Interviews (scroll down) with book creators and others in the children’s book community. I’m still gradually moving these over from the old site; thanks for your patience.
Many of these book creators were kind enough to offer useful Advice For Young Writers and Illustrators.
Also see the Publishers Weekly cover reveal (Mar. 19, 2026), which includes more info as well as quotes from Lauren Rille and me!Quicklinks: Our history with Judy Blume – Behind-the-scenes process – What we’re excited about next – Final covers I was thrilled to be invited to illustrate the covers . . .
Karen Krossing wrote comics and poetry as a kid and dreamed of becoming a published writer. Today, she’s the author of many books for kids and teens, including picture books and novels. She won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Canada in 2015 and 2023 and has been a finalist . . .
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 . . .
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. . . .
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 . . .
Happy launch day to my friend Heidi Stemple, whose debut middle grade novel launches from Wordsong today! The Poetry Of Car Mechanics is a novel-in-verse about 15-year-old Dylan, who seeks solace through birdwatching and poetry in the woods behind his grandfather’s auto shop. When he rescues an injured hawk, he . . .
Kaz Windness is the Geisel award-winning, genre-crossing illustrator and author of funny and heart-warming books for young readers. Proudly neurodivergent (ASD/ADHD), Kaz specializes in character-driven books celebrating inclusivity, grit, and kindness. Her many books include Swim, Jim!, Worm and Caterpillar are Friends, When You Love a Book, and Bitsy Bat, . . .
Thanks to Tim Budgen for responding to my most recent #KidLitLaunches thread in Bluesky with news that BOUNCING BUNNIES! launches from Simon & Schuster Children’s UK on Feb. 13th, 2025! BOUNCING BUNNIES! is written by Fiz Osborne and illustrated by Tim. Synopsis from the publisher’s page: “Jump, wiggle, sniff and . . .
Note from Debbie: I’m delighted to have my dear friend Heidi Stemple and her mom, Jane Yolen, visit my blog. Today is special not only because it’s launch day for JANIE WRITES A PLAY: JANE YOLEN’S FIRST GREAT STORY, a picture book Heidi wrote and that Madelyn Goodnight illustrated, but . . .
Wat Takes His Shot is the stirring biography of Japanese American basketball star Wataru Misaka–the first person of color to play in the NBA. The book has already garnered praise, including being a Junior Library Guild Selection and garnering a starred review in School Library Journal. Title: WAT TAKES HIS . . .