Sondra Zalewski

Aggie and the Ghost picture book cover by Matthew Forsythe with an illustration of a young girl and a one-eyed ghost in the rain.

A delightfully funny story with emotive images of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. @mattforsythe.bsky.social has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost. #PBreview

Congratulations!

The Jade Bracelet book cover. Written by Hà Dinh and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.

A touching story by @hellomrsdinh.bsky.social that shows the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage. Yong Ling Kang’s beautifully detailed illustrations strengthen the mood. Tiên comes to see the value of her family’s jade bracelet tradition and the magic it holds. #PBreview

I finally comprehend the intrinsic power of CRAFTING: it challenges your brain enough to keep your mind from wandering to other thoughts (or else you paint or cut yourself) while allowing room for creative exploration.

Here’s to more time in 2026 to play without deadlines!

Submission Shine 2026 online critique intensive February 19-21, 2026 (graphic open book with sparkly magical fire) Join agent kristen Terrette of Martin Literary or agnet Monica Rodriguez of Context Literary (in hand-drawn box); Mix-and-match manuscript and/or illustration one-on-ones with an agent 4 zoom critiques+ 1 career consult or pitch session and peer critique sessions (hand drawn line divider) + Querying webinar free with registration (graphic arrows pointing to photo of speaker Monica Rodriguez, also photo of Kristen Terrette

🗣️Submission Shine 2026 online critique intensive❄️YA, MG, PB, illustration, GN, dummies, synopses🗣️You choose—shotgun or deep-dive to get the best feedback from agents & peers on your stories, your pitches, your career—just 6 spots remaining www.scbwi.org/events/easte... #amquerying #portfolioreview

A Snow Day for Amos McGee picture book by Philip C. Stead and illustrator Erin E. Stead

Readers will enjoy watching Amos McGee and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. #PhilipStead thoughtful words and #ErinStead tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends. #PBreview

Sage affirmation:
“Some people know what their book is about before they make it. And some people, they make the book and then finally, they know what it is.…That’s okay. That’s my process, and to embrace the mess.”
— @suzannekaufmanart.bsky.social (SCBWI Podcast interview)

The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure book cover

What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium?! Thor Hanson tells a true story about Inky while weaving in many octopus facts, while Galia Bernstein illustrates intriguing scenes. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone. #PBreview

Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution book cover. Written by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Susan Reagan

I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Jason Chin

Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview

“Don’t be afraid to share your work. The trajectory of learning is exponential …. It’s not always easy to find the right critique group, but when you do find the right combination, it’s pretty magical.” —Donna Barba Higuera

Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!

Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview

Summer Is Here book cover, with young girl blowing bubbles. Written by Renee Watson and illustrated by Bea Jackson.

Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview

Noodles on a Bicycle book cover

A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview

A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview

• Mistakes are merely opportunities for growth and change.

• Surround yourself with people who support you.

• Let what you’ve gathered be shared.

#poconobelieve2025 @scbwiepa.bsky.social

Some wonderful pearls of wisdom from my @highlightsfound.bsky.social ghts retreat:

• The right book will keep you company when you need it most.

• Faith in your art & writing is essential.

• Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.

I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview

This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview

Continuing my quest to read Newbery winners I missed as a child. This quote from a 1940s Danish Resistance member in NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry remains relevant: "... the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one."

Just read this insightful quote in TIME:

“It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.”
—Colman Domingo

Uri was a prime example of someone making the most of their lot in life. His CHANCE memoir left quite an impression and showed me how our gifts are, first and foremost, for ourselves but can do so much more when we share them with others. Thank you for your tremendous gifts to the kidlit world.

a drawing of four cartoon characters with the website debbie-oli.com in the lower right corner Alt: Animated gif showing four colorful smiling blobs passing a heart from one character to another. Underlying message: community members helping each other.

What you can do it help: pick one or more books each week and help boost? Be sure to tag author/illus if you quote-post.

Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much!

debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl...

#KidLit #KidLitLaunches

book cover of Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller written by Breanna J. McDaniel and illustrated by April Harrison

Augusta Braxton Baker cultivated a love of story during her life. This librarian’s effect on kid lit is mirrored in the bold colors and patterns of April Harrison’s artwork. Breanna McDaniel’s book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Baker did. #PBreview

I am nerding out on @libib.com! Such a great tool for tracking & organizing books. The phone app scans ISBNs and the online/desktop version creates rich catalog views. You can create multiple libraries and then use tags to make even more subsets. Now I'll know what I “need” from the bookstore!

Check out this cool game day graphic. Can’t wait to see our Philly boys win it all! 🦅

book cover of The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

This touching story highlights the camaraderie between a school bus and her community. Loren Long’s illustrations focus color only on the bus. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings. #PBreview

ALICIA KEYS Wins Global Impact Award | 2025 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech YouTube video by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

Alicia Keys slayed her acceptance speech at the Grammys for the 2025 Global Impact Award. Brought me to tears. Stay strong, and stay creative everyone. youtu.be/htJum8qT8Lc?...

The 2025 #PBParty contest entry window is officially open... until 8 pm Eastern. 🎉

The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨

How many entries do you think we'll have this year?

mindyalyseweiss.com/...

Mindy shares some great tips for writers even if you aren’t entering the contest.