Picture Book List: 4 Picture Books that Kidlit Editors Often Mention—and Why They’re So Good

While classics like Where the Wild Things Are often get the spotlight, there are many other picture books that kidlit editors frequently recommend and reference for their unique qualities. These books simply have something special about them that makes them invaluable resources for teaching, reading, and sparking joy.

So, instead of doing my normal industry insider interview this week, I’m going to share four picture books that I hear kidlit editors talk about a lot. And I’m including a few of the main things those editors often say about these books.

**If OPB readers enjoy this kind of access into what editors are thinking/​saying, I’ll look into doing more of this from time to time. And perhaps I’ll share some of the picture book titles that I frequently talk about and recommend, too.**


Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Why Editors Love It:

  • Cultural and Personal Identity: This book’s focus on a young girl discovering the stories behind her names creates a rich, relatable exploration of heritage. Editors often mention its power to foster pride in one’s background and spark discussions about personal identity in a natural way.
  • Illustrative Details: Martinez-Neal’s illustrations, created in soft, warm tones and detailed pencil, evoke a sense of intimacy and family warmth. The textures and gentle lines make each page feel personal and inviting.
  • Conversation Starter: The book naturally invites readers to think about their own names and the stories they carry, making it a great tool for classroom activities and family reading time.

The Bear and the Piano - Scholastic Kids' ClubThe Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield

Why Editors Love It:

  • A Story with Layers: Litchfield’s tale explores ambition, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of success. Editors find it compelling that the story can be appreciated on different levels, offering something new for readers as they grow older.
  • Visually Stunning: The illustrations are a blend of light, color, and texture, creating a sense of magic that captivates the eye. Litchfield’s art has an enchanting quality that complements the story’s emotional arc, making it a book editors often recommend for its artistic merit.
  • Emotional Range: The narrative carries readers through a journey of joy, loss, and fulfillment, demonstrating how picture books can touch on complex emotions in a way that feels genuine and relatable.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Why Editors Love It:

  • Universal Emotional Appeal: This book addresses the concept of an unbreakable bond between loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. Editors value how it introduces the idea of emotional resilience and comfort in an accessible way that resonates with children and adults alike.
  • Simple Yet Powerful Message: The story’s clear and heartfelt message about connection makes it a favorite for social-​emotional learning. Editors point out how The Invisible String is often used as a resource to help children navigate feelings of separation or loss.
  • Approachable Illustrations: Lew-Vriethoff’s art complements the story with warm, friendly illustrations that depict diverse characters, making the story relatable to a wide range of readers. The balance between text and illustration is seamless, enhancing the impact of the book’s comforting theme.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Why Editors Love It:

  • Simple Yet Profound: The text is simple, but its impact is significant. The book teaches young readers the power of empathy and listening without offering solutions. Editors admire this as a masterclass in using simplicity to convey deep emotional truths.
  • Universally Relatable Theme: The book’s exploration of grief and the different ways people respond to loss resonates with readers of all ages. Editors often highlight how it encourages conversation between adults and children about emotional resilience and support.
  • Illustrations That Amplify the Message: Doerrfeld’s gentle, expressive illustrations subtly add to the story’s emotional weight without overpowering the text. The use of space and character expressions enhances the message of understanding and connection.

These four titles serve as excellent examples of how picture books can be simple yet profound, funny yet wise, and always impactful. Whether you’re revisiting these stories or discovering them for the first time, they remind us why well-​wrought picture books hold a special place in the hearts and minds of readers of all ages.

Reading Activities: Ronan the Librarian, by Tara Luebbe & Becky Cattie, illustrated by Victoria Maderna

RONAN THE LIBRARIAN

Ronan the Librarian
Author: Tara Luebbe & Becky Cattie
Illustrator: Victoria Maderna
21 April 2020
Roaring Brook Press
40 pages

Book description: “Ronan was a mighty barbarian.
He invaded. He raided. And back home, he traded.
He always found the greatest treasures.
Until one day, Conan found something no barbarian wants:
BOOK.

This humorous picture book from sister duo Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie and illustrator Victoria Maderna follows Ronan the Barbarian as he he grows from being just a rough-​and-​tumble warrior to a rough-​and-​tumble warrior who loves books.

At first, his fellow barbarians are skeptical of his newfound passion for reading, but in the end, even they aren’t immune to the charms of a good book.


Reading Activities inspired by Ronan the Librarian:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think the book will be about based on the title, Ronan the Librarian?
    • Can you guess what kind of character Ronan is from the front cover? What clues do you see?
    • What do you think barbarians do? How do you imagine them acting?
    • Do you think a barbarian can also be a librarian? Why or why not?
    • Why do you think books might be important to Ronan?
    • What kind of adventures do you think Ronan might have with books?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author or the illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What made Ronan change his mind about books?
    • How did Ronan’s friends react to his love of reading? Why do you think they felt that way?
    • How did the illustrations add to the story? Did you notice the book-​eating goat?
    • What do you think is the main message of the story?
    • What would you have done to convince the other barbarians to read?
    • How do you think Ronan felt at the end of the book when everyone started reading?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
  • Create Your Own Library Sign: Design a library sign that Ronan might use. Think of fun phrases like “Come Read! Free Mead!” or make up your own! Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to make it bright and inviting.
  • Build a Book Fort: Just like Ronan stacked his books all over, create your own book fort! Use books, blankets, and pillows to make a cozy space where you can read. Once it’s built, choose a book and enjoy reading in your special fort.
  • Draw Your Barbarian Character: Imagine you are a character in Ronan’s village. What would you look like as a barbarian? Draw yourself with armor, a wild boar companion, or other fun details. Don’t forget to add a favorite book under your arm!
  • Read-​Aloud Role Play: Pretend you’re Ronan reading a thrilling story to the other barbarians. Choose your favorite book or passage and practice reading it aloud with dramatic voices and expressions to make it exciting, just like Ronan did.
  • Write Your Own Barbarian Story: Imagine that you are a friend of Ronan’s who also discovers a love of books. Write a short story about what book you found and how it changed you. Did it lead to new adventures or ideas? Share your story with someone you know or read it aloud to your class or family.
  • Further Reading: If you loved Ronan the Librarian, you might also enjoy other books about libraries and the magic of books.

A sing-​song celebration of libraries, perfect for reading aloud. This story follows a young girl as she visits the library and discovers all the exciting things it holds, showcasing how libraries can be full of surprises.

 


This enchanting story tells of a little librarian and her three owl assistants who run a library that opens only at night. As they help all sorts of animals find the perfect books, the story celebrates the magic of libraries as places of adventure and wonder.


In this humorous and relatable tale, Miss Brooks, an enthusiastic librarian, tries to inspire a reluctant reader who insists she doesn’t like books. The story encourages readers to find their perfect book, showing that everyone has a story they’ll love.

 

 


A historical picture book that tells the true story of how Thomas Jefferson’s love for books led to the creation of the Library of Congress. This book shares Jefferson’s passion for reading and collecting books, and how it influenced one of the largest libraries in the world.

 


Based on a true story, this book follows a young girl named Ana who loves books but has limited access to them in her rural village. Her life changes when a traveling librarian arrives on a burro with books to share. This story showcases the power of books to transform lives and highlights the importance of access to literature.

 

Author Interview: Ame Dyckman

This month, we’re delighted to welcome Ame Dyckman to our Author Interview series! Ame is a New York Times bestselling, award-​winning author renowned for her humorous and heartwarming picture books. She burst onto the scene with her debut Boy + Bot (2012), a charming tale of friendship between a boy and a robot. She continued to captivate young readers with Tea Party Rules (2013), Wolfie the Bunny (2015), and Horrible Bear! (2016). Ame’s witty storytelling shines in You Don’t Want a Unicorn! (2017) and its sequel You Don’t Want a Dragon! (2020). Her recent works include Dandy (2019), That’s Life! (2020), How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide (2023), Don’t Blow Your Top! (2023), Campingland (2024), Silly Boobies: A Love Story (2024), and others.

Residing in New Jersey with her family and a yard full of wild critters that often inspire her stories, Ame is known for her energetic and goofy personality. We’re excited to chat with her about her writing journey, the picture book industry, and the creative process behind her enchanting stories.


RVC: You’ve got a name that is potentially mis-​pronounceable. Help us out, please! (This is coming from “Ryan Cleave,” “G. Van,” Van Cleave,” “Dr. GCleaveRyan,” and a host of other almost-​there-​but-​not-​quite ones!)

AD: Hi, Ryan! Thanks for the terrific intro, and thanks for having me! “Ame” is pronounced just like “Amy,” but it’s spelled differently ’cause… I’m actually an Amelia—like the Amelia Bedelia books! And “Dyckman” rhymes with “Bikeman.” (My Husband Guy’s ancestors were Dutch. Dunno if they sold bikes, but it they did, I hope one was known as Dyckman the Bikeman! Ha!)

RVC: Hah indeed–thanks for the clarifications. Now, please share how you first became interested in writing children’s picture books.

AD: As a kid, I thought about becoming a writer, but grown-​ups said, “You’ll starve!” Starving sounded uncomfortable, so I pursued other employment. But when I worked as teacher, and after my own kiddo was born, I realized reading picture books together is the best thing ever, and I wanted to be a picture book author! But I didn’t know how. So I asked my smartest friend, “How do I learn to write for kids and get published?” And Google said: “Join SCBWI!” (Society of Book Writers and Illustrators.) I did. And it worked!

RVC: SCBWI is the path taken by so, so many authors I interview here. I’m glad it worked for you, too. Tell us the story behind your first published picture book.

AD: I’ve always loved friendship-​despite-​difference stories—and robots. So I squished these two loves together in my first book, Boy + Bot. I pitched it to Super Agent Scott Treimel at a “Pitch The Agent” session at a SCBWI conference, and that was the start of everything! Together, we’ve sold 36 kidlit titles—and counting!

RVC: What’s the best lesson that book taught you?

AD: Boy + Bot taught me a lot about Big Picture Messages in books. When I wrote it, I wasn’t consciously thinking about Big Picture Messages—I thought I was just writing a friendship story! But once it was published, I heard from lots of folks who enjoyed my book in part ’cause they saw different Big Picture Messages and topics in it: inclusivity, kindness, caretaking, STEM, etc. It made me realize first-​hand how multi-​layered picture books can be, and now I absolutely consider Big Picture Messages when I write!

RVC: Some readers and writers don’t realize that the final picture book text is often missing things that were there earlier in the process. What’s something fun that didn’t make the final cut with this book?

AD: Word about words! There’s often lots of text that gets cut during Revisions, and again when you get sketches and the art shows what you no longer need to tell. Boy + Bot was a really tight text from the start—just 150ish words or so—but with other books I’ve cut multiple pages, “killed” characters entirely (sorry, darlings!), and dramatically shortened narratives and dialogue. I actually love Revisions, especially after sketches, ’cause that’s when things get really collaborative with the editor, illustrator, art director and/​or designer, and copywriter. When everyone’s brainstorming together to make the very best book we can? Nothing beats that!

RVC: Please walk us through your writing process. How do you go from an initial idea to a finished manuscript?

AD: Coffee! And I’m constantly jotting down ideas for stories—on my phone, napkins… even my arm! (“Oh, no! I just washed my plot!”)

RVC: HAH!

AD: And then I wait for characters to speak to me. Sometimes this happens immediately, but sometimes it takes years before I feel who a character is, how they sound, and what they say and do. (One of my latest projects, the Bat, Cat & Rat series with the legendary Mark Teague, took over a decade before the first book, The Cozy Home, was published!) After all this simmering, once characters “click,” I’m itching to write their story! Things usually move pretty quickly from there. For picture books, lately this means two weeks of drafting and reading dialogue aloud. (Walk by my house and you will hear voices! Ha!) Then I’ll carry the printed story around for another week or two, scribbling on it and making small tweaks, followed by a few days of “Am I ready to send?!” before I actually hit Send. Then my agent and I chat about it and who we want to send it to, I make more coffee… and repeat!

RVC: How does your everyday life and the “wacky wild critters” in your yard inspire your stories?

AD: Little bits of my Real Life definitely show up in my writing! (Like in the upcoming Bat, Cat & Rat #3: The Beach Day, when Bat tries to share his snack with hungry gulls—and it goes terribly wrong! This actually happened to me!) Almost all my book characters are autobiographical or based on someone in my family—or our “tenants.” We’ve had bunnies, deer, groundhogs, squirrels, birds, skunks, etc. make themselves a little-too-comfortable in our yard and shed, and on our deck and porch. (And that “etc.” includes a fox who’d come running every time we ordered rotisserie chicken! We had to tip our driver extra!) But watching lots of different animals—at a park, a zoo, or right at home—and imagining what they’d talk about is one of the best ways to practice writing funny picture book dialogue, and what I “hear” these furred-​or-​feathered goofballs say often shows up in my books.

RVC: How has your writing process evolved since your first books were published?

AD: Starting with You Don’t Want a Unicorn! (with the phenomenal Liz Climo), I started mapping out the layouts for my books—page turns, etc.—right at my first draft stage. Of course these layouts aren’t written in stone, and we often make layout changes along the way, but thinking about what could go on each picture book page from the very start has, I think, made “awww” moments resonate better and jokes “hit” funnier!

RVC: Your books are known for their humor and goofiness. How do you tap into that playful side when writing for children?

AD: Kids are humorous and goofy—and there’s no such thing as “too silly!” to a kid. So when I write for kids, I try to remember that. (And then I get to be a kid again, too!)

RVC: Here’s a critter story (which I hope isn’t from your backyard!). Misunderstood Shark flips the script on the typical shark stereotype. What’s the funniest misconception about sharks you’ve come across, and how did you incorporate humor into debunking these myths in your book?

AD: Making the Misunderstood Shark books (Misunderstood Shark and our “sequel,” Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends) with the spectacular Scott Magoon was a riot! We loved showing that sharks really aren’t interested in eating people. (Like when our Shark smells a drop of blood in the water, races towards the beachgoers, bursts out of the water—and offers “boo-​boo strips!” instead.) And my favorite “Fun Fact” we included is that a person is thousands of times more likely to be bitten by another person than bitten by a shark! (You should’ve seen all the little hands shoot up in the air at school visits when I asked who’d ever been bitten by a classmate! Ha!)

RVC: Let’s take a recent case study, like Silly Boobies: A Love Story. Give me the story pitch please!

AD: Silly Boobies: A Love Story is The Sneetches meets Romeo and Juliet meets modern politics meets Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom!

RVC: Wow, what a logline. Love it.

AD: In Silly Boobies (brilliantly-​illustrated by the brilliant illustrator/​political cartoonist Christopher Weyant), red-​footed boobies and blue-​footed boobies are pretty similar—but they each think they’re the superior boobies! Until a young female red-​footed booby and a young male blue-​footed booby (the book readers in their groups, naturally) meet and fall in love. Their families don’t approve, but they get married anyway—and then, something truly beautiful happens!

RVC: I’ve read the (many) reviews, so I know what readers like. But what do YOU like most about this book?

AD: I love that Silly Boobies: A Love Story shows that even set-​in-​their-​ways people can change and embrace difference, and I love that we got to include real facts about all the real kinds of boobies in the back of our book. (Like that the collective noun for a group of boobies is “a Congress!” I was rolling on the floor when I learned that one! Ha!)

RVC: You’ve mentioned that you prefer writing over creating a fancy website. How important is it for authors to focus on their craft versus self-promotion?

AD: It’s so easy to get stuck on the self-​promo treadmill—it can become a career in itself! (At various times I was doing a blog, too much social media, every print and online interview that asked, bookstore visits, book festivals, virtual school-​visits, in-​person school visits, SCBWI volunteering and presenting at conferences and events, and producing/​printing/​packaging/​shipping many, many tens-​of-​thousands of “swag” items: bookmarks, stickers, buttons, bracelets, squishies, mini Frisbees, etc.! Whew!) But when the world paused during the Pandemic, I paused, too! I looked at all my book ideas and works-​in-​progress and realized if I couldn’t successfully clone myself—which hadn’t gone well—that I’d better write more and self-​promote less. Now I just do the promo opportunities I really want to do—like this one! And since adopting my write more/​promote less philosophy, the number of new books I’ve written/we’ve sold has skyrocketed! (And if you see a vaguely-​Ame-​shaped creature roaming New Jersey… that’s just your imagination!)

RVC: I’ll have to keep an eye out for that vaguely-​Ame-​shaped creature! Now, how has social media influenced your interaction with readers and the promotion of your books?

AD: I’ve “met” and even met so many super-nice readers thanks to social media! And social media is excellent for sharing new book news, doing giveaways, and just letting folks get to know the person behind the books. My favorite thing when I meet someone in Real Life that I know from social media is when they say, “You talk just like you post, and you post just like you talk!” Ha!

RVC: Does your often-​funny social media voice influence your funny kidlit writing? How so?

AD: Thank you! And… sometimes! Sometimes I’ll post an idea or a little poem. Sometimes these will go on to become a story idea, or illustrators will illustrate these posts just for fun. (I love when this happens!) And sometimes-sometimes, I get to then actually work with one of my illustrator-​pals-​I-​met-​via-​social-​media on actual books! (Like the fantastic Charles Santoso of Dandy and the fantastic James Burks of Campingland and the fantastic Elio of the Monster Og series!) Publishing works in mysterious ways!

RVC: With so many books published and more on the way, how do you stay inspired and avoid burnout?

AD: I read! Reading what other folks have created is the Ultimate Collective Brain Hug and boost!

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or books you’re especially excited about?

AD: For 2025, Duckie & Snaps #1: We Cannot Be Friends with the genius Tim Miller pubs in February. Bat, Cat & Rat #3: The Beach Day pubs in April. Bat, Cat & Rat #4: A Great Fall pubs in July. In 2026, there’s Duckie & Snaps #2: We Cannot Be Brave in the Spring, and the rest of the year will see two more Monster Og Ready-​To-​Read titles, two more Bat, Cat & Rat books, and I believe a total of three stand-​alone picture books so far, including the just-announced To The Actual Moon And Back with the dynamic duo of Dan & Jason in the Fall! We’re gonna need a bigger coffee!

RVC: Okay, Ame…now it’s time for you to bring out your speedy wit. It’s the ZIPPY SKIPPY SUPER ZOOM SPEED ROUND! Quick-​ish questions and blazingly brisk answers please. Are you ready?

AD: Ready!

RVC: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

AD: Multiplication! (Of me, I mean. Not like, 9 x 13. Which is…) Okay, next question!

RVC: What’s your go-​to karaōke song?

AD: “Little Room” by The White Stripes.

RVC: Favorite pun or dad joke?

AD: What kind of cheese isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!

RVC: If you want to LOL with a picture book, name a book you’re likely to pull from your shelves.

AD: I’d Really Like To Eat A Child by Sylviane Donnio, illustrated by Dorothée de Monfreid. (Kids who see you reading it run away so fast!)

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

AD: Create more, promote (and worry) less!

RVC: What are you most grateful for in your career?

AD: Coffee—I mean, my family, agent, editors, and readers! Truly.

RVC: Thanks so much, Ame!

AD: Thanks again for having me, Ryan! This was fun!

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.