Picture Book Summit Podcast

Picture Book Summit
  • 4.8 (31)
  • Books
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!

  1. 1d ago

    111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books

    Today is about the books—Derrick Barnes' books, to be exact. Derrick Barnes writes extraordinary picture books. In this episode, we explore what makes them so incredible and why we are so excited to hear him speak at this year's Picture Book Summit. From leaning into his voice, trusting his audience, using such specific details, to shining a beautiful light on Black boys, his words resonate with us and clearly inspire his illustrators with his evocative text. Books mentioned in this episode:  Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry by Derrick Barnes, Christian Gregory, and Frank Morrison I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice Special shout-out to Gordon C. James, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, and Frank Morrison for the beautiful art you've paired with Derrick's words.  Don't miss Derrick's incredible presentation at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: From Crowns to Kings: How I Navigate My Own Authentic Lane in a Genre with So Many Beautiful Voices When Derrick penned his first picture book, he was on the verge of stepping away from his dream of becoming a successful children's book author. Even though he had published eight books in other formats, he struggled to find his voice in a crowded sea of talented writers. At Picture Book Summit, he'll share how authenticity unlocks the treasure chest to writing for young readers and is the key to finding your unique gifts—as a person and a writer. Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  2. Aug 11

    110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places

    Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  8 Ways to Ruin a Picture Book Biography with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Use Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Lisa Bardot   Books mentioned in this episode:  Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller Shy by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne The Enchanted Symphony by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay Who Hops? by Katie Davis To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advanced Civil Rights by Angela Dalton and Lauren Semmer Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Vigil by George Saunders A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzman   Looking for more inspiration? Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!  Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  3. Aug 4

    109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit

    Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If you're looking for a place to start on your next story, we think you'll find inspiration in today's chat. Resources mentioned in this episode:  The Parallel Universe of Authors and Illustrators with Shadra Strickland - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Readers, Relationship, and Revision with Meg Medina - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Our Writing Voice is Also Our Singing Happy Birthday Voice, Our Berating Teenagers Voice, Our Hollering at Ducks Voice, and That's Not a Bad Thing with Sophie Blackall - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Using Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!    Books mentioned in this episode:  Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez   What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!  Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  4. Jul 28

    108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit

    Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are on the writing journey, there is always something to learn. Resources mentioned in this episode:  Secrets from a Publisher's Editorial and Acquisitions Meetings with Alvina Ling - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!  Save $100 with Early Bird Registration through 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  5. Jul 21

    107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit

    In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published.  Books Mentioned in this episode:  Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Resources mentioned in this episode:  Speak Their Truth Presentation by Lesa Cline-Ransome - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!  Save $100 with Early Bird Registration through 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  6. Jul 14

    106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit

    In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today!   Books Mentioned in this episode:  Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Julie's Verse Curse Workshop- Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Fuse 8 by Betsy Bird at School Library Journal  Betsy Bird's PBSummit Workshop: Performance on the Page - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  Tara Lazar   What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!  Save $100 with Early Bird Registration through 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  7. Jul 7

    105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing

    Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies!  Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to publication.  Brian will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where he'll share how to use your writing tools (even ones you may not know you have) to connect with your audience in Reel Them In: Using All the Lures in Your Tackle Box to Engage Readers. Here's what you can expect: NY Times bestselling author/illustrator and Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies discusses things he's learned over 30 years in the kidlit world. He'll share how to hone YOUR individual style, the power of adding unique details into your stories, all while not getting beached on ever-shifting career sands and not getting sucked in by shiny whirlpools. Get your ticket to hear Brian Lies at Picture Book Summit 2026 – Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Early Bird Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is open through 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

  8. Jun 30

    104 - Getting Honest with Deborah Underwood

    Another great episode for you today! Julie Hedlund interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Deborah Underwood!  Julie and Deborah discuss the common elements in her books, from quiet to humorous to lyrical. Plus, they take a deep dive into Deborah's books TINY GARDEN and WALTER HAD A BEST FRIEND, their unexpected endings, and the importance of being honest with children. Deborah will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where she'll share more of her process and how you can explore your picture book ideas in Free Diving: Following Your Ideas Below the Surface. Here's what you can expect: A picture book writer descends deep into sometimes-murky water, then, with luck, brings back a pearl: something that will resonate strongly with kids (and often with adults, too). New York Times Bestselling author Deborah Underwood will talk about using curiosity and emotion to dive for ideas and to figure out what form those ideas want to take. Plus, she'll share tips for polishing your story to give it the best chance of connecting with readers. Get your ticket to hear Deborah Underwood at Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Early Bird Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is open through 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!

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About

Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!

Information

  • Creator
    Picture Book Summit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) Picture Book Summit
  • Show Website
    Picture Book Summit Podcast