Veronica Bartles
@vbartles.com
Author: THE PRINCESS & THE FROGS and TWELVE STEPS, recycle-knitter, graphic designer (web/book design, etc.) #KidLitConfections cookie queen, book-grandma, #ActuallyAutistic. (she/her) https://vbartles.com
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Veronica Bartles
@vbartles.com
· Nov 12
If you missed my Wonderful Websites that Work webinar last month, I just updated the on-demand, self-paced version of the course on my website (& I am in the process of updating all 5 of the other courses in the Selling Yourself Without Selling Yourself Short series)! vbartles.com/workshops/sy...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Outstaying a visa is a civil issue, not a criminal one worthy of a suspension of constitutional rights, concentration camps, and murder. People are not illegal. #AbolishICE #DefundHate
January 14, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Outstaying a visa is a civil issue, not a criminal one worthy of a suspension of constitutional rights, concentration camps, and murder. People are not illegal. #AbolishICE #DefundHate
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
January 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
This is goofy. If someone holds up a phone close enough scan a damn QR code, ICE will break their arm and accuse them of assault.
No reform, no training, no half measures. Just send ICE the fuck home.
Ds should demand ICE OUT OF OUR CITIES immediately with ABOLISH ICE as the long term goal.
No reform, no training, no half measures. Just send ICE the fuck home.
Ds should demand ICE OUT OF OUR CITIES immediately with ABOLISH ICE as the long term goal.
I am introducing the Quick Recognition (QR) Act, which requires ICE and CBP officers to wear uniforms featuring QR codes. When scanned, the code would generate a digital ID displaying the officer’s name, badge number, and law enforcement agency.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
January 14, 2026 at 5:25 PM
This is goofy. If someone holds up a phone close enough scan a damn QR code, ICE will break their arm and accuse them of assault.
No reform, no training, no half measures. Just send ICE the fuck home.
Ds should demand ICE OUT OF OUR CITIES immediately with ABOLISH ICE as the long term goal.
No reform, no training, no half measures. Just send ICE the fuck home.
Ds should demand ICE OUT OF OUR CITIES immediately with ABOLISH ICE as the long term goal.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
It is time to eradicate AI from all educational environments. Find another way. Maybe teach kids about AI like when we learned about drugs in middle school.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
The risks of AI in schools outweigh the benefits, report says
A new report warns that AI poses a serious threat to children's cognitive development and emotional well-being.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:58 PM
It is time to eradicate AI from all educational environments. Find another way. Maybe teach kids about AI like when we learned about drugs in middle school.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
For people outside of the Twin Cities, the closest thing I can compare it to is 2020.
Every institution you need for daily life is unsafe. There are a lot of people who need to shelter in place to protect themselves. But instead of a virus, the threat is the government.
Every institution you need for daily life is unsafe. There are a lot of people who need to shelter in place to protect themselves. But instead of a virus, the threat is the government.
These barbarians are destroying everything that makes society work. Kids can't go to school, patients can't go to the hospital. We are, in effect, paying them to wreck the basic infrastructure of the country
ICE's "presence is terrifying medical staff and raising concerns about patient care, according to five nurses at HCMC hospital in Minneapolis who asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs."
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
January 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
For people outside of the Twin Cities, the closest thing I can compare it to is 2020.
Every institution you need for daily life is unsafe. There are a lot of people who need to shelter in place to protect themselves. But instead of a virus, the threat is the government.
Every institution you need for daily life is unsafe. There are a lot of people who need to shelter in place to protect themselves. But instead of a virus, the threat is the government.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
1. ICE should not exist. It is a burden morally and financially.
2. QR codes are easily damaged with markers.
3. Many people do not possess a smart phone.
4. ICE will cover codes as police do with badge numbers.
5. QR codes are nearly impossible to scan while in motion.
6. You ain't slick.
2. QR codes are easily damaged with markers.
3. Many people do not possess a smart phone.
4. ICE will cover codes as police do with badge numbers.
5. QR codes are nearly impossible to scan while in motion.
6. You ain't slick.
I am introducing the Quick Recognition (QR) Act, which requires ICE and CBP officers to wear uniforms featuring QR codes. When scanned, the code would generate a digital ID displaying the officer’s name, badge number, and law enforcement agency.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
January 14, 2026 at 5:28 PM
1. ICE should not exist. It is a burden morally and financially.
2. QR codes are easily damaged with markers.
3. Many people do not possess a smart phone.
4. ICE will cover codes as police do with badge numbers.
5. QR codes are nearly impossible to scan while in motion.
6. You ain't slick.
2. QR codes are easily damaged with markers.
3. Many people do not possess a smart phone.
4. ICE will cover codes as police do with badge numbers.
5. QR codes are nearly impossible to scan while in motion.
6. You ain't slick.
Oops! forgot the #KidLitChat hashtag! (and the #KidLitConfections hashtag as well!)
Hi! Glad you're here, even if you are joining us late!! Make sure to have some pie, or a delicious brownie sundae... I'll even bring out some cookies to share! (all recipes can be found on my website: vbartles.com/recipes.htm)
January 14, 2026 at 3:08 AM
Oops! forgot the #KidLitChat hashtag! (and the #KidLitConfections hashtag as well!)
And since I'm shamelessly plugging my own book with first lines... I'll share my first #KidLitConfections recipe too: Giant Brownie Sundae (which came from a pivotal scene in that book)! i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2014/03/twel... #KidLitChat
January 14, 2026 at 2:22 AM
And since I'm shamelessly plugging my own book with first lines... I'll share my first #KidLitConfections recipe too: Giant Brownie Sundae (which came from a pivotal scene in that book)! i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2014/03/twel... #KidLitChat
"There should be a support group for kids with perfect siblings." (shameless plug for my YA novel, TWELVE STEPS) - It's one of my favorite first lines because it came out perfect in my first draft and never changed! #KidLitChat
TOPIC: While we're still thinking about fresh beginnings, what are some of your all-time favorite first lines in children's books? ("Where's Papa going with that ax?" is already taken!) And what do you think makes a first line really grab the reader? #kidlitchat
January 14, 2026 at 2:12 AM
"There should be a support group for kids with perfect siblings." (shameless plug for my YA novel, TWELVE STEPS) - It's one of my favorite first lines because it came out perfect in my first draft and never changed! #KidLitChat
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
A reminder that my strip took over Dilberts vacant spot in the Washington Post after they dropped his ass. 😎
www.stlpr.org/show/st-loui...
www.stlpr.org/show/st-loui...
How a St. Louis cartoonist replaced 'Dilbert' in the Washington Post
"Heart of the City" replaced "Dilbert" in the Washington Post.
www.stlpr.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:43 PM
A reminder that my strip took over Dilberts vacant spot in the Washington Post after they dropped his ass. 😎
www.stlpr.org/show/st-loui...
www.stlpr.org/show/st-loui...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
According to Matthew 25, the parable of the sheep and the goats, these agents are going to hell.
A teenage boy was walking home in Minneapolis yesterday when four masked men jumped out of a van & questioned him - with no parent or guardian present.
He was bundled into the van & taken away.
Bystanders heard the boy say: “Can I just go home?”
I don’t know how America comes back from all this.
He was bundled into the van & taken away.
Bystanders heard the boy say: “Can I just go home?”
I don’t know how America comes back from all this.
January 13, 2026 at 8:50 PM
According to Matthew 25, the parable of the sheep and the goats, these agents are going to hell.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
“But what do you expect Democrats to doo-hooo?”
1) Refuse to fund this criminal government anymore.
2) EVERY one of them call to abolish ICE (and bonus, DHS). No more “they need training” shit. Promise prosecutions.
3) EVERY one of them call for Trump’s impeachment, relentlessly, EVERY day.
1) Refuse to fund this criminal government anymore.
2) EVERY one of them call to abolish ICE (and bonus, DHS). No more “they need training” shit. Promise prosecutions.
3) EVERY one of them call for Trump’s impeachment, relentlessly, EVERY day.
January 13, 2026 at 8:30 PM
“But what do you expect Democrats to doo-hooo?”
1) Refuse to fund this criminal government anymore.
2) EVERY one of them call to abolish ICE (and bonus, DHS). No more “they need training” shit. Promise prosecutions.
3) EVERY one of them call for Trump’s impeachment, relentlessly, EVERY day.
1) Refuse to fund this criminal government anymore.
2) EVERY one of them call to abolish ICE (and bonus, DHS). No more “they need training” shit. Promise prosecutions.
3) EVERY one of them call for Trump’s impeachment, relentlessly, EVERY day.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Guess what? It’s #kidlitchat day (aka Tuesday). Join us #kidlit folk here on Bluesky at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific for an hour of yakking and community. Easy parking, beautifully decorated space, and ample (virtual) treats! What’s not to love? I hope you can make it!
January 13, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Guess what? It’s #kidlitchat day (aka Tuesday). Join us #kidlit folk here on Bluesky at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific for an hour of yakking and community. Easy parking, beautifully decorated space, and ample (virtual) treats! What’s not to love? I hope you can make it!
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
One day later, on behalf of the Vonnegut estate, three award-winning YA authors, and two Utah public school students, the ACLU of Utah filed a lawsuit against the state over their book banning.
This'll be one to watch.
bookriot.com/utah-sued-ov...
This'll be one to watch.
bookriot.com/utah-sued-ov...
State ACLU, on Behalf of Authors and Students, Sues Utah Over Book Bans
The ACLU of Utah has filed a lawsuit against the state over legislation that has allowed them to ban books from public school students.
bookriot.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:43 PM
One day later, on behalf of the Vonnegut estate, three award-winning YA authors, and two Utah public school students, the ACLU of Utah filed a lawsuit against the state over their book banning.
This'll be one to watch.
bookriot.com/utah-sued-ov...
This'll be one to watch.
bookriot.com/utah-sued-ov...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
PORTFOLIO TIPS FOR ILLUSTRATORS
I am an art director who has probably seen close to 1000 portfolios, many great, but many...not 😔
This is a doc I wrote featuring tips and tricks for how to make a better art portfolio site. Feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful <3 #art
I am an art director who has probably seen close to 1000 portfolios, many great, but many...not 😔
This is a doc I wrote featuring tips and tricks for how to make a better art portfolio site. Feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful <3 #art
Portfolio Tips for Illustrators by Nala J. Wu
Portfolio tips for Illustrators Written by Nala J. Wu (@naladraws) | they/them As an art director (AD) and longtime professional illustrator— I’ve probably looked at nearly a thousand art portfolios. ...
docs.google.com
January 4, 2026 at 9:53 PM
PORTFOLIO TIPS FOR ILLUSTRATORS
I am an art director who has probably seen close to 1000 portfolios, many great, but many...not 😔
This is a doc I wrote featuring tips and tricks for how to make a better art portfolio site. Feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful <3 #art
I am an art director who has probably seen close to 1000 portfolios, many great, but many...not 😔
This is a doc I wrote featuring tips and tricks for how to make a better art portfolio site. Feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful <3 #art
Thanks for another amazing #KidLitChat everyone! Logging off to go write my daily story now (& maybe attempt one of the new #KidLitConfections recipes I've been thinking up...) See y'all next week! (or sooner, if I remember to get online between now and next Tuesday...)
January 7, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Thanks for another amazing #KidLitChat everyone! Logging off to go write my daily story now (& maybe attempt one of the new #KidLitConfections recipes I've been thinking up...) See y'all next week! (or sooner, if I remember to get online between now and next Tuesday...)
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
It's true! I came up with the idea for WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? during @taralazar.bsky.social's "Picture Book Idea Month", which is now called #StoryStorm. I wrote about this here, if anyone's curious: debbieohi.com/2015/05/how-...
#KidLitChat
#KidLitChat
January 7, 2026 at 2:38 AM
It's true! I came up with the idea for WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? during @taralazar.bsky.social's "Picture Book Idea Month", which is now called #StoryStorm. I wrote about this here, if anyone's curious: debbieohi.com/2015/05/how-...
#KidLitChat
#KidLitChat
I'm also planning to continue creating and sharing #KidLitConfections! I have lots of recipes ready to share (just searching for the right books to pair them with), like these S'mores cookies. :) #KidLitChat
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 AM
I'm also planning to continue creating and sharing #KidLitConfections! I have lots of recipes ready to share (just searching for the right books to pair them with), like these S'mores cookies. :) #KidLitChat
I posted this a few days ago. This is my #1 goal for 2026. I'm not going to settle for crumbs anymore. I'm making time to let myself be me! (So far, I've written a new pb draft--some so messy they'll never go anywhere, but some with promise--every day this year!) #KidLitChat
I'm resolved to make 2026 the year I reclaim my joy in writing. I'm participating in @taralazar.bsky.social's #StoryStorm this month and I plan to sign up for @12x12challenge.bsky.social again this year. But most importantly, I'm taking time daily to write something just for me! <3
January 7, 2026 at 2:15 AM
I posted this a few days ago. This is my #1 goal for 2026. I'm not going to settle for crumbs anymore. I'm making time to let myself be me! (So far, I've written a new pb draft--some so messy they'll never go anywhere, but some with promise--every day this year!) #KidLitChat
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Now that we've reflected on '25, let's start planning how we're going to build on that progress & keep fighting in '26! First, think about what energizes you & how much time you'll expect to have per week or per month...
It's the time of year for reflection & planning, remember '25 & imagining '26. Take some time this week to write down what you did in '25 to protect the right to read. Think about what worked & what didn't, of course, but also, how it felt. What was fun? What as a slog? What would you do again...
December 16, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Now that we've reflected on '25, let's start planning how we're going to build on that progress & keep fighting in '26! First, think about what energizes you & how much time you'll expect to have per week or per month...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Which came first: the tomato or the potato?
That may not be the classic conundrum, but it’s the basis for this piece about the evolution of two of our most important crops—a story that also gave rise to our favorite headline of the year. https://scim.ag/4sh83d6
That may not be the classic conundrum, but it’s the basis for this piece about the evolution of two of our most important crops—a story that also gave rise to our favorite headline of the year. https://scim.ag/4sh83d6
Thank ketchup for your French fries
Interbreeding with tomatoes 9 million years ago gave potatoes the genes to develop tubers
scim.ag
December 31, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Which came first: the tomato or the potato?
That may not be the classic conundrum, but it’s the basis for this piece about the evolution of two of our most important crops—a story that also gave rise to our favorite headline of the year. https://scim.ag/4sh83d6
That may not be the classic conundrum, but it’s the basis for this piece about the evolution of two of our most important crops—a story that also gave rise to our favorite headline of the year. https://scim.ag/4sh83d6
Good night, #KidLitChat! I'm off to find dinner, now that I've filled up on so many virtual sweets! Thanks again for hosting, @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social <3 See y'all next year! (Any requests for #KidLitConfections in 2026??)
December 31, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Good night, #KidLitChat! I'm off to find dinner, now that I've filled up on so many virtual sweets! Thanks again for hosting, @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social <3 See y'all next year! (Any requests for #KidLitConfections in 2026??)
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I agree - we need diverse books and endings. Without them, adults will never get it.
We need more books to support the kids who live neurotypical lives and those might never find a miraculous happily ever after. I love Julie Berry and Holly Hatum's "Happy RIGHT NOW" message! #kidlitchat
We need more books to support the kids who live neurotypical lives and those might never find a miraculous happily ever after. I love Julie Berry and Holly Hatum's "Happy RIGHT NOW" message! #kidlitchat
December 31, 2025 at 2:58 AM
I agree - we need diverse books and endings. Without them, adults will never get it.
We need more books to support the kids who live neurotypical lives and those might never find a miraculous happily ever after. I love Julie Berry and Holly Hatum's "Happy RIGHT NOW" message! #kidlitchat
We need more books to support the kids who live neurotypical lives and those might never find a miraculous happily ever after. I love Julie Berry and Holly Hatum's "Happy RIGHT NOW" message! #kidlitchat
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
OK if I plug my conference before we get to our end? This year we're offering a 5-day online workshop featuring @laurashovan.bsky.social. so you don't have to travel to participate--though we'd love to see you here. Can't wait! Reg opens at 12 NY Eve. Info at wifyr.com or DM me. #kidlitchat
Home | Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers
wifyr.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:44 AM
OK if I plug my conference before we get to our end? This year we're offering a 5-day online workshop featuring @laurashovan.bsky.social. so you don't have to travel to participate--though we'd love to see you here. Can't wait! Reg opens at 12 NY Eve. Info at wifyr.com or DM me. #kidlitchat
I'm sure you'll be SHOCKED to hear that I approach my stories the same way I do my #KidLitConfections recipes. I have my starting point (an ingredient, flavor, or challenge to "create X in cookie form"), and a vague idea of an end result. The journey to get there is an adventure! #KidLitChat
December 31, 2025 at 2:18 AM
I'm sure you'll be SHOCKED to hear that I approach my stories the same way I do my #KidLitConfections recipes. I have my starting point (an ingredient, flavor, or challenge to "create X in cookie form"), and a vague idea of an end result. The journey to get there is an adventure! #KidLitChat