I’m so enjoying A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS. That’s it. That’s the message.

Hi #KidLitArtPostcard. I'm Steph, an author-illustrator of PBs & GNs. ❄️ My debut picture book, The Abominable Snow Dancer (Penguin Workshop) came out 3 months ago! 😎 I like stories with misfits and mischief 🍨 I'm really into ice cream Rep @allielevick.bsky.social www.stephlaubooks.com

currently reading: GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert

January reads: THISTLEFOOT THE RAVEN SCHOLAR FAE BOUND VANYA AND THE WILD HUNT

Publishing for Minnesota auction is now open!! There’s so may amazing items and you can even bid on a query and first 5 pages critique from me! www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...

Currently reading (and loving!) WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS by Isabel Ibañez

We had a good day ✨✨✨✨ LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN Contribution by Kate Hart ✨Printz Award ✨American Indian Youth Literature Award ✨Odyssey Honor THE GOLDEN BOY’S GUIDE GO BIPOLAR By Sonora Reyes ✨Schneider Family Book Award Honor

I was so nervous to put this book into the world because it's so personal to me. I wanted nothing more than for Cesar to be seen and loved in all his messy, vulnerable glory. I'm so freaking proud to have been awarded a Schneider Family Book Award Honor. Thank you, thank you, thank you

The American Indian Youth Literature Award for best young adult book goes to ‘Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,’ edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith #ALAyma

I don’t want to hear anything from an elected official unless it’s a plan to defund the DHS and impeach Noem, Bovino, etc. No texts. No emails. No talk about the economy. Step up or step off.

Here’s a little interview I did with Natalie at Literary Rambles! (And you can enter to win a query critique by me!) www.literaryrambles.com/2026/01/lite...

Reject modernity (strange practices to make yourself look younger) Embrace tradition (that weird portrait in your attic that keeps getting older)

First reread of 2026 ANNIHILATION by Jeff Vandermeer

I ask everyone who queries whether AI has been used in the development of their work and some of you write me *such* funny replies. Please know they make me giggle 😂

Currently reading: VANYA AND THE WILD HUNT by Sangu Mandanna

Currently reading: FAEBOUND by Saara El-Arifi

Ok I’m finally watching The Pitt and yes, y’all were right, it’s great (also so stressful)

I really loved this video from Becca Syme about auditing where to spend your time and energy as an author. Definitely worth watching! www.youtube.com/watch?v=biJ5...

4th positive trade review for my picture book debut, The Abominable Snow Dancer, this time from The Horn Book 📯📚🎉

Currently reading: THE RAVEN SCHOLAR by Antonia Hodgson

Sincere apologies to everyone emailing me today, because apparently I don’t remember how to type after two weeks off.

On January 1st, I saw a whole family blasting “How it’s Done” and having a dance party outside their car. Holding this little moment close for this big year ahead✨

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