A.J. Irving 🩷💜💙

Graphic highlighting mentor Steph Littlebird. A headshot and book covers are featured with text: IT’S THE FIFTH AND FINAL YEAR OF OB RISING STARS (A FREE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR PICTURE BOOK CREATORS). Tag an unagented picture book illustrator or author-illustrator who should apply to be mentored by STEPH LITTLEBIRD

7 days left until mentee applications close.

Spread the #pbrisingstars love! Tag a friend who you know NEEDS to apply to work with Steph Littlebird!

For the final week that applications are open, we will be highlighting one mentor and encouraging you to apply and tag your friends who NEED to to know about this program!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Family Stories Text-Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Pasha M.O. Gwendolyn Patricia Ana Kim Lesléa Namita Janelle Michael Jasmine Nada Rio Livia Sita Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Family Stories Author-Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Kathryn Aya Steph Nadia F. Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

A graphic with Orange and yellow swirls and a clip art spacesuit with a 7 in the helmet and holding a sign that says 7 Days Left Until mentee applications close. A bar at the bottom says apply now at www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️ ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!! ⭐️

We can’t believe that #PBRisingStars applications will close for the fifth and FINAL time in exactly one week!

That means NOW is the time to get another application in! So let’s look at a specific group of mentors!

#kidlit #author #illustrator #picturebook

Announcement for Notable Social Studies Book Awards: An annual reading list of exceptional books for use in social studies classrooms, selected by social studies educators. Binna’s Dalgona by Sojung Kim-McCarthy. Fiction for 4 to 6 year-olds, Picture Book, BIPOC Characters and Creators. Awarded by National Council For Social Studies & Children’s Book Council, this list features K-12 annotated titles published in the previous calendar year that are exceptional books for use in social studies classrooms, selected by social studies educators.

✨🏆✨Delighted to share on this #WorldBookDay that BINNA’S DALGONA is selected for 2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People! Find some wonderful books in the full list: cbcbooks.org/awards-and-b...

#KidLit

Fantastic news! Congratulations!!!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Nonfiction Text-Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Sara Livia Rio Tonya Kate Michael Janelle Nadia H. Melissa Audrey Patty Gwendolyn Lisa Charles Patricia Caroline Andrea M.O. Jenny Natasha Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Nonfiction Author-Illustrators & Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Natasha Aya Jenny Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

Image 3: A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says: Apply now February 27-March 13

Image 4: A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️Do you love telling true stories through text and/or art?⭐️

Nonfiction picture book creators are in luck! We have a LOT of mentors looking for your work!

#kidlit #pbrisingstars #picturebook #author #illustrator

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.

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

A girl holding a chipmunk.

It's #KidLitArtPostcard day!

I’m a queer, neurodiverse #KidLitArt illustrator heavily influenced by folkart & comics. I favor loose lines, playful patterns, tons of texture, quirky characters, & brave storylines.
www.authorkellymangan.com/portfolio
Rep: @tajmccoy.bsky.social, @ldlainc.bsky.social

I'm so excited to see UNBREAKABLE: A JAPANESE AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AMERICAN INCARCERATION CAMP featured by WeAreTeachers as one of their Best New Books coming in April! This book is written by Minoru Tonai and me, illustrated by Chris Sasaki, and published by Abrams Kids.

Unbreakable A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (A Picture Book) A powerful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting picture book about the real-life experience of a Japanese American boy incarcerated with his family during World War II.Cowritten by Minoru (Min) Tonai,...

Learn more and find links to preorder here--it'll be out in the world on April 7! www.abramsbooks.com/product/unbr...

#history #teachers #kidlit #picturebooks

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Author-Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the left corner: Charles Lian Julia Natasha Jenny Kathryn Aya Nadia F. Anne Steph Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Jenny Anne Lian Steph Nadia F. Julia Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

Image 3: A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says: Apply now February 27-March 13

Image 4: A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️Calling all Illustrators and Author-illustrators⭐️

This year, we received more interest in #pbrisingstars than ever before from the #kidlitart community! So we listened! We invited more artists than ever before to mentor for our fifth and FINAL year!
#illustration #picturebook #illustrator #author

Are you ready to improve your craft as a picture book creator, working with an experienced mentor for FREE? There are 40 mentors in @pbrisingstars.bsky.social’s
final year, including our very own @ajirving.bsky.social! Apply here: www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors #pbrisingstars #kidlit #booksky

Two months until the Do You See Me? by @lgmiss.bsky.social release! Pre-Order Now!

Thank you to the talented illustrator @reggiebrownart.bsky.social and publisher @mackidssl.bsky.social

us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

It’s #WorldWildlifeDay! Check out our books by @candacespizzirri.bsky.social, writerjolene.bsky.social, and Charlotte Watson Sherman that connect kids to our planet! 🌍 We 💚 FINLEY, BIONIC BEASTS, and MERMAID KENZIE! 🦢🦋🐘🐳 #WWD2026 #kidlit #animals #teachers #librarians #booksky

Picture book style illustration of a group of girls wishing upon a lantern, with their faces lit by the warm glow of lanterns #KidLitArt #LanternFestival

Give. Children. Peace.

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: BIPOC Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Livia Janelle Nadia H. Sita Charles Andrea M.O. A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says: Apply now February 27-March 13

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

One of the things we’re most proud of at #pbrisingstars is our commitment to create a space that reflects what publishing SHOULD look like! That’s why we hope our BIPOC applicants will apply widely to every mentor they are eligible for!

#kidlit #picturebook #author #illustrator

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Agented Text-Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the left corner: Livia Kate Michael Janelle M.O. Andrea Lesléa Kim Caroline Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Agented Author-Illustrators & Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Lian Aya Nadia F. Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says: Apply now February 27-March 13

How to Apply: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️Are you an agented pictured book creator, but just haven’t been able to snag that book deal yet?⭐️

We have good news for you!

A good number of our #PBRisingStars mentors are open to agented creators!

#picturebook #kidlit #illustrator #writer

🥳😍🥳

I read, you read, we all read! Happy #ReadAcrossAmericaDay! Pick up some of our gorgeous books and get started reading! 📚😍🥳 #kidlit #booksky #EduSky #picturebooks

WTF??? 🤬

Celebrate National Music in our Schools Month with @mollyruttan.bsky.social’s SOMETHING WILD and @writerjolene.bsky.social’s MAMIACHI Y YO! 🎶 ❤️🎶 #kidlit #booksky #musiceducation

Can’t wait! Congratulations, Jilanne!!! ♥️

THE OCEAN'S HEART releases on Tuesday!
My own heart is full of gratitude for those who see the awe and wonder in this story!
#kidlit #nonfiction #picturebooks #wonder #awe #ocean #STEM #STEAM
@carolhinz.bsky.social @steelworksliterary.bsky.social @pbspree.bsky.social @steamteambooks.bsky.social

Happy #JewishBookWeek! Check out @jnwieder.bsky.social’s beautiful books: PASSOVER MOUSE, THE MOUSE WHO LOVED LATKES, HANUKKAH 1-2-3! And ROSH HASHANAH SQUARE-CIRCLE-STAR! #kidlit #booksky #EduSky
#jewishbooks #kidsbooks #Passoverbooksforkids #Jewishbooksforkids #JewishHistory

On this #nationalpigday, we’re celebrating member @writerjolene.bsky.social’s #nonfiction #STEM book BIONIC BEASTS: SAVING ANIMAL LIVES WITH ARTIFICIAL FLIPPERS, LEGS, AND BEAKS and Pirate, the pig with an #orthosis. #kidlit #booksky 🐷

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO? Mentors Seeking: Cultural Text-Only Authors Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Natasha M.O. Sylvia Rio Tonya Nada Jasmine Michael Janelle Nadia H Jenna Namita Lesléa Patty Kim Sita Ana Patricia Gwendolyn Andrea Pasha A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

Alt text: A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO? Mentors Seeking: Cultural Author-Illustrators & Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Natasha Aya Nadia F. Steph A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

Apply Now: February 27 to March 13

How to Apply checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️Calling all Cultural Picture Book Creators⭐️

Are you ready to level up your craft?
Do you need help taking your story or art where you want it to go? A guiding hand to help you find the voice, the heart, and more?

Something wild is happening today. We're celebrating the 3rd #bookbirthday of SOMETHING WILD by our own @kidlitcollective.bsky.social author/illustrator @mollyruttan.bsky.social. Happy Birthday x 3...🥳🥳🥳!
#kidlit #kidlitart #writingcommunity #booksky #EduSky #music

A graphic with orange and yellow swirls with a space suit clip art holding a star balloon. Text says: Aoply Now February 27 to March 13

How to Apply: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️IT’S TIME⭐️
#pbrisingstars applications are now open! Are you ready to improve your craft as a picture book creator, working with an experienced mentor for FREE?? Then our program is for you!