I knew I was in for a treat by beloved picture book author Mem Fox’s name and the softly rendered illustration on the book cover by Freya Blackwood. But despite my lofty expectations, this picture book exceeded them.
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Man O’ War by Cory McCarthy
A Portuguese Man O’ War is not a jellyfish. “Not only is it not a jellyfish, it’s not even an “it,” but a “they” …
Interview with Debut Picture Book Author Ronni Diamondstein
I’m super excited today to be sharing with you not only a fun, interesting, and inspiring new story about an American icon, but also a
Meet the Very Talented #kidlit Creative, Amanda Davis.
Carol Gordon Ekster: I met a fellow NESCBWI member, Amanda Davis, on social media and when I read her debut book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring
The Thing To Remember About Stargazing: A Lesson in Learning to Rewrite/Revise/Recycle
Guest Post by Matt Forrest Esenwine This is a story about four books and a poem, and how interconnected the publishing life can be. Folks
American vs British English: A Helpful Guide for Writers and Teachers
This post is inspired by The London Eye Mystery, a middle grade novel popular on both sides of the pond by talented Irish author Siobhan Dowd (who sadly, passed away in 2007). First in an award-winning two-book series, it features relatable, memorable, and unique kid sleuths.
Novel Review: Perchance to Dream by Debut Author Tamara Belko
In Perchance to Dream, debut YA author Tamara Belko seamlessly intertwines dual points of view, one in verse and one in prose, to tell a coming-of-age story about loss and second chances.
The Gift of Highlights
by Danna Zeiger Last year, PJ Library gave me the greatest gift I could never give myself: the gift of treating myself seriously and calling
Don’t Let ALMOST Sabotage Your Plot!!
If almost works in real life, why doesn’t it work in our novels? It’s no fun for readers when a scene builds up tension and … almost happens.
TOP 5 STEPS FOR EVALUATING ONLINE WRITING CONFERENCES
You’ve just received another email for an online writers’ conference. How do you know if it’s right for you? Will it really advance your writing career? Is there such a thing as a free conference? I’m the host of Picture Book Summit, and I’ve worked in the online conference space since 2011.
Interview with Author, Illustrator, and Inventor Vicky Fang…and a Book Giveaway!
I consider myself super-duper lucky, as a Writers’ Rumpus blogger, to be able to meet and interview so many talented kidlit authors. I learn new
A Perfect Pair: Science and Poetry in Picture Books
Poetry and science often go hand in hand in children’s literature. Candace Fleming’s Honeybee, winner of the 2021 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, is a perfect example of how lyrical language can bring science to life in a fresh and compelling way. But why do science and poetry pair so well?
PB Review: THE PALACE RAT by Lynne Marie… WITH TWO GIVEAWAYS!
by Danna Zeiger After living through pandemic times in the year 2023, if there’s anything we as a society have learned, it’s this: flexibility and
Writing YA? Stressing Over Structure? Check Out Jessica Brody’s New Book: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a YA Bestseller
Let’s warm up with a True or False Pop Quiz about Story Structure:
WRITERS' RUMPUS 