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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Now introducing the fifth and FINAL class of PB Rising Stars Mentees! Check out their profiles at www.pbrisingstars.com/mentees

A graphic with an orange space helmet that reads “Meet the 2026 Mentees”
www.pbrisingstars.com/mentees

A graphic with headshots of 20 picture book creators that says: Meet the 2026 Mentees:

Abby, Alison, Andrea, Angel, Anjum, Anousha, Anya-Kaye, Ashley, Caroline, Chayanid, Diyana, Emma, Erica, Hannah, Hau’ihiwahiwa, Heather, Indya, Isha, Jessica, Joanna

A graphic with headshots of 20 picture book creators that says: Meet the 2026 Mentees:

Jyn, Keela, Kevin, Lama, A. Meredith, Michael, Michele, Mona, Monica, Morgan, Phoenix, Rachelle, Radhika, Ramya, Raqshinda, Raquel, Roji, Régine, Salma, Vaness

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

It’s time! Now announcing the 2026 PB Rising Stars Mentees, Runners-Up, and Honorable Mentions ⭐️ Head on over to our website for the full details: www.pbrisingstars.com/2026announce...

A blue graphic with a clip art person in a space suit holding a star balloon. Text says:

Now announcing:
2026 PB Rising Stars Mentees, Runners Up, and Honorable Mentions…

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

⭐️Applications for PB Rising Stars Are Now Closed⭐️ Sound off in the comments: did you apply? We want to thank every person who trusted us with their work for the last five years. Whether you were an applicant, an honorable mention, a runner up, or a mentee of mentor, you mean the world to us.

2026 mentee applications closed. Thanks for applying

2026 pb rising stars mentees will be announced live on May 12th at 8:00 pm wasted time. Runners up and honorable mentions will also be announced live in May. Register now at www.pbrisingstars.com

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

⭐️Ready For a Challenge?⭐️ #pbrisingstars applications close TONIGHT at 11:59 pm Eastern Time for the fifth and FINAL time. That means this is your LAST chance at joining our community. #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebook #author

A graphic with a spaceship and person in a spacesuit holding a microphone against a galaxy background. Text says “ONE MORE APP!”

Mentee applications close TONIGHT 11:59 pm eastern.

Last chance to apply to be a 2026 PB Rising Asgard Mentee

Apply at www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

⭐️Tomorrow is your LAST chance to apply to be a #pbrisingstars mentee⭐️ So let’s chat! Tell us: - have you applied yet or are you waiting til the final moments? #kidlit #illustration #kidlitart #picturebook

Image Description:
An orange and yellow graphic that says:
Mentee applications close tomorrow!

Will you look at our mentors one more time?

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

It’s our final WHO TO APPLY TO post! And today is all about mentors seeking STEM/STEAM! So if you write about science, technology, engineering, the arts, & math, make sure to check eligibility and apply to these mentors! www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors #kidlit #author #picturebook #pbrisingstars

2 days left until mentee applications close

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

With only TWO days left to apply, we need your help again to tag BIPOC authors who NEED TO apply to M.O. Yuksel! Because this is our fifth and FINAL year, we want to make sure we are finding every single potential applicant. #kidlit #picturebook #pbrisingstars #author

A graphic introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor MO Yuksel and her picture books. Unagented and agented text only authors who identify as BIPOC may apply

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

⭐️Do you write in rhyme all of the time?⭐️ WE might not be strong rhymers, but these mentors are absolute rhyming PROS! #pbrisingstars #author #picturebook #rhyme #kidlit

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

We’re switching things up and doing our tag post in the morning because… WE HAVE NEWS! Charles R. Smith has decided that since this is the fifth and FINAL year of #pbrisingstars he wants to expand his reach and ensure that all Black creators have the opportunity to apply to work with him.

A graphic introducing pb rising stars mentor, Charles R. Smith Jr. and his picture books inviting readers to tag unagented Black picture book authors to apply

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

⭐️it’s that time again: tag a friend who NEEDS to work with Gwendolyn ⭐️ Gwendolyn’s strengths and tastes are super wide ranging. Fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, and more! #pbrisingstars #kidlit #author #writer #mentor

A graphic introducing PB Rising Stars mentor Gwendolyn Wallace and her picture books. Unagented picture book author can apply

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Do you create lyrical picture book stories or art? Then we want to see them at #pbrisingstars! If gorgeous language, poetic devices, rhythmic cadence, imagery, and more are your things? Then these mentors are right for you! #kidlit #author #writing #illustrator

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite holding a sign. Text says:
6 days left to apply.

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Time for another chance to help us spread the word about the fifth and FINAL year of #pbrisingstars ✨ Do you know a friend who writes picture book manuscripts with that special “it” factor? #kidlit #author #picturebook #writer

A graphic introducing mentor Tonya Duncan Ellis and her book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

⭐️ SEL Picture Book Creators: take note ⭐️ If your work has a layer of social-emotional learning, these mentors want to see it! SEL books are truly important, so of course our #PBRisingStars mentors are excited about them too! #kidlit #author #picturebook #illustrator

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite holding a sign. Text says:
5 days left to apply

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Time for another spread the word post! Janelle Harper is an absolute powerhouse of an author. We cannot wait to see who she partners with for #pbrisingstars this year!

A graphic introducing PB Rising Stars mentor Janelle Harper and her picture books:
MY BLOCK LOOKS LIKE
and
SALON SATURDAY

Tag an unagented or agented BIPOC picture book creator who should apply

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Time for another spread the word post! Janelle Harper is an absolute powerhouse of an author. We cannot wait to see who she partners with for #pbrisingstars this year!

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

⭐️ if you’re funny and you know it, raise your hand! ⭐️ This year we have LOTS of mentors wanting to see your humorous text and/or art! So if you’re making kids laugh and ready to take it to the next level, make sure to add these mentors to your list of who to apply to! #kidlit #author #illustrator

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Spread the #pbrisingstars love! Tag a friend who you know NEEDS to apply to work with Steph Littlebird! For the final week that applications are open, we will be highlighting one mentor and encouraging you to apply and tag your friends who NEED to to know about this program!

7 days left until mentee applications close.

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

⭐️ ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!! ⭐️ We can’t believe that #PBRisingStars applications will close for the fifth and FINAL time in exactly one week! That means NOW is the time to get another application in! So let’s look at a specific group of mentors! #kidlit #author #illustrator #picturebook

A graphic with Orange and yellow swirls and a clip art spacesuit with a 7 in the helmet and holding a sign that says 7 Days Left Until mentee applications close.

A bar at the bottom says apply now at www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

⭐️Do you love telling true stories through text and/or art?⭐️ Nonfiction picture book creators are in luck! We have a LOT of mentors looking for your work! #kidlit #pbrisingstars #picturebook #author #illustrator

Image 3:
A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says:
Apply now
February 27-March 13

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

⭐️Calling all Illustrators and Author-illustrators⭐️ This year, we received more interest in #pbrisingstars than ever before from the #kidlitart community! So we listened! We invited more artists than ever before to mentor for our fifth and FINAL year! #illustration #picturebook #illustrator #author

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

One of the things we’re most proud of at #pbrisingstars is our commitment to create a space that reflects what publishing SHOULD look like! That’s why we hope our BIPOC applicants will apply widely to every mentor they are eligible for! #kidlit #picturebook #author #illustrator

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says:
Apply now
February 27-March 13

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

⭐️Are you an agented pictured book creator, but just haven’t been able to snag that book deal yet?⭐️ We have good news for you! A good number of our #PBRisingStars mentors are open to agented creators! #picturebook #kidlit #illustrator #writer

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

⭐️Calling all Cultural Picture Book Creators⭐️ Are you ready to level up your craft? Do you need help taking your story or art where you want it to go? A guiding hand to help you find the voice, the heart, and more?

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

⭐️Calling all Picture Book Creators⭐️ Starting tomorrow, we will be sharing our “Who to Apply to” graphics for #pbrisingstars ✨

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

⭐️IT’S TIME⭐️ #pbrisingstars applications are now open! Are you ready to improve your craft as a picture book creator, working with an experienced mentor for FREE?? Then our program is for you!

A graphic with orange and yellow swirls with a space suit clip art holding a star balloon.

Text says: Aoply Now February 27 to March 13

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

⭐️ Can you believe that #pbrisingstars mentee applications open TONORROW?? ⭐️ We know there are a lot of big feels and we know that you might be feeling nervous. So let’s take tonight to slow down and celebrate each and every one of you! #kidlit #author #illustrator #picturebook

A graphic with planets that says PB Rising Stars mentee applications open tomorrow. Why not you?

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Got a picture book full of big laughs, absurd ideas, and unexpected heart? 👀 Check out our FINAL #PBRisingStars mentor Lian Cho! Lian helps creators find the heart of their story, sharpen their voice, stick the landing on the perfect joke, and make every page turn count. #kidlit #author #illustrator

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Lian Cho

Text says:

Unagented AND agented illustrators and author-illustrators may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/lian

Wish list:
Silly and goofy books
Absurd premises
Imaginative stories with twists and turns
Authors/illustrators who want to push the genre
Snarky/flawed but likable characters
Hard lessons learned in an unusual way

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Lian’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/lian

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We’re so honored to have Sara Holly Ackerman returning as a FOUR-TIME mentor with #PBRisingStars! She’s a great fit for writers who want to enhance their stories thru rhyme.! #kidlit #author #picturebook

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Sara Holly Ackerman

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/sara

Wish list:
Rhyme
Quirky Humor
Friendship
Subtle SEL
Retellings
Nonfiction

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Sara’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/sara

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Meet #PBRisingStars mentor Kate Allen Fox! ✨ A standout in lyrical, nature-forward NF, Kate shines at nontraditional structures and line-level writing packed with metaphor and poetic devices. #kidlit #author #picturebook #writing

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Kate Allen Fox

Text says:

Unagented and agented authors may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/kate

Wish list:
Nonfiction and STEM
Informational fiction
Second person storytelling
Unusual POVs
Concept books
Lyrical and poetic writing

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Kate’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/kate

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Allow us to reintroduce you to TWO-TIME #PBRisingStars mentor, Audrey Perrott! When it comes to increasing the tension/drama of a story, Audrey’s the best. She’s a 🧙 at pacing, picking perfect words, and adding layers to a story without any fluff. #kidlit #author #picturebook #writing #mentor

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Surprise!! We are thrilled to announce that Kathryn Rammell is joining the 2026 #PBRisingStars mentors!! Kathryn was a 2022 mentee, became a mentor in 2024, and is back for our fifth and FINAL year!! Talk about a full circle moment! #kidlit #kidlitart #author #illustrator

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Kathryn Rammell

Text says:

Unagented author-illustrators may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/kathryn

Wish list:
Family fun
Low word count/wordless
Whimsical/imaginative/fantasy
Humor
Retellings
Flawed characters

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Kathryn’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/kathryn

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Make some noise for FOUR-TIME #PBRisingStars mentor Anne Appert! 🎉 Anne is an award-winning artist who thrives on whimsy, humor, bold color, and authentic storytelling #kidlit #illustrator #kidlitart #picturebook

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Anne Appert

Text says:

Unagented illustrators and author-illustrators from any background may apply. Unagented trans or non binary text only authors may also apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/anne

Wish list:
Creators working with a variety of genres/styles
Creators working in Procreate or Photoshop
Illustrators who work in water colors or gouache
Humor
Subversive stories/art
Stories about anxiety and mental health

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Anne’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/anne

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Looking for a mentor who helps you see the big picture? Meet #PBRisingStars mentor Jasmine Fang! ✨ She shines at finding the heart of a story, big-picture edits, and guiding creators through querying, acquisitions, and the author-agent relationship #kidlit #author #picturebook #writer .

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Jasmine Fang

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/jasmine

Wish list:
Diverse Voices
Family/Tradition
Community
Humor with heart
Whimsy
Hard Topics

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Jasmine’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/jasmine

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Calling all illustrators & author-illos: Nadia Fisher is BACK as a two-time #PBRisingStars mentor! 🎨✨ Nadia shines at visual storytelling, character-building, pacing (in both text AND art), and color that stops you in your tracks. #kidlit #author #illustrator #picturebook #mentorship

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Nadia Fisher

Text says:

Unagented AND agented illustrators and author-illustrators may apply.
Www.pbrisingstars.com/nadia-f

Wish list:
Any medium
Black Joy
Heartfelt
Humor with heart
Adventurous stories
Family/Community

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Nadia’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/nadia-f

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Next up in our #PBRisingStars mentor spotlights: the award-winning Melissa Cristina Márquez! 🦈✨ Melissa excels at making complex ideas click for young readers, especially through narrative nonfiction and educational storytelling. #kidlit #picturebook #author #nonfiction #writing #book #mentorship

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Melissa Cristina Márquez

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/melissa

Wish list:
Educational content
Narrative nonfiction
Nature topics
STEM
Blending storytelling with science
Complex concepts made accessible

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Lesléa’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/melissa

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Mentee applications open in ONE WEEK! Tell us below: are you applying? Have you prepped any apps? #pbrisingstars #kidlit #author #illustrator #picturebook

An orange graphic with an astronaut holding a sign that says “1 week until mentee applications open”

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

At #PBRisingStars, we bring you BIG DOG 🐶 mentors, and this next one is truly legendary. 50+ picture books. Stonewall Honors. National Jewish Book Awards. And counting. Who could it be? Lesléa Newman, of course! ✨

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Lesléa Newman

Text says:

Unagented AND agented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/michael

Wish list:
Rhyme
Prose
Animal stories and characters
Stories centering the Jewish experience
LGBTQ+ family stories
Grief

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Lesléa’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/leslea

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to #PBRisingStars mentor Michael Genhart! ✨ Michael is THAT GUY for layered, heart-led storytelling — from family and SEL themes to social justice, and stories centering underrepresented voices. #kidlit #author #mentor #picturebook #amwriting

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Michael Genhart, PhD

Text says:

Unagented and agented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/michael

Wish list:
Strong emotional resonance
Gentle, quiet stories that have impact
Unique themes with universal appeal
Biographies
Personal stories
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Michael’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/michael

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

After a couple summers off, THREE-TIME #PBRisingStars mentor Sylvia Chen is back like she never left! If you’re looking for a mentor to help you turn that big, mind-sparking (but a little messy) idea into a strong, polished piece, then keep Sylvia on your radar. #kidlit #author #picturebook

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Sylvia Chen

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/sylvia

Wish list:
Diverse stories
Asian and/or Asian American culture
Humor with additional genre hooks
STEAM
Character driven SEL
Clever wordplay

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Jenna’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/sylvia

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Looking to work with a #PBRisingStars mentor who is: ✅ An award-winning author & illustrator ✅ A master of memorable characters ✅ A dummy-building pro Then Jenny Alvarado might be YOUR mentor! ✨ #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebook #illustrator #illustration #author

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Jenny Alvarado

Text says:

Unagented authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/jenny

Wish list:
Fiction
Humor
Puns
Mischievous Characters
Character driven stories
Illustrators who work in Procreate

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Jenny’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/jenny

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Looking for help writing stories that stick with the reader long after they finish reading? 💫 Then you need to meet #PBRisingStars mentor A.J. Irving! ✨ A.J. helps writers hone voice, up their lyrical language game to deepen emotion, and nail their page turns for lasting impact.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, A.J. Irving

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/ajirving

Wish list:
Fiction
LGBTQIA+ inclusive stories
SEL
Lyrical Language
Humor and heart
Character driven

This is only a snapshot. Please visit A.J.’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/ajirving

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Our next #PBRisingStars mentor can COOK – literally and figuratively. 🧑‍🍳 Meet Namita Moolani Mehra! Namita brings serious craft + business savvy, helping mentees find the heart of their story, sharpen characters, & balance the personal with the universal #kidlit #author #picturebook #amwriting

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Namita Moolani Mehra

Text says: Unagented authors may apply

www.pbrisingstars.com/namita

Wish list:
Fiction
Character Driven
Cultural stories
Holiday stories
Lyrical voice
Tough topics

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Namita’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/namita

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

We’re beyond excited to introduce award-winning #PBRisingStars mentor Gwendolyn Wallace! 🎉 Gwendolyn blends STEM, history (especially Black history), and genre storytelling into kid-friendly, compelling books—and as a Gen Z author, she knows how to use social media to grow an author platform.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Gwendolyn Wallace

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/gwendolyn

Wish List:
Historical fiction
Black history
Cultural
STEM
Stories that explore abolition and world building
Radical imagination

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Gwendolyn’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/gwendolyn

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

We’re THRILLED to share that 3-TIME #PBRsingStars mentor Julia Mills is back and ready to make an impact for another rising illustrator or author/illustrator! She’s excited to see “weird” books, silly stories with emotional payoff, and animal or non-human protagonists.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Jenna Elyse Johnson

Text says:

Unagented illustrators and author-illustrators may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/julia

Wish list:
Traditional or digital mediums
Humor
“Weird” books
Interesting characters
Anima or non-human protagonists
A story that starts silly and ends not silly

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Julia’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/julia

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Today we’re welcoming back–and reintroducing you to–TWO-TIME #pbrisingstars mentor, Tonya Duncan Ellis! Tonya is a lyrical writing BOSS, and her knack for developing strong hooks in unparalleled.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Tonya Duncan Ellis

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/tonya

Wish list:
Lyrical writing
Fiction
Historical fiction
Nonfiction
BIPOC Voices

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Tonya’s mentor page for a full wishlist at
www.pbrisingstars.com/tonya

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

The great Ana Siqueira is back as a TWO-TIME #PBRisingStars mentor—and we’re SO excited! 🎉 An award-winning author and Spanish teacher, Ana excels at humor with heart, culturally rich stories, action-packed plots, and powerhouse brainstorming.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Ana Siqueira
Text says:
Unagented authors may apply
www.pbrisingstars.com/ana
Wish list:
Humor with heart
Diverse books
Cultural stories
Action-packed stories
This is only a snapshot. Please visit Ana's mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/ana

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Looking to work with a #PBRisingStars mentor this summer who: ✅ Is an award winner 🏆 ✅ Is a BEAST at character, voice & structure ✅ Knows the rules AND how to break them? Then you need to meet Caroline Kusin Pritchard!

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Caroline Kusin Pritchard

Text says:

Unagented AND Agented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/jenna

Wish list:
Fiction and Nonfiction
Dynamic Characters
Heartfelt Humor
Subverting Expectations
Layered storytelling
Strong voice

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Caroline’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/caroline

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

⭐️Who’s excited for our first ever Application Prep Party??⭐️ Join us tomorrow, Thursday February 12th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time for an event you don’t want to miss!

A graphic with an orange background and a person in a space suit typing on a laptop. Text says “join us tomorrow, February 12th at 8:00 pm eastern”

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Meet #PBRisingStars mentor Jenna Elyse Johnson! ✨ A teacher + professional bookseller, Jenna’s here to help you refine craft and think about market, storytime, age groups, and where a book belongs in the world.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Jenna Elyse Johnson

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/jenna

Wish list:
Slice of Life
Character Driven
Lyrical
Humor with heart
Authentic disability rep
Unique structures

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Jenna’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/jenna

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Does your story have some heart, but you’re struggling to find it? Then you need to apply to #PBRisingStars mentor Pasha Westbrook! #kidlit #amwriting #mentorship #picturebook #author #kidlitart #illustrator #kidlitillustration

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Pasha Westbrook.

Text says:

Unagented authors may apply
Www.pbrisingstars.com/pasha

Wish list:
Biracial/multiracial
Native freedmen/freedmen / indigenous
Poetic
Multigenerational / ancestral
Imaginative, dreamy, and whimsical
Grief stories

This is only a snapshot. Please visit Pasha’s mentor page for a full wishlist at

www.pbrisingstars.com/pasha

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