Jacob Souva
@jacobsouva.bsky.social
Hello 👋… my name is Jacob Souva and I’m an illustrator and author of books for kids. I’m rep’d by Jen Rofé of Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
✨ www.twofishillustration.com/links
✏️ https://open.substack.com/pub/jacobsouva
✨ www.twofishillustration.com/links
✏️ https://open.substack.com/pub/jacobsouva
Pinned
Jacob Souva
@jacobsouva.bsky.social
· Sep 8
The Truth About Making Books for Kids*
*According to me, just one guy, so far
open.substack.com
I've compiled a bunch of picturebook #kidlit #kidlitart making truths that I think are helpful.
Things like #9: From my Mom: “If you speak with your heart, people will hear with theirs.”
open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Things like #9: From my Mom: “If you speak with your heart, people will hear with theirs.”
open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Reposted by Jacob Souva
the rage that reading this makes me feel. just full 'need to stare into the middle distance because we are so, so lost' stuff.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:43 PM
the rage that reading this makes me feel. just full 'need to stare into the middle distance because we are so, so lost' stuff.
Reposted by Jacob Souva
🎨 Spotlight on Mark Hoffmann (@studiohoffmann.bsky.social)!
Mark's Illustrator Page
Mark is represented by Jennifer Laughran (@literaticat.bsky.social) and is open to illustrating picture books.
Mark's Illustrator Page
Mark is represented by Jennifer Laughran (@literaticat.bsky.social) and is open to illustrating picture books.
November 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
🎨 Spotlight on Mark Hoffmann (@studiohoffmann.bsky.social)!
Mark's Illustrator Page
Mark is represented by Jennifer Laughran (@literaticat.bsky.social) and is open to illustrating picture books.
Mark's Illustrator Page
Mark is represented by Jennifer Laughran (@literaticat.bsky.social) and is open to illustrating picture books.
Day 4 of #folktaleweek2025: BOOK
Had a lot of fun thinking through what I wanted to say with this as a story. I like where it landed. (Books make a new home, lift us up)
#kidlit #kidlitart #folktaleweek
Had a lot of fun thinking through what I wanted to say with this as a story. I like where it landed. (Books make a new home, lift us up)
#kidlit #kidlitart #folktaleweek
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Day 4 of #folktaleweek2025: BOOK
Had a lot of fun thinking through what I wanted to say with this as a story. I like where it landed. (Books make a new home, lift us up)
#kidlit #kidlitart #folktaleweek
Had a lot of fun thinking through what I wanted to say with this as a story. I like where it landed. (Books make a new home, lift us up)
#kidlit #kidlitart #folktaleweek
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Anyway please enjoy this pumpkin I saw yesterday
November 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Anyway please enjoy this pumpkin I saw yesterday
Reposted by Jacob Souva
When I was a kid, dad told me this,
"You are not learning to draw because you might become the greatest artist ever. But, during those minutes of solitude between work shifts, when you can sit down with a cup of coffee, you can draw on the napkin with a ballpoint pen. You can keep your soul alive."
"You are not learning to draw because you might become the greatest artist ever. But, during those minutes of solitude between work shifts, when you can sit down with a cup of coffee, you can draw on the napkin with a ballpoint pen. You can keep your soul alive."
November 20, 2025 at 2:43 PM
When I was a kid, dad told me this,
"You are not learning to draw because you might become the greatest artist ever. But, during those minutes of solitude between work shifts, when you can sit down with a cup of coffee, you can draw on the napkin with a ballpoint pen. You can keep your soul alive."
"You are not learning to draw because you might become the greatest artist ever. But, during those minutes of solitude between work shifts, when you can sit down with a cup of coffee, you can draw on the napkin with a ballpoint pen. You can keep your soul alive."
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Imagine if tech companies had made a wild capex bet on chasing clean energy, instead of inventing a plagiarism machine powered by **checks notes** extending the life of coal plants
November 20, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Imagine if tech companies had made a wild capex bet on chasing clean energy, instead of inventing a plagiarism machine powered by **checks notes** extending the life of coal plants
It's #folktaleweek2025 day 3: RAIN
Having fun with this format conceptually. Had this thought at Milkwood this year. Does the sun recognize rains importance? Are they equals? Is the earth just thankful for their dance?
#kidlitart #kidlit #folktaleweek
Having fun with this format conceptually. Had this thought at Milkwood this year. Does the sun recognize rains importance? Are they equals? Is the earth just thankful for their dance?
#kidlitart #kidlit #folktaleweek
November 20, 2025 at 1:38 AM
It's #folktaleweek2025 day 3: RAIN
Having fun with this format conceptually. Had this thought at Milkwood this year. Does the sun recognize rains importance? Are they equals? Is the earth just thankful for their dance?
#kidlitart #kidlit #folktaleweek
Having fun with this format conceptually. Had this thought at Milkwood this year. Does the sun recognize rains importance? Are they equals? Is the earth just thankful for their dance?
#kidlitart #kidlit #folktaleweek
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Yes, Trump Will Get More Reckless as His Power Ebbs talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/yes-t...
Yes, Trump Will Get More Reckless as His Power Ebbs
A few TPM readers responded to yesterday’s post about Trump as the...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Yes, Trump Will Get More Reckless as His Power Ebbs talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/yes-t...
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Folktale Week day 2: echo
where the Moon is looking for its friend
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration
where the Moon is looking for its friend
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration
November 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Folktale Week day 2: echo
where the Moon is looking for its friend
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration
where the Moon is looking for its friend
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration
It's day 2 of #folktaleweek2025 #folktaleweek: ECHO
I'm enjoying working under these constraints:
1. a triptych format (check it out on IG to see it broken up)
2. flat folk-inspired style
3. same color palette
4. tell a weird story
Having fun per usual!
#kidlit #kidlitart
I'm enjoying working under these constraints:
1. a triptych format (check it out on IG to see it broken up)
2. flat folk-inspired style
3. same color palette
4. tell a weird story
Having fun per usual!
#kidlit #kidlitart
November 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
It's day 2 of #folktaleweek2025 #folktaleweek: ECHO
I'm enjoying working under these constraints:
1. a triptych format (check it out on IG to see it broken up)
2. flat folk-inspired style
3. same color palette
4. tell a weird story
Having fun per usual!
#kidlit #kidlitart
I'm enjoying working under these constraints:
1. a triptych format (check it out on IG to see it broken up)
2. flat folk-inspired style
3. same color palette
4. tell a weird story
Having fun per usual!
#kidlit #kidlitart
Reposted by Jacob Souva
This is how you know that it's not about the money. Because if it were, then libraries would not keep being defunded.
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 AM
This is how you know that it's not about the money. Because if it were, then libraries would not keep being defunded.
Reposted by Jacob Souva
I don’t want to seem out of touch but I don’t actually understand the economy anymore.
November 18, 2025 at 3:23 AM
I don’t want to seem out of touch but I don’t actually understand the economy anymore.
Reposted by Jacob Souva
So if AI succeeds loads of people lose their jobs as they're replaced by AI, and if AI fails, loads of people lose their jobs as the economy crashes?
It’s amazing how this story has gone from 0 to 60 in UK press. There’s been no mainstream coverage to date but this morning the story is leading BBC News site & bulletins.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Google boss Sundar Pichai warns 'no company immune' if AI bubble bursts
Speaking exclusively to BBC News, CEO Sundar Pichai said the artificial intelligence boom had been an
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 10:14 AM
So if AI succeeds loads of people lose their jobs as they're replaced by AI, and if AI fails, loads of people lose their jobs as the economy crashes?
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Folktale Week day 1: night
where the Moon wakes up
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration #Procreate
where the Moon wakes up
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration #Procreate
November 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Folktale Week day 1: night
where the Moon wakes up
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration #Procreate
where the Moon wakes up
#folktaleweek #folktaleweek2025 #kidlitart #illustration #Procreate
I'm participating in #folktaleweek2025. Prompt 1: NIGHT
To see this in triptych form, check it out over on IG. The challenge this week was to:
1. Make a triptych.
2. Use a flat folk-inspired style.
3. Tell a story.
4. Same color palette all week.
#folktaleweek #kidlit #kidlitart
To see this in triptych form, check it out over on IG. The challenge this week was to:
1. Make a triptych.
2. Use a flat folk-inspired style.
3. Tell a story.
4. Same color palette all week.
#folktaleweek #kidlit #kidlitart
November 18, 2025 at 2:20 AM
I'm participating in #folktaleweek2025. Prompt 1: NIGHT
To see this in triptych form, check it out over on IG. The challenge this week was to:
1. Make a triptych.
2. Use a flat folk-inspired style.
3. Tell a story.
4. Same color palette all week.
#folktaleweek #kidlit #kidlitart
To see this in triptych form, check it out over on IG. The challenge this week was to:
1. Make a triptych.
2. Use a flat folk-inspired style.
3. Tell a story.
4. Same color palette all week.
#folktaleweek #kidlit #kidlitart
Reposted by Jacob Souva
New 5 things from the studio this week!
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Art Like Jazz
5 things from the studio this week
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
New 5 things from the studio this week!
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Laurie Keller and I have been working on a new picture book and today we get to share the cover! Get ready for...
I USED TO BE A DINOSAUR
This book has been so much fun to work on and Laurie's artwork is going to have you all laughing out loud. We can't wait to share this grumpy chicken with you!
I USED TO BE A DINOSAUR
This book has been so much fun to work on and Laurie's artwork is going to have you all laughing out loud. We can't wait to share this grumpy chicken with you!
November 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Laurie Keller and I have been working on a new picture book and today we get to share the cover! Get ready for...
I USED TO BE A DINOSAUR
This book has been so much fun to work on and Laurie's artwork is going to have you all laughing out loud. We can't wait to share this grumpy chicken with you!
I USED TO BE A DINOSAUR
This book has been so much fun to work on and Laurie's artwork is going to have you all laughing out loud. We can't wait to share this grumpy chicken with you!
Reposted by Jacob Souva
New 5 things from the studio this week!
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Art Like Jazz
5 things from the studio this week
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
New 5 things from the studio this week!
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
“It occurred to me that building in this kind of risk taking as a creative practice, means I’m more willing to take chances with jobs that count.”
#kidlit #kidlitart
✨ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Ask the Agent Question of the day: What would I tell people who query “too soon”? Well, I’d tell them the story of when I tried out for Teen Jeopardy!
www.tumblr.com/literaticat/...
www.tumblr.com/literaticat/...
Post by @literaticat
💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 5 · What advice (or lecture) do you have for writers who query too soon?
This is normal, and really not worth *a lecture* -- anyway, IMO, it's kinda better than the OPPOSITE problem,…
www.tumblr.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Ask the Agent Question of the day: What would I tell people who query “too soon”? Well, I’d tell them the story of when I tried out for Teen Jeopardy!
www.tumblr.com/literaticat/...
www.tumblr.com/literaticat/...
Oh, lovely stuff Denis!
November 13, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Oh, lovely stuff Denis!
Reposted by Jacob Souva
FYI, I have updated the section of my site where I give basic information about #kidlit agents--what they do, how to find one, how to assess their website, resources to use.
You can start here:
www.underdown.org/agents.htm
You can start here:
www.underdown.org/agents.htm
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
FYI, I have updated the section of my site where I give basic information about #kidlit agents--what they do, how to find one, how to assess their website, resources to use.
You can start here:
www.underdown.org/agents.htm
You can start here:
www.underdown.org/agents.htm
Reposted by Jacob Souva
So, the technology developed with stolen material, which puts content creators and developers out of work, is not generating profitable returns? Because it can’t actually replace human creativity and ingenuity? HUH. WEIRD.
An M.I.T. study found that 95% of companies that had invested in A.I. tools were seeing zero return. It jibes with the emerging idea that generative A.I., “in its current incarnation, simply isn’t all it’s been cracked up to be,” John Cassidy writes. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/mlYgP3
The A.I.-Profits Drought and the Lessons of History
Like the steam engine, electricity, and computers, generative artificial intelligence could take longer than expected to transform the economy.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM
So, the technology developed with stolen material, which puts content creators and developers out of work, is not generating profitable returns? Because it can’t actually replace human creativity and ingenuity? HUH. WEIRD.
Reposted by Jacob Souva
Knowing that Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were friends is one thing.
Seeing Epstein’s “of course he knew about the girls” email is something else. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Seeing Epstein’s “of course he knew about the girls” email is something else. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Newly disclosed Jeffrey Epstein emails complicate matters for Donald Trump
House Democrats released an email in which Epstein wrote that Trump had “spent hours at my house” with one of Epstein’s victims.
www.msnbc.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Knowing that Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were friends is one thing.
Seeing Epstein’s “of course he knew about the girls” email is something else. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Seeing Epstein’s “of course he knew about the girls” email is something else. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
In this week’s deep dive, I walk through deciding where page breaks land in a picture book, trim size and length, and choosing a color palette. (I’m using something I wrote as a jumping off point - so live examples!)
➡️ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
#kidlit #kidlitart
➡️ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
#kidlit #kidlitart
A Picture Book Foundation
Part 3: Starting a self-assigned picture book project worthy of some time and effort
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
In this week’s deep dive, I walk through deciding where page breaks land in a picture book, trim size and length, and choosing a color palette. (I’m using something I wrote as a jumping off point - so live examples!)
➡️ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
#kidlit #kidlitart
➡️ open.substack.com/pub/jacobsou...
#kidlit #kidlitart