iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

See you at the Warwick Children's Book Festival, this Sunday, October 11, 2026. 11am – 4pm. Warwick Valley Middle School Gymnasium, Warwick, NY. Over 75 Children's Book Authors & Illustrators!! FREE Admission! #childrensbooks #hudsonvalleyevents #picturebooks #chapterbooks #childrensliterature

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy #kidlitartpostcard Day. I'm AJ Smith, a kidlit author/illustrator, happily repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social -- Here are some spooky illustrated friends... #kidlit #authorillustrator #kidlitauthor #kidlitillustrator #childrensillustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Been so busy creating and prepping for school & book events (and doing life) that I missed the last #kidlitartpostcard day… Here is a kidlit adjacent post of new & revised illustrated icons for self-promotional banners and such! #illustratedicons #iconillustration #kidlit #childrensillustrations

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Love spotting my books in the wild, especially when displayed next to the talented Maddie Frost & @billcanterbury.bsky.social. Coincidently, Bill and I are currently teaming up on the hilarious “STRANDED PANDAS” graphic novel series hitting stores in 2027! #funnyBooksForKids #picturebooks #kidlit

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Happy #portfolioDay! Going with something a bit different for summer time! I’m a kidlit author/illustrator who also loves branding / packaging / food & beverage #illustration projects! I’m repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social at T2 Lit Agency #illustrator #summerArt #editorialillustration #labelArt

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

For the latest #kidlitartpostcard here’s a sneak-snippet from 2027’s Stranded Pandas GN series, that I’ve been illustrating. I’m a #kidlit #authorillustrator nearish Boston. I’m repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social at T2 Lit Agency. #childrensbookillustrator #childrensillustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! Here’s young me as a scraggly haired explorer of swamps, bogs, ditches, & more swamps. Now semi-retired from frog-wrangling & fully retired from having hair, I’m focused on being an #authorillustrator -repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social #kidlitart #childrensillustrator

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Hey #MelroseMA families! Join us for this fantastic Kidlit Books Double Feature this Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 AM at Molly’s Bookstore! It’s going to be a BLAST! #massachusettsFamilyEvents #massachusettsKids #eventsForKids #melroseMassachusetts

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Hello, I’m AJ Smith, an author, illustrator, and intrepid (but tired) adventurer. I’m happy to present this celebration of all things bucolic, bear-like, & breakfasty in recognition of #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m happy to be repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social at T2 Lit Agency.

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

I’m so happy to share this exciting news with friends, family, collaborators, and colleagues! CATNIP MOUSE has been nominated for the 2026 Sid Fleischman Award For Humor! #kidsneedfunnybooks #funnybooksforkids #sidfleischman #sidfleischmanaward #scbwi

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Hello Publishing Peeps, Editors, Art Directors, Librarians, Teachers, & Booksellers! I’m AJ Smith, author/illustrator of picture books & chapter books, repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social at T2 Lit. Here’s a peek at a raucous bear-breakfast-adventure PB project out on sub now. #KidLitArtPostcard

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Today is the day! CATNIP MOUSE hits bookstores across North America and I couldn’t be more excited for kids to work-out their funny bones with this book! Guaranteed guffaws! #kidlit #kidlitart #funnybooksforkids #cats #authorillustrator #childrensbookillustration #dogs #catsanddogs #picturebooks

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

Librarians, fill your shelves with FUNNY! Catnip Mouse is the perfect read-aloud for class clowns, reluctant readers, and reluctant would-be class clowns! #funnybooksforkids #librariansRock #kidlit #kidlitlibrarians #childrensliterature #childrenslibrary #childrenslibrarian #childrenslibrarians

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

I’m sharing a spread from CATNIP MOUSE, which debuts next week!! I’m an author/illustrator who loves writing & drawing silly stories for kids! I’m repped by Carter Hasegawa at T2. #kidlitartpostcard #kidlitpostcardday #kidlitillustration #kidlitart @casahasegawa.bsky.social @thet2agency.bsky.social

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

The countdown is on… My latest picture book, CATNIP MOUSE hits bookstores October 7! Shop Local: bookshop.org/.../catnip-m.... Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/.../catnip..... See less Amazon: www.amazon.com/Catnip-Mouse...

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Kids are going to love being read CATNIP MOUSE (Oct 7 from Kids Can Press) — Gaggles of Giggles! Gobs of Guffaws! Preorder this hilarious new picture book today: bookshop.org/p/books/catn... #bookpreorder #bookSales #helpanauthor ##bookpresale #readtoyourkids #readtoyourchildren #authortalk

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

One More Month! On October 7, my latest picture book, CATNIP MOUSE will hit stores and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with kids! It’s going to be a very silly, silly book! #silly #newbook #bookbirthday #newpicturebook #indiebooksellers #catsanddogs #indiebookshop #funnybooksforkids

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

For this month’s #kidlitartpostcard day, here’s the opening spread of CATNIP MOUSE (Oct 7 from Kids Can Press). I’m an #authorillustrator a bit north of Boston who loves creating silly childrens books full of furry friends! #kidlit #kidlitbooks #chilldrensillustration #picturebooks

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Introducing GIPP & VERA from my latest book, CATNIP MOUSE (Fall 2025). GIPP is an exuberant pup who craves VERA’s attention. But VERA’s already doing her own thing, with her beloved CATNIP MOUSE. Calamity and silliness ensue! #kidlit #childrensbooks #kidlitbooks #picturebooks #childrenslibrarian

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Catnip Mouse is ready for preorder from your local indie bookstore (bookshop.org), Barnes&Noble, or Amazon…. #kidlit #funnybooksforkids #catnipmouse #authorillustrator #childrensbookillustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

It’s #KidLitPostcard Day! I’m AJ Smith, an author / illustrator a bit north of Boston, specializing in picture books for kids (and immature adults). I’m repped by @casahasegawa.bsky.social at @thet2agency.bsky.social. This postcard features art from my forthcoming book, CATNIP MOUSE. #picturebooks

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Fresh CATNIP MOUSE promo postcards are coming your way, #librarians & #indiebookstores! Luckily, I had a professional Stamp-Licker to expedite the process! #kidlit #picturebooks #childrensbooks #authorillustrator

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Excited to flex the cover of my next book, CATNIP MOUSE You’ll be hearing me hype fast-paced, funny, FUN book a lot more… #bookcovers #coverreveal #indiebookshop #librarylove #librariansofbluesky #picturebooks #childrenslibrarian #kidlit #funnybooksforkids

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Does anybody posts reels on bluesky?? Do I reserve these for IG / Tick-Talk or continue to add them here too??

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

I’ve been wanting to work with Carter Hasegawa for a very long time! Today, I’m thrilled to officially announce Carter as my new literary agent with the T2 Agency — Looking forward to some BIG things on the horizon… #kidlit #authorillustrator #childrensbookauthor #childrensbookillustrator

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

(Llama is here too)… Last minute but wanted to put something together for #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m an author/illustrator nearish Boston, proud to repped by Carter Hasegawa at Tugeau2 Lit Agency #kidlitillustration #kidlit #childrensliterature #picturebookillustration #illustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Been dealing with some really tough times behind the scenes, but on this #kidlitartpostcard day, I’m giving myself the “No Quit” Award — good things on the horizon… #authorillustrator #kidlit #picturebooks

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

#societyofillustrators #originalArtShow catalog is so great! Go order yours on the Society Of Illustrators website! You won’t be disappointed…

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Website Update In Progress! Lots happening behind the scenes… #illustrationBusiness #illustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Getting in on the Action Figure Starter Pack trend. I’m a children’s author/illustrator nearish Boston who loves creating anything funny, outdoorsy, and boyish. #starterpack #starterpackillustration #starterpacknoai #kidlit #kidlitart #humanintelligence #createdwithhumanintelligence

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Here’s a sassy sasquatch for #kidlitartpostcard day. I’m AJ Smith, an author, illustrator, animator nearish Boston. Currently pitching and taking on new sassy assignments. My latest picture book, Catnip Mouse hits bookstores this fall…

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Here’s a little reel showcasing just some of my caricature and #portraitillustration… I’d love to do more of this type of #illustration work for murals, magazines, bio books… #brooklyn99 #ameliaearhart #bobdylan #gaga #elvis #ramones #queenelizabeth #cashcab #mindyproject

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

A look back at a very busy 2024: #artvsartist — Thanks to my wonderful clients and creative collaborators — I’m already looking forward to the exciting projects-to-be in 2025! #kidlitart #kidlit #artvsartist2024 #illustrator #childrensbooks #picturebooks #bears #otters #childrensliterature

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

I have a mild-mannered alter-ego as a high school art teacher. Tonight we are hosting an art auction to benefit our student artists. The local kidlit community came through (as usual)! Check out these awesome book baskets! Thanks to all my contributing friends in the publishing world!

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 03/10/2024

Don’t be scared — it’s only #kidlitartpostcard Day! I’m AJ Smith, an author/illustrator in New England, who loves making spooky scribbles and silly stories #kidlit #authorillustrator #kidlitillustration #childrensillustration #childrensbookillustration #halloweenart

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 06/09/2024

I’ve been illustrating away on my latest picture book, so I didn’t have time to make that #kidlitpostcard drawing you asked for… but I DID doodle up those drawings of Max & Shawn, that singing magpie, your big sister,, and the flatulent bovine you asked for. You’re welcome. #kidlitart #illustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 26/06/2024

Making the (slow) migration from instagram to #cara. Please come find me over there if you’re a CARA user or plan to be… cara.app/ajsmithnet

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 16/06/2024

Reintroducing myself to the #kidlit community here on BlueSky. I’m an author-illustrator of silly picture books. I just cooked up a new update to my website www.AJSMITH.net— please check it out!

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/06/2024

@brianlarossa.com @debbieohi.com Can you weigh on this and advise? appleinsider.com/articles/24/... #adobecreativesuiteagreement

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 04/04/2024

Arf-Arf, Bark-Bark, & Bow-Wow! Happy #kidlitartpostcard Day! I’m an author / illustrator a bit north of Boston who loves drawing all things furry, snuggly, and drooly! #kidlitart #childrensillustration #childrenillustration #authorillustrator #illustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/03/2024

Hi, I’m AJ and I like pancakes and making fun art for kids… and pancakes. Here’s my latest #kidlitartpostcard

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 15/01/2024

What would this Grampaw Bear wear out on a hike with his grandson? #kidlitart #characterDesign

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 14/01/2024

Taking a break from writing a picture book manuscript, to loosely explore a scene visually…. All very reciprocal steps. And I really love this stage because everything is so fresh and full of possibilities… Now for some character designs and more manuscript tinkering… #picturebooks #kidlitart

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 04/01/2024

My latest #kidlitartpostcard features a stinky spread from my upcoming (6/24) picture book “Greetings, Floof!” by CJ Hong from Kids Can Press #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #kidlit #picturebookillustration #illustration

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 10/11/2023

Interested in illustrating #kidlit / #childrensBooks? You need this #domestika course by @studiohoffmann.bsky.social Do yourself a big favor and make it happen: www.domestika.org/en/courses/4... #illustration #illustrationCourse

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