#querying It's kind of a weird process, right? I am a #PB writer, and generally when you query you send one MS. I think my work is similar to what Amy Krouse Rosenthal produced (RIP). Her work was quite varied. But how do I put that in a query for one MS? Thinking out loud...

#questpit #Q #PB What is THE BIGGEST PRESENT EVER? It is 280 words exploring what a boy imagines it could be. Could it be a dinosaur egg? A basketball hoop? It seems to be getting bigger with each page turn. Dad’s answers are mysterious until the present is revealed. Full of heart.

#questpit #Q #PB MY NEW BEST FRIEND is a 320 word picture book that saves the identities of a boy’s old and new best friends until near the end. He’s a little unsure about his new best friend. He misses his old best friend. No best friend is perfect, but sometimes a friend truly steals your heart.

#questpit #Q #PB HAVE YOU SEEN A EWE? If you’re a ram in the fall, you’d like to find one. Unfortunately, he can’t, and none of the other male animals he encounters have seen one either. A lyrical, funny, and educational peek into animal names in 360 words.

#questpit #Q #PB I’D LOVE TO BE AN ELEPHANT says a little boy who is often getting into trouble for breaking things. But when he eventually misses his mother, he wonders whether she would love to be an elephant too. A 270 word lyrical picture book full of spirit and heart.

PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison ... plus a giveaway, too! writersrumpus.com/2026/04/21/p...

From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/trash-traps-litter-prevention/

#kidlit At my local library I recently came across two picture books by Al Rodin, including "An Adventure for Lia and Lion." It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure, and the illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully we'll see more from him - great stuff.

I read a lot of picture books, but I still find that I am discovering writers and illustrators that are new to me. I recently came across some delightful books illustrated by Jean Jullien. His illustrations are slightly off kilter, and I mean that in a good way. They just make me smile.

Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/monarch-butterflies-survival-conservation/

I read the PB "Little Echo" by Al Rodin today. The illustrations are beautiful and it is a sweet story. I wasn't familiar with his work until now. It's always a joy to read a talented PB creator that is new to me.

Would you like to see #PBParty teasers this year?

My #PBParty entry is in. Woo hoo!

A member of my local critique group has a new NF book out on endangered black-footed ferrets (BFF's). Please help save this endangered species by purchasing her book and spreading the word that this species needs our help. Look for BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets by Elaine Miller Bond.

#pbparty entry date is coming up soon. I have a MS that I'm excited to enter. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I submitted my #50preciouswords entry yesterday.

I just submitted my entry for the #KidlitChuckleChallenge. I made myself laugh, so that's a win no matter what the results of the contest.😀 Thanks to the authors that set this up!

Well, I have to admit to being disappointed that my MS did not make the cut for #PBParty. I reread my MS this morning and found one word change to make. I think my MS is the best I can make it right now. So, I will soldier on. It will be on bookshelves one day. Perseverance!

While I wait (somewhat impatiently) for #PBParty results, I want to say thank you to all of the folks that make this contest happen. I have a small inkling of what it must take to put this on, and I'm really grateful to all of the volunteers.

I was chatting last night with someone in a picture book critique group who wasn't familiar with Bill Peet's work. He is one of my all time favorite PB authors (and illustrators). I love reading and creating new picture books, but I think it's important to promote the great work of the past.

I entered #PBParty yesterday. It's gratifying to know that I have made a great deal of progress since I submitted last year. Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased with the work I entered this year.