iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

2nd grader using his Notebook of Doom book to help model how to layout his snow leopard presentation. This is adding layers to a book. How can your reader engage on different levels with your book/text? #kidlit

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Congrats to all the finalists!! I can't wait to see where this takes you! And to the authors who weren't chosen, it stinks. Let it stink for a day. Eat your fav cookies, go for a walk.. but remember, rejection isn't failure it's redirection. Your "yes" will come! I believe in you. #kidlit

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Did my duty as a mom of members of the "Army" and woke up at 730 AM on a Saturday to get things ready for the live concert. I kinda like concerts in PJs with hot coffee and cinnamon rolls.

a group of young men in suits and ties posing for a picture .

ALT: a group of young men in suits and ties posing for a picture .

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Submitted my entry to PB Party early this AM! Good luck to everyone entering and a HUGE thank you to @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social and all the judges, agents, and editors for your time. #PBPARTY2026 #kidlit

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Anyone applying to #PBPARTY should absolutely check out this workshop with editor Joy Peskin! Submit your 1st pages with a chance for her to critique them live. Even if your pages aren't chosen getting insight on what editors look at is a great way to get your application polished. #KIDLIT

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

DON'T TRUST FISH by Neil Sharpton & @dansantat.bsky.social is a masterpiece and master class on layered stories! I got it for our homeschool library but I ended up getting schooled. Buy this book. Study this book. And most importantly, do what it says and don't trust fish #kidlit #KIDLITMEGAFEED

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

New Year, new workshops with Picture Book Author Academy! This one is sure to be insightful with indie publisher @picnicheist.bsky.social! Above the slush pile submission opportunity included 🥳 Link to sign up: keap.page/wfa867/works...

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Can y'all recommend meatier chapter books for my 7yo going into 2nd but reads at a 3rd grade level, please. We got the Dragon Master's books 1-5 for him, which he LOVES, but he tears through a book in 3 days. He also loves Press Start. #Kidlit #chapterbooks

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John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 18/12/2025

Remember how I said I have it written into my foreign-language contracts that my work has to be translated by an actual human? This shit is why. Those book translations are gonna suck. They'll save money putting out books that are going to be painful to read. That's not a great long-term strategy.

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

#StandUpToJewishHate. In A DRAGON CALLED SPARK: A HANUKKAH STORY by Lily Murray, Eva shares her Jewish traditions with others, bridging connections and making new friends. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all learned about each other’s cultures?

When EVA moves to a new town everything feels strange. Eva isn't lonely though-- she has SPARK, her very Own DRAGON to keep her company.
But perhaps Spark would like a dragon friend to play with?
So, Eva makes a very special
HANUKKAN wish.
A magical story about friendship and imagination from the bestselling author of A Dress with Pockets.

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Kidlit411 @kidlit411.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, THE MITHAI BOX IS NOT EMPTY by @namrataag.bsky.social, illustrated by Parvati Pillai (Holiday House)/ To enter, L + RP and confirm your entry in our Friday update: kidlit411.com/2025/12/the-... (+ more ways to win)

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Morgan Wilson @authormorganw.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Calling all #KidLit authors! I’m honored to be taking pitches at the Picture Book Creator Conference 🎉📚 Want insider tips on crafting a winning picture book? You don’t want to miss this! Use code MORGAN30 to get a discount. ✍️ Secure your spot now: www.allthingspicturebooks.com/pbcc

A blue sky background with rainbow ribbon running from the lower left hand corner the middle right side. In white font it reads Picture Boom Creator Conference with a date of January 30th 2026

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Melanie Figueroa @melaniefigueroa.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

A heads up to querying authors! We're reaching that time of year when offer of rep deadlines may need to extend past the standard of two weeks and into the new year if you want to give everyone the opportunity to consider. Many agents, including myself, are out of the office starting next week.

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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

♥️ “ICE looked at that school, saw a community standing up for families, and decided it wasn’t worth it.”

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Lee & Low Books @leeandlow.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

🎉Our new Poetry Toolkit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your poetry teaching needs. Access this free resource today: www.leeandlow.com/wp-content/u... 📚Discover more poetry titles from Lee & Low: www.leeandlow.com/books/?type=...

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derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

The Nobel Prize committee should announce the World Cup winner tomorrow

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QuietLibrarian @quietlibrarian.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

It's my birthday month! Anyone want to buy a book for my school library? The students thank you. And so do i! www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...

Dogs wearing birthday hat and eating cake

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

My 7yo loves the Mega Man universe. This is his "what to wear present" this year and I can already hear his screams of joy. 🎅

Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Reposted by Kathleen Lowry

While you may be wrapping things up for the holidays, it's the perfect time to line up editorial services so you can dive into next steps in the new year. Let me know if I can help! www.alisonweisseditorial.com

alisonweisseditorial.com

Alison Weiss Editorial

Professional freelance editorial services for children's and young adult projects. Alison Weiss is an experienced industry trade editor of bestselling and award-winning titles with more than 15 years ...

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Leah Chen @leahchen.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

35ºC today, my koala dove straight into the underwater post office, the octopus postman knows how to keep things cool! Perfect timing too. It’s December #KidLitPostcard day! I love creating whimsical little worlds full of charm and adventure. If you think we’d be a great match, please reach out!

Koala diving to underwater postoffice. Octopus postman is standing by.

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Over on Instagram, the Picture Book Author Academy coaches are sharing our revision processes. My top tip: use the search find function to highlight all your weak words: was, is, are, just, felt, etc. This helps spot areas you are telling over showing or a need stronger voice. #KIDLITMEGAFEED

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

I tried showing my big kids (9 and 7) National Lampoon's Christmas. As a kid, this was my family's Christmas movie. 10 minutes in my husband looks at me and says, "This is highly inappropriate." 😅 which sums up every childhood movie I ever watched in the 80's-90's.

a man in shorts is standing next to a pile of trash and a car .

ALT: a man in shorts is standing next to a pile of trash and a car .

Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Reposted by Kathleen Lowry

You're not going to believe me when I tell you that this first 31 Days 31 Lists post represents just a small smattering of the board books published in 2025, but it's the truth! We kick off with books for the youngest readers today! #31days31lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/01/3...

afuse8production.slj.com

31 Days, 31 Lists: The Great Board Books of 2025

You're not going to believe me when I tell you that this is just a small smattering of board books published in 2025, but it's the truth.

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Shannon Hale @shannonhale.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

For people who think book banning isn't a big deal because even if they're not available in libraries and schools, you can still buy them--this is an elitist argument. Most kids ONLY have access to books from their library. Libraries ensure info access for all. Libraries are vital in democracies.

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

📣 I have a funny, commercial NF picture book with a reader engagement layer! It's a topic I am passionate about (FOOD!) because of my 3 kiddos' allergies and needing to look at every.single.ingredient to find safe treats. One day it'll be a book. 🤞 #amquerying #kidlit

a little girl wearing sunglasses is jumping into a pool with the caption meeeee

ALT: a little girl wearing sunglasses is jumping into a pool with the caption meeeee

Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Reposted by Kathleen Lowry

Hey all, The Onion is accepting applicants for our writing, video and graphics fellowships. Fellowships last six months, pay well, and provide full benefits. You can apply at theonion.com/fellowship.

theonion.com

Fellowship

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Afoma is a beacon of light for the kidlit world! No matter your reader, she has a book rec for them.

Justin Colón @justincolonbooks.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Reposted by Kathleen Lowry

I am honored to be a client of @starlingliterary.bsky.social , founded by ABLA agent alumni, @marchsoloway.bsky.social, @jemiscoe.bsky.social and @pterlip.bsky.social. Be sure to give them and the agency a follow, as well as check out their shiny new website: www.starlingliterary.com

justincolonbooks.com

Justin Colon Books – Children's Author & School Presenter

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Lori Knutsen: Kidlit Writer, Teacher and Photographer @lknutsenkidlit.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Another incredible mentorship opportunity for #PB writers with Rosie Pova’s Picture Book Academy. 🎉🎉🎉The #Kidlit community is generous! Take advantage! Mighty Kidlit, 12 X 12, Writer’s Barn, Inked Voices… @drenderturmaud.bsky.social @brilawyer.bsky.social

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

We have a life-sized skeleton in our storage unit we call Arturo. My 7yo today"How did Arturo die?' Husband: He's plastic, Buddy Me: You thought we had a real dead body in our house? 7yo: (sad) Yeah. Now he's not as cool. Wondering how many friends he told we have a dead body in our basement 🙈

a poster for the outlaws shows a woman sitting in front of a graffiti covered wall

ALT: a poster for the outlaws shows a woman sitting in front of a graffiti covered wall

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Victoria Strauss @victoriastrauss.com · 29/11/2025

Alert: I've gotten several reports of non-payment by Graveside Press, from authors w/ stories in one or more anthologies. Also failing to provide author copies, & failing to respond to emails & messages. Anyone w/ similar experiences, pls contact me (Writer Beware) in confidence: beware@sfwa.org

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

I OF COURSE got my MIL & SIL these gems for Christmas (and secretly hope I can borrow them 😅) Bluebells is a historical fiction about the only woman on Charles Darwin's expediton team that came to Valparaíso Donde Habitan las Sirenas is a novel about leaving home to find your place in the world.

Kate Messner @katemessner.com · 26/11/2025

Reposted by Kathleen Lowry

Reminder as we start to talk about panels for next year's NCTE conference: please don't just invite BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators to be on diversity panels. Invite them to be on panels about craft and STEAM books and history and horror and funny books and and and and... Diverse panels are just better.

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

My 9yo and I finished the Impossible Creatures book today and I am floored. She immediately said "we need the 2nd one now!" Sad for her, it won't ship to Chile, so we have to wait for a friend to bring it down for us. If you've read the 2nd book, was it as good as the first?

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

I know encouraging kids at traditional school to finish strong the last week before summer break is hard, but no one told me how hard it would be to motivate MYSELF too as a homeschool mom. 4 more days till 3 months of lazy, summer beach days. 🌴🎉

a starfish on a beach with the words " every day is one step closer to summer "

ALT: a starfish on a beach with the words " every day is one step closer to summer "

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Katie Mazeika @kdmaz.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

I’m speechless…. MAYBE JUST ASK ME! is a 2026 NCTE Charlotte Huck recommended read. Thank you NCTE for this honor! Congratulations to all the other authors and illustrators who received Charlotte Huck and Orbis awards yesterday!!!!! #ncte #ncte25 #charlottehuckawards

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

The In Your Dreams movie is so refreshing! Loved the ending, even my 9yo said "WOW, that never happens!" Also loving awesome hits like "Hey Ya" from Outcast being in soundtracks.

a man wearing a green shirt and suspenders is singing into a microphone .

ALT: a man wearing a green shirt and suspenders is singing into a microphone .

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Any good western middle grade books with strong female MCs that focuses more on adventure and friendship that any romance- in the vein of the TV show Spirit? I already have Prarie Locus on my list. So, I'm looking for more cowgirl/horse-lover types than bonnet-wearing MCs. #kidlit

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

I had a blast reading first pages last night for Picture Book Author Academy's Kat Brzozowski webinar! My main takeaways: -Opening lines are your thesis statement for the MS. -No long, muddled opening lines. Get us into the action. -End first pages on tension: action or emotional #KIDLITMEGAFEED

Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Still time to sign up for PBAA's First Pages webinar with Macmillan Senior Editor Kat Brzozowski on November 18th at 6PM CST! Kat will be reading and commenting on a selection of first pages submitted by participants! More information and to sign up: keap.page/wfa867/works...

keap.page

Workshop with Kat Brzozowski

Discover What Makes Editors Read Beyond the First Page - and How to Make Your First Page Shine

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Sylvia Chen 余愛莉 @sylviaichen.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

💫📦😍 Oh my stars… this is what happens when you get your author copies and do one video take in a rush before school pickup—you say “it’s *so* beautiful” over and over because… it’s *so* beautiful!!! Hope you enjoy this sneak peek of SPARKLES FOR SUNNY! ✨💖✨ @penguinkids.bsky.social #ThaiMyPhuong

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Caitlin Moran @mscaitlinmoran.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round

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Kathleen Lowry @lifeontamiami.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

The far right in Chile is saying the same BS-blame the immigrants for problems that have nothing to do with them. So sick of it all around.