iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Emmie uses wit and grit to build fabulous inventions with found materials. @crosby-fairall.bsky.social renders beautiful, intricate illustrations in her book. This story shows how even the smallest minds can conceive big ideas, and even the unlikeliest of creatures can build a friendship. #PBreview

Emmie Builds Something New is a picture book written and illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall. This book cover shows a mouse in goggles holding a pencil and standing on a mechanical contraption. The background has a blueprint faded image and the word Emmie shows a gear in the dot of the letter I. The author’s name is printed on a hanging metal sign.

043

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

“…the language and the art of books for children are as goods it gets. …the subjects treated in these books include almost all of our central human concerns. At their best, children’s books offer insights we’ll want to remember and ponder and savor and learn from and revel in.” —Judith Viorst

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Patty Brozo writes a relatable story about fear of the water while on vacation. Grandpa Poppo makes an effort to coax Sirena into the lake by allowing her to join him at her own pace. Illustrations by @anniebowler.bsky.social reinforce the trust and enjoyment these characters share. #PBreview

The Mermaid: How Sirena Learned to Swim is a picture book written by Patty Brozo and illustrated by Annie Bowler. This book cover shows a young girl sitting on the side of a lake hugging her knees to her chest. The water has a silhouette of a mermaid in it with the title written overtop of that in pink letters.

000

Reposted by Sondra Zalewski

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 28/07/2026

Publishers, writers, reviewers, bilbiophiles: PLEASE mention the *illustrator/cover designers* in your posts promoting books. By properly crediting human talent, you are supporting the industry. Everyone wins! #PicturesMeanBusiness graphic by @sarahmcintyre.bsky.social #KidLit #BookSky #BookPromo

312939

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

The sarcasm of this book is half its charm. @unshavedmouse.bsky.social doubts the integrity of fish while peppering facts about them throughout his story. @dansantat.bsky.social amps up the fun with realistic and humorous illustrations. Readers will learn, laugh, and wonder about crabs. #PBreview

272

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Catching up on SCBWI webinars. Wonderful gem from patriciakreiser.com “Be mindful that it is a marriage of words and pictures, and there’s two voices in the conversation, and there’s two voices trying to get to the end. So the voices should work together, but they shouldn’t talk over each other.”

050

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Siblings enjoy the simple pleasures of the day which culminate in a rooftop fireworks display. @matthewburgessj.bsky.social uses onomatopoeia throughout the story paired with Chien’s artwork to create a joy for the ears & eyes and remind readers to embrace the unique treats of summertime. #PBreview

Fireworks, a picture book written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien. This book cover is dark blue with bright fireworks in white and fuchsia (and fuchsia type). Two kids are cheering at the bottom with their backs to you.

040

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

This book pairs facts with humorous words of encouragement directed at a goose egg. It works great as a read-a-loud with its engaging tone, larger text, and Galia Bernstein's detailed illustrations. This fun story by @sarahollyackerman.bsky.social will satisfy teachers and curious kids. #PBreview

How to Hatch: A Gosling's Guide to Breaking Free picture book written by Sara Holly Ackerman and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. This book cover shows several cracked goose eggs in place of the capital O letters and the back end of a gosling running off the page.

040

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Learned this nugget from a recent scbwiepa.bsky.social webinar that was chock-full of useful and relevant content. “Sometimes it’s just doing something a little bit differently that will help the pieces fall into place.”—Lilly Ghahremani wonderlilly.bsky.social

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

There is plenty we have to give up in order to grow. For we cannot deeply love anything without becoming vulnerable to loss. And we cannot become separate people, responsible people, connected people, reflective people without some losing and leaving and letting go. —Judith Viorst, NECESSARY LOSSES

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

I loved learning about this global safe house for seeds. @meganclendenan.bsky.social talks about the diversity of plants found across countries and cultures. @cicchese-art.bsky.social art adds a mystical quality to the story. This NF book will inform and motivate readers of all ages. #PBreview

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault picture book by Megan Clendenan and illustrated by Brittany Cicchese. This cover shows people walking into the entrance of the vault in a wintery scene of swirling snow.

030

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Preface in anniversary edition of The Wind In The Willows: It should be ready on your shelf, like a Bible, for the day when you need it. … He has taken us with him down into what he once called “the back-kitchen” of the unconscious, where the dream kettle boils the brew of what we really care about.

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

The title is intriguing and @cgroenink.bsky.social cover illustration beckons you inside. @tanya_rosie tells a tale about a father and daughter observing the splendor of nature in their backyard. Readers will discover the hedgehog highway and dream of making such memories for themselves. #PBreview

The Night of the Hedgehog picture book cover with a little girl and her father holding a flashlight on a hedgehog family. Written by Tanya Rosie and illustrated by Chuck Groenink

0121

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

A delightfully funny story with emotive images of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. @mattforsythe.bsky.social has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost. #PBreview

Aggie and the Ghost picture book cover by Matthew Forsythe with an illustration of a young girl and a one-eyed ghost in the rain.

050

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

A touching story by @hellomrsdinh.bsky.social that shows the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage. Yong Ling Kang’s beautifully detailed illustrations strengthen the mood. Tiên comes to see the value of her family’s jade bracelet tradition and the magic it holds. #PBreview

The Jade Bracelet book cover. Written by Hà Dinh and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.

030

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

I finally comprehend the intrinsic power of CRAFTING: it challenges your brain enough to keep your mind from wandering to other thoughts (or else you paint or cut yourself) while allowing room for creative exploration. Here’s to more time in 2026 to play without deadlines!

020

Reposted by Sondra Zalewski

SCBWI Eastern PA @scbwiepa.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

🗣️Submission Shine 2026 online critique intensive❄️YA, MG, PB, illustration, GN, dummies, synopses🗣️You choose—shotgun or deep-dive to get the best feedback from agents & peers on your stories, your pitches, your career—just 6 spots remaining www.scbwi.org/events/easte... #amquerying #portfolioreview

Submission Shine 2026 online critique intensive February 19-21, 2026 (graphic open book with sparkly magical fire) Join agent kristen Terrette of Martin Literary or agnet Monica Rodriguez of Context Literary (in hand-drawn box); Mix-and-match manuscript and/or illustration one-on-ones with an agent 4 zoom critiques+ 1 career consult or pitch session and peer critique sessions (hand drawn line divider) + Querying webinar free with registration (graphic arrows pointing to photo of speaker Monica Rodriguez, also photo of Kristen Terrette

251

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Readers will enjoy watching Amos McGee and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. #PhilipStead thoughtful words and #ErinStead tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends. #PBreview

A Snow Day for Amos McGee picture book by Philip C. Stead and illustrator Erin E. Stead

041

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Sage affirmation: “Some people know what their book is about before they make it. And some people, they make the book and then finally, they know what it is.…That’s okay. That’s my process, and to embrace the mess.” — @suzannekaufmanart.bsky.social (SCBWI Podcast interview)

161

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium?! Thor Hanson tells a true story about Inky while weaving in many octopus facts, while Galia Bernstein illustrates intriguing scenes. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone. #PBreview

The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure book cover

140

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview

Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution book cover. Written by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Susan Reagan

373

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall
written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Jason Chin

130

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

“Don’t be afraid to share your work. The trajectory of learning is exponential …. It’s not always easy to find the right critique group, but when you do find the right combination, it’s pretty magical.” —Donna Barba Higuera Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!

010

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview

120

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview

Summer Is Here book cover, with young girl blowing bubbles. Written by Renee Watson and illustrated by Bea Jackson.

020

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview

031

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview

030

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Some wonderful pearls of wisdom from my @highlightsfound.bsky.social ghts retreat: • The right book will keep you company when you need it most. • Faith in your art & writing is essential. • Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.

141

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview

010

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview

141

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Continuing my quest to read Newbery winners I missed as a child. This quote from a 1940s Danish Resistance member in NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry remains relevant: "... the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one."

030

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Just read this insightful quote in TIME: “It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.” —Colman Domingo

020

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Uri was a prime example of someone making the most of their lot in life. His CHANCE memoir left quite an impression and showed me how our gifts are, first and foremost, for ourselves but can do so much more when we share them with others. Thank you for your tremendous gifts to the kidlit world.

010

Reposted by Sondra Zalewski

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 28/02/2025

What you can do it help: pick one or more books each week and help boost? Be sure to tag author/illus if you quote-post. Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much! debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl... #KidLit #KidLitLaunches

media.tenor.com

a drawing of four cartoon characters with the website debbie-oli.com in the lower right corner

Alt: Animated gif showing four colorful smiling blobs passing a heart from one character to another. Underlying message: community members helping each other.

071

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Augusta Braxton Baker cultivated a love of story during her life. This librarian’s effect on kid lit is mirrored in the bold colors and patterns of April Harrison’s artwork. Breanna McDaniel’s book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Baker did. #PBreview

book cover of Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller written by Breanna J. McDaniel and illustrated by April Harrison

020

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

I am nerding out on @libib.com! Such a great tool for tracking & organizing books. The phone app scans ISBNs and the online/desktop version creates rich catalog views. You can create multiple libraries and then use tags to make even more subsets. Now I'll know what I “need” from the bookstore!

010

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Check out this cool game day graphic. Can’t wait to see our Philly boys win it all! 🦅

020

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

This touching story highlights the camaraderie between a school bus and her community. Loren Long’s illustrations focus color only on the bus. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings. #PBreview

book cover of The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

040

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Alicia Keys slayed her acceptance speech at the Grammys for the 2025 Global Impact Award. Brought me to tears. Stay strong, and stay creative everyone. youtu.be/htJum8qT8Lc?...

youtu.be

ALICIA KEYS Wins Global Impact Award | 2025 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech

YouTube video by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

000

Reposted by Sondra Zalewski

Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

The 2025 #PBParty contest entry window is officially open... until 8 pm Eastern. 🎉 The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨ How many entries do you think we'll have this year? mindyalyseweiss.com/...

67316

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Mindy shares some great tips for writers even if you aren’t entering the contest.

030

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

A heartfelt Christmas story by @tavaresbooks.bsky.social. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. This book reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. #PBreview

book cover for Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares

161

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

FLAT CAT shows readers we often don’t know what we want until we try something new. @taralazar.bsky.social uses fun language like splish-splosh and fuzzy-wuzzy, while the illustrations by Pete Oswald push the humor even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker—pure fun! #PBreview

book cover for Flat Cat by Tara Lazar and illustrated by Pete Oswald

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

This story by @armyvet5.bsky.social is a wonderful way to introduce kids to voting. A girl and her grandmother pick up neighbors on their long walk to a voting site. E. B. Lewis’ paintings depict the diversity of the urban community and the hope in their hearts to carry out this call. #PBreview

book cover for The Walk by Winsome Bingham with illustrations by E. B. Lewis

120

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

The Bright Side by Chad Otis tells a story about an unhoused boy living in a bus and shows us that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Staying positive through adversity often requires imagination, something available to children if they are loved, no matter where they sleep at night. #PBreview

book cover of The Bright Side by Chad Otis
When home is an old bus, optimism is your superpower!

000

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

This @saraoleary.bsky.social book highlights the Brontë siblings’ imagination and the storytellers they embodied. Briony May Smith’s timeless illustrations enrich the story and back matter gives a deep dive into the history of the family. A wonderful literary bio tackled in a unique way. #PBreview

book cover for The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O'Leary & illus by Briony May Smith

010

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

This bio about Robert McCloskey will make readers chuckle when viewing Becca Stadtlander’s paintings of duck antics paired with Emma Bland Smith’s tales of the havoc they caused in an apartment. What an impressive effort by McCloskey to ensure his illustrations were authentic. #PBreview

book cover for Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards" The Making of Make Way for Ducklings by Emma Bland Smith

120

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

A poem containing layers of meaning mirrored in the collages by Melissa Sweet. Children will want to read this book over and over again. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says that he and Deanna Nikaido “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun…” #PBreview

book cover of How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

010

Reposted by Sondra Zalewski

Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Since sharing this yesterday, we're up to 61 agents and editors for the 2025 #PBParty showcase. Wahooooooo! It's going to be another epic year. I can't wait to see all the magical matches. 🎉

0223

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Sometimes the other birds are too noisy, so Only flys off on their own to read. This book shows how some of us need quiet or alone time, but no one wants to be lonely. Kids will see new ways to enjoy friendships and will love the details in the @airlieanderson.bsky.social paintings. #PBreview

book cover for Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson

010