New projects coming from @cheryltkim.bsky.social @painternik.bsky.social @jerroldconnors.bsky.social + more buff.ly/H5r9uc6

Fave Four

If you'd like to see other picture book recommendations for this year, pop on over to cherylajohnsonwrites.weebly.com.

@mstewartscience.bsky.social
@dpilutti.bsky.social
@cheryltkim.bsky.social

#kidlit
#kidlitbookstack

"Wat knew he did his best with a ball in his hand." and "Wat blocked the doubts." Standout Page Turn Text: "But they weren't the only ones who recognized his talent…" Standout Art Detail: Action-pumped scenes with expressive light and color contrasts Starry Book Marks: Compelling insight and perspective, Skillful inclusion of conflict-filled history and unjust circumstances, Vivid verbs and meaning-packed phrasing for pivotal moments.

Top-of-Mind Book Hooks: Basketball, Wataru "Wat" Misaka: The first basketball player of color to break major league barriers, Practicing with persistence, Lifting up your community with shared hope and support, Fighting racism with relentless resilience. Fast Facts: Pub Year 2024, Created by Cheryl Kim and Nat Iwata, Imprint/Publisher: Lee & Low Books. For more, visit pbstudybuddy.com. Thank you!

🏀🗑️🧡 I'm wowed by how WAT TAKES HIS SHOT presents basketball player Wataru Misaka overcoming daunting barriers plus need-to-know historical context. Such an inspiration! 🤩📚👍🏼
#PBStudyBuddy #Kidlit #bookboost
#WatTakesHisShot #CherylKim @cheryltkim.bsky.social #NatIwata @leeandlow.bsky.social

🎉 Congrats to @cheryltkim.bsky.social!

📚 WAT TAKES HIS SHOT: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BASKETBALL HERO WATARU MISAKA was named a 2025 BANK STREET BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (Age 9–12).

Illustrated by Nat Iwata. Published by Lee & Low.

#kidlit #12x12PB

Congratulations to #12x12PB member @cheryltkim.bsky.social! Her #picturebook, WAT TAKES HIS SHOT: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BASKETBALL HERO WATARU MISAKA, illustrated by Nat Iwata and published by @leeandlow.bsky.social, released today!

See ALL of June's book birthdays: bit.ly/book-birthday

Thank you, Debbie! Not only for the interview but for being a part of this book’s journey!

Blog interview promo graphic for a children's book called WAT TAKES HIS SHOT: The Life & Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka, by Cheryl Kim, illustrated by Nat Iwata, published by Lee & Low. Image shows the cover of the book with a basketball player about to throw a basketball, and headshots of the author and illustrator.

*New* on my blog: Interview w/
@cheryltkim.bsky.social & Nat Iwata on how they created WAT TAKES HIS SHOT: The Life & Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka (@leeandlow.bsky.social, launches Jun 18). Incl advice for young creators!

Also see Cheryl Kim On Teaching & Writing.

#Edusky #Skybrarian

Happy April and May book birthdays to KidLitWorks creators Sarah Holly Ackerman, Gabriele Davis, Zainab Khan, and Kerisa Greene! This diverse collection of books are sure to delight young readers!

So grateful to School Library Journal for my first ⭐️ Review!

Happy February and March Book Birthdays to KidLitWorks sisters @sarahollyackerman.bsky.social @sylviaichen.bsky.social
Excited for your books!

I joined my first critique group through 12x12 in February 2014. This month marks 10 years and we are still together encouraging each other forward!

Hi! I’m a 2nd grade teacher (soon to be art teacher) and looking forward to connecting with author educators!

New here and looking forward to connecting with the KidLit community!