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086 - Game Changing Ideas

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Release Date: 08/19/2025

113 - What We Love About Brian Lies' Books show art 113 - What We Love About Brian Lies' Books

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Today's episode is the third in our series discussing the amazing books written and/or illustrated by our 2026 Superstar Speakers. Check out our episode on Derrick Barnes' books and Deborah Underwood's books .  In this episode, we get to chat about Brian Lies' books. We talk about the in-depth work that goes into his words and illustrations and how he expands the worlds he shares with us. Books mentioned in this episode:  by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld by Brian Lies by I.C. Springman and Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies ...

info_outline 112 - What We Love About Deborah Underwood's Books show art 112 - What We Love About Deborah Underwood's Books

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Our book discussion continues today with Deborah Underwood's books! Get your TBR list out and start writing down Deborah Underwood's books we chat about in this episode. They are a masterclass in figuring out the heart of the story—no matter the theme, genre, tone, or style. We think you're going to love her books as much as we do! Books mentioned in this episode:  by Deborah Underwood & Renata Liwska by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi by Deborah Underwood and Jax...

info_outline 111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books show art 111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Today is about the books—Derrick Barnes' books, to be exact. Derrick Barnes writes extraordinary picture books. In this episode, we explore what makes them so incredible and why we are so excited to hear him speak at this year's Picture Book Summit. From leaning into his voice, trusting his audience, using such specific details, to shining a beautiful light on Black boys, his words resonate with us and clearly inspire his illustrators with his evocative text. Books mentioned in this episode:  by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton by...

info_outline 110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places show art 110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!    Books mentioned in this episode:  by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay by Katie Davis by...

info_outline 109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit show art 109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If you're looking for a place to start on your next story, we think you'll find inspiration in today's chat. Resources mentioned in this episode:  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!   - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  - Use code PODCAST for 30%...

info_outline 108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit show art 108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit

Picture Book Summit Podcast

Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are on the writing journey, there is always something to learn. Resources mentioned in this episode:  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers...

info_outline 107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit show art 107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit

Picture Book Summit Podcast

In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published.  Books Mentioned in this episode:  by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Resources mentioned in this episode:  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!  What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for...

info_outline 106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit show art 106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit

Picture Book Summit Podcast

In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today!   Books Mentioned in this episode:  by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman   Resources mentioned in this episode:  - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!     - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!    What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online...

info_outline 105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing show art 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...

info_outline 104 - Getting Honest with Deborah Underwood show art 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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More Episodes

Every year, we host what we like to call a “mini” Summit. It’s a short webinar to give writers a taste of what we offer at our full-day event.

In this episode, we share a past Mini Summit all about creating Game Changing ideas. Our goal is to spark your imagination and creativity by showing just a few ways other picture book creators have turned ideas on their heads.

Get ready to be inspired by the Picture Book Summit Founders and be sure to find out about our latest event by going to picturebooksummit.com. 

Books mentioned in this episode: