There's a reason Jason Chin's work is so extraordinary. There is so much thought and purpose put into every step along the way. In a recent Picture Book Summit, the Sibert and Caldecott Medal-Winning author-illustrator took us on a journey through the beginning of his creative process and let us see a glimpse into the making of his picture book HURRICANE as an example. It's a mesmerizing excerpt showcasing the early steps that need to fall into place before a picture book can become a piece of art.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Hurricane written and illustrated by Jason Chin
• Redwoods written and illustrated by Jason Chin

Find these books* and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get 30% off Jason's full The Perfect Storm: Big, Bold, Nonfiction Picture Books presentation here. Use coupon code PODCAST

In a recent Picture Book Summit, NYT Bestselling Author Susan Verde revealed why she writes about big concepts for kids—things like mindfulness, empathy, and what it means to be human. She shares what led her to write about these topics and who she's really write for.

Stay tuned as Susan answers the question: Are any ideas TOO big for kids?

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Museum by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
• I Am Yoga by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
• I Am Me: A Book of Authenticity by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
• I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
• I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
• I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds

Find these books* and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get 30% off Susan's full BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL PEOPLE presentation here. Use coupon code PODCAST.

*At no cost to you, Picture Book Summit may earn a commission on books purchased through links on this page. Links go to Bookshop.org when available.

Yes, your picture book's title, hook, and opening are important to getting a reader to actually pick up and READ your book, but it's the picture book ending that defines their experience. Is the ending satisfying? Does it answer all the questions asked in the story? Does it make the reader gasp (or laugh) at the surprise? Most importantly, does is make them want to read your book again and again? With only a few hundred words at your disposal, you must stick the landing.

In this excerpt from a past Picture Book Summit, Katie defines many types of picture endings and digs deep into two types with examples and questions to ask yourself to achieve your desired goal.

Listen now so you can stick the landing in your next picture book!

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Truman by Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins
• 100 Mighty Dragons Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle and Lian Cho
• Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin
• Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barbara Rosenstock and John O'Brien

Find these books* and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get 30% off Katie's full STICKING THE LANDING IN PICTURE BOOK ENDINGS workshop here. Use coupon code PODCAST.

*At no cost to you, Picture Book Summit may earn a commission on books purchased through links on this page. Links go to Bookshop.org when available.