2026 mentee applications closed. Thanks for applying

2026 pb rising stars mentees will be announced live on May 12th at 8:00 pm wasted time. Runners up and honorable mentions will also be announced live in May. Register now at www.pbrisingstars.com

⭐️Applications for PB Rising Stars Are Now Closed⭐️

Sound off in the comments: did you apply?

We want to thank every person who trusted us with their work for the last five years. Whether you were an applicant, an honorable mention, a runner up, or a mentee of mentor, you mean the world to us.

A graphic with a spaceship and person in a spacesuit holding a microphone against a galaxy background. Text says “ONE MORE APP!”

Mentee applications close TONIGHT 11:59 pm eastern. Last chance to apply to be a 2026 PB Rising Asgard Mentee Apply at www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors

⭐️Ready For a Challenge?⭐️

#pbrisingstars applications close TONIGHT at 11:59 pm Eastern Time for the fifth and FINAL time. That means this is your LAST chance at joining our community.

#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebook #author

Image Description: An orange and yellow graphic that says: Mentee applications close tomorrow! Will you look at our mentors one more time?

⭐️Tomorrow is your LAST chance to apply to be a #pbrisingstars mentee⭐️

So let’s chat! Tell us:
- have you applied yet or are you waiting til the final moments?

#kidlit #illustration #kidlitart #picturebook

Amazing! Be so proud of yourself!!!!!!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Text-Only Lyrical Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Rio Tonya Kate Andrew Janelle A.J. Jenna Namita Lesléa Audrey Kim Lisa Charles Gwendolyn Andrea Pasha M.O. Natasha Anne Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Lyrical Author-Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Anne Natasha Adam A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite holding a sign. Text says: 6 days left to apply.

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

Do you create lyrical picture book stories or art?

Then we want to see them at #pbrisingstars!

If gorgeous language, poetic devices, rhythmic cadence, imagery, and more are your things? Then these mentors are right for you!

#kidlit #author #writing #illustrator

A graphic introducing mentor Tonya Duncan Ellis and her book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM

Time for another chance to help us spread the word about the fifth and FINAL year of #pbrisingstars ✨

Do you know a friend who writes picture book manuscripts with that special “it” factor?

#kidlit #author #picturebook #writer

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the left corner: Namita Patty Charles Jenna A.J. Andrea Kate Nada Rio Sylvia Sara A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more! ----------

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite holding a sign. Text says: 5 days left to apply

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️ SEL Picture Book Creators: take note ⭐️

If your work has a layer of social-emotional learning, these mentors want to see it!

SEL books are truly important, so of course our #PBRisingStars mentors are excited about them too!

#kidlit #author #picturebook #illustrator

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Humorous Text-Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Patricia Ana Kim Caroline Audrey Jenna A.J. Andrew Jasmine Sylvia Sara Jenny Anne Natasha Adam A banner below reads “review each mentor’s profile to check if you’re eligible to apply”. Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: Humorous Author-Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Anne Lian Jenny Kathryn Natasha Julia Nadia F. Adam A banner below reads “review each mentor’s profile to check if you’re eligible to apply”. Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentorsto learn more!

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite holding a sign. Text says: 6 days left to apply.

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️ if you’re funny and you know it, raise your hand! ⭐️

This year we have LOTS of mentors wanting to see your humorous text and/or art! So if you’re making kids laugh and ready to take it to the next level, make sure to add these mentors to your list of who to apply to!
#kidlit #author #illustrator

I love to see this! And yessss the application process itself is a win and so eye opening! Wishing you luck!

Amazing!!! You have so much wisdom and life to offer this world of children’s books! So glad you are going for it! Good luck!

You did it!!! Be so proud of yourself! The application itself is a feat to be proud of!!!!

Graphic highlighting mentor Steph Littlebird. A headshot and book covers are featured with text: IT’S THE FIFTH AND FINAL YEAR OF OB RISING STARS (A FREE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR PICTURE BOOK CREATORS). Tag an unagented picture book illustrator or author-illustrator who should apply to be mentored by STEPH LITTLEBIRD

7 days left until mentee applications close.

Spread the #pbrisingstars love! Tag a friend who you know NEEDS to apply to work with Steph Littlebird!

For the final week that applications are open, we will be highlighting one mentor and encouraging you to apply and tag your friends who NEED to to know about this program!

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO?  Mentors Seeking: BIPOC Only Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Livia Janelle Nadia H. Sita Charles Andrea M.O. A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

A yellow and orange graphic with a space suite and star balloon. Text says: Apply now February 27-March 13

A How to Apply Checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

One of the things we’re most proud of at #pbrisingstars is our commitment to create a space that reflects what publishing SHOULD look like! That’s why we hope our BIPOC applicants will apply widely to every mentor they are eligible for!

#kidlit #picturebook #author #illustrator

A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO? Mentors Seeking: Cultural Text-Only Authors Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Natasha M.O. Sylvia Rio Tonya Nada Jasmine Michael Janelle Nadia H Jenna Namita Lesléa Patty Kim Sita Ana Patricia Gwendolyn Andrea Pasha A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

Alt text: A graphic with a spaceship and stars against a black background introduces various PB Rising Stars Mentors. Text says: WHO SHOULD I APPLY TO? Mentors Seeking: Cultural Author-Illustrators & Illustrators Headshots and names of the following mentors appear in the right corner: Natasha Aya Nadia F. Steph A banner below reads "review each mentor's profile to check if you're eligible to apply". Please visit www.pbrisingstars.com/mentors to learn more!

Apply Now: February 27 to March 13

How to Apply checklist: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️Calling all Cultural Picture Book Creators⭐️

Are you ready to level up your craft?
Do you need help taking your story or art where you want it to go? A guiding hand to help you find the voice, the heart, and more?

A graphic with orange and yellow swirls with a space suit clip art holding a star balloon. Text says: Aoply Now February 27 to March 13

How to Apply: - click on a mentor’s profile - scroll down- click apply button - fill out google form and submit - check your email and spa folder after submitting for an email confirmation - subscribe to our newsletter

⭐️IT’S TIME⭐️
#pbrisingstars applications are now open! Are you ready to improve your craft as a picture book creator, working with an experienced mentor for FREE?? Then our program is for you!

Cheering you on!!!!! So glad you’ll be applying again!!

Yay!!! So glad to see you’ll be applying!!! Good luck!!!!

Thank you!!! We love this community!!! So glad to see you’ll be applying!!!!! Good luck!!!

So glad you caught the replay!!! Good luck, Becky!!! So happy to see you’re applying!

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Jasmine Fang Text says: Unagented authors may apply. Www.pbrisingstars.com/jasmine Wish list: Diverse Voices Family/Tradition Community Humor with heart Whimsy Hard Topics This is only a snapshot. Please visit Jasmine’s mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/jasmine

Looking for a mentor who helps you see the big picture?
Meet #PBRisingStars mentor Jasmine Fang! ✨ She shines at finding the heart of a story, big-picture edits, and guiding creators through querying, acquisitions, and the author-agent relationship

#kidlit #author #picturebook #writer .

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Anne Appert Text says: Unagented illustrators and author-illustrators from any background may apply. Unagented trans or non binary text only authors may also apply. Www.pbrisingstars.com/anne Wish list: Creators working with a variety of genres/styles Creators working in Procreate or Photoshop Illustrators who work in water colors or gouache Humor Subversive stories/art Stories about anxiety and mental health This is only a snapshot. Please visit Anne’s mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/anne

Make some noise for FOUR-TIME #PBRisingStars mentor Anne Appert! 🎉

Anne is an award-winning artist who thrives on whimsy, humor, bold color, and authentic storytelling

#kidlit #illustrator #kidlitart #picturebook

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Kathryn Rammell Text says: Unagented author-illustrators may apply. Www.pbrisingstars.com/kathryn Wish list: Family fun Low word count/wordless Whimsical/imaginative/fantasy Humor Retellings Flawed characters This is only a snapshot. Please visit Kathryn’s mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/kathryn

Surprise!! We are thrilled to announce that Kathryn Rammell is joining the 2026 #PBRisingStars mentors!!

Kathryn was a 2022 mentee, became a mentor in 2024, and is back for our fifth and FINAL year!! Talk about a full circle moment!
#kidlit #kidlitart #author #illustrator

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Gwendolyn Wallace Text says: Unagented authors may apply Www.pbrisingstars.com/gwendolyn Wish List: Historical fiction Black history Cultural STEM Stories that explore abolition and world building Radical imagination This is only a snapshot. Please visit Gwendolyn’s mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/gwendolyn

We’re beyond excited to introduce award-winning #PBRisingStars mentor Gwendolyn Wallace! 🎉
Gwendolyn blends STEM, history (especially Black history), and genre storytelling into kid-friendly, compelling books—and as a Gen Z author, she knows how to use social media to grow an author platform.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing PB Rising Stars Mentor, Tonya Duncan Ellis Text says: Unagented authors may apply Www.pbrisingstars.com/tonya Wish list: Lyrical writing Fiction Historical fiction Nonfiction BIPOC Voices This is only a snapshot. Please visit Tonya’s mentor page for a full wishlist at www.pbrisingstars.com/tonya

Today we’re welcoming back–and reintroducing you to–TWO-TIME #pbrisingstars mentor, Tonya Duncan Ellis!

Tonya is a lyrical writing BOSS, and her knack for developing strong hooks in unparalleled.

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing Adam Rex. Text says: Unagented AND agented text only authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators may apply Www.pbrisingstars.com/adam Wish list: Illustrators who work in most mediums Photoshop and procreate Experimental text and illustration Humor Prose Rhyming poetry This is only a snapshot. Please visit Adam’s mentor page for a full wishlist at Www.pbrisingstars.com/adam

Say hello to our next #pbrisingstars mentor!

Adam Rex is the award-winning author of more than 40 picture books, and he’s a humor WIZARD — on the page AND in the art.

Apply to Become Nada Shawish Dutka's Picture Book Mentee — PB RISING STARS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM PB Rising Stars is a FREE picture book mentorship program for aspiring authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators who want to be traditionally published. *Unagented AND Agented creators may apply.

Visit her mentor page to learn more:

www.pbrisingstars.com/nada

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#kidlit #amwriting #picturebook #kidlitart #illustrator

A graphic with yellow and orange buttons and a photo introducing Nada Shawish Dutka. Text says: Unagented authors may apply Www.pbrisingstars.com/nada Wish list: Fiction Moody manuscripts Scary adventures Multigenerational Big heart Fairy and folktales This is only a snapshot. Please visit Nada’s mentor page for a full wishlist at Www.pbrisingstars.com/nada

Meet our first #PBRisingStars mentor, Nada Shawish Dutka! ✨

Nada loves both literary AND commercial PBs—especially stories that spotlight underrepresented characters. She’s all about moody, spooky vibes 👻, sharp dialogue, immersive settings, and making BIG themes feel accessible to kids. 1/3

⭐️Get Ready To Prep Those Applications! ⭐️
Starting tomorrow we will highlight one or two mentors every day so you can get to know them and see a snapshot of their wishlists! We hope you will consider EVERY mentor that you are eligible for. Make sure to visit their FULL profile.
#kidlit #kidlitart

These mentors 🔥🔥🔥🔥

⭐️Announcing 40 INCREDIBLE MENTORS! ⭐️

Just look at some of the books from our 2026 mentors!! Miss the big announcement? Follow the link to kidlit 411 to see the news!
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www.kidlit411.com/2026/01/the-...

How are you feeling?
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#picturebook #pbrisingstars #kidlitillustration #kidlit #amwriting