The Weekly 411 (7/24/26)
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| © Katy Tanis |
July 24, 2026 vol. 30
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 Katy Tanis.
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Doll Trouble, by Kim A. Larson, illustrated by Nataša Vertelj (Clavis Publishing), out now. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: Emma takes her beloved doll Mia everywhere she goes. They play, laugh, and cry together, but one day something happens that makes Mia look less than perfect. The children in the neighborhood tease Emma about her broken doll, so she hides Mia and plays with her new, beautiful doll instead. But no matter how hard she tries, Emma can’t forget Mia. When she meets Sophia, who doesn’t have a doll, Emma suddenly knows what to do.
About the Author: Kim A. Larson writes humorous and lyrical picture books and more. She is the author of Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing, 2026) and Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (The Little Press, 2024). She was honored to receive the SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, two Minnesota State Arts Board grants, and three Lake Region Arts Council grants. Kim lives in Minnesota, and when she’s not writing, you may find her gardening or playing Sequence with her husband. Visit Kim’s website to learn more about her and her work, or connect with her on social media via linktr.ee.
About the Illustrator: Children’s and young adult illustrator / soft pastel artist Nataša Vertelj is a Slovenian illustrator specializing in children’s and young adult books, working in a distinctive soft pastel technique. She has illustrated approximately 40 books and authored and illustrated three original nature-themed picture books. Her work has been pub lished internationally, including editions in the United States, China, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. Her illustrations are characterized by recognizable softness, strong vis ual atmosphere, and clear narrative impact. Through pastel, she creates emotionally engaging, commercially appealing, and aesthetically re fined imagery suitable for the international publishing and licensing market. Instagram @svet_ilustracij
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, At the Cookout written and illustrated by Nadia Fisher (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers). Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: CiCi just can't wait to get to her Grandma's house for the family's first big cookout of the summer. There's plenty to look forward to: the food, the games, the music, and seeing all her aunties and uncles. But most of all, Cici is excited to catch up with her big cousin Chase. There's just one problem: she can't seem to find him anywhere! CiCi searches all over the party, asking everyone she meets if they've seen Chase, until she finally thinks to look for him in the most unexpected of places . . . From the cousins playing Double Dutch, to the uncles throwing horseshoes, to the savory smells of Grandma's cooking, this is a love letter to family, summer, and the magic that happens when we all get together.
About the Author-Illustrator:
The Psychology of Story Endings (+ 5 Tips to Write a Truly Satisfying Ending)
Stress Testing Your Story Before It's Load-Bearing
Marketing and Creating a Platform
A Year of Book Promotion: What Worked, What Didn't, and What I'm Doing Now
- Who: Any writer or writer/illustrator from a marginalized identity that is traditionally under-represented in children’s literature in America. (Including but not limited to race or ethnic background: American Indian, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic, Native, Pacific Islander; LGBTQ+, disabled, and neurodiverse creators)
- Award: SCBWI recognition, platform for agents & editors and full tuition to virtual SCBWI conference of choice
- What: recognizes unpublished manuscripts of Jewish fiction for readers 8-13 years old
- Who: writer with no previously published fiction books for young readers
- Award: $1,000
- Who: SCBWI premium members who have published at least one PAL-listed book
- Award: $1500, free tuition to New York conference, and publicity
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