CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Kari when a mutual friend started a critique group. I was instantly impressed by Kari's writing and illustration talents as well as her very thoughtful and helpful feedback of my own picture books. I'm happy to highlight her on Writers' Rumpus! Kari, what brought you to enter the world of writing and illustrating picture books?

The themes in picture books are intended to assist children in dealing with the world around them, and authors benefit in the same way. These three picture books Egils gave me for Christmas are illustrative examples. Hike by Pete Oswald, The Rough Patch by Brian Lies, and Zen Shorts by Jon Muth are beautifully illustrated treatises on finding solace in the natural world, resolving pain and anger after tragedy, and developing inner harmony in the face of perceived hardships.

Lydia Lukidis's STEM picture books, Up, Up, High and Deep, Deep Down, blend poetic storytelling with scientific information, offering engaging journeys through Earth's atmosphere and ocean depths for readers of all ages.

Are you finding that author visits at your library are hit or miss? You get a famous writer, coordinate with a local bookstore to bring some books, and you get 3 whole people to show up? No more! I…

Authors & Illustrators Wild About Kidlit!