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%...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 !
info_outlineJoin 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: https://picturebooksummit.com/podcast-2026-caldecotts-part-1/
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:
- WINNER: FIREWORKS illustrated by Catia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess
- SUNDUST written and illustrated by Zeke Peña
- STALACTITE AND STALAGMITE by Drew Beckmeyer
Find all of this year's Caldecott books in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop!
How are Caldecott books chosen each year? Check out Emma's video explanation here.
We talked about Katie's awesome Summit presentation on picture book endings. Podcast listeners can get 25% off! Use code PODCAST at this link: https://picturebooksummit.freshlearn.com/endings.