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Stefan Karlsson

@stefankarlsson.bsky.social
948 followers 706 following 1.2K posts

Poet & kidlit writer. Marbling & book artist. Based in Portland, OR 🌲 stefankarlssonwrites.wixsite.com/au… linktr.ee/nautiluspaperco

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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 13h
For my next spooky #kidlit poetry read, I enjoyed this anthology of classic & contemporary poems brilliantly illustrated by @martinheadrocks.bsky.social 👻 Here’s the opening poem by @kennnesbitt.bsky.social which will surely make little ones smile and flash their fangs in delight! 🧛‍♀️
Book cover for Monsters Growling in the Background, illustrated by Martin OntiverosPoem titled “Halloween Party” written by Kenn Nesbitt, illustrated by Martin Ontiveros
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
For my next spooky #kidlit poetry read, I enjoyed another classic: Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam, illustrated by Lane Smith 🎃 The poems here are playfully macabre and probably much too scary for a regular ABC book haha Also, this is Lane Smith’s first book! 😍 #Halloween
Book cover for Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam, illustrated by Lane SmithPoem titled “Apple” by Eve Merriam, illustrated by Lane Smith
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I’m getting into the Halloween spirit by reading spooky children’s poetry collections 👻 Starting with a classic: It’s Halloween written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Marilyn Hafner 🎃 Do you have any favorite spooky #KidLit poetry books?
Book cover for It’s Halloween written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Marilyn HafnerPoem titled “Skeleton Parade” by Jack Prelutsky
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Thanks so much, Linda! 😊🙏🏼
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I came across this delightful book of children’s concrete poetry by Brad Burg at my library—such fun! I’ve read several excellent concrete poetry books for kids lately and I’d love to check out more. Do you have any favorites? #kidlit #poetry #childrensbooks
Book cover for Outside the Lines: Poetry at Play by Brad Burg, illustrated by Rebecca GibbonPoem titled “Frisbee” by Brad Burg
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Haha thank you so much, Brinton! 💜😁
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Thank you so much! 💜😊
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I’m SCREAMING with delight to have two new poems for kids aboard the scary-ness express! 😱🚂 Find my poems “Frightfully Polite” & “Nice Costume” along with many more spooky children’s poems in the new HALLOWEEN CANCELED ticket on scaryness.com! 🎃 #kidlit #poetry #halloween
Poem from Scaryness.com titled “Frightfully Polite” by Stefan Karlsson
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Marbled witches’ brew 🧙🪄🌀 I haven’t had a chance to do any paper marbling for awhile but I found this old video of me making a Halloween inspired pattern, stirring up some spooky spots & stripes! 🎃 #CraftSky #PaperCraft #Handmade
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I’m super excited to have a children’s poem in the forthcoming issue of @littlethoughtspress.com! The theme is In the Dark (perfect for spooky season) 🎃 You can pre-order copies here: square.link/u/T7h7XiNE #KidLit #Poetry
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Little Thoughts Press Issue Fifteen: In the Dark - Claire Taylor | Little Thoughts Press
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Here are my September #KidLit reads and favorite #PictureBooks, including wonderful new books by @mrwolfcomics.bsky.social, @dirtbagg.bsky.social, @cordellmatthew.bsky.social, & more! 💚
September reading: here are the books I enjoyed this month. Favorite September Picture Books! So many excellent PBs this month and so hard to choose favorites, but here are some standout books.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This is awesome, Jenny! Hope you have a blast! 😊💜
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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!
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Thank you so much, Brian! It’s an honor to be included among such excellent poets 💚
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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!
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Thanks so much for sharing, Shaun! 💚 And I’m happy to hear you’re a Buster fan, too! 😊
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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
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Thank you so much for sharing, Kenn! 😊💜
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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
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Aww yay! That’s wonderful to hear 😊🙏🏼
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I first heard of Bubblegum Delicious thanks to an interview of yours that I read years back. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get myself a copy. It’s a treasure! 💚
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
And thank you so much to @nimblewitlit.bsky.social & @sealeychallenge.bsky.social for your encouragement! You helped keep me motivated to make sure I completed the reading challenge 😊💚
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
My #kidlit take on the #SealeyChallenge is complete! Read about the wonderful books I discovered & some things I learned here: stefankarlssonwrites.wixsite.com/author/post/... Featuring #poetry books by @kennnesbitt.bsky.social, @brianbilston.bsky.social, @poetnikki.bsky.social, & more!
stefankarlssonwrites.wixsite.com
31 Days of Children’s Poetry: My KidLit Sealey Challenge
What can you discover by reading a children’s poetry book every day for a month? For the Sealey Challenge, I set myself the goal of reading 31 children’s poetry books in 31 days. Join me as I share th...
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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 AgardPoem titled “Hurry-Hurry Mek Bad Curry” by John Agard
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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”
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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 AbdollahiPoem by Eloise Greenfield
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
It’s a lovely collection of animal poems and (for me) it was an excellent introduction to Karla Kuskin’s work! Hope you enjoy 😊
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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
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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 HallA poem by Karla Kuskin
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I’m a day behind in posting about my #SealeyChallenge reading, but I’ll catch up this evening hopefully! 😊
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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. MannA page from Climbing the Volcano
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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
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Such a stunning book! I’m so glad I finally had a chance to read it 💚🍅😊
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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 MorstadPoem for August 30 by Julie Fogliano
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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 RaczkaPoem titled Hopscotch by Bob RaczkaPoem titled Hopscotch by Bob Raczka
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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 SchimelTwo haiku and and an illustration of a mermaid on the beach
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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 HolmesPoem titled “Snapshots” (celebrating Nikki Giovanni) by Chris Colderley
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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 WoodcockPoem titled “Spider” from Five Little Friends
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Always a pleasure to read your work, Matt! 😊
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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
Book cover for Rap It Up!A page from Rap It Up! showing a notebook with text and illustrations
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It’s a quiet & thoughtful, but brilliantly clever little book! Very different from The Little Blue Truck books, though the setting is familiar. The book is a bit older, but hopefully it isn’t too hard to track down! 😊
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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 Poem titled “One” by Alice Schertle
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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 GoodePoem titled “Werewolves” by Karma Wilson
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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 NiemannPoem titled “A Visit to the Forest” by Matt Forrest Esenwine Poem titled “The ‘Just Because’ Hug” by Robert Schechter
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Thank you, Laura! 😊
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Love this book! 💜
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Stefan Karlsson @stefankarlsson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Thank you! 😊
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