I’d also tell the younger me to write down all of the funny things my own kids did and said, as well as the surprising nuances of their approaches to life and learning. …so much lost research. #KidLitChat

I’d tell myself that I’ve learned enough, my number of solidly creative ideas is more than a starting point, and to get my ass in the query trenches. I was younger yesterday than I am today but I still keep moving my own goalposts. #KidLitChat

Question for my #PB #kidlit people: Would anyone be interested in a critique service that caters specifically to rhyming manuscripts? It seems like many critique services focus on non-rhyming stories, and I LOVE working in rhyme.

Hey #KidLitChat folks - sharing this because of Tuesday’s discussion on our go-tos for recharging creativity - news.uchicago.edu/big-brains-p...

Nighty night #KidLitChat

Interesting that the great outdoors is still a universal recharge go-to. #KidLitChat

Two things recharge me. “forest bathing” - basically a walk in nature, and oddly, vacuuming my house. Both health and the fact I can’t stand a mess drive my ‘do it’. #KidLitChat

@brookmthompson.bsky.social I am holding your book and can’t wait to read it to my granddaughters. I love how your childhood history sets the stage for your environmental care and education. The font immediately caught my attention, so thanks for explaining OpenDyslexic in your back matter. #KidLit

@troystory.bsky.social Wow - what a coincidental title! Though I’m quite sure you have not lost yours. Looking forward to reading your statue inspired story.

I watched the towers fall on live TV. Indescribable shock and pain, indelibly marked our way of thinking… about everything. And yet, on this day, my husband and I will quietly acknowledge our forty-three years together in a world that, even in this landscape, still contains much good.

Gotta go. Gnight #KidLitChat

@juliefhedlund.bsky.social @emmawaltonhamilton.bsky.social @kellipanique.bsky.social Enjoyed the Mini Summit tonight -thanks for all your hard work in putting it together!

Check out worldshift.manyworldswriting.com While primarily for novelists, there will also likely be nuggets for PB authors. I mean, it’s writing, right? You can see the daily agendas under the “stages” drop-down and even create your own schedule.

Gnight #KidLitChat folks. See you next week.

I also really like the book about hoatzins. So well done - great story unfolds while relaying facts. #KidLitChat

We sit, watch, and wait Darkness has quieted gulls Leaving waves, wind, thoughts Shelled giants emerge From moonlit frothy breakers To dig sandy vaults Is this even real? They lay new life and leave… Me thinking of God #HaikuSaturday It was magical!

Hesitating to answer because I’m not sure it’s a typical rut but… I stop writing when I’m flooded w too many ideas. Writing paralysis either continues until I tame my idea stream or force myself to just pick one and go with it until another one screams more loudly for attention. #KidLitChat

Did you know I run a literary magazine for kids called @litkidsmagazine.bsky.social? We accept work solely from 5-13 y/o's, and we're currently in dire need of submissions for Issue 7: Fire. Please spread the word and subscribe to our site! 🤗 litkidsmagazine.wixsite.com/lit-kids-mag... #kidlit #emag

I just ‘read’ the wordless picture book, “Draw!” by Raul Colon and so appreciate his subtle pictorial nod to asthma sufferers. As a kid, I couldn’t go outside if someone on our street had just mowed their lawn. Suffice to say, my book inspired imagination kept me sane. #KidLit #KidLitChat

pudding.cool/2025/07/kids... An interesting article on how various things like culture drive gender selection/assumptions for different PB animal characters. #KidLit #KidLitChat

Omgosh - “The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever” by @sandrasalsbury.bsky.social is brilliantly universal. It was in my mentor text library haul this week, and I’m still smiling over “song of her people”. I’m a details gal and really appreciate that there were, indeed, 17 binkies. So funny! #KidLitChat

Good night #KidLitChat Have a hungry parrot chick that I’m hand feeding and he’s decided that the time is now. Have a good week.

I came from the land of typewriters and Brittanica, evolving to coding in FORTRAN and eventually the internet ‘happened’. I still have my 1Meg Macintosh computer where I saved all my handwritten poems. #KidLitChat

Late to the party, but missing teaching 17 year-olds and having three granddaughters that love to be read to guide my focus. So much can be conveyed through words and pictures that inspire curiosity, love, and meaningful conversations with the young - how can I not? #KidLitChat

Knowledgeable, kind, respectful guy.

I need to quit cooking pasta like I still have three kids at home, which I haven’t… for years! An example for math teachers to answer “When will I ever use this Mrs. McCown?” I guess I could just buy one of those spaghetti measuring templates with the holes😅 #kidlit #iteachphysics

Hi @troystory.bsky.social Glad you are here!

My writing has changed tremendously. I was a physics teacher ten years ago🤣 I started writing PBs in 2021, and the biggest change is how much better I am at being succinct. The whole “show don’t tell” has helped streamline my text. #KidLitChat

#KidLitChat G’night all. Enjoyed it.

Good morning, @drliztracy.bsky.social I just read Susanna Leonard Hill’s interview on your upcoming “Mystery Driver”, illustrated by @annaaronson.bsky.social and can’t wait to read it. I love that a sprinkling of physics elevated this story into the view of publishers. Congratulations!

Congratulations! @jerroldconnors.bsky.social Looks like my library understands the need for GOOD books. Can’t wait til it comes in.

It’s the Canadian book birthday for IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE! #CanKidLit #imagination #picturebook #SEL #nature #mindfulness

My favorite phase is the first edit - getting rid of words from my brain dump is so satisfying and then adding a few new words to improve PB readability is also fun. I also enjoy any necessary research along the way. The hardest part is the brain dump - especially the ending. #KidLitChat

What's that? You're running out of ways to transport your favorite James Marshall picture books? May I suggest this vintage Viola Swamp tote bag? 🖤🖤 Come to my Zoom party for a chance to win this rare bit of picture book merch! Register below 👇 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

I can’t begin to describe how vibrant the leg spots were on this lil guy. Just out for a morning stroll by the lake.

Don’t worry. I got you.

Nighty night all. I’m going to try to go to bed without opening any containers of peanut butter , honey, or cocoa #kidlitchat

I #Entered #SpringFlingKidlit hosted by @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social & @ciaralovesbooks.bsky.social and you should too! Why? Because it's fun and you have nothing to lose! Some great entries have already been posted and you have until 11:59 p.m. on April 3rd to join them. Let's go! #KidLit

For those who would like to learn how to write rhyming picture books, years ago I created a free presentation on it: michellewitteliterary.com/writing/rhyt... There are 3 videos, about half an hour long each. It goes over cadence, meter, rhythm, rhyme, rhyme schemes, etc. #kidlitchat

@suzielavertyauthor.bsky.social … the great marshmallow escape! I also usually have my binoculars close at hand.

Here’s the Spring Fling contest I was referring to - have fun! #KidLitChat

Did you know that if you are a finalist in PB Party, agents and editors are still considering entries for this week? I didn't know until today. So check for more requests possibly!! I got 1 more. #PBParty #kidlit #picturebooks

@maureeneganva.bsky.social Are the crumbs in your lap from Doritos? That’s what mine are! #kidlitchat

Hi @debbieohi.com ! I found this searchable catalog, presenting 100 million book ISBNs in one view. Given your "I Want to Read ALL the Books" PB, I thought you might enjoy playing with it. phiresky.github.io/blog/2025/vi... #kidlit

A reminder that "Practical Matters...," a comprehensive introduction to the practical things you need to know in #kidlit publishing, starts in 3 weeks! Please repost so more folks will know. Questions and comments welcome... www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pra...

Goodnight #kidlitchat Have a good week!

@debbieohi.com has created the hashtag #KidLitLaunches to highlight new books from authors and illustrators. Using this hashtag will help make it easier for others in the community to find out about new books ! Remember to also add #kidlit and #kidlitmegafeed to spread your good news further !

Goodnight all. Enjoyed it. #kidlitchat

I absolutely think AI has a place in the world for some really cool applications. But, I think the creative process is a human endeavor and want those who look at the work of our time to interpret our society correctly - our feelings and opinions etc. - not some ill combined scraping. #kidlitchat

#HaikuSaturday full saga in alt text