Publishers, writers, reviewers, bilbiophiles: PLEASE mention the *illustrator/cover designers* in your posts promoting books. By properly crediting human talent, you are supporting the industry. Everyone wins! #PicturesMeanBusiness graphic by @sarahmcintyre.bsky.social #KidLit #BookSky #BookPromo

The sarcasm of this book is half its charm. @unshavedmouse.bsky.social doubts the integrity of fish while peppering facts about them throughout his story. @dansantat.bsky.social amps up the fun with realistic and humorous illustrations. Readers will learn, laugh, and wonder about crabs. #PBreview

Catching up on SCBWI webinars. Wonderful gem from patriciakreiser.com “Be mindful that it is a marriage of words and pictures, and there’s two voices in the conversation, and there’s two voices trying to get to the end. So the voices should work together, but they shouldn’t talk over each other.”

Siblings enjoy the simple pleasures of the day which culminate in a rooftop fireworks display. @matthewburgessj.bsky.social uses onomatopoeia throughout the story paired with Chien’s artwork to create a joy for the ears & eyes and remind readers to embrace the unique treats of summertime. #PBreview

This book pairs facts with humorous words of encouragement directed at a goose egg. It works great as a read-a-loud with its engaging tone, larger text, and Galia Bernstein's detailed illustrations. This fun story by @sarahollyackerman.bsky.social will satisfy teachers and curious kids. #PBreview

Learned this nugget from a recent scbwiepa.bsky.social webinar that was chock-full of useful and relevant content. “Sometimes it’s just doing something a little bit differently that will help the pieces fall into place.”—Lilly Ghahremani wonderlilly.bsky.social

There is plenty we have to give up in order to grow. For we cannot deeply love anything without becoming vulnerable to loss. And we cannot become separate people, responsible people, connected people, reflective people without some losing and leaving and letting go. —Judith Viorst, NECESSARY LOSSES

I loved learning about this global safe house for seeds. @meganclendenan.bsky.social talks about the diversity of plants found across countries and cultures. @cicchese-art.bsky.social art adds a mystical quality to the story. This NF book will inform and motivate readers of all ages. #PBreview

Preface in anniversary edition of The Wind In The Willows: It should be ready on your shelf, like a Bible, for the day when you need it. … He has taken us with him down into what he once called “the back-kitchen” of the unconscious, where the dream kettle boils the brew of what we really care about.

The title is intriguing and @cgroenink.bsky.social cover illustration beckons you inside. @tanya_rosie tells a tale about a father and daughter observing the splendor of nature in their backyard. Readers will discover the hedgehog highway and dream of making such memories for themselves. #PBreview

A delightfully funny story with emotive images of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. @mattforsythe.bsky.social has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost. #PBreview

A touching story by @hellomrsdinh.bsky.social that shows the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage. Yong Ling Kang’s beautifully detailed illustrations strengthen the mood. Tiên comes to see the value of her family’s jade bracelet tradition and the magic it holds. #PBreview

I finally comprehend the intrinsic power of CRAFTING: it challenges your brain enough to keep your mind from wandering to other thoughts (or else you paint or cut yourself) while allowing room for creative exploration. Here’s to more time in 2026 to play without deadlines!

🗣️Submission Shine 2026 online critique intensive❄️YA, MG, PB, illustration, GN, dummies, synopses🗣️You choose—shotgun or deep-dive to get the best feedback from agents & peers on your stories, your pitches, your career—just 6 spots remaining www.scbwi.org/events/easte... #amquerying #portfolioreview

Readers will enjoy watching Amos McGee and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. #PhilipStead thoughtful words and #ErinStead tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends. #PBreview

Sage affirmation: “Some people know what their book is about before they make it. And some people, they make the book and then finally, they know what it is.…That’s okay. That’s my process, and to embrace the mess.” — @suzannekaufmanart.bsky.social (SCBWI Podcast interview)

What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium?! Thor Hanson tells a true story about Inky while weaving in many octopus facts, while Galia Bernstein illustrates intriguing scenes. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone. #PBreview

I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview

Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview

“Don’t be afraid to share your work. The trajectory of learning is exponential …. It’s not always easy to find the right critique group, but when you do find the right combination, it’s pretty magical.” —Donna Barba Higuera Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!

Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview

Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview

A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview

A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview

Some wonderful pearls of wisdom from my @highlightsfound.bsky.social ghts retreat: • The right book will keep you company when you need it most. • Faith in your art & writing is essential. • Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.

I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview

This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview

Continuing my quest to read Newbery winners I missed as a child. This quote from a 1940s Danish Resistance member in NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry remains relevant: "... the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one."

Just read this insightful quote in TIME: “It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.” —Colman Domingo

Uri was a prime example of someone making the most of their lot in life. His CHANCE memoir left quite an impression and showed me how our gifts are, first and foremost, for ourselves but can do so much more when we share them with others. Thank you for your tremendous gifts to the kidlit world.

Children's Bookshelf@pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social · last yr.

“In my decade in publishing, I’ve collected many wonderful memories, but working with Uri Shulevitz remains the highlight of my career”: the children’s book community remembers the late Caldecott Medalist. See our tribute: