105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies! Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to publication. Brian will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where he’ll share how to use your writing tools (even ones you may not know you have) to connect with your audience in Reel Them In: Using All the Lures in Your Tackle Box to Engage Readers. Here’s what you can expect: NY...
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104 - Getting Honest with Deborah Underwood
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Another great episode for you today! Julie Hedlund interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Deborah Underwood! Julie and Deborah discuss the common elements in her books, from quiet to humorous to lyrical. Plus, they take a deep dive into Deborah's books TINY GARDEN and WALTER HAD A BEST FRIEND, their unexpected endings, and the importance of being honest with children. Deborah will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where she'll share more of her process and how you can explore your picture book ideas in Free Diving: Following Your Ideas Below the Surface. Here's what you can expect: A...
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103 - Derrick Barnes Doesn't Quit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
We're excited for this one! Today, Emma Walton Hamilton interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Derrick Barnes! Before the New York Times Bestsellers and all the awards, Derrick Barnes almost quit writing picture books altogether. In this interview, he shares what kept him going and his advice for writers who feel like giving up. From writing greeting cards to substitute teaching, he reveals how each step of the journey prepared him for his prolific writing career. Get your ticket to hear Derrick at Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Early...
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102 - Our 2026 Winning Workshops!
Picture Book Summit Podcast
We have some amazing workshops coming to Picture Book Summit 2026. How do we know they will be so great? Our Founders are our Workshop presenters this year! Listen in to find out more about these workshops: Hook, Line, or... Stinker? Discover the Hooks in Your Book with Julie Hedlund Ebb and Flow: The Pull of the Page Turn with Emma Walton Hamilton and Katie Davis We're thinking deeply about hooks and pages so we can inspire you to improve these moments in your own manuscripts. Discover what inspires the PBSummit Team to develop these workshops. In fact, they are learning from...
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101 - Superstar Speaker Reveal 2026
Picture Book Summit Podcast
The team comes together to announce the Superstar Speakers for Picture Book Summit 2026! It's an exciting lineup and we can't wait to share it with YOU. Discover what they'll be teaching at this year's Summit and why we're just so excited to bring these keynotes to the Picture Book Summit stage. Get your ticket to Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is open now.
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100 - Our 100th Episode Celebration!
Picture Book Summit Podcast
It's Episode 100!! We're celebrating with a trip down memory lane, including a few of our favorite presentations, behind-the-scenes moments, and what we've learned along the way! Books mentioned in this episode: by Adam Rex by Sophie Blackall by Ruhksana Khan and Sophie Blackall Past Presentations mentioned in this episode: Be part of this year's Summit fun! Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is now open! Get Early Bird pricing through 8/27/26 at !
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099 - Our Writing Routines
Picture Book Summit Podcast
The Founders of Picture Book Summit reveal their varied writing routines and what keeps them motivated and putting pen to paper. Are they morning writers, evening writers, or something in between? Who's a pantser? Who's a plotter? How do they keep themselves accountable to get their writing done? How important is a critique group? (Spoiler alert: VERY!) Does our resident author-illustrator start with words or pictures? How many manuscripts work on at the same time? How many revisions does it take for their stories to feel ready to go out on submission? The answers may surprise you, but...
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098 - 2026 Caldecott Conversation Part 2
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. This is part 2 of our conversation. If you missed part 1, you can listen to it here: In this episode, we get to discuss this year's winner and two Honor Books. Get ready for insight into these books as well as the numerous things they have in common. Get your hands on these books and enjoy studying these remarkable books of art! Books mentioned in this episode: illustrated by Catia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess written and illustrated by Zeke Peña by Drew Beckmeyer Find all of...
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097 - Winning with Wordplay with Julie Hedlund
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Our own wordplay warrior, Julie Hedlund, gave a stupendous workshop encouraging us to have fun with our writing by turning it into play. Today, we share a snippet of that presentation where Julie reveals what wordplay is, where it can be used effectively, and how to use it to make your audience feel smart. Remember, you can purchase lifetime access to any past Summit Superstar Presentation or Workshop, including this one, at .
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096 - 2026 Caldecott Conversation Part 1
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Join the Picture Book Summit Team as we celebrate this year's crop of Caldecott Winners and Honorees. We have so much to say that it can't be contained in one episode! Today, we analyze OUR LAKE, written and illustrated by Angie Kang, and EVERY MONDAY MABEL, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan. Plus, we discuss commonalities in all of this year's Caldecott books, what we loved and observed about these books, and while picture books look easy, these are particular ones are so layered and full of nuance. From thoughtful and beautiful to funny and relatable, we hope this conversation inspires...
info_outlineOne of the best ways to navigate your course as a writer is through critiques. In this episode of the podcast, we share a snippet of Founder Katie Davis’ presentation Houston, Your Manuscript Has a Problem. Katie discusses why critiques are important and things to consider as you seek feedback from critique groups and freelance editors.
Get ready to take your work to a whole new stratosphere!