Children's Lit Newsletter 10/14/26

Hey all!! Four years ago, yes, you read that right FOUR YEARS AGO I started a YouTube Channel. The intention was to post one to two times per week. As anyone who knows me can tell you, my Road to Heck is VERY well paved with Good Intentions.

I'm relaunching with the help of my fabulous video editor, Jordan Godburn, (godburn_productions on IG) and we are starting with an AMAZING panel with Editor/Publisher Arthur A. Levine and two of his Award Winning Authors: Mari Lowe and Daniel Nayeri.

The intro video is below and I have NO idea how to make that graphic pretty. :-)

Together for Mama is a book about Postpartum Depression (PPD), a topic not normally discussed in Children's Picture Books. Some people may think that this is actually not a topic for picture books. It absolutely IS! Many children experience a parent who is going through Postpartum Depression and this wonderful book helps them know they are not alone.

Like WAITING FOR MAX, this book is told through the eyes of the loving older sister, in this case it's Asha. Asha is SO EXCITED that baby Maya is home! We see Asha loving on Maya and delighting in her new role.

As I mentioned with WAITING FOR MAX, society has expectations for what happens during and after a baby is born - those expectations tend to be positive. However, reality is that it's not always that way.

I was very lucky that I did not experience postpartum depression with either of our daughters. That does NOT mean that it was easy, but I felt like I was supposed to feel and act as if it was. Birthing parents go through a variety of emotions, which are exacerbated by emotions and hormones (wheeee).

The illustration below says so much, with no words. We can feel the heaviness on Mama.

TOGETHER FOR MAMA is so lovingly and genuinely told. Asha worries about her mother, while loving her sister. Mama asks for help and the grandmas arrive. There is not pressure on 'shaking it off', 'bucking up' - it's loving support, for Mama, Papi and Asha.

With time, support, and food prepared with so much love, Mama slowly comes back to herself.

TOGETHER FOR MAMA ia a book sure to generate discussion and empathy.

There is an author's note at the back explaining that this book was inspired by the author's own experiences. She notes that PPD is not uncommon, but not talked about because of guilt and shame. That is why this book should be in every Birthing Center, Hospital and Pediatrician's office.

AND, HERE'S THE GIVEAWAY!!! Penguin Random House will be sending the book to our winner and they VERY kindly let me set the parameters, so here you go. TO ENTER THE DRAWING, YOU MUST FOLLOW SHARON'S BOOK RX ON INSTAGRAM AND SUBSCRIBE TO SHARON'S BOOK RX YOUTUBE.

@sharonsbookrx621 - https://www.youtube.com/@sharonsbookrx62

Instagram: @sharons_book_rx - https://www.instagram.com/sharons_book_rx/

Please e-mail me to let me know you did so and I'll write your name down. Names will all be put into a hat and the winner will be drawn from that. DEADLINE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 at midnight.

Sarah and Ian Hoffman, authors of what are among the most banned books of the last 10 years, Jacob's New Dress, Jacob's Room to Choose, and now Jacob's Missing Book (about banned books, of course), will do a book talk (after also participating in the earlier worship service at 10:30am to which all are also warmly invited). Reach And Teach will be the bookseller and we'll have copies of their books available for purchase and signature. You will be inspired and fall in love with these two people and all of their wonderful books!

PLEASE NOTE: This event is at the Congregational Church of Belmont!

And no, for once that's not my terrible cut and paste 'skills', that's the Litquake Logo on the page.

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

On Saturday Dec 5th in Oakland California we're having our 10th book fair. There will be 60+ authors, illustrators, publishers, and organizations. Expect read alouds, panel discussions, activities, and more.

We started as volunteers and this event couldn't happen without the help of a diverse array of volunteers. If you've ever thought "How can I help or get involved with this fair?" then we need you!

Sign up to volunteer NOW. You can help leading up to the event, at our 10th Anniversary celebration the night before, or on the day of the fair.

SPONSORS?
Last year we had some great sponsors for the fair that helped us get snacks, food, media coverage, swag, signage, tables, sound equipment, and more for the fair. Do you know a business, store, or organization that would consider sponsoring our fair or award night?

PLEASE: Share our Sponsorship Deck with them

• Oakland Literacy Coalition- They're looking to feature local authors
• Fairyland Children's Book Festival -Did you catch it?
• Filipino American Book Festival- Oct 17-18th in San Francisco
• Storyland Collective- See what events they have coming up
• East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest December
• Howard Zinn book Fair Info here

Deep Dive into Discoverability for Illustrators. Join Scholastic Inc. Art Directors Brian LaRossa and Doan Buu and Random House Children's Books (Crown & Little Golden Books) Art Director Véronique Lefèvre Sweet as they share how illustrators can gain more visibility for their artwork. Got a book under your belt and not sure what comes next? Or are you still trying to find the best way to promote your illustrations in a saturated market? This webinar will explore everything from navigating new online hubs and traditional offline promos, to getting insight on what art directors look for when scouting both fresh and published talent. Expect a practical conversation on how to cut through the digital noise, refine your strategy, and make your work stand out where it actually counts. Live virtual presentation with Q&A. The session will be recorded and available to registered attendees. Option to purchase written portfolio critiques while supplies last. Register now for a deep dive into discoverability for illustrators!

Wendelin and all her books are much adored in our house!! Elise's (the eldest) Bat Mitzvah Project was gathering funds for Wendelin's Exercise the Right to Read Campaign. She is ALWAYS a fabulous and funny presenter and I can't wait to read her new book!

Penguin Young Readers invites you to our...

Spring 2027

Librarian and Educator Preview

Zoom Virtual Event

Join the Penguin School & Library team to hear about our top children’s and young adult picks for the season.

DATE: Thursday, October 15

TIME: 3:00 - 4:15 pm ET (12:00 - 1:15 pm PT)

Featuring poetry breaks with acclaimed writer, scholar, and educator Eve L. Ewing from her latest book, The Best Poem and Other Poems, Too.

Every live attendee is automatically entered to win a FREE galley!

My in-box is a terrifying place, I am finally down to about 10,000+ unopened e-mails - that doesn't include the open ones that still need time and attention. I need it to be as easy as possible to find your newsletter submissions in there. Thanks for understanding.