Debra Collins
@thewritedebrac.bsky.social
School psychologist, children's author rep'd by @JenNewens; SEL PB blogger. Co-author, S.T.O.P. and Relax therapeutic yoga curriculum. Website: www.thewritedebracollins.com
@ChildrensBookAc; #SCBWI; #RYS, @writeforkids Insider Coaching Club.
@ChildrensBookAc; #SCBWI; #RYS, @writeforkids Insider Coaching Club.
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Debra Collins
@thewritedebrac.bsky.social
· Jun 19
Time for my happy dance! My debut picture book is announced! SCAT, CAT! A Story of MItzvahs, forthcoming from Kar-Ben, illustrated by Billie Michaels. #KidLit #PictureBooks #JewishJoy
My November blog post, "Common Ground," spotlights THE FORT by Laura Perdew. From conflict to community, a shout-out to @lmperdew.bsky.social #PictureBook #KidLit #SEL
Here's the link: www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
Here's the link: www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
November 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
My November blog post, "Common Ground," spotlights THE FORT by Laura Perdew. From conflict to community, a shout-out to @lmperdew.bsky.social #PictureBook #KidLit #SEL
Here's the link: www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
Here's the link: www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
This month SPOTLIGHTS blog, titled FROM PASSIVELY PRETTY TO PRETTY DARN POWERFUL, shines on a glorious picture book: LILLYBELLE, A Damsel NOT in Distress, author Joana Pastro, illo Jhon Ortiz. #PB #KidLit #SEL
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
FROM PASSIVELY PRETTY TO PRETTY DARN POWERFUL
Why do I write this blog? As a school psychologist, I’ve worked to foster children’s social-emotional development. Referencing the CASEL framework, I highlight character-driven stories that...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:13 PM
This month SPOTLIGHTS blog, titled FROM PASSIVELY PRETTY TO PRETTY DARN POWERFUL, shines on a glorious picture book: LILLYBELLE, A Damsel NOT in Distress, author Joana Pastro, illo Jhon Ortiz. #PB #KidLit #SEL
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
My September blog, "I See Myself in You," suggests picture books offer wisdom for adults, not only children. It features A MOON FOR MOE AND MOE (Jane Breskin Zalben, Mehrdokt Amini) and THAT FLAG (Tameka Fryer Brown, Nikkolas Smith). #PIctureBooks #SEL www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
September 1, 2025 at 6:35 PM
My September blog, "I See Myself in You," suggests picture books offer wisdom for adults, not only children. It features A MOON FOR MOE AND MOE (Jane Breskin Zalben, Mehrdokt Amini) and THAT FLAG (Tameka Fryer Brown, Nikkolas Smith). #PIctureBooks #SEL www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
It's already August! This month I spotlight picture books that cultivate the capacity to take another person's perspective: DUCK! RABBIT! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and XO, Exoplanet by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social #SEL #PIctureBooks
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
SPOTLIGHT blog
You may know the fable of the blind folk who were shown an elephant. They surrounded the animal, each touching a different part. Coming away with very different perceptions, they argued...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
August 4, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It's already August! This month I spotlight picture books that cultivate the capacity to take another person's perspective: DUCK! RABBIT! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and XO, Exoplanet by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social #SEL #PIctureBooks
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
Hello, all! For July, my spotlighted PB is JUST LIKE MILLIE by Lauren Castillo.#KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Find my post, SAFE ENOUGH TO BE BRAVE, at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
SAFE ENOUGH TO BE BRAVE
Children who are easily overwhelmed have narrow comfort zones. It is far too easy for everyday situations to trigger self-protective “fight or flight” reactions, whereby the autonomic nervous...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
July 7, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Hello, all! For July, my spotlighted PB is JUST LIKE MILLIE by Lauren Castillo.#KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Find my post, SAFE ENOUGH TO BE BRAVE, at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
Time for my happy dance! My debut picture book is announced! SCAT, CAT! A Story of MItzvahs, forthcoming from Kar-Ben, illustrated by Billie Michaels. #KidLit #PictureBooks #JewishJoy
June 19, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Time for my happy dance! My debut picture book is announced! SCAT, CAT! A Story of MItzvahs, forthcoming from Kar-Ben, illustrated by Billie Michaels. #KidLit #PictureBooks #JewishJoy
Happy June! My featured PB this month is A HAT FOR MRS. GOLDMAN by Michelle Edwards @michellejedwards.bsky.social, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. #KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Find my post, "Caring for the Carer," at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
CARING FOR THE CARER
A popular quote (author unknown) begins, “Your kindness is never wasted. Even when it goes unnoticed, even when it's taken for granted.” How nice, though, when it IS noticed. Even nicer, when it...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
June 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Happy June! My featured PB this month is A HAT FOR MRS. GOLDMAN by Michelle Edwards @michellejedwards.bsky.social, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. #KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Find my post, "Caring for the Carer," at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
Reposted by Debra Collins
Ready to infuse fun and originality into your writing?
Our Mighty Writing Bundle is your gateway to creating unique and exciting children’s books! Get four amazing resources for just $176–over $270 in savings.
✨tinyurl.com/mighty-writing
#KidLit #ChildrenBooks #KidsBooks
Our Mighty Writing Bundle is your gateway to creating unique and exciting children’s books! Get four amazing resources for just $176–over $270 in savings.
✨tinyurl.com/mighty-writing
#KidLit #ChildrenBooks #KidsBooks
May 28, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Ready to infuse fun and originality into your writing?
Our Mighty Writing Bundle is your gateway to creating unique and exciting children’s books! Get four amazing resources for just $176–over $270 in savings.
✨tinyurl.com/mighty-writing
#KidLit #ChildrenBooks #KidsBooks
Our Mighty Writing Bundle is your gateway to creating unique and exciting children’s books! Get four amazing resources for just $176–over $270 in savings.
✨tinyurl.com/mighty-writing
#KidLit #ChildrenBooks #KidsBooks
For May, my "SPOTLIGHT" warmly welcomes everyone to gather under THE BIG UMBRELLA by Amy June Bates. #KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Check in at childrensbookacademy.com/blogs/kidlit...
or at my website,
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
or at my website,
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
SPOTLIGHT blog
This month’s book highlights and nurtures social-emotional capacities of Social Awareness and Relationship Skills through metaphor, rather than a character-driven plot.
www.thewritedebracollins.com
May 19, 2025 at 5:23 PM
For May, my "SPOTLIGHT" warmly welcomes everyone to gather under THE BIG UMBRELLA by Amy June Bates. #KidLit #SEL #PictureBooks Check in at childrensbookacademy.com/blogs/kidlit...
or at my website,
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
or at my website,
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
My "Spotlights" blog post for April features PAULA'S PATCHES by Gabriella Aldeman (Author) and Rocío Arreola Mendoza (Illustrator). See it on my website, www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
SPOTLIGHT blog
Last month’s spotlight featured a character with attributes that truly were quite different from his peers’. In this month’s story, PAULA’S PATCHES, a girl who believes her situation is...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
April 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM
My "Spotlights" blog post for April features PAULA'S PATCHES by Gabriella Aldeman (Author) and Rocío Arreola Mendoza (Illustrator). See it on my website, www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...
CONGRATS to Winners and Honorable Mentions from @viviankirkfield.bsky.social 2025's #50PreciousWords contest! Shout-outs to Winners and HM's I've studied with: @susaninez.bsky.social, @jessicammilo.bsky.social, @charlinebarger.bsky.social, @donnarossman.bsky.social, @robincurrie.bsky.social,
April 2, 2025 at 7:12 PM
CONGRATS to Winners and Honorable Mentions from @viviankirkfield.bsky.social 2025's #50PreciousWords contest! Shout-outs to Winners and HM's I've studied with: @susaninez.bsky.social, @jessicammilo.bsky.social, @charlinebarger.bsky.social, @donnarossman.bsky.social, @robincurrie.bsky.social,
Reposted by Debra Collins
Did you know that school libraries not only foster a love of reading and literacy in kids, but also impact their level of academic achievement, including test scores and graduation rates?
School libraries matter!! 🩷
#kidlit #WritingCommmunity #literacy #schoollibrary #BookHero
School libraries matter!! 🩷
#kidlit #WritingCommmunity #literacy #schoollibrary #BookHero
March 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Did you know that school libraries not only foster a love of reading and literacy in kids, but also impact their level of academic achievement, including test scores and graduation rates?
School libraries matter!! 🩷
#kidlit #WritingCommmunity #literacy #schoollibrary #BookHero
School libraries matter!! 🩷
#kidlit #WritingCommmunity #literacy #schoollibrary #BookHero
Reposted by Debra Collins
"POV is the lens with which we tell a story. But choosing the right point of view can be a challenge." Check out this craft post with PB mentor texts to study (by me!).
#kidlit #mentortexts #storytelling #writerstoolbox
www.rateyourstory.org/single-post/...
#kidlit #mentortexts #storytelling #writerstoolbox
www.rateyourstory.org/single-post/...
MOWMT: Playing with Point of View by Roxanne Troup
March 4, 2025[Note: Click on Titles to Buy Books]Point of view (POV) is the lens with which we tell a story. But choosing the right point of view can be a challenge. Occasionally, we get it right the ...
www.rateyourstory.org
March 4, 2025 at 4:31 PM
"POV is the lens with which we tell a story. But choosing the right point of view can be a challenge." Check out this craft post with PB mentor texts to study (by me!).
#kidlit #mentortexts #storytelling #writerstoolbox
www.rateyourstory.org/single-post/...
#kidlit #mentortexts #storytelling #writerstoolbox
www.rateyourstory.org/single-post/...
Who else is enjoying March On with Mentor Texts? Thanks for hosting this, #RYS, @literallylynne.bsky.social
March 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Who else is enjoying March On with Mentor Texts? Thanks for hosting this, #RYS, @literallylynne.bsky.social
My March picture-book blog post, FITTING IN WHEN YOU’RE UNIQUE, features Helen H. Wu's book, LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL (Yeehoo Press). On my website at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and at Children's Book Academy, childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish/fit... #kidlit #PB #SEL
FITTING IN WHEN YOU’RE UNIQUE
Forming a group, by definition, involves making many into one. It’s a unit made up of multiple, non-identical elements. For the group to run smoothly, the purpose or expectations of the unit...
www.thewritedebracollins.com
March 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
My March picture-book blog post, FITTING IN WHEN YOU’RE UNIQUE, features Helen H. Wu's book, LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL (Yeehoo Press). On my website at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and at Children's Book Academy, childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish/fit... #kidlit #PB #SEL
Hooray for #50PreciousWords 2025! Sharing my post here, as well. There's still time to enter, until 11:59pm ET tonight, 3/3!
viviankirkfield.com/2025/03/02/5...
viviankirkfield.com/2025/03/02/5...
March 3, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Hooray for #50PreciousWords 2025! Sharing my post here, as well. There's still time to enter, until 11:59pm ET tonight, 3/3!
viviankirkfield.com/2025/03/02/5...
viviankirkfield.com/2025/03/02/5...
For February, my blog post "HEARTS with Heart!" shines a spotlight on LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND (Mary Munson and Kate Talbot) and LOVING KINDNESS (Deborah Underwood and Tim Hopgood)
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and
childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #PB #SEL
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and
childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #PB #SEL
February 9, 2025 at 7:40 PM
For February, my blog post "HEARTS with Heart!" shines a spotlight on LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND (Mary Munson and Kate Talbot) and LOVING KINDNESS (Deborah Underwood and Tim Hopgood)
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and
childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #PB #SEL
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b... and
childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #PB #SEL
Since April, I've been spotlighting picture books with social-emotional themes (I'm a school psychologist) - some with Jewish themes as well (because I am). Monthly, at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-blog and at childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #picturebooks #SEL
February 9, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Since April, I've been spotlighting picture books with social-emotional themes (I'm a school psychologist) - some with Jewish themes as well (because I am). Monthly, at www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-blog and at childrensbookacademy.weebly.com/blogfish #kidlit #picturebooks #SEL
Hi, my #SEL #PB #KidLit blog post this month features learning about competition in the context of Hanukkah. The book is Hanukkah Upside Down by Elissa Brent Weissman and Omer Hoffmann. childrensbookacademy.com/blogs/kidlit...
Coming Out On Top
by Dr. Debra Collins “I am right!” “I am better!”Competition demands striving to place ourselves above.To be the highest, not the lowest.To be at the top, not the bottom.How can children learn that co...
childrensbookacademy.com
December 9, 2024 at 8:23 PM
Hi, my #SEL #PB #KidLit blog post this month features learning about competition in the context of Hanukkah. The book is Hanukkah Upside Down by Elissa Brent Weissman and Omer Hoffmann. childrensbookacademy.com/blogs/kidlit...
@debbieohi.com, your helpful guides and packs are most appreciated! publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/bl...
a. Welcome - Debbie Ridpath Ohi - Obsidian Publish
Welcome to Debbie's Unofficial Guide To Bluesky Greetings to those finding me via the recent Vox post about Bluesky! You may already be familiar with my Bluesky tips blog post, Bluesky article in Sch…
publish.obsidian.md
November 24, 2024 at 9:15 PM
@debbieohi.com, your helpful guides and packs are most appreciated! publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/bl...
Does anyone else LOVE revising? I'm amazed and delighted to discover the improvements that are possible.
November 24, 2024 at 8:09 PM
Does anyone else LOVE revising? I'm amazed and delighted to discover the improvements that are possible.
Anxiety taught me to practice relaxation and meditation. These habits have enriched everything, including my writing and work as a psychologist. I keep notes I call "No Expectations." Here's the first one.
November 21, 2024 at 11:03 PM
Anxiety taught me to practice relaxation and meditation. These habits have enriched everything, including my writing and work as a psychologist. I keep notes I call "No Expectations." Here's the first one.
An interactive FREE workshop to refine the first 50 words of my PB manuscript? With an industry expert, an agent, and prizes? Yes, Please! Maybe I'll see you there! Dec 14. childrensbookacademy.com/pages/free-w... #PB #KidLit
FREE workshopping webinar: 50 FIRST WORDS
Adults all over the world, learn to write, illustrate and traditionally publish best-selling award-winning children's books. With Board Books, Picture Books, Chapter Books and Middle Grade novels, CBA...
childrensbookacademy.com
November 14, 2024 at 7:58 PM
An interactive FREE workshop to refine the first 50 words of my PB manuscript? With an industry expert, an agent, and prizes? Yes, Please! Maybe I'll see you there! Dec 14. childrensbookacademy.com/pages/free-w... #PB #KidLit
Happy to arrive in this butterfly garden! I'm a school psychologist and writer looking for kidlit and optimism.
November 14, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Happy to arrive in this butterfly garden! I'm a school psychologist and writer looking for kidlit and optimism.