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You might know about refrains in music, but they're also in picture books! The Picture Book Summit Founders get together to discuss what refrains are, define the different types of refrain, and share how to use them strategically in your own picture book writing! Spoiler alert! There are some excellent mentor texts in this episode. *Books mentioned in this episode: Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! by Carrie Finison and Erin Kraan I Hate to Go to Bed! by Katie Davis The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Christine Davenier The Yellow Handkerchief by Donna Barba Higuera and Cynthia Alonso Choosing Brave by Angela Joy and Janelle Washington Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz and Susan Bartori Curve & Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams by Andrea J. Loney and Keith Mallett Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbanati. *Picture Book Summit may receive a small commission at no cost to you when books are purchased through the link above.
Attending a writing conference can be a transformational experience, filled with opportunities to hone your craft, connect with your peers, and move closer to your publishing dreams. Online writing conferences offer unique opportunities compared to their in-person counterparts. In addition to saving money on travel and accommodations, you can maximize your learning by engaging from the safety, comfort, and familiarity of home. Whether you're attending your first conference or your fiftieth, here are nine tailored tips on how to get the most out of an online writing conference. We invite YOU to celebrating our 10th year of Picture Book Summit this year on October 5th! Go to picturebooksummit.com/maximize for our free download and learn more about this year's one-of-a-kind conference for picture book creators. Join us for Perfect 10: Going for Picture Book Gold! Superstar Speakers include: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott Honoree Grace Lin National Ambassador of Young People's Literature Meg Medina New York Times bestselling duo Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett Get $100 off with an Early Bird ticket through August 31, 2024. Register here!
You've just received another email for an online writers' conference. How do you know if it's right for you? Will it really advance your writing career? Is there such a thing as a free conference? We're celebrating 10 years of hosting the Picture Book Summit online writing conference. So much has grown and changed in the online conference space in that time. So, today, we pull the curtain back and give you some insight into what goes into putting on a conference so you can pick the best online writing conferences for you and your writing goals. Listen up! We have 5 questions to ask yourself before choosing your next online writing conference. (Don't worry! Some of these will apply to in-person conferences too.) We invite YOU to celebrating our 10th year of Picture Book Summit this year on October 5th! Go to picturebooksummit.com/conference for our free download and learn more about this year's one-of-a-kind conference for picture book creators. Join us for Perfect 10: Going for Picture Book Gold! Superstar Speakers include: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott Honoree Grace Lin National Ambassador of Young People's Literature Meg Medina New York Times bestselling duo Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett Get $100 off with an Early Bird ticket through August 31, 2024. Register here!
Publishers and agents alike say they want humorous, quirky, or funny books, but it seems more and more difficult to get a response on those humorous, quirky, or funny submissions. We're here to dig into it in today's episode of PBSummit Roundtable. Julie Hedlund shares her personal experience and overall observations about what is going on in the industry with silly stories and how YOU can break through! Books talked about in today's episode: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen Butt or Face by Kari Lavelle Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor How This Book Get Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias and Melissa Iwai Poodunit! A Forest Floor Mystery by Katelyn Aronson and Steph Laberis Wombats are Pretty Weird by Abi Cushman Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf by Davide Cali and Marianna Balducci If you enjoy the Picture Book Summit Podcast, you'll LOVE our next live online Picture Book Summit writing conference! Join us October 5, 2024, for Perfect 10: Going for Picture Book Gold! Superstar Speakers include: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott Honoree Grace Lin National Ambassador of Young People's Literature Meg Medina New York Times bestselling duo Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett Get $100 off with an Early Bird ticket through August 31, 2024. Register here!
Agents and publishers are always saying they're looking for stories that are "fresh and unique", but what does that mean? In this episode, the PBSummit Roundtable takes a look at some stories which perfectly exemplify what fresh takes on classic picture book topics can look like, and the common thread between them. Books talked about in today's episode: How This Book Got Read written by Margaret Chiu Greanias and illustrated by Melissa Iwai The World's Best Class Plant written by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao Time is a Flower written and illustrated by Julie Morstad Having a fresh take is a great way to get the attention of an agent or editor! How else can you avoid being rejected? Grab our free download with questions to ask yourself to avoid the 3 Biggest Reasons Manuscripts Get Rejected. Click here. *Picture Book Summit may receive a small commission at no cost to you when books are purchased through the link above.
You've written and refined your manuscript, you've sent the query to your agent or to a publisher....and now to wait for months and months. During the pandemic, everything slowed to a halt. But now that it's over and the picture book industry is back up and running, what's the hold up? The answers are in this episode, and it's actually good news! One way to avoid getting rejections (or no responses at all) is to ensure your manuscript and query letter are 100% submission-ready. Grab our free download with the 3 Biggest Reasons Your Manuscripts today! Click here.
Get ready to be inspired by Julie Hedlund and her outstanding involvement in writing communities! In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, she shares her research process behind her masterpiece Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews. Hedlund hopes to inspire readers to learn from Andrews' hard work and celebrate their unique paths. Julie Hedlund is the award-winning children's picture book author of Over, Bear! Under, Where? She spends much of her time inside her imagination, and when not writing or reading, she enjoys playing in the mountains near her home in Boulder, Colorado. She lives with her two teenage children and their high-maintenance hound dog. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order a Copy: Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Hedlund on Amazon and Bookshop.org. Resources: You can find out more about Julie at https://juliehedlund.com/. Follow her on Twitter @juliefhedlund. 12x12 Challenge: https://www.12x12challenge.com/. Picture Book Summit: https://picturebooksummit.com/. Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews: https://amzn.to/3PrNAkx. Discussion Topics: Julie Hedlund talks about: Her writing process and the importance of being a reader before becoming a writer. Her involvement in writing communities like 12 x 12 and Picture Book Summit, where Julie Andrews is a keynote speaker this year. How a comment from Julie Andrews' daughter led to writing a picture book biography about Julie Andrews Extensive research for the book, including reading Julie's memoir, doing onsite research in London, and listening to interviews. The book's emotional climax and how readers can take away the message that they can use their gifts to improve the world. The benefits of reading from biographies of people who work hard and achieve great things, just like Julie Andrews. Embracing individual paths and not comparing oneself to others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thechildrensbookreview/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thechildrensbookreview/support
Grab a big piece of paper and some brightly colored markers because today we are mind-mapping our way to great picture book ideas! Listen to excerpts from our Picture Book Summit workshop with author and educator Rob Sanders. Rob is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQ+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob's books include Two Grooms on A Cake: The Story of America's First Gay Wedding (Little Bee Books) and Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg (Henry Holt & Co). Rob shows how mapping your experiences and personal favorites can bring you one step closer to creating stories that uniquely you. Get ready for the ideas to flow!
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by picture book author and illustrator Yuyi Morales. Yuyi has created many books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Dreamers. She is also a six-time winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for an outstanding work of literature for children that best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience. In 2015, she received the Caldecott Honor for her book Viva Frida. In her Picture Book Summit keynote, Yuyi discussed the idea bank inside all of us and how we can use it to tell the stories that are unique to each of us and our experiences. Get ready to be inspired!
This week, we are thrilled to bring new feature to the podcast: The Picture Book Summit Roundtable! In our weekly Summit planning meetings, we often discuss current events in publishing, how they affect picture books, and how they affected picture book creators like you. We decided to record our conversation and invite you to listen in! Our Picture Book Summit Roundtable includes Julie Hedlund, Katie Davis, Kelli Panique, and Emma Walton Hamilton. And because we like to start everything we do with a bang, we're jumping right into the national conversation on book bans. Emma Walton Hamilton leads our discussion with the background and history of book bans as well as how today's book bans compare to book bans of the past. We'll discuss discuss the history, myths, and current news about book bans in schools. Find out how book bans specifically affect picture books and their creators. (Spoiler alert: having your book banned does NOT mean it becomes a bestseller.) Emma shares facts about book bans from PEN America. You can download that PDF here.
They say that if you want to get published, don't write rhyming picture book manuscripts! But is that really a rule to live by? Spoiler: Of course not! Julie Hedlund, author of three rhyming picture books and Co-Founder of the Picture Book Summit, shares how to write rhyming manuscripts that will actually sell.
At the core of every good picture book is a central dramatic question. What is that, anyway? Picture Book Summit co-founder Emma Walton Hamilton discusses the importance and function of the central dramatic question and how to find it.
I'm Brenna Jeanneret, children's lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children's lit author, father, science communicator, and podcaster. Josh and I have embarked on this kidlit journey together this year, having become critique partners early in the year, only to find that our powers combined could make captain planet. Maybe not, but at least our powers combined can make a pretty good podcast. Our guest for this conversation was Julie Hedlund, founder of 12x12 and co-founder of Picture Book Summit. Find Julie on Twitter, Instagram, Tic Tok, and her website. The artwork for You May Contribute a Verse features our new quokka mascot, Versey, and was generously created by the great Maddie Frost! Find her on Twitter @_maddiefrost or on her website Maddie-Frost.com Our theme music is So Happy by Scott Holmes you can find more of his music at scottholmesmusic.com Find us on Twitter @joshmonkwords and @brennajeanneret and as always, let us know what you think via a rating, review, or comment! Thanks and see ya next time. You May Contribute a Verse is a homespun production, produced, edited, recorded, conceptualized, and marketed by Josh Monken and Brenna Jeanneret.
Today I talked to Julie Hedlund. Julie is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, co-founder of Picture Book Summit, co-creator with Emma Walton Hamilton of the Complete Picture Book Submissions System, and a frequent speaker at industry events such as SCBWI conferences. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today I talked to Julie Hedlund. Julie is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, co-founder of Picture Book Summit, co-creator with Emma Walton Hamilton of the Complete Picture Book Submissions System, and a frequent speaker at industry events such as SCBWI conferences. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature
Today I talked to Julie Hedlund. Julie is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, co-founder of Picture Book Summit, co-creator with Emma Walton Hamilton of the Complete Picture Book Submissions System, and a frequent speaker at industry events such as SCBWI conferences. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we get to chat with Jamie A. Swenson and Scott Magoon about the creative process behind their adorably heartfelt book, Chirp! Chipmunk Sings for a Friend. ***Find out more about Jamie here: Website: https://www.jamieaswenson.com/ Twitter: @JamieASwenson Instagram: @jamie.a.swenson ***Find out more about Scott here: Website: https://scottmagoon.com/ Twitter: @smagoon Instagram: @skortch ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
Today we chat with author Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs, illustrator Michael Garland, senior editor Elizabeth Nicholson, and publicist Maureen Winter about the creative process behind their stunningly beautiful book, The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and the Fight to End Child Labor. ***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com ***Find out more about Alex here: Website: http://alexandrahinrichs.com/ Instagram: @puddlereader ***Find out more about Michael here: Website: https://garlandpicturebooks.com/ Instagram: @michaelgarlandart ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
Today is a book bonus episode because we are featuring TWO books by author Rajani LaRocca and illustrator Archana Sreenivasan, Seven Golden Rings and Where Three Oceans Meet. We loved chatting with them and their editors Cheryl Klein (Seven Golden Rings) and Courtney Code (Where Three Oceans Meet). ***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com ***Find out more about Rajani here: Website: https://www.rajanilarocca.com/ Twitter: @rajanilarocca Instagram: @rajanilarocca ***Find out more about Archana here: Website: https://archanasreenivasan.com/ Instagram: @archanasreenivasan ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Margaret Muirhead, Adam Gustavson, and Julie Bliven about the creative process behind the brilliant nonfiction book, FLIP! How the Frisbee Took Flight. ***Find out more about Margaret here: Website: https://www.margaretmuirhead.com/ Instagram: @maggyflips ***Find out more about Adam here: Website: https://www.adamgustavson.art/ Twitter: @AdamGustavson Instagram:@gustavsonadam ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song by Amanda Moeckel. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
In today's episode, we'll hear from Samantha Berger, a twice Emmy-nominated writer and award-winning author of over 80 books for young readers, including Crankenstein, Monster's New Undies, Snail Mail, and Rock What You Got! Samantha wrote for Nickelodeon for 12 years and now she writes for Sesame Street. Now, she's revealing five things you need to know about being AND writing funny.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Hike by Pete Oswald. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett and Diana Sudyka. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Seashells: More Than a Home by Melissa Stewart and Sarah S. Brannen. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Beach Toys vs. School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
In this episode, Emma Walton Hamilton talks about the three things you should do before you start submitting, the key components of your query letter, including how to craft your hook and what to include in your bio, query etiquette, and submissions dos and don'ts.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
Today's episode showcases literary agent Jennie Dunham, founder of Dunham Literary Inc. Her clients have appeared on the NYT Bestseller list and have won numerous awards including the Schneider Family Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor, and NYT Best Illustrated Book. Jennie shares insight on what agents do, what they don't do, and how to prepare for working with an agent.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Don't Hug Doug by Carrie Finison and Daniel Wiseman. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about I am the Storm written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple and illustrated by Kristen Howdeshell and Kevin Howdeshell. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
You vow again and again, “Today I will work on my book!” But something just keeps getting in the way. In this episode, Katie Davis shares insights and tips for avoiding procrastination and getting your "BIC" or Butt In Chair. Listen in for a few tricks that will give you the motivation needed to complete the next phase of your work.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about Two Grooms on a Cake by Rob Sanders and Robbie Cathro. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
Nonfiction picture books are one of the fastest-growing segments of the market today, but how do you make them accessible and fun, even for the youngest of audiences. In this episode, award-winning author Ruth Spiro explains how to introduce complex scientific topics in a way that makes them understandable and engaging for younger readers, and even babies. Listen in to sharpen your skills related to STEM-based writing for children.
In this episode, Picture Book Summit co-founder Emma Walton Hamilton provides some helpful insight on determining whether a manuscript is truly ready for submission. Listen in to avoid some common mistakes that could cause your hard work to be rejected by a publisher.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com On today's Summer Book Club episode, Kim and Kirsti share 5 Fabulous Things about When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and Lorraine Rocha. ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Nelly Buchet, Andrea Zuill, and Ann Kelley about the creative process behind their hilarious and heartwarming book, Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family. ***Find out more about Nelly here: Website: https://www.nellybuchet.com/ Twitter: @nellybuchet Instagram: @nellybuchetbooks ***Find out more about Andrea here: Website:https://www.andreazuill.org/ Twitter: @AndreaZuill Instagram: @zuillmonkey ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Amanda Davis, Sally Wern Comport, and Peggy Schaefer about the creative process behind the hopeful and resilient book, 30,000 Stitches: The Story of the National 9/11 Flag. ***Find out more about Amanda here: Website: https://www.amandadavisart.com/books.html Twitter: @amandadavisart Instagram: @amandadavis_art ***Find out more about Sally here: Website: http://sallycomport.com/ Twitter: @ArtatLargeinc Instagram: @sallycomport ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Keila Dawson and Naomi Krueger about the creative process behind Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book. ***Find out more about Keila here: Website: http://www.keiladawson.com/ Twitter: @keila_dawson Instagram: @keilavdawson ***Find out more about Alleanna here: Website: https://www.alleannaharris.com/ Twitter: @alleannaharris Instagram: @alleannaharris ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Bridget Heos and Mike Ciccotello about the creative process behind Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak. ***Find out more about Bridget here: Website: http://www.authorbridgetheos.com/ Twitter: @bridgetheos Instagram:@bridgetheos ***Find out more about Mike here: Website: https://ciccotello.com/books/ Twitter: @ciccotello Instagram: @ciccotello ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
In this episode, Picture Book Co-Founder Laura Backes gives us insight into creating memorable picture book characters by discussing the cognitive development of kids in the picture book audience. You’ll look at your main characters and how you develop them in a whole new way after this mind-opening episode.
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In Today's episode we talk with Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, Erika Meza, Alli Brydon, and Luana Horry about the beautifully important story, Balloons for Papa. ***Find out more about Liz here: Website: https://elizabethgilbertbedia.com/ Twitter: @lizbedia Instagram: @lizbedia ***Find out more about Erika here: Website: https://www.erikameza.com/ Twitter: @ErikaDraws Instagram: @erikadraws ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
***Today's episode is sponsored by Picture Book Summit. picturebooksummit.com ***Today's episode is sponsored by Kirstine Call, coaching for creatives. Find out more here: www.kirstinecall.com In today's episode we talk with Phaea Crede, Terry Runyan, and Lisa Rosinsky about the creative process behind Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat). ***Find out more about Phaea here: Website: http://www.phaeacrede.com/ Twitter: @PhaeaCrede Instagram: @phaea_crede_books ***Find out more about Terry here: Website: https://www.terryrunyan.com/ Instagram: @terryrunyan YouTube: @terryrunyan ***Follow us here: Twitter: @pb_look Instagram: @picturebook_look Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast
In today’s episode, Katie Davis shares how digging into research makes your writing sparkle — whether your book is nonfiction or fiction. Using picture books Renato and the Lion by Barbara DiLorenzo and Shark Nate-O by Becky Cattie and Tara Luebbe, Katie reveals how research brought surprises to each of these stories.
Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell helps us find the magic of picture books as he explores the bridge between text and image by breaking down successful books. Matthew even shares his struggle with finding the bridge in his early work. Join us for this magical ride.
Today’s episode includes snippets from literary agent Brenda Bowen’s appearance at Picture Book Summit. Brenda represents national and international bestselling authors and illustrators including Newbery and Caldecott award winners. She is also a children’s author herself with over 40 books under her belt under the name Margaret MacNamara. In Brenda’s presentation, she spoke with her author hat on about how she finds and develops ideas and how sometimes, necessity can be the mother of invention. She also touches on the key components to a query letter. Don’t miss getting the inside scoop from this agent.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Kate McMullan, bestselling author of over 100 books for kids, including the I STINK series. In her presentation, Kate talks about inspiration, where you can find it and how to capture it when it strikes.
Through humor and storytelling, veteran nonfiction author Stephen Swinburne takes us into the heart of narrative nonfiction storytelling with solid tips and tricks for writing STEM and STEAM manuscripts, including what editors are looking for in today’s market.
How can you actually connect with your readers? Get your books into the hands of more kids? It’s a challenge, especially when it seems like thousands of new books are published every day. In this episode, Katie Davis shares how she's used her platform and marketing strategies to sell almost one million copies of her traditionally published books and launch two books at #1 on Amazon. She’ll reveal how you can follow the same steps and get your books into the hands of more readers!
How do you tell a story about a specific cultural paradigm and make it universally accessible? Award-winning author Rukhsana Khan shows us how to do just that as she walks us through her Golden Kite award-winning book BIG RED LOLLIPOP. Don't miss the behind-the-scenes stories and intentions of this beloved picture book.
Mac Barnett shares how the layout and format of a picture book informs how the reader will engage with the story on different levels. Even the trim size of a book changes the way it’s read. Mac Barnett's Picture Book Manifesto: http://thepicturebook.co/
In Laura Backes’ Picture Book Summit workshop Purpose Without Preaching, she gave some tips for infusing your manuscript with a message without preaching to the reader or sounding didactic. In this episode, we share some highlights from her talk.
Today’s episode features LeUyen Pham, an author and/or illustrator of over 100 books for children including THE BOY WHO LOVED MATH, VAMPIRINA BALLERINA, A PIECE OF CAKE, and the Caldecott Honor Book BEAR CAME ALONG. In this excerpt from her Picture Book Summit presentation, she shares some of the behind-the-scenes creation of BEAR CAME ALONG as part of a broader conversation on why authors should trust their illustrator and keep art notes to a minimum.
Today we bring you beloved author-illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky. Paul received the Caldecott Medal for his illustrated retelling of RAPUNZEL, as well as Caldecott Honors for three of his books: HANSEL AND GRETEL, RUMPELSTILTSKIN, and SWAMP ANGEL. He also known for crowd-pleasing favorites such as THE WHEELS ON THE BUS and Z IS FOR MOOSE. In this portion of his presentation from Picture Book Summit, Paul talks about what people (including editors) are looking for in a picture book, what makes a picture book work, and how important structure is in a picture book and the impact it has on a book’s layout and pacing. Find out more about this year's Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
In this episode, we’ll hear from Alvina Ling, vice president and editor-in-chief of Little Brown Books for Young Readers. In this excerpt of Alvina’s Picture Book Summit presentation, she reveals very specific reasons why a manuscript might get acquired or rejected by Little Brown or by any publisher in general. Enjoy this peek behind the publishing curtain. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
Today we are thrilled to bring you Adam Rex. Adam Rex wrote and/or illustrated all the books you like including the New York Times best selling Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, the New York Times best selling School’s First Day of School, and also a number of titles about which the New York Times has been strangely coy. In this snippet from Adam’s Picture Book Summit presentation, he digs down deep into word choice and rules of humor in creating a funny picture book. Find out more about this year's Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear an excerpt of Emma Walton Hamilton’s interview with the legendary Jane Yolen at Picture Book Summit. Jane is the award-winning author of over 365 books for children and young adults, including the Caldecott Medal-winning book OWL MOON and the bestselling series HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOODNIGHT? In this interview with Jane, she discusses how she manages to be so prolific (she prefers the word “versatile”) and how she finds and develops the unique voice of each of her books. Find out more about this year's Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
The delightful David Shannon joins us in this episode. David Shannon is a bestselling children’s author-illustrator known for perennial classics such as DUCK ON A BIKE, A BAD CASE OF STRIPES, and NO, DAVID! In this segment from David’s Picture Book Summit presentation "It's Done!", he talks about what happens when you’re done with a manuscript, how do you know it’s really done, and what are the reasons to be done. Also, what are some of the challenges you can expect to encounter on the way to getting done? Let’s find out. Find out more about this year's Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Carole Boston Weatherford the award-winning author of numerous books for children including JUNETEENTH JAMBOREE, FREEDOM IN CONGO SQUARE, and YOU CAN FLY! THE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN. In this segment, she talks about premise and point of view and how important they are in picture books. Find out more about this year's Picture Book Summit at picturebooksummit.com.
RENÉE LATULIPPE In this episode, we feature children’s author, poet, and founder of the Lyrical Language Lab, Renée LaTulippe. In this segment of Renée’s Picture Book Summit presentation From Drab toFab: Ridding Your Writing of Ho-Hummery, she demonstrates the critical role word choice, or diction, plays in crafting outstanding picture books. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at www.picturebooksummit.com/podcast.
ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY Today’s episode is an excerpt of from New York Times Bestseller and Coretta Scott King award winner Andrea Davis Pinkney's presentation "Nonfiction with a Twist." Andrea is known for picture books such as POEM FOR PETER, MARTIN AND MAHALIA, and biographies of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald among others. In Andrea’s presentation for Picture Book Summit she shares how she gets her ideas and the unusual role a flip flop played in capturing the voice of her biography of Ella Fitzgerald. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at www.picturebooksummit.com/podcast.
PETER BROWN Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry’s best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. In this episode, we share a snippet of our Picture Book Summit interview with Caldecott Medal-winning author-illustrator Peter Brown. Peter is the author-illustrator of many popular picture books including CREEPY CARROTS and MR. TIGER GOES WILD. Listen in as Peter discusses how he creates character development by digging into his own personal experiences. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at www.picturebooksummit.com.
TOMIE DEPAOLA Earlier this year we lost the legendary author-illustrator Tomie DePaola. Tomie wrote over 270 books for children including classic picture books such as STREGA NONA, OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY, and NANA UPSTAIRS, NANA DOWNSTAIRS. Today, we celebrate his life by remembering the light and joy he brought us in this Picture Book Summit interview. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at www.picturebooksummit.com/podcast.
THE 500 WORD PICTURE BOOK Picture book texts are getting shorter. In fact, many agents and editors have put a 500-word limit on new picture book manuscripts. But how do you write a story—complete with fully-developed characters, a plot with a beginning, middle and end, and page-turning action— in 500 words? Picture Book Summit Co-Founder Laura Backes gives us advice on how to start writing your picture book so you can stay on track throughout the process and not add too many words to your story. Find out more about Picture Book Summit at www.picturebooksummit.com/podcast.
Classroom 2.0 LIVE webinar "Picture Book Month and celebration of Dianne de Las Casas" with Tara Lazar, Katie Davis, John Couret and Paula Naugle. October 14, 2017 Today's webinar is a very special show for us! We have the opportunity to learn all about Picture Book Month from Tara Lazar and Katie Davis, co-founders and renowned children's authors. Picture Book Month was envisioned and founded by Dianne de Las Casas who was our special guest presenter in May, 2017 on Classroom 2.0 LIVE. Sadly, Dianne lost her life in a tragic fire recently and we wanted to honor her legacy by celebrating her life through this featured presentation about Picture Book Month. We will learn about the importance of picture books for students and Picture Book Month. They have created an outstanding Teacher's Guide for participants in Picture Book Month. Our presenters will also share some of their special memories of Dianne de Las Casas including a special visit from John Couret who began writing children’s books because of Dianne’s inspiration. Author Tara Lazar has six picture books in print with many more to come. Her latest title is “7 Ate 9: The Untold Story” from Disney*Hyperion. Next fall look for her illustrated dictionary “500 Words to Bumfuzzle Your Teachers & Bamboozle Your Frenemies”. Tara is the founder of STORYSTORM, a writer’s brainstorming challenge formerly known as Picture Book Idea Month. She is a picture book mentor for We Need Diverse Books and the co-chair of the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature annual conference. Katie’s secret superpower is her ability to teach non-techy and tech-fearful writers how to become better business people by building their platforms through social media, video, and creating/building mailing lists. Also known in her niche as one of the first writer entrepreneurs, Katie has created many events and courses for writers, including How to Create Your Author Platform (and Market Your Books without Being Pushy), Video Idiot Boot Camp, and Picture Book Summit (the largest and first online conference of its kind). Her podcast, Brain Burps About Books, is consistently ranked in the top 10 book-related categories. She’s appeared regularly on WTNH and The Huffington Post. She is the director of the Institute of Children’s Literature, which provides accredited writing courses for both adult and children’s books. Katie has been honored to speak everywhere from a maximum security prison, to elementary schools, to university level, including UCONN and Yale, and has keynoted conferences and fundraising galas. You can subscribe to Katie’s YouTube channel at KatieDavis.TV or the #1 podcast in iTunes in Children’s Publishing by going to KatieDavis.com/podcast. Katie Davis’s books, published by Harcourt, S&S, HarperCollins, and Diversion Books, have sold over 755,000 copies, which is why she’s published How to Promote Your Children’s Book, a marketing guide for writers that debuted at #1 on Amazon. http://picturebookmonth.com/ https://taralazar.com/storystorm/ http://katiedavis.com/ https://www.gofundme.com/4b4y0xs (Go Fund Me in Celebration of Dianne de Las Casas)
Brain Burps About Books Podcast #242 Picture Book Summit An Interview with Julie Hedlund Announcements Just a quick note to let you know that I’m starting a new podcast soon called Writing for Children (if I haven’t already started by the time you hear this). Want to know more? It’s going to be pretty awesome and very different from this show. Go to writingforchildren.com to learn more. Last week to register for Picture Book Summit! The deadline to register is September 25th. Don't miss it - www.picturebooksummit.com. Listen to hear Jon Bard's take on Picture Book Summit. This week's guest is Julie Hedlund! Julie Hedlund is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, blogger, and a regular speaker at SCBWI and other industry events. Her picture book, A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS, Little Bahalia Publishing, 2013, first published as an interactive storybook app, was the recipient of the 2014 Independent Book Publisher's Association Benjamin Franklin Digital Gold Award. Her storybook app, A SHIVER OF SHARKS, Little Bahalia Publishing, 2013, was a 2014 Digital Book Award winner. Her latest book, MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN, is available on Amazon. Julie is a monthly contributor on author/illustrator Katie Davis' Brain Burps About Books children's literature podcast, a PAL member of SCBWI, and a contributing editor on the subject of 21st Century Publishing for Children's Book Insider. Julie & I talk about Where the idea for Picture Book Summit came from. What is a Master Mind group and how ours got started. Advantages of going to an online event vs. an in-person conference. What happens if you miss one of our online sessions. The agents and editors we interviewed for Picture Book Summit. The landscape of publishing in the 21st century. How many spots are left in Picture Book Summit. How to give us feedback on Picture Book Summit at www.speakpipe.com/katiedavis. Our amazing project manager Kristin Ammerman. The PJ party!
Brain Burps About Books Podcast #239 Idea Generator for Your YA Novel An Interview with Anne Collier Announcements Just a quick note to let you know that I’m starting a new podcast soon called Writing for Children (if I haven’t already started by the time you hear this). Want to know more? It’s going to be pretty awesome and very different from this show. Go to writingforchildren.com to learn more. Not sure how to get started with your marketing? Get Your First 1000 Followers is my new LIVE class coming this Fall for those who want that intro to business for writers. Learn how to use an email list, best practices for social media, taking of advantage of video, and how to monetize your website! Click HERE to check it out. Do you enjoy our Brain Burps About Books guests? Do you have questions about their interviews? Come join the Brain Burps About Books Facebook Group and interact with them (the week the episode airs)! Click HERE to join. It's not too late to join Picture Book Summit! Click HERE to register for the October 3rd online event with Peter Brown, Andrea Davis Pinkney, and Mac Barnett. Check out Craig Valentine at www.craigvalentine.com for six tips for speaking. Invaluable for school visits! Tell me what you want! What would like to hear on the podcast? What can I do for you? Leave me a message at www.speakpipe.com/KatieDavis. This week's guest is Anne Collier! Editor of NetFamilyNews.org and founder and president of Net Family News, Inc., Anne is a writer and youth advocate who has worked in the news media since 1980. With SafeKids.com‘s Larry Magid, she co-founded and, until March 2015, co-directed ConnectSafely.org, a Web-based resource for parents, educators, and everybody interested in the impact of the fixed and mobile social Web on youth and vice versa. Anne has served on three national task forces on youth and Internet safety, including as co-chair of the Obama administration’s Online Safety & Technology Working Group, which delivered its report to Congress, “Youth Safety on a Living Internet,” in June 2010, and the Harvard Berkman Center’s national Internet Safety Technical Task Force of 2008. Most recently she served on the Aspen Institute Task Force for Learning & the Internet of 2013-’14. Ann and I talk about How Net Family News can help with ideas for your young adult novel. Kindness Wins by Galit Breen. What does sexting have to do with teen pregnancy? Casel.org. What constitutes cyberbullying? Why she founded www.icanhelpline.org. Follow I Can Help on Twitter: https://twitter.com/icanhelp Hot button issues. How the internet changed education. SEL – Social Emotional Learning.
Brain Burps About Books Podcast #238 Dave Sanderson: Beyond the Miracle on the Hudson An Interview with a Hero Announcements Not sure how to get started with your marketing? Get Your First 1000 Followers is my new LIVE class coming this Fall for those who want that intro to business for writers. Learn how to use an email list, best practices for social media, taking of advantage of video, and how to monetize your website! Click HERE to check it out. Do you enjoy our Brain Burps About Books guests? Do you have questions about their interviews? Come join the Brain Burps About Books Facebook Group and interact with them (the week the episode airs)! Click HERE to join. Last chance to take advantage of the Early Bird offer for Picture Book Summit! Price goes up $100 on August 16th. Click HERE to register for the October 3rd online event with Peter Brown, Andrea Davis Pinkney, and Mac Barnett. This week's guest is Dave Sanderson! This week's guest is Dave Sanderson. Dave is an inspirational survivor, speaker and author. His thoughts on leadership have made him a nationally sought-out speaker. When US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson,” ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be. The last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, he was largely responsible for the well-being and safety of others, risking his own life in frigid water to help other passengers off the plane. Despite the hazards to himself, Sanderson thought only of helping others, and emerged from the wreckage with a mission: to encourage others to do the right thing. In this stirring presentation, Sanderson shares the story of Flight 1549, revealing the inner strength it took to make it through the day, and how teamwork, leadership, and state management can help overcome any obstacle. Dave and I talk about Many people who get on a plane are at least a little worried that something will happen. What you need to do, from a survivor? Brace for Impact: Miracle on the Hudson Survivors Share Their Stories of Near Death and Hope for New Life. His first hand account of his experience aboard US Airways Flight 1549, aka the Miracle on the Hudson. What lessons he learned from the Miracle on the Hudson? How do you take a potentially tragic experience and turn it into an opportunity to survive and thrive? What is PTSG? How does it differ from PTSD? The new Miracle on the Hudson documentary produced and directed by Rick Ortiz coming out in January 2016. What are the 12 Pillars of Resourcefulness?
Listener Mailbag: Part 2 Announcements I have a listener Exclusive for you! Get Your First 1000 Followers is my new LIVE class coming this Fall for those who want that intro to business for writers. Grab your spot before July 31st and get $50 off with code PODCAST50. Just for my podcast peeps! Click HERE to check it out. Want to hear your question on a future episode of Brain Burps About Books? Ask your question at www.speakpipe.com/KatieDavis. Do you enjoy our Brain Burps About Books guests? Do you have questions about their interviews? Come join the Brain Burps About Books Facebook Group and interact with them (the week the episode airs)! Click HERE to join. Picture Book Summit is coming October 3rd! Are you writing picture books? If so, this conference can really help you, and you can attend in your PJs: Picture Book Summit is a LIVE one day online picture book writing conference! Featuring such folks as Peter Brown, Mac Barnett, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Laura Backes, Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, and me. It takes place on October 3rd and it’s going to ROCK. No travel hassles!The organizers are Institute of Children's Literature, Children's Book Insider,12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and Just Write For Kids. Also, a portion of all proceeds will go to benefit We Need Diverse Books. Early Bird registration is going on now (hundreds of people have registered and spots are filling fast). Reserve your spot at this online event to hear our fabulous keynote speakers, as listed above (Peter Brown, Andrea Pinkney, and Mac Barnett). Plus, we'll have sessions with agents, editors and more. You can find all the details at www.picturebooksummit.com. This week I'm answering more questions from the good ole' mailbag! Tune in to hear the answer to these burning writer questions: What are Twitter lists and what can I use them for? There are SO many things to do – build a website, start an email list, be active on social media. I’m overwhelmed and suffering from “analysis paralysis”. What should I do? If you could do this again from scratch....what is one marketing move you would do again and what one marketing move would you not do again. What is the best way to market your book when you are on a shoestring budget? As someone who doesn't crave the spotlight, I wonder how to get over that dislike of the limelight and peddling my own wares. Are there effective ways for wallflowers to promote their books too? Resources mentioned in this episode Twitter lists explained How to use Twitter lists Forbes article on multi-tasking Ideas for your Twitter lists:-Directory of media contacts -Going to a conference? SCBWI? Picture Book Summit? Make a list! -Create a list that will help your peeps -Potential podcast guests -Writers you want to read -People you want to write about -People in your tribe you want to acknowledge
Brain Burps About Books Podcast #234 Listener Mailbag Announcements Listener Exclusive! Get Your First 1000 Followers is my new LIVE class coming this Fall. Reserve your spot before July 31st and get $50 off with code PODCAST50. Just for my peeps! Want to hear your question on a future episode of Brain Burps About Books? Ask your question at www.speakpipe.com/KatieDavis. Do you enjoy our Brain Burps About Books guests? Do you have questions for them? Come join the Brain Burps About Books Facebook Group and interact with them! Click HERE to join. Picture Book Summit is coming October 3rd! Early Bird registration is going on now. Reserve your spot at this online event to hear our fabulous keynote speakers, Peter Brown, Andrea Pinkney, and Mac Barnett. Plus, we'll have sessions with agents and editors. You can find all the details at www.picturebooksummit.com. This week I'm answering questions from the ol' mailbag Tune in to hear the answer to these burning writer questions: How do you balance a "just do it" attitude with thoughtful planning in your platform & products? What should I do to focus my marketing on social media to attract readers in my genre? What is one tip you would give to someone just starting out? Resources mentioned in this episode How to Create Your Author Platform - www.howtrocreateyourauthorplatform.com Get Your First 1000 Followers - www.getyourfirst1000followers.comUse code PODCAST50 for $50 off thru July 31, 2015.
Brain Burps About Books Podcast #233 Video on the Biz Chix Podcast The Biz Chix interviews me! Announcements Listener Exclusive! Get Your First 1000 Followers in my new live class coming this Fall. My listeners get an exclusive discount of $50. Click HERE and use code PODCAST50. Good thru July 31st. Meet our podcast guests in our the Brain Burps About Book Podcast Group: www.katiedavis.com/podcastgroup. Come get your questions answered! Picture Book Summit is coming October 3rd! The Early Bird registration is now open. Come spend the day online with Peter Brown, Andrea Pinkney and Mac Barnett. Check out the video below and then go HERE for all the details. You don't want to miss this! This week I'm a guest on the Biz Chix Podcast with Natalie Eckdahl! As a busy Mom of three and co-Founder of ScheduleMAX.com, Natalie Eckdahl is trying to juggle a million things and is on a quest for the holy grail of “Work/Life Balance”. On her Biz Chix Podcast, Natalie interviews amazing women entrepreneurs, and a few cool dudes, five days a week. Each entrepreneur shares work/life balance and productivity tips as well as their journey. She interviews amazing guests who run international brands and still balance all that life throws at them. Natalie gets them to spill all their secrets of how to get it done. Natalie and I talk about My childhood. Why I like to help people. How to work through the tough stuff. Dirty Dishes. How I became a children's book writer and illustrator. Amazon FBA. Using video in your online platform. How I got so techy. How you can make more money but you can't make more time. Using YouTube and how you can customize your channel. KatieDavis.TV