12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast

What's it like to see your book on Reading Rainbow? Once again, we are faced with fabulous excitement for 12 x 12 members! At the end of October, not one but TWO 12 x 12 member books had their books featured on Reading Rainbow (October 22, 2026). Many of us either grew up with Reading Rainbow or have kids who did. We dare you to get the song out of your head now. :-)  Congratulations go to 12 x 12 members Lynn Becker and Christine Evans!  Published by Sleeping Bear Press and illustrated by Roland Garrigue, Lynn's spooky season picture book GHOST TOWN IN THE MOUNTAINS was featured in this episode. Christine Evans' book, EVELYN THE ADVENTUROUS ENTYMOLOGIST: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter, published by Innovation Press and illustrated by Yasmin Imamura, was featured in this episode. What's interesting is that Lynn's book was just released in June of this year, Christine's released in 2019. Today, we hear from them what it felt like to be featured on the iconic show. But don't take our word for it! Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  How Lynn and Christine felt when they learned their books would be on Reading Rainbow How Christine wrote EVELYN THE ADVENTUROUS ENTYMOLOGIST during her first year in 12 x 12! The mystery of how books are selected for Reading Rainbow The backstories of both of their books Why picture books are like theater What it was like for them to see their books animated The difference between illustrations and animation How being on Reading Rainbow might impact book sales How Julie met both Lynn and Christine in person The magic of the 12 x 12 community What books Christine and Lynn wish they had written   Books mentioned in this episode:  GHOST TOWN IN THE MOUNTAINS by Lynn Becker and Roland Garrigue  EVELYN THE ADVENTUROUS ENTYMOLOGIST: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter by Christine Evans and Yasmin Imamura MONSTERS IN THE BRINY by Lynn Becker and Scott Brundage BATH TIME FOR SNOW MONKEYS by Maggie T BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR by Kaz Windness BUTT OR FACE by Kari Lavelle MAC AND CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY by Michael Benner and Alison Hawkins OVER, BEAR! UNDER, WHERE? by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack DEAR MR. G by Christine Evans and Gracey Zhang JUNE MOON by Lynn Becker and  DANDY by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso AHOY! by Sophie Blackall HOW TO BUILD A SNOWMAN by Christine Evans and Becky Paige TOP SECRET ANIMALS: A Declassified History of Animal Spies by Christine Evans and Blythe Russo   Links mentioned in this episode: GHOST TOWN IN THE MOUNTAINS Reading Rainbow Episode on YouTube EVELYN THE ENTOMOLOGIST Reading Rainbow Episode on YouTube 12 x 12 Podcast Episode #34 - NYT Bestsellers See the video for this episode on YouTube 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 here. Thank you for listening!

Writing Life Lessons from Dev the Writer Dev Petty is a bestselling picture book author. She delivered an outstanding webinar on dialogue in picture books to the 12 x 12 membership earlier this year. In this episode, we talk a little bit about dialogue and a whole lot about the writing life.  If writing dialogue is your jam, we highly recommend picking up lifetime access to Dev's webinar for 25% off at the link below! Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  Dev's take on using speech bubbles in your manuscript How Dev gets back into writing after a break The importance of an idea file How she chooses what to work on next How much of the story she knows before she starts writing Why are so many of her books dialogue-forward Why most of what you write won't get published How she knows when to pursue an idea and when to let it go How many drafts Dev usually writes before sending a manuscript to her agent Her advice for new picture book writers How picture books have changed since today's writers were children Why it's imperative for writers to read current picture books Why writers need to play Books mentioned in this episode: I Don't Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt Monty and the Mushrooms by Dev Petty and Jared Chapman The Night the Buildings Switched Places by Devorah Petty and Brian Biggs (Available 6/15/2027. Preorders open now.) The Book of Various Children by Dev Petty and Keiko Hayner (Available in 2028) The Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan The Phantom Tollbooth written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer Resources mentioned in this episode: Get 25% off Dev Petty's presentation "What's That You Say? Dialogue in Picture Books" with code PODCAST Check out the video for this episode on our YouTube channel! 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 here. Thank you for listening!

What's it like to win a 12 x 12 Scholarship? Every November, we accept applications for 12 x 12 Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in the categories of Diversity and Financial Need and completely funded by our current membership! We love our community for making these scholarships possible. Now that we have a podcast, we are able to share firsthand the positive effects that the 12 x 12 Scholarship can have on someone's writing career.  Today's guests are past winners Aimee Lee, Jennifer Tarr, and Laura De La Cruz. They won the scholarship in different years and are at different spots on their writing journey. Let's dive in and hear about their experiences and what advice they have for writers submitting to their scholarship application this year.  Scholarship applications are accepted November 1-30. Click here to see if you qualify!   Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  How does the 12 x 12 Scholarship work? What's included in the 12 x 12 Scholarship? Why did each writer apply for the Scholarship? How did they decide what to include in their application? How did they decide which manuscript to submit? What's the usual route to getting a GOLD membership? What did it feel like when they found out they won? What was their scholarship year like? Where has it led on their writing journey? Who has a book deal? Who has an agent? Who has a published book? What has helped them get through times when they've been discouraged in their writing? What's their advice for people who are getting ready to submit their applications? Kelli's tips for applying for a 12 x 12 Scholarship Apply for a 12 x 12 Scholarship HERE between November 1 - 30.   Books mentioned in this episode: The Girl, The Village, and The Terrible Thunder by Aimee Yealim Lee and Hyewon Yum (Available 4/27/2027) Lowrider For Sale by Laura De La Cruz and Vanessa Morales How to Wear a Sari by Darshana Khiani and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff Raja's Pet Camel by Anita Amin and Parwinder Singh (Spanish version available here.) Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems   Resources mentioned in this episode: Find out if you qualify for a 12 x 12 Scholarship HERE. If you don't qualify but still want to join 12 x 12, sign up for our wait list HERE.    Check out the video for this episode on our YouTube channel!  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 here. Thank you for listening!

Chasing the light no matter what you're writing! 12 x 12 member Amanda Davis has written fiction and nonfiction picture books on topics that run the gamut of experiences and feelings. No matter what she writes (or illustrates), she does it in a way that's relatable to her young readers. Discover how Amanda finds that balance in today's episode.  Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  What inspired her latest book Chasing the Light As an illustrator, who or what determines if she illustrates her story or if someone else does. Why the publisher asked Amanda to change the ending of her book. How being an art educator influences her illustration style What story she submitted to a publisher herself instead of her agent submitting How she made a story about a parent with alcohol-use disorder kid-relatable How and why Amanda and her publisher had experts and psychologists read Sometimes Stormy before it was published Why she decided not to give up on her book How Amanda decides if she's going to submit a dummy with a project or not  Why she hasn't illustrated anyone else's work—yet The importance of accuracy in illustrations How she shifts from writing tough topics to lighter topics How she prepares for book talks with tough topic books Why she writes fiction and nonfiction and how she shifts between the two Her advice for writers who aspire to illustrate The importance of lifelong learning What picture book does Amanda wish she had written   Books mentioned in this episode: Chasing the Light by Amanda Davis and Faryn Hughes Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr Sometimes Stormy written and illustrated by Amanda Davis  30,000 Stitches by Amanda Davis and Sally Wern Comport Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis and Michelle Jing Chan The Elephants Come Home by Kim Tomsic and Hadley Hooper My Brother's Butt is Haunted by Dan Poblocki and James Rey Sanchez Mr. S written and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo   Resources mentioned in this episode: Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat by NE-SCBWI   See the video of this episode on our YouTube channel!  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 here. Thank you for listening!

What's it like to be a first-time 12 x 12 member?  We invited first-year 12 x 12 member Indiia Wilmott onto the podcast to share what it's like when you join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge for the first time. If you've ever wondered what kind of a difference 12 x 12 can make in the writing life of a new writer, this one's for you!  Registration for a new year of 12 x 12 opens in January, add yourself to the waiting list so you don't miss another year! Click here. Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  How Indiia started writing picture books How she found out about 12 x 12 Her first impression of 12 x 12 What section of the member forum she used first How she decided where to focus her efforts Why she values creative communitiescreative How her theater skills inform her writing If Indiia wrote more or less as a 12 x 12 member What she's learned about revision since she joined Her take on critique groups and mentors Her advice to aspiring picture book writers The importance of celebrating success—at any stage How 12 x 12 can shorten the learning curve in the kidlit publishing space Her daughter's favorite picture book! Books mentioned in this episode: Sulwe by Luputia Nyong'o and Vashti Harrison Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor Dragons Love Taco by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts Links mentioned in this episode: Be Bold! Be Brave! Charting Your Creative Journey with Purpose with Vashti Harrison (Use code PODCAST for 30% off!) Services for Writers - where Indiia found her mentor, Kristi Mahoney!   See the video of this episode on our YouTube channel!  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 here. Thank you for listening!

Let's talk about the middle of the writing journey with Caitlin Binder-Markey So far, most of our podcast episodes have been interviews with published writers, illustrators, and other industry professionals. But, what about the writers putting in the work who haven't seen their name on a book cover yet?  Today, we get to showcase one of those picture book writers—Caitlin Binder-Markey Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  How Caitlin fell in love with picture books Why she started writing picture books Which board game is most comparable to writing The main reason Caitlin joined the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge  How 12 x 12 helped her find her critique group and connect with other writers What she loves about 12 x 12 now that she's member Her path to winning the Ann Whitford Paul Most Promising Picture Book Award What story inspired her award-winning manuscript What happens when you win that award What keeps Caitlin going on her writing journey How her family feels about her writing What the query trenches are like The definition of a champagne rejection The importance of making mistakes How connections help define her career What book Caitlin wished she had written Books mentioned in this episode: Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld   Resource mentioned in this episode: Write for Kids with Joely Stuckley   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 here. Thank you for listening!

Agent Karly Dizon of Fuse Literary joins Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique to chat about her love for picture books and kidlit, and why she comes back year after year to critique pitches and first pages from 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge members. How Karly became an agent after starting as an author Her passion for representing writers How Karly developed her skills for editing and critiquing children's stories How she developed her picture book evaluation skills Why picture books are "sneaky difficult" to write Tips for expanding your writing toolbox The importance of being a lifelong learner How reading helps you write What makes a stand-out picture book How Karly connects with editors and keeps up with the publishing industry The most important question to ask when you have The Call with an agent What Karly must know before signing a new client What it means when a certain topic is on an agent's manuscript wish list What she's looking for in submissions Why an agent may have topics or genres on their "do-not-submit" submission list What is Karly seeing and loving in the kidlit market What editors are buying vs. what readers are buying Why Karly likes to work with 12 x 12 and our members Links mentioned in this episode: Fuse Literary Website 25% off Karly's webinar: What Agents Want You to Know About Submissions Today 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 here. Thank you for listening!

Can you be a funny female picture book writer and get published? Uber-librarian Betsy Bird and Julie Hedlund talk about the challenges of being a funny female—even in today's market. Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  Why it's difficult for women to get past the gatekeepers with funny and/or subversive picture books What you're no longer seeing in the book deals at this time Challenges for marginalized creators Advice for taking risks  The difficulty with the appeal of humor What's expected of women writing humor Are things getting better for women? How the literacy crisis is impacting what's being published If Betsy's manuscripts have been rejected and why Is it okay to have jokes for adults in kids' books? What we can do to get more funny books by women in the marketplace Advantages of working with a small publisher Current trends in humorous books Ways to discover what kinds of books kids want What book does Betsy wish she had written   Books mentioned in this episode:   Wild Things: Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature by Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson, & Peter D. Sieruta Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beatty & David Roberts Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor Fireworks by Matthew Burgess & Catia Chen Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano & Marla Frazee Claydate by Dev Petty & Lauren Eldrich The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan Do You Like My Pants? By Carrie Shryock The Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan Don't Trust Fish by Neal Sharpson & Dan Santat Donutrina in the Nutcracker Suite by Helen Yoon Mistaco by Eliza Kinkz Ratface Does Not Want to Be Your Friend by Eliza Kinkz Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers & Rebecca Lee Kunz While We're Here by Anne Wynter & Micha Archer Shark-Nate-O by Becky Cattie & Tara Luebbe & Daniel Duncan Pop! Goes The Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird & Andrea Tsurumi  Pop! Goes The Fairy Tale by Betsy Bird & Andrea Tsurumi (Available 6/2027) Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin Touch The Sky by Stephanie Lucianovic & Chris Park Accident by Andrea Tsurumi Terrible, Terrible Birds! By Betsy Bird & Matthew Cordell (Available 2/2027) Mini Golf Fun! By Tasha Hilderman & Katy Quarles Don't Wash Winston by Ashley Belote   Funny Female and Nonbinary Authors Mentioned Margaret Wise Brown Dev Petty Anne Wynter Helen Yoon Eliza Kinkz Lian Cho X. Fang Andrea Tsurumi Janet Stevens   Links mentioned in this episode: 31 Days, 31 Lists Fuse #8 Blog on School Library Journal Fuse 8 'n Kate Podcast Betsy's Substack Betsy's Instagram Betsy's TikTok Betsy's Bluesky Betsy's Website Get 25% off Betsy's webinar Writing Humor in Unfunny Times   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 here. Thank you for listening!

The Life of a Ninja Bookseller Not only does Jess Townes write incredible picture books, but she's also a Critique Ninja in the 12 x 12 membership AND she's a buyer at an independent bookstore! Jess joins Julie and Kelli in this podcast episode to chat about tips for revising your manuscript and what she thinks picture book creators need to know about the bookselling side of the children's publishing industry. Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  Tips Jess gives 12 x 12 members for writing and revising their manuscripts What she looks for when giving critiques How to use real-life interactions can inspire your picture book  What it's like to have publishers pitch YOU the books on their list The different ways kids attach to books How she works with her fellow bookseller to choose what they sell in the bookstore What came first: the author or the bookseller How being a bookseller inspires what she writes When booksellers start making purchase decisions for winter holiday sales What happens if your book comes out after the big purchases are made What does it mean when your book is remaindered How important holiday books are to booksellers The advantage of speaking directly to customers What is a shelf-talker and how it helps sell books The importance of author/bookseller relationships When to call a bookstore if you're going to be in the area How to approach a bookstore when you'd like them to carry your book  What to do if you want to have an event at a store How this bookstore decides which self-published books to carry If bookstore events sell books What sells more than author events How pre-order campaigns impact independent bookstores Why you should coordinate with a local bookstore when doing author visits at schools and other locations What to take into consideration if you're trying to schedule bookstore events  If there is an audience for picture books that aren't attached to popular characters or intellectual property Books mentioned in this episode:  Groundhog Gets It Wrong by Jess Townes and Nicole Miles Spellbound by Jess Townes and Jennifer Harney Sometimes I Cry by Jess Townes and Daniel Miyares Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Three Little Witches and the Spooky Old House by Peggy Archer and Gaia Bordicchia Not So Ordinary Ornaments by Paige Hulsey (coming soon, illustrator to be announced) Butt or Face by Kari Lavelle Millie Fleur's Pumpkin Problem by Christy Mandin Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt? by Derek Wilder  Julie Andrews: A Little Golden Book by Christy Webster and Sue Cornelison Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati After the Fall by Dan Santat Shy by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne Links mentioned in this episode: Jess works at Main St. Books in Charleston, Missouri The Adult Book Fair Kelli mentioned is put on Magic City Books in Tulsa Emma Walton Hamilton's podcast episode on turning a real-life event into a picture book Find out more about Jess Townes and her books on her website   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 here. Thank you for listening!

A trade secret, that is... Earlier this year, agent and author Miranda Paul gave a webinar called Trade Secrets: Ways to Make Your Picture Book Idea More Commercial. In this podcast episode, we dive into a few topics not covered in the webinar. (You can now get this outstanding webinar for 25% off! Click here.) Here's what you'll discover in this episode:  What information you should pay attention to in those Publishers Weekly announcements What to consider when you notice a trend Why you should follow agents on social media A current gap in the market Why a universal theme is so important How your book can still be commercial—even if it's not high concept Topics that kids need in picture books What makes a book commercial What is Miranda looking for in submissions (when she opens for submissions again)   Books mentioned in this episode:  Blobfish Throws a Party by Miranda Paul and Maggie Caton I Am Not Happy by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson So You Want to Be a Fossil by Anna Monders and Ryan Middaugh (coming in 2027) Make Your Mark: The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist by Jacci Gresham, Sherry Fellores, and David Wilkerson Not Like Every Other Day by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and Gabrielle Grimard Zombie and Brain are Friends by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and Laan Cham One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon Kaleidoscope of Hope: How Butterfly Life Cycles Reflect Our World by Miranda Paul and Hari and Deepti   Links mentioned in this episode: Miranda Paul's Trade Secrets: Ways to Make Your Picture Book Idea More Commercial for 25% off!   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 here. Thank you for listening!