Mentors play a huge role in any successful book, career or life. So I’ve asked five authors and illustrators to tell us a story of a mentor who has helped them along their path.

How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Russell, illustrated by Jennifer Hansen Rolli: a picture book about a prankster who wants to prank the Tooth Fairy!

A Round of Robins by Katie Hesterman, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier: fresh and funny poems that welcome a new batch of robins to the world!

The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe: the recipient of the ALA Notable Children’s Books Award, the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Trade Books Award, the Junior Library Guild Selection and the ILA Teacher’s Choices. This picture book reminds us that all it takes is one: one coral gamete to start a colony in the ocean, one person to make a difference in the world, one idea to help us heal the earth.

The Cows Go Moo! by Jim Petipas: join this band of bovines as they embark on their Udderly Crazy World Tour of music, merriment, and cow mishaps!

The Magician’s Secret by Zachary Hyman, illustrated by Joe Bluhm: a picture book that celebrates the power of imagination, the magic of make-believe and the bond between a grandfather and his grandson.

Listen to more in-depth interviews

Discover the joys and struggles of children’s book authors and illustrators. Search for your favorite picture book people and subscribe.

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Bring authors and illustrators into your children’s storytime! Browse books and subscribe.

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Thank You

Hey Picture Book People,

Thanks for listening to the show! It has been such a joy to be able to play with podcasts and videos for children’s literature. And it’s amazing that people like you find value in the things I do. I’m grateful. 

If you want to help the show leave a review for the podcast on Apple Podcasts and share this episode … I’m awful at social media so any help is appreciated!

Picturebooking is a member of the Amazon Affiliate program. The book links above are from Amazon.com. I recommend buying your books local or borrowing them from the library. But if you shop Amazon, you can support the show by clicking and shopping through this affiliate link.

Thanks again for letting me and this podcast into your life.

Until next time,

Nick Patton
visual storyteller and podcast host