Today Kim and Kirsti reflect on things they wish they'd known before they were published. Things about writing, things about the publishing process, things about working with editors and more!

Published authors, what would you add to their list?

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In this episode of Picture Book Look, we sit down with educator, children’s literature advocate, and lifelong lover of books Susannah Richards for a wide-ranging conversation about the power of picture books and the role they play in helping children become curious, thoughtful, engaged readers. We could have talked for hours given Susannah's wealth of knowledge! She's a true titan of the kidlit industry, and we're grateful she sat down with us so we could pick her brain on so many picture book things!

About Susannah Richards

Susannah Richards is a professor of education at Eastern Connecticut State University and a passionate advocate for children’s literature and literacy. Her work focuses on helping children discover books that spark curiosity, imagination, thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. She regularly shares book recommendations and resources designed to ignite, delight, and cultivate readers, writers, and thinkers.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sussingoutbooks/

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We're back with our picture book picks and we're saluting summer with our latest episode!

Kim's Picks:

Silly:  The Sun Thief by Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater

Rhyme: Good Night, Good Beach by Joy Crowley and Hilary Jean Tapper  

Non-fiction: Sharks in Kansas? By Melissa Steward and Becca Stadtlander

Unique structure: Hot Dog by Doug Salati

Illustrations:  And Then Came Summer by Tom Brenner and Jaime Kim

Kirsti's Picks:

Silly: Beach Toys vs. School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello

Rhyme: Short Dog, Long Dog by Anna Hrachovec

Non-fiction: Just a Worm by Marie Boyd

Unique Structure: The Red Jacket by Bob Holt

Illustrations: Summer is Here by Renée Watson and Bea Jackson

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We loved chatting with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Anne Appert about their delightful new picture book, Happybaras! Hear all the behind-the-scenes details about the making of this book and then go get your copy!

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Today we are talking about the beauty of the break and our own experiences with finding our way back to writing after taking some time off. We hope you find this episode helpful if you are navigating your way through a writing break or if you think you might be due for one!

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We bring you this very special tribute to the one and only, Jane Yolen. Jane was an icon in the children's literature world and an absolutely amazing human being. We are so grateful to have shared this world with her and learned from her. Thanks for everything, Jane.

xo,

Kim and Kirsti

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There simply wasn't enough time to get it all in with the one and only Lynda Mullaly Hunt but we really tried! We chatted about her debut picture book, Wish in a Tree and her unique writing process, every minute of this conversation was simply delightful. Known for her emotionally rich middle-grade novels like One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree, Lynda brings her signature warmth and insight to the world of picture books — and the result is pure magic.

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We couldn't think of a more perfect way to end our season than with this wonderful conversation with Robyn Wall and Celia Lee! Robyn's latest book, I Worked Hard on That! is such a fun, satisfying read and A.N. Kang's art is the perfect complement!

Learn more about Robyn here:

website: https://robynjwall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynjwall/

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We are so delighted to bring you this beautiful book and an equally beautiful conversation with author Jyoti Rajan Gopal and editor Kaylan Adair for Love is Here with You. The words and art are magical!

Learn more about Jyoti here:

website: https://www.jyotirajangopal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyotirgopal/

Learn more about illustrator Nabi. H. Ali here:

website: https://www.nabihaider.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabihaiderali/

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The season of giving is upon us and we are delighted to bring you this special episode highlighting the Share the Magic Foundation with the magnificent Malcolm Mitchell!

Share the Magic Foundation is dedicated to transforming children's lives through literacy, via in-school, virtual, and Community Partner programs. They aim to aim to increase access to print, improve reading interest, and enhance reading skills.

Learn more here:

https://readwithmalcolm.com/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/readwithmalcolm/

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We found the perfect book for those who don't want to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving and those who start celebrating Christmas on November 1! Turkey vs. Santa written by Todd Tarpley and illustrated by Giovanni Abeille is the fun new holiday book you'll be reading year after year! We enjoyed chatting with Todd and editor, Deirdre Jones about the book's journey!

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There's something special about picture book biographies that are clever, smart, and beautifully crafted and She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and illustrated by Emily Paik is one such book! We got tot chat with Heidi and her editor, the incredible Julie Bliven about the journey of this stellar biography.

Learn more about Heidi here:

website: https://www.heidieystemple.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidieys/

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The absolutely delightful and talented Sharon M. Draper has written her first picture book and we loved chatting with her about the process from start to finish. Don't miss this episode!

Learn more about Sharon here:

Website: https://www.sharondraper.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmdraper/

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We loved our chat with Jessie Sima, Justin Chanda, and Lizzie Bromley about their new book, Cookie Time! Time travel, multi-generational, and cookies- this book has it all!

Learn more about Jessie here:

website: https://www.jessiesima.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_sima/

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Stop what you're doing and listen to this episode and then go read this book! Proper Badger Would Never! with author Lauren Glattly, illustrator Rob Sayegh Jr., and editor Claire Tattersfield isn't to be missed!

Learn more about Lauren here:

website: http://www.laurenglattly.com/

Instagram:

Learn more about Rob here:

website: https://www.robsayart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsayart/

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We're back with some more picture book picks! We couldn't let self care month pass without pointing out these great books!

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It was a full house for this interview and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Don't miss the behind-the-scenes happenings about sweet, spunky Missy and her strong desire for a pet mammoth. We loved chatting with Pam Vaughan (author), Ariel Landy (illustrator), Alison Weiss (editor), and Brent Taylor (agent) about Missy Wants a Mammoth.

Learn more about Pam here:

Website: https://www.pamvaughanauthor.com/books

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamvau/

Learn more about Ariel here:

Website: https://thebrightagency.com/uk/childrens-illustration/artists/ariel-landy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellandyart/

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Wow! Wow! Wow! Feeling all the feels with this interview! We left this chat inspired and enlightened and oh so grateful we live in a world where there is a Vanessa Brantley-Newton! You'll want to listen to this episode more than once!

Learn more about Vanessa here:

Website: https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VANESSABRANTLEYNEWTON

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If you are looking for the perfect summer read to add to your picture book pile then look no further! The Quacken will satisfy all and we loved chatting with author Justin Colón and editor Kendra Levin!

Learn more about Justin here:

Website: https://justincolonbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinryancolon/

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Oh my hedgehogs! You will not want to miss this masterclass of an episode with the delightful and brilliant Cate Berry!

Find out more about Cate here: https://cateberry.com/

Follow Cate here: https://www.instagram.com/cateberryatx

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