Things Picture Book Writers Can Be Thankful for

By Donna Cangelosi and Chana Stiefel

Thanksgiving is a great time to take stock of the things we are grateful for. Here are some of the things we, as picture book writers, are most thankful for.

• We recognize the subtleties in everyday life and recreate them in our words and images
• Through our books, children are inspired to overcome obstacles
• We create characters who model kindness, compassion, and empathy
• We bring joy and laughter to kids' lives (and parents' lives too!)
• We show kids the rewards of standing up to bullies
• Our stories teach problem solving- in 500 words or less
• We get to read our stories to kids and show them the value of dreaming and aiming high
• Our stories can be enjoyed by future generations
• We have a good excuse to sit on the floor at bookstores and read picture books (and buy them--for ourselves!)
• We promote humor, art, poetry, love and beauty in our books
• We meet and work with kind, generous, like-minded people-teachers, librarians, parents, booksellers, editors, agents, and authors alike
• We have the best job in the world!
• Most of all, we are grateful for our kidlit friends!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!