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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I've entered the #FallWritingFrenzy Thanks Kaityln and Lydia for organizing this, and also to all the folks that are donating prizes.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

My #Kidlitchucklechallenge entry is in. Thanks to the organizers. I had fun with this again this year.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Yikes! That is a lot in such a short time period. I'm part of that bunch with a PB submission. Thanks for giving us folks looking for an agent a chance.😀

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

I submitted 3 pitches for picture books on #SmallPitch today. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plus, it's always helpful to refine pitches. Thank you to the organizers.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Querying. I know agents get tons of submissions, so personalized responses are typically not possible, but the lack of feedback is challenging.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

#querying It's kind of a weird process, right? I am a #PB writer, and generally when you query you send one MS. I think my work is similar to what Amy Krouse Rosenthal produced (RIP). Her work was quite varied. But how do I put that in a query for one MS? Thinking out loud...

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#questpit #Q #PB What is THE BIGGEST PRESENT EVER? It is 280 words exploring what a boy imagines it could be. Could it be a dinosaur egg? A basketball hoop? It seems to be getting bigger with each page turn. Dad’s answers are mysterious until the present is revealed. Full of heart.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#questpit #Q #PB MY NEW BEST FRIEND is a 320 word picture book that saves the identities of a boy’s old and new best friends until near the end. He’s a little unsure about his new best friend. He misses his old best friend. No best friend is perfect, but sometimes a friend truly steals your heart.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#questpit #Q #PB HAVE YOU SEEN A EWE? If you’re a ram in the fall, you’d like to find one. Unfortunately, he can’t, and none of the other male animals he encounters have seen one either. A lyrical, funny, and educational peek into animal names in 360 words.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#questpit #Q #PB I’D LOVE TO BE AN ELEPHANT says a little boy who is often getting into trouble for breaking things. But when he eventually misses his mother, he wonders whether she would love to be an elephant too. A 270 word lyrical picture book full of spirit and heart.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Thanks for the recommendations. I put both of them on hold at my library.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

#kidlit At my local library I recently came across two picture books by Al Rodin, including "An Adventure for Lia and Lion." It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure, and the illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully we'll see more from him - great stuff.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

I like the eyes on the bush. Very fun.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

I read a lot of picture books, but I still find that I am discovering writers and illustrators that are new to me. I recently came across some delightful books illustrated by Jean Jullien. His illustrations are slightly off kilter, and I mean that in a good way. They just make me smile.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Looks beautiful. I look forward to seeing it in person. I have a PB MS about the musical connection between an infant and mother, so I'm always interested to seeing other kidlit publications related to music.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

This reminds me of the boy in The Snowman. One of my family's favorite Christmas videos to watch.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

I read the PB "Little Echo" by Al Rodin today. The illustrations are beautiful and it is a sweet story. I wasn't familiar with his work until now. It's always a joy to read a talented PB creator that is new to me.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

I picked up PUT YOUR RECORDS ON the other day. I love Gillian's illustrations. I'm sure this collaboration will be wonderful. Congrats!

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

There are so many, it is hard to list them all. Two worth mentioning are Bill Peet, because not enough people today know his amazing work, and Amy Krause Rosenthal, who left the world too soon.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

I just finished watching the recording. Corrina was fantastic. It was a truly inspirational talk. Thank you for this.

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Reposted by Keith Harrell

Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Would you like to see #PBParty teasers this year?

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

A member of my local critique group has a new NF book out on endangered black-footed ferrets (BFF's). Please help save this endangered species by purchasing her book and spreading the word that this species needs our help. Look for BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets by Elaine Miller Bond.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

I ordered this from my local bookstore. Looking forward to seeing it! My local library has ordered several copies too.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

#pbparty entry date is coming up soon. I have a MS that I'm excited to enter. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I submitted my #50preciouswords entry yesterday.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

I just submitted my entry for the #KidlitChuckleChallenge. I made myself laugh, so that's a win no matter what the results of the contest.😀 Thanks to the authors that set this up!

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 17/03/2024

Well, I have to admit to being disappointed that my MS did not make the cut for #PBParty. I reread my MS this morning and found one word change to make. I think my MS is the best I can make it right now. So, I will soldier on. It will be on bookshelves one day. Perseverance!

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 15/03/2024

That people weren't kidding when they said it can take many, many years to get published...and that there really is no substitute for experience. Paraphrasing Dori, you have to "just keep writing".

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 08/03/2024

While I wait (somewhat impatiently) for #PBParty results, I want to say thank you to all of the folks that make this contest happen. I have a small inkling of what it must take to put this on, and I'm really grateful to all of the volunteers.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 08/03/2024

I was chatting last night with someone in a picture book critique group who wasn't familiar with Bill Peet's work. He is one of my all time favorite PB authors (and illustrators). I love reading and creating new picture books, but I think it's important to promote the great work of the past.

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 04/03/2024

I love Quentin Blake's illustrations!

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Keith Harrell @krharrellnw.bsky.social · 23/02/2024

I entered #PBParty yesterday. It's gratifying to know that I have made a great deal of progress since I submitted last year. Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased with the work I entered this year.

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