Free Daily Podcast Summary
Picture Book Summit Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Picture Book Summit
Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday14 min
116 - Sticking the Landing in Picture Book Endings with Katie Davis
Yes, your picture book's title, hook, and opening are important to getting a reader to actually pick up and READ your book, but it's the picture book ending that defines their experience. Is the ending satisfying? Does it answer all the questions asked in the story? Does it make the reader gasp (or laugh) at the surprise? Most importantly, does is make them want to read your book again and again? With only a few hundred words at your disposal, you must stick the landing. In this excerpt from a past Picture Book Summit, Katie defines many types of picture endings and digs deep into two types with examples and questions to ask yourself to achieve your desired goal. Listen now so you can stick the landing in your next picture book! Books mentioned in this episode: Truman by Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins 100 Mighty Dragons Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle and Lian Cho Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barbara Rosenstock and John O'Brien Find these books* and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop! Resources mentioned in this episode: Get 30% off Katie's full STICKING THE LANDING IN PICTURE BOOK ENDINGS workshop here. Use coupon code PODCAST. *At no cost to you, Picture Book Summit may earn a commission on books purchased through links on this page. Links go to Bookshop.org when available.
- 2 weeks ago1h 19m
115 - Publishing Lingo Part 2 - Submissions and Publishers
Every industry has a language all its own and writing and publishing are no different! In fact, it takes two episodes for the Picture Book Summit team to cover the basics. In our last episode, we focused on the lingo used in talking about writing and revising. Today, we talk about the all-important language around submitting your manuscripts to agents and editors and common phrases used during the acquisition and publishing process. We even learned things in this episode! This is a must-listen for anyone hoping to have a published book! Books mentioned in this episode: Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller Who Hops by Katie Davis Who Hoots by Katie Davis Find these books* and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop! Resources mentioned in this episode: Free submissions training from Emma and Julie here. Learn even more about how the children's publishing industry works ONLINE at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: Grab your ticket today! *At no cost to you, Picture Book Summit may earn a commission on books purchased through links on this page. Links go to Bookshop.org when available.
- 4 weeks ago41 min
114 - Publishing Lingo Part 1
Once you decide to dive into writing picture books and trying to get published, you quickly realize this industry has a language all its own. Today, the Picture Book Summit Team translates the publishing lingo you might run into on the writing and revising side of things. In the next episode, we dive into the publishing lingo surrounding submissions and publishing. Books mentioned in this episode: Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest by Lynn Street and Anne Hunter Dalmartian by Lucy Ruth Cummins Find these books and more in the Picture Book Summit Bookshop! Resources mentioned in this episode: Katie's Summit Workshop: How to Make a Smart Dummy. Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Don't miss your chance to learn even more about writing picture books ONLINE at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: Grab your ticket today!
- Sep 1, 202647 min
113 - What We Love About Brian Lies' Books
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 here and Deborah Underwood's books here. 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: Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld Cat Nap by Brian Lies More by I.C. Springman and Brian Lies Bats at the Ball Game by Brian Lies Got to Get to Bear's by Brian Lies The Rough Patch by Brian Lies Diffy by Brian Lies Resources mentioned in this episode: Check out the video version on our YouTube channel to see the books discussed. Our podcast interview with Brian Lies Katie's Summit Workshop: Sticking the Landing: Endings in Picture Books Don't miss Brian revealing how to use everything in your toolbox to engage readers at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: Reel Them In: Using All the Lures in Your Tackle Box to Engage Readers NY Times bestselling author/illustrator and Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies discusses things he's learned over 30 years in the kidlit world. He'll reveal how to hone YOUR individual style and the power of adding unique details to your stories—all while not getting beached on ever-shifting career sands or sucked in by shiny whirlpools. Grab your ticket today!
- Aug 25, 202635 min
112 - What We Love About Deborah Underwood's Books
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: The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood & Renata Liwska Ducks! by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth Ogilvy by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth Bearnard's Book by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi Bearnard Writes a Book by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi Tiny Garden by Deborah Underwood and Jax Chow The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood and LeUyen Pham The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood and Hannah Marks Outside In by Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby Good Night, Baddies by Deborah Underwood and Juli Kangas Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood and Meg Hunt Fairy Tale Fixers by Deborah Underwood and Jorge Lacera Special shout-out to Renata Liwska, T.L. McBeth, Jax Chow, Misa Saburi, Cindy Derby, Juli Kangas, Meg Hunt, and LeUyen Pham for bringing life to Deborah Underwood's books. Don't miss Deborah's amazing insights and tips for finding your own writing pearls at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: Free Diving: Following Your Ideas Below the Surface A picture book writer descends deep into sometimes-murky water, then, with luck, brings back a pearl: something that will resonate strongly with kids (and often with adults, too). New York Times Bestselling author Deborah Underwood will talk about using curiosity and emotion to dive for ideas and to figure out what form those ideas want to take. Plus, she'll share tips for polishing your story to give it the best chance of connecting with readers. Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends this THURSDAY, 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!
- Aug 18, 202624 min
111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books
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: Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry by Derrick Barnes, Christian Gregory, and Frank Morrison I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice Special shout-out to Gordon C. James, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, and Frank Morrison for the beautiful art you've paired with Derrick's words. Don't miss Derrick's incredible presentation at Picture Book Summit on October 3, 2026: From Crowns to Kings: How I Navigate My Own Authentic Lane in a Genre with So Many Beautiful Voices When Derrick penned his first picture book, he was on the verge of stepping away from his dream of becoming a successful children's book author. Even though he had published eight books in other formats, he struggled to find his voice in a crowded sea of talented writers. At Picture Book Summit, he'll share how authenticity unlocks the treasure chest to writing for young readers and is the key to finding your unique gifts—as a person and a writer. Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!
- Aug 11, 202637 min
110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places
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: 8 Ways to Ruin a Picture Book Biography with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Use Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Lisa Bardot Books mentioned in this episode: Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller Shy by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne The Enchanted Symphony by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay Who Hops? by Katie Davis To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advanced Civil Rights by Angela Dalton and Lauren Semmer Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Vigil by George Saunders A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzman Looking for more inspiration? Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators! Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!
- Aug 4, 202616 min
109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit
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: The Parallel Universe of Authors and Illustrators with Shadra Strickland - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Readers, Relationship, and Revision with Meg Medina - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Our Writing Voice is Also Our Singing Happy Birthday Voice, Our Berating Teenagers Voice, Our Hollering at Ducks Voice, and That's Not a Bad Thing with Sophie Blackall - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Using Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Books mentioned in this episode: Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez 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 and illustrators! Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!
About Picture Book Summit Podcast
Welcome to the Picture Book Summit Podcast where we share insight on the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books from the industry's best and brightest. Each episode is an excerpt from a keynote or presentation given at Picture Book Summit, the annual world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators around the globe that takes place every October. Our goal is to help you reach your next writing Summit, whether that's finishing a draft, completing your 18th revision, landing an agent or getting your book published!
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