The Weekly 411 (11/14/25)
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| © Heather Bell |
Nov. 14, 2025 vol. 46
The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updates. Are you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. We can also be found on Bluesky. This week's spooky illustration is by Heather Bell.
Publishing News
New Report Examines Writers' Attitudes Toward AI
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Max and the Miracle Drum, by Manu Delpech, illustrated by Trần Hà Trang, available in English and French. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: Max is a seven-year-old boy unlike any other. From the moment he was born, music has followed him—like a heartbeat. When a mysterious drum appears outside his room, the music he makes with it draws an unexpected visitor to his door. So begins a rhythmic journey through emotion, connection, and the magic inside all of us.
About the Author: Manu Delpech is a writer and filmmaker who loves telling stories that blend emotion, wonder, and wild imagination. Max and The Miracle Drum is his debut picture book.
About the Illustrator: Trần Hà Trang is an artist from Vietnam who specializes in children's books. She loves impressionism and symbolism. Inspired by the works of artists such as Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and other revered artists.
Max and the Miracle Drum giveawayPicture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Hope Rode, by Lauren H. Kerstein, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Union Square Kids). Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had dwindled, and education and opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places. The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.
About the Author: Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, creative coach, and NYT bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, Remembering Sundays with Grandpa, and Hope Rode. Additionally, Lauren writes books in her field. Her latest book about emotion regulation is fresh off the press. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.
About the Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist, inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, the comforts of home, and the lush colors and landscapes of far off places. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and currently lives and works in her hometown of Covington, Kentucky. Her work is featured in children’s and adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers.
Hope Rode giveawayKnowing When to Type "The End"
5 Ways to Keep the Story Moving Between Big Moments
Writing Scenes with Your Senses
Nov. 18, 2025, 6 p.m. CST First Pages with Senior Editor Kat Brzozowski We all know how important the first page of a submission is. If you can't hook an editor, agent, or reader on page one, they'll never make it to page two! But what do editors actually look for when they dive into a picture book submission? Macmillan Children's Publishing Group Senior Editor Kat Brzozowski will take you behind the scenes, reviewing first pages live - seeing them for the first time in real time - so you can get a sense of what makes a picture book submission feel like a must have. Even if your page isn't reviewed, you'll come away with useful information about first pages to guide your next revision. ***SPECIAL SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY*** A 6-month open window after the event to submit a picture book manuscript to Kat!
Agent Carly Waters: Authors Shouldn't Be Posting about Going on Submission (reel)
Marketing & Creating a Platform/ Graphic Novels
How to Table at Comics Shows and Totally Not Feak Out While Doing It
Nov. 17 7 pm-8:15 pm ET Funding Your Story: Crowdfunding and Community for Children's Book Creators Children’s book author and founder of The Wealth Playground, Jasmine Paul, will share how she raised over $45,000 and helped others raise $20,000 through pitch competitions, grants, and crowdfunding—including a $14K Kickstarter campaign that brought her two children’s books to life.
I can't wait to read Hope Rode because the brave women who helped spread literacy are amazing to me. As a musician, I am excited to read about Max and the Miracle Drum.
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