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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I see SUNDAY SCARIES here. Isn’t Lavanya’s art amazing? I live how she brought Josie to life!

Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Educators, librarians, parents: KidLit For Growing Minds has their October newsletter on Substack. Don't miss a fun article by author Tina Cho about her new picture book THE KIMCHI FRIDGE. Plus new educator resources and a fun "Share a Pair". kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com/p/whats-in-y...

kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com

What’s In Your Fridge

by Tina Cho

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Maria Oglesby @mariaoglesbyart.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Happy book birthday @debrakshumaker.bsky.social and Lavanya Naidu! It was so fun interviewing you on your collaboration for this book - you can listen to our @publishingpals.bsky.social interview here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Happy Book Birthday to SUNDAY SCARIES! So thrilled that it’s finally out in the world and grateful to Lavana Naidu for bringing Josie to life with her amazing art. Thanks to @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social and @sophiesheumaker.bsky.social for championing this book! #sundayscaries #picturebooks

A picture of the cover of SUNDAY SCARIES picture book and the words "Happy Book Birthday". Written by Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, published by Alfred A. Knopf for Kids. Website: www.debrashumaker.com.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Thanks to @jpuglow.bsky.social for hosting me on her blog! Read more about my next picture, illustrated by the amazing Lavanya Naidu, published by @randomhousekids.bsky.social on Tuesday, 8/4! Comment on the blog for a chance to win a signed copy! #sundayscaries #picturebooks #backtoschool

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Maria and Suzanne are amazing hosts. I had so much fun doing this podcast about the story behind SUNDAY SCARIES. It was extra fun because illustrator Lavanya Naidu was there, too! Thank you Publishing Pals! #sundayscaries #backtoschool #publishing

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Thrilled to see @slj.com list SUNDAY SCARIES as a wonderful picture book to assuage #backtoschool jitters! It releases on August 4th with @aaknopf.bsky.social. I can't wait for the world to see how Lavanya Naidu brought Jose and her family to life. Her art is amazing! hubs.la/Q04nWrL60

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

#teachers #librarians I am scheduling #authorvisits for the 2026/2027 school year. I'm a #picturebook author who loves getting kids excited about science, reading, and writing. I also have a presentation that talks about #sundayscaries. Find out more at debrashumaker.com/author_visits/.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Interested in a signed copy of SUNDAY SCARIES? It releases on 8/4. If you order from @scrawlbooks.bsky.social by 8/3, I'll sign the book and enclose bookmark/stickers. Use the QR code or go to www.scrawlbooks.com/item/BQmk5nU.... Don't forget to note who to sign it to in the Instructions box!

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That Librarian: Amanda Jones @librarianjones.com · 27/05/2026

“The decline actually ended years ago, and the latest numbers from the American Booksellers Association show independent stores expanding at a pace not seen this century.” abcnews.com/Business/wir...

abcnews.com

Indie bookstores are multiplying, although many people still think they're dying out

Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, often hears people express sympathy for her role, assuming bookstores are disappearing

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Thrilled with this nice review from School Library Journal for SUNDAY SCARIES! "Perfect for read-alouds at home or school and for counselors helping students with school anxiety." SUNDAY SCARIES releases August 4th! Wait till you see Lavanya Naidu's art! #sundayscaries #picturebooks #anxiety

Graphic with cover of picture book Sunday Scaries and quotes from School Library Journal Review that states "Perfect for read-alouds at home or school and for counselors helping students with school anxiety." Another quote states "Anxiety about the approaching week will resonate with kids and adults alike. Josie is shown as resilient. . . back matter includes tips for coping with Sunday Scaries." Written by Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. Releasing with Alfred A. Knopd on August 4, 2026.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Excited to be a part of Cecil County, MD's Public Library's Children's Book Festival on June 13th! Every child will get a free signed book plus books will be for sale from lots of local authors who will be signing them. Hope to see you there! #bookfestival #kidlit

Graphic with banner stating Cecil County Public Library's Children's Book Festival is June 13, 2026 from 10 am - 2 pm at the North East Branch Library. Photo of Author Debra Shumaker and three book covers of PECULIAR PRIMATES, WIND IS A DANCE, and FREAKY, FUNKY FISH.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

THREE months from today, SUNDAY SCARIES is out in the world! So excited to get a copy on Saturday. Many people will relate to Josie and her anxiety every Sunday night. I hope this book will help kids see they are not alone. Available for preorder now! #sundayscaries @randomhousekids.bsky.social

Photo of me holding a copy of my picture book SUNDAY SCARIES.

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Kidlit For Growing Minds @kl4gm.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The May edition of our newsletter, with an article written by @jwbottom.bsky.social, is ready to read! Find book news, teaching tips, inspiration, and more. We're on a break till August. Wishing you lots of time enjoying nature this summer! tinyurl.com/3xf4cx44 #EduSky #schoollibrarians #teachers

tinyurl.com

Nurturing Emotional Connections to Nature

By Julie Winterbottom

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

#PB Writers: Are you stuck in your writing? Don't miss this Virtual Intensive Workshop with New Mexico SCBWI on Saturday, 4/11! Four great sessions including "Writing PBs that Sing" by me! Registration is still open: www.scbwi.org/events/scbwi... @scbwi-nm.bsky.social

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

NFFest is at it again this month with great posts about writing nonfiction for kids. Today I'm on the blog with advice on story structure and arc on non-narrative nonfiction projects. Check it out: www.nffest.com/2026/02/find... And go back and read every post this month. You'll learn so much!

nffest.com

Finding Story Arc & Structure in Non-Narrative Nonfiction

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Excited to reveal the cover of my next picture book—SUNDAY SCARIES features Josie who gets the Sunday Scaries every week. It's illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. If you think this cover is incredible, wait until you see the entire book coming out Aug 4, 2026! #picturebooks @aaknopf.bsky.social

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

So excited to head to Denver this week for @ncte.org! I'm presenting a panel with 4 amazing authors. On Saturday you can find me at the Children's Book Awards Luncheon and a Roundtable for the 2025 Notable Books of Poetry with my picture book WIND IS A DANCE. @kidscanpress.bsky.social

States I will be presenting at a panel "Using Historical and Informational Picture Books Across Grade Levels to Spark Dreams on Friday, November 21st at 3:30 pm at the NCTE Conference. I'm presenting with Nancy Churnin, Lisa Katzenberger, Amy S. Hansen, and Tina Cho.

Graphic stating I am part of the Children's Book Awards Luncheon on Saturday, 11/22 at 12:30 pm and a Cultivating Dreams with the 2025 Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels Round Table at 5:45 pm.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Don't miss the November newsletter from Kidlit for Growing Minds! Learn about the power of small actions, more behind @lynnstreetbooks.bsky.social's THE BLUEJAYS THAT GREW A FOREST, and some really great teacher resources. #kidlit #teacherresources #teachers #librarians

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

So excited to join 19 other amazing authors at @vaasl.bsky.social next week! #librarians we'll be pitching our Author Visits at 2 sessions. And find us in the Exhibit Hall where we will be signing our books! (Bookworm Central will be selling them.) #vaaslgold #vaasl2025 #librariesrock

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Don't miss this latest newsletter by @kl4gm.bsky.social. The opening article by @zeenamar.bsky.social is absolutely fascinating! And the "There's a Book For That" section lists some great reads to celebrate important/fun dates in November!

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Another post reminded me of a gem of a #PB —ME. . . JANE by Patrick McDonnell. It came out just as I started writing picture books. An absolute must read today as we hear of Jane Goodall's passing. But if I may also suggest PECULIAR PRIMATES be me, ill. by Claire Powell. Jane's work inspired me.

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Lindsay | KidLit Grove @lindsayamoretti.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Shining a spotlight on a Children’s Book Resource Hub entry: @bandersonwriter.bsky.social “Especially for Educators” blog—packed with lessons, activities, & insights to make nonfiction shine in classrooms. bethandersonwriter.com/category/esp... #kidlit #edusky #kidlitgrove #nonfiction #teachersky

bethandersonwriter.com

Especially for Educators – Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

blog posts directly related to teachers and classrooms

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Excited to partner with @annmsbooks.bsky.social at @scrawlbooks.bsky.social this Saturday, Sept 6 at 11 am! Join us as we celebrate nature with our books WIND IS A DANCE and FANTASTIC FLORA and an activity! #kidlit #nature

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Kidlit For Growing Minds @kl4gm.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Our Sept. newsletter, article by @lisaljrogers.bsky.social, and #giveaway is ready to read! Find book news, teaching tips, inspiration, & more. Subscribe to receive a special download and bio book list by our KL4GM creatives! 💕📚💕 #edusky #booksky #schoollibrarians #skybrarian tinyurl.com/2yzd9orb

tinyurl.com

Picture Book Biographies: Teaching Tools Full of Possibility

By Lisa Rogers

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Another great newsletter from KidLit for Growing Minds is up! #teachers #librarians check out how to use picture book biographies in your classrooms. Don't miss "There's a Book for That" for October or the book bundle giveaway! kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com/p/picture-bo...

kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com

Picture Book Biographies: Teaching Tools Full of Possibility

By Lisa Rogers

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Lindsay | KidLit Grove @lindsayamoretti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Each week, I’m highlighting a resource you can find in the Children’s Book Resource Hub. This week, I’d like to showcase the treasure trove of educational content created by Kidlit for Growing Minds. Go give them a look! #kidlit #edusky #booksky #teachers kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com

kidlitforgrowingminds.substack.com

Kidlit for Growing Minds | Substack

Supporting teachers and librarians, and inspiring curious kids with the power of story for real world learning. Click to read Kidlit for Growing Minds, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscrib...

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Rhyme Doctors @rhymedoctors.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Readers love rhyming picture books! But the pieces need to add up -- stellar story, marvelous meter, and really good rhymes. If you write in rhyme, we can help you make your manuscript shine! www.rhymedoctors.com @schaubwrites.bsky.social @eileenmeyerbooks.bsky.social @patriciatoht.bsky.social

The New York Times best selling picture books list for the week of Aug 10, 2025, with a link the the Rhyme Doctors, who help authors polish rhyming picture book manuscripts.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Love being part of this group. #teachers #librarians Check out KidLit For Growing Minds!

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Just sent out my latest Author Newsletter. Interested in hearing news about my books, recent picture books I love, and have a chance to win a picture book? I send it out 6 times/year and you can unsubscribe at any time. Read my latest (and subscribe) here: mailchi.mp/b06dbecd36fb...

mailchi.mp

Dog Days of Summer + Picture Book Giveaway!

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

My son just graduated with a degree in meteorology and this article is spot on. These scientists want desperately to save lives, they've been making progress, and the research funds on the chopping block will negatively impact so much. It is so shortsighted.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Thrilled to share WIND IS A DANCE is a 2025 Crystal Kite Honor Book for the SCBWI Atlantic Region! Humbled to be selected from so many amazing books. Grateful to @joseebisaillon.bsky.social's art, @kidscanpress.bsky.social and @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social! #scbwi #scbwi25ck #CrystalKiteAward

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Today is #nationalcatfishday! Did you know catfish that live in African freshwater rivers can zap! They have electric organs they use to stun prey. For more fun facts about fish, grab a copy of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, published by Running Press Kids, illustrated by Claire Powell. #nfforkids

National Catfish Day is June 25th. A screenshot of the page "Some fish zap" from the picture book FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is displayed along with author Debra Shumaker's website www.debrashumaker.com.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Another #PB is in the works! FIRE IS A CHORUS, illustrated by Isabella Fassler, publishing w/ @kidscanpress.bsky.social will hit bookshelves in Spring 2027! Grateful to my agents @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social, @sophiesheumaker.bsky.social and editor Kathleen Keenan for championing this book!

Graphic with announcement of picture book FIRE IS A CHORUS stating Kathleen Keenan at Kids Can Press has bought world right to FIRE IS A CHORUS by Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated by Isabella Fassler, which explores the many ways we experience fire, from a flicker atop a birthday candle to the blast-off of a rocket ship. Publication is set for spring 2027; Sophie Sheumaker and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented Debra.

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Kids Can Press @kidscanpress.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Did you know that today is World Metrology Day? Today highlights the vital role of measurement science in our daily lives. I’M LONGER THAN YOU!, written and illustrated by Carolyn Fisher, is a new and incredibly original way to introduce measurement to kids.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Had SO much fun reading WIND IS A DANCE at the Gaithersburg Book Festival and enjoyed sharing the stage with @susanstockdale.bsky.social & Gaia Cornwall and their books. Grateful to the volunteers and to the parents who bring their kids to feed the spark for books! @kidscanpress.bsky.social

Photo of myself, Susan Stockdale, and Gaia Cornwall on stage at Gaithersburg Book Festival.

Photo of me and a screen with a picture of my picture books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, TELL SOMEONE, PECULIAR PRIMATES, WIND IS A DANCE, and PECULIAR PRIMATES.

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Kids Can Press @kidscanpress.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Will you be at the Gaithersburg Book Festival this weekend? Be sure to stop by and see Kids Can Press authors! Signings to follow.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Join me at the Gaithersburg Book Festival Sat., 5/17 at 10:15 am in the Jim Henson Pavilion. I'll be reading WIND IS A DANCE while kids make ribbons dance like the wind. I'm sharing the stage with @susanstockdale.bsky.social & Gaia Cornwall. @joseebisaillon.bsky.social @kidscanpress.bsky.social

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

May 7th is Beaufort Scale Day! A perfect day to #giveaway a copy of my #PB —WIND IS A DANCE, ill. by @joseebisaillon.bsky.social —a lyrical ode to the wind and the wind scale in the backmatter. Follow me and reply/repost to enter. Ends Sunday 5/11. US only. @kidscanpress.bsky.social #stemforkids

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

#teachers #librarians: I am booking #authorvisits for 2025/2026 school year! I love exciting kids about #science, #reading, and #writing! Check out my website for details and a downloadable brochure: debrashumaker.com/author_visits/

Photo of me in front of an assembly of kids and a powerpoint slide talking about the scientific process.

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Inked Voices @inkedvoices.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

The Plot Lab is happening this Friday! Everyone who registers also gets access to Damon Suede's recent webinar, The Genre Plot: Unpacking the Universal Truths of Narrative. A terrific opportunity to dig into the building blocks of Story and apply to your own WIP. app.inkedvoices.com/event/worksh...

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

Excited to be a featured author at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 17! Join me for a day of books, ideas, and literary fun. I'll be presenting at 10:15 am in the Jim Hensen Pavilion. @kidscanpress.bsky.social @joseebisaillon.bsky.social #GBF2025 #BookFestival

Banner with picture of the cover of WIND IS A DANCE and the details of the Gaithersburg Book Festival which is May 17. I'll be presenting at 10:30 am at the Jim Hensen Pavilion.

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Beyond thrilled that WIND IS A DANCE, written by me, art by @joseebisaillon.bsky.social, is a 2026 Nominee for the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award! What an honor to be among 9 other amazing #PBs. Check the list here: www.emporia.edu/teachers-col... @kidscanpress.bsky.social @kl4gm.bsky.social

Image with a book cover of the picture book WIND IS A DANCE and a heading stating it is nominated for the 2026 Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award awarded by Emporia State University in Kansas.

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Are you trying to figure out how to dig into your next round of revision, but feeling stuck? Come join my self-revision workshop with @writersloftma.bsky.social on April 23! I'll give you a toolbox of tricks and tips to make your book shine! www.thewritersloft.org/offers/HBVR6...

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Since April is #NationalPoetryMonth, it seems like a good time to reshare that WIND IS A DANCE is an NCTE 2025 Notable Poetry Book! Check out the entire list here: shorturl.at/oZfB9 @kidscanpress.bsky.social @joseebisaillon.bsky.social @ncte.org #poetry #weather #picturebook

A graphic showing the cover of the picture book WIND IS A DANCE and a banner that it is a National Council of Teachers of English 2025 Notable Poetry Book.

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Kim Long @kimlongmg.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

Only one more month until CATCHING CRYPTIDS releases!

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Every private sector entity dealing with natural catastrophe / weather / climate risk is hugely dependent on the freely available data from NOAA / NASA / USGS / FEMA. It's quality controlled. It's robust. It's essential. The private weather / climate enterprise cannot function without it either.

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