Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

@lauriewallmark.bsky.social

Swag
What are some good ideas for book marketing swag.
#kidlitlinkoftheday #kidlit #writing #writingtips
lauriewallmark.blogspot.com/2025/11/swag...

November 10, 2025 at 7:43 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Cale Atkinson

@caleatkinson.bsky.social

Hi friends!
To mark 10 years working as a published children’s author and illustrator, I’ve created 'Words and Pictures', an e-book amassing all the things I’ve learned, think about, and continue trying to be better at when it comes to making books!
Available now! tinyurl.com/Words-and-Pi... ✨✨✨

'Words and Pictures' - 100 things I've learned making books

To mark 10 years working as a published children’s author and illustrator, I’ve created this book amassing all the things I’ve learned, think about, and continue trying to be better at when it comes t...

caleatkinson.gumroad.com

November 10, 2025 at 6:11 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Little Thoughts Press

@littlethoughtspress.com

👀 #kidlit writers & artists! We will be open for submissions again on November 20th for Issue 13: Head, Shoulders, Spleen & Nose!

www.littlethoughtspress.com/theme

Theme announcement for Issue 13: Head, Shoulders, Spleen & Nose.

November 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Needed a break from all the ugliness so, seeking out some beauty, I visited the stunning Hollyhock House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright here in L.A.

November 9, 2025 at 8:27 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Lisa Cowan Pineo

@lisacowanpineo.bsky.social

It's National Family Literacy Month! Here are 24 picture books about kids learning to read and their love of books.
#nationalfamilyliteracymonth #familyliteracymonth #childrensbooks #readtogether #read #books #bookpost #bookrecs #picturebooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #booksky💙📚 #november2025

November 5, 2025 at 12:09 AM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

The Haunted Scavenger Hunt by Steve Patschke w/art by Roland Garrigue, is an entertaining read for kids who ❤️ a good mystery adventure coupled w/a haunted house tale for #halloween. Four pals find a box on which these ominous words are written:
Don’t Look at it!
Don’t Touch it!
Don’t Open it! …

October 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

A wannabe witch, Brume, helps save her village from the dangerous forest dragon while also learning more about her magical roots. Enchanting #graphicnovel for ages 7-11, perfect for #Halloween! Created by Jérôme Pélissier + Carine Hinder. Hippo Park
wp.me/p3X25n-bjs

A New Graphic Novel Series for Halloween - Brume, Volume 1 -

A wannabe witch, Brume, with pals, helps save her village from the dangerous forest dragon while also learning more about her magical roots.

wp.me

October 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Little Free Library

@littlefreelibrary.bsky.social

It's #LetFreedomReadDay! The freedom to read is under attack — what are you doing about it? All you need is 5 minutes to make an impact!

October 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!🎉🎂📚🎈

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · Oct 7

🎉 Happy Book Birthday to @amandadavisart.bsky.social!🎉

📚 SOMETIMES STORMY: A STORY ABOUT FINDING CALM AND STAYING SAFE WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE DRINKS TOO MUCH, published by @freespiritbooks.bsky.social, is here! 📖✨

Find it here: buff.ly/9DqKW0y

#kidlit #12x12PB

October 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Body Beautiful, Susan Verde’s lyrical #picturebook w/lovely art by @stephlittlebird.bsky.social models body positivity, showing kids that our bodies are unique .+ our own to love, no matter the size, shape, color, or ability. @rondaeinbinder.bsky.social reviews.
Abrams Kids
wp.me/p3X25n-bik
#kidlit

Body Beautiful by Susan Verde and Steph Littlebird

Body Beautiful models body positivity, showing kids that our bodies are unique + our own to love, no matter the size, shape, color, or ability.

wp.me

October 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Pragmatic Mom

@pragmaticmom.bsky.social

Still time to enter!

11 Picture Books on the Natural World & 5 Signed Book GIVEAWAY!

buff.ly/nF5iEXM via @pragmaticmom

#ReadYourWorld #picturebook #giveaway #naturalworld

October 1, 2025 at 2:23 AM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Is your kitty into suitcases? Jay sure is! #caturday #catsofbluesky

September 27, 2025 at 8:29 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

This cracks me up! Happy #punctuationday, especially to those of you who, like me, cannot understand how people continue to incorrectly use its and it’s! 🤣

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · Sep 24

Every year on #PunctuationDay, I realize once again how many comics I've created about punctuation (but also how many more I need!). 😁

Cartoon of people sitting in a circle at a meeting. One says, “…and then she called me a drama queen! Can you believe it!” with text dialog followed by lots of exclamation marks. Another responds, “How insensitive!” again with lots of exclamation marks. Among other remarks is also “I’ve tried using semicolons instead, but it just isn’t the same!” (Again, with a shower of exclamation marks). A sign nearby reads, “Punctuation Misuse Support Center – Exclamation Mark Group!! Wednesdays 7–8 pm.” Artwork by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

September 24, 2025 at 8:55 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

This ball of fluff turns 14 today. Last week he was diagnosed with heart failure on top of his pancreatitis. We are treasuring every cuddly day we have with him. #catsofbluesky

September 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Jennifer Laughran

@literaticat.bsky.social

HEY! Two of my client's books are on this list of the Best Picture Books of the century! 😍 Yay for VAMOS, LET'S GO TO THE MARKET by @raulthethird.bsky.social and LITTLE WITCH HAZEL by @phoebewahl.bsky.social ! 😍😍😍

Thanks, @slate.com !

slate.com/culture/2025...

The 25 Greatest Picture Books of the Century

There’s been a revolution in children’s storytelling—and it’s not just that the stories are more diverse.

slate.com

September 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Thanks for being a mind reader!

Kirsten W. Larson @kirstenwlarson.bsky.social · Sep 22

How do we stay motivated and get the writing done during difficult times? Join me today at 24 Carrot Writing for my top tips. www.24carrotwriting.com/-blog/stayin...

#kidlit
#amwriting
#writingcommunity

5 Tips for Writing During Difficult Times: 1. Create Boundaries Around Your Creative Work Time
2. Harness the Power of Accountability Partners
3. The Daily “To Do”: Make Invisible Work Visible
4. Don’t Overload Your To-Do List
5. Embrace Flexibility Within Structure

September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Greetings from L.A. this beautiful #caturday! #catsofbluesky

September 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM

Ronna Mandel

@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Another #caturday, another shoe. #catsofbluesky

September 6, 2025 at 5:41 PM

Reposted by Ronna Mandel

Becky Levine

@beckylevine.bsky.social

Teachers & librarians are facing so many book challenges & bans. We need to fight to protect the rights of kids to read what they want. Meanwhile, as the 2025-26 school year kicks in, maybe share some banned books with your own kids & teens. Here's a recent list to get started. #kitlit #bookbans

PEN America Index of School Book Bans – 2023-2024 - PEN America

PEN America's 2022-2023 Index of Banned Books found 3,362 instances of books banned, affecting 1,557 unique titles. This searchable banned book list includes each documented ban.

pen.org

September 2, 2025 at 6:08 PM