FLY written by Brittany Thurman
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FLY written by Brittany Thurman

Every story has a story and today’s is an inspiring one! Learn how debut author Brittany Thurman wrote and revised her beautiful book FLY, with gorgeous illustrations by Anna Cunha.

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BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY written by Christy Mihaly
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BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY written by Christy Mihaly

Water, water, everywhere and the drops to drink connect us all! But how do you tackle a big subject like water in a picture book? Read how Christy Mihaly wrote BAREFOOT BOOKS WATER: A DEEP DIVE OF DISCOVERY, that discusses the wondrous power of this life-giving liquid with gorgeous illustrations by Mariona Cabassa. Even more wondrous? This book was created entirely during the pandemic!

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FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez
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FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez

Do you know a kid that loves unicorns? Even if you know a kid that doesn’t love unicorns they will still love FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez with delightful illustrations by Mariano Epelbaum. Read how Jess took the idea of a unicorn school and paired it with an unforgettable character and message.

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JOY THE PANDACORN written by Maggie Lauren Brown
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JOY THE PANDACORN written by Maggie Lauren Brown

Sometimes, inspiration for a story can come from another book. But sometimes it can also come when we look at the bookshelf and think: “I wish there were more stories like this…” Read how Maggie Lauren Brown wrote, revised and created her story JOY THE PANDACORN, with beautiful illustrations from Fia Kilbourn.

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BLOOP written by Tara Lazar
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BLOOP written by Tara Lazar

Practice makes perfect, which means every manuscript (and rewritten manuscript) can lead to a polished story. Learn how the amazing Tara Lazar came up with her tenth picture book, BLOOP, complete with gorgeous illustrations by the talented Mike Boldt.

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BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS written by Ana Siqueira
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BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS written by Ana Siqueira

The beauty of picture books is sometimes they teach us a lesson in a special way. This fun story is about baking...AND the growth mindset. Read how Ana Siqueira wrote and revised her debut picture book BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS with beautiful illustrations by Geraldine Rodriguez.

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KING SEJONG INVENTS AN ALPHABET written by Carol Kim
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KING SEJONG INVENTS AN ALPHABET written by Carol Kim

History often holds amazing ideas for stories. I’m incredibly excited to share the revision journey of a story I know well because...well, I read one of the early drafts! This book is a fascinating story about the history of the Korean alphabet. Read more about KING SEJONG INVENTS AN ALPHABET written by the wonderful Carol Kim with gorgeous illustrations by Cindy Kang from Albert Whitman!

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HELLO, STAR written by Stephanie Lucianovic
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HELLO, STAR written by Stephanie Lucianovic

We need empathy in our world more than ever. Read how Stephanie Lucianovic found inspiration from something her six-year-old said to create the beautiful story HELLO, STAR illustrated by the incomparable Vashti Harrison coming September 2021!

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Q&U CALL IT QUITS written by Stef Wade
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Q&U CALL IT QUITS written by Stef Wade

Sometimes a whole story can come from one simple line. Stef Wade shares how one spoken sentence turned into Q&U CALL IT QUITS, illustrated by Jorge Martin and launching June 2021! It is QUITE a QUEST...

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FREAKY, FUNKY FISH written by Debra Shumaker
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FREAKY, FUNKY FISH written by Debra Shumaker

Rhyming can feel tough, especially during the revision process. But when the right revision comes along you it makes you want to break out in song! (Okay, there’s a reason why I’m not a rhymer). However, Debra Shumaker has definitely nailed this skill! Read more about her revision process for her super fun STEAM book FREAKY, FUNKY FISH with wonderful illustrations by Claire Powell.

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JET THE CAT IS NOT A CAT written by Phaea Crede
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JET THE CAT IS NOT A CAT written by Phaea Crede

The best stories often come from something personal. And the other best stories are silly fun. And the best of all best stories? They combine both. Read how Phaea Crede wrote and polished her debut book JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT) illustrated by Terry Runyan and launching May 2021!

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SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS written by Melissa Stewart
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SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS written by Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart is an award-winning author of more than 180 science books for children. Read about her writing and revision process for her upcoming book SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS: ANIMALS THAT ESTIVATE, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Launching March 2021!

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HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT written by Roberta Gibson
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HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT written by Roberta Gibson

Have you ever wondered if it is worthwhile to try to answer an open call? Read more about Roberta Gibson’s publishing journey for her book HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT, illustrated by Anne Lambelet and published by Lerner Books. Coming soon in April 2021!

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WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER written by Joanna Rowland
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WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER written by Joanna Rowland

Joanna Rowland has created beautiful stories to help children process emotions such as THE MEMORY BOX, STAY THROUGH THE STORM, and so many more. She is an elementary teacher by day and a writer by night. Learn how she wrote and revised her upcoming story WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER, illustrated by Marcela Calderon and launching March 2021!

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THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE written by Nikki Shannon Smith
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THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE written by Nikki Shannon Smith

If you’re a fan of chapter books like me (and also a chapter book writer, like me!) then read on to learn how author Nikki Shannon Smith creates and revises the world of Azaleah Lane! I’m utterly thrilled that Nikki was willing to share how she wrote and revised the third installment of her chapter book mystery series, THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE illustrated by Gloria Felix.

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THE OWL WHO ASKS WHY written by Michelle Garcia Andersen
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THE OWL WHO ASKS WHY written by Michelle Garcia Andersen

Why is the sky blue? Why are clouds white? Those are good questions, but another great question is: HOW does a published author write and revise a story? You’ll love the gems of wisdom from Michelle Garcia Andersen and her revision journey for her delightful tale THE OWL WHO ASKS WHY illustrated by the amazing Ayesha L. Rubio.

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WHOLE WHALE written by Karen Yin
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WHOLE WHALE written by Karen Yin

Welcome to the first post of First Draft to Final Book. Karen Yin, debut author of the upcoming book WHOLE WHALE shares insights and advice from her revision journey. Have you ever had an idea percolate in your head? Learn how Karen turned her concerns for the world into an impactful published story coming from Barefoot Books in May 2021!

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