If you write a character that appeals to everyone, it will connect with no one. Specificity is the heart of character building.

Snap a pic of yourself in "war ravaged" Portland!

Happy Birthday, CASSINI'S MISSION!! This picture book has my whole heart. It's about Cassini as she explores the Saturn system and discovers the ingredients of life on the moon Enceladus. Julia Blattman's illustrations are jaw-dropping! #kidlit #picturebooks #picturebook @joycekay.bsky.social

Currently reading (and loving!) ONE DROP by Kaitlin Sikes and Mel Cerri. With bright illustrations and zippy text, this water cycle journey is a refreshing splash! 💦

My chickens do not understand storytime, but my kids loved reading this fabulous, funny, fact-filled book! #kidlit 📚👍 A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN by @hannahholt.bsky.social & illustrations by Korwin Briggs. 🙌

This sweetie dressed up like H. Tracy Hall for his school wax museum. And the note on The Diamond and the Boy. 🥹💎

Critique group matches start going out May 1st. Every writer who filled out my April form will have their matches by May 7th at the latest. Happy writing and connecting!

Closes at 9pm Eastern tonight! Join the 200+ writers looking for critique partners.

This form closes tomorrow (April 15th) at midnight Eastern. Join the almost 200 writers looking for critique partners.

I woke up to 90 responses to my critique group match. If you are looking for a critique group, don't miss out. I only do this every few years.

Looking for a kidlit critique group or hoping for one that better aligns with your interests? The Kidlit 2025 Critique Match is here: forms.gle/HsoHLUbQnMEH...

I support public schools and libraries! Today I had a chance to talk to my congresswoman and mayor. They support many of the causes close to my heart, and still want our calls, emails, and personal stories.

A few of my muses: Sassy, Lady, Scarlet, Fluffy, Twinkle, Emma, Nimbus, and Captain America.

Happy book birthday Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa!!! A gorgeous biography that will inspire future botanists! 📚🌱

Post a photo you took with no context to bring some zen to the timeline.

Congratulations to the finalists and everyone who entered. Putting yourself out there is an act of bravery. Keep going!

Hey #kidlit #picturebook #writers! Here’s your chance! My #pbrisingstars mentorship was the biggest defining moment in my journey toward publication, and the PBRS family continues to provide advice, support and community. What have you got to lose?

Think you can tell a story in 50 words? Check out Vivian Kirkield's contest! (Plus, she always has great prizes.)

Applications open in one week!!!! Check out the mentor profiles and sample application here: www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors #SCBWI, #kidlit, #PBRisingStars

l love Mixed Up by @kamigarcia.bsky.social. Why? 👩 messy middle school friendships 📚 accurate dyslexia rep 💥 quick plotting 🎨 bright illustrations Every teacher needs a copy in their classroom!

Just sat in on a terrific (and packed!) @americanbookseller.bsky.social Winter Institute panel called "Engaging the In-Between: Combatting the Middle Grade Reading Crisis" & want to share some highlights & thoughts. (thread)

Boosting! Kellie gives great critiques.

Happy Valentine's Day! A winter storm cancelled school, and my kids are thrilled. I hope your weekend is filled with love!

📢 Happy book birthday, One Girl's Voice! Especially in troubling times, your voice matters! Join me in celebrating this book about speaking up! @viviankirkfield.bsky.social

Happy birthday, @ajirving.bsky.social!

The PB Rising Stars Mentorship Application window is approaching. A great opportunity for PB writers!

My preorders this week! ❤️📚 What upcoming books are you excited about?

Happy book birthday If You Find A Fawn! 🌳🦌❤️ @kdubaygillis.bsky.social

If you're an unagented writer or author/illustrator of picture books, I hope you'll enter the 2025 #PBParty contest. It has helped make so many agent and editor matches in the past...and we can't wait to see the magical matches that will happen this year. mindyalyseweiss.com/2025-pbparty...

Jumping for joy! I hope you will be, too! Please check out & share the HEADS-UP-The-#50PreciousWords CONTEST-IS-COMING-SOON post! Find DATES, GUIDELINES, and a list of fabulous PRIZES! And I hope you love my updated website thanks to @thebooklinksllc.bsky.social viviankirkfield.com/2025/02/01/h...

WE DID IT! Thanks to your generosity we smashed our fundraising target, and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, bid, shared, and supported. You showed up for Los Angeles, and we can’t thank you enough! The @Kidlit For Los Angeles team (Caroline, Charlotte, Tara and Jocelyn) 💖

If you want to move from dabbling to serious, join the 12x12 picture book challenge.

Bidding has been extended until 1/28. There's still time to check out all the options at this KidLit for LA Auction.

I remembered a book idea from right before falling asleep! And it's a good one. First time ever! I'm passing along the magic so others can use it. Here you go... ✨✨✨

I'm offering a PB critique (fiction or non-fiction) to support the LA fire victims. This and many more cool options here: www.32auctions.com/organization...

"All words are pegs to hold ideas on." Henry Ward Beecher

Hi!