Stories & Case Studies Archives

Stories & Case Studies

Earth Hour Book Interview: Nanette Heffernan on Writing Environmental Picture Books

Environmental challenges can often feel too large for any one person to influence. Climate change, conservation, pollution, and sustainability are global issues that affect billions of people. Yet meaningful change rarely begins with governments or organizations alone. It often starts with individuals who choose to take small actions and encourage others to do the same. Children's books have a unique ability to introduce these ideas early, helping young readers understand both the challenges facing our planet and their role in creating positive change. In this interview, author Nanette Heffernan and editor Julie Bliven discuss the creation of Earth Hour, a picture book inspired by the global conservation movement that encourages people around the world to turn off non-essential lights for one hour each year. Their conversation offers valuable insights into environmental storytelling, the picture book publishing process, and how books can inspire readers to think differently about their impact on the world.

November 12, 2019

Writing Books That Matter: Charlotte Watson Sherman and Jes Negron on Brown Sugar Babe

Some books entertain. Some educate. A rare few are created because their authors believe the book needs to exist. Brown Sugar Babe is one of those books. In this interview, author Charlotte Watson Sherman and editor Jes Negron discuss the purpose behind the picture book, the importance of representation in children's literature, the realities of the publishing process, and the role stories can play in helping young readers see themselves with confidence, dignity, and hope. Their conversation offers valuable insights not only into publishing children's books, but also into creating work that serves a meaningful purpose beyond the page.

November 5, 2019

Behind Go, Girls, Go!: Frances Gilbert on Writing, Editing, and Publishing Children’s Books

Few people get to see the publishing industry from multiple angles. Frances Gilbert has spent decades helping bring children's books into the world as an editor while also experiencing the uncertainty, vulnerability, and excitement of being an author herself. In this interview, Frances shares lessons from her work as Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers and discusses the release of her picture book, Go, Girls, Go! Along the way, she offers valuable insights into storytelling, publishing, platform building, creativity, and what separates successful children's book creators from those who never quite break through.

October 14, 2019

What Picture Book Critique Fest Taught Me About Creative Growth

One of the fastest ways to improve any creative skill is to seek thoughtful feedback from people with more experience than you. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, entrepreneur, or artist, growth rarely happens in isolation. We learn through studying our craft, practicing consistently, and receiving outside perspectives that help us see what we cannot see on our own. Back in 2019, I participated in Picture Book Critique Fest (#PBCritiqueFest), a community event that connected aspiring children's book creators with literary agents, authors, and illustrators willing to provide critiques and guidance. While the event itself has long since ended, the lessons behind it remain highly relevant today because the principles of creative growth never change. The experience reinforced something every creator eventually discovers: improvement requires knowledge, practice, and feedback.

October 7, 2019

My KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2019 Entry (And What I Learned From Entering)

Writing contests can be intimidating, especially for newer writers. It’s easy to assume your work isn’t ready, that other writers are more talented, or that there’s little chance of being selected. Yet contests offer something valuable regardless of the outcome: a reason to create, finish a piece of work, and put it into the world. In 2019, I entered the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, a picture book writing contest built around visual prompts and strict word-count limitations. The challenge encouraged creativity, brevity, and experimentation. While the contest itself has long since ended, I wanted to preserve both my entry and the experience because it represents an important part of my growth as a writer. To my surprise, the submission was selected for a picture book manuscript critique prize. More importantly, it reminded me that opportunities often come from simply showing up and participating. Below is the original contest entry exactly as submitted.

September 27, 2019

Illustrating Children’s Books: Lessons from Phyllis Harris on Creativity, Publishing, and Persistence

Children's book illustrations often feel effortless. A reader turns the page, smiles at the artwork, and becomes immersed in the story without ever considering the years of practice, experimentation, revisions, and professional growth required to create those images. Behind every published picture book is a creative process shaped by persistence, craftsmanship, and a commitment to continual improvement. In this interview, children's book illustrator and author Phyllis Harris shares lessons from a career spanning more than 30 books, discussing creativity, publishing, artistic development, resilience, and what it takes to build a lasting career creating work that resonates with children and families.

July 9, 2019

How Cook Publishing Approaches Traditional Publishing and Author Partnerships

Are you an author on the hunt for a traditional publisher? Are you looking to break into publishing the old fashioned way? With all the options available to debut authors or seasoned authors looking for a traditional support system, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. One fresh option to consider is Cook Publishing. The talented duo behind the name, Stephanie (Steph) and Russel (Bones) Cook, stopped by for an interview to share all they've got going on and exactly what they're looking for.

July 2, 2019

How The Passover Mouse Became a Traditionally Published Picture Book

What makes a picture book stand out to literary agents and editors? How does a manuscript evolve from an idea into a traditionally published children’s book? In this behind-the-scenes interview, the creative team behind The Passover Mouse shares how the book came together — from inspiration and submissions to illustration, acquisitions, and publication. Featured in this conversation are author Joy Nelkin Wieder, agent Barbara Krasner, illustrator Shahar Kober, and editor Frances Gilbert of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.