I submitted 3 pitches for picture books on #SmallPitch today. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plus, it's always helpful to refine pitches. Thank you to the organizers.

#querying It's kind of a weird process, right? I am a #PB writer, and generally when you query you send one MS. I think my work is similar to what Amy Krouse Rosenthal produced (RIP). Her work was quite varied. But how do I put that in a query for one MS? Thinking out loud...

#questpit #Q #PB What is THE BIGGEST PRESENT EVER? It is 280 words exploring what a boy imagines it could be. Could it be a dinosaur egg? A basketball hoop? It seems to be getting bigger with each page turn. Dad’s answers are mysterious until the present is revealed. Full of heart.

#questpit #Q #PB MY NEW BEST FRIEND is a 320 word picture book that saves the identities of a boy’s old and new best friends until near the end. He’s a little unsure about his new best friend. He misses his old best friend. No best friend is perfect, but sometimes a friend truly steals your heart.

#questpit #Q #PB HAVE YOU SEEN A EWE? If you’re a ram in the fall, you’d like to find one. Unfortunately, he can’t, and none of the other male animals he encounters have seen one either. A lyrical, funny, and educational peek into animal names in 360 words.

#questpit #Q #PB I’D LOVE TO BE AN ELEPHANT says a little boy who is often getting into trouble for breaking things. But when he eventually misses his mother, he wonders whether she would love to be an elephant too. A 270 word lyrical picture book full of spirit and heart.

PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison ... plus a giveaway, too! writersrumpus.com/2026/04/21/p...

PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison … plus a giveaway, too!

You’ll be whipping up a delicious batch of pancakes after reading this interview with incredibly talented Carrie Finison – just like you likely ran out to purchase your favorite doughnu…

writersrumpus.com

From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/trash-traps-litter-prevention/

Meet Mr. Trash Wheel and His Trash-Catching Friends

From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans.

reasonstobecheerful.world

#kidlit At my local library I recently came across two picture books by Al Rodin, including "An Adventure for Lia and Lion." It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure, and the illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully we'll see more from him - great stuff.

I read a lot of picture books, but I still find that I am discovering writers and illustrators that are new to me. I recently came across some delightful books illustrated by Jean Jullien. His illustrations are slightly off kilter, and I mean that in a good way. They just make me smile.

Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/monarch-butterflies-survival-conservation/

Can We Bring Back the Butterflies?

Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help.

reasonstobecheerful.world

I read the PB "Little Echo" by Al Rodin today. The illustrations are beautiful and it is a sweet story. I wasn't familiar with his work until now. It's always a joy to read a talented PB creator that is new to me.

Would you like to see #PBParty teasers this year?

Sylvia Chen 余愛莉@sylviaichen.bsky.social · 5mo ago

🍀Good luck #PBParty if you entered! I'm not sure if I'll be able to post teasers while judging next, and I don't see a @bsky.app poll option, so...: *If you're interested in #PBParty teasers, like/repost this post ❤️🔄 *If not, do nothing. *Comment if you want. Then I'll see what to do. Thank you!

My #PBParty entry is in. Woo hoo!

A member of my local critique group has a new NF book out on endangered black-footed ferrets (BFF's). Please help save this endangered species by purchasing her book and spreading the word that this species needs our help. Look for BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets by Elaine Miller Bond.

#pbparty entry date is coming up soon. I have a MS that I'm excited to enter. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I submitted my #50preciouswords entry yesterday.

I just submitted my entry for the #KidlitChuckleChallenge. I made myself laugh, so that's a win no matter what the results of the contest.😀 Thanks to the authors that set this up!

Well, I have to admit to being disappointed that my MS did not make the cut for #PBParty. I reread my MS this morning and found one word change to make. I think my MS is the best I can make it right now. So, I will soldier on. It will be on bookshelves one day. Perseverance!

While I wait (somewhat impatiently) for #PBParty results, I want to say thank you to all of the folks that make this contest happen. I have a small inkling of what it must take to put this on, and I'm really grateful to all of the volunteers.

I was chatting last night with someone in a picture book critique group who wasn't familiar with Bill Peet's work. He is one of my all time favorite PB authors (and illustrators). I love reading and creating new picture books, but I think it's important to promote the great work of the past.

I entered #PBParty yesterday. It's gratifying to know that I have made a great deal of progress since I submitted last year. Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased with the work I entered this year.