My First Picture Book Memory or The Magic and Power of Picture Books

I have loved picture books since my mom read the first board books to me as a toddler. They made me laugh, giggle, and feel instantly connected. From then on, picture books have been constant, reliable companions throughout my life; weaving in and out at times. I always cherished and treasured them because they were a source of comfort and a way to stay in touch with, and quietly nourish, the small child inside me. 

Born and raised in a small town in Southern Germany, I still remember my excitement for preschool, especially when Miss Beate read to us. We were completely, hopelessly in love with her and obsessed with her long brown hair. It was so shiny and beautiful. She let us comb it, braid it, and occasionally create unique hairstyles you could call avant-garde-ish.

The real magic began when she opened a book. Miss Beate wasn’t just patient and kind; she was also a wonderful storyteller. The moment she said, “Who wants to see what book I brought today…?” the entire class joined her. We pretzeled our legs and all eyes were on her and the book. Once she settled into the Lesesessel (big, cozy reading chair), we couldn’t wait for the magic to happen. We were ready to be transported to enchanted forests, pirate ships, and countries far away. We lived for that moment every day.

My favorite picture book back then was Die bunte Flaschenpost, written by Lore Lehner and illustrated by Hetty Krist. First published by Herder Verlag in 1968, the book was reissued by Kerle Verlag in 2003 under the title Flaschenpost, schwimm übers Meer, this time with fresh, contemporary illustrations by Astrid Krömer.

The author, Lore Lehner (1935–2017), lived and worked in Germany, where she built a career bridging academic research and children’s literature. She earned her doctorate at the Ludwig‑Maximilians‑Universität München (my alma mater). When she became a mother, she turned her attention to writing for young readers. Die bunte Flaschenpost remains one of her best‑known titles, cherished both in its original 1968 edition and its later reinterpretation. Lehner continued to write and contribute to literary and scholarly life until her passing in 2017.

I have a very vivid memory of the original Flaschenpost, even though we read it so many years ago. It’s a rhyming picture book, a gentle, hopeful story of children connecting across the world via a message in a bottle. I never forgot the cover. 

Jens and his father, a lighthouse keeper, live on a small island in the Baltic Sea. He is very lonely and wants to find friends, so he sends a message in a bottle to children around the world. 

His message is simple.

“Who wants to be friends?

All the best, Jens.”

He rolls up the paper, sticks it in the bottle, puts a cork in it, and tosses it in the Baltic Sea. 

The bottle travels to the Island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). A boy named Kim finds it at the beach and is very excited about the letter and the drawing of the boy inside. It is the first letter he ever received!

He adds himself to the drawing, seals it in the bottle, and throws it back into the ocean. 

As the bottle travels around the world, Zaty from Madagascar, Nai-Ming from China, and Pepe from Mexico discover it on a beach near their homes, and the list of friends becomes longer and longer.

Somewhere in the ocean, an old whale swallows the bottle but has to spit it out because it’s too hard to digest. That’s when the Inuit boy Navsak finds it. He, too, draws himself and places the letter back in the bottle, seals it, and sends it on its way. 

Guess what! The bottle actually comes back to Jens. He can’t believe how lucky he is to have so many new friends around the world now! You can feel his happiness radiating from the page.

I couldn’t get enough of this story. Intrigued by how strongly the drawings resembled my own, I drew countless messages, stuck them in a bottle, and, for quite a while, my friends and I imagined ourselves to be Jens and his friends from around the world. Pretend play was our favorite activity in Kindergarten. This book has stayed close to my heart all these years. It unlocked new worlds, cultures, animals, and ways of living. It also gave me something to hold on to when I felt alone. After we moved far from my beloved preschool and the friends I thought I’d grow up with, I was lost and heartbroken. It took me a long time to find my footing again. This story didn’t fix everything, but it steadied me and gave me hope when everything felt unfamiliar. 

Life went on, and after graduating from high school, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Education in Germany before moving to the United States. Within a year, I obtained my Texas Teaching Certificate and began teaching second grade at a magnet school focused on math and science. I was so lucky! We developed our own literacy-based curriculum, and I was instantly immersed in American picture books and kidlit. I started collecting books for my own growing PB library. You can pretend it’s a classroom library, but deep inside, you know who those books are really for. Creating and working with this amazing team of teachers, writing this curriculum together became its own reading adventure, leading me to fall in love with more books. It opened my eyes to a whole new world.

When I became a parent, and my kids were little, I never missed the weekly story times at the local library or Barnes & Noble. I became friends with June, the woman who led the read-aloud on Tuesdays at the bookstore. Our family spent almost every Saturday at the library, reading, browsing for books, and schlepping home at least 15 new children’s books. What a wonderful way to spend family time and nourish a love for books and reading. I also enjoyed discovering more children’s books through my kids’ eyes and evolving interests and perspectives.

When the kids were older, I became a Reading Partners Tutor. The read‑aloud portion is, without question, my favorite part of the entire program. Those first 10 minutes spent together with a picture book, reading while checking in, laughing, having fun discussing the story, and learning and getting to know the students are special and invaluable. 

Picture books are magical and powerful. They make a meaningful, positive difference and are amazing tools. Life is full of issues and emotions that can be tough to handle. Sometimes we can’t even express what we feel when everything seems unfair, sad, or we feel unseen, unimportant, disrespected, or overlooked. Reading a book can reveal and gently open a conversation that otherwise seems tough to start. It encourages problem-solving and helps address confusing feelings in a way that makes these issues easier to face. A main character, engaging words, and illustrations help to remove the problem just enough to make it approachable. Books can offer solutions, humor, comic relief, and a sense of familiarity, whether read alone or with someone else. What a great bonding opportunity for parents or teachers! 

Do you have a favorite picture book?

If you are curious about my favorite or would like to hear a German read-aloud of my beloved Die Bunte Flaschenpost, you can watch the entire story on YouTube.

Karin Redclift is the Translation Coordinator for SCBWI SF South. She is a

German‑born creative writer, translator, and proofreader, raised in Southern

Germany. Her passion for children's books started in pre-school and deepened

when she began teaching. She specializes in writing and translating kidlit, loves

playing with words (German and English), and dreams of making the world a better

place, one sentence at a time. She is bridging cultures and generations through

storytelling, with publications including the German translation of Emily of

New Moon by L.M. Montgomery and an updated version of the German classic

Maya the Bee. Her flash fiction appears in the Bolts of Fiction anthology.

She also enjoys reading, knitting, drawing, Tai Chi, gardening, hiking, and chasing

her little rescue dog, Charlie. 

Find her at www.KarinRedclift.com (sign up for the monthly newsletter).

Follow her on Instagram.

Remembering Mildred Pitts Walter

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the children’s book world, and young readers worldwide mourn the passing of author and friend, Mildred Pitts Walter. She was 104 years old, and was still writing for children.

Born in 1922 in a small, segregated town in Louisiana, she eventually made her way to New Orleans and enrolled in Southern University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English. In 1944, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked briefly as a school clerk.

She married Earl Walter in 1947, and they both became active in civil rights. Walter, who passed away in 1965, became the national vice chair of CORE (Congress Of Racial Equity).

Mildred was an early member of SCBWI and frequently spoke at SCBWI events throughout the many years of her children’s publishing career.

Her passion for children’s literature was born when she became a teacher at a predominately African American school in Los Angeles. Disheartened that the only book in the school library featuring an African American child was Ezra Jack Keats, “The Snowy Day”, she wrote the publisher out of sheer frustration, requesting that more books feature characters who looked like the students in her classroom. The publisher wrote back, “Write them”. And that she did.

Her first book, “Lillie of Watts”, was published in 1969. Eventually, she went on to write more than 20 others, including “Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World” (1986) for which she won The Coretta Scott King Award. In 1996, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, and she received the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honors for “Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl”.

SCBWI Co-Founder and current SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Managing Director, Lin Oliver, had this to say about her longtime friend, Mildred Pitts Walter, “Mildred was a longtime member of the SCBWI Advisory Council, offering her wisdom about the necessity of representation and inclusion to all of our conversations. As an author, she was a pioneer in writing stories for and about black children in everyday modern life, not as historical figures. Her books changed the course of children’s literature.”

We mourn her loss while celebrating her long and productive life. The SCBWI was fortunate to have her as a colleague and friend for so many wonderful years. She will be missed, but long honored and never forgotten.

Deep Dives with Merfolx: A Sparkling Interview with Jessica Love

Happy Thursday! We are back with the final installment of our MerMay entries, and I am over the coral moon about this one— an interview with the one and only, Jessica Love! The author and illustrator of one of my favorite books of all time, I feel so privileged and honored to have her on the Official SCWBI Blog. SO without further ado, let's get started!

 Hi Jessica, I am so beyond excited for you to join us on the Official SCBWI Blog. The wonderful author/illustrator of Julián is a Mermaid, and Julián at the Wedding, please tell us a little about yourself, in your own words.

Thank you so much for having me, Justin. When I was about nine years old my answer to the question "what do you want to do when you grow up?" was actor, artist, writer. Which is a pretentious answer for a nine year old but oh well, I suppose I was a little bit pretentious, but I guess I meant what I said because I've done all three of those things professionally as an adult. My parents are both artists--my mom is a weaver, my dad is a potter, and my extended family on both sides is made up of highly creative people. 

I grew up in Santa Barbara, California. I've always drawn and painted, and from as far back as I can remember I was making up stories and illustrating them. I was passionate about playing pretend, I was definitely one of those kids who would live inside a game for days at a time. Eventually I discovered theater, which felt like a bigger game of make believe, and I really fell in love with it. But I think both of my interests (visual art and theater) spring from an interest in make-believe.

 I see that you studied Drama at Juilliard and was a professional actor until you moved into publishing, very similarly to me being a dancer turned illustrator. How has your background in the theater world shaped your storytelling as an author/illustrator and how was that transition?

I didn't know you were a dancer! That makes me very happy. I am currently at work on the third Julián book in the series, and it is called, Julián is a Dancer. It's about that threshold moment when you enter a creative process with other people for the first time, and how intimidating it is at first but also how thrilling once the first step into the room has been taken. 

So yes, I was an actor in New York City for many years. I moved to New York after studying Visual Art and doing Shakespeare plays at UC Santa Cruz, to study Drama at Juilliard. After graduation I stayed in New York working as an actor in new plays and very old ones. I loved it. While I was doing that I had the idea for Julián is a Mermaid and started working on it whenever I had time. I developed it slowly over several years, the last draft I did before I started submitting it was completed backstage in my dressing room in a play called "The River". The actor (and brilliant writer as well, by the way) Mary Louise Parker helped me meet my wonderful agent, Meredith Kaffel-Simonoff, who immediately understood what I was trying to do with Julián and really guided me through the process of crafting a proposal and readying it for submission. 

So there were lots of practical ways my work as an actor informed my pivot to this new industry. But on a process level I think I am making use of much of the same vocabulary, and using similar principals as guidelines. In drama school one of the phrases you hear most often is "be specific" which is something I really try to do in my illustration. I like for every character to feel as embodied as possible, that's important to me. I think I also see the page as a kind of stage, in terms of the way I like to frame action. Another virtue of the theater I want to try to keep in mind more often is the possibility that is afforded by a really deep depth of field, it allows several different threads to be at play at once, and that's something I love in art, any kind of polyphony. I think I also tend to sort of act while I'm drawing, I'm making the faces, I'm trying out the movements in my own body. I also try to think of drafts of a book as rehearsal--a physical process you use to get the story in your body, so that when you do the final art I know what I'm doing so I can be loose.

When Julián is a Mermaid came out, everyone I know and who know the true me sent me the announcement. Not to exaggerate, but this is one of my favorite children's books ever. I've never felt more seen in a book. I, too, grew up in New York, had a secret love of mermaids, but unlike Julián, I didn't show my true love until I was older. 

I'd love to hear what inspired you to create the book and how did Julián come to you as he is? I mean, did you hear stories of me when I was eight years old?!

Wow, I love this question so much. It is incredibly, powerfully affirming to me to get to hear that from a reader, thank you so much. 

I had a very clear goal for myself, which was to make the Juliáns of the world feel seen, and even celebrated by that seeing. I was deeply inspired by the documentary Paris is Burning about the golden age of the ballroom scene in New York in the '80's, the first time I saw it I immediately watched it over from the beginning. Those ballroom artists had created something astonishing. I was also pained by how many of those kids--because they were so young!--had been forced out of their birth families due to their unwillingness to reign in their self-expression. And of course they created new families with long legacies in the establishment of the different houses and family structures in which this culture thrived. 

With this picture book I wanted to reach way back to the early childhood of kids like Julián, and give them a story in which they express something deep about themselves, and are seen for who they are, and celebrated. Just a story of pure love and recognition being exchanged between two generations. I wanted to bottle that feeling you get when one of your elders really sees you and loves what they see. I really didn't write the book with just kids in mind, I had hoped it would reach the grown mermaids too, so it makes me so happy to hear your saw yourself in it's pages.

As a New York, I've attended the Mermaid Parade for several years. It is sort of my Pride celebration. I've always loved the parade just from its sheer inclusiveness. Being a mermaids doesn't come with the expectations and standards of what it means to be "human." It is a celebration of all people, from all backgrounds, ages, body types, cultures, etc. What drives you as an artist to celebrate representation in your work and in the book space?

This is what I love about the Mermaid Parade too! Despite being a dress-up as a fantastical creature parade, it is its human-ness that is moving to me. I love that it's on a day when it's SO hot and it's in the direct sun so everybody is all sweaty, and kind of naked, and truly, truly the crowd is made up of a raucously heterogenous sample of New York Humans, I absolutely love it. 

I think showing the world we live in means showing a diverse world. And beyond being accurate, beyond being fair, it's interesting to move your point of view around, and to remember that really it is only ever just that, a point of view in an vast number of points, each as real as you.

I just saw the announcement that Julián is a Mermaid will be making its way to become an animated feature, led by the Academy Award nominated director Louise Bagnall with Cartoon Saloon. How did it feel to be approached about the adaption and what are your hopes for the feature?

I am so excited for this film to come out. Louise and an absolutely incredible team of animators from all over the world have been working so hard on this for years and years. The script is written by Juliany Taveras, who is also a playwright and the way they managed to expand a 30 word story into a feature length film while maintaining the original bones of the house is a pretty awesome feat of ekphrasis. It's beautifully done, Cartoon Saloon is one of the last studios actually drawing everything by hand, which is really meaningful to me. A human hand was important in this story.

Last question, which I know I've personally pondered for ages, but if you were to sprout a tail right this second, what would it look like?

I'm so glad you asked. This season my tail is going to be like a black plum with the occasional scale of nacreous pearl, but my fins will be tipped in vermillion.

Check out more about Jessica Love, HERE, and follow her on Instagram @jesslovedraws.

That's all, Merfolx! Thank you for joining me on this month long journey through the seas! As MerMay comes to an end, I hope you've celebrated your mermaid-ness but also, in doing so, as Jessica said, your humanness! And for those who are in the NYC area, the Mermaid Parade is June 20th! Hope to see you there! Ciao!

Introducing SCBWI Critique Groups

Introducing SCBWI Critique Groups

You've asked, and SCBWI has heard! Introducing the SCBWI Critique Groups! SCBWI is proud to announce that the beta version of their exclusive Critique Group program has officially launched!

One of the best ways to grow as a storyteller is by receiving feedback from your peers. Whether you’re an author, illustrator, or translator, our critique group builder is designed to connect you with the perfect partners who are working on similar projects. 

As a member of SCBWI, you will have the opportunity to browse listings from fellow members, or create a group of your own, all on your SCBWI ‘Member Home.

Check out this video below by the one and only, Jolie Stekly, for more information on the groups!

Find your people, connect, create, and critique! Your craft will thank you!

This premium member benefit allows SCBWI creators to design the peer groups of their dreams and connect with new critique partners. Start your critique journey now through your MEMBER HOME.

Why Join a Critique Group?

Every creator reaches a point where an outside perspective becomes essential. A critique group gives you a trusted space to share your work and hear how it lands with others: what resonates with readers, what confuses them, and where your vision has room to grow. The conversations you have there won't just improve a manuscript or a spread; they can help sharpen how you think about storytelling itself. This is a member benefit that helps anyone at any stage of their development.


Read more about the SCBWI Critique Groups, its benefits, Code of Conduct, and more, HERE!

Deep Dives with Merfolx: A Splashing Interview with Paul D Kellam

Deep Dive with a Merman: 

Interview with Paul D Kellam

The illustrator of countless books, ranging many genres like The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash by Ashley Franklin and You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) by Taraji P. Henson to the Coral Keeper series by Robin Yardi, Paul D Kellam has made a SPLASH on the scene with as much energy and vibrancy as his artwork. 

But before we "dive in," Paul,  tell the reader a little about yourself, in your own words.

Hi I’m Paul (insert Jimmy Neutron Monkey)! 

I’m a full-time freelance artist based in Florida. I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember, my mom often reflects on how I crayon doodled on my nursery walls and even had the nerve to sign my name. I grew up loving all things animated, with ‘The Little Mermaid’ on constant repeat; but once I discovered ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ I knew I wanted to work in the creative field. I practiced diligently, filling stacks of sketchbooks with ink and colored pencil before teaching myself to work digitally. 

At 16 I bought my first Bamboo Tablet to illustrate my first kids book, which was horrendous but a great learning experience. I later polished my skills in college, earning my Bachelors in Media Arts and Animation; but quickly found myself more at home with book illustrations.

Your work explodes with color, movement, "flow and rhythm," something I love and am inspired by! You and I have spoken a bit about it, but I would love to hear about your process and what inspires you as an illustrator?

My process is not always streamlined, but I always aim for my art to dance off the page through movement and color. My compositions typically use a lot of “S” and triangle shapes to help lead the eyes of the viewer; as well as gradients with focal points being the most saturated bits. I’m heavily inspired by nature, haute couture, and people that I cherish. A lot of the snarky expression I draw are basically a mirror of me with my younger sisters, haha.

Bursting with color, your books also brim with a range of beautiful, colorful, and diverse characters. What are some of your thoughts and feelings when it comes to representation and why do you think it is important?

Representation is beyond important, and I’m glad I’ve had ranging opportunities to depict various ethnicities and disabled folks as well! We have so many unique people in the world who feel invisible still to this day, and it’s amazing especially for children to feel seen in media, truly. It encourages hope and possibility; showing miraculous experiences are not limited to any one specific group.

I believe community is key to a healthy and fulfilling life, no matter what area of your life it appears in. I consider you a big part of my art community or mermaid pod, if you will. Your generous spirit is such a light and I know you've cheered me on when I needed that extra push. Can you speak a bit about community, how it has shaped you and why it is essential to the process?

I’m quite the hermit crab, so finding a sense of community outside of contained spaces like school or work life can be rather difficult. Social media thankfully allowed me to connect with many like-minded creators. Specifically in the ‘Mermay’ community I’ve befriended lots of brilliantly sweet and creative people, like yourself, whom I’ve truly appreciated having in my mer-pod! It’s been such a beautiful experience bonding with artist who’ve uplifted and inspired me with their different approaches to their own art and life. I’ve had many friends show me better creative tactics I hadn’t considered, and I’m glad I’ve been able to help others as well!

To see you occupy the spaces you do, in the way you do, with style, energy and sheer joyfulness, is revolutionary on so many levels. What would you say to younger Paul and how do you think he'd feel seeing you today?

Honestly one of the greatest parts of working in children’s illustration is rediscovering the warmth and exhilaration I felt when creating as a young artist. To Lil’ Paul I’d say continue to be you, and be so much louder and bolder about it too! The ability to create authentically is such a gift and no one else will do it like you. Your art can change the world for the better, for good, even! I think he’d be overjoyed to see all the lives our work has touched throughout our journey, it’s no-longer just little anime sketchbook doodles. Though, in classic Capricorn fashion he’d wonder what’s next, lol.

Though I know you and I are merpeople in our souls, if you were to sprout a tail right this second, what would it look like?

I imagine my natural tail color would be a sort of turquoise-y jade with gold flecks, but my scales would hue shift to varied jewel tones based off my moods. I just love colors so much! What would yours be?

Thank you so much, Paul, for joining us on the Official SCBWI Blog. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you! Your art has been such a joy to witness and I'm alway SAT for what you will share next! 

Check out more about Paul D Kellam, HERE and give this fabulous merperson a FOLLOW on IG! 

SCBWI Resources: The SCBWI YouTube

I'm back again, with more goodies provided for you, by SCBWI. 

This time let's chat about the SCBWI YouTube page!

There are many videos of panels, like the Writing from the Immigrant Experience and UNBanning Books, to interviews with Featured artists like Alex Howes, and Kerry McQuaide. Some of my favorite are the "Let's Eat..." series!

SCBWI has been a champion of sharing knowledge, and resources to help build community and the YouTube is one of the many ways to keep tabs on what is happening in the organization and in the publishing world!

Check out some of the videos below!

Writing from the Immigrant Experience - An Author Panel

UNBanning Books: A Panel Discussion

SCBWI Featured Illustrator: Alex Howes

Let’s Eat Dim Sum with X Fang!

Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic: MerMay Entry #2

We're back with our second installment of the MerMay fun!

Today's entry:

Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic

In an industry with so many creators, stories, genres, etc, it is essential that you find your voice—your song that will help guide you through the dark depths as you discover treasure (golden nuggets of connection), conquer krakens (imposter syndrome and burn out), and discover the stories from deep within.

I've always said that dance was my first language and as a dancer, I know how to communicate my emotions, thoughts and story through my body. That expression is so clear to me but when I stepped out onto the children's publishing "stage," I felt lost, and honestly, couldn't fathom how I would even begin to contribute to the massive ocean of publishing "creatures." When there are so many voices, how do you connect to your own authentic voice. Your siren song. I've always felt an overwhelming need to create but what did I have to offer? What do I have to say that wasn't already said by someone else?

A song I always go back to is "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George, performed by Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. A gorgeous duet between George Seurat and his muse/lover, Dot, it is a beautiful song about making your art and moving on. Making decisions and then, moving on. Loving, living, making mistakes, being scared. And moving on.

"Anything you do, Let it come from you, Then it will be new, Give us more to see..."

It is your job to create and not judge. It is your job to tell your story, because if it "comes from you, then it will be new." This has been an anthem for me and as I've pivoted throughout life, I think back to seventeen year old Justin who was embarking on his adventure and listened to this song ad nauseam and continues to when I need to be reminded of my voice. 

Here are some of the things I do to keep the spirit of creativity, learning, and play alive. These tips help me stay connected to my authentic self and allow me to swim with confidence as I explore the deep blue sea. 

1. Journaling

I try to journal every single day. 

Whether it is one question in my 5 Year Q&A book (I just finished it this year), my leather bound notebook (she's gorgeous and practical) or my current obsession, comic journaling, I am always trying to center my thoughts and feeling to ground myself. 

Check out Drewscape, who introduced me to his Diary Comics, HERE. He breaks it down and shows you an easy way to begin which now has been my favorite way of journaling when I don't want to write.

Yes...

I have a lot of feelings. 

And yes, they need a place to go. So into the journal they go. I document anything that stood out to me, or made me laugh, cry—feel alive. I frequently revisit my entries to remind myself of how rich, complex, beautiful and full of life—well—my life is. Whether I am dreaming of the future, reconciling the past or just appreciating the present, journaling is an essential way to keep tabs and tap into your voice.

Cause your life is magical, baby, no matter how you slice it. 

2. Solo Dates/ Art Outings
SO-LOW-DATES! I am such a fan of these. I love being by myself. As they say, "I am alone, not lonely." I love adventuring on my own, exploring new places, experiencing new things. I mean—how are you to know what your taste is, what you like and dislike, if you don't go out and discover it. I visit museums, galleries, bookshops, libraries. I go to the movies to see something new, sometimes something old. I am a huge theater goer! I try to see everything! Last year alone I saw every nominated Broadway show. First time ever!And I don't mind doing it myself. 

Don't be afraid to explore those uncharted waters; that deep blue expansiveness, the dark trench. Prioritize filling your cup.  You never know what you'll find. Once you find that courage, you will start to see a shift in your spirit and you may start to dive deeper internally as well. Art is a reflection of what it means to be human, so as a merperson, it will help you discover the humanity in you!

3. Build your Artistic Library 
This is a no brainer and I know if you're reading this, then I'm probably preaching to the choir but I try to read as much as I can. I also am a big advocate on finding those books that help you really grow into the person you wish to be. Find those books that you keep within arm's reach. Surround yourself with stories that resonate with you because like an echo in the ocean, sometimes we need something solid out there in the wilderness to have our voices reflected back at us.  Here are some of my book recommendations as an artist and part-time human/merman:

Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

Shoutout to my theater teacher and mentor, Joseph Farina, who introduced all of his students to this wonderful book. Broken down into a plethora of themes on life, we read this book in acting class before we dove into any theatrical work because Mr. Farina used to say "I must teach you how to live first, before I can teach you how to act." I revisit this book when I need to be reminded of how wonderful, complex and rich live is. As storytellers, we are tapping into what it means to live, to be human, to feel so we can help little humans discover it for themselves and understand how to navigate their big feelings.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Another Farina recommendation, this book has gotten me through some major rough patches as an artist, creator, and honestly, a "mer"person. Pressfield frames all things that keep you from your work as "Resistance" and this book is a guide to pushing pass all that to realize what you've been trying to achieve on the other side of the hurricane storm.

I always revisit this when I am starting a new process to remind myself of the literal war we sometimes face when pursuing anything we are passionate about—not just art. 

Highly recommended! Just writing this is reminding me that a reread is overdue.

Book Club, anyone? 

"Writing and Illustrating Children's Books For Publication: Two Perspectives" by Berthe Amoss & Eric Suben.

Recommended to me by my friend and another amazing mentor, Erica Rand Silverman, I keep this book on my art table whenever I need some keep navigating my creativity. Walking you from start to finish, this book has helped me mine, cultivate, and explore the little treasures of my life and my particular perspective in order to create and shape my voice and my work. It also has exercises at the end and throughout each chapter, guiding you through techniques and examples of ways to make your story come to life. 

I've rediscovered wonderful moments and perspectives of childhood thanks to this book. If you feel stuck and need a little mini workshop of your own, I recommend this book, hands down. 

Honorable Mention:

Picture This: How Pictures Work

by Molly Bang

Wonderbook (Revised and Expanded): The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction

by Jeff VanderMeer

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

by Scott McCloud

Welp, kelp, we've come to the end of entry #2 but I hope this helped inspire and guide you a little closer to your personal magic. Remember you are not alone in this vast ocean of publishing, and that there are buoys to keep you a float when you get tired of swimming against the current. 

That's all for now! See you next Thursday for entry #3. Till then, just keep swimming!

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SCBWI University - Elevate Your Craft, Expand Your Career

"Guidance, information, and honest answers to vulnerable questions are the pillars of support that every creator needs during the publishing process. SCBWI University is that support: an invaluable resource for both writers and illustrators as they navigate their projects and their paths to publication.” 

Sara Sargent, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House

Inside the Illustrators Studio:

A new 3-part online course starts TODAY, May 12th, specifically for author/illustrators and illustrators! The series focuses on using thumbnails to build your story, visual character development, and the secrets to building a winning portfolio.

Register HERE!

Be Best Friends with Thumbnail Sketches with Marla Frazee

Tuesday, May 12, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Thumbnail sketches will be the foundation on which you build your story. They will be the map that leads you to your treasure. They will help you feel calm and happy. And they will keep you out of trouble! Please bring about a dozen pieces of 8.5” x 11” copier paper and a pencil to the session.

On Dastardly Rats, Cephalopods, and Other Characters Great and Small with Isabel Roxas

Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Where do characters begin—and what do they want? SNACKS. Obviously. Author-illustrator Isabel Roxas shares a character-led approach to storytelling for children. Through drawing and guided exercises, we’ll explore how shape, gesture, and small visual decisions suggest a whole inner life, and what happens when they get hungry. Bring a handful of characters who’ve been living in your drawer (or quietly shelved). We’ll tease them out, set them in motion, and see what trouble they get into. You may find one or two already carrying a story.

The Good, The Bad, and the Anatomically Incorrect: What Makes (or Breaks) a Portfolio with Lauren Rille
Tuesday, May 26, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Discover the secrets to creating a portfolio that attracts the attention of agents, editors and art directors.

Embarking on Your Own Adventure: MerMay Entry #1

So as you might know...I love mermaids.

And I mean—I love mermaids, and every May, there is a celebration of mermaids through art and creativity called MerMay, where there are official prompts for each day in May. I've participated once upon a time, and every once in a while, I'll pop in on the party but this year, since this is my first May as the Official SCBWI Chief Blogger, I wanted to do MerMay in my own style. 

What I love about mermaids, and merfolk in general, is that everyone belongs—no matter who you are, what you look like and where you are from, much like children's publishing.

So this month, I want to "dive deep" and explore the depths of what it is to be a part of the kidlit community, through the lens of MERMAIDS! What it means to navigate the deep sea of resources, publication, story making and community building!

Let's dive in!

EMBARKING ON YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

The ocean is a vast place. As deep as it is wide. Brimming with stunning and incredible creatures, full of numerous possibilities. And you, my little merling, are amongst this tapestry of wonder. With a simple map in your hands, and the depths before you, you start flipping your fins. But in what direction? You don't really know. 

As a self-proclaimed merman myself, I knew I wanted to embark on this adventure to explore the "seven seas," but without a compass, a comprehensive map or prior knowledge/experience, I was a bit overwhelmed. Thankfully, I had the deep seated feeling that I had to take this journey so I followed the strongest current, and was on my merry way.

This audacity to take the dive resulted in me discovering resources out in the wild, which led me here, to SCBWI which in turn, introduced me to so many others spaces, humans (with legs) and endless possibilities. Joining the SCBWI community has been life-changing, and starting out as a solo merman, I now have a kaleidoscope of creators in this vast ocean we call children's publishing.  

When you join as a member to SCBWI, you gain access to loads of treasures. Highlighted in SCBWI monthly INSIGHT, SCWBI keeps you tapped in to the current of it all!

A great resource that I've found and have put in my personal grotto has been the Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. Updated yearly, it is full of "new and essential" articles that ranges from "maximizing your social media" and "creating book trailers" to "best practices in independent publishing, and grassroots promotion." Full of directories like The International Market Survey, and The Agents Directory, the Essential Guide is a great treasure map to lead you in the right direction. 

Another fin-tastic way to maximize your adventure and make some waves in the children's book space is through SCBWI's Awards and Grants! Built to help support "emerging authors, illustrators, and translators" who are both published and pre-published, members have access to a slew of amazing opportunities to help when your fins can't get you as far as and you need a boost. 

Also, have I mentioned that SCBWI offers discounts to Publisher's Weekly, so keep a look out for those specials throughout the year. Publisher's Weekly is a sure way to keep a thumb on the pulse of the industry and help you discover seas you've never even heard of. There is a lot to learn, to know and to experience so adding this to your grotto is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the cool, cool waters of all things publishing. 

Here are some other online resources I have used in the past:

- Writer’s Market: I still have my copy from many moons ago, but this is a great publication and partner when you begin to query and search for agents and publishers. Also, a great resource for information about the industry.

- The Official Manuscript Wishlist: A directory to make agents "more accessible" and "research more convenient." Used for query, this is a definitely a bookmark-able website for all those who will be seeking out agents and their wishlists.   

So as you embark on this journey, no matter where you are in it, there are always ways to engage with the kidlit community to further you on this incredible tidal wave of possibilities!

Alright, merfolk, that's all for today! See you next Thursday with the next installment to our MerMay celebration! Till then, keep flipping your fins!

xo Justin