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Debbie’s Blog

Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.

Picture Books 101 (Part 2): Beginner Tips For Illustrators

How do I develop an illustration style? How do I gain confidence as an artist? Welcome to my Picture Books 101 post series, in which I talk about the basics of writing and illustrating picture books for young readers. This is part of my Creating Picture Books Resource. I began this series . . .



Comic: The Scream

I’ve been gradually going through my old comics and organizing them on my hard drive to make them easier to find (I’m using the filename) as well as updating the credit/copyright line for some of them since I stupidly used my Twitter handle for so many. For some, I’m also . . .



TPL Guildwood Branch #100Branches

This is part of my #100Branches project, in which my goal is to visit all 100 branches of the Toronto Public Library (as well as any other library I can find). You can find out more here. Guildwood Branch at 123 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto, ON M1E 4V2 (see map).Nearest intersection: . . .



Why Bluesky is my main social media platform

My main social media platform these days is Bluesky. If you’re here because of one of my posts about resources, feel free to go directly to the related Guide resource: My Unofficial Guide To Bluesky – Quickstart Guide – Tips on how to control what you see (& don’t see) . . .



How Agents, Art Reps, and Clients Find Illustrators (Survey Results, Part 2)

Earlier this year, I asked agents, artist representatives, and others how they found illustrators. Please note that this was an informal survey conducted across my social platforms, and not meant to represent all agents, art reps, and those who hire illustrators. Thanks to those who participated. Also see Part 1 . . .



A WARM & FUZZY interview with Scott Rothman and Brian Won

Warm and Fuzzy is a fun and adorable new picture book about two friends going on an adventure and about meeting anxiety with resilience, an open mind … and extra toilet paper. 😁 Written by Scott Rothman, the book is illustrated by my friend Brian Won. I met Brian through . . .



Interview with award-winning Darcy Pattison on NOT EXTINCT, advice for creators

Children’s books by author Darcy Pattison have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include an Irma Black Honor, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honors, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book. . . .



Picture Books 101 (Part 1): Getting Started

Welcome to my Picture Books 101 post series, in which I talk about the basics of writing and illustrating picture books for young readers. This series is part of my Creating Picture Books resource. I began this series over on Substack, but have decided to post updated versions here on . . .



Why Michael Ian Black wrote I’M BUSY, plus our cover reveal!

Pre-order: Indiebound – Bookshop.org – Barnes & Noble – Indigo.ca – Amazon.ca – Amazon.com Please consider pre-ordering? Pre-ordering helps the author and illustrator in many ways. Pre-orders help let our publisher know there’s interest in the book, and might adjust print runs or marketing plans as a result. Pre-orders contribute . . .



DAWN PATROL: A Father & Daughter Surfing Story with Rob Sayegh Jr

Rob Sayegh Jr. is the author-illustrator and illustrator of numerous books for children, including the New York Times best-selling picture books I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! by Seth Meyers and Cupig by Claire Tattersfield. Rob Sayegh Jr. creates playful illustrations, silly stories, and heartwarming characters to make people of all . . .