In this episode of Picture Book Look, we’re joined by author Valerie Bolling and editors Karen Boss and Kristin Allard to talk about two powerful picture books that explore social justice and standing up for change: The March for Hope (illustrated by Monica Mikai) and A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (illustrated by Temika Grooms). Together, we discuss bringing stories of activism, courage, and hope to young readers and the important role picture books play in helping children understand how they can make a difference.

Learn more about Valerie: https://www.valeriebolling.com/

Follow Valerie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriebollingauthor

The only thing we love more than a clever picture book are the creators who bring them to life! We love chatting with Shawn Harris and editor Taylor Norman about the journey of the new clever picture book, DUEL! You don't want to miss this episode - you'll definitely want to take out some construction paper and paints by the end!!

Learn more about Shawn Harris here: https://www.shawnharris.info/

Follow Shawn on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shawnharri5/

Today Kim and Kirsti reflect on things they wish they'd known before they were published. Things about writing, things about the publishing process, things about working with editors and more!

Published authors, what would you add to their list?

In this episode of Picture Book Look, we sit down with educator, children’s literature advocate, and lifelong lover of books Susannah Richards for a wide-ranging conversation about the power of picture books and the role they play in helping children become curious, thoughtful, engaged readers. We could have talked for hours given Susannah's wealth of knowledge! She's a true titan of the kidlit industry, and we're grateful she sat down with us so we could pick her brain on so many picture book things!

Susannah Richards is a professor of education at Eastern Connecticut State University and a passionate advocate for children’s literature and literacy. Her work focuses on helping children discover books that spark curiosity, imagination, thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. She regularly shares book recommendations and resources designed to ignite, delight, and cultivate readers, writers, and thinkers.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sussingoutbooks/

We're back with our picture book picks and we're saluting summer with our latest episode!

Kim's Picks:

Silly: The Sun Thief by Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater

Rhyme: Good Night, Good Beach by Joy Crowley and Hilary Jean Tapper

Non-fiction: Sharks in Kansas? By Melissa Steward and Becca Stadtlander

Unique structure: Hot Dog by Doug Salati

Illustrations: And Then Came Summer by Tom Brenner and Jaime Kim

Kirsti's Picks:

Silly: Beach Toys vs. School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello

Rhyme: Short Dog, Long Dog by Anna Hrachovec

Non-fiction: Just a Worm by Marie Boyd

Unique Structure: The Red Jacket by Bob Holt

Illustrations: Summer is Here by Renée Watson and Bea Jackson

We loved chatting with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Anne Appert about their delightful new picture book, Happybaras! Hear all the behind-the-scenes details about the making of this book and then go get your copy!

Today we are talking about the beauty of the break and our own experiences with finding our way back to writing after taking some time off. We hope you find this episode helpful if you are navigating your way through a writing break or if you think you might be due for one!

We bring you this very special tribute to the one and only, Jane Yolen. Jane was an icon in the children's literature world and an absolutely amazing human being. We are so grateful to have shared this world with her and learned from her. Thanks for everything, Jane.

xo,

Kim and Kirsti