I grew up with two younger siblings. There were times when two of us against banded together against the other one. But the times I remember most are the ones where it was the three of us against the world. I think just about every child can relate to dealing with a younger child, whether that's a sibling, cousin, or neighbor. And while there are many picture books about siblings and dealing with a younger brother or sister, the added elements of a superhero and a "cause-and-

I believe our children are shaped by the books they read. ~ Carolyn Leiloglou Carolyn Leiloglou (lay-LAW-glue) lives with her husband and four kids in San Antonio, Texas, home to the Alamo and the world’s largest pair of cowboy boots. Carolyn was a finalist for the 2018 Katherine Patterson Prize, and her poems and stories have been published in magazines around the world including Ladybug, Clubhouse Jr., and Highlights. Carolyn is the author of the chapter book Noah Green, Ju

Born and raised in the Midwest, Amber Hendricks grew up reading everything she could get her hands on- including the morning cereal boxes. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, with an emphasis on Visual Merchandising, from Northwest Missouri State University. Amber has worn many hats in her career: Army wife, Mother, Visual Merchandiser, Certified Pharmacy Technician, and most recently, Childcare Professional. But she has always circled back to her first love of t

Were you the kid who brought home stray cats, dogs, squirrels, rabbits, . . .? Or maybe you rescued small wild animals - squirrels or birds? Snails or slugs? One time when we were camping, my brother and I once brought goats to our campsite (though I honestly can't tell you where we found them, I only know they followed us back). Surprisingly, my father didn't want to adopt them! Though he did later adopt a stray dog that refused to leave our front porch. Most people, thinki

Molly Ruttan grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY and holds a BFA from The Cooper Union School of Art. Upon graduation she moved to Los Angeles and established a career as a graphic designer and illustrator. Molly and her family currently have the pleasure of caring for five strays and rescues (three dogs, a cat, and a rabbit) in their home. In addition to her work, she plays drums & sings in the eclectic-folk rock band New Garden, creates artwork for, records and performs in th

Today, I have the distinct pleasure of talking with Eileen Ryan Ewen. She is the award-winning illustrator of 4 children’s books published by Sleeping Bear Press - Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story by Lindsey McDivitt (2018), Symphony of Cowbells by Heather Preusser (2017), Mr. McGinty's Monarchs by Linda Vander Heyden (2016), and Miss Colfax's Light by Aimee Bissonette (2016). Eileen Ryan Ewen first fell in love with stories and art listening to her storyteller father,

In this time of uncertainty and isolation, books can help provide an escape and an inspiration for creativity. Provide a special family time. And offer a safe place to explore emotions and fears. Books can show us more about ourselves and provide a window into other's motivations. The Chronicles of Narnia, written from 1950 to 1956, provided both C.S. Lewis and his many fans a doorway into a magical place. I get the distinct privilege to be able to give you all a sneak peek i

Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to three authors from the STEAM Team 2020 with books releasing in May. I do hope you enjoy this look at some great books and fascinating creatives. "STEAM Team 2020 is a group of authors who have a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math books releasing in 2020. It includes fiction & nonfiction, trade or educational books.” Welcome everyone, Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write? How long have you been wri

Lina Maslo is an award-winning author/illustrator with a Degree in Art from New College of Florida. Born in Ukraine, she moved to the United States at the age of five and spent most of her childhood in Florida. She lives with her husband and children in South Carolina. Her debut book, Free As A Bird: The Story Of Malala, is a Library Guild Selection, as well as a 2019 CCBC Choice, and the winner of the Living the Dream Book Award. Her second book, Through The Wardrobe: How C.

It's hard to believe that just eight months ago, I travelled to London. It seems like a lifetime ago. A big fan of Beatrix Potter, I wandered around Kensington, Kew Gardens, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. In addition, of course, to the Dr. Who Museum, a few castles, and King's Cross Station. I was so excited when the trip included time in the Lake District, visiting Beatrix Potter's houses and spending time learning about the Herwick sheep that were special to her and the