The Prairie Wind

Creating an Unconventional Picture Book

By Kevin Luthardt

Text with no vowels. . . a family with fiive children. . . a dad who is a master chef. . . a mom who is a master builder. . . 10 exotic pets (including an okapi, an elephant and a unicorn). . . an aunt named Cyndy (who is also the chief of police). . . one lost child. . . one baby who speaks in complex sentences immediately after birth. . . a triceratops. . . a trip to the lumber store. . . a storytelling librarian. . . and more. .  all in one picture book! (more…)

Ruth Spiro: Lady in Waiting

By Ruth Spiro

If you attended last November’s Prairie Writers’ Day, you may have noticed I burst into tears when presented with Book Tour Alex, an honorary mascot given to a first-time Illinois author. Previous recipients have brought Alex along to signings and school visits during the first few months after their book’s release. I found it overwhelming, mainly because the publication of my new book, a moment I’ve imagined for so long, is finally becoming a reality.

In the fall of 2000, I signed up for Carolyn Crimi’s picture book class on a whim, because it sounded like fun. The more I learned, the more I found that I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t take my writing seriously until Carolyn connected me with a critique group. The more I wrote, the better my work became, and in 2002 I decided to take the next step and attend the SCBWI Annual Conference in Los Angeles. I submitted my favorite manuscript, Lester Fizz, Bubble Gum Artist, for critique. I was initially disappointed when I learned my manuscript was reviewed not by an editor or agent, but by an author. An author who, at the time, had one published children’s book to her credit. (more…)

Bonnie Matheis & the Center for the Book

By Rich and Mary Chamberlin

“I want to br