately.
More Than a Page Turner: Julie Soto’s Bold YA Debut is a Must-Study Mentor Text.
Fellow writers, we’ve all looked to successful kidlit authors (you’ll spot some of the best in the photo below!) for advice, inspiration, and tips on
These Four Colorful, Creative, and Captivating Alphabet Books Go WAY Beyond Teaching ABCs
These alphabet books are out of this world! One introduces readers to space. One delights us in a magical robot world. One reveals an ever-changing
Where Are the Women? Interview With Author-Illustrator Janice Hechter…And a Giveaway!
“An inspiring true story of female empowerment.” -KIRKUS REVIEWS
Revise and Resubmit: Making a Stellar Second Impression
Not to boast, but I was a great high school student. My key to success was discovering what the teacher wanted and giving them just
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