Madeline Reads (and Writes!) Kid Books
@madelinesmoot.bsky.social
Author. Book Seller. Editor. Publisher. Speaker. Not always in that order.
*Usual caveat: all opinions expressed are my own. I do not speak for the store or my employer.*
*Usual caveat: all opinions expressed are my own. I do not speak for the store or my employer.*
Writing Tip: Always have someone else read your draft for logical consistency.
Make sure that explanations you needed didn't get cut or that details now contradict each other. And have someone else look. You already know everything. You aren't going to spot it yourself.
#kidlit #amwriting
Make sure that explanations you needed didn't get cut or that details now contradict each other. And have someone else look. You already know everything. You aren't going to spot it yourself.
#kidlit #amwriting
May 27, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Writing Tip: Always have someone else read your draft for logical consistency.
Make sure that explanations you needed didn't get cut or that details now contradict each other. And have someone else look. You already know everything. You aren't going to spot it yourself.
#kidlit #amwriting
Make sure that explanations you needed didn't get cut or that details now contradict each other. And have someone else look. You already know everything. You aren't going to spot it yourself.
#kidlit #amwriting
Dual POV is always tricky.
I wrote a newsletter with a few tips for writing dual POV: jodimeadows.substack.com/p/seven-tips...
Seven tips for writing dual point of view
I changed the title so many times because I kept forgetting/remembering other points I wanted to make.
jodimeadows.substack.com
May 25, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Dual POV is always tricky.
After reviewing a friend’s query letter today, I feel it’s time for my periodic reminder:
Don’t forget to tell the agent why your book is awesome. Because it is. There’s a reason why you think THIS is the story that should be published. Don’t be afraid to share it.
#kidlit #amwriting #query
Don’t forget to tell the agent why your book is awesome. Because it is. There’s a reason why you think THIS is the story that should be published. Don’t be afraid to share it.
#kidlit #amwriting #query
May 24, 2025 at 9:51 PM
After reviewing a friend’s query letter today, I feel it’s time for my periodic reminder:
Don’t forget to tell the agent why your book is awesome. Because it is. There’s a reason why you think THIS is the story that should be published. Don’t be afraid to share it.
#kidlit #amwriting #query
Don’t forget to tell the agent why your book is awesome. Because it is. There’s a reason why you think THIS is the story that should be published. Don’t be afraid to share it.
#kidlit #amwriting #query
It’s the weekend!! Finally.
What’s everyone reading?
I’ll go first: Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark - an excoriated and a soldier form an uneasy alliance to fight the demon infestations. I cannot wait to start this.
#kidlit #yalit #romantasy
ARC courtesy of @randomhousekids.bsky.social
What’s everyone reading?
I’ll go first: Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark - an excoriated and a soldier form an uneasy alliance to fight the demon infestations. I cannot wait to start this.
#kidlit #yalit #romantasy
ARC courtesy of @randomhousekids.bsky.social
May 23, 2025 at 9:45 PM
It’s the weekend!! Finally.
What’s everyone reading?
I’ll go first: Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark - an excoriated and a soldier form an uneasy alliance to fight the demon infestations. I cannot wait to start this.
#kidlit #yalit #romantasy
ARC courtesy of @randomhousekids.bsky.social
What’s everyone reading?
I’ll go first: Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark - an excoriated and a soldier form an uneasy alliance to fight the demon infestations. I cannot wait to start this.
#kidlit #yalit #romantasy
ARC courtesy of @randomhousekids.bsky.social
Today I was at the TX capitol telling anyone who would listen about the negative economic impact on small businesses (bookstores) some of the various library censorship bills are having. Because, even bills about libraries can have unintended consequences for bookstores.
Standing up for #librarians #kidlit #Freadom @TXCapitol. Thank you @RepDianeHoward @TXLege @technolibrary.bsky.social @madelinesmoot.bsky.social @SusanJohnstonTaylor @AuthorsAgainstBookBans
May 19, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Today I was at the TX capitol telling anyone who would listen about the negative economic impact on small businesses (bookstores) some of the various library censorship bills are having. Because, even bills about libraries can have unintended consequences for bookstores.
Today was a curl up in bed and read a good book cover to cover kind of day. THE HOUSE OF SAPHIR is an amazing retelling of Bluebeard in an ingenious way. Many thanks to MPS & @fiercereads.bsky.social for the free ARCs they sent us to read & share! The book comes out in Nov.
#kidlit #yabooks
#kidlit #yabooks
May 18, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Today was a curl up in bed and read a good book cover to cover kind of day. THE HOUSE OF SAPHIR is an amazing retelling of Bluebeard in an ingenious way. Many thanks to MPS & @fiercereads.bsky.social for the free ARCs they sent us to read & share! The book comes out in Nov.
#kidlit #yabooks
#kidlit #yabooks
Mini Review: Head Full of Clouds
Join a child through her day as she sees normal things in spectacular ways.
Why Your Home Library Needs This:
- Amazing, Dramatic Artwork
- Lovely Prose
- Fantastic Story
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BooksForKids #kidlit
Join a child through her day as she sees normal things in spectacular ways.
Why Your Home Library Needs This:
- Amazing, Dramatic Artwork
- Lovely Prose
- Fantastic Story
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BooksForKids #kidlit
Head Full of Clouds
Check out Head Full of Clouds - <b>From the award-winning author of <i>Town Is by the Sea</i> comes a beautiful and meditative story about seeing the world around you in a new way.</b><br><br>A girl w...
bookshop.org
May 17, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Mini Review: Head Full of Clouds
Join a child through her day as she sees normal things in spectacular ways.
Why Your Home Library Needs This:
- Amazing, Dramatic Artwork
- Lovely Prose
- Fantastic Story
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BooksForKids #kidlit
Join a child through her day as she sees normal things in spectacular ways.
Why Your Home Library Needs This:
- Amazing, Dramatic Artwork
- Lovely Prose
- Fantastic Story
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BooksForKids #kidlit
I love when authors post their Edelweiss because it makes it so much easier for me as an indie book buyer — but to make it even easier, mention your distributor in your post. Tracy's book is with Storytide, but I don't know off the top of my head which rep to talk to. (It's @harperkids.bsky.social)
#kidlit reviewer/bookseller friends: my next middle grade book, GHOUL SUMMER, is available on Edelweiss!
Ever stay in a bnb you could've sworn was haunted?
Well... this one is.👻
www.edelweiss.plus?sku=00633470...
Ever stay in a bnb you could've sworn was haunted?
Well... this one is.👻
www.edelweiss.plus?sku=00633470...
Edelweiss+
Edelweiss, by Above the Treeline, is the book industry’s platform to sell, discover, and order new titles.
www.edelweiss.plus
May 16, 2025 at 12:02 AM
I love when authors post their Edelweiss because it makes it so much easier for me as an indie book buyer — but to make it even easier, mention your distributor in your post. Tracy's book is with Storytide, but I don't know off the top of my head which rep to talk to. (It's @harperkids.bsky.social)
Quick editing tip: When editing, always make sure to check for logical consistency. Sometimes elements of old obsolete drafts get left in or new details keep other details from making sense. Don't let logical inconsistencies pull your reader from the story.
#kidlit #kidliteditor
#kidlit #kidliteditor
May 15, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Quick editing tip: When editing, always make sure to check for logical consistency. Sometimes elements of old obsolete drafts get left in or new details keep other details from making sense. Don't let logical inconsistencies pull your reader from the story.
#kidlit #kidliteditor
#kidlit #kidliteditor
I always wholeheartedly agree.
You know what? Buy yourself those books you want. You deserve it.
May 15, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I always wholeheartedly agree.
Before turning in for the evening, just enough time left for a little reading courtesy of my PRH rep and @randomhousekids.bsky.social
(I’m on ch 2 and already so invested in Gwen and her uncle and Pumpkin the dog.)
#kidlit #mgnovel #ARC
(I’m on ch 2 and already so invested in Gwen and her uncle and Pumpkin the dog.)
#kidlit #mgnovel #ARC
May 15, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Before turning in for the evening, just enough time left for a little reading courtesy of my PRH rep and @randomhousekids.bsky.social
(I’m on ch 2 and already so invested in Gwen and her uncle and Pumpkin the dog.)
#kidlit #mgnovel #ARC
(I’m on ch 2 and already so invested in Gwen and her uncle and Pumpkin the dog.)
#kidlit #mgnovel #ARC
Quick writing tip: Outline at some point in the process of writing -- either before or after the first draft. This can be a great way to check your work's overall pacing.
*Today's tip inspired by last night's fantastic #kidlitchat on ... you guessed it. Pacing.
#KidLit #AmWriting #WritingTips
*Today's tip inspired by last night's fantastic #kidlitchat on ... you guessed it. Pacing.
#KidLit #AmWriting #WritingTips
May 14, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Quick writing tip: Outline at some point in the process of writing -- either before or after the first draft. This can be a great way to check your work's overall pacing.
*Today's tip inspired by last night's fantastic #kidlitchat on ... you guessed it. Pacing.
#KidLit #AmWriting #WritingTips
*Today's tip inspired by last night's fantastic #kidlitchat on ... you guessed it. Pacing.
#KidLit #AmWriting #WritingTips
I have never really ever been able to read horror. I blame this book:
In a Dark, Dark Room
When the girl takes off the ribbon. You know what I'm talking about.
In a Dark, Dark Room
When the girl takes off the ribbon. You know what I'm talking about.
May 14, 2025 at 1:51 AM
I have never really ever been able to read horror. I blame this book:
In a Dark, Dark Room
When the girl takes off the ribbon. You know what I'm talking about.
In a Dark, Dark Room
When the girl takes off the ribbon. You know what I'm talking about.
The spring book season is in full swing, and I've just started buying the fall books. So let's talk about some books I loved that you might have missed.
A thread.
(Links are not affiliate links, just the regular ones from Bookshop.org)
A thread.
(Links are not affiliate links, just the regular ones from Bookshop.org)
May 14, 2025 at 12:21 AM
The spring book season is in full swing, and I've just started buying the fall books. So let's talk about some books I loved that you might have missed.
A thread.
(Links are not affiliate links, just the regular ones from Bookshop.org)
A thread.
(Links are not affiliate links, just the regular ones from Bookshop.org)
Reposted by Madeline Reads (and Writes!) Kid Books
Join us on Saturday for our FREE Monthly Meeting at @bookpeople.bsky.social! Author Meredith Davis will share Mentor Texts: Why You Need Them and How to Use Them! How does reading like a writer/illustrator change the way we consume a book? Find out!
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
March 3, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Join us on Saturday for our FREE Monthly Meeting at @bookpeople.bsky.social! Author Meredith Davis will share Mentor Texts: Why You Need Them and How to Use Them! How does reading like a writer/illustrator change the way we consume a book? Find out!
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
My dryer was out all week and only got fixed yesterday. I’m on laundry load 7.
January 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
My dryer was out all week and only got fixed yesterday. I’m on laundry load 7.
Oh, look. It's me!!!
I'm going to classes on writing for the educational market and work for hire projects. (I clearly have a mission to do work-for-hire/IP projects.)
I'm going to take copious notes and share all I learn. Come learn it too!
#kidlit #writing #scbwiatx
I'm going to classes on writing for the educational market and work for hire projects. (I clearly have a mission to do work-for-hire/IP projects.)
I'm going to take copious notes and share all I learn. Come learn it too!
#kidlit #writing #scbwiatx
Join us for our next monthly meeting! We're off to the Big Apple to attend the annual @scbwi.bsky.social national conference. Join us Saturday, February 8 at @bookpeople.bsky.social as we share the insights, tips, and tricks we learn!
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
www.scbwi.org/events/month...
January 24, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Is this not such a lovely poster?
#kidlit
#kidlit
The Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader has named Julie Flett as the illustrator of the 2025 Children’s Book Week poster, revealed here for the first time https://buff.ly/42nSNR5
January 24, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Is this not such a lovely poster?
#kidlit
#kidlit
Just finished this week’s newsletter for @scbwiatx.bsky.social — and there are so many really cool events planned for this year.
And I can’t post it yet, but our IC made this gorgeous calendar of all of them. 😍
And I can’t post it yet, but our IC made this gorgeous calendar of all of them. 😍
January 23, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Just finished this week’s newsletter for @scbwiatx.bsky.social — and there are so many really cool events planned for this year.
And I can’t post it yet, but our IC made this gorgeous calendar of all of them. 😍
And I can’t post it yet, but our IC made this gorgeous calendar of all of them. 😍
January 22, 2025 at 3:58 AM
As promised, good books for the littlest readers to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr
a thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also not affiliate links.
Starting with my favorite illustrated I Have a Dream
bookshop.org/p/books/i-ha...
a thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also not affiliate links.
Starting with my favorite illustrated I Have a Dream
bookshop.org/p/books/i-ha...
I Have a Dream [With CD (Audio)] a book by Martin Luther King and Kadir Nelson
From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his worl...
bookshop.org
January 21, 2025 at 12:54 AM
As promised, good books for the littlest readers to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr
a thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also not affiliate links.
Starting with my favorite illustrated I Have a Dream
bookshop.org/p/books/i-ha...
a thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also not affiliate links.
Starting with my favorite illustrated I Have a Dream
bookshop.org/p/books/i-ha...
Morning! It's a cold, gloomy day here with kids home from school, so here are some books I would be reading if I could stay home curled up in bed.
A thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also, these are not affiliate links.
#kidlit #kidlitrecs
A thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also, these are not affiliate links.
#kidlit #kidlitrecs
January 20, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Morning! It's a cold, gloomy day here with kids home from school, so here are some books I would be reading if I could stay home curled up in bed.
A thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also, these are not affiliate links.
#kidlit #kidlitrecs
A thread:
*Note: These are my personal recs. I don't speak for my employer. Also, these are not affiliate links.
#kidlit #kidlitrecs
So, what did I do this past year?
Not write. Or edit. Or publish.
I took the job of kids buyer for a large indie bookstore and now oversee a 4k sq ft kids section + schools department.
It’s a big job! Huge learning curve! But now I’m back (I hope?) with so many books to share.
Not write. Or edit. Or publish.
I took the job of kids buyer for a large indie bookstore and now oversee a 4k sq ft kids section + schools department.
It’s a big job! Huge learning curve! But now I’m back (I hope?) with so many books to share.
January 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
So, what did I do this past year?
Not write. Or edit. Or publish.
I took the job of kids buyer for a large indie bookstore and now oversee a 4k sq ft kids section + schools department.
It’s a big job! Huge learning curve! But now I’m back (I hope?) with so many books to share.
Not write. Or edit. Or publish.
I took the job of kids buyer for a large indie bookstore and now oversee a 4k sq ft kids section + schools department.
It’s a big job! Huge learning curve! But now I’m back (I hope?) with so many books to share.