KidLit Blogs are a dime a dozen, and while many of them have pertinent, helpful information worth exploring, it can still be quite a lot to navigate! How do you sort through the material to find what you need — or want — to read? How do you find the best kidlit blogs to follow?
In this post I’ll share with you some of my all-time favorite kidlit blogs. These blogs are about writing children’s books, reading children’s books, about new books and debut authors, and each celebrates kidlit in its own, unique way.
Writing is often a solitary act, but it doesn’t have to be. Connecting with other authors, illustrators and creators on a more personal level is important. That’s why I’m sharing this evolving list of some of my favorite blogs on writing, reading, and celebrating children’s literature.
Picture Book Blogs
Hollie Wolverton’s First Draft Friday is a great way to connect with other children’s book writers and also find the inspiration and support to complete one picture book a month. First Draft Friday encourages authors to complete a new picture book draft on the first Friday of the month. Participants communicate and encourage each other across social platforms, like X (formerly twitter). I love participating!
Patricia Nozell is an aspiring children’s book author with a mindful blog Wander, Ponder, Write where she aims to write weekly book reviews. The reviews are posted on Fridays for her Perfect Picture Book Friday segment. One of the things I love about Patricia’s blog are the links to resources that accompany the book she is reviewing, and her Notes on Craft section. If you are interested in reading for research, then Patricia’s blog is the perfect place to start when curating your booklist.
Tonnye Fletcher is a long time literacy advocate, music teacher, and debut children’s book author who’s blog PBJamz celebrates books (PB) and music (Jamz). She blogs about picture books with musical connections and features video interviews with creators on a regular basis. New content is usually released on Thursdays. Often Tonnye has fun giveaways like critique opportunities with fellow authors, or book giveaways. Her upbeat video content is a fresh take on blogging about children’s literature.
Middle Grade and More Blogs
Anastasia Suen has been a trail blazer in the world of children’s literature for years. She is the author of over 350 books for kids, and her craft book, Picture Writing guided me deeply in my early years of writing children’s books. Her blog KidLit Book of the Day is a great place to find curated kidlit book recommendations. And since she posts daily, there is always something new to read.
Bitsy Kemper curates a monthly list of kidlit online and in-person opportunities happening across platforms like SCBWI and Inked Voices or social platforms like X and Bluesky. You can sign up for her Writers Rumpus newsletter or visit the blog at the beginning of each month to see what is happening.
I subscribe to the Literary Rambles blog and really enjoy these thoughtful interviews run by Natalie Aguirre. The blog and interviews focus on agent or editor interviews, plus chats with debut middle grade and young adult authors. Literary Rambles posts often include some sort of giveaway, like a signed copy of the book discussed, or an agent critique. Literary Rambles can be especially helpful for authors who are actively querying.
Beyond KidLit Blog
Agents + Books is not kidlit focused, but Kate McKeon is so sharp, witty, and has me laughing-out-loud with nearly every post, her blog is well worth the follow. It is the one blog that I open weekly without fail. If you are interested in feeling lifted up in your efforts through the voice of a no-nonsense agent and author who has been in the business for a while, then this blog is for you. It’s a great way to glean insider information into the world of agenting, publishing, writing and reading. Read it. You won’t regret it.
About: Jenny Bowman is a creative writer and children’s book editor with experience editing books on the New York Times bestselling book and series lists, and books with international acclaim. Passionate about what she does, her children’s book editing capabilities will carry your stories to their highest potential. To inquire about editing, contact Jenny here.
Do you have a KidLit Blog you think I should follow? Contact me below with your recommendations.