Picture Book Look

Join us at Boyds Mills as we chat with agents, Rachel Orr and Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency. We chat about all the things creators want to know about the trends they are seeing from editors, what turns them off regarding submissions, and what they love about being an agent.

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.va...

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!

About Susannah Richards

Susannah Richards is a professor of education at...

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: Sho...

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

There simply wasn't enough time to get it all in with the one and only Lynda Mullaly Hunt but we really tried! We chatted about her debut picture book, Wish in a Tree and her unique writing process, every minute of this conversation was simply delightful. Known for her emotionally rich middle-grade novels like One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree, Lynda brings her signature warmth and insight to the world of picture books — and the result is pure magic.

We couldn't think of a more perfect way to end our season than with this wonderful conversation with Robyn Wall and Celia Lee! Robyn's latest book, I Worked Hard on That! is such a fun, satisfying read and A.N. Kang's art is the perfect complement!

Learn more about Robyn here:

website: https://robynjwall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynjwall/

We are so delighted to bring you this beautiful book and an equally beautiful conversation with author Jyoti Rajan Gopal and editor Kaylan Adair for Love is Here with You. The words and art are magical!

Learn more about Jyoti here:

website: https://www.jyotirajangopal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyotirgopal/

Learn more about illustrator Nabi. H. Ali here:

website: https://www.nabihaider.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabihaiderali/

The season of giving is upon us and we are delighted to bring you this special episode highlighting the Share the Magic Foundation with the magnificent Malcolm Mitchell!

Share the Magic Foundation is dedicated to transforming children's lives through literacy, via in-school, virtual, and Community Partner programs. They aim to aim to increase access to print, improve reading interest, and enhance reading skills.

Learn more here:

https://readwithmalcolm.com/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/readwithmalcolm/

We found the perfect book for those who don't want to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving and those who start celebrating Christmas on November 1! Turkey vs. Santa written by Todd Tarpley and illustrated by Giovanni Abeille is the fun new holiday book you'll be reading year after year! We enjoyed chatting with Todd and editor, Deirdre Jones about the book's journey!

There's something special about picture book biographies that are clever, smart, and beautifully crafted and She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and illustrated by Emily Paik is one such book! We got tot chat with Heidi and her editor, the incredible Julie Bliven about the journey of this stellar biography.

Learn more about Heidi here:

website: https://www.heidieystemple.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidieys/

The absolutely delightful and talented Sharon M. Draper has written her first picture book and we loved chatting with her about the process from start to finish. Don't miss this episode!

Learn more about Sharon here:

Website: https://www.sharondraper.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmdraper/

We loved our chat with Jessie Sima, Justin Chanda, and Lizzie Bromley about their new book, Cookie Time! Time travel, multi-generational, and cookies- this book has it all!

Learn more about Jessie here:

website: https://www.jessiesima.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_sima/

Stop what you're doing and listen to this episode and then go read this book! Proper Badger Would Never! with author Lauren Glattly, illustrator Rob Sayegh Jr., and editor Claire Tattersfield isn't to be missed!

Learn more about Lauren here:

website: http://www.laurenglattly.com/

Instagram:

Learn more about Rob here:

website: https://www.robsayart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsayart/

We're back with some more picture book picks! We couldn't let self care month pass without pointing out these great books!

It was a full house for this interview and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Don't miss the behind-the-scenes happenings about sweet, spunky Missy and her strong desire for a pet mammoth. We loved chatting with Pam Vaughan (author), Ariel Landy (illustrator), Alison Weiss (editor), and Brent Taylor (agent) about Missy Wants a Mammoth.

Learn more about Pam here:

Website: https://www.pamvaughanauthor.com/books

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamvau/

Learn more about Ariel here:

Website: https://thebrightagency.com/uk...

Wow! Wow! Wow! Feeling all the feels with this interview! We left this chat inspired and enlightened and oh so grateful we live in a world where there is a Vanessa Brantley-Newton! You'll want to listen to this episode more than once!

Learn more about Vanessa here:

Website: https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VANESSABRANTLEYNEWTON

If you are looking for the perfect summer read to add to your picture book pile then look no further! The Quacken will satisfy all and we loved chatting with author Justin Colón and editor Kendra Levin!

Learn more about Justin here:

Website: https://justincolonbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinryancolon/

Oh my hedgehogs! You will not want to miss this masterclass of an episode with the delightful and brilliant Cate Berry!

Find out more about Cate here: https://cateberry.com/

Follow Cate here: https://www.instagram.com/cateberryatx

Wow- you will not want to miss this incredible conversation with Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome, and editor Paula Wiseman about the making of Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis and you will not want to miss this biography either!

***Find out more about Lesa here: 

Website: https://www.lesaclineransome.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lclineransome/

***Find out more about James here: 

Website: https://jamesransome.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jransomillustr/

It's Pride month! We have some great mentor texts for your around this month's theme and we can't wait for you to check them out! Pride is important all year long - we see you, we love you, we support you!

Kirsti's Picks:

Silly: Bunnybear by Andrea J. Loney and Carmen Saldaña

Rhyme: Love in the Wild by Katy Tanis

Nonfiction: Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno

Unique Structure: Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and Mike C...

Join us for this delightful conversation with Ellen Tarlow and Julien Chung and get the behind the scenes details about their engaging and important book, Becoming Blue.

***Find out more about Ellen here: 

Website: https://www.ellentarlow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarlowellen/

***Find out more about Julien here: 

Website: https://www.julienchung.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julienchungdesigns/

We're back with more Picture Book Picks! We have more great mentor texts for you around this month's theme: Mental Health Awareness. Listen to the episode to see why we made our picks!

Kim's Picks:

Unique Structure: A Whale of a Mistake by Ioana Hobai

Illustrations: Out of a Jar by Deborah Marcero

Silly: I am STUCK by Julia Mills

Rhyme: Even Superheroes Make Mistakes by Shelly Becker and Eda Kaban

Non-Fiction: The Girl Who Figured it Out: The Inspiring True Story of Wheelchair...

We can't wait for you to hear our conversation with Lydia Lukidis, Sawyer Cloud, and Josh Gregory about this star of a biography that shines a light on the first Black woman in space! Don't miss Dancing Through Space: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights!

***Find out more about Lydia here: 

Website: http://www.lydialukidis.com/

Instagram: @cosmiclydia7 

***Find out more about Sawyer here: 

Website: https://www.sawyer.cloud/

Instagram:@sawyercloud01  

We're back with more Picture Book Picks! We have more great mentor texts for you all around the theme of poetry! Listen to the episode to see why we made our picks!

Kim's Picks:

Nonfiction: A Stone is a Story by Leslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Marc Martin

Silly: Animals in Pants: A Poetry Picture Book by Suzy Levinson, illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell

Structure:  Body Music: Poems About the Noises Your Body Makes by Jane Yolk & Ryan G. Van Cleave illustrated by Luis San Vicente

Illustrations: Harlem a...

You won't want to miss this conversation! We loved chatting with Casey W. Robinson, Nancy Whitesides, and editor Lauri Hornik about the special project that became this beautiful book, Small Things Mended.

***Find out more about Casey here: 

Website: https://www.caseywrobinson.com/

Instagram: @cwrobinson https://www.instagram.com/cwrobinson/

***Find out more about Nancy here: 

Website: https://www.nancywhitesides.com/

Instagram: @nancyillustrator 

***Follow us here:

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

We're excited to bring you a new monthly feature on the Picture Book Look podcast- Picture Book Picks! Each month, Kim and Kirsti will each choose 5 books within a theme and share what they love about them and why they make great mentor texts. This month is Women's History Month so the theme is Women- women authors, women illustrators, or both!

***Follow us here:

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

We hope you love listening to this episode as much as we did recording it! Enjoy this special conversation with Marc Colagiovanni and Peter H. Reynolds about their beautiful new book, The Reflection in Me.

***Find out more about Marc here: 

Website: https://www.marccolagiovanni.com/

Instagram: @marccolagiovanni

***Find out more about Peter here: 

Website: https://www.peterhreynolds.com/

Instagram: @peterhreynolds

Animated version of The Reflection in Me: https://youtu.be/7KMM387HNQk?feature=shared

***Follow us he...

Today we are talking all things agenting! We hope you find this episode helpful as you follow your writing journey!

We are thrilled to be back with our first interview of 2024! Please enjoy our chat with Shannon Stocker, Devon Holzwarth, and editor Jessica Garrison about their beautifully written and illustrated story, Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion.

***Find out more about Shannon here: 

Website: https://www.shannonstocker.com/

Instagram: @shannonstocker_

***Find out more about Devon here: 

Website:  https://www.devonholzwarth.com/

Instagram: @devonholzwarth 

Did you miss us? We're back! Not exactly like before but more than we were in 2023. We hope you enjoy our first episode of 2024 - our conversation about how to ramp up 2024 and make this year fabulous!

***Follow us here:

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

12x12 Picture Book Challenge: https://www.12x12challenge.com/

Our hearts are alive with the sound of picture book creators making magical stories for our heart! We loved chatting with Julie Hedlund and Charlie Ilgunas about this beautiful biography about the iconic Julie Andrews!

***Find out more about Julie here: 

Website: https://juliehedlund.com/

Twitter: @JulieFHedlund 

Instagram:@juliefhedlund

12 x 12 Writing Challenge:  https://www.12x12challenge.com/

***Follow us here:

Twitter: @pb_look  

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

Join us for this wonderful conversation with the one and only Todd Parr as we chat about his latest book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party!

***Find out more about Todd here: 

Website: https://www.toddparr.com/

Instagram: @toddparr

***Follow us here:

Twitter: @pb_look

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

Join us to get a behind-the-scenes look with Kirsti Call, Erin Taylor, and Christianne Jones about Smarty Ants.

***Find out more about Kirsti here: 

Website: http://www.kirsticall.com/

Twitter: @kirsticall

Instagram: @kirsticall 

***Find out more about Erin here: 

Website:  http://erintaylorillustrator.com/

Instagram: @erintaylorillustrator

***Follow us here:

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

Join us for this beautiful and important conversation with Meeg Pincus, Meridth McKean Gimbel, and Kelly Delaney, about Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became America's First Openly Transgender Senator.

***Find out more about Meeg here: 

Website: https://www.meegpincus.com/

***Find out more about Meridth here: 

Website:  https://www.meridthsayshello.com/

Twitter: @HelloMeridth

Instagram: @HelloMeridth 

***Follow us here:

Twitter: @pb_look

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look Podcast 

We're back with this fun chat with Cathy Stefanec Ogren and Lesley Breen to get all the behind the scenes details about their new book, Pew! The Stinky and Legen-Dairy Gift from Colonel Thomas S. Meacham.

***Find out more about Cathy here: 

Website: https://www.cathystefanecogren.com/

Instagram: @cathyo.likes 

Twitter: @cathysogren  

***Find out more about Lesley here: 

Website: https://www.lesleybreenwithrow.com/

Instagram: @lesleybreenillustration

***Follow us here:

Twitter: @pb_look  

Instagram: @picturebook_look 

Facebook: Picture Book Look P...