iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Have you been working on a picture book manuscript and wondering if it's ready? Or maybe you’re just getting started and could use a little guidance as you find your way into the wonderful world of picture books. I'm offering manuscript critiques for writers at all stages of the writing journey.

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#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch @dvpit.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

It's #DVpit month! #DVpit is a bluesky pitch event for unagented creators from marginalized communities to pitch their projects to literary agents and editors! And we've prepared a month of pre-events to help you prepare for the main event on Sept 30, 2026! Go to dvpit.carrd.co for more info!

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12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

🎉 Congrats to @moyuksel.bsky.social! 📚 THE PRINCE OF STARS was named a 2026 BANK STREET BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (Age 5–9). Illustrated by Zelma Firduazia and published by HarperCollins. #kidlit #12x12PB

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The Prince of Stars is on the Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year list. 🎉🎉🎉 My heartfelt gratitude to The Children's Book Committee for this wonderful recognition and for all they do to celebrate books! ✨📚💫 @harperkids.bsky.social @zelmaafr.bsky.social

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jen rofé @jenrofe.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Creators, *this is worth the read*. But, Roaring Brook closing isn't the same as Dial closing. Yes, there were layoffs, but RB is reshuffling & a new imprint is in the works. But the squeeze is real. We've been seeing it and feeling it for years. vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/what-nobod...

vickyweberbooks.substack.com

What Nobody’s Telling Querying Writers About What’s Happening to Publishing Right Now

I’ve started this post four times.

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Deborah Kalb @deborahkalb.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Q&A with M.O. Yuksel about her new children's picture book, THE PRINCE OF STARS. tinyurl.com/uemx4jz8 @moyuksel.bsky.social

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Ainissa Ramirez, PhD @ainissaramirez.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

I enjoyed talking about my new book, SPARK, at the @ncte.org conference in Denver 💫 A big thank you to my fellow panelists, @moyuksel.bsky.social, @mcusolito.bsky.social, @alisongreenmyers.bsky.social, and @macappiello.bsky.social 🤓 @mitpress.bsky.social #ncte #kidsbooks #booksky #kidlit

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

It was such a great panel discussion! And I’m only seeing this now bc I just signed onto my Bluesky account. Welp. 🫠

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Patricia Newman @patricianewman.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

💖This week I'm giving thanks for the 2025 #LitLinks bloggers who contribute fascinating and FUN lessons that integrate #STEM + #ELA Read their work here: www.patriciamnewman.com/blog-4/ @lydialukidis.bsky.social @juliekidsbooks @moyuksel.bsky.social @jeannewharvey.bsky.social 🧵

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Grateful to you as well, Patricia! 🥰

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

I felt like doing a bit of a dive into a 2025 picture book bio that didn't get nearly enough attention last season with @moyuksel.bsky.social. If you don't immediately know the name "Ulugh Beg" consider this your educational platform for the day! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/18/d...

afuse8production.slj.com

Diverse Scholarship and the Islamic Golden Ages: A Q&A with M.O. Yuksel About The Prince of Stars

I felt like doing a bit of a dive into a 2025 picture book bio that didn't get nearly enough attention last season. If you don't immediately know the name

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Yay, Betsy! Thanks so much for this opportunity to highlight Ulugh Beg’s story. 🥰

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Renee Neiger @rneiger.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

We had a wonderful author visit with @moyuksel.bsky.social this month! Grades K-2 learned more about Ramadan from her book Ramadan Kareem and grades 3-5 learned about astronomer Ulugh Beg from her new book The Prince of Stars! Thank you M.O Yuksel for such engaging presentations!

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Thanks so much, Renee! I had an amazing time and truly enjoyed interacting with the students! 💛

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

I know, it’s very challenging to write about historic figures from centuries ago. Researching Fatima al-Fihri for my book, One Wish, was really difficult but I was able to find help at a few universities. I have a blog post about my research process on my website (www.moyuksel.com)

moyuksel.com

Home • M.O. Yuksel

Best children's books; Best Muslim books for kids; Award-winning nonfiction picture books; New author consultations; Presentations and visits

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Patricia Newman @patricianewman.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

🆕 on #LitLinks! #edusky, let students model Earth's tilt w/everyday items & observe how sunlight changes, making seasonal differences tangible. Great for anyone teaching about astronomy, with references to Ulugh Beg & integrating ELA + STEM 🌐 www.patriciamnewman.com?p=13067 @moyuksel.bsky.social

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Hahaha! Love the voice of this character! Good luck!

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Ooh, sounds like a great story! Good luck!

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Sounds like a fun story! Good luck!

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

There are layers galore in this story, including inter generational relationships, grieving, loss, charity, and homelessness, in addition to the holiday, Eid al-Adha. Thanks so much for the book ❤️, Sylvia! I truly appreciate it. 🥰🙏

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12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

🎉 Congrats to @moyuksel.bsky.social! 📚 RAMADAN KAREEM was named a 2025 BANK STREET BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (Age 4–8). Illustrated by @metahatem.bsky.social. Published by HarperCollins. #kidlit #12x12PB

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Sylvia Chen 余愛莉 @sylviaichen.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

🤩📕💝 I adore the layering in this #PBStudyBuddy feature, SAMI’S SPECIAL GIFT, its full-hearted arc, and all the darling art which brings this book to delightful life. A wonderful read! 📚👍 #PBStudyBuddy #Kidlit #Edusky #SamisSpecialGift @moyuksel.bsky.social #HuseyinSonmezay @charlesbridge.bsky.social

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 08/07/2025

Help celebrate the legacy of @kateywrites.bsky.social by buying or borrowing the recently launched WHERE THE DEER SLIP THROUGH, written by Katey & illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, w/ @simonkids.bsky.social. #KidLit bsky.app/profile/kate...

Cover of the book Where the Deer Slip Through written by Katey Howes and illustrated by Beth Krommes. The illustration shows a woodland scene at sunrise with a deer standing near a stone wall, an owl flying, rabbits resting, and various plants and trees in the foreground.

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Just 3 days left on our Libraries are Havens campaign and we need your help! Pls share and donate at: www.ibby.org/awards-activ... @storysunbirds.bsky.social

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

#Eid Al-Adha is almost here...June 6th! If you're looking for a story to share with your kids about the true meaning of Eid, I hope you check out Sami’s Special Gift. 🎁 Free activities are available on my website! ❤️ www.moyuksel.com @charlesbridge.bsky.social

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Rebekah Weatherspoon @rdotspoon.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

we would solve 100% of the world's problems if we actually paused for 5 seconds to protect children. I do love that Ms Rachel has made it clear that not wanting children to die is a pretty common sense thing.

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Pamela Courtney | Children's Author @pamismylmnop.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

THANK YOU SO MUCH Kathy!! You are the incomparable @infowoman.bsky.social and I'm so glad you're part of helping me celebrate my debut book. You're the best!

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Had an amazing time at the Hudson Children’s Book Festival! Huge thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and every reader who showed up to celebrate stories! @harperkids.bsky.social @charlesbridge.bsky.social #kidlit #books

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Maggie Tokuda-Hall @maggietokudahall.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Harper Collins did not sign. So weird how being owned by Rupert Murdoch means they can't even advocate for their own survival. Libraries are a HUGE part of all publishers' bottom lines. If you can't speak out bc it's right, speak out bc otherwise this destroys your bottom line ffs

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Happy #SchoolLibraryMonth! So honored to celebrate with you! Thank you for all you do! 🙏❤️

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Thank you for all you do! Our libraries are so important! 🙏❤️

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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Federal library funding supports programs, services, and resources at libraries in every state and territory. We need YOU to Show Up #ForOurLibraries and make your voice heard. #FundLibraries Call Congress: bit.ly/CallCongressForLibraries

Flood the phone lines to save library funding. bit.ly/CallCongressForLibraries

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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

We'll have more to share in the coming days. But what can you do right now? Call Congress. Call your state and local officials. Tell them exactly what's at stake if the President's order stands: the future of America's libraries. It's time to Show Up #ForOurLibraries: bit.ly/ALA-LibraryStoryIMLS

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M.O. (Mindy) Yuksel @moyuksel.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

In #celebration of #Ramadan #WomensHistoryMonth2025 and #internationalWomensDay, check out these 14 inspiring #books about #Muslim #women who've challenged stereotypes and paved the way for future generations. nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2025/03/05/1... @harperkids.bsky.social

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