Why do I live here?

Please tell me 2026 will be better.

Casey Lyall's article is worth reading -- it's both realistic and encouraging.

I’m just trying to use the bathroom! Kittens are worse than toddlers 🤣

Well, my first attempt to highlight GILBERT AND THE GHOST didn't show up as I intended, so I'm trying again. It's a terrific book.

Read this book -- it's terrific. (The cookies look yummy too.)

Yesterday it hit 37 degrees below zero. Today it warmed up and we got almost a foot of snow. Tomorrow we'll be back to -20... or -30... or -40, depending on which forecast you believe. This is not easy Christmas shopping weather.

#writingskills #writers #authors #writeaway #writinglife

For sure it will be up until the very end of December. the response was great! but I’ll be reading over my xmas break. 😉😍

My reading list just got longer...

#MSWL I would really love to see some picture books in my inbox right now from authors and author/illustrators. Send me your fresh concepts please. I love humor with BIG heart, dark humor, superb informational fiction, and lyrical stories that tug on my heart. #kidlit

Excited to be here!

This is not to say the 8 books are not influential (although I’d debate you on a couple). And I’m not gonna list the dozens of alternative options that could have been selected. But there ARE dozens. I’m sure the folks who put this list together put a lot of thought into it. Just not enough.

Looking forward to this!

It's almost here! Congratulations to @briangehrlein.bsky.social and @jennharknee.bsky.social -- this is such a fun read-aloud! #ThisIsNotASleepyBearBook

Huge thanks to Canadian creator @debbieohi.com, who does so much to support the writing and illustrating community. #ireadcanadian

Can't wait for this one to be published: STILL FRIENDS, by Canadians @troystory.bsky.social and Mike Deas. Troy is more than a great writer -- he's a great encourager, too.

Another one on my to-read list, by Canadian author @caseylyall.bsky.social (A Spoonful of Frogs) and Nici Gregory.

I'm eager to read @kirstenpendreigh.bsky.social's newest book, because I love everything this Canadian author writes.

There are so many wonderful Canadian picture book writers. I wish I could highlight them all!

What a great opportunity! Thanks, @carriekarnesfannin.bsky.social.

The polls are open! Your #vote matters!

This is the most helpful writing webinar I've ever found. It's packed with great tips, especially for picture book creators. And it's free! Thank you, @patzmiller.bsky.social.

Deadline: October 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm ET

How to Enter (pt. 2) 1) Purchase the book (10 pts) 2) Request it at library (5 pts) 3) Reshare this thread (3 entries) 4) Subscribe to Justin’s Substack (2 pts) 4) Follow justin on instagram (1 pts) 5) Follow me on Goodreads (1 pts) 6) Follow me on bluesky (1 pts) 7) Complete all the above (20 pts)

7 Ways to Enter: Complete as little or as many of the following tasks and email proof to [email protected] Justin’s handle is @justincolonbooks across all social media platforms where he is present. (pt1)

PRIZE TWO (open to US AND International participants): Picture book manuscript critique. *Must be under 500 words. No rhyme.

PRIZE INFO: No purchase is necessary to enter or win. One prize per winner.

The deadline is almost here... (Deadline, how appropriate.)

PRIZE ONE (Open to US-based participants only): 1) Signed/personalized copy of The Zombees 2) 'Trick or Treat' mug with all candy featured in the photo below 3) Bookmark 4) Two stickers

It's almost here...#ThisisNotaSleepyBearBook

I'd say I "pebbled" ReVISIONweek 2025...made progress on a manuscript, but still want to make it stronger. What a great event! Thanks to @laurenkerstein.bsky.social, @shannonstocker.bsky.social, Lynne Marie, and everyone who shared revision tips.

It's the perfect week to read this book!

#ReVISIONweek Day Five is up! Learn the Magic of Musicality with @shannonstocker.bsky.social Today's writing goals: 1. Begin revising back matter with musicality and kid-sensibility in mind. 2. Read and review mentor texts. 3. Take a walk. What are your goals? #kidlit #kidlitart #WritingCommunity

Channel your inner actor: this book cries out for dramatic readings. #ThisIsNotASleepyBearBook @briangehrlein.bsky.social @jennharknee.bsky.social

Querying? This is a great opportunity.

I enjoyed reading how Laura's faith influences her work. Congratulations, Laura and Farah!

I had the pleasure of chatting with Seasons of Kidlit about how the story of Vampire Jam Sandwich came to be. Check it out and enter to win a signed copy! www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/trick-o...

www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/trick-o... My new #Halloween #picturebook is featured on the #SeasonsOfKidlit blog today! #giveaway #autumn Thank you, @AuthorHMacht @Literally_Lynne!

This is a fun and friendly event.

Spooky fun with @justincolonbooks.bsky.social and @kalyquarles.bsky.social!

I wrote about why funny books for kids are IMPORTANT. Especially now.

STEM and (leaf) stems...plus humor!

Interview and giveaway at Seasons of KidLit.

What a fun cover!

I want to read this book! Heather describes it as "a friendship story between a child, who understood what it felt like to be invisible, just like a ghost, and a ghost, who might want a friend too."

A fun --and funny!--interview. I'm looking forward to reading this book. @hdtorresauthor.bsky.social

This is such a fun event!