When I read George Orwell’s 1984 as a teenager, I thought it was absurdist fiction. Now, it is an all too possible reality. Exercise your freedom this week: read a banned book and join the fight uniteagainstbookbans.org/take-action/ #BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984 #UniteAgainstBookBans

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator.❤️ Repped by Kerry Sparks @lgrlit See more of my work at: ✨kerrymcquaide.com✨ . . . #kidlitartpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #scbwiillustrator #picturebookart #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlit #picturebooks

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I’m Kerry McQuaide, a children’s book author/illustrator based in New York. ✏️ I love to illustrate people, nature, and movement.❤️ Repped Kerry Sparks @lgrlit See more of my work at: ✨www.kerrymcquaide.com✨ . . . #kidlitartpostcardday #scbwiillustrator #kidlitart

🎉I signed with LGR Literary!🎉 I’m so pleased to announce that I am now represented by literary agent, Kerry Sparks @lgrlit (Kerry & Kerry❤️) I’m excited by Kerry’s energy & ideas, and by the incredible reputation of LGR.

THE BIGGEST, HIGHEST WAVE: Mermaid approved! @kerrymcquaide.bsky.social #kidlit #picturebook #summerreading

#kidlit creators, are you interested in getting professional feedback on your work? SCBWI #easternup is hosting a virtual critique event. You can choose a written critique ($45) or a written+zoom critique ($75). We have faculty for all categories. Register and submit by July 15th! bit.ly/4ltNiqW

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator based in New York. ✏️ See more of my work at: ✨ www.kerrymcquaide.com ✨ #kidlitartpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #scbwiillustrator #picturebookart #picturebookartist #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlit #picturebooks

Remember how the Government Accountability Office has opened almost 40 impoundment investigations against the Trump administration? How they found the dismantling of the IMLS out of line and that the Comptroller General can now step in and sue? bookriot.com/government-a...

Still has that new paper smell! A truly spectacular book. @kerrymcquaide.bsky.social #kidlit #picturebook #bookreview

Dispatch from Kingston, NY, where over 20% of the city population took to the streets to protest ⬇️

Dept of Education Posts Resonate on Facebook—Perhaps Not as Intended

Win a FREE copy of The Biggest, Highest Wave! Leave a comment on the Debut Tuesday feature of @susannalhill ‘s wonderful blog: susannahill.com/2025/05/06/t... #kidlit #picturebook #giveaway #picturebookdebut #surfing #wave

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9. Teachers (current & retired): Thank You for Making a Difference in the Lives of So Many. 📚🍎🏫 #Hedgewatch

It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Here's how to appreciate teachers: pay them better.

Thank you @oblongbooks.bsky.social and everyone who came to the launch of The Biggest, Highest Wave! It was so much fun.❤️ Oblong Books has signed copies here: www.oblongbooks.com/book/9781441... #picturebookdebut #JLGSelection #goldstandardselection #JLGgoldstandard #juniorlibraryguild

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator based in New York. I love to illustrate people, nature, and movement.❤️ Seeking representation. See more of my work at: ✨kerrymcquaide.com✨ . . . #kidlitartpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlitart #picturebooks

Ok, this was brilliant! Gripping and original. Augmented explores climate change, inequality, technology, survival, the “system” and the fight against it. #KidLitUK @faberchildrens.bsky.social

The countdown is on! I’m excited (and nervous 😬) But looking forward to it. I will be at @oblongbooks Sunday, May 4th at 4pm for a launch event: 6422 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck, NY You can preorder your signed copy from the Oblong direct link on kerrymcquaide.com/books

My entry Penpals was an Honorable Mention in the #50preciouswords contest hosted by @viviankirkfield.bsky.social. Thank you to all the judges, and congrats to everyone who participated! #kidlit #goodnews

I’m so thrilled and honored to announce that THE BIGGEST HIGHEST WAVE is a Junior Library Guild selection! Coming soon from @peterpauperpress 🌊 kerrymcquaide.com/books #juniorlibraryguildselection #picturebookbuzz #picturebook #kidlit

Happy National School Librarian Day!! 📚 There are SO many of my peers I love & admire! (I will miss tagging someone, but not on purpose!) @mrsboudreau.bsky.social @librarianjones.com @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social @themisterlibrary.bsky.social @mangalibrarian.bsky.social @tljamesa.com

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator. ✏️ My #pb, The Biggest, Highest Wave comes out on May 1st! @peterpauperpress ✨ www.kerrymcquaide.com ✨ . . . #KidLitArtPostcard #scbwiillustrator #picturebookart #picturebookartist #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlit

Coming soon! THE BIGGEST HIGHEST WAVE is now available for pre-order! kerrymcquaide.com/books I will be at Oblong Books Sunday, May 4th at 4pm for a launch event: 6422 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY Publisher: Peter Pauper Press, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4413-44885  #picturebook #coverreveal #kidlit

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator. My picture book, The Biggest, Highest Wave comes out on May 1st! @peterpauperpress ✨kerrymcquaide.com✨ . . . #KidLitArtPostcard #scbwiillustrator #picturebookart #picturebookartist #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlit

✨A big takeaway from this very interesting panel moderated by @temikatheartist 🥰 : the need for bravery and community for creators to make it in #kidlit publishing.✨ SCBWI New York virtual conference #scbwiNY25 @scbwi #scbwi

#SCBWIDrawThis #cycle February SCBWI Draw This “Cycle” @scbwi #scbwi #scbwiArtober #scbwiillustrators #scbwifeaturedillustrator

Looking for zoom links-find them in your Member Home under your My Resources Tab! Make sure you are logged in first. Here's a tutorial: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuWk... #scbwi #scbwiny25

See a hug, post a hug #Kidlitart

Seeing your friend’s success over time is one of the coolest parts of the #kidlit community.

Sweat pants? ✅ Cozy socks ✅ Fire in the woodstove ✅ Virtual @scbwi conference ✅ I have to say, when it’s this cold out a virtual conference is a delight!❄️ SCBWI New York virtual conference #scbwiNY25 #scbwiwinter25 @scbwi #scbwi #kidlit #childrensbookillustrator

I just finished ruthlessly culling my website of older work. Why is that so hard to do? But I’m so happy I did it, like Marie-Kondoing a closet! www.kerrymcquaide.com #scbwiillustrator #picturebookart #picturebookartist #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlit

Authors & Publishers posting about illustrated books, pls credit the ILLUSTRATOR. Doing a #CoverReveal? Credit illustrator & designer. Not only are you helping boost artist but it shows people that you or your publisher hired a HUMAN artist. #PicturesMeanBusiness Art @sarahmcintyre.bsky.social

Can you believe this adorable Valentine by the very talented Susanne Lamb!? It made my day!❤️❤️❤️ Just a reminder that a small gesture, something beautiful or funny, something kind (something “heart-felt!) can make a difference. ❤️❤️❤️ susannelamb.com #valentine #kindness

🎉🎉🎉 @kidlittv.bsky.social’s KIDLIT RADIO has been named one of Feed Spot’s 20 Best Children’s Literature Podcasts, calling it “a must follow in 2025”! Congrats to the other celebrated #kidlit podcasts! Here’s the full list: podcast.feedspot.com/children_lit... #kidlitpodcasts

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator based in New York. ✏️ My picture book, The Biggest, Highest Wave comes out on May 1st! @peterpauperpress I love to illustrate people, nature, and movement.❤️ Seeking representation.

“This documentary lays the facts at our feet and gives us a glimpse of the brave people trying to keep books in libraries and keep young minds open.” @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social

Marketing Bootcamp with @debbieohi.com (I took A LOT of notes!) Big takeaways: work with your strengths and don’t waste your energy on the things that you hate doing or aren’t good at! 🤯 Seems obvious when you say it like that. #scbwiNY25 @scbwi #scbwi #kidlit #childrensbookillustrator

Eastern Up! member and Critique Coordinator, John Ebbert, was selected to participate in an exhibition curated by local artist and children's book illustrator. James Ransome (James goes by ransome on social media and for his fine art.) www.newpaltz.edu/museum/exhib...

Eastern Up! member and volunteer, Stefanie Salyer has published her first poem, "Reach for the Sky," in the Dirigible Balloon. The whimsical piece launched on the website in January 2025.

The full criteria as defined in the starter pack: A starter pack of art, design, and creative directors who hire illustrators and/or designers. To be included directors must have a live, relevant URL in their bio and be relatively active on Bluesky.

These October drawing challenges are a great way to shake up your art practice, draw subjects or styles you’ve been meaning to explore—all with a feeling of community. ❤️ #scbwiArtober2024 #ABLArtFest day 12: On the go! #ablartfest2024 #scbwi #kidlit #kidlitart @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

For the past couple of years, I use October to jump start an illustration portfolio overhaul. It’s become a personal tradition and it aligns with my most productive time of year. 🍂 #scbwiArtober2024 #ABLArtFest day 16: forest #ablartfest2024 #kidlit #kidlitart @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

October drawing challenge combo. #scbwiArtober2024 #scbwiArtober2024_gathering #ABLArtFest day 17: squeeze #ablartfest2024 #scbwi #scbwiArtober #SCBWIDrawThis #scbwiillustrators #scbwifeaturedillustrator #kidlit #kidlitart @andreabrownlit.bsky.social @scbwi

I am always amazed at how when it comes to #writingretreats like Falling Leaves, growth happens in waves—before, during, and after the event. Thank you to our amazing faculty: Erika DiPasquale, Meredith Mundy, Trisha De Guzman, Catherine Laudone, & Christie Megill! #easternnySCBWI #fallingleaves

#scbwiArtober2024 #scbwiArtober2024_chartreuse @scbwi #scbwi #scbwiArtober #SCBWIDrawThis #scbwiillustrators #scbwifeaturedillustrator

A bit of a reach for the prompt? Inspired by a golden hour walk at the Osterhoudt Flats. I’m following these two sisters to see where they end up. #scbwiArtober2024 #scbwiArtober2024_hayride @scbwi #scbwi #scbwiArtober #SCBWIDrawThis #scbwiillustrators #scbwifeaturedillustrator

Starts today! Note that participating doesn't commit you to posting every day. Also, I encourage you NOT to just post your own stuff. This is a great opportunity to widen your network here on Bluesky, connect with other artists. Browse #scbwiArtober2024 & Like / Reply / Share.

Happy Artober! Looking forward to seeing everyone’s doodles, sketches, and art! #scbwiArtober2024 #scbwiArtober2024_whispers @scbwi #scbwi #scbwiArtober #SCBWIDrawThis #scbwiillustrators #scbwifeaturedillustrator

I’m exploring Cara and you can reorder your portfolio feed! 🎉 I’m finding ppl here to follow there so post your profile link like: cara.app/kerrymcquaide (Go to your profile, click on the three dots, and choose copy link.)❤️

Excited to work w/ @PeterPauperPres and bring this book 🌊 🏄 into the world! It will be out in 2025. #picturebook #picturebooks #kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitartist #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration www.kerrymcquaide.com