WRITERS' RUMPUS

QUILT OF STARS: Out-of-this-World Book Talk and Giveaway with Co-Authors Astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg and Ann McCallum Staats

September 29, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Happy Book Birthday to QUILT OF STARS: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream! This inspiring and beautiful written picture book, published by Familius, is co-authored by the impressibly accomplished and talented duo of Dr. Karen Nyberg and Ann McCallum Staats and gorgeously illustrated by Alida Massari.

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INTERVIEW WITH #JEWISH #KIDLIT #MIDDLEGRADE AUTHOR MIRIAM CHERNICK

September 22, 2026 DrZatHome

I dove into Miriam Chernick’s The Zuzu Secret with great excitement and anticipation–and was not disappointed. As a molecular biologist and geneticist who has taught

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MG Book Review: GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS by Meg Medina

September 15, 2026 Jennifer Finkle

Meg Medina’s GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS (Candlewick Press, 2025) is an absolutely delightful dual POV story that alternates between the perspectives of a spirit girl named Graciela and a young mortal boy named Jorge.

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Interview with debut picture book author Laura De La Cruz … and a giveaway of LOWRIDER FOR SALE!

September 8, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Happy Book Birthday to LOWRIDER FOR SALE, the heartwarming picture book debut by talented and gracious author Laura De La Cruz. Laura has impressed me with her positive and supportive comments on our blog, so when she inquired about an interview, it was my honor and pleasure to enthusiastically say yes!

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Cool off on Winter Solstice Hill with Cathy Stefanec Ogren!

September 4, 2026 Marcia Strykowski

I’m excited to have talented author Cathy Stefanec Ogren here on the blog today! Her latest picture book releases on October 20, 2026, and I

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Cats, Chess, and Finding Your People: An Interview with CAT TAKES QUEEN Author Ilona Bray (and a Giveway!!)

September 1, 2026 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

I first connected with Ilona Bray through social media and its vibrant online kidlit community. Right away, I was drawn to her warmth, thoughfulness, and

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Welcome to an Introduction to Writing Chapter Books!

June 6, 2025 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Vicky Fang Hello! I’m excited to be talking about chapter books today. I’m the author of Layla and the Bots and the

Meet the talented Michelle Lin, #kidlit author/illustrator.

June 3, 2025 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Michelle Lin at Kindling Words East this past February. She was one of those kind lovely humans who stands out.

New 2025 Picture Books!

May 27, 2025 Marcia Strykowski

There have been so many wonderful new books lately! This post will focus mostly on picture books from three successful publishers who generously shared new

Beyond Coloring Pages: Making Your Educator’s Guide Pop

May 20, 2025 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Ann McCallum Staats The book is written. The press release is out and it’s countdown time until it’s released. Now, what can

INTERVIEW WITH #JEWISH #KIDLIT AUTHOR MARCELLA PIXLEY ABOUT MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL-IN-VERSE NESHAMA, PLUS A DOUBLE CRITIQUE AND AMA GIVEAWAY

May 13, 2025 DrZatHome

By Danna Zeiger Novels-in-verse hold a special place in my heart. As an emotional person, and one who loves poetry and playing with words, verse

Climbing Onward with Junko Tabei…and Leveled Nonfiction!

May 6, 2025 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

I’m a nerdy but lovable nonfiction writer. More lovable than nerdy, ok? As such, I’m constantly on the lookout for a mind-blowing, heart-hugging real-life story,