WRITERS' RUMPUS

Yes, the title of this post borrows from this gloriously AWEsome picture book (published March 3, 2026 by Scholastic Press), but I totally couldn’t resist! Both a visual treat (thank you, Susan) and an inspiring read (thank you, Chana), what makes AWE! vault into being one of the best picture books I’ve ever read is how the words and pictures meld together to create a memorable, soul stirring, heart lifting experience.

Interview with #Kidlit Coauthor of Unbreakable – Jolene Gutiérrez

June 9, 2026 Monica Acker

Storytelling unites generations, preserves culture, and shares the human experience. It can connect us to the past in the hope of a better future. This

When Narration and Puzzles Intertwine: Creating Storified Puzzle Books

June 5, 2026 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Derek Reid I’ve always dealt in the truth and glory of the real universe. When I was five or six years old,

Picture Book Review: In The World of Whales

June 2, 2026 Genevieve Rossi

In The World of Whales, written by Michelle Cusolito and illustrated by Jessica Lanan, was published by Neal Porter books on June 17, 2025. Upon

I Wish I Didn’t Have To Tell You This

May 26, 2026 Marti Johnson

I WISH I DIDN’T HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS was written and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin, a Russian-born American author and an artist of many

These Wouldn’t Be Published Today

October 4, 2016 Marianne Knowles

My vintage-book collection expanded this summer with two picture books published within two years of each other. One is fiction, the other nonfiction, and both

How to Support the Diverse Books Movement

September 30, 2016 Alumni & Guests

By Dana Nuenighoff We Need Diverse Books. Four simple words. This movement is not a trend or a fad, but a way of life. Diversity

A Newborn Writer Hits the Books, Hits the Streets, and Lands in a Chair

September 27, 2016 Alumni & Guests

By Wendy Leiserson It started with an idea and a passion. To write. To find readers. And to get paid. Six months ago I decided

5 Ways to Stay Motivated in Your Writing Journey

September 23, 2016 Alumni & Guests

Motivation.

Motivational posters are often parodied (like the one with the kitty above). But without it you won’t get too far out of bed, or off the couch, or reach your writing goals.