I have always enjoyed picture books. However, my picture book reading went in waves: I read picture books as a kid, then largely stopped. I read the big name new picture books when they came out (Stellaluna) or when they were about topics I already cared about (Golem). I read picture books when kids came along in the family. I reread classic picture books when I was hired to write study guides about them (Where the Wild Things Are).
But I did not read picture books regularly, or methodically.
I write, and have published many stories, poems, essays, articles, and book reviews for an adult audience. A few years ago, ideas started popping up that seemed just right for picture books. I scribbled some notes, and largely forgot about them.
But the ideas kept coming, and I started working on my own picture books. When I did, I realized there were gaps in my picture book knowledge. It was uneven. That affects my understanding of picture books, and my writing.
So, I started reading regularly, and I’m sharing my thoughts here, in brief reviews. The goal is to post a review a day.
I will also be posting some other things, but they will always relate to picture books.
Welcome!