Five-​Word Reviews: All at Once Upon a Time; Don’t Invite a Bear inside for Hanukkah; Nocturnal Nico; Oak; When Love Is More Than Words

cover image All at Once upon a TimeAll at Once Upon a Time
Author: Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: Gladys Jose
Harry N. Abrams
10 September 2024
48 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Upside-​down classics. More mashup mayhem!

4 out of 5 giggles and guesses


Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah
Author: Karen Rostoker-​Gruber
Illustrator: Charles Arbat
Apples & Honey Press
5 November 2024
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Messy bear…meaningful holiday magic.

4.25 out of 5 latke laughs


Nocturnal Nico: A Bedtime Picture Book for Night Owls
Author: Gabe Jensen
Illustrator: Gabe Jensen
Familius
15 October 2024
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Late-​night fun with night-​loving friends.

3.75 out of 5 owl hoots


Oak: The Littlest Leaf Girl
Author: Lucy Fleming
Illustrator: Lucy Fleming
Candlewick
10 September 2024
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Courage through autumn’s chill. Leap!

4.25 out of 5 woodland wonders


Author: Jocelyn Chung
Illustrator: Julia Kuo
Nancy Paulsen Books
15 October 2024
32 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Love’s language lives in action.

4 out of 5 heartfelt hugs

Editor Interview: Kathleen Merz (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)

Kathleen Merz - Editorial Director - Eerdmans Books for Young Readers ...Welcome to Kathleen Merz, Editorial Director at Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. We bumped into each other at the ALA conference a few months back in San Diego, and hearing her speak about her books and their creators told me all I needed to know–she had to join me for an OPB interview.

What do we need to know about her before we dive into the interview? Try this!

Kathleen joined Eerdmans in 2009 and has since worked on numerous award-​winning titles, including books that have been awarded the Batchelder, the Sibert Medal, and the Caldecott Honor. With a background in English and linguistics, she has a particular love for translated works and nonfiction picture books. She’s drawn to stories that celebrate diversity and thoughtfully address contemporary social issues in ways that feel organic, compelling, and honest. Outside the office, you can usually find Kathleen enjoying the outdoors in Michigan—whether she’s biking, kayaking, camping, or curled up in a hammock with a good book.

With that, let’s jump right into the interview!


RVC: Let’s circle back to the beginning. At what point did you realize you were going to have a career in books?

KM: I’ve been a literature nerd since high school. In college, I was an English major with a linguistics minor and a Latin double major. When you’re an English major, everyone always asks, “What are you going to do with that—teach?” I knew teaching wasn’t for me, but I was interested in publishing. Senior year, one of my professors passed my resume to someone at Eerdmans, where there was an opening in the children’s department. I hadn’t seriously considered a career in children’s literature before, although I’d taken a course on it, but I jumped on the opportunity. I’m so happy I did because I love it and can’t imagine being as happy in any other branch of publishing. Despite the uncertainties, thin margins, and all that, it’s been a great fit.

RVC: Your story is a bit unusual! Most people in the industry hop around different places, but you’ve been with Eerdmans for 15 years. What’s kept you there so long?

KM: I know, it’s rare to stay with one publisher for so long. I love that Eerdmans is based in Michigan, which is my home state, and I like working for a small indie press. The team is great, and the books we publish are unique—quirky international titles, beautifully illustrated works, and thoughtful stories. Being part of a small press means I get to have my hand in everything, which I love. I feel fortunate to have stumbled into this job.

RVC: What does it mean to be an Editorial Director, and what role do you play in submissions at Eerdmans?

KM: We’re a small team. It’s me, our Associate Editor, our Art Director, our Publisher, and the sales and marketing team we share with the rest of the company. In my role, I manage the editorial side of the program, and some parts of the program as a whole.

For submissions—we’re open to unsolicited submissions, and our guidelines can be found on our website. Our Associate Editor does the first read of most of those unsolicited submissions and filters them through. I work on every project we publish, though, whether I take the first read through it or not. (If submissions to us are simply addressed to “Acquisitions Editor,” they’ll find their way where they need to.)

RVC: How many books do you publish per year, and how many submissions do you receive?

KM: We publish around 18 to 20 books a year, with two seasons of about 8 to 10 books each. Over half of those come from international publishers, so we’re looking at just 2 or 3 U.S.-originated books per season. In terms of submissions, I’d estimate we receive about 3 to 6 submissions a day. Out of all those, only a small handful—maybe one every couple of years—makes it from the slush pile into publication.

RVC: What’s the process like for acquiring books from other countries? How does that happen?

KM: A lot of it happens through international book fairs, especially the Bologna Book Fair, which is a major event for children’s publishing. Our publisher attends, and she has about 50 meetings over four days with different agents and publishers. We also receive projects year-​round. We’re always on the lookout for publishers around the world who are doing interesting work. A lot of these books happen because of relationships—connections that we create with publishers, agents, or translators whose projects we admire and whose taste we trust.

RVC: You seem to have a soft spot for translated books. What’s the appeal?

KM: I love them because they open up a bigger world. One of the best things children’s books can do is crack open a wider world for young readers, introducing them to new perspectives, experiences, and ways of living. Translated books offer that in spades. And while these books showcase differences, they also highlight our shared humanity. In a world where there’s often fear of the “other,” international book can remind us of powerfully of what connects us all.

RVC: Can you share a book that illustrates this effectively?

KM: Absolutely! One book we’re publishing is The Cat Way, which is a translation from Swedish that tells the story of a character who goes for a walk each day with their cat. They’re always the one to lead—until one day the cat asks, “Why do you always get to lead?” The next day, the cat leads the way—down paths the human would never have chosen to take. But it turns out there are some beautiful surprises that come with letting go of control. It’s quirky and gorgeous, and I hope it will make readers stop to ponder what life might look like if they’re willing to see things from other perspectives.

RVC: Let’s talk about your editorial style. How do you approach working with authors, especially for translated projects?

KM: No matter the project, the editorial process moves from the big to the small. We start with macro edits—overall structure and flow—then move to more granular things like line edits and copy edits. For translated books, we’re usually working with books that have already been published—so those big-​picture edits have already been done. We usually can’t change much at that level, though there are exceptions. So for translations most of my work is on the level of line edits and copy edits. For U.S.-originated projects, I’m doing all the different levels of work.

For any book I’m working on, I see my role as a curious, engaged reader. I pay attention to how a text holds my attention, and I look for the places where I’m pulled out of a story because of issues—whether it’s inconsistencies or awkward phrasing or confusing language. I try never to tell an author exactly how to rewrite. At the end of the day, it’s their writing, not mine. But I can ask questions, and offer some potential ways forward—and hopefully in the end the text is stronger than either of us could have found our way to on our own.

RVC: What’s a book you’ve worked on recently that challenged you in unexpected ways?

KM: Every project has its own set of unique challenges. Maybe the challenge is getting a character’s voice just right, or making sure the pacing doesn’t lag, or figuring out how to translate onomatopoeia or wordplay that works differently in another language. The fact-​checking that nonfiction books require always adds an extra layer of complexity, and often sends me down editorial rabbit trails that I might not have anticipated. We spent more than a few hours checking and re-​checking several pages of scientific names for Kingdoms of Life. And I know way more about Ediacaran lifeforms than I would have if I hadn’t worked on How the Sea Came to Be!

RVC: What was the first picture book you ever worked on?

KM: The first book I remember working on—and then getting to hold in my hands when it arrived from the printer—was a collection of stories about saints, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. We had previously published it and were reformatting it, so I only did some light edits, but I still remember that first time I got to feel the thrill of holding a book I helped make.

RVC: What was it like working on The Right Word, a Caldecott Honor book?

KM: It’s still one of my favorite projects. Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet are brilliant creators and wonderful to work with. Jen and Melissa had worked together on A River of Words before, so they had a strong rapport. The process was very collaborative, with lots of revisions. Peter Mark Roget had a life jam-​packed with fascinating details, so we had a lot of work trimming the story down to the core material. There was a lot of back-​and-​forth, shaping and honing the story and the art, and seeing it come together was just beautiful.

RVC: What do you think of the current state of children’s literature?

KM: I love that the industry has finally recognized the need to reflect the full range of people reading these books. The push for diversity and inclusivity has reshaped books being published—it’s been a long time coming and there’s still so much work to do (especially diversifying the industry itself), but it’s exciting and necessary work. It’s opened the door for a much more interesting range of stories to be told.

At the same time, the rise in book bans is incredibly frustrating. It’s another huge issue in the industry right now. I give credit to authors and publishers for standing their ground and continuing to publish important books despite the challenges, but there’s inevitably some quiet censorship that happens anyway. Educators and librarians are having to be much more cautious about the books they order, and that affects publishers across the board. And so many professionals risk losing their jobs if they dare to speak up. This is a major ongoing challenge that we all have to keep fighting against.

RVC: Since COVID, I’ve always tried to ask a health and wellness question, so here’s yours. What do you do to recharge when you’re not working with books?

KM: Anything that I could do outside. I love backpacking, camping, biking, and oh…I just had the trip of a lifetime!

RVC: Do tell!

KM: My dad grew up in California, and when he was in his early 20s, he backpacked to this one lake in the Sierras a couple times. For as long as I can remember, ever since I was a little kid, I remember him talking about Sky Blue Lake, and my sister and I have always wanted to go back there with him. Last month, we finally made it happen. We went backpacking up in the Sierras with my dad to this place that he’d gone to decades ago, and it was an incredible trip. Our world is staggeringly beautiful, and I love getting the chance to go out and see parts of that.

RVC: What’s one thing you wish literary agents understood better about your job?

KM: How guilty I feel not getting back to them more quickly! I wish that I were able to answer all the emails I get as soon as they land in my inbox, but…you know.…

Thankfully, most people are pretty gracious about that.

RVC: I quite agree. Most agents are terrific. Now, what’s the most common misconception people have about editors?

KM: Sometimes, especially with early-​career writers, I notice certain personalities can be very protective of their writing, even threatened by suggestions for change. I get it—it’s tough because this work is their baby, something they’ve spent months or years on. What I often want to gently whisper in their ear is that we’re all on the same side. As an editor, my goal is to help make the best book possible and ensure it finds success in the world. I’m human and fallible, and I have limited time, which brings certain restrictions, but at the end of the day, my aim is the same as theirs: to create the best book we can.

RVC: What’s the most important thing people should know about Eerdmans?

KM: We’re small, we’re independent, and having such a small list means we’re deeply invested in every book we publish. Bigger publishers have their A, B, and C lists, where only the top books might really get much focus. But since we only publish 8 to 10 books a season, they all have to be good, and they’re all very important to who we are. We tend to keep books in print for a long time. We’re committed to taking on projects that really stand out, and doing them justice by making the highest-​quality books we can.

RVC: Complete the following sentence: “Kathleen Merz is an editor who…”

KM:…is very passionate about the books I work on. I love the chance to continue learning and discovering stories I didn’t even know were out there.

RVC: It’s brag time! What are some forthcoming books you’re excited about?

KM: One book from our Spring 2025 list that I’m particularly excited about is A Universe of Rainbows, a poetry anthology by Matt Forrest Esenwine, illustrated by Jamey Christoph. It’s gorgeous and explores all the different ways rainbows appear around the planet—the rainbows in the sky you think of first, of course, but also rainbows in rivers and hot springs and mountains and plants and animals. It’s a wonderful cross-​section of our planet’s beauty, and along with the poems there are sidebars and back matter full of information for kids to dive into.

The rest of the Spring 2025 list is fantastic too. A few highlights: We’ve got a sly detective/​murder mystery picture book (Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective). We’ve got a story about refugees that uses the imagery of knitting—and plenty of yarn in the art—to describe what it’s like for a life to unravel and need to be knitted back together (Thread by Thread). And we’ve got a book about a dog who whose energetic personality keeps him from being adopted, until he finds the perfect fit working as a conservation dog (Trouble Dog).

RVC: Okay, it’s time for the speed round now. Fast questions and speedy answers, please. Are you ready?

KM. Sure!

RVC: If you could only have one app on your phone, what would it be?

KM: Maps–definitely.

RVC: What movie quote do you use on a regular basis?

KM: Probably Monty Python and the Holy Grail: “And there was much rejoicing.”

RVC: What makes your eyes roll every time you hear it?

KM: Business jargon—like when people say, “I don’t think we have the bandwidth for that.” I cringe even when I catch myself using it!

RVC: Five things you couldn’t do your job without?

KM: Tea, curiosity, a thesaurus, my floofy cat colleague, Misha, and a good walk to clear my head when I’ve been staring at a computer screen too long.

RVC: What’s a picture book from the past year that didn’t get its due?

KM: So many great possibilities. But I’ll mention John the Skeleton. It actually just came out this month, so maybe it will get its due—but I’m going to guess that even still many of your readers may not come across it. It’s a translation from Estonian about a retired classroom skeleton who goes to live with an elderly couple on their farm. We actually looked at this one a few years ago, and I’m so glad that it’s been published in English. It’s delightfully strange—and also funny and tender and profound.

RVC: If you had a dream picture book tea party with three other picture book people–authors, illustrators, or characters from picture books–who would it be?

KM: I’ll go with three creators I think are brilliant (as long as they don’t mind me spending the tea party pestering them with questions): Sydney Smith, Christian Robinson, and Candace Fleming. I’ll also say that I’ve had tea with Melissa Sweet, and it was an absolute delight—so she’s got a standing invite to any tea party I’d throw, too.

RVC: What’s the best compliment a kid ever gave about a book you worked on?

KM: Not a compliment from a kid, per se, but the reaction that comes to mind first is something that a school librarian told one of my colleagues at a conference. We recently published a book called A Star Shines Through. The author is Russian, and when Putin invaded Ukraine, she and her family fled, leaving their apartment behind and moving to Israel, and later to Montenegro. The book comes from that experience—it’s about a mother and daughter fleeing their home because of war and settling in a new, unfamiliar place. Everything feels foreign to them: the food, the language, the buildings. In their old home, they had a star-​shaped lamp in the window, and one day in the new place, the mom brings home the makings of a new star lamp. They create it together, finding a small way to make the new place feel like home.

What the librarian told my colleague was that he knew exactly the kid he wanted to share the book with: a refugee student of his who was struggling to make a home in an unfamiliar city, and had started coming to the library because it felt like a safe space. There’s no better compliment and no better reason we do what we do than hearing that someone has the perfect child in mind for a book. That’s why we do it.

RVC: Great answer. Thanks so much for your time, Kathleen!

Reading Activities: Reaching for the Stars, by Roxanne Troup, illustrated by Amanda Lenz

Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space
Author: Roxanne Troup
Illustrator: Amanda Lenz
28 August 2024
Schiffer Kids
40 pages

Book description: “​What will we find light-​years away,
beyond the expanse where our planets play?

Join a diverse crew of young astronauts on an inspiring new mission to explore the moon, the stars, and the far reaches of outer space in an out-​of-​this-​world journey sure to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts to reach for the stars.”



Reading Activities inspired by Reaching for the Stars:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • Look closely at the cover—what makes you curious about the astronauts and their mission just by looking at the picture?
    • Based on the title and cover, what do you think the astronauts will discover? What clues from the cover make you think that?
    • Does the cover remind you of any other books or movies about space or astronauts? How do you think this one will be different or similar?
    • The book title mentions a “mission to space.” What do you know about space missions or space exploration already? Have you heard of NASA’s Artemis program before?
    • What do you want to ask the author or illustrator about space or their inspiration for creating this book before reading it?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What did the astronauts discover on their mission? Which part of their journey was your favorite, and why?
    • The book’s back matter mentions the NASA’s Artemis mission to land the first woman and person of color on the moon. How does that make you feel? Why do you think this is such a big deal?
    • How did the rhyming text make the story more fun or easier to follow? Did the rhymes help you remember any specific space facts?
    • The astronauts in the story spend time in their spaceship. What do you think life would be like living in space? What would you miss most about Earth?
    • The illustrations mix real NASA images with drawings. How did the real photos make the story feel more exciting or real for you?
    • What’s one new thing you learned about space, stars, or planets that you didn’t know before reading this book?
    • If you had a friend who loved space, would you recommend this book to them? What part would you tell them about first?
  • Design Your Own Space Patch: Astronauts have special patches that represent their mission. Create your own mission patch by drawing a symbol or picture that represents what your space crew would discover. Add colors and shapes that show your mission’s goals, just like NASA does!
  • Moon Surface Adventure: Recreate the moon’s surface at home using pillows, blankets, and other materials. Pretend you’re an astronaut landing on the moon like the crew in the book. What do you see? What kinds of rocks or craters do you discover? Make notes or drawings of your “moon walk” in a journal.
  • Constellation Discovery Map: The astronauts in the book spot famous constellations like Ursa Major and Orion. Can you find and map your own constellations? Use stickers or stars to create a “sky” on black construction paper, then draw lines to connect the stars into shapes and figures.
  • Space-​Themed Rhyming Poem: In the book, Roxanne Troup uses rhyme to tell the astronauts’ adventure. Write your own short poem about space using rhymes. You can describe a planet, a star, or even your dream space mission. Try to follow the same fun, rhythmic style as in the story.
  • Create Your Own Planet: The book introduces the idea of discovering new planets in space. Design your own planet—what would it look like? What kind of animals or life forms might live there? Draw a picture of your planet and write a short description about what makes it unique.
  • Further Reading: If you loved Reaching for the Stars, you might also enjoy other books about astronauts and space exploration.

 

Astronaut AnnieAnnie has a big dream—she wants to be an astronaut. In this charming story, Annie prepares for Career Day and keeps everyone guessing about what she wants to be when she grows up.

 

 

 


This non-​fiction picture book tells the story of NASA’s Curiosity rover and its mission to explore Mars. With stunning illustrations and engaging explanations, Curiosity brings readers closer to the excitement of space exploration and the real science behind discovering other planet.

 


This fascinating story tells how a young girl named Venetia Burney suggested the name “Pluto” for the newly discovered planet when she was just eleven years old.

 

 

 


This inspirational story is based on the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. The book follows young Mae as she dreams of reaching the stars, despite being told her dream was impossible. A wonderful celebration of perseverance and diversity in space exploration.

 

 


Rocket Says Look Up!Follow space-​obsessed Rocket as she tries to get her whole neighborhood to stop and look up at an upcoming meteor shower.

Author Interview: Marcie Colleen

PictureMeet Marcie Colleen, a curly-​haired kidlit powerhouse whose stories burst with joy, humor, and heart. Though she shares her name with the “Sir”-obsessed character from Peanuts, she’s more of a Frieda, always reminding everyone of her naturally curly hair.

Before becoming a full-​time children’s author, Marcie worked as a teacher, actress, and nanny. Now, she’s the mind behind beloved books like Penguinaut!, Bear’s Garden, and Love, Triangle. When not writing, she’s either reading, playing guitar or ukulele, running, watching baseball, or eating ice cream—sometimes all at once (she’s working on it).

A Brooklynite at heart, Marcie now lives in San Diego with her husband, LEGO artist Jonathan Lopes, and their stuffed animal crew. She also teaches at The Writing Barn, Storyteller Academy, and UCSD Extension, while staying involved with 12x12 and the Children’s Media Association. Always up for a challenge—especially if ice cream is involved—Marcie’s all about creativity, community, and fun.

Let’s get to the interview and learn a bit more!


RVC: Before becoming a children’s author, you were a classroom teacher. How did your teaching background shape your approach to writing for kids?

MC: I was a high school English and Drama teacher in a pretty challenging school and I was always looking for creative ways to introduce topics (both social/​emotional and historical) to my students. That’s when I rediscovered the power of picture books. They were bite-​size morsels that packed a punch and helped my struggling students connect with the learning material. Soon I was pairing picture books with every unit of study and falling in love with the format.

RVC: What inspired you to make the leap from teaching into writing, and why did you choose children’s books as your focus?

MC: It wasn’t that direct of a leap. After leaving the full-​time classroom, I got my master’s degree from NYU, moved to New York City, and had another whole career in the theatre.  Eventually, I became the Director of Education at TADA! Youth Theater creating theatre for kids by kids. I believe it was during this time that I really started to connect with kids’ media and entertainment, which further led to my pursuing a career as a children’s author.

RVC: I didn’t know about that organization–cool! Now, when you first started writing, what was the most challenging part of transitioning to the world of children’s literature?

MC: Well, when I decided I wanted to pursue being a children’s author, I still needed to pay the rent while living in an expensive city. So, I took on many odd jobs around New York to make ends meet. I froze my tush off working long hours at an outdoor holiday market. I became a secret shopper, writing reviews about many Duane Reade locations. Lastly, I become a full-​time nanny. All of this meant that my writing had to happen in the crevices of my days—breaks, nap times, and on the weekends. Sometimes my goal of being a published author felt so far away, but I kept at it.

RVC: Let’s talk about some of your books. Penguinaut!, features a small penguin with big dreams. How did you develop the concept for Orville’s adventure, and what was your journey from idea to publication like?

MC: Back in December of 2011 a friend of mine posted the following on Facebook:

RVC: Wow, love this!

MC: Now, as a writer, I can’t control where my ideas come from. And after reading this, I became so curious about penguins and their lack of necks which would prevent them from looking at the stars. I asked, “what if?” (that is what writers do, we are constantly asking “what if?”). What if a penguin saw the moon for the first time and became so enthralled that he wanted to find a way to get there?

As with all stories, this one went through lots of revisions (39 to be exact!) and lots of re-​imaginings. Along the way, I have lost the “falling over and discovering the moon” bit, but the adventurous spirit of Orville lives on in the published book.

RVC: What was the best lesson this book taught you?

MC: Just like Orville, I needed to believe in myself and never give up on my dream.

RVC: Anyone who’s met you knows you’re funny, both in real life and in your writing. Plus, we all can see it in books Super Happy Party Bears and Love, Triangle. How do you craft humor that resonates with both children and adults?

MC: I spend a lot of time watching children’s television and I did even before I started writing for kids. I especially loved how shows like Sesame Street could layer humor into their show that would appeal to adults, as well. I loved that smart brand of humor and studied whatever movies and TV had that kind of humor to infuse my own work with.

When I started to write the Super Happy Party Bears, I watched a lot of Adventure Time episodes to get a handle on the wacky, random humor that my editor wanted in the series.  But I urge everyone to write for the child inside of you. I have learned that my inner child is probably an eight-​year-​old who loves a good potty joke now and then. Therefore, I write for myself. If something makes me laugh out loud while writing it, I know that kids will probably laugh, too.

RVC: And let’s be clear, I’ll be laughing as well. But when it comes to writing humor, what are some mentor texts/​writers?

MC: Oh, there are so many hilarious writers out there! I don’t want to leave anyone out, but definitely Tammi Sauer, Doreen Cronin, Ame Dyckman, Tara Lazar, Julie Falatko, Heather Fox, and Dev Petty—just to name a few.

RVC: I suppose it says something about me and my tastes when you look at how many on your list have been interviewed here at OPB.

Author Interview: Dev Petty

Author Interview: Doreen Cronin

Author Interview: Tara Lazar

And, of course, YOU!

Conference Roundup: 2023 FL SCBWI Florida Conference Report

MC: So cool! I should also point out that everyone I mentioned was a funny WOMAN! Often funny women don’t get the spotlight that the men do. Thank you, Ryan, for all the support through your blog to highlight these exceptional talents.

RVC: You bet! Happy to help the humor and woman cause. Now, even though Super Happy Party Bears isn’t a picture book series, tell a bit more about that—especially how the series came to be. It’s got SUCH a great name!

MC: After two picture book sales—Love, Triangle (HarperCollins) and Penguinaut! (Scholastic)—I was approached by Erin Stein, publisher of Imprint at Macmillan Children’s. She had an idea for a chapter book series and wondered if I would be interested in writing it. So, I can’t take credit for the awesome name. That’s all Erin and her team.

RVC: Lucky you! And it’s such a cool title/​idea.

MC: To be honest, I almost said no. Although I had a desire to one day write chapter books, I hadn’t the foggiest clue as to how. After all, I had spent the past five years studying the craft of picture books. The longer form of the chapter book seemed daunting. However, Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” So, I said yes.

RVC: How did writing for slightly older children compare to your experience with picture books?

MC: The biggest challenge was that with chapter books there was more “real estate” to describe and paint a picture with words. I had spent so much time as a picture book writer focused on low word count, the economy of language, and learning to leave room for the illustrator. Many of my early Super Happy Party Bears drafts included notes from my editor such as “can you please describe this more?”

RVC: Every picture book author reading this is smiling because they get what you’re saying. Let’s move on to talk about bigger themes in your work. Many of your books, including The Bear’s Garden and Survivor Tree, focus on themes of community and resilience. What draws you to these themes, and how do they reflect your personal experiences?

MC: That’s true. So much of my writing centers around aspects of community. I believe that is a direct influence of being a New Yorker. To me, New York City is people, and I miss it dearly now that I live in Southern California. There’s something magical about the layers and layers of lives being shared on the city’s sidewalks and subway cars. It gives me a feeling of us all being “in it” together. I always find comfort in that.

RVC: Survivor Tree was your first nonfiction picture book, dealing with a deeply emotional and historical event. How did you approach balancing the facts of the story with the emotional weight of 911?

MC: Although Survivor Tree is a 911 story—and I do hope it prompts questions and reflection about that day—details of who, what, when, or why weren’t my focus. I kept the heart of the text as close to the tree as possible. In doing this, I could tell a historical story with much more universality. Survivor Tree is for anyone who has ever been a part of something big and scary that left them battered, scarred, and scared to move on, but they did anyway.

RVC: One of the challenges of writing nonfiction picture books is having more material than you can fit into the final book. What interesting/​amazing thing didn’t get included? 

MC: I love this question! What I learned in my research is that there are several trees that have emerged as survivors of disastrous events throughout history. Like the 911 Survivor Tree, these trees stood brave and resilient among the ruins and became symbols of hope. An American Elm is a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing.  When the 2011 tsunami ripped through Japan, a lone, pine tree stood strong as a whole forest was washed away. There are also several celebrated trees that defied odds on land that was supposed to be barren of life for 75 years following the bombing in Hiroshima.

RVC: I’m a fan of hope stories like those for sure.

MC: Because of the hope these trees bring communities, many have been propagated, including the chestnut tree which stood outside Anne Frank’s window. That chestnut is no longer alive, but its seedlings have gone on to give hope to other communities around the world that have endured tragedy, including New York City. One of the descendants of Anne Frank’s chestnut tree bravely stands near the former site of the World Trade Center.

The 911 Survivor Tree seedling program launched on September 11, 2013, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts in Stamford, Connecticut and horticulture students at John Browne High School in Flushing, Queens. Each year, the 911 Memorial gives seedlings from the Survivor Tree to communities in need of a symbol of hope and resilience. In 2020 seedlings were gifted to the Bahamas, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorian; Christchurch, New Zealand—the site of a mass shooting; and five hospitals throughout New York City’s five boroughs in honor of the healthcare workers responding to the COVID-​19 pandemic.

RVC: Wow, that’s a great answer. Thanks for all of that. Now, here’s a question I’ve never been able to ask in an OPB interview before, so YAY that the time has come, even though it’s a fairly hard shift from the last question/​answer. You’re an expert on creating teacher’s guides. How did that happen, and how do you approach integrating curriculum with creativity?

MC: When I worked in the theater and on Broadway, one of my jobs was to create curriculum guides to help teachers implement plays and musicals into their classroom units of study. I loved doing this, so when I started to get involved in the kidlit community, I decided to tap into a need and try my hand at creating Teacher’s Guides for children’s books as a little side hustle. It became a lucrative business for me and I still create them for authors, illustrators, and publisher clients.

RVC: Let’s pull back a bit and talk about larger writer issues. Many authors struggle with the idea of success. After publishing multiple books, how has your definition of success evolved?

MC: Well, the target keeps moving, as they say. When I first started out I believed success was getting my first book published. And once I reached that goal I wanted to publish more and continue to stretch myself by writing in different formats such as chapter books and comics. Now, I am a full-​time author. I haven’t won any major awards or been a NYT bestseller. But I do feel pretty darn successful.

RVC: I think you’re wildly successful, which is one of the many reasons I asked you to do this interview with me. 

MC: Aw shucks! Now I’m blushing!

RVC: What role do conferences and organizations such as SCBWI play in your life as a writer? Do you feel they were crucial to your career development?

MC: Absolutely! They helped me build community. And whether the going is rough or fluff, community is important to help navigate the publishing waters.

RVC: Writing can often be a solitary process. How do you maintain your creative energy and stay connected to the kidlit community?

MC: Just like I have set hours for writing during the week, I also have set hours for connecting with fellow writers through weekly or monthly meetings, both in-​person and on Zoom. It’s important to me to stay connected, not just through my books and my classes, but as a supportive friend and colleague.

RVC: You’ve taught many writing workshops and courses. What’s the one piece of advice you consistently give to aspiring authors?

MC: I know it has been said a bazillion times but focus on craft. Take classes, join a critique group, seek out mentors, attend conferences. If you keep the focus on constantly improving your writing, exactly that will happen. And better writing increases the chances of any publication dreams you might have. Everyday think, “What can I do today to move the needle on my writing dreams?” and then do that!

RVC: Last question for this part of the interview—what current projects are you working on that readers should be excited about?

MC: My agent just wrapped up negotiations on a graphic novel series that I think is the funniest thing I have ever written. The first books won’t be out until 2027 so until then shhhhhhhhh!

RVC: No problem, Marcie–it’s just us writers, editors, agents, librarians, publicists, parents, grandparents, siblings, and other picture book fans here. We won’t say a word! Now, it’s time to buckle down and REALLY get serious because…it’s the LIGHTING ROUND. The point values are shocktastically high and we’re putting a clock on this. Six questions and six answers in sixty seconds. Are you ready to zip and zap your way to success?

MC: Absolutely! Let’s go!

RVC: Penguins. Great animal or the greatest animal?

MC: Great animal. There are so many great animals, I would hate to rate them.

RVC: Which of your picture book characters do you think you’d be best friends with?

MC: Orville. I love his spunk and drive.

RVC: Let’s be honest—what’s the REAL answer?

MC: Ok, ok. Maybe I’d be fighting for best friendship with Triangle, too! I mean, he’s super cool! Move over Circle and Square!

RVC: Best tune to jam on your ukelele?

MC: “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles.

RVC: This one’s for husband Jonathan. Favorite LEGO piece?

MC: Grand Central Terminal.

RVC: What’s the last picture book that actually made you LOL?

MC: Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo.

RVC: Which writer sets the standard for picture book rhyme?

MC: Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call.

RVC: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger aspiring-​writer self, what would it be?

MC: Don’t stop believing and reaching for those dreams. As Julia Cameron says in The Artist’s Way, “all too often, it is audacity and not talent that moves an artist to center stage.”

RVC: Thanks so much, Marcie!

Picture Book Review: Even Yetis Get Colds, by Carlianne Tipsey

Author: Carlianne Tipsey
Illustrator: Carlianne Tipsey
Pixel+Ink
29 October 2024
32 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Book) and freelance author/​illustrator Kelly Light.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Being best friends with a yeti might sound like a dream come true—after all, who wouldn’t want to have the “best seat in the house” while watching an outdoor movie or enjoy fresh-​picked fruit from the highest branches? Sign me up for a pal like that! But when that yeti gets a cold, things go downhill fast. In Even Yetis Get Colds, debut author-​illustrator Carlianne Tipsey introduces readers to a unique friendship where the young narrator, Coco, navigates the yearly challenge of curing their giant, sneezing, and grumpy yeti companion.

Coco’s persistence in finding a cure is endearing—stocking up on sweaters, blankets, and even attempting cross-​continental trips to tropical islands (in her imagination, of course). The gentle humor in her increasingly creative (and unsuccessful) efforts will resonate with young readers, especially as they see that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, all a friend really needs is your company.

The story celebrates the joys and challenges of friendship, especially when things aren’t perfect. Though light on plot and lacking a dynamic conclusion, the book’s heart lies in its message: sometimes, the best cure for a cold—or any bad day—is simply being there for someone you care about.

As a cryptid fan, I was hoping for a bit more oomph in the yeti theme. The title suggests a playful exploration of a cryptid’s world, but the story doesn’t fully delve into the fun possibilities that come with having a mythological creature for a friend. Cryptid-​inspired mischief, traits, or quirky details might have made this friendship feel even more special. Ultimately, this book is perhaps best suited for cozy reading sessions, where the focus is on togetherness rather than action-​packed adventure or cryptid surprises.

Overall, Even Yetis Get Colds is a gentle, heartwarming story with an appealing friendship at its core. Young readers (ages 4–7) will likely appreciate the book’s light humor and the reassuring message that sometimes, just being there for a friend is the best thing you can do.

3.75 out of 5 pencils

 

–Kelly’s Review of the Illustrations–

Welcome Carlianne Tipsy to traditional picture book shelves after building an online presence through marketing and independent publishing. Her debut as an author/​illustrator of a book for children is Even Yetis Get Colds, published by Pixel+Ink, an imprint of Holiday House.

In this digitally illustrated story, Coco has a best friend who is a giant blue monster—a yeti named … Yeti, who is helpful and supportive. It is fun to have a friend who can magically produce ice cream by blowing on an ice cream cone. The first spread introduces the friendship dynamic. The characters are drawn in poses that display “glee” with life and vitality.

The art is cute. It is made in Procreate on an iPad. Textured brushes and watercolor effects are used. The pastel palette is very candy-​colored. Tipsy has authored an independently published book titled How to Draw Adorably, which is how she draws. The yeti and the child, Coco, have broad, dark, dot eyes set low on the face. The art does feel animated, with some expression drawings having a bit of an animé influence when the happy, wide-​open mouths are drawn.

My favorite spread in the book is the drive-​in movie image on the second spread. The color shift and the full-​bleed image are nicely done, as is the aerial perspective on the cars. It is the most cinematic composition in the book.

On the fourth spread, the text describes coughs as windstorms and sneezes as blizzards, but the punchline “don’t make me tell you what happens when he…” is left undefined. It must be something gross! I am unsure what bodily function encases the two main characters in ice cubes, but they are—frozen in shocked expressions. This comedic touch is sure to make kids giggle. Throughout the book, the soft colors of the digital drawings maintain a feeling of goodness and fun, while the friendly character design is appealing.

The friendship dynamic flips and Coco becomes a supportive, helpful friend. The character’s acting in the drawings reflects this shift. The last spread in the book is the other fully illustrated double-​page spread that mirrors the first one of the drive-​in movie. Now they are cozy in a movie theater of Coco’s making for the ailing yeti. The art serves the text with Yeti now hugging Coco. It is a sweet end to a confection of a picture book.

3.75 out of 5 colored pencils


Kelly Light lives in Amherst, MA but grew up down the shore in New Jersey surrounded by giant pink dinosaurs, cotton candy colors, and Skee-​Ball sounds. She was schooled on Saturday-​morning cartoons and Sunday funny pages. She picked up a pencil, started drawing, and never stopped.

Kelly is the author/​illustrator of the Louise series. Louise Loves Art and Louise and Andie, The Art of Friendship are the first two picture books in the series. Louise Loves Bake Sales and Louise and The Class Pet are the first readers in HarperCollins’ I Can Read program.

Kelly has also illustrated Elvis and the Underdogs and Elvis and the Underdogs: Secrets, Secret Service, and Room Service by Jenny Lee, and The Quirks series by Erin Soderberg, as well as the upcoming 2026 picture book release written by author Samantha Berger, Corny, with Henry Holt & Co.

Website: www.kellylight.com

Picture Book List: 15 Picture Books About Books

Calling all bookworms and bibliophiles!

Today, we’re turning the pages on a delightful collection of picture books that celebrate the magic of stories. From heartwarming tales about libraries to whimsical journeys into the world of words, these 15 gems are sure to spark a love of reading in young hearts.

So snuggle up with your little ones, open a book, and let the adventure begin!

**If I missed your favorite picture book that’s about books, tell me in the comments!**


Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/​Book Day by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael López (March 2016)

From Goodreads: “Take a ride in a long submarine or fly away in a hot air balloon. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring your favorite book! Rafael López’s colorful illustrations perfectly complement Pat Mora’s lilting text in this delightful celebration of El día de los niños/​El día de los libros; Children’s Day/​Book Day. Toon! Toon!

Includes a letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating El día de los niños/​El día de los libros; Children’s Day/​Book Day.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak (Sept 2014)

From Goodreads: “Warning! This book looks serious but it is actually completely ridiculous!

A book with no pictures?

What could be fun about that?

After all, if a book has no pictures, there’s nothing to look at but the words on the page.

Words that might make you say silly sounds… In ridiculous voices…

Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?

At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, ‘The Book With No Pictures’ inspires laughter every time it is opened, creating a warm and joyous experience to share—and introducing young children to the powerful idea that the written word can be an unending source of mischief and delight.

If a kid is trying to make you read this book, the kid is playing a trick on you. You will end up saying silly things and making everybody laugh and laugh!

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (June 2006)

From Goodreads: “Charlie Cook has a favorite book. It’s about a pirate, who also has a favorite book … about Goldilocks, who also has a favorite book … about a knight, who also has a favorite book .… This hilarious pattern continues throughout the story, right to the satisfying and surprising end.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–4 years

Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris LessmoreThe Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, illustrated by Joe Bluhm (June 2012)

From Goodreads: “Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.

Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
But the power of story will save the day.”

  • 56 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills (July 2010)

From Goodreads: “Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally … learns to read all on his own!

With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten classrooms and story hour or as a gift for that beginning reader. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the New York Times bestselling author/​illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel (May 2015)

From Goodreads: “Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)
Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End . This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.”

  • 36 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–7 years

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (April 2007)

From Goodreads: “Like many children, Henry loves books. But Henry doesn’t like to read books, he likes to eat them. Big books, picture books, reference books … if it has pages, Henry chews them up and swallows (but red ones are his favorite). And the more he eats, the smarter he gets—he’s on his way to being the smartest boy in the world! But one day he feels sick to his stomach. And the information is so jumbled up inside, he can’t digest it! Can Henry find a way to enjoy books without using his teeth? With a stunning new artistic style and a die-​cut surprise, Oliver Jeffers celebrates the joys of reading in this charming and quirky picture book. It’s almost good enough to eat.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê, illustrated by Isabel Roxas (July 2016)

From Goodreads: “When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story.

But ruin it they do.

And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all.…

This silly, timeless picture book with a clever meta twist introduces debut author Minh Lê’s witty text and Isabel Roxas’s eye-​catching illustrations.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

The Library by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small (April 1995)

From Goodreads: “Meet an unforgettable bibliophile.

Elizabeth Brown doesn’t like to play with dolls and she doesn’t like to skate. What she does like to do is read books. And now that she’s grown up, her collection has gotten so big all the shelves are collapsing. Her front door has disappeared entirely. What in the world will she do? The reclusive Elizabeth Brown surprises everyone wit her splendid solution.

In charming verse and elegant watercolors Sarah Stewart and David Small celebrate one of America’s grandest institutions.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–9 years

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (July 2006)

From Goodreads: “An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

Little Red Reading Hood and the Misread Wolf by Troy Wilson, illustrated by Ilaria Campana (July 2019)

From Goodreads: “A retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood, starring our bookish heroine Red and a misunderstood, book-​loving wolf desperate for a good story.

Little Red Reading Hood loves–you guessed it–reading! She applies everything she learns from books to the real world. So, when she sets off to take her sick grandmother a homemade treat, she’s prepared for anything that comes her way. In keeping with the original story, Red is in for a surprise when she arrives to find a wolf disguised as her grandmother. But this is no ordinary wolf… This is the Misread Wolf, who’s after something more delicious than your average snack. He’s desperate for a bedtime story and knows Little Red Reading Hood might just be his only hope.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (June 2006)

From Goodreads: “Learn about the library, checking out books, and story time with Lola.  Every Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don’t have to be quiet all the time. The nice librarian tells stories. There is a big machine that buzzes Lola’s books in and out, and she can take any books she wants home with her. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library.

This gentle story of growing with books encourages little ones to discover the joy of reading as well as getting them ready and excited to visit the library.

Sweet, bright illustrations are from a kids-​eye point of view. Perfect for a lap read or story time, the first in Lola series, LOLA AT THE LIBRARY is a book young readers will fall in love with.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

Read the Book, Lemmings! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora (Nov 2017)

From Goodreads: “Aboard the S.S. Cliff, First Mate Foxy reads an interesting fact: “Lemmings don’t jump off cliffs.” But Foxy can’t get the lemmings on the Cliff to read his book, too. They’re too busy jumping off.

After a chilly third rescue, exasperated Foxy and grumbly polar bear Captain PB realize their naughty nautical crew isn’t being stubborn: The lemmings (Jumper, Me Too, and Ditto) can’t read. And until Foxy patiently teaches his lemmings to read the book, he can’t return to reading it, either!”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–8 years

Tomás and the Library Lady by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Nate Wragg (Feb 2000)

From Goodreads: “Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather’s wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. “There are more stories in the library,” Papa Grande  tells him.  The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him.

Based on the true story of the Mexican-​American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries–and education–can make possible.  Raul Colón’s warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás’s life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

Wolf! by Becky Bloom, illustrated by Pascal Biet (March 1999)

From Goodreads: “A wolf learns to read in order to impress a group of farmyard animals he has met.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years