The Weekly 411 (8/21/26)
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| © Katherine Thorne |
August 21, 2026 vol. 34
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 Katherine Thorne.
When NǎiNai arrives with arms full of ingredients, Pearl discovers that the traditions she loves - kneading mooncake dough, crafting paper lanterns, sharing stories of the Moon Goddess Chang'e - carry the people she misses inside them. On the night of the Mooncake Festival, they need to be creative in how they celebrate as a family, and Pearl begins to wonder if her family might still be connected beneath the same round moon.
About the Author: Jasmine Fang is a Taiwanese American author of Beneath the Same Round Moon and a forthcoming picture book with Penguin Young Readers (2028). She spent a decade working in international affairs, higher education, and leadership development, experiences that taught her the best stories connect us across distances. Drawing from her multicultural background and love of the outdoors, Jasmine creates books rooted in heart and wonder. When not writing, she enjoys playing tennis and creating red bean desserts. Jasmine lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two kids. Find her online at jasmineifang.com or on social media @jasmineifang.
About the Illustrator: Rong Pham and Vinh Nguyen are an illustrator duo from Saigon, Vietnam. With years of experience in publishing and advertising, they focus on children's picture books and cover art. Their work blends digital and mixed-media techniques, often inspired by nature, family, and the connections that shape everyday life.
Picture Book Giveaway
WE are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, The Thankful Little Tractor by Chelsea Tornetto, illustrated by Jeff Harter (Little Shepherd) out on Sept. 1. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: The first story in a sweet faith-filled board book series, Little Tractor counts his blessings from God as he works and enjoys a day on the farm. Up on the farm, the day is new. Turn on the engine. There’s lots to do! I’m thankful to get on the move today.
What blessings will God send my way?
About the Author: Chelsea Tornetto lives in Jackson, Missouri with her husband, Mike, and their two kids, Tessa and Milo. When she’s not busy coaching authors or writing, you’ll find her doing mountains of laundry, drinking iced coffee, wandering the aisles of Target, or spending time at home with her family.
About the Illustrator: Jeff Harter is a children’s book illustrator known for his lively, whimsical characters and richly textured, pastel-infused worlds. His works include Trusty Bus by Elizabeth Verdick, the My Life is Weird series by Bill Canterbury, and the 10 Little Vehicles series by Annie Bailey. His illustrations for The Lion on the Bus by Gareth P. Jones earned a Silver Award from Illustration West 61 of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.
Picture Books 101: The Archive (Debbie Ridpath Ohi)
The Tiffany Problem: Navigating Reader Perceptions and Feelings in Historical Fiction
Releases Sept. 4 In the Greenroom with Taylor Norman: Rosie Pova is thrilled to announce Episode #2 of In the Green Room featuring Taylor Norman, Editorial Director of Neal Porter Books, for an insightful conversation about picture books, the publishing process, and what makes a manuscript stand out. As a special bonus, registered attendees will receive an exclusive submission opportunity to Taylor following the episode. Special launch registration rate available for the first 72 hours only.
Aug. 27, 7 p.m. CEST (1 p.m. ET) Starting Our With Graphic Novels with Teresa Robeson Have you always loved graphic novels and want to try writing them? Or are just curious about them because they're still a hot and growing format in publishing? Either way, come dip your toes in the water with this introduction to writing your first graphic novel. Teresa Robeson, the author of two biographical graphic novel with Penguin Workshop, will give you an overview of the format along with a basic step-by-step to get you started in how to write one. She'll also provide a handout of notes and resources to guide you in this fun journey.
Tips on Building an Eye-Catching Portfolio for Children's Book Illustration
Conferences, Workshops & Retreats
Sept 6-13 application period for Jan.21-24 Kindling Words East. For more than 30 years, Kindling Words has been the leading professional retreat for the children's book world. Published authors and illustrators and editors hone the tools of their craft, engage in deep conversation with colleagues and fill the creative well with fresh ideas (Providence, RI)
Understanding Social Media as a Middle Grade Author
Know Your Rights as an Author and Don't Get Scammed
Book Cover Size and Dimensions Guide, with a spine width calculator, from DesignDusk
Thank you for featuring new picture books for me. I'll add them to my reading list.
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