12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast

Podcast for picture book writers by picture books writers with the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge founder Julie Hedlund and co-host Kelli Panique www.12x12challenge.com

029 - Rainbow Arcs After Party with Daria Peoples 07/23/2026

028 - Chiara Colombi on Why AI Can't Replace Picture Book Creators 07/16/2026

027 - Kari Lavelle & Lindsay Leslie Team Up for Author Visits 07/09/2026

027 - Kari Lavelle & Lindsay Leslie Team Up for Author Visits You've got a friend in me! In this episode, Kelli Panique chats with Kari Lavelle (pronounced CAR-EE) and Lindsay Leslie. Their writing friendship began when they were both just starting to write picture books, bloomed as they critiqued each other's work, and continues to blossom as they do author visits together! Could having an author visit partner be the key to your success? Find out how this partnership works in today's episode. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: How they met and when they started writing The role their friendship played when times were tough The number one recommendation they give aspiring writers Why writing friendships are important outside of critique groups The challenge of debuting books and author visits during the pandemic What's a booking agent and how they work Determining the value of your author visit and what to offer Why they started doing author visits together How their visits work even though one writes fiction and the other writes nonfiction How they involve the kids in their presentations What has evolved in their visits over the years The difference between presenting to younger grades versus older grades The surprising preferences of younger readers versus older readers Their tips for reigning in an excited audience Funny things that happened during author visits Their advice for writers just starting with author visits Links mentioned in this episode: Lindsay Leslie on and Find Kari Lavelle on and Books* mentioned in this episode: by Lindsay Leslie and Geeta Ladi by Lindsay Leslie and Aviel Basil by Lindsay Leslie and Ellen Rooney by Kari Lavelle by Kari Lavelle and Nabi H. Ali by Kari Lavelle and Bryan Collier Find these books and more in the ! If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Have questions for us or ideas for future episodes? Leave us a quick voicemail . Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/42023595

026 - Does Your Picture Book Have Enough Hooks? 07/02/2026

025 - Debbie Davey's Self-Publishing Journey 06/25/2026

024 - Picture Book Summit 2026 Agents & Edtiors 06/18/2026

024 - Picture Book Summit 2026 Agents & Edtiors The Flintstones meet the Jetsons! It’s our first-ever crossover episode! The 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast is just one of the hats that Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique wear. A couple other hats they wear are and the Picture Book Summit Podcast. Picture Book Summit is an annual online writing conference designed specifically for picture book writers and illustrators. Everything takes place online on October 3, 2026. Early Bird Registration is open through August 27, 2026. Today, we’ve invited their fellow PBSummit team members, Emma Walton Hamilton and Katie Davis, to the podcast to talk about our Featured Agent and Featured Editor panels. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: What it’s like to get these agents and editors together in one (Zoom) room Tips we’ve learned from critique panels Things that have surprised us in previous agent and editor panels How use the information in these panels to decipher what’s going on in the current picture book market What a slush pile is What an “above-the-slush-pile” opportunity is and how to get one at Picture Book Summit Why you should care about these panels even if you already have an agent How these panels can inform what project you work on next Whether agents and editors like art notes How hearing agents and editors speak helps with your market research The importance of researching agents and editors How attendees influence what we ask our panel members The advantage of having 4 months of Summit replays Exactly how the submission opportunities work in Picture Book Summit What happens if you don’t need submission opportunities right now Whether you should send one manuscript to all the editors and agents Listen to the Picture Book Summit Podcast about the 2026 Superstar Speakers . Listen to the Picture Book Summit Podcast about the 2026 Workshops . Picture Book Summit 2026 takes place online on October 3, 2026. Get your ticket to Picture Book Summit 2026 today! Save $100 with Early Bird Pricing by 8/27/26. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Have questions for us or ideas for future episodes? Leave us a quick voicemail . Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/41681995

023 - Bologna Children's Book Fair 06/11/2026

022 - Lee Wind: Allyship in the Age of Book Banning 06/04/2026

021 - Celebrating AANHPI Month with Carren Jao 05/28/2026

021 - Celebrating AANHPI Month with Carren Jao Meet , one of the passionate co-leaders of the 12 x 12 Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (ANHPI) Affinity Group. was unable to join us for this conversation, but please visit her website, too. Together, these women have created a warm, welcoming, educational "community within the community" in 12 x 12. Not surprisingly, many incredible picture books have been published by members of this group. Listen in to discover: The establishment and purpose of the 12 x 12 Affinity Groups The evolution of the ANHPI Affinity group name and why it's important Carren's background in the arts and journalism, and how that connects to picture book writing How Carren and Ellen came to offer Monthly Mixers to the ANHPI Affinity Group Learning from members about switching agents mid-career Tips on executing "scrappy" book promotion ideas members have shared Carren's upcoming debut picture book, The Shape of Love Books Carren and Julie love for AANHPI month--and every month! Fighting against book bans as a community and as individuals What's next for Carren Books mentioned in this episode: , by Carren Jao and Corinne Caro , by Dazzle Ng and Estrela Lourenço , by Andrea J. Loney and Keith Mallett , by Sylvia Liu and Christina Forshay , by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong , by Julia Kuo and Livia Blackburne , by Minori Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, and Chris Sasaki , by Mia Wenjen and Violete Encarnación , by Margaret Chiu Greanias and Tracy Subisak , by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson , by Jessica Yoon and Seo Kim , by Nancy So Miller , by Eva Wong Nava and Jason Chuang , by Rajani LaRocca and Huy Vuon Lee , by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Olivia Sua , by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui , by Angela Pham Krans and Thai My Phuong by Hope Lim and Qin Leng , by Shruthi Rao and Devika Joglekar , by Shruthi Rao and Srinidhi Srinivasan , by Emmeline Lee and Basia Tran Grab these books and more from the 12 x 12 Bookshop.org Podcast list . And check out our full list of books by 12 x 12 ANHPI members . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Join the wait list and get a free gift. Thank you for listening! #kidlit #booktok #author #AANHPImonth /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/41304890

020 - Heidi E.Y. Stemple Loves Backmatter 05/21/2026

020 - Heidi E.Y. Stemple Loves Backmatter Award-winning children's author joins co-hosts Julie and Kelli to celebrate her latest picture book releases and to talk about why backmatter is so important for picture books (and when it's not). Listen in to discover: How Heidi got to 50 published books (and counting) The pressure and privilege of being Jane Yolen's daughter Why Heidi got a tattoo of her mother's signature on her right wrist The definition of picture book backmatter (and frontmatter, and marginalia) Why backmatter should provide an entry back into the book or an exit out The do's and don'ts of crafting backmatter When additional information should go on your website or in a teacher's guide Examples of backmatter from several of Heidi and her mom's books How to decide if your book needs backmatter Why you want your backmatter to match the target age, tone, and style of your book Whether you should write the backmatter upfront or simply give possible ideas Books mentioned in this episode: A Children's Book About Insects by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Yulia Pankratova by Heidi E.Y. Stemple by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Alexandra Colombo by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Madelyn Goodnight by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Emily Paik by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Melissa Sweet Greyling by Jane Yolen and David Ray by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Annie Gregoire by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Matt Phelan by Becky Scharnhorst and Jaclyn Sinquette by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack Poems About Animals That Sip, Slurp, Suck by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati Poems About Animals That Stink, Stank, Stunk by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati by Susan Middleton Elya and Juana Martinez Neal by Kari Lavelle Grab these books and more from the 12 x 12 Bookshop.org Podcast list . Listeners who want more from Heidi on Backmatter can get 25% off her webinar, Backmatter Matters at If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/41124200

019 - Jorjeana Marie: Improv for Writers 05/14/2026

018 - Julie Travels Down Under 05/07/2026

017 - Rajani LaRocca: Writing Fueled by Joy 04/30/2026

016 - Keila Dawson: No Poem Too Small 04/23/2026

016 - Keila Dawson: No Poem Too Small Keila V. Dawson has partnered with fellow creatives Jeanette Bradley and Lindsay Metcalf to tell the stories of young activists through the power of poetry. No Voice Too Small, No World Too Big, and No Brain The Same feature kids and teens making a difference for our planet. Keila and her team picked a different poet to celebrate this extraordinary individuals and the results are incredibly moving. (And we learned so many new things!) A poem may seem like a quiet way to express oneself, but in the hands of these talented writers, the poems in this series of books speak up in ways you won’t forget any time soon. Listen in to discover: Where the original idea for these poetry anthologies came from The influence her work as an educator, activist, and genealogist had on this project How they sold the first book on proposal The process used for matching poets to their subjects in each book How they ended up with different types of poems in each book The design of each page and it houses the poem, a sidebar of more biographical information, and a quote from each subject The types of backmatter included—from a glossary to types of poems to author bios Additional facts the illustrations provide How the sequels came to be What they hope kids get out of these books A peek at a poem in the newest book in the series How to be included in a poem anthology Poetry resources Poetry practice How Keila came to write a poem for the second book The difference between a poem and a picture book Books mentioned in this episode*: edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley by Keila V. Dawson and Vernon Smith by Keila V. Dawson and Katie Crumpton by Keila V. Dawson and Alleanna Harris Coming in the future: How We Got Here: Conversation with United States History and Annbelle’s Beignet Cafe, a sequel to Yumbo Gumbo by Cori Doerrfeld Get 25% off Janet Wong’s Poetry in Picture Books webinar . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Join the wait list and get a free gift. *At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may earn a commission on books published through the links in this post. (Links go to Bookshop.org when available.) /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/40984420

015 - Michelle Cusolito: In the World of Nonfiction 04/16/2026

015 - Michelle Cusolito: In the World of Nonfiction Write what you love Michelle Cusolito's love for writing nonfiction picture books is palpable and, we dare say, contagious. In this episode, she generously shares her process, where her ideas have come from, and how she follows the muse—even when she's on deadline for a different project. No matter what you write, Michelle's interview is a good reminder to write what you love... because that's when the passion shines through. Listen in to discover: Why Michelle is drawn to writing about the ocean How she came to write a latest picture book about trees (that aren't in the ocean!) The information she gives to her illustrators (and what she leaves out) How she researches her books The importance of experiencing things firsthand when she's writing about a topic Her recommendations to writers who can't travel to do in-person research Where science is happening (Hint: it might be closer than you think!) How she organizes her research Her love of notebooks and working analog-style The beauty of spare text How was inspired by a real-life event What made her stop everything to write the first draft How the 12 x 12 Creativity Book Group works How to handle critiques How she was able to go on a weeks-long expedition with to do research for her books Why it's important to make genuine connections as a writer Books mentioned in this episode*: by Michelle Cusolito and Jessica Lanan by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong by Michelle Cusolito by Michelle Cusolito and Ellen Rooney by Michelle Cusolito and Mayra Wright by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati by Kirsten W. Larson by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann Get 25% off Michelle Cusolito's Rigorous Research webinar (co-presented with Charlesbridge editor Karen Boss) here: Please note: There is a change in the sound level about halfway through the podcast. We've adjusted it as much as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience while listening. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/40808750

014 - Lisa Rogers - Poetry and Picture Book Biographies 04/09/2026

013 - Renee La Tulippe - Passionate About Poetry 04/07/2026

012 - Ask a Bookseller After-Party with Julie Rowan Zoch 03/26/2026

012 - Ask a Bookseller After-Party with Julie Rowan Zoch What does a bookseller want book creators to know? Welcome to our first After-Party! After-parties will be a semi-regular feature on the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast, where we'll take some time after a 12 x 12 webinar to dive a little deeper into something the speaker talked about or maybe ask a few questions we didn't get to during the live webinar. Our first after-party guest is author-illustrator and bookseller Julie Rowan-Zoch. Her recent webinar, "," is available to the public now! (Podcast listeners get 25% off! .) In the webinar, Julie shared how booksellers choose books to include in their inventory, what they want book creators to know, and how you can increase your chances of booking an event—even giving us a sneak peek at their behind-the-scenes software. In this after-party, we discuss what to actually say to a bookseller when trying to book an event or pre-order campaign, and more! In this episode, you'll discover: How to approach a bookseller about hosting an event How pre-order campaigns work How far in advance should you try to schedule in-person events and pre-order campaigns How to set up a book event when you're traveling Dates and times to NOT schedule your events Do's and Don'ts of using social media to connect with bookstores How a little kindness can go a long way Julie Rowan-Zoch's books*: written by Omar Abed and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch written and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch by Tom Lichtenheld and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch by Bobby Moynihan and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch Julie Rowan-Zoch's "Ask a Bookseller" webinar is now available for 25% off . The bookstore Julie Rowan-Zoch talks about in this episode is . Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Join the newsletter to find our upcoming free events, scholarships, and sales. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! *At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may earn a commission on books published through the links in this post. (Links go to Bookshop.org when available.) /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/40612450

011 - Marcie Colleen: Writing Graphic Novels for Young Readers 03/19/2026

011 - Marcie Colleen: Writing Graphic Novels for Young Readers Why would a picture book author write a graphic novel? Why not? Author (and Charter ) Marcie Colleen shares how curiosity (and the willingness to say yes) led her to reach beyond picture books and into the world of chapter books—and most recently, graphic novels for young readers. Marcie shares her journey to writing graphic novels (even though she's not an illustrator) and what she discovered about the similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels. Plus, Marcie tells us all about her new 6-week graphic novel writing course: Listen to the podcast now as Julie and Marcie reflect on friendship, writing, comics, and so much more. In this episode, you'll discover: The importance of writing friends in your writing life Where a love of storytelling and curiosity can lead Why she's written all types of kidlit from picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for young readers How to sign up for Marcie's six-week The similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels for young readers Why the graphic novel market is so rich right now Can you write a graphic novel if you can't draw? The challenges for illustrators of graphic novels Marcie's newest graphic novel (coming in 2027) How she began writing graphic novels The different ways advances and royalties work with different graphic novel publishers The difference between art notes in picture books and graphic novels Why reading is such an important tool in your writing toolbox The importance of finding your style How the 6-week graphic novel course is set up week-by-week Marcie's role as Dance Captain in the (including playlists!) Books mentioned: by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen and Bob Shea by Marcie Colleen and Aaron Becker by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen and Laura Sandoval Herrera by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Steven Scott, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Chad Thomas by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings by Matthew Cody, Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Chad Thomas by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Eduardo Medeiros by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams (the follow-up to Go with the Flow) If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/40537345

010 - A New Perspective with Kelli Panique 03/12/2026

009 - Caroline Perry: The Most Interesting Story 03/05/2026

008 - Marzieh Abbas: Teach Yourself to Write Picture Books 02/26/2026

008 - Marzieh Abbas: Teach Yourself to Write Picture Books Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique enjoy a delightful conversation with author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh has over 40 published books for kids, from board books to middle grade. In our discussion, she elaborates on her journey from professional baker to award-winning author. Marzieh's story is so inspirational. Come be inspired to create your own successful writing journey. You'll discover: How 12 x 12 played a pivotal role in Marzieh becoming a multi-published author Why she chooses to publish in the US market while she lives in Pakistan How she was inspired to write for children The challenge of being a writer without access to public libraries or bookstores How she studied mentor texts to learn to write picture books Writing Muslim books for Muslim kids vs. sharing the experiences of Muslim children with a mainstream audience Why finding joy in the publishing process is crucial What it is like to write a picture book bio of a living person The importance of being in a community that gets what you're trying to do Books mentioned in this episode: by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan by Marzieh Abbas and Hoda Hadadi by Marzieh Abbas by Marzieh Abbas and Anain Shaikh by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan ! by Marzieh Abbas and Bhagya Madanasinghe by Marzieh Abbas Ali and Najwa Awatiff by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita by Rukhana Khan and Sophie Blackall Get 25% off Marzieh Abbas’s webinar Mentor Text Your Way to Picture Books that POP! . Join Marzieh's Substack . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/b7bb64e2-fe96-458d-afd8-4fc2268fe307/id/40236065

007 - Leah Schanke: Making History Kid-Friendly 02/24/2026

006 - Kirsten W. Larson: For the Love of Nonfiction 02/12/2026

005 - Valerie Bolling Challenges Herself (and YOU!) 02/05/2026

004 - Emma Walton Hamilton: The Query Whisperer 01/29/2026

003 - Looking at Today's Picture Book Market with Adria Goetz 01/22/2026

002 - Here's Kelli! 01/20/2026

001 - Welcome to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast 01/14/2026

12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast

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