The Picture Book Buzz - PB25 Vibes September 2025

In PB25 Vibes, a group of creators with books launching in 2025, we are all about vibes! Finding that feeling you want to leave with the reader is at the heart of writing a picture book. Our stories are ones that are meant to evoke emotions, and as we drafted our stories, we kept a feeling—a vibe—in mind.

Today, I have the opportunity to chat with five authors from the group about her new picture book releasing in July.

Be sure to visit their X/Twitter feed (https://x.com/pb25vibes) for book announcements and writing tips for authors.

Welcome everyone,

Tell us a little about yourself. (For instance, where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?

Ha Dinh – The Moon Lantern (Albert Whitman 9/4/2025) – Hi everyone. I am a reading intervention specialist, former primary school teacher, mom, and author. I had been dreaming of writing Children’s Books as a kindergartener when I first came to America. While becoming an author has always been a dream of mine, I didn’t actively pursue publishing until five years ago in 2020.  I then began writing stories that I wished I had as a child and stories that would help share memories of my childhood. With the help of the amazing writing community that was very active on Twitter in 2000, I found a mentor to help me edit and polish one of my manuscripts and was matched with an agent, who helped me sell my debut picture book in 2001.

Kimberly Horch – Sawyer’s Big Idea (Magination Press 9/9/2025) – Hello! My #1 job is as a mom to 5 amazing big-idea kids! I started writing books for them first– the books I felt that they needed to see about being kind to others and kind to themselves for their unique ways of thinking. I have been thrilled to discover my stories resonate with so many others! I make up stories as we go about our day, turning them over in my mind, and jotting things down in my notes app. When I have them well fleshed out, I write them down in odd hours of the day, or after bedtime.

Chelsea Tornetto – The World’s Best Christmas Light: A Light-Up Board Book (ZonderKidz 9/9/2025) – Hey everyone!  I am a former educator turned children’s book author.  (I taught 7th grade world geography for 17 years prior to writing for kids.)  I’ve enjoyed writing rhyming poetry since I was a child, so rhyming picture books are a natural extension of that.  I grew up on a farm in the Midwest, and currently live in rural Missouri, so many of my stories are about the simple joys of childhood in this part of the country.  But, my hope is that my stories are universal enough to appeal to kids everywhere!

Blair Williamson – Birthday Bash (The Little Press 9/16/2025) – I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember whether it was journaling, blogging, or capturing stories through words and photographs. I especially love photo blogging while traveling and photo journalism, which helps me preserve the details of special places and moments so I can revisit them later and weave them into my writing.

These days, I carve out my writing time in the very early mornings before my family wakes up. Those quiet hours, with a really good cup of coffee, give me the space to focus and create before the day begins. Beyond writing, my greatest joy is spending time with my husband and our two daughters, learning new things together, and exploring the world as a family. We travel often, and those adventures fill me with fresh perspective and wonder that inevitably find their way into my stories.

Namrata Agarwal – The Mithai Box is not Empty (Holiday House 9/30/2025) - Hello! I’ve been writing for over ten years, but my journey actually began long before that. As a former advertising professional, I’ve always loved the power of stories and ideas. Reading picture books to my own children sparked a deep passion for storytelling and looking back, I realize that even as a child, I had a natural inclination to turn ideas into stories.

My dream came true in 2014 when my first picture book was published. I love creating stories with heart that children can truly relate to, stories that spark their imagination and resonate with their everyday lives.

What helps each of you to be inspired? (perhaps a certain place, music, activity, etc.)

Ha Dinh – I find inspiration from my childhood, memories of past experiences as a classroom teacher, and my children. Sometimes even conversations about things that happened in the past inspire me to think of stories to write. But no matter what inspires me, I want to make sure that my stories are relatable and relevant to my young readers. I want them to read my stories and find themselves in it and a part of it.

Kimberly Horch – My kids are my inspiration. Something they struggle with or need to hear is just as likely to become a book as something silly they do. Kids have such a profoundly simple connection to the world, and I try to capture that in the brevity and simplicity of my writing.

Chelsea Tornetto – I am the kind of person who sees picture book ideas everywhere!  I am never short on inspiration.  But because I write mostly in rhyme, I find that most of my stories start with a specific catchy phrase or rhyme that I just can’t get out of my head. 

Blair Williamson – I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, but some of my most formative experiences came from the time I spent on a remote island, completely surrounded by nature, in North Carolina. Being immersed in the tides, the wind, the waves, and seeing how weather shapes the land, gave me a deep fascination with the ocean from the time I was a little girl. That connection to the sea still inspires me every time I write.

Namrata Agarwal – I find inspiration in people, places, and things around me. I try to stay open and receptive to whatever comes my way, allowing myself to truly feel and absorb those moments like a sponge. From there, I ask questions and explore those feelings, turning them into stories that connect with readers.

Now that we know a little more about all of you, what made you wonder about this topic or inspired you to write your book?

Ha Dinh – The Moon Lantern (Albert Whitman 9/4/2025) – I loved celebrating the Tết Trung Thu or the Mid-Autumn Festival with my family and friends growing up and knew that one day I wanted to share this special holiday with children everywhere. The story was inspired by all the mythology behind the festival and the beautiful lanterns that make the celebrations so festive and unique. I hope this story will encourage more children and families to celebrate this special festival and make their own lanterns.

Kimberly Horch – Sawyer’s Big Idea (Magination Press 9/9/2025) – This idea originated with reading Ashley Spires' The Most Magnificent Thing with my 6-year-old son who struggles with perfectionism. When the character explodes in anger that she can’t make things work, he had tears in his eyes because he identified so strongly with her frustration.

In that moment, I knew I wanted to create a book that does that for another of my children, who gets down on himself for his non-linear creative process. Sawyer's Big Idea is my love letter to him and kids like him–I wanted to them to see their process as the incredible creative energy that it is, and to help them feel seen and validated.

Chelsea Tornetto – The World’s Best Christmas Light (ZonderKidz 9/9/2025) – I started out writing about one of our favorite holiday traditions - driving around and looking at Christmas lights!  I wanted to share that magic and joy.  But, as I was writing, I started thinking about the meaning behind the lights and decided to make it a Christian twist on a secular tradition.  

Blair Williamson – Birthday Bash (The Little Press 9/16/2025) – Birthday Bash was inspired by a time my family and I were living on a boat in the British Virgin Islands. One day, a little bug found its way onboard, and it sparked a hilariously chaotic family discussion about what might happen if we tried to get rid of it with… a hammer! We laughed so much imagining the mayhem that would follow, and that tiny moment stuck with me. Back in 2018, the idea of a bug on a boat was born—and it eventually grew into Birthday Bash!

Namrata Agarwal – The Mithai Box is not Empty (Holiday House 9/30/2025) - I’ve always felt drawn to writing cultural stories that feel real and are full of heart. Growing up, I witnessed the deep bonds between my parents, grandparents, and extended family. I was curious about what held them together through generations. From those observations, I learned that kindness, respect, and shared values are the true ties that bind us. It was from these seeds that my stories began to grow.

I love the different personal connections that inspired each of these books and appreciate you all sharing them with us. What do you like to do outdoors - either by yourself or with your family and friends?

Ha Dinh – Whenever I can, I love spending all day out on the beach.  The sound of the waves, the feel of the ocean breeze, and the feel of the sand underneath my feet. Being outside on the beach makes me the happiest and brings so much calmness and clarity to me.

Kimberly Horch – All the things. Our backyard is our favorite room in our house. If the weather is passable, we can be found outside eating, working, and playing.

Chelsea Tornetto – I like to walk at our local park, watch birds from our front porch, and enjoy my husband’s backyard garden!  In the summer, we also like to go to a local river to swim and float, and I love to spend fall evenings around an outdoor bonfire when I can.  

Blair Williamson – Outdoors, I love slowing down and paying attention. There’s something magical about observing nature, whether it’s watching animals in their natural habitat while scuba diving, feeling the wind and current while sailing, or simply looking up at the stars. I really just love being outside. I also enjoy playing sports like tennis, soccer, and field hockey, though I don’t get as much time for that these days :)

Namrata Agarwal – I love spending time outdoors whether it’s walking in nature or taking a boat ride on the Hudson River. I enjoy all kinds of activities that help me relax and recharge.

It’s so fun how although you all are inspired by being outdoors and nature, each of your connections and ‘happy places’ are so different. Is there anything special you want your readers to know about your book? Do you have a favorite spread?

Text © Ha Dinh, 2025. Image © Tiffany Chen, 2025.

Ha Dinh – The Moon Lantern (Albert Whitman 9/4/2025) – There’s so much I want to share about this festival, the mythology behind it, and the different ways this festival is celebrated.  From the traditional clothes that Vietnamese people wear during Tết Trung Thu celebrations to the gorgeous, handcrafted lanterns made at home to lion and dragon dances and more, there are just so many beautiful ways to celebrate this festival that is specifically geared for children. The artwork in the book is just stunning and fully captures the essence and feel of the festival. I truly love all the illustrations and all the details that the illustrator put into creating this book with me.

Text © Kimberly Horch, 2025. Image © Sayani Mukherjee, 2025.

Kimberly Horch – Sawyer’s Big Idea (Magination Press 9/9/2025) – One of the reasons that I chose Magination Press from the offers I got for Sawyer’s Big Idea is that they are the publishing arm of the American Psychological Association. I wanted readers to have the assurance that this book is vetted by a panel of psychologists, and that it matches our best understanding of the complex functioning of kids like Sawyer, whether they are creative-minded, neurodiverse, or gifted. The backmatter Magination provided helps children be proud of their unique brain. My favorite spread has Sawyer in it NINE TIMES as he climbs a tree, checks out bugs, reads, draws, and has a typical (for him!) busy wondering, creating, exploring day.

Text © Chelsea Tornetto, 2025. Image © Amanda Morrow, 2025.

Chelsea Tornetto – The World’s Best Christmas Light (ZonderKidz 9/9/2025) – My favorite spread is the one of the busy town square!  It’s so colorful and there are so many things to see…and I love how it contrasts with the peacefulness of the final spread too.    

Text © Blair Williamson, 2025. Image © Taylor Woolley, 2025.

Blair Williamson – Birthday Bash (The Little Press 9/16/2025) – Yes! Birthday Bash is extra special to me because it’s a birthday-themed book releasing right before I turn 40. I’ve always been a little obsessed with birthdays—probably because mine falls at Christmas, so it always had to be extra over the top! One of my favorite spreads in the book is when Kiko, Saba, and Ollie are patching the boat back together—it perfectly captures the fun, chaotic energy of the story. And a little behind-the-scenes tidbit: we spent an enormous amount of time brainstorming the boat’s name and finally landed on Knot Ur Cheese. It still makes me laugh every time, it’s so cute.

Text © Namrata Agarwal, 2025. Image © Parvati Pillai, 2025.

Namrata Agarwal – The Mithai Box is not Empty (Holiday House 9/30/2025) - The beauty of the theme is brought to life through the colorful illustrations by Parvati, who painted my vision with vibrant hues. Each page warmly captures the moment, tingling with energy and reflecting the true emotions of the characters. I truly feel that children will connect with many parts of the story and join Ria on her journey as she learns a loving and meaningful lesson. My favorite spread is the moment when Ria is left with just one ladoo. She faces a big dilemma whether to eat it or share it and that scene makes me feel deeply connected to her character.

Gorgeous illustrations! These are all such interesting books. What was the hardest, or most challenging part of writing or researching your book? How long did it take from first draft to publication?

Ha Dinh – The Moon Lantern (Albert Whitman 9/4/2025) – There are actually different versions of the mythology behind this festival, and the entry story is quite lengthy.  Having to condense the myth and write it in a concise way that is easy for young readers to relate to while also connecting it to the main character in modern times was the most challenging part.  However, I love how it all turned out and am very happy with the final book.

Kimberly Horch – Sawyer’s Big Idea (Magination Press 9/9/2025) – The hardest part was getting the ending just right. I wanted it to feel celebratory, but  I knew it couldn’t end with him finishing everything (anyone Sawyer-like knows that simply isn’t reality). I spent several months working on balancing being celebratory with reality. In the end, I finally woke up one morning with the right answer–ironically, just like Sawyer does in the book!

Chelsea Tornetto – The World’s Best Christmas Light (ZonderKidz 9/9/2025) – The hardest part, as usual, was waiting for it to get finished!  But it was well worth it!

Blair Williamson – Birthday Bash (The Little Press 9/16/2025) – The hardest part of writing this book was figuring out how to convey the super chaotic scenes in a way that both the editor and illustrator could understand, without overloading the manuscript with illustration notes! Striking that balance was tricky, but it really pushed me to trust the illustrator’s creativity and focus on keeping the text fun, clear, and full of energy.

Namrata Agarwal – The Mithai Box is not Empty (Holiday House 9/30/2025) - My biggest challenge was to find my authentic voice. I was stuck in the search for the right tone and style. After experimenting with different styles, I discovered it.

I revised my Mithai story more than thirty times. The ending was the toughest part. I didn’t want to leave my character feeling upset; after all good work deserves a sweet reward. Sweet like the ladoo in my story.

From the first draft to publication, the journey took five years,  a true test of patience and passion.

I think you all did a great job in dealing with these challenges. Who was a favorite/special author, illustrator, and/or your favorite book as a child?

Ha Dinh – I loved the simplicity and beauty of Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle’s works together. It was Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? that helped me to learn English when I came to America at 5 years old.  I will never forget reading that book over and over.  Even though it was memorization, I felt accomplished as a reader, and it motivated me to keep learning and keep reading.  

Chelsea Tornetto – A book called The Snow Kept On Falling by Kathie McQueary has always been my favorite.  It perfectly captures the excitement of rural kids waiting and hoping for snow!  I also love Frog and Toad!  Toad can always make me laugh…he’s so relatable!

Blair Williamson – As a child, I was always drawn to National Geographic and Highlights magazines. They fed my curiosity about the natural world and sparked my imagination. In terms of books, I adored the cozy magic of Margaret Wise Brown, who wrote Goodnight Moon, and I was completely captivated by the incredible illustrations of Jan Brett. Their work showed me how words and pictures together can create worlds you never want to leave.

Namrata Agarwal – As a child, I was fond of reading children’s magazines. The colorful illustrations immediately caught my attention and sparked my imagination. I loved Indian children’s magazines like Tinkle, Champak and the exciting stories in DC Comics. These early experiences fueled my love for storytelling and visual creativity.

What a great collection of books and comics. What makes you passionate about being a children’s author?

Ha Dinh – Being a teacher and a mother motivates me to write stories that I wished that I had as a child and help children see themselves reflected in the pages of my books.

 Kimberly Horch – A am passionate about writing for my kids and this changing world that they live in. I love classic picture books, but since the experiences of kids like mine continue to change, they need new picture books to reflect that and help them.

Chelsea Tornetto – For me, writing is an art and a challenge I set for myself.  It’s a bit like wanting to solve a crossword puzzle on your own without using Google! I enjoy tinkering with words until I’ve found the perfect one!

Blair Williamson –What makes me passionate about being a children’s author is the opportunity to introduce kids to big, important topics in a way that feels fun, accessible, and inspiring. Through stories, children can begin to understand issues like coral bleaching, climate change, plastic pollution, or how even small actions—like helping save the turtles—can create a BIG impact. I feel a deep responsibility to use my platform to spark curiosity and care for our planet. I’m especially excited to share the magic of the ocean with children who may never get the chance to experience it firsthand. It’s an entire world waiting for them to discover, study, enjoy, and protect.

Namrata Agarwal - Writing a picture book, which may seem simple on the surface, is actually quite challenging. It’s like building a tower of ideas, sometimes you have to carefully stack each piece, and other times, you must bravely topple the entire structure and start over. It takes strength to let go and begin again. But that is also the bravest and most rewarding part of writing, knowing that every step, every revision, is a step toward creating a story better than before.

And when the final story comes together after all the constructing and deconstructing, that accomplishment fuels my passion to write more and continue exploring new ideas.

Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

Ha Dinh – Book 2 and Book 3 of my chapter series Ly-Lan Finds a Way will come out next year, and I am very excited about them! Book 2 is Ly-Lan and the Unfair Book Fair and Book 3 is Ly-Lan and the Missing Tooth Fairy.  I can’t wait to immerse young readers more into Ly-Lan’s world in Grapevine with her family and friends!

Kimberly Horch – Like Sawyer, I always have a dozen projects underway. I have two new SEL picture books on submission right now, and a middle grade novel-in-verse that will be joining them soon… as well as a stack of picture book and middle grade manuscripts in various stages of planning.

Chelsea Tornetto – I’ve got a non-fiction book about photography coming in 2027 and several other projects I can’t quite talk about yet. 

Blair Williamson – With two book launches coming up this fall, most of my focus right now is on PR and marketing—which, if I’m being honest, isn’t my favorite part of being an author, but I know how important it is. When I do find a little extra free time, I’ve been diving into a new project: a new adult novel inspired by my years working on yachts. It’s titled My Salty Soul, and it’s a fictional memoir that’s adventurous, thrilling, and, well… saltyyyy!

Namrata Agarwal – I’m currently working on a few other picture book ideas. Once I’ve developed them further, I’ll be excited to share more about them with you.

Congrats Ha! We will have to keep our eyes out for these upcoming books. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?

Ha Dinh – I love the Gulf Islands National Seashore. I love how pristine, quiet, and absolutely beautiful it is.  The powdery white sand, the serene environment, and the beautiful wildlife make it one of my favorite places to be in the world.

Kimberly Horch – Sorry, under strict secrecy on this one. But I will tell you I can stand on top of a mountain and not see a single sign of another person in any direction. It's surreal.

Chelsea Tornetto – Ha!  Full disclosure, I love to sit on my own porch and watch nature…but I NOT outdoorsy!  So, the city park is about as far as I really want to go.  There’s a small lake there I like to walk around…and then head back to the air conditioning!  I would like to take my own kids to see the Redwoods someday though.  We’ll see!

Blair Williamson – My favorite national park is Yellowstone in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also where my sister lives, and since she’s so far away, visiting there feels extra special. Jackson Hole has become a really meaningful place for our family, and we try to get out there and spend time together as often as we can.

Namrata Agarwal – My favorite park is Central Park in New York. Nestled right in the heart of the city, it offers a dual experience being connected to nature while still soaking in the vibrant hustle and bustle of urban life. The park is vast, with winding hills, serene ponds, the fresh smell of grass, and the endless stretch of open sky. Every visit makes me pause and marvel at how truly lovely this place is.

Thank you all for giving us a little peek into you and your books. Wishing you all enormous success.

To learn more about these writers and illustrators, visit PB25 Vibes @ https://x.com/pb25vibes

And be sure to check out the vibes in this great group of picture books releasing this September!

Synopsis:

A lyrical and inclusive picture book about the struggles and joys of cultural and family customs, and having the courage and creativity to make them your own.

Tết Trung Thu, or the Moon Festival, is one of the most popular holidays in Việt Nam. To continue the traditions of this special holiday in America, Huy and his family celebrate with mooncakes, lion dances, and homemade lanterns. This year, Huy wants to enter the lantern-making contest, but instead of crafting a lantern in the traditional star shape, Huy plans to honor the moon. Together with his Ba, Huy creates a special lantern showing that a new twist can help old traditions shine even more brightly.

Synopsis:

Sawyer wakes up with an idea. A good idea. A great idea. A get-started-right-away idea!

He makes a sketch, a model, and gets out all his materials. And―woah, what was that? It gave him a new idea. A big idea. A colorful idea. But when it isn't quite going the way he wants, he grumps, and sulks, and―wait, what about that other project?

Sawyer flits from one activity to another throughout the day, new ideas hitting him like lightning. There's a project from yesterday, a costume for his furry sidekick, and a book or twelve he was reading, and . . . before he knows it, it's time for bed. But he can't go to bed yet! His idea isn't finished! He didn't finish one thing today! Or did he?

A sweet and affirming story for any kid who finds it hard to focus on just one task―and for the adults keeping up with them. Includes a note to readers with more information on supporting kids who struggle with attention.

Synopsis:

Spark little readers’ holiday spirit with The World’s Best Christmas Light! In this rhyming, read-aloud board book, a family sets out to find the best Christmas lights in town. But the colorful displays and animated figurines can’t compete with the brightest light of all—God’s love shining through a humble nativity scene. With beautiful starlight glowing on the last page, The World’s Best Christmas Light offers children a lovely reminder of the real reason for the season.

So many families look forward to seeking out the biggest and brightest Christmas displays on cold winter nights. This sweet board book celebrates that festive tradition with delightful rhymes and engaging illustrations on every page. From cozy homes to spectacular light shows to the very best light of all, children will love this story as they snuggle up close and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Synopsis:

For fans of Grumpy Monkey and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! comes Birthday Bash, an uptight mouse with a party to plan.

A laugh-out-loud adventure that teaches kids how to handle big emotions and find creative solutions!

Kiko the Mouse is determined to host the perfect birthday party aboard his houseboat.

But when a buzzing bug crashes his cupcake preparations, Kiko’s frustration leads to a chaotic chain of mishaps—boat holes, gushing leaks, and sinking party plans!

Can Kiko, with the help of his clever friends, keep his cool long enough to patch things up?

Or will his over-the-top reaction sink his party?

Packed with hilarious antics and relatable lessons, Birthday Bash is perfect for kids ages 4-8.

With its vibrant illustrations and playful storytelling, Birthday Bash helps children identify their feelings, laugh at life’s messes, and discover that sometimes, even uninvited guests become unexpected friends.

Set sail for fun, friendship, and a splash of self-awareness with Kiko and his crew!

Synopsis:

This delicious sweet picture book celebrates the joys (and rewards) of sharing. . . and delectable Indian desserts!

Ria wants to be the best chai party host to impress her grandparents, who are visiting all the way from India. She even shares her precious mithai box of her favorite sweet, motichoor ladoo, with the whole family. After all, her grandparents always taught her “Atithi devo bhava, like God we welcome our guests with warmth and respect.”

Everyone loves the motichoor ladoo. And Ria is happy that everyone else is happy. But as the ladoo disappears, she worries that there will be none left for her. What good is being the best host if Ria doesn’t get to have fun too?

But her grandmother has a surprise. . .one last motichoor ladoo!

Sharing has never been so sweet! The Mithai Box Is Not Empty celebrates the joys of generosity, but reminds us not to forget our own happiness. An author’s note on mithais and a matching mithai game are included in the back of the book.