School buses have been an inspiration for lots of picture books over the years. Just peruse any children’s library and you’ll find stories about nervous
Tag: Inspiration
Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall Are Back At It…With STELLA & MARIGOLD!
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.
The 2024 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
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
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
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!
Herve Tullet’s Newest Picture Book: “Dot! Scribble! Go!” is a Must-Buy Book for Kids on the Nice List this Holiday Season!
Renowned French multi-disciplinary artist, performer, illustrator and children’s author, Herve Tullet, is a true creative genius. Amongst his many artistic talents, he’s written more than 80 books for children which have been translated into more than 30 languages.
Interview With Debut Picture Book Author Madhu Messenger…And a Giveaway!
There’s not a social event I love more in this world than a wedding–the exquisite clothes, mouth-watering morsels of food, music, dancing, and beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments between family and friends.
THE CURSE OF WILLOW COVE by Josh Roberts
Owl Hollow Press, 2024 THE WITCHES OF WILLOW COVE is a wonderful MG debut released in 2020 and I am delighted that the girls and
Gregory Maguire on Defeating Writers Block
Like many of you, I follow certain authors on Facebook where insights into their personalities, current works, and nuggets of wisdom are available. Gregory Maguire,
This is How You Do It: A Look at Real Children’s Lives and Stories
I have a confession to make—I’ve been spending scandalous amounts time this summer sipping tea (sometimes a probiotic soda) out on my back patio, reading
TERRY FARISH’S POWERFUL NEW YA NOVEL: GO HOME
In a world beset by anger and fear, what does it mean to protect one’s home and family? So starts the publisher’s description about one
Meet the Amazing HELEN KAMPION, Debut #Kidlit Author
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Helen at one of my book launches in 2017. She’s an amazing supporter of other authors and reached out to
A Touching Story of Sibling Conflict and Understanding in a Recently Released Picture Book: Terrible Horses
Don’t let the title fool you. Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max (Candlewick, 2024) is a terrific new picture book, described by
NEED SOME CRAFT-FOCUSED MOTIVATION?
I know I do! I am fretting over the fact that I haven’t written creatively in several months. While I haven’t abandoned my writing career,
WRITERS' RUMPUS 