I’ve launched a Substack with agent extraordinaire Debbie Bibo that will focus on sharing insights and inspiration for picture book creators. Join us! 📚💫👀 open.substack.com/pub/secretso...

⭐️ A second STAR for CHOPSTICKS ARE! by @chloeitoward.bsky.social, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield. (Out March 31 + published by @chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social). The Publishers Weekly review: www.publishersweekly.com/9781797227368

So wonderful to celebrate our first review - a star!⭐️ Thank you to @mariehermansson.bsky.social for her luminous art. Kudos to editor extraordinaire @naomikirsten.bsky.social and @chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social ! @steamteambooks.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

I AM WE by @lesliebarnardbooth.bsky.social, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey is a Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year! It is an honor + a gift to be the editor of this book, which is about crows AND the power of community and cooperation. (And the art soars!)🐦‍⬛ 💫 cc: chroniclebooks.bsky.social

Thank you, Marty!♥️📚 And updating with the correct link: www.naomikirsten.com/new-client-f...

The Secrets of the Jellies cover reveal!! So happy for this delightful nonfiction picture book by @karenjameson15.bsky.social pub by @chroniclebooks.bsky.social 🪼 Preorder now! Publishing April 2026. 🪼🧡 Thank you to my agent @carynwiseman.bsky.social and editor @naomikirsten.bsky.social 💕 #kidlit

Cover reveal day! THE SECRETS OF THE JELLIES written by yours truly with stunning art by @mariehermansson.bsky.social ! An aquarium exhibit in a picture book! @chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social . @naomikirsten.bsky.social @steamteambooks.bsky.social lnk.to/Secretsofthe...

Another ⭐️ for I AM WE by @lesliebarnardbooth.bsky.social, illustrated by @scatterbee.bsky.social. From PW: “[A] hypnotic group portrait of crows,” + “air of enchantment.” This gorgeous picture book is captivating + moving. Loved developing this book about crows with such talented creators! Out 9/9!

Beyond thrilled to see another starred review for I AM WE! Full review: www.publishersweekly.com/9781797226156 Thank you @publisherswkly.bsky.social! 🎉 Available for pre-order wherever books are sold: www.lesliebarnardbooth.com/books #crows #crowlovers #birdpeople #naturebooksforkids

I have been hearing SO many incredible things from listeners about Episode 15. 🥹 I agree that it is a special one! I want to say a huge thank you to @naomikirsten.bsky.social for the heart, care, & experience she brought to all of us through this episode 💜 #writingcommunity @ymwjpodcast.bsky.social

WOW! If you haven't read I AM WE: How Crows Come Together to Survive by @lesliebarnardbooth.bsky.social, you must! It pairs lyrical text with information so well. 5 stars! #edusky #kidlit #amreading #amwriting #books #STEM @steamteambooks.bsky.social #writingcommunity

The first review for I AM WE is in, and I'm overjoyed to see that it's a star from Kirkus! Full review: www.kirkusreviews.com/.../leslie..... #crows #curiouscrows #naturebooksforkids #sciencebooksforkids #birdbooksforkids @naomikirsten.bsky.social @chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social

Thank you Mr. Schu for featuring WHEN A TREE FALLS! @theremaybecats.bsky.social @lookingglasslit.bsky.social @naomikirsten.bsky.social @chroniclebooks.bsky.social

Happy book birthday to 'When A Tree Falls' written by the lovely @kirstenpendreigh.bsky.social . Editor @naomikirsten.bsky.social. Design by Ryan Hayes. A huge thank you to @chroniclebooks.bsky.social and @carynwiseman.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social #kidlitart #bookbirthday

Happy book birthday to @kirstenpendreigh.bsky.social and Elke Boschinger's When a Tree Falls: Nurse Logs and Their Incredible Forest Power! mrschureads.blogspot.com/2025/03/when...

#coverreveal! Thrilled to share I AM WE with you at last! A lyrical picture book about the key to crow survival. Illus. by @scatterbee.bsky.social, ed. by @naomikirsten.bsky.social & Rebecca Frazer at @chroniclebooks.bsky.social. ❤️ Now available for preorder! #crows #crowbehavior #urbannature

If you’re on Instagram, I’m wrapping up a week of answering questions about picture book submissions and the publishing process in my Stories. Join me, and find out about a special editing offer for those who follow along, too! IG handle: @naomi_kirsten ✨ 📚

Picture Book Writers!! Don't forget about this upcoming live class with @naomikirsten.bsky.social Register at app.inkedvoices.com/event/worksh...

✨I’m excited to be launching "Perfect Your Picture Book 1-Month Mentorships." I've tailored this program to creators w/ a goal of submitting ASAP. This editing package comes w/ a query letter draft + comps, video meetings & access to me as you prepare to submit. www.naomikirsten.com/perfect-your...

We are very excited about this upcoming class with @naomikirsten.bsky.social All things "Quiet" Picture Books... Register at app.inkedvoices.com/event/worksh...

Writers and illustrators are often told that their work is "too quiet" as the reason for a decline. This is NOT a reason to be discouraged! In this 3-hour online course for @inkedvoices.bsky.social, I’ll explore the ways that "quiet" is really your superpower. More here: rb.gy/8uctpf

When a Tree Falls is out in the world soon. (March 18, 2025) Written by @kirstenpendreigh.bsky.social . Published by @chroniclebooks.bsky.social. Editor: @naomikirsten.bsky.social Designer: Ryan Hayes Many thanks to my agent @carynwiseman.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

If you’d like to bid on my donation to @kidlitforla.bsky.social (picture book critique PLUS 30-minute meeting), I’ve posted it here. (Hope I get to work w/ you!)There are 340(!) opportunities offered, from time w/ agents & editors to original art. Bid until 1/26! www.32auctions.com/organization...

The kidlit community has come together in the most incredible way to support those impacted by the LA fires. I’ve donated a critique + 30-min. meeting & there are 300+ opportunities to connect w/ amazing editors, authors & illustrators for a good cause. (I’ll link my donation in the next post.)✨📚

SO excited to see When A Tree Falls on Mr Schu’s 2025 list!! #kidlit #forests #trees @lookingglasslit.bsky.social @naomikirsten.bsky.social

Check out Naomi Kirsten’s freelance editing and creative consulting services at: www.naomikirsten.com www.naomikirsten.com/editing-and-... #waywordwriters #conqueryourpath #writingcommunity #writerslife #writingpodcast #writingretreat #writingnewsletter #editing

Collaborating w/ writers & illustrators to bring their full creative selves—and original vision—to the publishing process is my goal as a creative consultant & editor. I talk about what that means & how to “think like an editor” on the Way-Word Writers podcast. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...

Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd as we host freelance editor Naomi Kirsten as she shares how to think like an editor. 📝 #waywordwriters #conqueryourpath #writingcommunity #writerslife #writingpodcast #writingretreat #writingnewsletter #editor

Well, this is an extra thankful week! FINDING GRATEFUL is on the The New York Times’ “10 Picture Books That Celebrate Gratitude” list. Hooray, @diannewrites.bsky.social, @naomikirsten.bsky.social & Chronicle Books ! Some of my very favorites are on that list! 💕

An early evening at the library. Redwood views, fireplace, and the coziest corners for writing, reading, and dreaming.📚

A tree suns & sways in the forest. But what happens after a tree falls? The answer may surprise you, and it will make your heart soar. What an honor to be the editor of WHEN A TREE FALLS by Kirsten Pendreigh, illustrated by Elke Boschinger. A dream picture book. Out this March from Chronicle Books.🌲

I'm pondering, puzzling, and plotting next moves w/ my STEM PB after an awesome crit-and-chat with @naomikirsten.bsky.social! #Kidlit, if you need help taking a manuscript to the next level, check out www.naomikirsten.com. (16 yrs at Chronicle = amazing resource.) And follow--she's new here!