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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Huge congratulations to the clients and friends who've made the shortlist! 🎉

Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What do playgrounds, doctors' offices, and Sofia Valdez, Future Prez have to do with Marian's Big Dig? Find out in my interview with @jenanbenton.bsky.social!

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Preorders are so important to authors, so if you've already ordered Marian's Big Dig, I'd love to thank you! Let me know, and I'll send you stickers and a signed bookplate: tinyurl.com/m2ay43dz What's under Marian's sheet? Find out Oct. 6! @ritchiescot.bsky.social | @groundwoodbooks.bsky.social

"Who wants stickers?" A pile of stickers featuring art from the book Marian's Big Dig and a picture of a fossil are accompanied by a blank bookplate for Laura Bontje to sign.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Summer's ending, so here's one last #CanLitSummer novel. [CW: IVF, stillbirth] I read this quickly, moving from one POV to the next to see how each woman's decisions evolved as they lived through the news that their embryos were swapped during IVF. Setting: Halifax, NS By @charlenecarr.bsky.social

The novel Hold My Girl stands on a shelf beside a display of dried flowers with a text overlay in a heart that says "CanLit Summer."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Are you a horror reader (💀) or does horror creep you out (😱)? Book club's all about discovering new things, and it turns out ... I can enjoy horror more than I thought! My latest #CanLitSummer read is this fascinating, funny, gruesome, complex story by Lindsay Wong. I really enjoyed it!

A Kobo e-reader shows the cover of the novel Villain Hitting for Vicious Little Nobodies. The Kobo rests on a plastic bird skeleton, and a text overlay in the shape of a tombstone says "CanLit Summer."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

As an editor, I offer free sample edits, and I've talked about why in this post. But others have different approaches. What's yours?

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

📚What's your favorite book set in your hometown? I loved Natalie Sue's first book (also set in Calgary!), so on a trip back home, I picked up her latest: a charming look at the assumptions we make about the people around us and what it really means to form a community of neighbors. #CanLitSummer

The book You'll Love It Here sits on a porch with purple and pink flowers in the background and a text overlay that says "CanLit Summer."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

A #CanLitSummer quick read for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to run a bookstore—from the arrival of big bookstore chains through global pandemics—written by the longtime owner of my favorite hometown shop, Calgary's Owl's Nest Books! What are you reading this week?

The book It's Been a Hoot by Michael Hare sits on a shelf beside a decorative glass mountain scene, with a text overlay that says "CanLit Summer."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Oh, how I loved my latest #CanLitSummer read! It's a warm, summery middle-grade graphic novel that explores friendship, family, gentrification, and queerness in a small town. What graphic novel have you enjoyed recently? Author: @kagcomix.bsky.social Setting: Milforth, Ontario

The graphic novel "Carousel Summer" sits beside a young child's hand-painted ceramic horse on a bookshelf with a text overlay that says "CanLit Summer."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Crystal is working magic on this book. I already love the roughs, and I'm so excited to see how it continues to evolve! 😍 #Kidlit #CanLit @owlkids.bsky.social

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Tell me in the comments: Are you a ... 🐕 dog person 🐈‍⬛ cat person 🐍 other Here are some #CanLitSummer recommendations for my fellow cat people! (My fluffy cloud Nimbus helped out.) [Bluesky tags: @charlenedraws.bsky.social, @susinnielsen.bsky.social, @ashleybarron.bsky.social] #KidLit #PictureBooks

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

What are you reading right now? My first #CanLitSummer read was a social commentary on race, class, family, love, and life under capitalism, told through the perspective of Damani, a queer Tamil driver for a ride-sharing app. Author: Priya Guns Setting: An unnamed city

A white hand holds the book Your Driver Is Waiting (by Priya Guns) in front of a blurred background of a campsite with lime-green and hot-pink chairs around a campfire. A sticker on the image says "CanLit Summer" with a red maple leaf.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

#CanLitSummerChat Our first two discussion questions about about Canadian classics! Drop an emoji to vote or reply with another option! Q1: What's your go-to when you want to enjoy Anne of Green Gables? 📕 The book 📚 One of the sequels 🎞️ The TV movies with Megan Follows 📺 Anne with an E

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

#CanLitSummer is back, and this time, I'm inviting you to join me! Stay tuned for more info (and a giveaway!). In the meantime, tell me: Which of these books from my 2023 #CanLitSummer reading project would you pick up on a summer day? 🍁 #CanLit #CANSCAIP #AmReading

Collage of Canadian books labeled "CanLit Summer" with the heading "#CanLitSummer is BACK!" on a backdrop of a beachy lake sunset in Ontario. Books shown: TJ Powar Has Something to Prove, Much Ado About Nada, Looking for Jane, Surviving the City (volumes 1 and 2), Gutter Child, The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan, A Tale of Two Florists, and Ducks.

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Scot Ritchie @ritchiescot.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

What a great visit to Groundwood Books to see everyone. I felt very welcomed, thank you. 😘 I got to see books I've done over the years, along with my newest, Marian's Big Dig - coming in October😊 @laurabontje.bsky.social @groundwoodbooks.bsky.social

Scot Ritchie signing his books at Groundwood Books in Toronto

Scot holding up 5 copies of books he wrote and/or illustrated at Groundwood Books

Close up of the cover of Scot's new book, coming in October 2026 title Marian's Big Dig

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I can't wait to see how our book continues to develop in Crystal's stunning style! 🚀

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

#ArtemisII launched yesterday, sending humans toward the moon for the first time in over 50 years. In honor of the mission, here are some of my favorite picture books about space! Can you guess them all? See answers in thread!

Text reads “Guess my favorite picture books about space. Swipe to get hints and see the answers.” Five polaroid-style images show zoomed-in pictures of colorful artwork.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

I'm thrilled to be joining the wonderful authors of #PictureBooksEh for another year of creative Canadian content! 🍁 You can see this year's picture books on the website, and don't forget to enter for a chance to win a critique or picture book! (I've offered a critique for one winner!)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

You can get a query package critique AND support a good cause with the Lit for Queer Liberation virtual auction. Two successful bidders will get a critique of their: 📝Query letter 📃Synopsis 📕First chapter (novel) OR manuscript (picture book) Browse the auction: www.32auctions.com/organization...

Promo image from the Queer Liberation Network's March 2026 virtual auction, Lit for Queer Liberation. The image shows a picture of Laura Bontje and outlines the highlights of a donated query critique package.

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Scot Ritchie @ritchiescot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

💫Cover Reveal for Marian's Big Dig💫 What a wonderful story to illustrate, written by the talented @laurabontje.bsky.social If you like dinosaurs, fossils and a clever hero, you'll love Marian's Big Dig. 🦕 Preorder now, wherever books are sold. Published by @groundwoodbooks.bsky.social

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

I'm excited to share that my 4th picture book is underway! It's lyrical, informational #PB comparing underwater astronaut training at #AquariusReefBase with life on board the ISS. The team at @owlkids.bsky.social has been great, and I can't wait to see what Crystal comes up with for the artwork!

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Authors' Booking Service @authorsbooking.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Thinking of inviting a Canadian #kidlit author or illustrator to visit your readers? Trending today: @jlbaileybooks.bsky.social @laurabontje.bsky.social @susanhughes.bsky.social @marcuscutler.bsky.social and more! authorsbooking.com

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

When I was a student in Alberta, I read a variety of enriching books in IB English classes. Many would no longer be considered "appropriate" for schools. Also, these policies often target books that offer rep. to LGBTQIA+ students who deserve to see themselves in literature. Please sign. #CAIABB

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

I'm tremendously honored to have been selected from among the many incredible volunteers I've gotten to know over the years.

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Margaret Kingsbury @kidlitmatters.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Congrats to my friend, @laurabontje.bsky.social, on her newest picture book, WHEN THE AIR SANG, a beautiful, intergenerational celebration of cicadas! Perfect for curious kids. #KidLit

1. My hand holds the book in front of trees. The white cover shows a brown skinned, black haired child running through an oversized garden, a cicada on a yellow flower.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Starting soon! I look forward to reading to you all ❤️

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

It's release day! When the Air Sang is officially on shelves! Five years ago, I saw my first cicada, and now ... I couldn't be prouder of how this story has come together. @anderkaya.bsky.social and Annick Press, you've outdone yourselves.

Two copies of the book When the Air Sang (by Laura Bontje and Sarah Whang) are surrounded by cicada sculptures and real cicada husks. Text says "Some things are worth the wait. Available now."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

I just discovered that my debut picture book (Was It a Cat I Saw?) received a media review last year that I hadn’t known about. Right away, I excitedly emailed my family. Then I saw the reviewer's other headlines, and my excitement turned to indignation. (🧵)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Save the date! If you're in #LdnOnt, I hope you'll join @anderkaya.bsky.social and me on April 12 to celebrate our new #PictureBook, When the Air Sang! There'll be remarks & a draw at 2:45. Sound in Motion Studio: 1570 Highbury Ave N. (Shoes are left at the door, so wear your fave socks!)

"Launch Party!" Surrounding the cover of the picture book When the Air Sang, the following text appears in colorful snippets: "Meet the author, meet the illustrator, door prizes, snacks and coloring, see a real cicada husk, support a local bookstore!" In a text box, "Saturday, April 12, 2:30-3:30 pm. Sound in Motion Studio, London, Ontario. This is a shoes-off facility. See post for info."

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

It's hard to believe it's been a full year since my very first book came out! Thank you to everyone who has read it over the past year; it means so much to see people enjoying it. And many thanks to Emma Lidia Squillari, @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social, and the team at @amicuspublishing.bsky.social!

In front of a green backdrop, the picture book Was It a Cat I Saw? wears a pink birthday hat.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Happy publication day to this beautiful biography! I loved working on this book and learning more about Grace Lee Boggs. Congratulations, Songju!

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Kris Holt @krisholt1.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

One of the things I find perplexing about billionaires is that they're all so utterly desperate to be loved but also utterly unable to comprehend that they could become heroes across the world by spending even a fraction of their obscene wealth on others.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Every so often, I get a snarky answer in the "pronouns" section of my contact form. It's important to me that my business is welcoming to trans & nonbinary clients. (And rude answers tell me that someone isn't the client for me.) But asking for pronouns also helps ALL clients. (1/2)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

🎉I recognize a client's title! Congratulations to that author, and many hoorays to all who made the list!🎉 (To others: I know contest announcement days can be tough. Hang in there. If it helps, I didn't make it to the finals the year I entered PBParty either.)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

When you color, do you keep the colors true to the original, or do you prefer to add your own flair? My family and I had so much fun coloring our own versions of @anderkaya.bsky.social's art from When the Air Sang today! Free coloring sheet: www.annickpress.com/Books/W/When... #AnnickPress

The picture book When the Air Sang is open to a spread showing a young girl kneeling in a garden surrounded by flowers and insects, looking at the reader through a magnifying glass. Beside the picture book are some pencil crayons and markers, and three coloring sheets featuring the scene from the book. Each sheet has been colored by someone of a different age with a different coloring style.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

A tip for #PB authors drafting in the common metre (iambic 4/3/4/3) or in iambic heptameter (7/7) and struggling to hear the rhythm: Can you sing your stanzas to the tune of the first verse of "I Just Can’t Wait to Be King"? If yes, you've got it! (1/3) #kidlit #rhyme

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Found a #WritingTip I wrote on my old bird account. Apparently I instantly forgot it, because I've looked it up every time in the 3 years since. 🤦‍♀️ A helpful tip on licence and license in 🍁Canadian English: C comes before S. N(oun) comes before V(erb). So licenCe is the noun and licenSe is the verb!

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Reposted by Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig!

Reina (she/her) @reinamwilliams.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Please learn to criticize terrible, racist, sexist, crusted-smears-of-toxic-sludge-on-our-collective-shoes grifters without calling them "senile," "moronic," "dumb," or "fat." You can do it--I believe in your ability to insult and criticize without being ableist, ageist, and fat-shaming!

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

What a fun way to connect for a book club! And this book is gorgeous; @rosenafung.bsky.social has truly created something beautiful here.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

#WritingTip: Instead of writing acknowledgements at the end, plan as you go! Whether you're on your first draft or your publisher's edits, if you appreciate someone's contribution, make a note. Down the line, you'll have a ready-made list to refer back to! (1/2)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Gotta love that Friday feeling where you pull up your editing to-do list and remember that you sent off today's edit yesterday 🙌 I guess that means more time for writing!

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Did you know you can book virtual and in-person visits from 🍁Canadian kidlit creators at @authorsbooking.bsky.social? There are so many great books coming out in spring 2025, and I'm happy to include When the Air Sang among the list of stories you could learn more about through an author visit!

A graphic from Authors' Booking Service says "2025 Books to Read" with the following covers shown: Asha and Baz Meet Gladys West, My Green Style, League of Littles, Bison, When the Air Sang, Beverlee Beaz Meets Lawree Louise, the Blue Burmese, Miss Match, Ghost Queen, Hiss, and An Unbalanced Force.

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Amazing 2025 books on their way -- and a chance for you to win books and giveaways, including a manuscript critique from me! See more on the #PictureBooksEh website :)

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Laura Bontje | Preorder Marian's Big Dig! @laurabontje.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Looking for feedback on your picture book or middle grade novel? Consider supporting the #Kidlit4Ceasefire fundraiser: www.32auctions.com/organization... 🍉

Kidlit4Ceasefire auction: picture book critique from Laura Bontje [photo of Laura].

Kidlit4Ceasefire auction: MG query and synopsis and first chapter critique from Laura Bontje [photo of Laura].

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