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

What Shape Is That Story?

September 30, 2014 Joyce Audy Zarins

While reading John Green’s Looking for Alaska recently, I was surprised by the shape of the story. It reminded me of other authors who have

World-Building Errors, as Illustrated by Divergent

September 26, 2014 Alumni & Guests

By Almitra Clay Even if you haven’t read it or seen the movie, chances are you are aware of Veronica Roth’s Divergent. In the first

Book Review: Louise Loves Art, by Kelly Light

September 23, 2014 Alumni & Guests

IT’S HERE!! LOUISE LOVES ART BY KELLY LIGHT IS NOW IN BOOKSTORES!! I preordered Kelly Light’s debut picture book, Louise Loves Art, in August. I had

What’s in a Character’s Name? Part 1

September 19, 2014 Alison Potoma

The etymology of names is something that has always interested me. When I was in high school, writing plays, I went to the local book

Back to School, Back to Work!

September 16, 2014 Alumni & Guests

By Carrie Charley Brown You’ve taken the first day of school pictures, posted them on Facebook, and sent the kids back to school, backpacks and

Meet amazing author/illustrator: Jenny Kostecki-Shaw

September 12, 2014 Carol Gordon Ekster

I loved Jenny Kostecki-Shaw’s work from the minute I read her books. They are beautifully illustrated with wonderful themes – kid friendly and parent friendly.