Katrina Swenson
katrinaswenson.bsky.social
Katrina Swenson
@katrinaswenson.bsky.social
Children’s author and poet. Poems at The School Magazine, Little Thoughts Press, The Dirigible Balloon, and pending at Highlights’ High Five. My debut picture book, LOVE, GRUMBLE (illustrated by Charles Santoso, published by Little, Brown) arrives in 2026!
Pinned
This is old news by now, but still makes my #kidlit #writer self sing. Excited to share it here, too.
What a delight to find one of my poems here on the longlist for Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab’s summer poetry contest! ❤️ #kidlit #kidlitpoetry
July 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
I’m always delighted to find copies of The School Magazine in my mailbox. Two of my latest poems from May, illustrated by Peter Sheehan (website at PeterSheehan.com), and Michel Streich (website at MichelStreich.com). I’m just the luckiest gal in the world, I think, to get to share words with kids.
May 29, 2025 at 1:10 AM
It’s one of my favorite poems! These scalliwag sloths, aptly illustrated by Greg Holfeld, be bucaneerin’ from the pages of the April issue of Touchdown, from the ever wonderful The School Magazine.

#KidlitPoetry #Kidlit
May 1, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Hello out there! I have a critique partner who has put together this awesome project: A book for every birthday! I’ve seen the books and they are pretty cool, and would make great children’s birthday gifts. Please check out and share with interested parties!

www.etsy.com/shop/BigDayB...
www.etsy.com
April 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I kept thinking I hadn’t received my contributor copy yet, when lo and behold, it was on my counter the whole time…just upside down so I didn’t recognize it! So happy to find my first Highlights publication hiding in plain sight!
March 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Joy found me in my mailbox today! These beautiful February issues of Touchdown, Blast Off, and Countdown from @theschoolmagazine made me smile. I have poems in each, with fabulous illustrations (the most important part!) from @christophernielsen, @tohbyriddle, and @askastorytelling, respectively.
March 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Do you know @littlethoughtspress.com? This is an affordable, intentional, and transparent literary publication for kids…and they publish kids’ writing and illustrations, too! Seeing kids engage with words and pictures makes my heart sing. Here is one of my poems in their November issue.
Katrina Swenson (@katrinaswenson.bsky.social) is a children’s poet and author who sometimes does boring adulty things, but prefers to spend time playing with words, which has always been her favorite way to play! She enjoys spending time with her husband, two awesome kids, and clowder of cats.
January 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I did a thing this year! I’m super proud of myself for keeping up a practice of writing children’s poetry (almost) every day of 2024.

#kidlit #kidlitpoetry #goals

www.instagram.com/p/DESuD5cSI8...
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January 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I’m so thrilled to have received this spread from The School Magazine’s November issue of Touchdown. I had the most fun writing this poem, and am beyond thrilled with how Alen Timofeyev (insta: @alenartworks) brought all the whimsical chaos to life!
December 15, 2024 at 10:55 PM
I haven’t been able to sleep AND I’m sick AND I’ve been feeling blah about all the things…but unexpectedly getting to see some preliminary artwork for my first Highlights family contribution has mysteriously made me feel SO much better! #kidlit #poetry #LifeGoals
December 10, 2024 at 10:05 PM
Poetry IS brilliant! While not all poetry for children rhymes, I love writing that way. So far, nothing makes my brain happier than the fabulous word puzzle that rhyming is.

Rhyming or not, poetry is wonderful. Want to read more? Here are some children’s poets you can follow.
I made up a starter pack of children's poets.

Poetry is brilliant. It's quick to read, packs a punch, and it's fun. People often go straight for picture books and novels. And did too. But now I am enlightened. 😁

Check these top poets out!
go.bsky.app/Tk98tFK

#kidlit #parents #teachers #poets
November 22, 2024 at 11:12 AM
Something fun from @littlethoughts.bsky.social
today! You can find the entire issue for order or the PDF for free/donation on their website!

I’ll say that publishing here has been the warmest, most generous in time and info, and most transparent experience. Please support them if you can!
November 20, 2024 at 3:24 PM
This is old news by now, but still makes my #kidlit #writer self sing. Excited to share it here, too.
November 18, 2024 at 2:13 PM
I just sent manuscripts to my agent for the first time in forever. I don’t know what will happen with them or with the publishing industry. But I know that stories connect us and that putting art in the world is never wasted. Hope is never wasted, either. Here’s to hoping, creating, and connecting!
November 16, 2024 at 5:57 PM
Going through old tweets today and it was like a museum for my writing journey. My very first tweet was about dusting off literary dreams. It stayed my pinned tweet for about 7 years, until I replaced it with my book announcement last spring. What a fun reminder to never give up, my friends!
November 16, 2024 at 3:05 PM
I can’t believe it took me so long to try this platform out! It’s delightful to see so many names I recognize. Looking forward to talking about writing and books with you all!
November 14, 2024 at 7:33 PM
Reposted by Katrina Swenson
It's been fun seeing familiar faces pop up here this week!

If you're just arriving & are an author, illustrator, educator, or librarian, here's a list of like-minded folks to follow: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...

And here's how to add yourself to the list: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Kidlit Community on Bluesky Social (Responses)
docs.google.com
November 12, 2024 at 9:37 PM