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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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Reposted by AJ Smith

C.J. Hong @cjhong-author.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

So honoured that GREETINGS, FLOOF! won the 2026 #MagnoliaBookAward! Thanks so much to the children of Mississippi (grades Pre-K - 2) who voted for the book, to #SouthernMissCBF & to all who made this award possible! And so grateful to Kathleen Keenan, @ajsmith.bsky.social @kidscanpress.bsky.social!

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C.J. Hong @cjhong-author.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Excited to share fun activities (word searches, a shape shuffle & more) with curriculum ties to #STEM #SEL and #language! Download at cjhong.com. Huge thanks to @jlbaileybooks.bsky.social for creating the guide! @ajsmith.bsky.social @kidscanpress.bsky.social #CanKidLit #PB #KidLit #Educator Guide

Book cover of GREETINGS, FLOOF! (a pink pompom looking alien in a retro rocket ship in outer space) with images of downloadable activities related to STEM, SEL and more.

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Reposted by AJ Smith

Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

I had a lovely time at a double-storytime at Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, MA with friend @ajsmith.bsky.social #kidlit

Photo of Gina Perry and AJ Smith next to their collaborative drawing of The King of Books and Catnip Mouse (King declares “We Love Molly’s Bookstore!”). At Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, MA.

Photo of two kids decorating crowns at a table with picture books, The King of Books by Gina Perry and Catnip Mouse by AJ Smith

Close up photo of a child decorating a yellow crown with markers, dots, and jewels. Crown says BOOKS. Photo taken at Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, MA

Photo of author illustrators AJ Smith and Gina Perry at a storytime reading at Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, MA. AJ is reading Catnip Mouse. Gina and a group of children and parents listen on.

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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 · 13/11/2025

Excited to share this news officially! Thanks to my Lit Agent, @casahasegawa.bsky.social for finding me this gig!

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AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Thanks! I just need to have it picked up by a publisher ;) but it’ll happen — I’m very proud of it. It’s making the rounds now :)

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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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Mark Hoffmann @studiohoffmann.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

This Thursday at 6PM Eastern, on insta, I’ll be joined by a fabulous artist and friend AJ Smith @ajsmith.bsky.social on Gab ‘n’ Doodle. AJ is a writer, an illustrator, a teacher, and as a huge supporter of fellow kid lit folks. @thet2agency.bsky.social @kidscanpress.bsky.social

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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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Reposted by AJ Smith

Mark Hoffmann @studiohoffmann.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Would you take a ride on this train? How many cats is too many cats? Happy #kidlitartpostcard day. My name is Mark Hoffmann and I’m a kidlit author/illustrator. I am rep’d by Jenn Laughran (@literaticat) with @andreabrownlit. #kidlitpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration

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Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard Day! I'm Gina Perry, an author and illustrator of children's books, and creator of this monthly event. I'm rep'd for books by Sean McCarthy, more work at: www.ginaperry.com #kidlit

Vertical illustration. A kid vampire is laying in his coffin, curled up with his cat and a book named SUN KID. The book is emitting a warm glow. Text reads Gina Perry www.ginaperry.com Rep'd by Sean McCarthy

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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 · 29/08/2025

Whoa! NIIICE! That’s so cool.

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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 · 08/08/2025

Simplest, most on-the-nose way to put it!

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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 · 25/07/2025

That’s huge! Way to go and good luck moving forward…

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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 · 26/06/2025

Ohhh wow. I haven’t seen those $&@%’ers since my first apartment in Astoria, which was also broken into and nearly burnt down (about the only thing that would have fended off those SOB’s!)

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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 · 17/04/2025

Sketching out mine as we speak! Would love to see yours!

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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 · 11/03/2025

Been wanting to do my own illustration newsletter for a while now. I’ve found myself uttering my least favorite and most commonly heard complaints: “I don’t have time.” Art, Writing, Creativity, Family,Teaching (& Learning), Hockey, are keeping me SO BUSY. Maybe I should write about those things?

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

Debating how/if to start a newsletter

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