iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

It’s #NationalPoetryDay in the UK and this year’s theme is Wonder! Here’s a children’s poem for the changing seasons ☔️ Watch here: youtu.be/4DbaQ6SZyf8?... #kidlit @poetrydayuk.bsky.social

youtu.be

Rainy Day Poem for Kids

YouTube video by Poetry for Kids with Stefan Karlsson

021

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Nimblewitlit Mag @nimblewitlit.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today is the official last day of our CHOICES submission window. Get those subs in! (If you know a kid working on something who needs another day or so, just let us know!) epistemiclit.com/nimblewitlit...

epistemiclit.com

SUBMIT -

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN AUGUST 1-SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.

022

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Kristin Houlihan, Writer @kristinwrites.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Book 153 of 2026: A Catalog of Curious Creatures by @shaunjexauthor.bsky.social - A delightful book of children’s #poetry about mythological creatures from all around the United States, from jackalopes and boo hags to things I bet you’ve never heard of. A lot of fun! #BookSky #KidLit

goodreads.com

A Catalog of Curious Creatures

Discover and share books you love on Goodreads.

1125

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I’m grateful to have a poem included in this wonderfully wordy post featuring poems for kids about things people say!

043

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Nimblewitlit Mag @nimblewitlit.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Just five more days left in our open sub period! Get those “choices” subs in, and tell your kids!

022

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

So cool to see people celebrating the centennial of one of Buster Keaton’s iconic films! I have a poem for kids about Keaton in issue 7 of @littlethoughtspress.com with a lovely illustration by @carriekarnesfannin.bsky.social! Check out the wonderful issue here: www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues

Poem titled “Buster Keaton, Silent Star” by Stefan Karlsson, with an illustration of the silent cinema icon by Carrie Karnes-Fannin, from Little Thoughts Press, issue 7, Fabulous Facts

062

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Kenn Nesbitt - Poetry4kids @kennnesbitt.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Stefan Karlson: "31 Days of Children’s Poetry: My KidLit Sealey Challenge" kennn.com/1BO7uU #ChildrensPoetry #Poetry4kids @stefankarlsson.bsky.social

132

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

For the final day of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this fabulous collection of John Agard’s poems from @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social. I couldn’t have chosen a better ending to my reading challenge 💚 I’ll share some thoughts on my Sealey experience soon—stay tuned! 😊 #poetry

Book Cover for The Poetry World of John Agard

Poem titled “Hurry-Hurry Mek Bad Curry” by John Agard

020

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

My #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge is nearly complete! Yesterday I read this whimsical, wild, & wonderful book of woodsy poems written by Rachel Piercey & beautifully illustrated by Freya Hartas🌳🐻 I love how these poems share the wise ways of nature with kids 💚 #poetry

Book cover for Wisdom of the Woods: 40 Nature Poems Passed Down from Bear to Bear

Illustration by Freya Hartas and poem by Rachel Piercey titled “Woodland Homes”

072

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

For day 29 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this sweet story told in 16 poems by the celebrated children’s author Eloise Greenfield 💚🐶 Such a pleasure to spend time with Greenfield’s characteristic wit, imagination, & dazzling word-music! #poetry

Book cover for Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Me by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi

071

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

I’m grateful to have a poem in this wonderful selection of back to school poems for kids! Thank you Brian! 📚🚌✏️ #poetry #KidLit #backtoschool

072

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

For day 28 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I was excited to read this new book by the late great Karla Kuskin 🐈‍⬛ This was the first book I’ve read by the celebrated children’s poet, and now I’m excited to read more soon! 😸 #poetry

Book cover for A Gray Cat Wanders: New Poems About Our Animal Friends by Karla Kuskin, Selected by Leonard Marcus, illustrated by Marcellus Hall

141

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

For day 27 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I enjoyed this beautiful #picturebook by @curtismanleyauthor.bsky.social & illustrated by @jenniferkmann.bsky.social 🥾🗻 What a clever way to use poems to tell a story! I love how this book inspires kids to get outside & connect with nature 🌲

Book cover for Climbling the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann

271

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

For day 26 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read the poetry #picturebook REMEMBER by the great poet Joy Harjo with stunning illustrations by Michaela Goade. This book reminds us where we come from & how we are all connected. A book to read slowly, in wonder 💚

REMEMBER by Joy Harjo with illustrations by Michaela Goade

030

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

For day 25 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this stunning collection of seasonal poems written by Julie Fogliano & illustrated by Julie Morstad 🌱🍅 I love how these poems pause to appreciate the fleeting joys of each season 💚 #poetry

Book cover of When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Julie Morstad

150

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

For day 24 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I enjoyed this collection of concrete poems by Bob Raczka. I love how these poems play with words, typography, & the page. They open up new ways of seeing both everyday language & the everyday wonders around us! #poetry

Book cover for Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems by Bob Raczka

051

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

For day 23 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read Time for Haiku by Josep Santaeulàlia, illus. by Luciano Lozano, & translated by @lawrenceschimel.bsky.social This book is a lovely introduction to both the seasons & the tradition of haiku for kids 🍂❄️🌷⛱️

Book cover for Time for Haiku by Josep Santaeulàlia and Luciano Lozano, translated by Lawrence Schimel

Two haiku and and an illustration of a mermaid on the beach

063

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

For day 22 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this collection of homage poems by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, & @marjory.bsky.social, with wondrous illustrations by Ekua Holmes 💫 Each poem celebrates a famous poet to inspire further poetry reading & exploration! 📖 #poetry

Book Cover for Out of Wonder: Celebrating Poets and Poetry by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, & Marjory Wentworth, with illustrations by Ekua Holmes

Poem titled “Snapshots” (celebrating Nikki Giovanni) by Chris Colderley

080

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

For day 21 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this fun book of finger rhymes by Sean Taylor, with vibrant illustrations by @fionawoodcock.bsky.social ✋ What a brilliant way to pair #poetry & movement! 🕺👍😊

Book Cover for Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor and Fiona Woodcock

Poem titled “Spider” from Five Little Friends

071

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

For day 20 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this rhyming & inspiring #picturebook by Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford, illus. by Ernel Martinez 🎶🎤 This book empowers young writers & future MCs to pick up a pen & tell bold stories! #poetry

A page from Rap It Up! showing a notebook with text and illustrations

061

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

For day 19 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read A Lucky Thing, poems by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Wendell Minor 🐭🖱️ Published 10 years before The Little Blue Truck, this book shows a whole different side of Schertle’s talent as a poet 🛻🐮🐸 #poetry

Book cover for A Lucky Thing by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Wendell Minor

183

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

For day 18 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this fun collection of poems written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Diane Goode 🌳📦 A book full of zany characters & poems that see the world from a kid’s perspective! #poetry

Book cover for Outside the Box written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Diane Goode

Poem titled “Werewolves” by Karma Wilson

042

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

For day 17 of my #KidLit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read this dreamy anthology edited by @kennnesbitt.bsky.social 📖🌛 So many wonderful poems! Too hard to choose just one so here are two I love: a forest poem from @mattforrestvw.bsky.social & a big hug from @robertschechter.bsky.social 🌳🫂

Book Cover for One Minute till Bedtime: 60-Second Poems to Send You Off to Sleep, selected by Kenn Nesbitt, Art by Christoph Niemann

Poem titled “A Visit to the Forest” by Matt Forrest Esenwine

Poem titled “The ‘Just Because’ Hug” by Robert Schechter

171

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I’m grateful to have new poems flying in great company on The Dirigible Balloon! Thank you to @northernjim.bsky.social for giving #childrenspoetry the gift of flight 🎈 #poetry #kidlit

The Dirigible Balloon website with two of my new poems titled “The Dragonfly Pilot” and “Mime Jamboree”

New poem for kids titled “The Dragonfly Pilot”

New poem for kids titled “Mime Jamboree”

3162

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

For day 16 of my #kidlit version of the #SealeyChallenge, I read Boom! Bellow! Bleat! by @georgiaheard.bsky.social 🫎💥 This book of animal poems for two or more voices creates a chorus of wild word-music. These poems invite kids to participate in nature’s orchestra 🐤🎶 #poetry

Book cover for Boom! Bellow! Bleat! written by Georgia Heard, illustrated by Aaron DeWitt

First half of poem titled “We Call to Each Other” by Georgia Heard

081

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Jonathan Humble @northernjim.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Ninety excellent new poems up on the Dirigible Balloon ... thirty more to go 🙂 #DirigibleBalloon #PoetryForChildren #GoAllIn #NationalYearOfReading dirigibleballoon.org 🎈

01711

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Barbara Bleiman @barbarableiman.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

I'm so pleased to have two new poems up on the wonderful Dirigible Balloon website, the brilliant project of @northernjim.bsky.social! The theme was Fun, Frolicking, Friendship, Fascination and Flying. Here's my first one:

3112

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Annette Birdsall @quirkybirds.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

dirigibleballoon.org Wonderful new poems to share just in time for the new school year! Thrilled to be along for the ride with fabulous fellow poets!

dirigibleballoon.org

Dirigible Balloon - Poetry for Children

The DB is run for children, schools and poets. We promote poetry written for children and provide a platform for writers

262

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Rob Walton @robwaltonwriter.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Always good to take flight with captain Jonathan Humble and the rest of the Dirigible Balloon crew. This one of mine and loads more free poems at dirigibleballoon.org/poem/Flight-...

031

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Kay Medway @kaymedway.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I am excited to see my two latest poems on the Dirigible Balloon website. Thank you to Jonathan Humble. dirigibleballoon.org/poem/The-Bea... dirigibleballoon.org/poem/Fun-Is-... #poetry

1102

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

For day 15 of my #KidLit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I enjoyed this fun sequel in the Dino Poet graphic novel series by Tom Angleberger 🦖✍️ This book is a hilarious prehistoric romp that will inspire young readers to write their own dinosaur poems! #poetrycommunity

Book cover of Dino Poet: Pen Pals by Tom Angleberger

380

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

For day 14 of my #KidLit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read this anthology of poetic forms edited by Paul B. Janeczko & illustrated by Chris Raschka So many excellent poems demonstrating fun forms! Here are a couple poems I love by Joan Bransfield Graham & Kristine O’Connell George 💜

Book cover for A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms, edited by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris Raschka

Poem titled “A Kick in the Head” by Joan Bransfield Graham

Senryu poem by Kristine O’Connell George

060

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

For day 13 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read Black Diamond Kings by Charles R. Smith Jr. with dazzling illustrations by Adrian Brandon ⚾️👑 History meets baseball meets poetry in this dynamic collection celebrating Black baseball legends! #PoetryCommunity

Book cover for Black Diamond Kings by Charles R. Smith Jr. with illustrations by Adrian Brandon

Poem titled “O-S-C-A-R” about baseball icon Oscar Charleston

060

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I always love reading new poems by @joshuaseigal.bsky.social, and as a fellow children’s poet, I can say this one really resonates 💜

051

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Shaun Jex @shaunjexauthor.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I received my copy of the newest issue of @littlethoughtspress.com today! I'm thrilled to have a poem included in the collection, and delighted with the picture by Igor Miranda paired with the piece.

The cover of Little Thoughts Press Traditions & Rituals

Illustration of a child reading in bed with dolls

084

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Lit Kids Magazine @litkidsmagazine.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Time is running out to submit work for Issue 11: Spooky Stories!! ⏰ Calling 5-13 y/o creatives! Send writing, art, and photos by 8/14 for consideration, and please help spread the word. We need your help to bring Issue 11 to life. Keep shining! ✨ www.litkidsmagazine.com/submissions #kidlit #parents

static.klipy.com

Time Is Running Out

Alt: Time Is Running Out

043

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Nimblewitlit Mag @nimblewitlit.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

This one is fabulous!

011

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

For day 12 of my #KidLit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read A Face Is a Poem, a beautiful poetry #picturebook by Julie Morstad This book invites us to see the faces around us, as well as our own unique face, with wonder, imagination, & love 🥰 #poetry #kidlitcommunity

Book cover for A Face Is a Poem by Julie Morstad

082

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

For day 11 of my #KidLit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read this spooky #poetry collection by @shannyraindrop.bsky.social w/ haunting illustrations by Cindy Derby These delightfully disturbing poems are teeming w/ monsters & haunted shoes! I adore this weird little book of nightmares 💜

Book Cover for Nightmare Jones by Shannon Bramer, illustrated by Cindy Derby

Poem titled “Chatterbox” from Nightmare Jones

271

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Nimblewitlit Mag @nimblewitlit.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Issue 3 submissions are open! Details: epistemiclit.com/nimblewitlit... Submission form: forms.gle/n6LSxDJdkJsv...

Choices
Submissions open August 1 - Sept 15

Pink cartoon brain holding a megaphone and a street sign with a double headed arrow pointing left and right

076

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

For day 10 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I enjoyed Dennis Lee’s wonderful poetry #PictureBook Bubblegum Delicious 🫧🪲 With poems that are equally sweet & weird (in the best way), this collection is brimming with imagination & fun! #poetry #SealeyChallenge

Book cover for Bubblegum Delicious, poems by Dennis Lee, pictures by David McPhail

Poem titled “The Spider’s Web” by Dennis Lee

041

Reposted by Stefan Karlsson

Brian Moses @brianmosespoet.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

New blog page: Guest Poet - Fiona Halliday. Find out about Fiona's writing journey and read some of her poems here: brian-moses.blogspot.com

055

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

For day 9 of my #KidLit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read the graphic novel version of Garvey’s Choice by @poetnikki.bsky.social, art by @tedikuma.bsky.social 🔭♟️🎶 I absolutely love this powerful story of family, friendship, and self-discovery 💜 #SealeyChallenge #PoetryCommunity

Book cover of Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel by Nikki Grimes and Theodore Taylor III

A page from Garvey’s Choice featuring Garvey reading on his bed as books flutter in space above him

191

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

For day 8 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read the NF #poetry book Hello, Ocean! written by @jamescarterpoet.bsky.social & beautifully illustrated by Stephanie Fizee Coleman 🌊 Everything about this book is beautiful: the poems, the design, the call to save our oceans💙

Book cover for Hello, Ocean! by James Carter, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

0103

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

For day 7 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read this fun collection of dog poems by @barneysaltzberg.bsky.social 🐶 It’s full of poems as silly, sweet, & lovable as the dogs they depict! Here’s one of my favs from the collection 🐾 #Poetry #SealeyChallenge

Book cover for The Smell of Wet Dog And Other Dog Poems and Drawings by Barney Saltzberg

Poem titled “Fur” by Barney Saltzberg with illustration of a child covered in their dog’s fur

062

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

For day 6 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read this thought-provoking & moving book by Linda Sue Park that asks readers to consider what they value most & why. Here’s the opening page 💜 #poetrycommunity #SealeyChallenge

Book cover for The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

152

Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

For day 5 of my #kidlit version of #TheSealeyChallenge, I read this inventive anthology featuring poems about big & small inventions that bring joy & convenience to modern life, from roller coasters to Velcro Here’s a poem I love by Ann Whitford Paul 🖍️💚 #poetrycommunity #SealeyChallenge

Book cover for Incredible Inventions, poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrations by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Poem titled “Inside the Box” by Ann Whitford Paul

152