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Picture Book Summit Podcast
by Picture Book Summit
Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!
Episodes
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116 - Sticking the Landing in Picture Book Endings with Katie Davis
Yes, your picture book's title, hook, and opening are important to getting a reader to actually pick up and READ your book, but it's the picture book ending that defines their experience. Is the ending satisfying? Does it answer all the questions asked in the story? Does it make the reader gasp…
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115 - Publishing Lingo Part 2 - Submissions and Publishers
Every industry has a language all its own and writing and publishing are no different! In fact, it takes two episodes for the Picture Book Summit team to cover the basics. In our last episode, we focused on the lingo used in talking about writing and revising. Today, we talk about the…
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114 - Publishing Lingo Part 1
Once you decide to dive into writing picture books and trying to get published, you quickly realize this industry has a language all its own. Today, the Picture Book Summit Team translates the publishing lingo you might run into on the writing and revising side of things. In the next episode, we...
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113 - What We Love About Brian Lies' Books
Today's episode is the third in our series discussing the amazing books written and/or illustrated by our 2026 Superstar Speakers. Check out our episode on Derrick Barnes' books here and Deborah Underwood's books here. In this episode, we get to chat about Brian Lies' books. We talk about the...
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112 - What We Love About Deborah Underwood's Books
Our book discussion continues today with Deborah Underwood's books! Get your TBR list out and start writing down Deborah Underwood's books we chat about in this episode. They are a masterclass in figuring out the heart of the story—no matter the theme, genre, tone, or style. We think you're going...
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111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books
Today is about the books—Derrick Barnes' books, to be exact. Derrick Barnes writes extraordinary picture books. In this episode, we explore what makes them so incredible and why we are so excited to hear him speak at this year's Picture Book Summit. From leaning into his voice, trusting his...
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110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places
Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors. Resources mentioned in this episode: 8 Ways to Ruin a Picture Book Biography with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST…
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109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit
Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If...
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108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit
Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are...
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107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit
In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published.…
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106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit
In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today! Books Mentioned in this episode: Bear…
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105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing
Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies! Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to...
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104 - Getting Honest with Deborah Underwood
Another great episode for you today! Julie Hedlund interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Deborah Underwood! Julie and Deborah discuss the common elements in her books, from quiet to humorous to lyrical. Plus, they take a deep dive into Deborah's books TINY GARDEN and WALTER HAD A BEST FRIEND, their...
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103 - Derrick Barnes Doesn't Quit
We're excited for this one! Today, Emma Walton Hamilton interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Derrick Barnes! Before the New York Times Bestsellers and all the awards, Derrick Barnes almost quit writing picture books altogether. In this interview, he shares what kept him going and his advice for...
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102 - Our 2026 Winning Workshops!
We have some amazing workshops coming to Picture Book Summit 2026. How do we know they will be so great? Our Founders are our Workshop presenters this year! Listen in to find out more about these workshops: Hook, Line, or... Stinker? Discover the Hooks in Your Book with Julie Hedlund Ebb and…
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101 - Superstar Speaker Reveal 2026
The team comes together to announce the Superstar Speakers for Picture Book Summit 2026! It's an exciting lineup and we can't wait to share it with YOU. Discover what they'll be teaching at this year's Summit and why we're just so excited to bring these keynotes to the Picture Book Summit stage....
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100 - Our 100th Episode Celebration!
It's Episode 100!! We're celebrating with a trip down memory lane, including a few of our favorite presentations, behind-the-scenes moments, and what we've learned along the way! Books mentioned in this episode: On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall Big Red Lollipop by...
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099 - Our Writing Routines
The Founders of Picture Book Summit reveal their varied writing routines and what keeps them motivated and putting pen to paper. Are they morning writers, evening writers, or something in between? Who's a pantser? Who's a plotter? How do they keep themselves accountable to get their writing done?...
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098 - 2026 Caldecott Conversation Part 2
Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. This is part 2 of our conversation. If you missed part 1, you can listen to it here: https://picturebooksummit.com/podcast-2026-caldecotts-part-1/ In this episode, we get to discuss this year's...
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097 - Winning with Wordplay with Julie Hedlund
Our own wordplay warrior, Julie Hedlund, gave a stupendous workshop encouraging us to have fun with our writing by turning it into play. Today, we share a snippet of that presentation where Julie reveals what wordplay is, where it can be used effectively, and how to use it to make your audience...
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096 - 2026 Caldecott Conversation Part 1
Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. We have so much to say that it can't be contained in one episode! Today, we analyze OUR LAKE, written and illustrated by Angie Kang, and EVERY MONDAY MABEL, written and illustrated by Jashar…
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095 - Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett Find Themselves in a Triangle
To celebrate our 10th Anniversary Picture Book Summit, we hosted returning Superstar Speakers Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett to talk about how they construct picture books together. You will be fascinated by the details behind one of their seemingly simple stories. (You might also leave with a…
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094 - Everyone Needs Feedback
Who needs feedback on their picture book manuscripts? You do! (Don't worry. We do too!) In fact, every writer needs good critiques of their work before it's ready for publication. So, what kind of feedback are you looking for and where can you get it? Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, Katie...
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093 - How to Be a Good Literary Citizen
What does it mean to be a part of the writing community? How can you be a good literary citizen within the writing community? In this episode, Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, Katie Davis, and Kelli Panique share easy ways you can support your fellow writers and illustrators, as well as...
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092 - Meg Medina on Writing for Young Readers
When National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Meg Medina joined the Picture Book Summit, she discussed the three Rs of picture book writing: Readers, Relationship, and Revision. Today, Meg shares about what it means to write for young readers and what matters to them by exploring the...
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090 - How to Ruin a Picture Book Biography
Julie Hedlund and Angela Dalton are both authors of picture book biographies about well-known celebrities. Julie wrote SONG AFTER SONG: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews and Angela authored TO BOLDY GO: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights. Before their books were...
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091 - Grace Lin on Finding Your Why
Can a car company executive help you find your picture book writing why? Grace Lin thinks so! In a past Summit, Grace divulged an insightful (and relatively easy) way to find your why. She challenged us to look at our picture book manuscripts and ask if those stories really want to be picture…
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089 - Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead
What makes a great picture book? Artistic duo The Steads share their approach to picture books and how something seemingly so simple actually takes a lot of work, nuance, and collaboration. Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead are the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Medal Book A Sick Day for...
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088 - The State of the Picture Book Publishing
What in the world is going on in picture book publishing? Is it slow for everyone or is it just you? Are global events affecting the industry? Surely, COVID-19 isn't still impacting our market. In this episode, Emma, Julie, and Kelli explore what publishing looks like currently for picture book...
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087 - How to Prepare Conference Submissions
One of the big advantages of attending a conference—online or in-person—is the opportunity to submit to Featured Agents and Editors. Many agents and editors are open to submissions from conference attendees, even when they aren't open to general submissions. Simply by making the effort to attend…
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086 - Game Changing Ideas
Every year, we host what we like to call a "mini" Summit. It's a short webinar to give writers a taste of what we offer at our full-day event. In this episode, we share a past Mini Summit all about creating Game Changing ideas. Our goal is to spark your imagination and creativity by showing just…
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085 - Roundtable: Backmatter Matters
More and more picture books include backmatter these days—including fiction picture books. In today's Roundtable discussion, Julie Hedlund and the team share many different ways to include backmatter with your manuscript, including dos and don'ts of creating additional content. Books mentioned in...
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084 - Vashti Harrison Caldecott Celebration
The amazing and talented Caldecott Medal Winner Vashti Harrison is one of our Superstar Speakers for 2025. Vashti won the Caldecott Medal in 2024 for her beautiful picture book BIG. Shortly after that win, the PBSummit Team discussed the brilliance of this book in our Caldecott video series. We...
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083 - Homage, Parody, and Plagarism, Oh My!
"Oh my" is right! If you don't know the difference between homage, parody, and plagiarism, and your story references another work in some way, your book might be dead in the water before it even gets out of your inbox. In this PBSummit Roundtable, Emma, Julie, Katie, and Kelli define homage,...
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082 - Picture Book Summit 2025 Speaker Reveal
It's that time of year! Early Bird tickets for Picture Book Summit 2025 are now available and in this episode, we share all about our 2025 Superstar Speakers! It's quite a lineup for this year's conference: Big, Bold, and Brave: Supercharge Your Picture Books! This year's online conference takes...
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081 - Nikki Grimes: The Music of Language
In this episode, we're thrilled to bring you an excerpt from Nikki Grimes' presentation The Music of Language. Nikki's accolades include the Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature, the Children's Literature Legacy…
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080 - Interview with Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
We are especially excited about today's episode because we get to bring you a snippet of a past Summit presentation with the one and only Julie Andrews along with her daughter and our friend Emma Walton Hamilton! This duo has written over 30 books for children, including 9 New York Times...
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079 - Great Refrains in Picture Books
You might know about refrains in music, but they're also in picture books! The Picture Book Summit Founders get together to discuss what refrains are, define the different types of refrain, and share how to use them strategically in your own picture book writing! Spoiler alert! There are some...
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078 - Interview with Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple
In this episode, Julie Hedlund interviews Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple. With over 400 children's books to her name, Jane shares how she chooses the words and what influences her choices. The pair touch on the impact of banned books and how their writing partnership has evolved over the…
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077 - How to Analyze a Picture Book: Part 2
It's time for How to Analyze a Picture Book - Part 2. In this episode, we talk about how to analyze a picture book's illustrations and other things to look for when analyzing a mentor text. First up, illustrations: What's the job of the illustrations? What do they add to the story? How does color...
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076 - How To Analyze Picture Books: Part 1
Today we share how to analyze a picture book. In many of our discussions and presentations, the Picture Book Summit Team and our guest speakers analyze picture books and use that analysis to illustrate the point we're teaching. When you as a picture book creator learn how to analyze a picture…
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075 - Roundtable: Celebrity Picture Books
Today in our Picture Book Summit Roundtable discussion, we tackle the touchy topic of celebrity picture books. So, what's the truth about celebrity picture books? Do celebrities get to cut the line when it comes to publishing? Are they held to a lower standard than lesser-known writers? Do they...
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074 - The Appeal of Dark Picture Books
What is the appeal of dark picture books? Do kids want to read (and re-read) books about tougher topics? How do you make these books kid-friendly? Julie Hedlund leads our Roundtable discussion about dark picture books, what place they have in children's lives, and why they can be so important....
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073 - Read-Aloudability: The Measure of a Great Picture Book Part 3
Picture book authors are closer in their craft to screenwriters and playwrights than any other kind of author. Why? Because picture book writers direct their readers on how to read the book. It's your job as a writer to make your (often adult reader) look like a rockstar. Emma Walton Hamilton...
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072 - Read-Aloudability: The Measure of a Great Picture Book Part 2
It seems nothing is more fun to read aloud than lyrical or rhyming picture books. A common misconception is that it's easy to write rhyme: just count the syllables and make the end words sound alike, right? Wrong. Good thing you came across this episode, where Julie Hedlund—rhymer...
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071 - Read-Aloudability: The Measure of a Great Picture Book Part 1
Picture books are a truly unique genre of literature. Other books CAN be read aloud, but picture books are ENGINEERED exactly for that precise purpose. In this episode, Emma Walton Hamilton defines the importance of "Read-aloud-ability" (HINT: it can sway the submission process), while Katie…
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070 - Meet the Gatekeepers
Editor and agent assistants: the rarely-talked-about demi gods of the publishing industry. They are the gatekeepers, and if they don't think your manuscript is up to snuff, it won't be leaving the slush pile. So what can you do about that? In this episode, Emma Walton Hamilton asks editor and…
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069 - Shadra Strickland - The Parallel Universe of Authors and Illustrators
Author/Illustrator and Agent Shadra Strickland reveals how to get at the heart of your story by sharing ideas and exercises to get your creativity flowing—in your brain and on the page. This is a fun one. Happy listening!
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068 - The Fan Brothers: To Imagination and Beyond
In this episode, Eric and Terry Fan, also known as writing-illustrating duo The Fan Brothers, are taking us to new worlds in To Imagination and Beyond. They reveal their unique path into picture books after originally pursuing other careers and talk about some of the unconventional sources for...
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067 - The Cosmic Connection Between Beginnings and Endings
Today's episode features a practically perfect pair of presenters. You've seen presentations about great picture book beginnings. You've seen them about effective endings. But a truly great picture book relies on the connection between the two. Today, Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie Hedlund are here...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!
HOSTED BY
Picture Book Summit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Picture Book Summit Podcast have?
Picture Book Summit Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Picture Book Summit Podcast about?
Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online...
How often does Picture Book Summit Podcast release new episodes?
Picture Book Summit Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Picture Book Summit Podcast?
You can listen to Picture Book Summit Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Picture Book Summit Podcast?
Picture Book Summit Podcast is created and hosted by Picture Book Summit.
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