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

How to Write (In)credible Nonfiction: Find an Expert!

March 15, 2024 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Lori Alexander As the author of nonfiction picture books and chapter books, I’m sometimes asked by other nonfiction writers, “Do I need

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

March 12, 2024 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass have teamed up on this delightful and mysterious novel! How could any lover of middle grade resist?

Interview with Nonfiction Picture Book Writer (and Story Detective!) Karen M. Greenwald

March 5, 2024 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

I’m thrilled to have Karen M. Greenwald as my guest today, a talented nonfiction picture book author, and an incredible “story detective” of sorts. She

Editing Tips 2: When to edit and how

February 20, 2024 Joyce Audy Zarins

To preserve the art of your story, don’t edit until you have a full draft. Or a second, or even a third. Then, you are

#KIDLIT INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ANITRA ROWE SCHULTE

February 13, 2024 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I love the #kidlit community on social media. Anitra reached out to me in a message and when I checked her out,

Embracing Connection: The Joy of Returning to In-Person Conferences

February 9, 2024 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Carrie Pearson Back in the (pre-pandemic) day, writers and illustrators used to gather in person for most of our conferences and workshops.