VAMPIRE VACATION written by Laura Lavoie
Are you looking for a book that you’ll go batty for? Something you’ll sink your teeth into? Read how debut author Laura Lavoie came up and revised her delightful debut VAMPIRE VACATION with adorable illustrations by Micah Player.
TOGETHER WE RIDE written by Valerie Bolling
From the author of LET’S DANCE! comes her second book TOGETHER WE RIDE Learn how Valerie Bolling created, wrote, revised and brought this story to life with illustrator Kaylani Juanita.
MOONLIGHT PRANCE and SUNLIGHT DANCE written by Serena Gingold Allen
Sometimes the spark of an idea can come out of nowhere. For Serena Gingold Allen, that spark became TWO beautiful board books, MOONLIGHT PRANCE and SUNRISE DANCE with beautiful illustrations from Teagan White. Read how these two books came to life!
FLY written by Brittany Thurman
Every story has a story and today’s is an inspiring one! Learn how debut author Brittany Thurman wrote and revised her beautiful book FLY, with gorgeous illustrations by Anna Cunha.
VIKING IN LOVE written and illustrated by Doug Cenko
Skol, writers and illustrators! Learn how the multi-talented author illustrator Doug Cenko wrote and illustrated his book VIKING IN LOVE! This is a journey you will not want to miss.
BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY written by Christy Mihaly
Water, water, everywhere and the drops to drink connect us all! But how do you tackle a big subject like water in a picture book? Read how Christy Mihaly wrote BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY, that discusses the wondrous power of this life-giving liquid with gorgeous illustrations by Mariona Cabassa. Even more wondrous? This book was created entirely during the pandemic!
FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez
Do you know a kid that loves unicorns? Even if you know a kid that doesn’t love unicorns they will still love FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez with delightful illustrations by Mariano Epelbaum. Read how Jess took the idea of a unicorn school and paired it with an unforgettable character and message.
JOY THE PANDACORN written by Maggie Lauren Brown
Sometimes, inspiration for a story can come from another book. But sometimes it can also come when we look at the bookshelf and think: “I wish there were more stories like this…” Read how Maggie Lauren Brown wrote, revised and created her story JOY THE PANDACORN, with beautiful illustrations from Fia Kilbourn.
BLOOP written by Tara Lazar
Practice makes perfect, which means every manuscript (and rewritten manuscript) can lead to a polished story. Learn how the amazing Tara Lazar came up with her tenth picture book, BLOOP, complete with gorgeous illustrations by the talented Mike Boldt.
BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS written by Ana Siqueira
The beauty of picture books is sometimes they teach us a lesson in a special way. This fun story is about baking...AND the growth mindset. Read how Ana Siqueira wrote and revised her debut picture book BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS with beautiful illustrations by Geraldine Rodriguez.
BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD written and illustrated by Sandra Salsbury
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a book from idea to final published piece...especially if you are an author-illustrator? I’m over the moon (and sun, and every celestial body possible) that author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury shares her writing, revision, and illustrating journey for the sweet story BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD. Please go buy many copies of this book!
KING SEJONG INVENTS AN ALPHABET written by Carol Kim
History often holds amazing ideas for stories. I’m incredibly excited to share the revision journey of a story I know well because...well, I read one of the early drafts! This book is a fascinating story about the history of the Korean alphabet. Read more about KING SEJONG INVENTS AN ALPHABET written by the wonderful Carol Kim with gorgeous illustrations by Cindy Kang from Albert Whitman!
HELLO, STAR written by Stephanie Lucianovic
We need empathy in our world more than ever. Read how Stephanie Lucianovic found inspiration from something her six-year-old said to create the beautiful story HELLO, STAR illustrated by the incomparable Vashti Harrison coming September 2021!
Q&U CALL IT QUITS written by Stef Wade
Sometimes a whole story can come from one simple line. Stef Wade shares how one spoken sentence turned into Q&U CALL IT QUITS, illustrated by Jorge Martin and launching June 2021! It is QUITE a QUEST...
FREAKY, FUNKY FISH written by Debra Shumaker
Rhyming can feel tough, especially during the revision process. But when the right revision comes along you it makes you want to break out in song! (Okay, there’s a reason why I’m not a rhymer). However, Debra Shumaker has definitely nailed this skill! Read more about her revision process for her super fun STEAM book FREAKY, FUNKY FISH with wonderful illustrations by Claire Powell.
GIRL WARRIORS: HOW 25 YOUNG ACTIVISTS ARE SAVING THE EARTH written by Rachel Sarah
Have you ever wondered what it takes to write and revise a nonfiction middle grade book? I’m thrilled to present the first middle grade author spotlight! Rachel Sarah shares how she put together her proposal and wrote her awesome debut GIRL WARRIORS: HOW 25 YOUNG ACTIVISTS ARE SAVING THE EARTH with the gorgeous cover illustration by Ana Copenicker.
JET THE CAT IS NOT A CAT written by Phaea Crede
The best stories often come from something personal. And the other best stories are silly fun. And the best of all best stories? They combine both. Read how Phaea Crede wrote and polished her debut book JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT) illustrated by Terry Runyan and launching May 2021!
SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB: HOW A TEACHER LED AN UNLIKELY TEAM TO VICTORY written by Julie Abery
Authors often beautifully share the stories of unsung heroes. And the rare author goes the extra mile and also makes those stories RHYME. For those that can’t resist the rhythm, here’s a wonderful revision journey for you to dive into! Julie Abery shares how she wrote SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB: HOW A TEACHER LED AN UNLIKELY TEAM TO VICTORY illustrated by Chris Sasaki.
SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS written by Melissa Stewart
Melissa Stewart is an award-winning author of more than 180 science books for children. Read about her writing and revision process for her upcoming book SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS: ANIMALS THAT ESTIVATE, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Launching March 2021!
PLANET OCEAN: WHY WE ALL NEED A HEALTHY OCEAN written by Patricia Newman
For nonfiction and nature lovers, you’ll be swooning over this story. Patricia Newman shares how she wrote and revised PLANET OCEAN: WHY WE ALL NEED A HEALTHY OCEAN with breathtaking photography by Annie Crawley available March 2021!