Sondra Zalewski
@sondrazalewski.bsky.social
Children’s book writer musing about the craft, and posting #PBreview, while waiting for manuscript feedback.
https://sondrazalewski.com/
https://sondrazalewski.com/
I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview
October 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview
Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview
September 30, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview
“Don’t be afraid to share your work. The trajectory of learning is exponential …. It’s not always easy to find the right critique group, but when you do find the right combination, it’s pretty magical.” —Donna Barba Higuera
Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!
Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!
August 28, 2025 at 4:42 PM
“Don’t be afraid to share your work. The trajectory of learning is exponential …. It’s not always easy to find the right critique group, but when you do find the right combination, it’s pretty magical.” —Donna Barba Higuera
Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!
Couldn’t agree more. My critique peeps make my work so much better!
Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview
August 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview
Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview
July 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview
A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview
June 17, 2025 at 9:32 PM
A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview
A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview
May 18, 2025 at 2:16 PM
A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview
Some wonderful pearls of wisdom from my @highlightsfound.bsky.social ghts retreat:
• The right book will keep you company when you need it most.
• Faith in your art & writing is essential.
• Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.
• The right book will keep you company when you need it most.
• Faith in your art & writing is essential.
• Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.
May 2, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Some wonderful pearls of wisdom from my @highlightsfound.bsky.social ghts retreat:
• The right book will keep you company when you need it most.
• Faith in your art & writing is essential.
• Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.
• The right book will keep you company when you need it most.
• Faith in your art & writing is essential.
• Belief fosters persistence which helps you get through obstacles.
I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview
April 22, 2025 at 10:04 PM
I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview
This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview
March 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM
This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview
Continuing my quest to read Newbery winners I missed as a child. This quote from a 1940s Danish Resistance member in NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry remains relevant: "... the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one."
March 12, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Continuing my quest to read Newbery winners I missed as a child. This quote from a 1940s Danish Resistance member in NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry remains relevant: "... the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one."
Just read this insightful quote in TIME:
“It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.”
—Colman Domingo
“It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.”
—Colman Domingo
March 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Just read this insightful quote in TIME:
“It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.”
—Colman Domingo
“It’s about seeing each other. What am I doing as a creative? It’s about getting people to think, maybe helping people think differently. You know, that’s all I can do. The macro I can’t take care of. But I can take care of the micro.”
—Colman Domingo
Uri was a prime example of someone making the most of their lot in life. His CHANCE memoir left quite an impression and showed me how our gifts are, first and foremost, for ourselves but can do so much more when we share them with others. Thank you for your tremendous gifts to the kidlit world.
“In my decade in publishing, I’ve collected many wonderful memories, but working with Uri Shulevitz remains the highlight of my career”: the children’s book community remembers the late Caldecott Medalist. See our tribute:
Obituary: Uri Shulevitz
Caldecott Medalist Uri Shulevitz, widely celebrated for his distinctive ink and watercolor images that capture a child's viewpoint, and stories often drawn from his evocative childhood memories, died…
buff.ly
February 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Uri was a prime example of someone making the most of their lot in life. His CHANCE memoir left quite an impression and showed me how our gifts are, first and foremost, for ourselves but can do so much more when we share them with others. Thank you for your tremendous gifts to the kidlit world.
Reposted by Sondra Zalewski
What you can do it help: pick one or more books each week and help boost? Be sure to tag author/illus if you quote-post.
Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much!
debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl...
#KidLit #KidLitLaunches
Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much!
debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl...
#KidLit #KidLitLaunches
a drawing of four cartoon characters with the website debbie-oli.com in the lower right corner
Alt: Animated gif showing four colorful smiling blobs passing a heart from one character to another. Underlying message: community members helping each other.
media.tenor.com
February 28, 2025 at 2:57 PM
What you can do it help: pick one or more books each week and help boost? Be sure to tag author/illus if you quote-post.
Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much!
debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl...
#KidLit #KidLitLaunches
Also to sometimes help boost the first post in this thread, which links to the archives and guidelines? Thanks so much!
debbieohi.com/2025/02/kidl...
#KidLit #KidLitLaunches
Augusta Braxton Baker cultivated a love of story during her life. This librarian’s effect on kid lit is mirrored in the bold colors and patterns of April Harrison’s artwork. Breanna McDaniel’s book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Baker did. #PBreview
February 26, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Augusta Braxton Baker cultivated a love of story during her life. This librarian’s effect on kid lit is mirrored in the bold colors and patterns of April Harrison’s artwork. Breanna McDaniel’s book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Baker did. #PBreview
I am nerding out on @libib.com! Such a great tool for tracking & organizing books. The phone app scans ISBNs and the online/desktop version creates rich catalog views. You can create multiple libraries and then use tags to make even more subsets. Now I'll know what I “need” from the bookstore!
February 15, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I am nerding out on @libib.com! Such a great tool for tracking & organizing books. The phone app scans ISBNs and the online/desktop version creates rich catalog views. You can create multiple libraries and then use tags to make even more subsets. Now I'll know what I “need” from the bookstore!
Check out this cool game day graphic. Can’t wait to see our Philly boys win it all! 🦅
February 9, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Check out this cool game day graphic. Can’t wait to see our Philly boys win it all! 🦅
This touching story highlights the camaraderie between a school bus and her community. Loren Long’s illustrations focus color only on the bus. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings. #PBreview
February 5, 2025 at 7:38 PM
This touching story highlights the camaraderie between a school bus and her community. Loren Long’s illustrations focus color only on the bus. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings. #PBreview
Alicia Keys slayed her acceptance speech at the Grammys for the 2025 Global Impact Award. Brought me to tears. Stay strong, and stay creative everyone. youtu.be/htJum8qT8Lc?...
ALICIA KEYS Wins Global Impact Award | 2025 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
YouTube video by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
youtu.be
February 4, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Alicia Keys slayed her acceptance speech at the Grammys for the 2025 Global Impact Award. Brought me to tears. Stay strong, and stay creative everyone. youtu.be/htJum8qT8Lc?...
Reposted by Sondra Zalewski
The 2025 #PBParty contest entry window is officially open... until 8 pm Eastern. 🎉
The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨
How many entries do you think we'll have this year?
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨
How many entries do you think we'll have this year?
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
February 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM
The 2025 #PBParty contest entry window is officially open... until 8 pm Eastern. 🎉
The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨
How many entries do you think we'll have this year?
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
The judges and I are sending tons of good luck wishes your way and can't wait to read your submissions. ✨✨✨✨
How many entries do you think we'll have this year?
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
Mindy shares some great tips for writers even if you aren’t entering the contest.
PBParty Contest Prep Tips 2025!
🌟#PBParty Prep Zoom replay
🌟Copy of Google entry form
🌟Make your query dazzle
🌟Streamlining tips
🌟View past showcase
🌟Tips, tips, tips!
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
#PB #kidlit
🌟#PBParty Prep Zoom replay
🌟Copy of Google entry form
🌟Make your query dazzle
🌟Streamlining tips
🌟View past showcase
🌟Tips, tips, tips!
mindyalyseweiss.com/...
#PB #kidlit
PBParty Contest Prep Tips 2025 ⋆ Mindy’s Writing Wonderland
Tons of tips to help your PBParty contest entry gleam. 2025 PBParty Prep Zoom replay link, examples from the 2024 showcase, etc.
mindyalyseweiss.com
January 29, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Mindy shares some great tips for writers even if you aren’t entering the contest.
A heartfelt Christmas story by @tavaresbooks.bsky.social. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. This book reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. #PBreview
January 28, 2025 at 10:23 PM
A heartfelt Christmas story by @tavaresbooks.bsky.social. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. This book reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. #PBreview
FLAT CAT shows readers we often don’t know what we want until we try something new. @taralazar.bsky.social uses fun language like splish-splosh and fuzzy-wuzzy, while the illustrations by Pete Oswald push the humor even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker—pure fun! #PBreview
January 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
FLAT CAT shows readers we often don’t know what we want until we try something new. @taralazar.bsky.social uses fun language like splish-splosh and fuzzy-wuzzy, while the illustrations by Pete Oswald push the humor even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker—pure fun! #PBreview
This story by @armyvet5.bsky.social is a wonderful way to introduce kids to voting. A girl and her grandmother pick up neighbors on their long walk to a voting site. E. B. Lewis’ paintings depict the diversity of the urban community and the hope in their hearts to carry out this call. #PBreview
January 28, 2025 at 1:53 AM
This story by @armyvet5.bsky.social is a wonderful way to introduce kids to voting. A girl and her grandmother pick up neighbors on their long walk to a voting site. E. B. Lewis’ paintings depict the diversity of the urban community and the hope in their hearts to carry out this call. #PBreview
The Bright Side by Chad Otis tells a story about an unhoused boy living in a bus and shows us that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Staying positive through adversity often requires imagination, something available to children if they are loved, no matter where they sleep at night. #PBreview
January 27, 2025 at 6:09 PM
The Bright Side by Chad Otis tells a story about an unhoused boy living in a bus and shows us that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Staying positive through adversity often requires imagination, something available to children if they are loved, no matter where they sleep at night. #PBreview