If you didn't already know how AMAZING my agent @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social is, this proves it! Her birthday is in March. Her gift to the #kidlit community? A critique giveaway! To enter, leave a review for my books or any Team Sanchez books! More info here: kaitlynleannsanchez.com/2026/03/01/u...

Update + Critique Giveaway

Hi, wonderful readers, I hope you’re doing well and getting some lovely spring weather your way! Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year, with beautiful green growth and gorgeous, bri…

kaitlynleannsanchez.com

Welcome to 2026 Author sponsor @debbiezapata.bsky.social ! Look for her upcoming title, A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality, releasing July 21, 2026, a compelling picture book biography about courage and justice. readyourworld.org/2026-author-... #ReadYourWorld #ad #kidlit

Don't miss the FIRST EPISODE of the 12 x 12 Picture Book #Podcast! Julie shares why she started the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge & reveals 12 things she wishes she knew about #picturebook #writing way back then. Listen now: 12x12challenge.com/1... #amwriting #kidlit #12x12pb #booksky

Congratulations to #12x12PB member, @tinalyn.bsky.social! She recently celebrated her book birthday for 📚 LET'S DANCE, illustrated by Yullia Zolotova and piblished by @gatekeeperpress.bsky.social. Find it here: buff.ly/Rn2ODHP

Happy Book Birthday to #12x12PB member @sylviaichen.bsky.social!, 📚SPARKLES FOR SUNNY: A LUNAR NEW YEAR STORY, illustrated by Thai My Phuong, published by Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, hit shelves today! Check it out! buff.ly/DBHnnKg #kidlit

💕🍂HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING is out today from Random House Kids! A cozy celebration of food, friends, and finding your place at the table. Grab a copy wherever books are sold—and save a seat for a friend. 🧡

12 x 12 has been such a wonderful group to help me reach my writing goals!

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge@12x12challenge.bsky.social · 10mo ago

🎉 Happy Book Birthday to Debbie Zapata!🎉 📚 ISABEL'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE, illustrated by Gabriella Galvez, published by Magination Press, is here! 📖✨ Find it here: buff.ly/9DqKW0y #kidlit #12x12PB

✨📚Now available wherever books are sold. Join the fiesta! 🎉✨

So honored for this lovely review of ISABEL'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE from Kirkus. Releasing next week!

ISABEL'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE | Kirkus Reviews

Isabel dreams of a big, blowout birthday party but must temper her wishes.

kirkusreviews.com

So honored for this great review of my next picture book, which releases on October 7th!

Teachers & Librarians! I am giving away one copy of my just-released PB, My Backyard Used to Be, to one U.S.-based teacher or librarian who likes & reposts this by October 1. #kidlit #Edusky #SchoolLibrarian. Themes: history, stewardship, outdoor play.

🎉🎂 UP AND ADAM turns 3 today! 🐾☀️ Grateful to every reader who has cheered on Adam and his pup as they help their community after the big storm. 🌈 Check it out from your local library... Your support keeps their message of kindness, inclusion, and community going strong. Thanks Kids Can Press! 💛💙

Register today: www.scbwi.org/events/chapt...

I just saw that my upcoming picture book WE MATCH! is now available to preview on Edelweiss, so if you want a sneak peek at what this adorable bunch of dogs (illustrated by Sharon Glick) is up to, now's your chance: community.edelweiss.plus/title/166262...

📚✨ COVER REVEAL! ✨📚 This story, inspired by my beloved Aunt Lupe, is filled with love, family, and a bit of birthday magic. 💖 Beautifully illustrated by Gabriella Galvez and published by Magination Press, this special book arrives on October 7, 2025! 🎁 Preorder now wherever books are sold. 📖

🎉 Isabel's Birthday Surprise—published by @maginationpress and beautifully illustrated by Gabriella Galvez—is coming to bookstores, libraries, and schools in 2025! 📚✨ This story is inspired by a real-life experience of my Tía Lupe, and I can't wait for you all to read it! 💛🎂

We are a group of #kidlit creators who have been heartbroken by the devastating scenes in Los Angeles. We are raising desperately-needed funds for wildfire relief efforts with an auction taking place Jan 20th - Jan 28th. Please share: www.32auctions.com/organiza... Logo by @sydhanson.bsky.social

Friends, this GoFundMe is, unfortunately, legit. Can’t talk about it now, but I’m sure posts about the absurdity of life are to come. Please share if you can. #EatonFire

Donate to Please Support Karen & Ingin's Recovery from the Eaton Fire, organized by Alice Hom

Dear friends, family, and community members, We're Alice, Di… Alice Hom needs your support for Please Support Karen & Ingin's Recovery from the Eaton Fire

gofundme.com

Welcome to 2025 Author sponsor @lisaljrogers.bsky.social ! She is the award-winning author of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage; 16 Words: William Carlos And “The Red Wheelbarrow”; & Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony. readyourworld.org/2025-author-... #ReadYourWorld #ad #kidlit

Day 6: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2024 Funny Picture Books. Today we look at a slew of books that are doing it right. From parrotfish and hilarious Iranians to science fiction, nonfiction, & more, there's something here for every humor lover on your list! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/06/3...

31 Days, 31 Lists: 2024 Funny Picture Books

Funny books? They're difficult to create. Today we look at a slew of books that are doing it right. From parrotfish and hilarious Iranians to science fiction, nonfiction, and more, there's something h...

afuse8production.slj.com

I'm grateful and honored to announce that ABUELA'S LETTER has received the NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Award! 🏆 A heartfelt thanks to the educators, readers, and everyone who’s supported this journey. I’m excited to continue sharing this story and its message of love and connection. 💌

Proud to introduce my incredible client, Baxter Wilson-Rul! 📖💙 He is an autistic and nonverbal author. This heartfelt story not only shows the beauty and challenges of nonspeaking autism but also reminds us of the universal desire to be understood. ✨ #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #InclusiveBooks

I can't believe it's already Halloween! The rest of 2024 is going to fly by.

Fantastic book launch event for my newest picture book, ABUELA'S LETTER (illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz and published by Magination Press). Alejandra zoomed in from Colombia, and it was amazing to learn more about her process. Thanks to Book People for making this possible!

I am so grateful for the entire team that made this possible from my critique partners, agent James McGowan at BookEnds, and the whole team at Magination Press. This is a book special to my heart that helps people of all ages navigate loss and grief with a sense of hope.

Exciting news! My editor @MaginationPress and I were interviewed by Gayleen Rabakukk for Cynsations! We talk all things picture books--check it out: cynthialeitichsmith.com/2024/10/auth...

Author & Editor Interview: Author Debbie Zapata & Editor Kristine Enderle on Addressing Tough Topics in Picture Books - Cynthia Leitich Smith

By Gayleen Rabakukk Today we welcome author Debbie Zapata and her editor, Kristine Enderle of Magination Press to discuss writing about tough topics, bilingual books, and Debbie’s latest book, Abuela’...

cynthialeitichsmith.com

Happy #kidlitartpostcard 👻🍬🎃 iiiiiit’s spooky month and my birthday month! I’m Adriane and I love illustrating nostalgic scenes with a sprinkle of the fantastical. I am now available for picture books, board books, and covers! Rep’d by James McGowan jmcgowan@bookendsliterary.com adrianetsai.com

Happy Book Birthday to #12x12PB member @tracihuahn.bsky.social! Her #picturebook, MAMIE TAPE FIGHTS TO GO TO SCHOOL, illustrated by @michellieart and published by @randomhousekids, was released today. See ALL of May's book birthdays here: bit.ly/book-birthday #newbook #booklaunch

Woohoo! It's #12x12PB @mcusolito.bsky.social's Book Birthday for her #MG book, A WINDOW INTO THE OCEAN TWILIGHT ZONE, published by @charlesbridgepublishing! Take a look at May's book birthdays here: bit.ly/book-birthday #newbook #booklaunch