Gayle Stern
@gaylestern.bsky.social
#kidlit maker of literary mischief (mainly #picturebooks #pb )
* member of #SCBWI #12x12PB & Writers’ Loft * a #pbrisingstars 2025 runner-up
* member of #SCBWI #12x12PB & Writers’ Loft * a #pbrisingstars 2025 runner-up
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Banned Books Week will take place October 5 – 11, 2025. With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country.
Join us.
www.scbwi.org/essential-re...
Join us.
www.scbwi.org/essential-re...
October 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Banned Books Week will take place October 5 – 11, 2025. With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country.
Join us.
www.scbwi.org/essential-re...
Join us.
www.scbwi.org/essential-re...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Today’s the first day of Banned Books Week! Take a look at the thread and see if there’s something you can do to protect our freedom to read!
Banned Books Week starts on Sunday, October 5—there are a ton of ways to support!
Find ways to get involved here: www.ala.org/bbooks/banne...
(If you're overwhelmed, even just checking out, buying, or elevating a banned book is helpful! Talking about them w/ the ppl in your life is an action!)
Find ways to get involved here: www.ala.org/bbooks/banne...
(If you're overwhelmed, even just checking out, buying, or elevating a banned book is helpful! Talking about them w/ the ppl in your life is an action!)
October 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Today’s the first day of Banned Books Week! Take a look at the thread and see if there’s something you can do to protect our freedom to read!
Reposted by Gayle Stern
🤩📚🥳 I’m super excited and honored to be at the #WarwickBookFestival one week from today! I’ll be signing TRICKY CHOPSTICKS, giving out fun swag, and running chopstick challenges for all attending. It’s going to be the best time, hope to see you there!
@simonkids.bsky.social @fannyliem.bsky.social
@simonkids.bsky.social @fannyliem.bsky.social
October 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
🤩📚🥳 I’m super excited and honored to be at the #WarwickBookFestival one week from today! I’ll be signing TRICKY CHOPSTICKS, giving out fun swag, and running chopstick challenges for all attending. It’s going to be the best time, hope to see you there!
@simonkids.bsky.social @fannyliem.bsky.social
@simonkids.bsky.social @fannyliem.bsky.social
Reposted by Gayle Stern
🔔 Apply for a Walter Dean Myers Grant today!
The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️
💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp
The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️
💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp
October 2, 2025 at 2:30 PM
🔔 Apply for a Walter Dean Myers Grant today!
The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️
💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp
The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️
💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Imagination Fridays return with virtual events for classroom teachers. Join Pam Muñoz Ryan, @adamrex.bsky.social, Duncan Tonatiuh, & Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris as they share their latest book & an activity while taking student questions. Free, registration required.
wowlit.org/blog/2020/11...
wowlit.org/blog/2020/11...
Worlds of Words Presents Imagination Fridays • Worlds of Words
Learn about Imagination Fridays, presented by Worlds of Words and the Tucson Festival of Books, every Friday at 1pm - 1:40pm.
wowlit.org
September 24, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Imagination Fridays return with virtual events for classroom teachers. Join Pam Muñoz Ryan, @adamrex.bsky.social, Duncan Tonatiuh, & Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris as they share their latest book & an activity while taking student questions. Free, registration required.
wowlit.org/blog/2020/11...
wowlit.org/blog/2020/11...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Less than a month until #DVpit, a pitch event for marginalized creators looking to find an agent & get traditionally published! Here's a reminder of the rules!
For more guidelines & info go to dvpit.carrd.co
See you all at DVpit on October 8th, 2025!
#writersky #booksky
For more guidelines & info go to dvpit.carrd.co
See you all at DVpit on October 8th, 2025!
#writersky #booksky
September 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Less than a month until #DVpit, a pitch event for marginalized creators looking to find an agent & get traditionally published! Here's a reminder of the rules!
For more guidelines & info go to dvpit.carrd.co
See you all at DVpit on October 8th, 2025!
#writersky #booksky
For more guidelines & info go to dvpit.carrd.co
See you all at DVpit on October 8th, 2025!
#writersky #booksky
Reposted by Gayle Stern
🎉Thanks for including GENERATION QUEER by @kimmtopping.bsky.social!
There’s never been a more crucial time to uplift and celebrate queer stories. Here are 10 LGBTQ+ books to bring into your classroom or library this #PrideMonth. 🌈
10 Books That Celebrate Queer Voices
These K–12 books highlight queer identities, voices, and communities.
teachmag.com
June 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🎉Thanks for including GENERATION QUEER by @kimmtopping.bsky.social!
This week’s #writinggoal
-sub draft of MvG to critique
-do NOT mess with MvG manuscript while waiting for critique meeting
-review my million drafts of RfD in search of a storyline to commit to
-develop storyline
#kidlit #picturebooks #writing
-sub draft of MvG to critique
-do NOT mess with MvG manuscript while waiting for critique meeting
-review my million drafts of RfD in search of a storyline to commit to
-develop storyline
#kidlit #picturebooks #writing
May 30, 2025 at 10:09 PM
This week’s #writinggoal
-sub draft of MvG to critique
-do NOT mess with MvG manuscript while waiting for critique meeting
-review my million drafts of RfD in search of a storyline to commit to
-develop storyline
#kidlit #picturebooks #writing
-sub draft of MvG to critique
-do NOT mess with MvG manuscript while waiting for critique meeting
-review my million drafts of RfD in search of a storyline to commit to
-develop storyline
#kidlit #picturebooks #writing
Reposted by Gayle Stern
🏳️🌈June is Pride Month!🎉 To celebrate, we're recommending some books that will help you read with pride not just this month, but all year long! Do you see any favorites?🤔
📚Learn more about these titles and access free, downloadable teacher's guides for each of them: www.leeandlow.com/blog/read-wi...
📚Learn more about these titles and access free, downloadable teacher's guides for each of them: www.leeandlow.com/blog/read-wi...
Read with Pride!🏳️🌈 Pride Month Book Recs & Resources
To celebrate Pride Month, we're recommending books and resources that will help you read with pride not just this month, but all year long!
www.leeandlow.com
May 30, 2025 at 9:32 PM
🏳️🌈June is Pride Month!🎉 To celebrate, we're recommending some books that will help you read with pride not just this month, but all year long! Do you see any favorites?🤔
📚Learn more about these titles and access free, downloadable teacher's guides for each of them: www.leeandlow.com/blog/read-wi...
📚Learn more about these titles and access free, downloadable teacher's guides for each of them: www.leeandlow.com/blog/read-wi...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Because of booksellers and readers, Texas HB 1375—the latest censorship attempt—died without a vote.
We're grateful for the many booksellers and readers who made their voices heard. Their efforts show just how powerful our voices are 💓
We're grateful for the many booksellers and readers who made their voices heard. Their efforts show just how powerful our voices are 💓
May 28, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Because of booksellers and readers, Texas HB 1375—the latest censorship attempt—died without a vote.
We're grateful for the many booksellers and readers who made their voices heard. Their efforts show just how powerful our voices are 💓
We're grateful for the many booksellers and readers who made their voices heard. Their efforts show just how powerful our voices are 💓
So fortunate to attend wonderful Writing Picture Books workshop by @kylelukoff.bsky.social at The Thought Fox writing Den on Saturday. Thank you!
May 27, 2025 at 1:49 AM
So fortunate to attend wonderful Writing Picture Books workshop by @kylelukoff.bsky.social at The Thought Fox writing Den on Saturday. Thank you!
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Reposted by Gayle Stern
SCBWI Arizona is offering a NF webinar with NF Great, Nancy Castaldo! Limited critiques availabe! To register, go to: www.scbwi.org/events/craft...
Crafting Your Unique Angle for Nonfiction Success Webinar
In this dynamic program, you’ll learn how to discover and refine the unique angle that will make your nonfiction KidLit stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're writing a picture book or a young ...
www.scbwi.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:44 PM
SCBWI Arizona is offering a NF webinar with NF Great, Nancy Castaldo! Limited critiques availabe! To register, go to: www.scbwi.org/events/craft...
This week’s focus:
in “MvG” manuscript…
- draft/develop ideas for 3 different endings
#writinggoal #kidlit #picturebooks #writing
in “MvG” manuscript…
- draft/develop ideas for 3 different endings
#writinggoal #kidlit #picturebooks #writing
May 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
This week’s focus:
in “MvG” manuscript…
- draft/develop ideas for 3 different endings
#writinggoal #kidlit #picturebooks #writing
in “MvG” manuscript…
- draft/develop ideas for 3 different endings
#writinggoal #kidlit #picturebooks #writing
Reposted by Gayle Stern
It's time to ASK @natashakhankazi.bsky.social anything!!!!
Today only until 9 PM Eastern Time, comment your questions and Natasha will pop in today to answer!!!
Questions about publishing? An artist interested in writing? Let us know below!!! #kidlit #kidlitart #askmeanything #pbrisingstars
Today only until 9 PM Eastern Time, comment your questions and Natasha will pop in today to answer!!!
Questions about publishing? An artist interested in writing? Let us know below!!! #kidlit #kidlitart #askmeanything #pbrisingstars
May 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
It's time to ASK @natashakhankazi.bsky.social anything!!!!
Today only until 9 PM Eastern Time, comment your questions and Natasha will pop in today to answer!!!
Questions about publishing? An artist interested in writing? Let us know below!!! #kidlit #kidlitart #askmeanything #pbrisingstars
Today only until 9 PM Eastern Time, comment your questions and Natasha will pop in today to answer!!!
Questions about publishing? An artist interested in writing? Let us know below!!! #kidlit #kidlitart #askmeanything #pbrisingstars
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Children’s Book Week, celebrated this year from May 5–11, will feature a host of programming treats tied into its “An Ocean of Stories” theme buff.ly/D3tpoWl
April 29, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Children’s Book Week, celebrated this year from May 5–11, will feature a host of programming treats tied into its “An Ocean of Stories” theme buff.ly/D3tpoWl
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Pre-orders matter for authors. Why?
1. They tell retailers/publishers there’s demand for a book
And
2. They generate buzz and excitement, which is great!
Looking to preorder?
#PBRS mentor Aya has a book dropping in August that you’re gonna want 👇🏾
bookshop.org/p/books/ever...
1. They tell retailers/publishers there’s demand for a book
And
2. They generate buzz and excitement, which is great!
Looking to preorder?
#PBRS mentor Aya has a book dropping in August that you’re gonna want 👇🏾
bookshop.org/p/books/ever...
April 28, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Pre-orders matter for authors. Why?
1. They tell retailers/publishers there’s demand for a book
And
2. They generate buzz and excitement, which is great!
Looking to preorder?
#PBRS mentor Aya has a book dropping in August that you’re gonna want 👇🏾
bookshop.org/p/books/ever...
1. They tell retailers/publishers there’s demand for a book
And
2. They generate buzz and excitement, which is great!
Looking to preorder?
#PBRS mentor Aya has a book dropping in August that you’re gonna want 👇🏾
bookshop.org/p/books/ever...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Americans in every state will feel the impact if these actions go unchallenged.
Head to ala.org/showup to take action.
Tell Congress to show up #ForOurLibraries.
Head to ala.org/showup to take action.
Tell Congress to show up #ForOurLibraries.
Show Up for Our Libraries
Join us and Show Up #ForOurLibraries.
ala.org
April 11, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Americans in every state will feel the impact if these actions go unchallenged.
Head to ala.org/showup to take action.
Tell Congress to show up #ForOurLibraries.
Head to ala.org/showup to take action.
Tell Congress to show up #ForOurLibraries.
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Use alt-text with images. Not only does it help visually impaired who use screen readers but also:
- Can help neurodivergent.
- Helps your post get discovered.
- When Internet is slow, people will see your alt-text if image doesn't load.
More tips: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/al...
#BlueSkyTips
- Can help neurodivergent.
- Helps your post get discovered.
- When Internet is slow, people will see your alt-text if image doesn't load.
More tips: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/al...
#BlueSkyTips
Alt text - Why It's Important - Debbie Ridpath Ohi - Obsidian Publish
This page helps explain why it's important to use alt text when posting images on Bluesky, best practices, and tips. Cover-WhyUseAltText-v2-flat-800.jpg INDEX Here are just some of the ways alt-text …
publish.obsidian.md
April 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Use alt-text with images. Not only does it help visually impaired who use screen readers but also:
- Can help neurodivergent.
- Helps your post get discovered.
- When Internet is slow, people will see your alt-text if image doesn't load.
More tips: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/al...
#BlueSkyTips
- Can help neurodivergent.
- Helps your post get discovered.
- When Internet is slow, people will see your alt-text if image doesn't load.
More tips: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/al...
#BlueSkyTips
Reposted by Gayle Stern
PRIDE PUPPY illustrator @whatwouldjuliedraw.bsky.social is taking on the folks inventing and spreading misinformation about our book! She's brilliant and hilarious- and if you want to know why there's so much fuss about a book about a puppy, just read this.
www.whatwouldjuliedraw.com/pridepuppy
www.whatwouldjuliedraw.com/pridepuppy
pride puppy & SCOTUS — what would julie draw?
take a look at what's really in Pride Puppy!
www.whatwouldjuliedraw.com
April 12, 2025 at 4:53 PM
PRIDE PUPPY illustrator @whatwouldjuliedraw.bsky.social is taking on the folks inventing and spreading misinformation about our book! She's brilliant and hilarious- and if you want to know why there's so much fuss about a book about a puppy, just read this.
www.whatwouldjuliedraw.com/pridepuppy
www.whatwouldjuliedraw.com/pridepuppy
Reposted by Gayle Stern
📚Our New Voices Award writing contest is open for submissions!
✨Lee & Low is looking for unpublished authors of color or Indigenous/Native writers hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time with their picture book manuscript.
💻Learn more: www.leeandlow.com/blog/new-voi...
✨Lee & Low is looking for unpublished authors of color or Indigenous/Native writers hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time with their picture book manuscript.
💻Learn more: www.leeandlow.com/blog/new-voi...
April 1, 2025 at 3:35 PM
📚Our New Voices Award writing contest is open for submissions!
✨Lee & Low is looking for unpublished authors of color or Indigenous/Native writers hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time with their picture book manuscript.
💻Learn more: www.leeandlow.com/blog/new-voi...
✨Lee & Low is looking for unpublished authors of color or Indigenous/Native writers hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time with their picture book manuscript.
💻Learn more: www.leeandlow.com/blog/new-voi...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Earth Day is just two weeks away! This is a great time to read about how we got to this moment in time & all of the challenges we're facing. HISTORY SMASHERS: EARTH DAY & THE ENVIRONMENT is recommended for kids in grade 4 and up (and their grownups, too!) bookshop.org/p/books/hist...
History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment
Check out History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment - <b>Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the <i>real</i> story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate ca...
bookshop.org
April 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Earth Day is just two weeks away! This is a great time to read about how we got to this moment in time & all of the challenges we're facing. HISTORY SMASHERS: EARTH DAY & THE ENVIRONMENT is recommended for kids in grade 4 and up (and their grownups, too!) bookshop.org/p/books/hist...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
#NationalLibraryWeek kicks off today! It’s a time to celebrate the places that welcome everyone, spark curiosity, and strengthen our communities.
This week, take a moment to discover—or rediscover—what makes your library special.
What draws you to the library?
ilovelibraries.org/national-lib...
This week, take a moment to discover—or rediscover—what makes your library special.
What draws you to the library?
ilovelibraries.org/national-lib...
April 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM
#NationalLibraryWeek kicks off today! It’s a time to celebrate the places that welcome everyone, spark curiosity, and strengthen our communities.
This week, take a moment to discover—or rediscover—what makes your library special.
What draws you to the library?
ilovelibraries.org/national-lib...
This week, take a moment to discover—or rediscover—what makes your library special.
What draws you to the library?
ilovelibraries.org/national-lib...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
Hi, I am open to queries again today. I was trying to think of what I am looking for. I'd love to see more multicultual picture books and I am in a weirdly dystopian mood (even though I am in one? Maybe a more fun and exciting and less stupid dystopia?) querytracker.net/query/EmilyK...
Query Emily Keyes at Keyes Agency
querytracker.net
April 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Hi, I am open to queries again today. I was trying to think of what I am looking for. I'd love to see more multicultual picture books and I am in a weirdly dystopian mood (even though I am in one? Maybe a more fun and exciting and less stupid dystopia?) querytracker.net/query/EmilyK...
Reposted by Gayle Stern
📚🚐 One week from today! Celebrate National #LibraryOutreachDay on April 9.
Let’s recognize the library professionals who bring resources beyond the library walls—meeting patrons where they are!
Find resources to celebrate at: www.ala.org/conferencese...
#NationalLibraryWeek
Let’s recognize the library professionals who bring resources beyond the library walls—meeting patrons where they are!
Find resources to celebrate at: www.ala.org/conferencese...
#NationalLibraryWeek
April 2, 2025 at 3:43 PM
📚🚐 One week from today! Celebrate National #LibraryOutreachDay on April 9.
Let’s recognize the library professionals who bring resources beyond the library walls—meeting patrons where they are!
Find resources to celebrate at: www.ala.org/conferencese...
#NationalLibraryWeek
Let’s recognize the library professionals who bring resources beyond the library walls—meeting patrons where they are!
Find resources to celebrate at: www.ala.org/conferencese...
#NationalLibraryWeek