💫Cover Reveal for Marian's Big Dig💫
What a wonderful story to illustrate, written by the talented @laurabontje.bsky.social
If you like dinosaurs, fossils and a clever hero, you'll love Marian's Big Dig. 🦕
Preorder now, wherever books are sold.
Published by @groundwoodbooks.bsky.social
Promo image from the Queer Liberation Network advertising Laura Bontje's donation of a query critique package (for novels or picture books) to the Lit for Queer Liberation auction (March 1 to March 7, 2026).
Coming up next week! I've donated 2 query package critiques to Lit for Queer Liberation: "a virtual auction where [...] your support directly fuels our work to empower queer and trans people in Texas and beyond."
Learn more: queerliberationnetwork.auctions.networkforgood.com/auctions/Lit...
This is going to be wonderful! I'm excited to work with you :)
I'm excited to share that my 4th picture book is underway! It's lyrical, informational #PB comparing underwater astronaut training at #AquariusReefBase with life on board the ISS.
The team at @owlkids.bsky.social has been great, and I can't wait to see what Crystal comes up with for the artwork!
I love all the cats in this piece!
Do you allow "laughed" as a dialogue tag? See my opinion, along with tips on how to format dialogue tags and action beats, in the latest post for my editing blog!
#WritingCommunity #WritingTips #AmEditing #KidLit
Thinking of inviting a Canadian #kidlit author or illustrator to visit your readers? Trending today: @jlbaileybooks.bsky.social @laurabontje.bsky.social @susanhughes.bsky.social @marcuscutler.bsky.social and more! https://authorsbooking.com
Thinking of inviting a Canadian #kidlit author or illustrator to visit your readers?
Trending today: @jlbaileybooks.bsky.social @laurabontje.bsky.social @susanhughes.bsky.social @marcuscutler.bsky.social and more!
authorsbooking.com
When I was a student in Alberta, I read a variety of enriching books in IB English classes. Many would no longer be considered "appropriate" for schools.
Also, these policies often target books that offer rep. to LGBTQIA+ students who deserve to see themselves in literature. Please sign. #CAIABB
Want to get professional feedback on your query package and also support a good cause? Check out the #KidLit4Ceasefire summer auction: www.32auctions.com/organization...
I'm tremendously honored to have been selected from among the many incredible volunteers I've gotten to know over the years.
Thank you so much, Katharine!
1. My hand holds the book in front of trees. The white cover shows a brown skinned, black haired child running through an oversized garden, a cicada on a yellow flower.
Congrats to my friend, @laurabontje.bsky.social, on her newest picture book, WHEN THE AIR SANG, a beautiful, intergenerational celebration of cicadas! Perfect for curious kids. #KidLit
Thank you for sharing, and for everything you've done to make this book what it is!
Starting soon! I look forward to reading to you all ❤️
Go see Sarah at #TCAF!
Thank you! 🐞❤️
❤️🌳🐞
You are too kind! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you, Iva!
Thank you!
Two copies of the book When the Air Sang are open to the interior. One shows the endpapers, covered in a child's sketchbook and nature art. The other shows an interior spread with Annie running alongside her grandma, and a flashback photo to her grandma running through the trees as a child.
Thank you to my agent, @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social, and my editor, Jieun Lee. Huge thanks to Dr. Gene Kritsky ("the Indiana Jones of cicadas," say some articles!), who taught me so much about cicadas. And to all the people who helped me through the 25+ drafts: I couldn't have done it without you.
Two copies of the book When the Air Sang (by Laura Bontje and Sarah Whang) are surrounded by cicada sculptures and real cicada husks. Text says "Some things are worth the wait. Available now."
It's release day! When the Air Sang is officially on shelves!
Five years ago, I saw my first cicada, and now ... I couldn't be prouder of how this story has come together. @anderkaya.bsky.social and Annick Press, you've outdone yourselves.
(4/4) My debut may fall on the “fun” side, but that doesn’t mean every book should. Kids NEED books that push back against prejudice. Kids need books about activism.
All kids benefit from reading them. And all authors should stand up for the importance of them.
(3/4) I assume the reviewer found palindromes and friendship inoffensive.
Would their opinion of my inoffensiveness have changed if they knew we discussed inclusivity during my book's development? If they knew I've hired sensitivity readers for some of my manuscripts?
(2/4) The person who reviewed my book has also lamented the lack of books celebrating the right wing.
They think book bans stop indoctrination. They describe the trans community in words I won’t repeat.
They seem to support apolitical kids’ books. But nothing is apolitical.
I just discovered that my debut picture book (Was It a Cat I Saw?) received a media review last year that I hadn’t known about. Right away, I excitedly emailed my family.
Then I saw the reviewer's other headlines, and my excitement turned to indignation. (🧵)
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Audrey!
