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kazwindness.bsky.social
Kaz Windness she/her
@kazwindness.bsky.social
4K followers 1.8K following 690 posts
•📘Out now!: BITSY BAT, TEAM STAR (S&S)
•📕Out now!: SQUID IN PANTS (S&S)
•📚Check out: “When You Love a Book” (PRH)
Award-Winning Children’s Book Author-Artist, Art Professor, Autistic-ADHD 🌈📚Books, Classes, Social Media: linktr.ee/KazWindness
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kazwindness.bsky.social
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I love seeing everyone's drawings of ghosts, witches, monsters, spiders, and my favorite, BATS! What's your favorite October topic?

I'm an illustrator and writer repped by Kathleen Rushall @andreabrownlit.bsky.social. Follow along for more #kidlit art! #childrensbooks
October 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
What's your favorite color? Hi #kidlitpostcardday! I'm Kaz Windness, and I love using teal and magenta in my art. Art directors say this is a good style branding approach, but I'm not doing this on purpose. Anyway, I hope you'll check out WORM AND BUTTERFLY ARE FRIENDS ALWAYS. #kidlit #graphicnovels
Four illustrations featuring a worm and a butterfly with rainbow color wings. The text in the speech bubbles reads "Hi Kidlit Postcard Day" "We are back" "With new friends!" "And more magenta!" "And teal." The bottom illustration is an evening scene in a meadow with a tree and a field and a lake in the background. There is a baby worm between the butterfly and worm and a blue stellars jay and a robin in the background. The jay is attempting to keep the robin away from the baby worm.
August 7, 2025 at 1:21 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
If you like art, comics, or illustration, come hang out with me and some world-class cartoonists and graphic novelists this Wednesday evening! We’re gonna be talking about all of that and more. It’s gonna be a blast! on YT at PencilToPencil #artist #GN #kidlit #illustration
New Episodes Wednesdays 8pm ET Pencil to Pencil hosted by mike manley, jamar nichoals, and steve conley This week Kaz Windness Author-Illustrator YouTube.com/penciltopencil Image of illustration of flying cute bat and flying cute owl, image of Kaz, white lady with pink hair, and squid in pants cover with an orange squid wearing striped pants.
July 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Hi friends, and happy #kidlitpostcard day! What's your favorite winter activity? I'm 2 pages away from finishing with BITSY BAT, SNOW STAR! Each book explores a different aspect of autism. Check out "Bitsy Bat, School Star" and "Bitsy Bat, Team Star!" #kidlit #childrensbookillustrator bitsybat.com
Three illustrations of winter scenes from BITSY BAT, SNOW STAR. Top image shows a little bat with light fur wearing a star sweater and winter hat and scarf flying over a snowy ground to a school that is also a tree. A mole, mouse, and bunny friend are sledding and stomping through the snow. Bottom left panel shows the mole pushing Bitsy on a sled and she flies through the air with the words "Whoosh! Zip! Zoom!" The third image shows Bitsy giving away her earmuffs, hat and scarf to a snowman while the rabbit looks concerned.
July 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Happy Friday the 13th! Thirteen is my lucky number-- the number I share with my birthday and the first tattoo I ever got. Here's an old self-portrait I made of myself as the Kazness Monster as I was creating "Mother Goth Rhymes." Does anyone else have a goth-filled center like me? #illustration
A drawing of the Goth ness monster— a green sea serpent, covered in tattoos, wearing a nose ring, black eyeglasses, a skull T-shirt, and fishnet over its tail.
June 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
What's your favorite creepy crawly? "Ode to a Slug" is based on a little friend I saw outside the barn at @highlightsfound.bsky.social on Thursday. And yes, I know slugs are not bugs, but the rhyme is to delicious to resist. #watercolor #collage #coloredpencil #digitalart

#poetry #kidlit #sluglove
Watercolor painting of a slug with a red back and kissy lips following a shiny trail to a tomato plant with a big ripe tomato with suggested human face features. Ode to a Slug by Kaz Windness I have never seen a bug, quite as handsome as a slug. Dancing eyes and glistening tail, writing love poems with their trail. Leading to our rendezvous, underneath these leaves of dew. To kiss my ripe and blushing face. Until I’m gone without a trace.
June 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
🦑SQUID IN PANTS👖received a nice feature in @publisherswkly.bsky.social!!! If you don't know about Ready To Read, they are all about supporting a child's literacy journey with beautiful and FUN stories that help a child fall in love with books. www.readytoread.com #earlyreaders #kidlit #SquidInPants
Graphic that says "NEW READY TO READ TITLES FOR SUMMER 2025!" An image of SQUID IN PANTS book cover with a squid wearing pants and SMOOSHE's super duper fun day, Michael Slack with silly aliens in a bumper car.
June 6, 2025 at 2:01 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Great review of “Bitsy Bat, School Star” in Spanish! #autismacceptance #bitsybat #spanishedition www.slj.com/review/bitsy...
School Library Journal review of “Bitsy Bat, School Star” Spanish edition. Cover image with a light fur bat hanging upside down on a chalkboard. “This picture book effectively shows readers that diversity and variety of body abilities is a normal part of attending school. Although Bitsy's autism is hinted at in the story, the author’s note at the back of the book ­clarifies her need for headphones, sunglasses, and other stimulus-reduction adaptations. A great title for children who can find their own diverse abilities in the story, as well as for those who want to see how every person is special in their own way. VERDICT A good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities and where diverse and neurodivergent books are needed or in high demand. Reviewed by Carolina Youssif
June 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it. Lure it to the coast. Smash it on the rocks. Don't let anyone tell you how to live your dreams.

Last #mermay for the month, I promise. #stabbyunicorn #darkhumor
A painting of blue unicorn-mermaids on the shorline swimming out to a large sailing ship with two UFOs in the sky above. Text says "If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."
May 26, 2025 at 1:21 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
It's finally here! The Spanish edition of "Bitsy Bat, School Star" is out in paperback and hardcover. Request "Bitsy Murcielago, Estrella Escolar" at your favorite bookseller or library. #bitsybat #autismacceptance #kidsbooks #autismappreciation #autistic
A graphic that says "An autism acceptance story that celebrates what makes every child special. Now Out In Spanish: Bitsy Murcielago, estrella escolar." Image shows book cover for Bitsy Bat, School star with a light-furred bat hanging upside down in a classroom setting against a chalkboard.
May 20, 2025 at 2:20 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Fast, effective, and affordable feedback on your children's book portfolio website and social media at CuddlefishAcademy. com !

#kidlit #childrensbookillustrator #kidlitart #portfolioreview
Graphic with photo of Kaz Windness, white lady, pink hair, standing infront of a book case. A white box with this text: "Hi Kaz, Thank you SO MUCH for your amazing feedback. You gave me so many actionable ways to improve my portfolio, instagram and website. You definitely over-delivered on the feedback. Lots to work on, but I also feel good about where I'm headed. Best 25 US I've ever spent! I will definitely be back for more coaching. – Laura S."
May 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Tag a friend who loves dragons. This little painting inspired me to write A WISH FOR DRAGON, out Fall 2027. #kidlit #dragonart #collageart #watercolor
A painting and paper collage of a little dragon spitting fire into the sky. Text says "Mighty & Cute with a firey snoot, That's what little Dragons are made of.
May 19, 2025 at 12:53 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Critique group showing up and showing out for “Squid in Pants” launch party at Bookies Bookstore. #squidinpants #kidlit #earlyreader
4 white women and one Asian man holding up book with illustration of Squid in Pants White woman with pink hair signing squid in pants book
May 17, 2025 at 11:56 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Wonderful review! Thank you @tcbrbookreview.bsky.social ! Check out "Squid in Pants" out now! #earlyreader #kidlit #earlyliteracy
Graphic with "The Children's Book Review" logo, a cover of Squid in Pants with an orange squid wearing pants and a turtle, crab, and fish wearing tighty whitey underwear. “The rhythmic, rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, encouraging phonemic awareness and word recognition while inviting kids to shout along with the silly sound effects. Windness’s expressive illustrations bring humor and heart to every spread, perfectly complementing the spare, clever text.”
May 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
kazwindness.bsky.social
"The Little Stabmaid" is the only #MerMay I will be posting this year. Not everyone wants to be where the people are. #stabbyunicorn #introvertmemes
An illustration of an angry unicorn-mermaid wearing a dead fish tank top, spiked collar, and holding up a fork to lettering that says "I want to be where the people aren't. Speech bubble says "Fork you!"
May 15, 2025 at 11:39 AM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Out TODAY! Kirkus calls SQUID IN PANTS "A rollicking, ridiculous rhyming adventure bound to be in high demand."

🐙 Launch Saturday, May 17th at 10:30AM at Bookies, Denver

🐙 All my books signed and personalized at Boulder Book Store and B&N Thornton

#squidinpants #earlyreader #bookbirthday
Illustraton of squid kid swimming up to borrow clothes from a boat with turtle, crab, and puffer fish friend. Happy Book Birthday! Squid in Pants (image of cover with Squid) - Tag someone who would like the book - Like and share this social media post -write a nice review -come to a book signing - get a copy at your local library, school library, or favorite bookstore
May 13, 2025 at 12:32 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Say what you will, but anger is motivating. Stay Stabby. #stabbyunicorn #unicorncomics #unicornmemes
"I survive off a very specific diet." An illustration of a goth unicorn holding a cup of coffee aside a pyramid with coffee at the top, microplastics in the middle, and spite at the bottom.
May 3, 2025 at 11:40 AM
kazwindness.bsky.social
It's #kidlitpostcardday and SQUID IN PANTS is out May 13th in paperback and hardcover. Pants dance powers activate! Please request a copy at your local library or favorite #indiebookseller and get complimentary activities pinned at KazWindness.com. #kidlit #squidinpants #earlyreader #kidsbooks
Graphic with a coloring sheet for Squid in Pants with a cute squid with big eyes and a pair of pants you can color, cut, and paste. Example of interior with kid in boat putting on an outfit while Squid, Turtle, Crab, and Puffer go to borrow the clothes. Image of Kaz Windness, author-artist, a middle age white lady with short, pink hair and chunky jewelry. Color sketches of squids.
May 1, 2025 at 2:45 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
The @ndkidlit.bsky.social auction ends in just a few short hours! I am bidding on a bunch of stuff because it’s such a good opportunity. My @cuddlefishacademy.bsky.social class is still at 1/4 price! ndkidlit.org/fundraising-... #kidlit #ND #autistic
Storyboard for kid lit class and coaching benefiting Highlights Foundation current bid $55
May 1, 2025 at 12:39 AM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Add your recommended titles! ON SHELL NOW just in time for SQUID IN PANTS (May 13th) and BITSY MURCIELAGO, ESTRELLA ESCOLAR (May 20th) Barnes & Noble is having their pre0rder event! #squidinpants #bnpreorder #KidsBooks
Graphic with floating covers of SQUID IN PANTS (cartoon squid wearing pants) and BItsy Murcielago Estrella Escolar with a white and pink bat wearing a green sweater with a star on it hanging from a chalkboard.
April 24, 2025 at 2:18 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Post an old illustration you still like.
Here’s the spider sketch that became the spider character that is becoming a book! Meet Speeder Spider! #speederspider #jumpingspider #kidlit
Sketches of a big eyed wolf spider hanging from a web that says “love.” A green black and purple striped spider with fuzzy white teeth and cartoon, cute eyes hugging a raspberry that looks like a spider with lots of eyes and green leafy legs. A buzzing fly swoops in.
April 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Anyone else feeling a little Stabby lately? Let’s show today who’s boss. #ifURStabby #unicornhumor #comics
An illustration of a blue unicorn with black hair wearing a crop T-shirt with a skull and a spike collar. Holding a cup of coffee with a flat smile emoji. Quote says “I’m not going to have a bad day. Today is going to have a bad me.”
April 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
I know this one from experience. Keep going! It's worth it. I get that it feels like an awful time to dream audaciously, but it's precisely the time to do so. We need your stories, your passion, your perspective, and your voice. And we are stronger as a pack of pencils. #kidlit #writer #artist
A drawing of a little pencil in round glasses and a bow tie saying: Keep going. You deserve to see what happens when all your hard work pays off. Kaz Windness WindnessBooks.com
April 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
I love that artists are taking over this trend. I chose children's books, waffles, coffee, a library card, and a laptop with a draw-on screen. Did I forget anything? What would be in your starter pack? #starterpack #noAi #artistsoninstagram
Drawing of a Kaz Windness doll in a package. Kaz has pink hair, yellow glasses, pencil earrings and comes with a library card, a coffee, picture books, waffles, and a laptop with a spider drawn on the screen. Text says Kaz Windness artist author, No AI, windnessbooks.com
April 12, 2025 at 6:12 PM
kazwindness.bsky.social
Happy National School Librarian Day! We love you and are so grateful for your tireless work to provide each child in your school with the "just right" book for their learning and growing needs. #schoollibrarian #nationalschoollibrarianday #whenyouloveabook @heatherbrockmanlee.bsky.social
Graphic with picture of Heather Brockman Lee and Kaz Windness holding books with a bookshelf background. "We Love School Librarians" Illustration of children sitting on a rub being read to by purple haired librarian. "With a book as a friend, you will always feel heard. There's someone like you looking back from each word." Cover of When You Love A Book with child holding up a pop-up book with classic children's book characters popping out -- a little engine that could, Red Riding Hood, a mouse holding a cookie. Below is an illustration of children standing in a line to check out books from a librarian behind a computer desk.
April 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM