The Weekly 411 (9/4/26)
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| © Crista Kathleen McGinley |
Sept. 4, 2026 vol. 35
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 Crista Kathleen McGinley.
Publishing News
A New (Shorter) Chapter for Middle Grade
Illustrator Spotlight
This week we featured author-illustrator Crista Kathleen McGinley and her website banner design for Kidlit411. Check out her amazing work!
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| © Crista Kathleen McGinley |
Picture Book Giveaway
We are peased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Backyard Stew by Heather C. Morris, illustrated by Deborah Schreiber (Gnome Road Publishing) out on Sept. 15. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: It can happen anywhere…before you know it, you are BORED! But being bored is the BEST place to start in this fun, interactive adventure that encourages kids to explore the natural world and find ingredients for their very own Backyard Stew. As they tap the tops of wild strawberries, wiggle wild onions out of the ground, and rub every dandelion, young readers will delight in making this tried and true “recipe” over and over again. Especially when they discover the secret ingredient!
About the Author: Heather C. Morris is the author of multiple books for kids, including the picture books, Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites and Backyard Stew, a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology, and the upcoming picture book, Dribble, Shoot, Swish (2027). She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has written seven titles for the educational market. She lives in a house with a large backyard, which is perfect for stirring up large pots of boredom-busting stews. Follow her online at heathercmorris.com or on Instagram @morr_writing.
About the Illustrator: Deborah Schreiber is an illustrator from Munich, Germany. She can always be found dreaming of new adventures in life and on paper. Her travels brought her to many different countries and finally to the seaside town of Falmouth, England, which she now calls home. Inspired by nature, wildlife, and personal experiences, Deborah creates atmospheric and playful illustrations that seek to spark wonder and curiosity amongst children and adults alike. While primarily working with traditional media such as watercolour, gouache and coloured pencils, she also embraces digital tools to maintain a flexible creative process. Outside of illustration, Deborah enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors and sharing a meal together. https://www.deborahschreiber.com/
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Lowrider for Sale by Laura de la Cruz, illustrated by Vanessa Morales (Disney Hyperion) out on Sept. 8. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: Gabi knows that Papi’s lowrider, Pico Nights, is more than a car. It’s a family scrapbook on wheels—a treasure trove of memories for her, Papi, and Abuelo Chucho. It chauffeured Gabi’s cousin to her quinceañera, rolled through years of Fourth of July parades, and was detailed most Saturday mornings by Gabi, Papi, and Abuelo. So when Papi places a FOR SALE! sign on Pico Nights, Gabi tries everything she can to save their beloved car. While Gabi offers her own money, organizes a community fundraiser, and even enters Pico Nights in a car show to try and combat the inevitable, she comes to realize that even though their time with Pico Nights may not last forever, the memories they’ve made in it will.
About the Author: Laura De La Cruz is a Latina writer who specializes in picture books. She has worn many hats—author, mother, library media technician, Spanish preschool teacher, and teacher’s aide. Born in East LA and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, Laura now calls Austin, TX, home with her husband, three grown children, two dogs, and a horse. Laura writes heartfelt stories about family, home, food, and her own life experiences. She is passionate about creating stories where marginalized children can see themselves reflected on the page. She hopes readers enjoy her stories and connect with the characters she creates. Learn more and contact Laura at www.lauraadelacruz.com
About the Illustrator: Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator and character designer with a deep love for nature and culture. She is the illustrator of Axl the Axolotl Is Not a Frog by John Paul Brammer, Diego Fuego: The Firefighting Dragon by Allison and Rafael Rozo, and Monster Baker written by Laura Lavoie. In addition to illustrating books, Vanessa also works in animation for companies including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Kodansha VR Lab Japan. Vanessa was born and lives in the south of Mexico. Check out her website.
Three Strategies for the Theme of Your Novel
6 Ways to Discover Your Character's Greatest Fear
Where to Find Ideas for Children (That Haven't Been Written a Thousand Times)
Sept. 15 7 p.m. MDT/ 9 pm EDT Get to Know the Hi Low: The Book, the Cook, and the Hook In this tell-all session, Karen Spafford-Fitz will explain the core elements of a hi-lo book. She will also offer tips and tricks for the writer (ie. the “cook”) to lean into while crafting their own hi-lo fiction. With information about publishers who the writer might hook with their compelling stories, attendees will leave with practical next steps for pitching their hi-lo’s. Bring your questions, ideas, and imagination as we navigate the world of fast-paced, accessible fiction for young readers. Further supported with readings from hi-lo books, Karen will conclude “Get to Know Hi-Lo” with a Q&A session.
Sept. 26 10 a.m ET Picture Book Acquisitions Confidential Matt Phipps, Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons, will give you the inside scoop on what editors are looking for when evaluating picture book manuscripts! We’ll look at both classic and recently published picture books as mentor texts and discuss some ways authors and author/illustrators can revise their manuscripts and pitches before going on submission to maximize their chances for success.
5 Misconceptions about Hiring an Illustrator
KidlitWriMo - write 100 minutes a week during the month of September (join the Facebook group run by Anastasia Suen)
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