Children’s Books

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February 13, 2018

Lessons from Debbie Dadey: 166 Children’s Books, 42 Million Copies Sold

Debbie Dadey is one of the most successful children's authors of the modern era. Best known as the co-creator of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, she has published more than 160 traditionally published books and sold over 42 million copies worldwide. A former teacher and librarian, Debbie has spent decades helping young readers discover a love of books. In this interview, we discuss writing perseverance, traditional publishing, critique groups, finding time to write, working with co-authors, mentoring aspiring writers, and what it takes to build a long-term career in children's publishing. Although this conversation took place in 2018, the lessons about creativity, persistence, and professional growth remain just as relevant today.

February 10, 2018

Lessons on Illustration, Creativity, and Building an Artistic Career from Katy Halford

Katy Halford is a children's book illustrator whose work spans publishing, commercial illustration, art licensing, and character design. After earning a degree in illustration, she built a successful freelance career through consistent practice, portfolio development, and a willingness to keep learning. In this interview, we discuss creative growth, working with publishers, building relationships with clients, overcoming rejection, and what aspiring illustrators can do to develop a sustainable artistic career. Although this conversation took place in 2018, many of the lessons about creativity, persistence, and professional development remain just as relevant today.

February 9, 2018

Lessons on Writing, Nature, and Curiosity from Author Lisa Connors

Lisa Connors is a children's author, nature writer, educator, and lifelong student of the natural world. Through both fiction and nonfiction, she aims to spark curiosity and help young readers develop a deeper appreciation for science, wildlife, and the environment. In this interview, we discuss writing for children, self-publishing versus traditional publishing, working with illustrators, creative perseverance, and the importance of staying curious throughout life. Although this conversation took place in 2018, many of the lessons about creativity, publishing, and lifelong learning remain just as relevant today.

December 30, 2017

Lessons I Learned Hiring a Children’s Book Illustrator During My First Self-Publishing Project

Writing a children's book manuscript felt like a major accomplishment. Then I discovered I was only halfway through the journey. As someone with little artistic ability, I suddenly faced an entirely new challenge: finding an illustrator who could bring my story to life. What I imagined would be a simple handoff of the manuscript turned into months of collaboration, feedback, revisions, and creative problem-solving. Although the book itself was never published, the experience taught me valuable lessons about communication, creative partnerships, and the realities of producing a picture book. If you're considering hiring an illustrator for your own children's book, I hope these lessons help you begin the process with more realistic expectations than I had.

December 2, 2017

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans Review: A Funny Children’s Book About Vegetables

Let me just start off by saying it this way. My son doesn't typically ask to keep library books. But the other night, after reading How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans by writer David Larochelle and artist Mark Fearing, two times mind you, he quite legitimately asked if we could keep it.

Now, I don't care who you are, it begs a question. What is there to this children's book that would cause him to say such an unexpected thing? My wife and I have read thousands of books to him and, while he may not want to return a book to the library right away, he rarely asks to keep them.

August 31, 2017

Why The Terrible PLOP Is Such an Effective Children’s Book

The Terrible PLOP by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner, is one of those children's books that proves first impressions can be misleading. At first glance, I wasn't sure what to expect. The title felt odd, the cover didn't immediately grab my attention, and I assumed the story would be fairly forgettable. I was wrong. Beneath the unusual title is a clever picture book that combines humor, suspense, rhyme, and an important lesson about fear and group behavior.

August 28, 2017

Why Sam and Dave Dig a Hole Is Such a Brilliant Children’s Book

Some children’s books entertain for a few minutes and are quickly forgotten. Others stay with both children and adults long after the final page. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, is one of those rare picture books. Beneath its simple premise is a surprisingly clever lesson in suspense, storytelling, illustration, curiosity, and perseverance.

August 19, 2017

Alicia Arlandis Interview: Children’s Illustration, Publishing & Creative Process

Alicia Arlandis is an illustrator from Valencia, Spain, a beautiful city near the coast. She's been interested in art for as long as she can remember and has been illustrating for over twelve years. Alicia loves drawing, painting, reading, and teaching, both older people and children. She is a graphic designer and illustrator that loves continual learning in both areas. To learn more about her, check out Alicia's website and Alicia's Twitter account.