Current read: THISTLEFOOT by GennaRose Nethercott

Current read: THE PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry

Mini Otto visits Children's Fairyland in Oakland, for a reading of his picture book, The Abominable Snow Dancer! So many fun things to do and see. His favorite thing was the big dragon slide. 💜💜💜 #booksky #kidlit #oakland @penguinschoollib.bsky.social

I’m officially closed to queries for 2025! If you have a query with me, yes I reply to everything! I will be back to you. There are just quite submissions and it takes time to consider. I promise I’m working as quickly as I can. More soon!

Mini Otto takes a trip to his favorite place: The Library! But wait! What's THAT book? 😍 The Abominable Snow Dancer came out just last month, and is available wherever books are sold (as well as your library!). @penguinschoollib.bsky.social @oaklibrary.bsky.social #booksky #librarysky #kidlitart

Professional | Lucky Bug comic no. 13 🕸 Read the full post: sarahkurpiel.substack.com/p/lucky-bug-... #kidlitart #comicstrip

Shoutout to everyone with an arctic breed who would love to jog three miles uphill both ways in 10 degrees 🥶

Currently reading: A FATE INKED IN BLOOD by Danielle L. Jensen

A few of my favorite reads this year: **THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER by Stephen Graham Jones THE MAID AND THE CROCODILE by Jordan Ifueko THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley LEGENDS & LATTES by Travis Baldree THE KNIGHT AND THE MOTH by Rachel Gillig GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE by Emily Henry

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard. I'm Steph, an author-illustrator of PBs & GNs. My debut picture book, The Abominable Snow Dancer (Penguin Workshop) came out last month! ❄️Likes stories with misfits and mischief 🩰Used to be a pastry chef 🦄Loves ice cream Rep @allielevick.bsky.social www.stephlaubooks.com

Currently reading: THE LAST WISH by Andrzej Sapkowski

I’m going to be CLOSING to queries December 15 in order to catch up. I’m planning to open again in the new year, so don’t rush to send one if you’re not ready!

I’ve donated a query and first 5 page critique to the People of Color in Publishing auction! Feel free to bid here: peoplecolorpublishing.betterworld.org/auctions/poc...

Hi all, quick query update. I’m up to Sept. 27 on my queries. If you queried earlier than that and haven’t heard yet, I’ve set your material aside for a further look. I promise I’m moving as quickly as I can, there are just a lot of you and it takes time to read material! I’ll be back to you soon.

A reminder to not drink and drive this holiday weekend (or ever!). Grab a cab. Call a friend. Your life and the lives of others aren’t something to play with.

15 years ago tonight was the last time I spoke with one of my best friends. She was murdered two days later by her ex-boyfriend. This anniversary has been really hard, but tonight I walked outside to see three Manhattan buildings lit up in her favorite colors and it made me smile. Love you, Jenni.

One of my favorite things is getting to read newsletters from my clients. It’s like a bonus conversation I get to have with them 🥰

I’ve been getting about 3-4 notifications of offers of representation each week since I opened back up to queries. This is just a gentle reminder to please set a reasonable timeframe if you really wish others to be able to read and get back to you. FWIW I would say two weeks is reasonable.

My dog is in her absolute glory this morning when it feels like 16 degrees. When it’s really cold she’ll close her eyes, push her head forward, and smile into the wind. So many people who looked miserable going into work smiled when they saw her 💗

Am reading: THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES by Julie Leong

Thanks all who attended the @storytimesprint.bsky.social Zoom launch for The Abominable Snow Dancer! I had a blast, and it was the perfect way to kick off my debut picture book launch events. If you missed it, I still have a few in-person Bay Area events coming up: www.stephlaubooks.com/events

Current read: THE WEAVER AND THE WITCH QUEEN by Genevieve Gornichec

"I asked ChatGPT" "I asked Grok" ok well I asked Gandalf and he said he has not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm

This book is incredible. The audio is BEYOND. Currently reading: THE MAID AND THE CROCODILE by Jordan Ifueko

I’ve received a lot of queries through my main inbox today. Please *only* send to my query email or to Query Manager. Sending to my main inbox is how you’ll get lost!

COVER REVEAL, and brrrrr ice ice baby ❄️!!! The Incorruptibles 2 is available for preorder now: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lightm... Cover art: @devinellekurtz.bsky.social Cover design: Tiara Iandiorio Publisher: @simonkids.bsky.social Editor: Kara Sargent Agent: @allielevick.bsky.social

New LUCKY BUG comic today over on my Substack newsletter 🐞 ✏️ #kidlit #comics

Quick query update. I’ve been open for about a month and I’m averaging somewhere between 300-350 queries per week. I know it’s frustrating to wait for a reply but…there are a lot of queries! It takes time to get to everything. I love being open to work and I’m excited to keep diving in.

Pals. Your dog should not be off leash if they are going to sprint at a strange dog from 100 feet away. You don’t know whether my dog is aggressive. I don’t know whether your dog is aggressive. You don’t know whether my dog is immune compromised (she is). This is a recipe for disaster. Do better.

I’m popping through #DVPit as I’m able today! If I 💗 your material and you feel we’d be a good fit please send the query and first 25 pages to me at alevick(@)writershouse(.)com For illustrators, please send along a dummy or link to your portfolio! Can’t wait to have a peek!

I have a second library card now and I think this might be too much power.

Big day! Finally starting THE BEWITCHING by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

🍁 Hello friends! I’m joining #kidlitpostcard a wee bit late (I’m on deadline) but had to post something cuz this is my fav time of year. (Hooray for crunchy leaves & pumpkin spice!) I’m rep’d by @allielevick.bsky.social at Writers House. For more work visit my website at www.MeridthSaysHello.com 🍂

Pleased* to announce my second picture book! MEDUSA'S PET ROCK is slated to launch Fall 2026, with @harpercollins.bsky.social *Pleasssssssed Thanks to my agent @allielevick.bsky.social and editor Megan Ilnitzki for loving this story as much as I do ❤️🐍🏺 Can't wait for you all to read it! #kidlit

Got my Covid booster tonight (ok and cupcakes, I also got cupcakes).

Current read: THE KNIGHT AND THE MOTH by Rachel Gillig

Query tip: make sure you get someone who knows *nothing* about your book to read your query and explain the story back to you. You might find you’ve overemphasized some elements or confused them with others. An agent won’t know anything about your project, it needs to make sense to someone fresh!

If you find yourself thinking, I’ve washed this lime green beach towel a million times. What could it hurt to throw it in with the white towel load?! I’m going to invite you to rethink your choices. With love from the lady with ever so slightly neon towels

A couple reminders for the querying crowd: Dark romance? Not for me. Murder mysteries? Not for me. Picture book text only? Not for me. Graphic novel scripts? Not for me. Screenplays? Not for me.

HAPPY RELEASE DAY CESAR!!! Woke up late but had to do a little photo shoot to celebrate release day! The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar is finally out in the world and I couldn’t be more proud 🥰

I’ve opened back up to queries! Please *only* use my Query Manager form or my query email. Anything sent to my main email will be deleted. I’m excited to dive into new work!! MSWL: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/alev...

Evening walkies, fall edition: That’s not your acorn. That’s not your acorn. That’s not your leaf. That’s not your acorn.

I was worried I’d gotten to Kpop demon hunters too late after everyone was hyping it up. No. Y’all didn’t hype it up enough. Do better. I *LOVED* this movie and the wider world it created. Holy moly.

*whispers* I’m opening to queries 9/15. 👀👀👀

It's back to school, you've got the perfect dress, and *someone* had to go and wear the same thing. I'm Steph, author-illustrator & former pastry chef. I make picture books & graphic novels, usually with a splash of mischief #KidLitArtPostcard Rep: @allielevick.bsky.social www.stephlaubooks.com

Thrilled to say that I'm now represented by @allielevick.bsky.social at Writer's House! Her enthusiasm, encouragement, and vision for my story about— 🤫 Family secrets 🏚️ A creepy house in a small town 🌳 Spooky woods that have seen some sh*t —makes her the perfect champion!

Periodic reminder to back your computer up!

Latest read.

Hi all, I’m finally dipping into #QueerPit!! If I 💗 your pitch, please feel free to send your query and first 25 pages pasted in the body of the email to alevick(@)writershouse(.)com Thanks! 🎉

Yesterday, a picture book hurt me emotionally. Today, a YA is doing psychological damage. This is a harrowing job 😂