WRITERS' RUMPUS

Transitional Readers – Diving into Early Readers and Chapter Books

I recently launched my newest series, One Mad Cat. My publisher calls it a “graphic reader.” SLJ calls it an “early reader.” JLG calls it a “chapter book.” So what on earth is it? And does it even matter? I’m going to talk about the world of early readers, including the various formats, craft considerations, and pitching.

The Puffin Who Whispered: Interview with #kidlit talent Marcia Strykowski … and a giveaway, too!

In this interview, I’m excited to interview my gracious and uber talented friend about The Puffin Who Whispered on its fledgling day. Although this charming book is fiction, I guarantee you’ll be as puffin-obsessed as I am after reading Marcia’s responses!

Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall Are Back At It…With STELLA & MARIGOLD!

January 7, 2025 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

One of the great highlights of my summer, besides attending a fantastic writing retreat in the green mountains of Vermont, was receiving an advanced reader copy of Stella & Marigold from Chronicle Books (thank you from the bottom of my book-loving heart, Chronicle). It’s the first book in a brand-new early reader series for children 6-9 years old, by the magical author-illustrator duo Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall.

Happy New Year to Kidlit Creators: Embrace the Journey!

December 31, 2024 Marianne Knowles

But wait, where is the Picture Book Opportunities post for January, 2025? The monthly blog posts listing courses, conferences, contests, and other events ended with

The 2024 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review

December 24, 2024 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you’re invited to peruse my 2024 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review! As another year draws to a close, I continue to marvel at the variety and quality of our posts, and thank all of our authors and readers for your commitment to our kidlit blog. Once again, I’ve been honored and challenged to highlight one post from each of our talented contributors with an image, date link, and brief summary. Enjoy!!

SPECIAL MOMENTS

December 17, 2024 Marti Johnson

Around the globe people are celebrating. Why December in particular? I can only speculate. AI suggests that as darkness comes earlier each day, we all need a reason to seek joy.

Interview with Cathy Stefanec Ogren, #kidlit talented author

December 10, 2024 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Cathy Ogren is one of those talented writers we’re all glad to have in our critique groups. Lucky me! She’s in two of my groups. And she’s an inspiration. She has hung in there for many years while she waited for her next book contract. Let’s get inspired!

World of Books 13: Spain

December 3, 2024 Joyce Audy Zarins

Here are two picture books by different author-illustrators from Spain that encourage individuality and whose characters are insects and other arthropods. Coincidentally, among the protagonists