Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · 2d

This truly made my day! Checkout Debra Collins’ amazing post featuring my beloved debut LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS.
And while you’re at it, request it at your local library! ;)
#teachers #librarians #parents
@jmcgowanbks.bsky.social
@jhonortiz.bsky.social

Debra Collins @thewritedebrac.bsky.social · 10d

This month SPOTLIGHTS blog, titled FROM PASSIVELY PRETTY TO PRETTY DARN POWERFUL, shines on a glorious picture book: LILLYBELLE, A Damsel NOT in Distress, author Joana Pastro, illo Jhon Ortiz. #PB #KidLit #SEL
www.thewritedebracollins.com/spotlights-b...

FROM PASSIVELY PRETTY TO PRETTY DARN POWERFUL

Why do I write this blog? As a school psychologist, I’ve worked to foster children’s social-emotional development. Referencing the CASEL framework, I highlight character-driven stories that...

www.thewritedebracollins.com

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · 2d

This is amazing! Thanks, Debra! ❤️

Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 27

Fingers crossed for you, Eija!

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 14

What a fantastic way to learn! Thanks to Candy Wellins & Ellie Peterson I now know what’s a Geoduck! Written as a news segment & illustrated as a graphic novel this #funnypicturebook is the perfect addition for any library!
@candy_wellins @lbfbooks #pacificnorthwestbook #pacificnortwestkids #humor

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Carrie Finison @carriefinison.bsky.social · Jan 13

Join me (virtually) this Wednesday 1/15 for a ShopTalk on writing in rhyming picture books! (A recording will be available, too, if you can't make it on Wednesday.) www.scbwi.org/events/new-e...

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

NC Murphy @ncmurphy13.bsky.social · Jan 14

www.youtube.com/@nicandcath2...

The Write Away Afterparty

Come join the party. Two writers sharing their experiences as they navigate the hoops and bumps of putting their work out in the world. Here to share inspiration and laughs throughout the journey.

www.youtube.com

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · Jan 14

If you have a #KidLit book launching Jan.13-19, 2025, reply w/ your book cover (with alt text), title, author & illustrator, publisher, launch date, link to where people can find more info.

Pls add good karma to universe by helping to boost! It's a tough time to be launching books. #BookBirthday

An illustrated graphic with a textured blue and yellow background featuring scattered books and small blue hearts. The text reads: "KidLit Book Launches, Jan. 13–19, 2025." Additional text in smaller font says, "If you have a children’s book launching during this week, please reply with your book in one post (use alt text with images)." Artwork by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (DebbieOhi.com).

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 14

Loved everything about this post!

Audrey Perrott (she/her) @audreysbooks.bsky.social · Jan 14

A big author goal of mine was met today — my first time as a guest blogger on THE Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm blog!

Pinch me. But don’t.

taralazar.com/2025/01/14/s...

#KidLitMegaFeed

Storystorm 2025 Day 14: Audrey Perrott Knows Being Funny is Serious Business

by Audrey Perrott If you’ve ever been on my Instagram feed, you already know I cry easily, just like Milton in my debut picture book MOO HOO. But I also love to laugh, just like Babette in the upco…

taralazar.com

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 13

Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm by @lindsayhmetcalf.bsky.social, art by Xin Li.
Using parallel narrative and rhyme, Metcalf takes us through the seasons, comparing technologies used by indoor and outdoor farming. A must read for everyone!
#agricultureintheclassroom #picturebook #agintheclassroom

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 13

Reading The Quiet Forest written by Charlotte Offsay, art by @abicushman.com made me laugh and smile!
This adorable #PB has it all: chain reactions, onomatopoeias, alliterations, and how simple acts of kindness help build community.
A must read!
#readaloud #readalouds #preschoolbooks

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Lisa Katzenberger @lisakatzenberger.bsky.social · Jan 8

Here's a little insight into my #kidlit writing world for the morning crowd. I talk about fighting loneliness as a writer, how many revisions a manuscript usually requires & how I tell if a story idea will be a doozy or a dud. Thanks @maryboone.bsky.social!

www.boonewrites.com/post/six-que...

Six Questions with Lisa Katzenberger

Lisa Katzenberger has been making up stories to entertain herself since she was a child. She loves to write books that make children laugh, escape, and dream. She is the author of It Will Be OK, A Love Letter to My Library, I Can Do It Even If I'm Scared, Croc & Gator, and It Belongs to the World: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin. Lisa lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two children. Visit her online at www.lisakatzenberger.com.1. How do you know your idea will make a g

www.boonewrites.com

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Lourdes Heuer @lourdesheuer.com · Jan 9

Look for Book 2 of SEASHELL KEY, The Monster Storm—out next week! www.slj.com/story/review...

New Friends, Familiar Characters | Chapter Books Fiction Series

A focus on the strong bonds of friendship and family run through these new and ongoing chapter book series.

www.slj.com

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Abi Cushman @abicushman.com · Dec 29

Have you read LUCAS AND THE CAPOEIRA CIRCLE by @joanapastro.bsky.social and #douglaslopes? It's a wonderful story about finding confidence after you've lost it. It also is a great introduction to the Brazilian martial art/dance if you're not familiar with it.

Lucas and the Capoeira Circle by Joana Pastro and Douglas Lopes cover

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Jan 1

Thanks, dear Abi! ❤️

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Jason Fugate @jasonfugate.dev · Nov 20

Here's a searchable directory of starter packs, too: blueskydirectory.com/starter-pack...

You can type in some key words and find some super niche packs, which is pretty neat.

Bluesky Starter Packs - Bluesky Directory

Browse a list of Bluesky Starter Packs. Discover and connect with your community on Bluesky

blueskydirectory.com

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 24

Hi Sandra, would you add me, please? Obrigada!

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 19

How about this needy baby?

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Kellie DuBay Gillis (she/her) @kdubaygillis.bsky.social · Nov 15

go.bsky.app/SerEDfN
Here’s my first starter pack to share with the #kidlit community…picture book people with new books coming in 2025!

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 18

Thank you!

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 18

Hi Kelly! This is great! Would you add me too, please? A FESTA FOR LUANA is coming out in May/25. :)

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 18

LOL I guess I was too focused on my MG. @charlenedraws.bsky.social added me. Thanks for bringing it up! 😘

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 17

Now that I’m done with the first draft, behold “The Plan”(yes, capitalized for effect):
1- Get the house ready for the Holidays
2- Work on a new picture book
3- Dive into the middle grade novel revision on December 2nd.

Sounds like a good plan, right?

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Kate Messner @katemessner.com · Nov 8

Authors & illustrators! If you'd like to volunteer for Zoom read-alouds with schools & libraries on World Read Aloud Day 2/5/25, here's the link to sign up! forms.gle/H8QNw9rL1qdh...
(This one is for traditionally published folks - look for another form for self-pubbed authors & illustrators soon!)

World Read Aloud Day 2/5/25 - Call for Author & Illustrator Volunteers

Please fill out this form if you're a traditionally published author or illustrator who would like to volunteer to Zoom with classes to celebrate World Read Aloud Day on February 5, 2025. (Educators ...

forms.gle

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Joana Pastro @joanapastro.bsky.social · Nov 17

Thanks, Charlene! I hadn’t seen the pack. 🤦‍♀️

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Reposted by Joana Pastro

Elly Swartz @ellyswartzbooks.bsky.social · Nov 16

Hi friends! New here. Kicking things off w/ a Gratitude #Giveaway for an ARC of SAME PAGE!
With #Thanksgiving near, I'm channeling Bess, the mc in SAME PAGE & counting my blessings
To enter:
💛 Like and share this post
💛 Follow me
💛 Tag a Book Warrior
💛 Tell me 1 thing you're grateful for
Ends 11/18

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