iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Today was writing revision day. I put it off. I dithered and dilly-dallied. But when I finally put pen to paper, I’m pleased with the results. Note to self: You Win with Revision. #writingcommunity #picturebooks #revisions

static.klipy.com

Dill With It Celery Family Meme

ALT: Dill With It Celery Family Meme

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This is a great time to pre-order "The Northbound Train," my debut picture book. Find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

So excited to see an article in my local newspaper about "The Northbound Train." Illustrated by Tonya Engel, this historical fiction picture book was inspired by my father's journey from Birmingham to Chicago as part of the Great Migration. Pre-order on Amazon. evanstonroundtable.com/2026/08/10/e...

evanstonroundtable.com

Evanston author hopes her debut children’s book inspires others to share family migration stories - Evanston RoundTable

Leslie Piotrowski‘s first children’s book will be released in January 2027. For Leslie Johnson Piotrowski, writing has always been a part of her life. As

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

My father inspired my PB The Northbound Train, Illus. by Tonya Engel. My father's journey as part of the 1930s Great Migration changed the trajectory of my family. @abramskids will release it in Jan. 2027. Preorder at: tinyurl.com/krbac7c8. #PictureBooks #writingcommunity

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Sometimes I feel blind. Today I finally noticed more of the symbolism that Tonya Engel used in her illustrations for my picture book "The Northbound Train." Her symbolism adds another layer of information waiting to be discovered. Preorder at: tinyurl.com/krbac7c8

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

I’m thrilled that my picture book “The Northbound Train” illustrated by Tonya Engel is a Jr Library Guild Gold Standard title. @JrLibraryGuild #JLGSelection #kidlit @Abramskids

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

COVER REVEAL--I'm so excited to post the cover of my debut picture book THE NORTHBOUND TRAIN. Abrams Kids will release it in January of 2027. In the meantime, it is available for preorder on Amazon: tinyurl.com/krbac7c8 and other sites. #coverreveal #greatmigration #picturebooks #debutbooks

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. It’s a Tour de France team zooming through the streets of Barcelona. It was just by chance that I happened to be in Barcelona during the famous race this year.

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Hooray for @carolynbfraiser.bsky.social and her beautiful books!!! Did you know she used to climb trees to hide from her neighbors and escape into a book?! Good thing she doesn’t need to hide away anymore because we need her to write and share all of her books with us! ✨📚

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Thrilled to share that PB25Vibes author Namrata @namrataagarwal’s book has received a starred review! Congratulations, Namrata @namrataag.bsky.social #reviews #starred #schoollibraryjournal #kidlit #author

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

Finally, we are thrilled to share a glimpse of the PB25 Vibes group. Each cover in this collection captures a distinct vibe from resilience and cultural connection to imaginative joy and emotional healing. ✨#bookcover #reflections #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

This month, our authors are turning the spotlight on their book covers. Each cover holds clues, emotions, and symbols that connect deeply with the story inside. #bookcover #reflections #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Leslie @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social shares how tough it can be to let go of your favorite characters, sentences, words especially when they’ve lived in your mind and heart for so long. #revision #editors #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing 🪓🪓🪓🪓

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Our first revision fact is from @costantia.bsky.social who shares her experience revising her manuscript 'The FIG TREE' #5amwritersclub #publishing #revision #editors #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #12x12pb #scbwi #writingcommunity

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Next up in our PB25 vibes series: a revision fact from the one behind the vibes this month— @namrataagarwal.bsky.social ! 🎉 Namrata shares a peek into her journey revising 'The Mithai Box Is Not Empty' #revision #editors #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing #cultural

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Next from our squad is Ha Dinh, an author who simply cannot lay her mind to rest. Let’s see how Ha describes her journey through the revision process. #revision #editors #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

🎉 Happy Book Birthday to Ha Dinh! 📚 ✨ #bookbirthday #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing 📣 Attention chapter series fans! Today is her book birthday and Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix Up js out and 55% OFF on Audible RIGHT NOW! 🎧✨

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

"Kimberly explains that during the revision process, ideas might just come—so don't give up." #revision #editors #author #kidlit #PB25Vibes #writingcommunity #publishing

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

youtube.com/watch?v=ZKoJ... I am so honored to have received the “Many Voices” statewide award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI-Illinois) for my picture book manuscript “Escape from the Cotton Fields.”

youtube.com

2025 SCBWI-IL Many Voices Prize

YouTube video by Illinois SCBWI

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

I strongly believe in the power of a group. You can often do things much better in a group than by yourself.

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

During March, #PB25Vibes authors are sharing their biggest challenges. A journalistic style of writing kept getting in Leslie Piotrowski’s way until she discovered her lyrical voice. #writingcommunity #picturebooks #BIPOC

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

"A love letter to all families who manage chronic illness on a regular basis..." What a GREAT review from SLJ for KENZIE'S LITTLE TREE by @alisonmcgauley.bsky.social #KidLit #PictureBook #EduSky #BookSky

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

I pass my manuscripts through four critique groups before I send them to my agent.

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Kidlit For Los Angeles @kidlitforla.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

WE DID IT! Thanks to your generosity we smashed our fundraising target, and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, bid, shared, and supported. You showed up for Los Angeles, and we can’t thank you enough! The @Kidlit For Los Angeles team (Caroline, Charlotte, Tara and Jocelyn) 💖

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

I have gotten some of my best picture book story ideas in the middle of the night.

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

I had a great time today at a book launch in Vernon Hills. A member of one of my critique groups, Nicole Hewitt, read from her just released fantasy novel, THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN, before a huge crowd. So nice to see so many authors and avid book readers there to support her.

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Is your writing stuck? Take a walk! Taking breaks and spending time in nature can general creativity. Don't forget to write down all those great ideas. Great advice from @costantia.bsky.social, author of THE FIG TREE, releasing in June. #KidLit #PictureBooks #BookSky #Teachers #Librarians

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Are you connecting with other #KidLit writers as part of your journey? Finding people with similar passions provides support and inspiration! Great writing tip from @christinealemshah.bsky.social, author of BEA’S BALIKBAYAN BOX OF TREASURES, coming soon! #PictureBooks

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

I’ve signed up for another year with 12x12. It’s where I can find my writing community, post picture book drafts to receive feedback, and learn from webinars and other great tools. If you’re thinking of writing a picture book, check it out: www.12x12challenge.com. @12x12challenge #12x12PB

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

Which "P" are you going to focus on this week? Lots of options from @theislandwriter.bsky.social, author of BIRTHDAY BASH, releasing later this year from The Little Press. #KidLit #PictureBooks

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

#BookTok and #BookSky -- we are a group of #picturebook authors who are releasing books in 2025 and we are all about sharing #book vibes and more! Follow us and our group members easily with this starter pack: bsky.app/starter-pack... We look forward to connecting with you on BlueSky!

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PB25Vibes @pb25vibes.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Revision is where the magic happens! Make every single word count. The "best" must shine through. Great advice from @chelseatornetto.bsky.social, author of CHALK THE WALK (Familius) and SEASONS OF THE FARM (Sleeping Bear Press), both releasing this spring! #KidLit #PictureBooks #WritingTips

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

I’m drafting a picture book about the Underground Railroad. There are lots of books about this topic out there already. But there still may be room for mine. #writingcommunity #picturebooks #historicalfiction

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

Looking forward to Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm this year! #writingcommunity #picturebooks

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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 26/12/2024

Follow, like, repost if you love libraries! Let's show that Americans love libraries, reading, and books! #library #libraries #read #reading #books #author #lit #literature

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

If you’re a writer, I hope your pen guides you into a fabulous 2025. #writingcommunity #picturebooks

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

Yesterday the Evanston Public Library provided a real treat. Betsy Bird and Brian E. Wilson presented their choices for the best picture books of 2024. Some of my favorite books were on their list, such as URSULA UPSIDE DOWN, THE IGUANADON’S HORN, and WE ARE DEFINITELY HUMAN.

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Here are three picture books that completely blew me away this morning. #picturebooks #writingcommunity

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

Drafting a nonfiction picture book means doing lots of research. But I think I may have overdone it at the library. #writingcommunity #picturebooks

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Leslie Piotrowski @lpiotrowski80.bsky.social · 13/07/2024

Hi #kidlit community. I’m a debut picture book author. My book, THE NORTHBOUND TRAIN, will be released by Abrams Books for Young Readers in the fall of 2025.

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