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Reposted by Michael Benner

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

NEW PODCAST ALERT! What do we do when TWO #12x12pb members make the NYT #Bestsellers List the same week? We celebrate! Congrats to @karilavellewrites.bsky.social (BUTT OR FACE) & @michaelbennerbooks.com (MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY)! 12x12challenge.com/nyt #picturebook #kidlit #podcast 1/2

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Reposted by Michael Benner

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Happy Book Birthday to #12x12PB member, @michaelbennerbooks.com! 🎉📚 📚 MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY illustrated by Alison Hawkins and published by Orchard Books (Scholastic) Check it out: buff.ly/w19qc5r #kidlit #12x12PB

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Reposted by Michael Benner

Kidlit411 @kidlit411.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

We're pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book MAC AND CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY by @michaelbennerbooks.com illustrated by Alison Hawkins (Scholastic) out on July 14. To enter, L + RP and confirm your entry in our Friday weekly: kidlit411.com/2026/07/the-... (+ more ways to win)

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 08/07/2026

Surprise! Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story is on shelves today (at least in some bookstores). Visited @bookpeople.com and @barnesandnoble.com to check it out. It’s a dream come true! Even got to sign copies at Barnes & Noble. Wow! In stores everywhere July 14. Or now. Who knows! #picturebooks

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 15/06/2026

I'm so excited to share that Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story was selected for the American Booksellers Association July/August Kids' Indie Next List! This is a huge honor and I'm so appreciative of the nod from indie booksellers across the country! Pre-order now. Available July 14.

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 12/05/2026

In @christinevanzandt.bsky.social and Steven Salerno's picture book (out today!), Hot Dog: The History of America's Favorite Sausage, follow Frank de Weinerdog on an exploration of how hot dogs became cemented into American culture. This book will leave you hungry for more!

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 11/05/2026

Publishers Weekly reviewed my debut picture book, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story! #picturebooks #humor #kidlit

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 23/04/2026

Hoping this bodes well for my writing!

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 07/04/2026

Just three short months until the cheesiest day of the year - Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story launches on July 7, 2026 to bookstores everywhere! #picturebooks #booklaunch #humor #kidlit

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 16/02/2026

I loved Gilbert and the Ghost by @heatherstigall7.bsky.social. The story's theme of perseverance despite feeling invisible and unanswered, the beautifully spooky illustrations, and the easy readability make this a great bedtime story, especially during the spookier times of the year!

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 12/02/2026

If you're a fan of escape rooms like me, The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsey Currie is a must read. The majority of the book is set in an abandoned escape room house, filled with puzzles, tricks, and a treasure if you make it to the end. I look forward to the next book in the Delta Games series!

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 01/02/2026

Storystorm wrapped up and 30 new ideas in the bank! Now, onto writing a a few of them... #storystorm #picturebooks #kidlit

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 29/01/2026

Help support immigrant communities and those most impacted by ICE in Minnesota through an auction of terrific services from industry leading authors and illustrators. Auction opens Thursday 1/29 at 12:00am EST and ends Friday 1/30 at 11:45pm EST. www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...

32auctions.com

Publishing for Minnesota

Silent auction 'Publishing for Minnesota' hosted online at 32auctions.

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 28/01/2026

Getting into the mood for writing a Christmas-themed picture book by listening to Christmas songs. In January. Kinda weird but kinda awesome, too. 🎅🤶🎄⛄️ #picturebooks #christmas

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 21/01/2026

Meg Eden Kuyatt's middle grade novel, The Girl in the Walls, is a novel-in-verse about a neurodivergent girl who uncovers a not just a ghost but a set of dangerous family secrets in her grandmother's house. Hard to put down, it's a fun, fast, nail biting read, and ghostly read!

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 14/01/2026

My writing goals for 2026: * Complete at least 2 submission-worthy picture book manuscripts. * Complete the first draft of my MG horror novel. * Complete the 12x12 Challenge (write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months). * Take at least 3 writing classes. * Sell one of my picture book manuscripts.

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 12/01/2026

I love @stephaniebearce.bsky.social's MG debut, The Secret of Moonrise Manor. Beautifully written and filled with mystery, paranormal, teen emotions, and science-based reasoning wrapped up in layers upon layers clues, plot twists, and suspense. #middlegradebooks #middlegrade #review #kidlit

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 01/01/2026

Excited to get started with Storystorm 2026 - 30 picture book ideas in the 31 days of January! It's a great way to get into a groove in the new writing year! Sign up here to get started: taralazar.com/2025/12/26/s... #storystorm #storystorm2026 #picturebooks

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 04/12/2025

Announcing the 2nd book in the Delicious Duos series, Milk & Cookies! Join Milk & Cookies in their funny, punny adventure as they form one of the most enduring friendships ever. Illustrated by Alison Hawkins, Milk & Cookies launches Summer 2027 by Scholastic. #kidlit #picturebooks #milkandcookies

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 14/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/14/25: "Deep in the forest, past the cave beneath the cliff, an old gentleman awaited my arrival..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 13/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/13/25: "I thought I showed up to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Instead, I walked into the middle of..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 11/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/11/25: "Today, I wish for..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 10/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/10/25: "Never, ever ask a nun about..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 07/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/07/25: "A woman asked me today why my left eye was..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 06/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/06/25: "The spotlight shined on me, but what I forgot my line..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 05/11/2025

Writing prompt for 11/05/25: "What a dirty trick..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 31/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/31/25: "When the witching hour arrives on Halloween night, I must..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 30/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/30/25: "The last thing you should ever say to a ghost is..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 29/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/29/25: "The lights dimmed and went out, and three pounding knocks rattled the door. I only had time to..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 27/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/27/25: "I opened my eyes, and there it was, looking at me from the foot of my bed..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 23/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/23/25: "The creepiest thing about a cemetery is..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 22/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/22/25: "A songbird landed on my shoulder..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 21/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/21/25: "After an hour carving this stupid pumpkin, it looks like a..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 20/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/20/25: "As soon as I hit the water, I knew I'd..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 16/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/16/25: "Straight from the ground came a..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 14/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/14/25: "The most amazing birthday present I ever got was a..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 10/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/10/25: "My neighbor is taking a vacation and while he's gone, he asked me to watch his very big, very stinky..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 09/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/09/25: "I hiked five miles. Five hot, miserable, sweat-drenched miles for..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 08/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/08/25: "The perfect amount of whipped cream on an ice cream sundae is..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 07/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/07/25: "What could I say? I'd never hit someone before..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 03/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/03/25: "I peered into the pitch black hole in the ground and decided to..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 02/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/02/25: "A heavy, musky odor filled the room, warning me that..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 01/10/2025

Writing prompt for 10/01/25: "Happiness is when a ghost tells you..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 30/09/2025

Introducing Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story, the first book in my Delicious Duos series. Words by me, illustrations by the amazing and incredibly talented Alison Hawkins. In stores July 7, 2026. Available for pre-order wherever books are sold! #picturebooks #kidlit #writingcommunity #childrensbooks

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 29/09/2025

Writing prompt for 9/29/25: "I started liking haunted houses when..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 29/09/2025

Cover reveal part 1: The characters! Who are these lovable guys at the heart of the story. Any guesses? Huge shoutout to the illustrator Alison Hawkins! #picturebooks #kidlit #coverreveal #picturebook #picturebookart #kidlitauthor #childrensbooks #friendship #childrensbookauthor #writingcommunity

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 26/09/2025

Coming next week, the cover reveal for my debut picture book! What could it be?? Written by me and illustrations by the amazing Alison Hawkins. #picturebooks #kidlit #coverreveal #picturebook #picturebookart #kidlitauthor #childrensbooks #friendship #childrensbookauthor #writingcommunity

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Michael Benner @michaelbennerbooks.com · 25/09/2025

Writing prompt for 9/25/25: "I woke when something grabbed my arm. In the darkness I heard, 'You are mine, now.' ..." Continue this thought for 5-minutes, non-stop, by hand, without editing. Have fun! #writingcommunity #kidlit #dailywritingprompts

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