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!

HOW TO MIDDLE GRADE

Hi! My name’s James Ponti, and I write Middle Grade book series such as City Spies and The Sherlock Society. I’m excited to share some pointers with you, but only with a major caveat. I know a bunch of writers and we all do it differently. I’m not talking plotting vs. pantsing, but radically different approaches.

SKIPSHOCK by Caroline O’Donoghue: A Master Class in World Building

For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, this genre-blending novel is a master class in how to create details and imagery that pull readers into the plot and keep them riveted from first page to last, and importantly, leave them eager for more.

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

Dinosaur Picture Books Will Never Go Extinct!!

May 19, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

These books, all engaging and unique, delightfully demonstrate that even if dinosaurs have been extinct for Millenia, a world of interpretation remains alive and roaring at our creative fingertips.

Interview with Lois Brandt — Talented Picture Book Author of Maddi’s Fridge

May 12, 2026 Keri Demers

Yes, that’s Jennifer Garner on Storyline Online reading Maddi’s Fridge (Flashlight Press, 2014, 2022) by Award-Winning Author Lois Brandt. And the video (which you should

Meet Jake Lockett and enter to win My Life as an Asthmanaut!

May 5, 2026 Marcia Strykowski

The timing of this post turned out to be perfect! Even though Jake’s book launched in April, we had a tight blogging schedule, and I

The cover of Bored by Felicita Sala shows a girl lounging backward on a large pile of pillows looking quite bored.

#Kidlit Picture Book Review: “Bored” by Author/Illustrator Felicita Sala

April 28, 2026 Monica Acker

Bored (Neal Porter Books) by author/illustrator Felicita Sala is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. It is beautifully illustrated, honestly written, contains moments of

PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison … plus a giveaway, too!

April 21, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

You’ll be whipping up a delicious batch of pancakes after reading this interview with incredibly talented Carrie Finison – just like you likely ran out to purchase your favorite doughnuts after reading DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS, the first book in this endearing character-driven series.