Picture Book Summit Podcast

In a recent Picture Book Summit, NYT Bestselling Author Susan Verde revealed why she writes about big concepts for kids—things like mindfulness, empathy, and what it means to be human. She shares what led her to write about these topics and who she's really write for. Stay tuned as Susan answers the question: Are any ideas TOO big for kids? Books mentioned in this episode:  The Museum by Susan Ver...

Yes, your picture book's title, hook, and opening are important to getting a reader to actually pick up and READ your book, but it's the picture book ending that defines their experience. Is the ending satisfying? Does it answer all the questions asked in the story? Does it make the reader gasp (or laugh) at the surprise? Most importantly, does is make them want to read your book again and again?...

Every industry has a language all its own and writing and publishing are no different! In fact, it takes two episodes for the Picture Book Summit team to cover the basics. In our last episode , we focused on the lingo used in talking about writing and revising. Today, we talk about the all-important language around submitting your manuscripts to agents and editors and common phrases used during th...

Once you decide to dive into writing picture books and trying to get published, you quickly realize this industry has a language all its own. Today, the Picture Book Summit Team translates the publishing lingo you might run into on the writing and revising side of things. In the next episode, we dive into the publishing lingo surrounding submissions and publishing. Books mentioned in this episode:...

Today's episode is the third in our series discussing the amazing books written and/or illustrated by our 2026 Superstar Speakers. Check out our episode on Derrick Barnes' books here and Deborah Underwood's books here .  In this episode, we get to chat about Brian Lies' books. We talk about the in-depth work that goes into his words and illustrations and how he expands the worlds he shares with us...

Our book discussion continues today with Deborah Underwood's books! Get your TBR list out and start writing down Deborah Underwood's books we chat about in this episode. They are a masterclass in figuring out the heart of the story—no matter the theme, genre, tone, or style. We think you're going to love her books as much as we do! Books mentioned in this episode:  The Quiet Book by Deborah Underw...

Today is about the books—Derrick Barnes' books, to be exact. Derrick Barnes writes extraordinary picture books. In this episode, we explore what makes them so incredible and why we are so excited to hear him speak at this year's Picture Book Summit. From leaning into his voice, trusting his audience, using such specific details, to shining a beautiful light on Black boys, his words resonate with u...

Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  8 Ways to Ruin a Picture Book Biography with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Use Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Lisa Bardot   Books menti...

Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If you're looking for a place to start on your next story, we think you'll find inspiration in today's chat...

Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are on the writing journey, there is always something to learn. Resources mentioned in this episode:  Secr...

In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published.  Books Mentioned in this episode:  Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and...

In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today!   Books Mentioned in this episode:  Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Julie's Verse Curse Wo...

Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies!  Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to publication.  Brian will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where he'll share how to use your writ...

Another great episode for you today! Julie Hedlund interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Deborah Underwood!  Julie and Deborah discuss the common elements in her books, from quiet to humorous to lyrical. Plus, they take a deep dive into Deborah's books TINY GARDEN and WALTER HAD A BEST FRIEND, their unexpected endings, and the importance of being honest with children. Deborah will be presenting at Pic...

We're excited for this one! Today, Emma Walton Hamilton interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Derrick Barnes!  Before the New York Times Bestsellers and all the awards, Derrick Barnes almost quit writing picture books altogether. In this interview, he shares what kept him going and his advice for writers who feel like giving up. From writing greeting cards to substitute teaching, he reveals how each s...

We have some amazing workshops coming to Picture Book Summit 2026. How do we know they will be so great? Our Founders are our Workshop presenters this year!  Listen in to find out more about these workshops:  Hook, Line, or... Stinker? Discover the Hooks in Your Book with Julie Hedlund Ebb and Flow: The Pull of the Page Turn with Emma Walton Hamilton and Katie Davis We're thinking deeply about hoo...

The team comes together to announce the Superstar Speakers for Picture Book Summit 2026! It's an exciting lineup and we can't wait to share it with YOU. Discover what they'll be teaching at this year's Summit and why we're just so excited to bring these keynotes to the Picture Book Summit stage. Get your ticket to Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craf...

It's Episode 100!! We're celebrating with a trip down memory lane, including a few of our favorite presentations, behind-the-scenes moments, and what we've learned along the way!  Books mentioned in this episode:  On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall Big Red Lollipop by Ruhksana Khan and Sophie Blackall   Past Presentations mentioned in this episode: Peter Brown: Picture...

The Founders of Picture Book Summit reveal their varied writing routines and what keeps them motivated and putting pen to paper. Are they morning writers, evening writers, or something in between? Who's a pantser? Who's a plotter? How do they keep themselves accountable to get their writing done? How important is a critique group? (Spoiler alert: VERY!) Does our resident author-illustrator start w...

Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. This is part 2 of our conversation. If you missed part 1, you can listen to it here: https://picturebooksummit.com/podcast-2026-caldecotts-part-1/ In this episode, we get to discuss this year's winner and two Honor Books. Get ready for insight into these books as well as the numerous things they h...

Our own wordplay warrior, Julie Hedlund, gave a stupendous workshop encouraging us to have fun with our writing by turning it into play. Today, we share a snippet of that presentation where Julie reveals what wordplay is, where it can be used effectively, and how to use it to make your audience feel smart. Remember, you can purchase lifetime access to any past Summit Superstar Presentation or Work...

Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. We have so much to say that it can't be contained in one episode! Today, we analyze OUR LAKE, written and illustrated by Angie Kang, and EVERY MONDAY MABEL, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan. Plus, we discuss commonalities in all of this year's Caldecott books, what we loved and observed abou...

To celebrate our 10th Anniversary Picture Book Summit, we hosted returning Superstar Speakers Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett to talk about how they construct picture books together. You will be fascinated by the details behind one of their seemingly simple stories. (You might also leave with a greater appreciation of 8-bit video games.)  Enjoy this insight into their partnership, how they think, and...

Who needs feedback on their picture book manuscripts? You do! (Don't worry. We do too!) In fact, every writer needs good critiques of their work before it's ready for publication.  So, what kind of feedback are you looking for and where can you get it? Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, Katie Davis, and Kelli Panique share their best advice on getting feedback that will actually make your writin...

What does it mean to be a part of the writing community? How can you be a good literary citizen within the writing community?  In this episode, Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, Katie Davis, and Kelli Panique share easy ways you can support your fellow writers and illustrators, as well as booksellers and libraries. (Guess what? Many of these suggestions are free things you can do help get the w...