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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · 3d

A new batch of five-word reviews is up! This week's list features a must-see from Stephen King & Maurice Sendak (!), plus heroism with "snotty flair," a daring duck, and more.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/10/06/p...

#KidLit #StephenKing #PictureBooks #BookReview

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · 10d

It's that time of year when the light shifts and the air thins. To capture that unique mood, I've curated a new list of 12 picture books that feel just like September.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/09/29/p...

#PictureBooks #BookList #KidLit #AutumnReads #September

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · 16d

Does every spread in your picture book have a job?

New post on the blog, inspired by my class this week, shares a checklist to help you dummy-test your manuscript.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/09/22/i...

#WritingTips #KidLit #PictureBooks #AmWriting

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · 23d

This week’s post dives into the gorgeous book THE TRUTH ABOUT DRAGONS by Julie Leung, a lyrical look at biracial identity. To go with it, I’ve developed a full set of reading activities.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/09/15/r...

#PictureBooks #KidLit #Identity #AAPIHeritage #ActivitiesForKids

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Sep 9

Thrilled to share a new author interview with the brilliant Susan Hughes! We discuss her journey writing books, and as a freelance editor, she shares common pitfalls she sees in manuscripts.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/09/08/a...

#AuthorInterview #PictureBooks #WritingCraft #KidLit

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Sep 1

New on the blog: Five-word reviews for five new picture books! It's my way of capturing the spark of a story in a nutshell. Check out all the quick takes right here!

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/09/01/p...

#PictureBooks #KidLit #BookReviews #NewBooks

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Aug 25

Here's a great picture book tip from our ACQUIRED! workshop, courtesy of guest illustrator Fred Koehler. It's called "illustrator bait"—writing lines that give artists room to invent and create magic.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/08/25/i...

#WritingCraft #KidLit #PictureBook #WritingCommunity

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Aug 18

This week's post is all about the fantastic SHARK GIRL by Kate Beaton! To celebrate, I've developed a new set of reading activities for the book.

Find all the fun here: www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/08/18/r...

#PictureBooks #KidLit #KateBeaton #Reading #ActivitiesForKids

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Aug 11

New on the blog! I talked with award-winning nonfiction author Lindsay H. Metcalf about the surprising science of Beatrix Potter, and why the Supreme Court once declared tomatoes a vegetable.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/08/11/a...

#KidLit #WritingCommunity #Nonfiction #AuthorInterview #Books

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Aug 5

It's a new week and a new batch of five-word picture book reviews! See which ones click for you!

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/08/04/p...

#PictureBooks #BookReview #KidsBooks #ShortReviews #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jul 28

New on Only Picture Books: I'm sharing highlights & Q&A from my "Unlocking the WOW Factor: Elevating Nonfiction Picture Books" session at @WritersDigest Conference!

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/07/28/i...

#KidlitWriting #NonfictionPB #WritersDigest #PublishingTips #AuthorLife #MondayBlogs

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jul 21

Fresh on Only Picture Books: Activities for Chalk the Walk! Explore the power of imagination and transforming dull spaces with colorful art.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/07/21/r...

#PictureBooks #Creativity #OutdoorPlay #FamilyActivities #Kidlit #MondayBlogs

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jul 14

New on Only Picture Books: I'm pulling back the curtain on ghostwriting & IP work in publishing! Should you say yes? This post breaks down the benefits & drawbacks.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/07/14/e...

#KidlitWriting #PublishingIndustry #WriterLife #InvisibleWork #CareerAdvice #MondayBlogs

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jul 8

Just posted a review of Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola & Barbara McClintock. PLUS, catch my photo diary from #ALAAC25 last week.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/07/07/p...

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/06/30/i...

#PictureBooks #KidlitReview #ALAConference #AuthorLife #Reading

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jun 23

New on Only Picture Books: Decoding Editorial Feedback! As an Editorial Director & writer, I'm pulling back the curtain on common phrases like "not enough here for a picture book" and "too similar to our list," using real PB examples.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/06/23/i...

#publishingtips

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jun 16

Fresh on Only Picture Books: Reading activities for the powerful Are You a Friend of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff & Levi Hastings. Ideas for exploring belonging, LGBTQ+ history, and finding your community.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/06/16/a...

#PictureBooks #ReadingIsMagic #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jun 9

Got 15 min? I’ve got answers.

$50 = one-on-one advice on writing, pitching, freelancing, ghosting, picture books—whatever you need.

No fluff. No sales pitch. Just me.

Book your AMA call or Zoom: ryangvancleave.com/writing-serv...

Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jun 9

Today on Only Picture Books: An interview with award-winning author Donna Janell Bowman! Learn about her meticulous research and turning historical figures into compelling stories.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/06/09/a...

#PictureBooks #NonfictionAuthor #KidlitCommunity #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Jun 2

Double feature on Only Picture Books! 🔥 Read my latest 5-word reviews AND catch last week's deep dive interview with new agent Katie Bircher.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/06/02/p...

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/05/26/a...

#PictureBooks #KidlitReviews #AgentAdvice #NewBooks #Reading

Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · May 19

New on OPB: Light up your reading with activities inspired by Fireworks! Explore onomatopoeia, create rooftop art, and dive into city summer vibes.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/05/19/f...

#PictureBooks #KidsBooks #Literacy #SummerFun #ReadingIdeas #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · May 12

Fresh interview on OPB! Joyce Uglow chats with author Shannon Stocker about her books Reinventing the Wheel and Get a Hug, inspiration, and the importance of community.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/05/12/a...

#PictureBooks #AuthorInterview #NewBooks #KidlitWriting #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · May 6

New 5-word picture book reviews are up! This week I'm sharing my short thoughts on books about quiet moments, growing wisdom, healing hearts, alphabet fun, and a tortilla tale!

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/05/05/p...

#PictureBooks #BookReview #KidsBooks #ShortReviews

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Apr 29

New on OPB! Learn about the world of children's book representation from literary agent Janine Le. She shares her insights on finding great stories and working with creators.

www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/04/28/a...

#PictureBooks #KidLitAgent #PublishingAdvice #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Apr 21

Kidlit writers! Want to know what it really takes to get published? Join the 3-day virtual workshop Acquired!—expert feedback, live consults, and a publishing deal for one lucky participant. May 15–17.
👉 bushelandpeckbooks.com/pages/acquired
#kidlit #amwriting #pbchat #writingcommunity

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Only Picture Books @onlypicturebooks.bsky.social · Apr 21

New on OPB: Reading activities inspired by Kenneth Kraegel's Something Good! From Blah-Day Bingo to magic sock crafts, these ideas explore emotions and finding joy in unexpected places.
www.onlypicturebooks.com/2025/04/21/r...

#PictureBooks #KidsBooks #Literacy #ClassroomIdeas #MondayBlogs #IMWAYR

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