iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

It's forecast to be a hot #KidLitArtPostcard day where I live. Stay safe and limit your outdoor time so you don't bake or melt! And it's always okay to stick your head under a sprinkler. Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

An illustration of two donuts and a cupcake in swimsuits, frolicking underneath a sprinkler that is spraying rainbow sprinkles.

2487

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

5 years of #KidLitArtPostcard, woohoo! Turning five was a BIG occasion for me. I'm available for colorful and whimsical picture book projects! I'm represented by @swekstein.bsky.social. sparklemarkers.com

An illustration of a child wearing a yellow shirt and tutu-like green skirt sitting in a tree branch.

1525

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I write, I draw, I'd love to collaborate—just give me a caw. 🪶 🎨 Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com 📝 Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

An illustration of a girl and a crow standing outside a front door. They hold matching "best friends" necklaces.

0444

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

It’s #kidlitartpostcard day. I’m Jo and I love my job! I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social and my portfolio website is Jorenfro.com

0396

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm an author and illustrator available for board books to YA. I love bringing stories to life with my art and bringing a bit of magic into the world. I'm repped by @swekstein.bsky.social see more: www.tracivanwagoner.com #kidlitart #illustrator #authorillustrator

Children's book art of a princess with her beautiful black horse with golden mane and tail with a looming castle in the background.

3497

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

I've been dreaming of green leaves and dappled shade for the past three months. We're almost there. 🌱 I'd love to work on some colorful, cheerful, dreamy picture book projects. I'm represented by @swekstein.bsky.social. 🎨 sparklemarkers.com #kidlitartpostcard

an illustration of a child in a yellow shirt and tutu-like green skirt sitting on a tree branch, with grass below. the child is the focus of the image, taking up most of the frame and viewed from slightly above eye level; only two branches of the tree are visible.

0476

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Hi All! I'm going on maternity leave at the end of April, but looking to fill out my freelance editing schedule before then. I have availability in March. If you're looking for a professional set of eyes on your project or pitch package, reach out! samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site/s/shop

samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site

141

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm available for PB projects, especially cheerful and fun ones! Also, I really like those round library stools. Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

An illustration of three kids in a library. One kid stands on a stool, reaching for one book on a high shelf and handing another book to a second kid. A third kid sits on the floor with an armload of books.

0274

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Hi all! I’m Jo and I’m an author and illustrator of picture books. I love creating stories and art with whimsy and heart. I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social and my website is jorenfro.com #kidlitartpostcard

18613

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Happy #PortfolioDay ! I'm an author and illustrator of children's books looking for new projects for 2026 from board books, picture books to YA and MG covers. Rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social see more: www.tracivanwagoner.com #kidlitart #illustrator #childrensbooks #authorillustrator #portfolio

Artwork by Traci Van Wagoner perfect for children's books of all ages. 5 images: 1. A girl and her mom on their roof gardening and watching a mourning dove fly by. 2. A girl and a boy chasing a small blue dragon in front of a colorful city background of pink and purple. 3. A young girl, her dog and dad enter a beautiful garden filled with wildlife and pink flowers as big as your face. 4. A kid and dog standing in the snow in the city. 5. An purple elephant and her friend a zebra sit together on the school bus with dragons coming out of the elephants backpack
www.tracivanwagoner.com repd by Samantha Wekstein

0154

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Almost missed #kidlitartpostcard day, but now I’m home now and checking out all the great illustrations! I’m Jo and I love creating stories and art that is lively, engaging, funny, and full of heart. I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

A whimsical,silly lion with a huge mane, dancing a jig.

0447

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! May your days be filled with all the warmth and light you need, however you get it. I'd love to work on new picture book projects in 2026! Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social

Illustration of a child relaxing in a beach chair under a bright lamp in a dark room. The child is wearing sunglasses, swim trunks, and flip flops, and is surrounded by beach accessories. In the background a window is partly visible, showing a snowy night landscape.

0283

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard Day! I'm an author/illustrator always looking for new projects from young to young adult. I would love to create some covers. I'm also open for PB work. see more: www.tracivanwagoner.com rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitart #illustratorauthor #dragon #illustrator

Fantasy art of a maroon and pink dragon standing nest to a woman in a purple robe and hat on the right. Swirly mist floats past them and swirls in front of a large arching window and a pedestal with a candle. Outside the window is a full moon rising over a castle behind a lake.

1478

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

A new piece for #KidlitArtPostcard day! Can you guess my favorite color? I write and illustrate picture books with humor and heart. I love working with bright colors, bold lines, and big feelings! 🎨 See the rest of this piece and more at sparklemarkers.com Rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social

Illustration of a scene in a green craft room with a girl showing two friends how to make a beaded necklace.

0413

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Hi all! I’m Jo and I am an illustrator and author of picture books. I love stories that are filled with heart and humor. My portfolio website is jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

0448

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Yes, if you are planning to pitch me as an agent at some point down the road, then please don’t hire me as your editor.

000

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Yes, I'm open to select nonfiction including memoir.

110

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

#kidlitartpostcard day snuck up on me! I’m Jo and I love creating stories and art that kids of all ages can connect to. My portfolio website is jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

15610

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! Here's a little something from a new project of mine I'm excited about. I'm an #AuthorIllustrator open to new projects from board books to YA. I love telling stories w/my art. rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social www.tracivanwagoner.com #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration

4628

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Hello! I will next reopen to queries from 10/1-10/7, but then I will be closing indefinitely so I can catch up and focus on client work. #amquerying #amagenting

3230

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Yay it's #KidLitArtPostcard day! I hope you're all feeling okay? Some days you need to just collapse. I'm an author/illustrator looking for fun new children's book projects. Repped by @swekstein.bsky.social See more: www.tracivanwagoner.com #kidlitart #kidlit #authorillustrator #childrensbooks

A red dragon lays on a cliff exhausted with her blue teddy bear while three kids in the back ground as if she's okay. Big white puffy clouds fill the intense blue sky behind them

0515

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

“…and with that, Norman decided that life in the city was not for him after all.” #kidlitartpostcard I am an author and illustrator of picture books but would love to do board books and chapter books as well! My website is Jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

A terrified bear who has been chased up a light post by a tiny cat.

0446

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

A day late for #KidLitArtPostcard, but late is better than never. Summer fun swimming is the best! I miss my childhood swimming hole. I'm open for new PB, chapter book, MG projects anytime. #kidlitart #summer #art #authorillustrator Website: www.tracivanwagoner.com rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social

Postcard with my information on the bottom of mostly teal art with kids playing at the local swimming hole. Some kids stand on the ledge of the waterfall about to jump in past the splashes.

2463

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Hi all! I am Jo and I am an author and illustrator of picture books. I love using humor and positivity to create engaging characters full of heart. My portfolio website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

0395

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

#KidLitArtPostcard day snuck up on me and I'm going to repost an old piece—but it's one that delights me! Looking to illustrate picture books with bright colors, big feelings, whimsy, and fun! 🎨 sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

A seadragon mercat chasing her own tail!

0343

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Hello! In addition to my work as an agent, I freelance edit. Today through Sunday I'm running a 10% off sale on my Basic Query Package or Query Package Plus edits. If you'd like me to help shape your pitch, now would be a wonderful time to book! samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site/s/shop

samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site

140

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

It's #PortfolioDay! I'm a #kidlit writer and illustrator and I'd love to work on whimsical, witty projects. More drawings: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social P.S. All cats are the best cat.

Silent comic featuring an orange tabby cat at a cat show. She stares longingly at the golden "Best in Show" trophy and stretches and poses to the delight of the audience. The cat is surprised and disappointed to be returned to her cage, and scowls at the "6th place" ribbon she wins.

1225

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Hi all- I am Jo and I love creating stories for picture books and board books with characters that are expressive and fun! #portfolioday My website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

A whimsical group of animals. Elephant, zebra, lion, giraffe, monkey and turtle with the bright orange savanna sun behind them.

A page from my book PEG GETS PLUCKY. A group of cute farm animals gazing up at an incredible full moon.

Whimsical fiery dragon with a slight grin.

A child who has made a very fancy, colorful, multilayered cake that is just about to to over !

094

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Hello #kidlitartpostcard! I'm an author and illustrator of children's books for all ages. I love to bring joy and a touch of magic to the world through my creativity. Portfolio: www.tracivanwagoner.com Agent: @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitart #kidlit #paintplay #childrensbooks #authorillustrator

A dad, girl and her dog walk into a beautiful lush garden through a wrought-iron gate with a swirly top where they are greeted by birds and bees and flowers as big as your face and a dragon fly.

2466

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Hi all-I’m Jo and I am an illustrator and author of picture books. I love creating expressive engaging characters! My website is jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

3557

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

I am excited and honored to have PEG GETS CRACKIN’ nominated for the 2025 Missouri Building Blocks Picture Book Award. It is voted on by preschool KIDS in Missouri Public Libraries. The KIDS!! That’s who it’s all about!

194

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

I've got something new for #KidLitArtPostcard! Hot off the presses w/sharing delayed by no internet. I'm an author/illustrator of children's books of all ages, I try to bring a bit of magic to every project. #kidlitart #authorillustrator Rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social www.tracivanwagoner.com

Fantasy illustration of a young woman and a young man chasing a blue and teal baby dragon. Splattery painted background in purple, pinks and reds with white lined city. On the bottom is my information, TraciVanWagoner.com, Author/Illustrator, represented by Samantha Wekstein

1416

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Jo Renfro - Peg’s Egg coming in February 2026 @jorenfro.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m Jo and I am an illustrator and author of picture books. (And maybe board books someday 🤞🏼) I love creating stories with characters full of heart and spunk! My website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

0389

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

#KidLitArtPostcard time again! This is an older piece I love. Nothing like a good pondering session in a forest. Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social 🎨 sparklemarkers.com

Illustration of a girl pondering her reflection in a forest pond.

0312

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Sabina's writing is so brilliant, funny, and swoony. I'm so thrilled to be her agent!! 🎉

1141

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

It's so tragic! Fellow celiac here. Always open to sharing tips (was diagnosed in 2021 😭). I basically will just spend any amount of money on gluten free goods--it's ludicrous.

000

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Happy Pub day to JOEY THE GOOD by Erin Fry, a touchingly funny MG about a sweat-averse kid who is forced to spend his summer climbing mountains with his cool, athletic cousin. I love this book! Get your copy today! mountains.https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joey-the-good-erin-fry/1145949179

barnesandnoble.com

Joey the Good|Paperback

Twelve-year-old sweat-averse Joey is psyched for his summer of relaxation and perfecting his butt-shaped indentation on the couch. Sure, he wishes that his best friend, Xander, wasn’t always bus...

0112

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Hey all! Just a heads up that I do not want to be notified of full requests from other agents. I have this request on my query form and profiles, but I still get messages about it all the time. I just need to know if you get an offer. My inbox is already unwieldy without extra messages.

0160

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Katherine Thorne @sparklemarkers.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Another chunky-outline #KidLitArtPostcard from me! I’m having a lot of fun with this style. I write, I draw, I'm always looking for new stuff to do! Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

An illustration of three kids in a library. One kid stands on a stool, grabbing one book from a high shelf and handing another book to a kid standing on the floor. A third kid sits nearby, their arms full of books.

1263

Reposted by Samantha Wekstein

Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Happy May! It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m an author & illustrator and a dragon tamer. I would love another children’s book project where I can bring a little magic to the world. Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social Web: www.Tracivanwagoner.com #kidlit #kidlitart #art #authorillustrator #childrensbooks

Artwork with a girl in a red hooded cape in a forest with a red dragon intertwined in the trees

27712

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Hmmm no specific examples off the top of my head, but most popular published fiction does this well! The character will throw their long brown hair over their shoulder, or compare their eyes to their mother's, bring up their height in relation to a character towering over them--clues like that.

220

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

It's also really common to see a book open with a sparring/fight scene. We often hear "start with action," but I think the stronger advice is, "start with an objective." Let's see your character pursuing something--perhaps sparring is part of that, but do what you can to differentiate your opening.

1170

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Every day I wonder, when will Melina Marchetta write another fantasy series??

010

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

One of the comments asked me to keep going with these. So here's another cliche--giving us a description of your character's appearance by having them look in the mirror. You can just have them communicate their looks more organically in between the action/dialogue.

3151

Samantha Wekstein @swekstein.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Today's writing advice, please go search your manuscript for the phrase, "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding." and delete it. Wherever you can, avoid common writing cliches!

6332