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

Flexibility Is Key to Being a Published Author

December 12, 2014 Carol Gordon Ekster

By Carol Ekster I learned about the powerful quote below, by Maya Angelou, when an instructor shared it in spin class. It touched me. Wanting

The Perfect (Signed!) Book for Everyone on Your List

December 5, 2014 Alumni & Guests

It’s been a dream come true seeing At Your Service on bookshelves this year, I’m having a blast in my Author-in-Residence role at my local

Your Style Is Your Style….Or Is It?

November 25, 2014 Alumni & Guests

By Diana Zipeto “Your image reminds me of Maurice Sendak.” “That character is very Peanuts-like.” “The way you draw reminds me of another artist, I

How to Host a Book Swap

November 21, 2014 Alison Potoma

Last year a pair of second graders, Cianna and Laura, came to me with a proposal. “Ms. Potoma, we would like to have a book

Tara Lazar, founder of PiBoIdMo and talented author!

November 18, 2014 Kirsti Call

Kirsti Call: I first became aware of Tara Lazar when I joined her Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) challenge. What a wonderful way to connect

Meet the talented children’s author, April Pulley Sayre.

November 14, 2014 Carol Gordon Ekster

I first met April at Kindling Words, a writing retreat. We happened to have gotten paired together for a funny ice-breaking activity of looking into