Tag: Rob Sanders

Author Interview: Rob Sanders

On By Only Picture BooksIn Author Interviews

Welcome back to Rob Sanders, the first person we’ve asked to come back for a second interview. He was the first-​ever Author Interview when we launched OPB exactly six years ago, and his career has taken off in a way that makes asking him for a follow-​up interview a no-brainer.

Now, if you want to know about Rob’s past, hit up that other interview. This one’s going to dig into all Rob’s been up to lately, what’s he doing now, and what’s coming up later. Plus, we’ll tackle some bigger aspects of the industry because Rob’s the right person to offer real insight.

Let’s get right to it, then!

RVC: Since our last interview (April 2018), how has your approach to storytelling evolved? What do you know/​do now that you didn’t know/​do then?

RS: Probably the only way I can answer that question is to say I’ve stayed open to possibilities. Since 2018, I’ve written books (or had books acquired) that are fiction and nonfiction picture books, worked in collaboration with another author on two nonfiction biographies, published my first historical fiction middle grade novel in verse, and have a book of poetry releasing this year. Many authors have a “writing lane” in which they are marvelously successful. That model just doesn’t work for me. I guess I’m a drive-​all-​over-​the-​road kind of writer. I like variety. I like finding unique approaches to stories. I like finding the one best way for me to tell a story.

The more I write and the more I’m published, the more I know how much I don’t know. Authors I teach and critique often want me to tell them which of their manuscripts will be the most successful, which will be the right one to submit, which will get published. Golly-​gee-​willikers, I don’t know. No one does. The industry is far too subjective for that kind of prediction. (And if I did have that kind of crystal ball, I wouldn’t experience rejections myself, would I?)

Every story is one “yes” away from being published. Writing takes perseverance, tenacity, and a pretty thick skin. But to answer the question … since 2018, I think I’ve become braver. Braver in my selection of topics. Brave enough to stand up for and represent my work to others. Brave enough to take risks.

RVC: I get your drive-​all-​over-​the-​road kind of writer approach because it’s what I do, too. But one of the challenges I’ve faced as a result of that is that branding becomes more of a challenge. 

RS: Honestly, Ryan, I spend very little time thinking about platform, brand, and the like. Maybe I should be thinking about that, but I don’t. What do I do? I think of my published work as my brand. In query letters, my agency always includes something like “Rob Sanders, a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ nonfiction and the author of …” which firmly establishes or reestablishes me in the mind of an editor. I keep a list of reviews, honors, and awards for all my titles and have them available for publishers who request that.

Years ago, I had a wonderful website built and over time, my designer helped make it everything I envisioned and more. I send updates to my designer once or twice a year and/​or when there’s new information (a review, award, new book, etc.) to share. I have a presence on Facebook and Instagram (I recently gave up Twitter/​X) and I grow my reputation further by judging writing contests; teaching classes; serving as a mentor for various organizations; writing for blogs, newspapers, etc.; critiquing; and more. I feel that my time is best spent when I’m creating and focusing on my writing and when I’m helping others on their creative journeys.

RVC: How do you specifically navigate the challenge of writing for a dual audience—engaging both children and the adults who read to them (and who most often buy the books)?

RS: Can I say golly-​gee-​willikers again or is this a family show?

RVC: We’re a hearty bunch. We can take it!

RS: How do I write for two audiences? Well, I don’t.

RVC: Interesting. What do you do then?

RS: I find the best way into a story, the best way to “package” it or tell it and I write the best story I can. I stay open to input from others and revise my pants off and then I work with my agent to find the best editorial/​publishing fit for each manuscript. Truthfully, that match takes a bit of serendipity or a bit of luck. But when an editor makes an emotional connection to a story, they will become that story’s champion to others on the acquisition team. When that acquisition team begins to feel the same passion for a story, they will represent it positively to their sales staff who will represent it positively to book buyers who represent it to customers. Ultimately, a well-​written children’s book will attract adults—the purchasers—precisely because they know or feel that kid readers will make a connection with the book—just like that acquiring editor did.

RVC: You brought up three intriguing ideas there, and I want to talk about each in greater depth. The first one is the idea of revising your pants off. What does the revision process look like for you? 

RS: Each project presents its own revision demands. Of course, we all begin by looking at word choice, story arc, character development, and the like. But there are other things that may be even more important. To me entry point, structure, and presentation are huge. By entry point I mean that “thing” that helps pull a kid into a story, gets them to keep reading, and what they relate to in the story. Structure refers to how the story is told, built, sequenced, and so on. And presentation—probably a sibling of structure—is how the manuscript actually appears on the page. I can give you an example …

RVC: Please do!

RS: When I was writing about the first legal gay marriage in the US, the story of Michael McConnel and Jack Baker was compelling to me. There were twists and turns, legal battles, court cases, intrigue, and a wedding. I wrote the first few drafts recounting those events. But each draft seemed to lack kid appeal. I kept asking myself, “Why would a kid care about this?”

So, I started to think about what I enjoyed most about the many weddings I attended as a kid. And the obvious answer was—cake. I decided that the wedding cake (prominently featured in the photos from Michael and Jack’s wedding) had to be included in the story. The cake became the entry point. But how would I tell the story, how would it be structured? I decided that parallel narratives—one that told the story of how a cake is made and the other telling the story of how a relationship is formed—would be my structure. To present that on the page I literally wrote the cake’s story flush left and indented three or four times over whenever I was telling the relationship story. Throughout the manuscript the typed page presented that back-​and-​forth story telling which gave a visual clue to my agent and potential editors about how the story could be shown in a book.

This is a nonfiction example, but the same three things—entry point, structure, and presentation—apply to my revision of fiction, too.

RVC: What do you think is the most common misconception writers have about revision?

RS: I think most of us writers fall into one of two revision camps—the this-​is-​too-​hard camp and the that’s‑good-enough camp. Most writers stop revision too soon because of the difficult nature of what they’re facing or because they’re content with the progress they’ve made. We have to fight our way through those two roadblocks to really dig into revision successfully. Beyond that, I think many writers feel revision is completed once a manuscript is acquired. Oh, no, my friend, it’s just begun. Even the “simplest” of picture books, a concept book, or a wordless picture book may have multiple revision notes from an editor. And there may be multiple rounds of revisions. The two ways to be successful at this level of revision are to be professional and to meet deadlines.

Being professional includes taking the comments to heart, revising the best that you can, and noting for the editor any revision comment with which you don’t agree and explaining why. At this stage, revision really becomes a conversation (usually on paper) between the editor and the writer. My goal with revision deadlines is to return my work well before a stated deadline. That’s the kind of thing editors appreciate and remember.

RVC: You also said you “work with my agent to find the best editorial/​publishing fit for each manuscript.” What’s your role in that? I think some people assume that they only need to hand a manuscript to an agent, and then they can/​should wipe their hands clean of it. It’s all on the agent now. “Go make the publishing magic happen, Agent! Make the royalty checks rain!”

Are you regularly discussing publishing houses and editors with your agent? Are you checking the Rob Sanders submission database and strategizing?

RS: Regularly, no. As needed, yes. Because I attend live and virtual writing events and am often on faculty for events, I meet lots of editors and hear them speak. Sometimes I’ll hear an editor say something that prompts me to think that one of my manuscripts might be a fit for them. I let my agent know that right away. When I’m at a convention wandering through the booths of various publishing companies, I pay attention to the books on display. I introduce myself and chat up the folks in the booth and hear them talk about their books. If I feel that my work might fit with that publisher’s goals or aesthetic, I remember to let my agent know. Or I might text my agent right then and there asking, “What do you know about Publisher B and Publisher T? They have some great work on display.” When my agent is ready to send something out on submission, we look at the proposed submission list together. I might suggest an editor or two to add to the list, or editors that we might send to if we have a round two of submissions, and I might even suggest someone on the list be removed. I don’t demand anything from my agent. We discuss things and come to an agreement. Sometimes my suggestions pay off. (Of course, sometimes they don’t! LOL!)

RVC: Another topic you mentioned above is about readers (including editors) and making an emotional connection with them. Clearly, an obvious way to do that is to have a topic that’s inherently emotional, such as your fine book, Stonewall, A Building, an Uprising, a Revolution. But I get the sense that you do more than simply choose a topic that’s inherently emotional. What kind of specific things do you do in terms of creativity and craft to create or heighten the emotional impact of a picture book story?

RS: We all wonder what makes an editor or an acquisition team say, “Yes!” to a manuscript. Undoubtedly, there are many answers to that question, but I don’t think an emotional topic alone is the answer. To me, the main reason an editor and/​or acquisition team says, “Yes!” is because they feel something when they read a manuscript. An emotional connection is made. Wiley Blevins from Reycraft once said that every editor on the Reycraft team had to emotionally connect with a manuscript for the company to make an offer to acquire. In other companies, you may just need to make that connection with the acquiring editor who will then champion the book to others in the company.

Many people at Random House have told me a story about Michael Joosten, who was my editor for Pride and Stonewall. When Michael pitched Pride to the folks at his company he welled up and began to cry.  Michael was so convinced of the need for that book and so related to its content that his emotional connection came pouring out. His connection helped others connect and be enthusiastic about the book, too.

Of course, the emotional connection doesn’t have to be tears. It might be belly laughs; a warm, fuzzy feeling; a stirring of memories; or a million other things. Robert Frost is credited with saying, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Your own emotional connection to the story is a hint that others may connect with it, too. If you don’t feel that emotional connection, then others may not feel it either.

RVC: Let’s circle back to you and how you operate. Some writers fuel their creative efforts with constant reading, but others insist that they must put aside books when the muse strikes. Where’s the intersection of creativity and reading for you?

RS: They say the first step to healing is admitting you have a problem, so here goes: I’m a picture book-​aholic. I’m constantly reading new books, dipping back into favorite books, ordering books that I hear others talk about, etc. And I always have writing projects going on. So, creativity and reading are smashed together for me. I have to feed my creative muse and I do that by reading, going to museums, spending time at the beach, seeing plays and musicals, and more. For me creativity and reading go hand in hand. I’ll be quick to add that one size does not fit all. Each of us has to find what works for us and then work it!

RVC: What books are on your nightstand right now?

RS: I don’t have a nightstand, but I have books to read piled up in my office, on my dresser, in a chair in the living room, and in the bathroom. (And that doesn’t include books that are in research stacks.) I pulled one book from each of the four stacks mentioned above and here’s what I found:

Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper

Reimaging Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-​by-​Step Revision Guide by Kirsten W. Larson

Desert Queen by Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

RVC: What question are you asked most frequently about your writing career?

RS: I’m frequently asked about my nonfiction: “Why do you write controversial books?”

RVC: What’s the answer?

RS: I don’t write controversial books. I write about history. History is not controversial. But not teaching history is controversial.

RVC: Here’s the last question for this part of the interview, Rob. What’s on tap for you next? What upcoming things are you most excited about? 

RS: I have three books slated for release this year and three more next year. Coming this year are:

Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ+ Heroes
April 2024
Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
Publisher: Penguin Workshop

 

We Are a Class!
July 2024
Illustrator: Hannah Abbo
Publisher: Beaming Books

 

Between You and Me
December 2024
Illustrator: Raissa Figueroa
Publisher: HarperCollins

RVC: Alrighty now…it’s time to sound the alarm, buckle your literary seatbelts, and batten the hatches because we’re going to plunge straight into the high-​stress depths of THE LIGHTNING ROUND!!! Six questions followed by six answers in zippy-​skippy fashion, please. 

Rob…are you prepared for the electrifying challenge?

RS: Bring it on!

RVC: What outdated slang do you use on a regular basis?

RS: Coolio.

RVC: What’s the most interesting or unusual talent you have?

RS: I don’t know if I can still do it, but I used to be able to twirl a baton.

RVC: If you could sip lemonade on the porch all afternoon with three kidlit creators, who would it be?

RS: Jane Yolen, Tomie dePaola, and Maurice Sendak. (I’m pretty sure they all knew one another so it would be a lively time.)

RVC: Who’s a nonfiction picture book writer you want everyone to read?

RS: Barb Rosenstock.

RVC: Who sets the standard for funny picture book rhymes?

thumbnail (1).jfifRS: I have to name two people—I love the humor of Tammi Sauer and the rhyming of Lisa Wheeler.

RVC: Complete the sentence in six words or fewer. Rob Sanders is a writer who…

RS: … teaches and a teacher who writes.

RVC: Thanks, Rob. It was great having you back here with us at OPB.

Picture Book List: 16 Picture Books for Pride Month

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Lists2 Comments

**This month’s Bonus Goody is brought to you courtesy of frequent OPB guest writer, Joshua Walls!**

With June marking the beginning of Pride Month (which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community), young readers may witness the celebrations around them and ask questions. What better way to answer their questions than through the world of picture nooks covering this topic?

Below is a collection of LGBTQ+ focused picture books that caught my attention as someone who is a part of this community. If you’ve got a favorite that wasn’t included, please share it with us in the comments section. Happy reading!

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole (June 2015)

From Goodreads: “In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango’s family is not like any of the others. This illustrated children’s book fictionalizes the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.”

Pages: 36
Reading Age: 2–5

Bunnybear by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Carmen Saldana (August 2018)

From Goodreads: “Although Bunnybear was born a bear, he feels more like a bunny. He prefers bouncing in the thicket to tramping in the forest, and in his heart he’s fluffy and tiny, like a rabbit, instead of burly and loud, like a bear. The other bears don’t understand him, and neither do the bunnies. Will Bunnybear ever find a friend who likes him just the way he is?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–8

A Family is a Family is a Family  by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng (September 2016)

From Goodreads: “When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways — but the same in the one way that matters most of all.

One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One is full of stepsiblings, and another has a new baby.

As one by one, her classmates describe who they live with and who loves them — family of every shape, size and every kind of relation — the child realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, her family is special.

A warm and whimsical look at many types of families written by award-​winning author Sara O’Leary, A Family is a Family is a Family springs to life with quirky and sweet illustrations by Qin Leng.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–7

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship by Jessica Walton, illustrated by Dougal MacPherson (May 2016)

From Goodreads: “One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can’t figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: ‘In my heart, I’ve always known that I’m a girl Teddy, not a boy Teddy. I wish my name was Tilly.’ And Errol says, ‘I don’t care if you’re a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend.’”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

Jerome By Heart by Thomas Scotto, illustrated by Olivier Tallec (April 2018)

From Goodreads: “This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael’s constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: “Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It’s easy.” And the truth is, when he’s with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood― even special. Thomas Scotto’s simple, strong, and insightful prose and Olivier Tallec’s delightful, expressive illustrations give much emotion and immediacy to the story.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 6–8

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (August 2018)

From Goodreads: “While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a periwinkle curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes—and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-​illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-​love and a radiant celebration of individuality.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 4–8

My Footprints by Bao Phi, illustrated by Basia Trans (September 2019)

From Goodreads: “Every child feels different in some way, but Thuy feels “double different.” She is Vietnamese American and she has two moms. Thuy walks home one winter afternoon, angry and lonely after a bully’s taunts. Then a bird catches her attention and sets Thuy on an imaginary exploration. What if she could fly away like a bird? What if she could sprint like a deer, or roar like a bear? Mimicking the footprints of each creature in the snow, she makes her way home to the arms of her moms. Together, the three of them imagine beautiful and powerful creatures who always have courage–just like Thuy.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 6–8

Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth (May 2020)

From Goodreads: “Riley is Papa’s princess and Daddy’s dragon. She loves her two fathers! When Riley’s classmate asks her which dad is her real one, Riley is confused. She doesn’t want to have to pick one or the other.

Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that shows there are lots of ways to be part of one.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

Peanut Goes for the Gold by Jonathan Van Ness, illustrated by Gillian Reid (March 2020)

From Goodreads: “Jonathan Van Ness, the star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, brings his signature humor and positivity to his empowering first picture book, inspiring readers of all ages to love being exactly who they are.

Peanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare.

Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.

This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves―but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves.

Jonathan Van Ness brings his signature message of warmth, positivity, and self-​love to this boldly original picture book that celebrates the joys of being true to yourself and the magic that comes from following your dreams.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban (June 5, 2018)

From Goodreads: “Pink is for boys … and girls … and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/​pink gender binary and empowers kids-​and their grown-​ups-​to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it’s racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.

Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman’s sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 4–8

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno (April 2018)

From Goodreads: “The very first picture book about the remarkable and inspiring story of the Gay Pride Flag!

In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Award-​winning author Rob Sanders’s stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno’s evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable—and undertold—story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.”

Pages: 48
Reading Age: 5–8

Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (May 2021)

From Goodreads: “A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day–meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family.

This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colorful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–5

Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Maria Mola (June 2017)

From Goodreads: “Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey’s life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn’t so sure. Boys aren’t supposed to wear sparkly, shimmery, glittery things. Then, when older boys at the library tease Casey for wearing ‑girl- things, Jessie realizes that Casey has the right to be himself and wear whatever he wants. Why can’t both she and Casey love all things shimmery, glittery, and sparkly? Here is a sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated. Sparkly things are for everyone to enjoy!”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–8

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer, illustrated by Holly Clifton-​Brown (May 2015)

From Goodreads: “Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebration, but what’s a girl with two daddies to do? It’s not that she doesn’t have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn’t have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.”

Pages: 36
Reading Age: 5–8

Two Grooms on a Cake by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Robbie Cathro (May 2021)

From Goodreads: “This is the story of Jack Baker and Michael McConnell and their inspiring story becoming the first married gay couple in the US fifty years ago.

Long before marriage equality was the law of the land, two grooms stood on a wedding cake with their feet firmly planted in fluffy white frosting. That cake belonged to Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, who were wed on September 3, 1971, becoming the first same-​sex couple in America to be legally married. Their struggle to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota and their subsequent appeals to the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States is an under-​told story of LGBT history. This beautiful book celebrates the love story of two pioneers of marriage equality for all through the baking of their wedding cake!”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 6–9

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato (January 2016)

From Goodreads: “Perfect for fans of And Tango Makes Three and The Sissy Duckling, this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-​illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato.

You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm … and a worm.

When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux?

The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Because Worm loves Worm.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

Joshua Walls is a children’s author and travel writer who isn’t afraid to fuse, challenge, or deconstruct genres in the pursuit of creating compelling stories. Currently, he lives in Sarasota, FL where he’s pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also the co-​founder and co-​host of the Fluff It podcast.

 

Only Picture Books’ 21 Favorites of 2021

On By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

Okay, 2021 wasn’t a ton better than 2020 for many folks, though we had lots of high points in the picture book world that helped us through it all.

So, without further ado, here are 21 picture books that delighted OPB enough to include in this year-​end roundup of our favorites. (If we missed anything awesome–quite possibly the case–please share your own faves in the comments. We LOVE to hear what books really work for you, and why!)

Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen (1 June 2021)

An excellent book about feelings with lovely illustrations and more than enough humor to make kids want to hear it again. Did I mention how good the art is?

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

 

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (26 January 2021)

Doug just doesn’t like hugs and that’s perfectly okay. This is a very good book to help spark discussions about boundaries, though it has humor and fun too–it’s not just a message book.

Read the Children’s Books Heal review for it here.

 

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho (5 January 2021)

This lyrical tale show a young Asian girl learning about the beauty of her eyes and her heritage. The art is a knockout, too.

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

 

I Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin’s Lament by Liz Wong (19 January 2021)

It’s exactly what you think from looking at that cover–a pangolin is having an identity crisis. Even if I weren’t so partial to penguins and pangolins, this is a fun informational picture book told mostly with word balloons.

Read the YA Books Central review for it here.

 

King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin by Stephen Costanza (24 August 2021)

This lovely nonfiction picture book biography tells how Scott Joplin became one of America’s greatest musical pioneers. The writing is full of rhythm, but the art steals the show.

Read the OPB review for it here.

 

The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino (21 August 2021)

This is the powerful story of how a family–three kids, a parent, and a pet–weather a crisis together at home. It’s reassuring to see how they handle their unwanted confinement. The art feels old school in all the right ways, which adds a real sense of mood throughout.

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

 

The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio (2 February 2021)

Each year, there’s one or two wordless books that earn their way onto the OPB favorite list, and this beautiful book deserves it. It reveals all the magic that happens at night when a fair is closed. Wonderfully so.

Read The Portland Book Review review for it here.

 

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christopher Robinson (2 February 2021)

During a long subway ride with an older sibling, Milo’s imagination is hard at work. “Maybe you can’t really know anyone just by looking at their face,” Milo thinks, and he’s totally right. This book is lovely and has a well-​earned emotional punch at the end.

Read The Horn Book review for it here.

 

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huy’nh Kim Liên (16 February 2021)

A young Vietnamese boy heads out in a wooden boat with a backpack and an oar–it’s his first time making this trip, he admits. He navigates the Mekong River all on his own, and the wonders of nature are everywhere. Where is he heading? To another first, of course.

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

 

Off to See the Sea by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (12 January 2021)

Bathtime is an ocean of fun when you bring your imagination with you. The story is purposefully simple but very effective.

Read the Publisher’s Weekly review for it here.

 

Outside, Inside by LeUyen Pham (5 January 2021)

This timely book beautifully showcases life during the pandemic. It’s deep and empathetic in all the right ways, and it shows some of the bravery and sacrifices that were made. Lovely art makes this a must-have.

Read the OPB review for it here.

 

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen (21 April 2021)

A hat-​wearing turtle has his day ruined when a rock falls from the sky right onto his favorite spot.  He’s stubborn, so he’s going to make it work somehow. His critter friends aren’t much help, though.

It’s a big book–really five books in one. But it’s dark, brooding, and has lots of deadpan fun.

Read the The Wall Street Journal review for it here.

 

A Sky-​Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins (30 November 2021)

The hardships of living in a war-​torn country are made clear when Aria returns to school after an accident–her body isn’t the same. She’s worried about having somewhere to sit, though all the benches have been used for kindling during wartime. A touching Author’s Note completes this fine book.

Read the Seattle Book Review review for it here.

 

Something’s Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear by Jory John, illustrated by Erin Kraan (23 March 2021)

A bear remembers to do everything before leaving the house…except take off those embarrassing tighty whities. Hilarity ensues in typical Jory John fashion.

Read The Novel Hermit review for it here.

 

Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (12 January 2021)

During the long ride to their new home, Gran asks Lily to find ten beautiful things to pass the time. Lily isn’t into this plan, but soon learns to see beauty in unexpected places.

Read the OPB review for it here.

 

Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi, illustrated by Juana Martinez-​Neal (31 August 2021)

In this story, food forms a very special bond between generations. You even get tomato facts as a bonus!

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

 

Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America’s First Gay Wedding by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Robbie Cathro (4 May 2021)

This heartwarming book shares the struggle for the first same-​sex couple to be legally married in America. The cake-​making throughline is sweet and delightful.

Read the Mombian review for it here.

 

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper (1 February 2021)

This powerful book reveals the story of how a 1921 incident with a white female elevator operator and a Black shoeshiner launched one of the worst racial battles in American history. Cooper’s art vividly brings this moment to life.

Read the Kirkus review for it here.

**Since we lost Floyd Cooper in 2021, you might want to check out the OPB interview with him. He’s amazing.**

 

Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin (30 March 2021)

A touching autobiographical story about how a child of immigrants learns about her family and heritage. Note the wonderful Chinese-​inspired art by Justin Chin!

Read the Long and Short Reviews review for it here.

 

We All Play by Julie Flett (25 May 2021)

A tender book by Cree-​Métis artist Julie Flett that reveals how animals play just as we all do.

Read the Publisher’s Weekly review for it here.

 

Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, illustrated by Magenta Fox (15 April 2021)

It’s a judo-​loving guinea pig. What more do you need to know than that?

Read the More About Books review for it here.

Only Picture Books’ 19 Favorites of 2019

On By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

It’s the end of 2019, and here at OPB, we always close out each December with a list of our favorite pictures books of the past 12 months.

Some of these picture books appeared in OPB in one capacity or another. Because of space considerations and other factors, some didn’t. Regardless, all of the following books are worthy of attention and space on your shelves. I’ll even share a few words as to why they’re on this Best Of list. Enjoy!

(Don’t read anything into the order, though–it’s simply alphabetical by book title because, well, that’s easy to do.)

Another by Christopher Robinson (5 March 2019)

I confess that I resist wordless picture books on principle…except when they’re done this well. The fun shapes here remind me of Paul Klee, and the dreamy story is quite compelling.

 

Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-​Max (3 Sept 2019)

There’s so much here to like. A determined girl wanting to be an astronaut. An effective single parent (Papa). Dramatic acrylic artwork. Solid backmatter. Well done, Ken Wilson-Max!

 

Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman (1 Oct 2019)

This book about young Ava becoming a “citizen scientist” is SO cool. Learn all about the New England Christmas Bird Count, too, as well as facts about winter birds uncovered via birding ID techniques. Find out more about this book via our OPB review here.

 

Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together by Andrea Tsurumi (5 Feb 2019)

Got a budding environmentalist in your life? This funny story about a crab’s actions in the aftermath of a disaster (trash being dumped into the ocean) will surely be a hit. There’s a fine message here about getting past mishaps and challenges. I’m a fan of the rich artistic textures in these pages, as well.

 

Dr. Seuss’ Horse Museum by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (3 Sept 2019)

An unrhymed Dr. Seuss manuscript? Sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what we have in this look at how different artists have depicted horses. The full-​color reproductions here (Picasso, Seurat, Manet, and more) help make this a solid introduction to art. It’s not like most other Dr. Seuss books, but if you can get past that, it’s a good one regardless.

 

The Good Egg by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald (12 Feb 2019)

This one just tickles my fancy, as much because I had a neighbor who used to call me “A darn good egg!” as the fun art here by Oswald. Add in Jory John’s quirky take on perfectionism, and that’s the good read you’ll find here.

 

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby (21 May 2019)

This is a standout biography of a a first-​rate picture book writer, done in the style and tone of Margaret Wise Brown herself. The book is quirky, so don’t expect it to fully adhere to the standard chronological form most biographies take. The story’s also about taking risks and experimenting–great lessons for young readers to encounter.

 

Just Because by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (10 Sept 2019)

The child in this bedtime book fires off questions instead of sleeping, and the dad sends back amazing, imaginative answers versus the easy-​but-​unhelpful “just because” answer a tired adult might be inclined to give. The unexpected retro illustrations give this a nice feel.

 

Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz (5 March 2019)

Here’s the true story of how Momofuku Ando dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was easy to make and tasty. Why? Because he saw lines of people waiting for food in Japan right after World War II, and he believed that “the world is peaceful only when everyone has enough to eat.” A useful Afterword gives fine bonus information for teachers, parents, and librarians.

 

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar (15 Jan 2019)

This book won a ton of awards largely because it’s the well-​told biography of puppeteer, storytelling, and NYC librarian Pura Belpré, who was a champion of multicultural literature. A librarian who supports multicultural lit might not sound that odd today, but consider that she arrived in American in 1921! The author’s ability to move from English to Spanish within the story without translations or italics? Very impressive.

A sizable amount of backmatter offers plenty of depth on the life and doings of this important figure.

 

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-​to Poems by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Richard Jones (25 Feb 2019)

This poetry anthology by Janeczko showcases poems by Kwame Alexander, Pat Mora, Nikki Grimes, Marilyn Singer (see her OPB Author Interview here!), and more. All of the poems are a how-​to of one type or another, ranging from how to be a snowflake to how to bird watch. It’s a fine collection with just enough range and style.

 

Small in the City by Sydney Smith (3 Sept 2019)

Some readers might not be happy with the situation–a child in the city looking for a lost pet. But it’s poignant, realistic, and filled with anything but false promise, all done in poignant, sensitive language. This story could’ve gone wrong in a host of ways in the hands of a less attentive author/​illustrator.

 

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio, illustrated by Ed Young (26 March 2019)

Charlie Chaplin’s life held a lot of sorrow early on, yet Charlie knew sadness and humor went hand in hand. This book does a fine job of telling his story–and his own special sense of fun–through lyrical text accentuated by interesting collage-​style illustrations.

I’m quite taken, too, by the silhouette of the Little Tramp–Chaplin’s most famous on-​screen character–that becomes animated when the pages are flipped.

 

Stonewall: A Building, an Uprising, a Revolution by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jamey Christoph (23 April 2019)

While Stonewall is obviously picture book worthy, this book lets the Stonewall Inn ITSELF tell this vital tale. It’s not only an essential addition to LGBTQ literature, but an essential addition to literature in general.

Bonus note: Rob was kind enough to be the very first Author Interview @ OPB. It’s interesting to see how his philosophy of picture books from a few years back still plays out so powerfully in his current work.

 

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison (15 Oct 2019)

Sulwe’s skin is dark as midnight, but all she wants is to be bright and beautiful. This debut picture book by actress Lupita Nyong’o offers readers a magical journey that ultimately help them realize that true beauty always comes from within. That art here is beyond striking. Lovely.

 

A Tiger Like Me by Michael Engler, illustrated by Joëlle Tourlonias, translated by Laura Watkinson (1 Aug 2019)

Sometimes a kid might want to imaginatively become something else–like a tiger. In this story, that’s what happens, and he goes on wild-​tiger-​kid adventures. But at the end of the day, he’s happy to snuggle in bed with tiger-​mom and tiger-​dad. A sweet story.

 

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha (5 March 2019)

What kind of kid would EVER want a lemon tree for a birthday gift, right? Well, it turns out that in some situations, it’s the best gift of all. You even get a great recipe for lemonade here with this moving story.

Check out OPB’s interview with the author here, where we talk about–among other things–this very book!

 

When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland (29 Jan 2019)

There aren’t enough quality books about emotional literacy, but this is one of them. The simple illustration style adds a fine dimension to this important story.

 

Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea, illustrated by Zachariah OHora (17 Sept 2019)

It’s hard to imagine anyone tackling the tough topic of wetting one’s pants, but leave it to the ever-​amusing Bob Shea to do exactly that. The clever, silly pictures really help make this a memorable read.  There’s still plenty here for younger readers to appreciate even if they miss the more sophisticated aspects of the humor in play.

 

Only Picture Books’ 18 Favorites of 2018

On By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

What better way to close out 2018 than with a list of OPB’s 18 favorites from this past year?

Some of these titles appeared in the (digital) pages of OPB.

Some didn’t. (Alas, this isn’t a comprehensive PB review site like PW, Kirkus, or others.)

But make no mistake–I’m a fan of these 18 titles. I’ll even offer up a sentence or three for each to give a sense about why I liked them.

 

Note #1: Every book listed below is a total winner via my super-​subjective estimation. By that, I mean:

  • I own a copy. (Yep. Not just the freebie ARCs/​galleys here!)
  • I’d be happy to read any of these with a child.
  • I’d be happy to re-​read any of these, even without a child handy.
  • I’d be happy to have written, illustrated, and/​or edited ANY of these.
  • I’d be pleased as Hawaiian punch for any of the involved authors, illustrators, and editors to hit up OPB for an interview. HINT HINT HINT!

Note #2: They aren’t ranked in any particular way, save alphabetically by title. Want to know the #1 picture book of 2018? Read them yourself and make your own choice. Post your choice as a comment here. Or offer it up on your social media. Or add your glowing recommendation on an Amazon or Goodreads page.

Note #3: I like notes.

Note #4: There should be more picture books about sloths. (Please refer to question #1 of the Speed Round of editor Kait Feldmann’s OPB interview for proof of this profound sloth lack!)

Note #5: Refer to notes 1–4, as needed.

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex (3 July 2018)

I often bring a picture book to share at my SCBWI PALs meetings, and this one brought the house down. It’s loads of fun, but it’s far more than just a Star Wars nostalgia riff. Well done, Mr. Rex!

 

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (9 October 2018)

If you liked Last Stop on Market Street, you’ll love de la Peña’s new book that powerfully spotlights children who are worthy of our attention. Plus Robinson’s acrylic paintings are rich and captivating. Simply terrific.

Enjoy an Oct 2018 interview about Carmela Full of Wishes with Matt and Christian at PW.

 

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller

To everyone’s surprise, political satire and picture books can go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Plus Jim Parsons really rocks it on the audio version.

 

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (28 August 2018)

It’s a memorable, inclusive story with lyrical writing and dreamy art. This is a book for every child who feels alone (which is to say “everybody” at one time or another).

Here’s The New York Times article on two of Woodson’s books (including this one).

 

Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat (5 June 2018)

This gorgeous book shows the power of art–and the creative process–in action. It’s a visual WOW.

Here’s a June 2018 NPR interview with Minh Lê about Drawn Together.

 

Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith (25 September 2018)

About twice a month, I go to my local library and grab two huge bags of whatever picture books catch my eye. Then I read them all at home. That’s the story of how I got introduced to this book, and it was the star of the whole batch by far. Clever. And full of positive messages too.

Here’s a Dec 2018 “speed interview” with Jory John on this cool book.

 

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang (15 May 2018)

The simplistic yet powerfully expressive illustrations are first-​rate. Plus there’s something wonderful about a grumpy monkey screaming “I’m not grumpy!” This is great for a kindergarten reading session. They’ll all make the faces along with the characters for sure.

 

How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk, illustrated by Sara Palacios (15 Mary 2018)

No rhymes or delicious puns here, but instead you have a kid-​friendly book that shows how to break down a seemingly big problem into small, manageable steps. It’s smart, useful, and just silly enough to keep all the learning fun.

Here’s a “Simply 7” interview (by Jena Benton) with the always-​interesting Josh Funk.

 

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (2 October 2018)

I’ve been paying attention to this picture book team since I Am Yoga and they continue to deliver. This book is a fine celebration of the beautiful imperfectness of humanity. It’s a book that says it’s okay to make mistakes, and that’s a fine lesson for young readers that counteracts the over-​tested, over-​scheduled, must-have-GPAs-higher-than‑4.0 world in which we live.

 

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët (24 April 2018)

I’ve been a fan of this husband-​wife team since their graphic novel Beautiful Darkness. This picture book shows just how magical a wordless story can be.

Here’s a fine review of I Walk with Vanessa at Unleashing Readers.

 

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (23 April 2018)

This is a book that could’ve gone wrong in a host of ways … but doesn’t. It’s beautiful and empowering without being preachy.

Here’s a May 2018 interview with Jessica about this book at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

 

Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung (3 July 2018)

This celebratory book feels more relevant by the day. I’m also a fan of the graphic, eye-​catching style.

Read the full review of Mixed at OPB!

 

Night Job by Karen Hesse, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (11 September 2018)

This gentle story has a great big heart and Karas’ mixed media illustrations are spot-​on in every way.

Here’s the starred review of Night Job at Kirkus.

 

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno (10 April 2018)

I know Rob pretty well and despite that (just kidding, Rob!), I think this book is tremendously good and tremendously important. When Rob visited my Writing Picture Books class at Ringling College in spring 2018, he shared this book with them–it became the #1 most talked-​about book of the entire semester for the students, and for that reason alone, it’s got to be on this list. I also really dig the back matter timelines.

 

The Boo-​Boos that Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Chris Hsu (13 February 2018)

The retro look draws me in as much as the well-​told story about a now-​omnipresent first aid item.

Here’s a March 2018 speed interview with Barry at The Children’s Book Review.

 

The Eye that Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln by Marissa Moss, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes (6 November 2018)

The hip cartoony style works well with the text to present a memorable read about one of America’s greatest detectives.

 

The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee (2 October 2018)

This book proves to be quite the discussion starter on the concepts of perspective and assumptions.

Here’s an October 2018 Q&A with Jon at PW.

Here’s an October 2018 interview with Jon at Let’s Talk Picture Books.

 

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins (19 June 2018)

The character? Hilarious. The ending? Delightful. It’s the type of back-​to-​school book I wish I had when my kids were little.

Here’s a Q&A with Ryan at PW.

Author Interview: Rob Sanders

On By Only Picture BooksIn Author Interviews

This month’s PB creator interview is with Rob Sanders, a native of Springfield, Missouri. He is a picture book author, a language arts teacher, and a coach for other picture book writers. He worked for fifteen years in religious educational publishing as a writer, editor, editorial manager, and product designer.

His picture books include: Cowboy Christmas (Golden Books/​Random House), Outer Space Bedtime Race (Random House Children’s Books) named one of the top 20 rhyming picture books of 2015 by KidLit TV and winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, Ruby Rose—Off to School She Goes (HarperCollins), Rodzilla (Margaret K. McElderry Books/​Simon & Schuster) which just won the Gold Medal for Younger Children’s Literature in the Florida Book Awards, and Ruby Rose Big Bravos (HarperCollins).

      

This year, Rob will release his first nonfiction picture books. In April comes Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag (Random House Children’s Books) and in the fall Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights will release from Simon & Schuster. 2019 releases include Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. (Random House Children’s Books) and Ball and Balloon (Simon & Schuster).

Rob Sanders is represented by Rubin Pfeffer.

Website: robsanderswrites.com
Blog: robsanderswrites.blogspot.com
Email: rob@​robsanderswrites.​com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RobSandersWrites
Twitter: Twitter.com/RobSandersWrite

RVC: Your PB career launched with a series of fiction books (Cowboy Christmas, and the Ruby Rose series), then you got into nonfiction PB with Pride, Stonewall, and Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights. In what way is your writing process different for writing fiction vs. nonfiction? 

RS: There are more similarities between writing fiction and nonfiction than there are differences. Both require a fresh, unique idea. Or a new take on an existing idea. Both demand a compelling/​intriguing/​turn-​the-​page story line. And both must be written concisely with stellar word choices, figurative language, and rich vocabulary. Beyond that—and that’s a lot to get beyond—the differences become apparent.

Of course, nonfiction has research at its core. I’ve gone about my research differently for each of my soon-​to-​be published nonfiction picture books. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag was written out of raw emotion. I completed the first draft the night of the SCOTUS decision for marriage equality. I did all my research after writing the first draft. I don’t recommend that approach on an ongoing basis, but this was a heart book and that’s how it happened. Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. was totally different. For that book, I researched until my head spun—I knew the weather on the day of the event, knew there was a full moon, researched the composition of the streets, and since the story takes place over the 100+ year history of the buildings that make up the Stonewall Inn, I learned from land surveys, historic building designations, photographs, and more about the buildings at various stages of their existence. Then I tried to find a way into the story, landing eventually on the idea of writing from the perspective of the buildings.

Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights was researched heavily, too. My goal was to discuss the various nonviolent protests from the 60s until today. Once I had my stack of research, I threw it all away and made a rhythmic, melodic listing of the types of protests I’d learned about.

Another component of nonfiction is back matter—and I’ve discovered I love writing back matter, including timelines, mini bios, book lists, glossaries, and more. Bottom line, the difference between fiction and nonfiction writing is research. (I guess I could have saved you a lot of time and just given that statement!)

RVC: Like plenty of other PB writers, your day job is teaching in an elementary classroom. How does that inform your PB career?

RS: Teaching in an elementary classroom was the final push I needed to pursue my writing dreams. My students encouraged me (or guilt-​tripped me) by continually asking, “Where are your books, Mr. Sanders?” On a daily basis, I see what’s interesting to my students and what isn’t, what topic I want to cover and can’t find a book for, and hear kids say things that give me ideas. Last year, a kindergartner coming out of the Media Center dropped her books and in exasperation said, “I hate gravity.” That inspired my book Ball and Balloon which comes out from Simon & Schuster in 2019.

My students love to see my books at various stages of production. They like seeing that editors edit my work (“Turnabout’s fair play, right, Mr. Sanders?”), and they’re intrigued by books in the sketch stages. Their excitement builds when I show them folded and gathered pages (F&Gs) of a new book. And then a new book finally arrives.

This week I displayed Pride in my classroom but told my students we couldn’t read it until the official release day. (I call it Book Torture.) Come release day we’ll have a birthday party for my new book, we’ll read the book together and make it check-​out-​able, and we’ll celebrate together. My students are also a bit of a focus group for me. I try out story ideas on them, read an early draft, or ask them questions. But kids can be brutally honest. So, if you’re looking for someone to pat you on the head and say, “You’re such a good writer,” you’d better look elsewhere.

RVC: Do you have a formal writing group beyond your class of fourth graders? How important is it for a PB writer to have a workshop group to run manuscripts past?

RS: Thanks for recognizing my fourth graders as a formal writing group. They take their writing seriously and are learning to critique one another’s work using the hamburger method—a positive comment, constructive feedback, and concluding with another positive comment. Every writer needs feedback no matter how seasoned he/​she might be.

My first two steps on my writing journey nine years ago were to join the Society of Children’s Book Writer and Illustrators (SCBWI—visit them at scbwi.org) and to join a critique group. The first group I found was a mixed children’s genre group. It was helpful, but no one else in the group wrote picture books and the members weren’t able to give me much constructive feedback. So, I started my own group. I put a notice out through SCBWI, found some interested folks, and we started meeting monthly. At various time I’ve juggled two or three critique groups at a time—some online. Now I have one critique group with four other writers. We meet twice a month for a couple of hours to read and critique one another’s work and to encourage one another.

I recently was at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to celebrate the release of Jane Yolen’s 365th book. Jane introduced her critique group that has met together for over 40 years. Members have come and gone, but the core group is still there. Two of the members stand out to me—Leslea Newman and Patricia MacLachlan. If they need a critique group, so do I.

Whether you’re a 4th grader or have just released your 365th book, you need a tribe, honest feedback, encouragement, and someone who will occasionally give you a good kick in the rear to get you moving.

RVC: As opposed to many other PB makers—like, say, Peter Brown, who maintains a fairly steady pace of about 1 book per year—you’re becoming quite prolific. Witness Pride being published this month and three more of your titles hitting the shelves in the next 15 months! How many different PB projects are you working on at any one point? And how do you manage the day-​to-​day logistics of the researching, writing, and revision, especially when you’ve got such an important day job?

RS: I’m crazy busy, I can tell you that. At any given time, I’ll be working on anywhere from five to ten picture book projects in various stages, and I’ll have tons of other ideas brewing. Right now, my agent has three nonfiction picture books making the rounds and a couple of fiction books. I just sent off two poems to Cricket because I’m hoping to break into that market. I’m also working on a historical fiction middle grade novel in verse. Bottom line—I keep plugging away.

I don’t have a regular schedule. I write as I find moments of time, often in the in-​between moments of my full-​time job. Weekends are productive times for me, as are evenings, and any break from school. I jot down notes all the time and dictating ideas into my phone is my latest obsession. I’ll squeeze in some research during my lunch hour or stay in my classroom after the end of the work day to work on a revision, a critique, to conduct an interview, or to respond to emails from an editor.

If you love something, you find the time. If you’re committed to something you go after it until you think you should be committed!

RVC: What are some of the key changes you’ve seen in the PB industry over the years?

RS: The most obvious change I’ve seen in the picture book industry is shorter and shorter texts. When I started writing nine years ago, we frequently heard in conferences that a perfect length for a picture book was 1000 words. That quickly became 800, then 500 words. Now picture books are even shorter and more compressed. I believe that’s because the focus age for picture books is getting younger and younger, and older picture book readers are being pushed into early readers, beginning chapter books, and so on earlier and earlier. Some of that shift might be a financial issue for book buyers. It’s certainly less expensive to buy an earlier reader than a picture book.

The other big change in the picture book industry is the renewed interest in nonfiction. Common Core (and other new state standards) are at the center of that change. Kids in elementary schools are supposed to have a 50/​50 split in what they read—50% fiction and 50% nonfiction. Kids are loving nonfiction, and I’m loving the unique and special nonfiction books that are making their way through publishing houses and out into the world.

RVC: What’s one change you’d like to see happen in the PB industry?

RS: I love when editors make their likes and dislikes known. Their preferences. That helps me know if my writing is a fit for that editor or not, and, if it is a fit, the information guides me to know which of my projects might be a perfect match for that editor.

When editors give guidelines to writers I wish they would say something like: in my opinion, for me, I prefer, and so on. Often writers end up thinking there’s a long list of industry rules, when in fact what they heard was one person’s thinking. There are no rules, really.

Finally, I wish that there was more diversity in picture book publishing at the publishing house level. If we want real diversity in books (and we’re making progress in that area), it starts at the top.

RVC: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your beginning PB writer self?

RS: Have faith.

Don’t give up.

It works if you work it.

Persevere.

Press on.

Don’t try to be like anyone else.

Trust yourself.

Find your voice.

Write from your heart.

RVC: Thanks so much, Rob!