(Updated May 26, 2024. Also see: Rejection Stories & Advice From Published Kidlit/YA Creators) This is a photo of a letter I’ve had pinned up on my home office Inspiration Board for years now. It represents the many encouraging-but-still-rejection letters I received over the years when I was actively writing . . .
I am thrilled to announce that I just signed a contract with Simon & Schuster to illustrate I’M BUSY, a new picture book written by Michael Ian Black. I identify way too much with this story. 😁 I’M BUSY is the latest in the I’M series, joining I’M BORED, I’M . . .
I’m delighted to reveal the cover of my new solo picture book with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, I WANT TO READ *ALL* THE BOOKS. Don’t you love my art director Laurent Linn’s wonderful cover design? Read about how the cover was created here, including the cuuuute dog . . .
(The following was also included in my new Inkygirl newsletter on Substack.) On Dec. 19th, 2013, my editor at Simon & Schuster contacted me to see if I’d be interested in auditioning for a project “of great proportions.” I said sure. See this re-creation of my response. I had been . . .
Looking for reading-focused recommendation sheets and activities? Feel free to check out my free, print-ready archives and especially the section with book review and recommendation sheets. Here are just a few: Bookmark Recommendations: Finding Summer Reading Activities and Programs: Check your local library. Chances are good that you’ll find summer . . .
Heartfelt thanks to Maureen Tai for featuring my solo picture book SAM & EVA in the newest episode of A BOOKISH MINUTE! Do check out Maureen’s website as well as the wonderful children’s book review blog, Stories That Stay With Us. Also wanted to add an extra thanks to all . . .
Thanks to Simon Kids for inviting me to participate in their Read & Learn series on YouTube! Thanks to Simon & Schuster for permission to do a Gurple & Preen read-aloud video! Until the end of September (see their current online reading guidelines here), you can see author Linda Sue . . .
I met Nadia Salomon through the SCBWI and am also familiar with her online. I love her enthusiasm, positive outlook, and the support she has shown fellow members of the kidlit community over the years! I was excited to get a sneak peek of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, her debut as a picture . . .
I’ve been gradually adding new and older BookADay posts to my new Bookstagram. One of the most recent: SOUP DAY by Melissa Iwai (Henry Holt): Celebrates the importance of making a nutritious meal and sharing in the process as a famly. Also be sure to check out Melissa’s newest book, DUMPLINGS FOR LILI (Norton . . .
I am *very* excited to reveal the cover of I’M SORRY, which launches from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on September 6, 2021! This is the newest in the I’M…. picture book series written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me (Debbie Ridpath Ohi). Don’t you love Laurent . . .