Today we welcome author/illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall and her graphic early reader, BELLA & BLUE (The Little Press, 2022). This sweet series is perfect for beginning readers and subtly addresses childhood anxiety through friendly and relatable characters. Read on to learn more about this book and for your chance to win a copy of your own. Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind BELLA & BLUE. 1. First off, please tell us a l

It's time to welcome Emma Pearl to The Backstory with her picture book debut, MENDING THE MOON (Page Street Kids, 2022) with illustrations by Sara Ugolotti. Beautiful words and gorgeous illustrations fill this fable and tells the story of Luna, her Poppa, and some friendly helpers as they work together to mend the moon. Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind MENDING THE MOON. Thank you for having me! First off, please tell us

It is my pleasure to welcome Morissa Rubin and her debut, DOT, DOT, POLKA DOT (POW! Kids Books, 2022) to The Backstory today. Morissa is serving up a pattern-filled board book with vibrant colors and bold images that will catch the eye of toddlers and grownups alike. Read on to learn all about this beautiful book as well as the inspiration behind it. And don't miss out on a chance to win your choice of a copy of your own, manuscript critique, or portfolio review. Welcome to T

I am excited to kick off a brand new year of The Backstory and to do so with someone I consider to be a kidlit friend, Kelly Swemba. Kelly is a constant source of kindness and positivity in the writing community and her debut, MISSING VIOLET aims to bring hope and understanding as it tackles the difficult topic of grief in an honest and child-friendly manner. Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind MISSING VIOLET. First off, pl