June 12, 2026 vol. 24
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 illustration is by Moira Ratchford.
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Together for Mama: A Story of Hope and Healing, by Pooja Makhijani, illustrated by Nadia Alam (Rocky Pond Books) out on June 23. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: A heartfelt exploration of postpartum depression, a condition that affects nearly 1 in 8 birthing parents in the US. Centering South Asian culture and drawing from Makhijani’s personal experience, the story gently captures the pain of witnessing a loved one's struggle and the healing power of family support. Asha loves baby Maya, and she's so happy to be a big sister. But Mama seems sad. Asha hears her whisper to Papa, "I can't do this." And hears Papa on the phone to Dadi and Nani, asking them to come. The next day, the two grandmothers arrive, ready to tidy and cook and comfort. "WillMama feel better?" Asha asks Nani. "I believe she will," Nani answers. "Especially with our help." This honest and empathetic story sheds light on a common challenge, providing young children and their parents with the knowledge and reassurance they need.
About the Author: Pooja Makhijani is a writer, mother, and baker. She is the author of the picture books Mama’s Saris and Bread Is Love, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Teen Vogue, and Bon Appétit among others. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Sarah Lawrence College, and Rutgers University and has twice been in residence at SPACE on Ryder Farm. She lives in Central New Jersey with her daughter.
About the Illustrator: Nadia Alam is a first-generation Bangladeshi Canadian artist who has illustrated many picture books, including Many Things at Once, The Wishing Machine, and Mauntie and Me. She lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, son, and dog.
Together for Mama giveaway
Chapter Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the chapter book, The Wildflower Girls Quest to Save Unicorn Magic, by Ashley Wall, illustrated by Lauren Foster (Mama Bear Books), out now. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: CHIME! When the Wildflower Girls’ charm bracelets sound, Blossom, Sunny, Sprout, and Poppy race to their secret meeting spot beneath the willow tree. There, they uncover a dazzling secret: unicorns are real! But their magic is fading fast, and without it, Unitopia, a hidden land full of wonder, will lose its sparkle forever.
About the Author: Ashley Wall, M.Ed., is the award-winning author of The Day I Had series, an educator with a passion for storytelling and imagination. Alongside her two inquisitive children, Ashley creates enchanting stories filled with whimsical friends and thrilling adventures that captivate young readers. Ashley is passionate about sparking imagination, building confidence, and keeping the magic of childhood alive.
About the Illustrator: Lauren Foster is an award-winning illustrator who loves all things color and creating detailed and realistic drawings using colored pencils. She has taught art to elementary, middle school, and high school students, and she is currently pursuing her dream of owning her own mobile art studio that runs out of an old school bus. She enjoys being a mom, wife, teacher, and artist. This is the very first book she has illustrated, which has been an incredible experience.
The Wildflower Girls Quest to Save Unicorn Magic giveaway
June 18 12 p.m. CDT/ 1 p.m. EDT Query Wrangling 101: A Systematic Approach to Submission Sanity Querying is overwhelming, but a good tracking system can change the game. Learn the systems and tools to track submissions, stay organized, and reduce stress. Walk away with customizable templates and a duplicable plan to query with confidence!
July 13 application deadline - Oct. 24 Rutgers One-on-One Conference A unique one-on-one format gives writers and illustrators a rare opportunity to share their work with an assigned mentor from the children's publishing world, whether it be an editor, agent, art director, or published author or illustrator. These professionals generously volunteer their time to not only critique the work of new and talented writers and illustrators, but also to share constructive information about the overall business of publishing. Every attendee is guaranteed a forty-five minute one-on-one manuscript or portfolio review session, and there are additional opportunities to network with our faculty members. (Rutgers, NJ)
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