Childress Ink

Celebrating the 2026 Youth Media Awards

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:14:22 -0800

2026 Youth Media Awards | An Ode to Judy Blume

📖 New Release Picture Book Spotlight

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great, Written and illustrated by Selina Alko

As a library kid, Judy Blume stood right alongside Beverly Cleary for me. This clever, witty ode celebrates the life and legacy of Judy Blume through playful poetry and vibrant collage-style illustrations. Read the full Spotlight Review at Ink-a-Dink.com/stories.

Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown BYR | Ages 6–10, 9780316570633, $18.99

🌟 Spotlight: 2026 Youth Media Award Winners Featured at Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink

Each winter, the American Library Association announces the Youth Media Awards at its annual conference—honoring the very best in children’s and young adult literature. It’s one of my favorite moments of the year.

🏅 2026 John Newbery Medal

This year’s John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature was awarded to:

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

I was absolutely thrilled to see this title recognized—not only did we spotlight it for ages 9–14, it was also our March 2025 Giveaway and featured a beautiful guest blog post by Renée, “How to Make Space for a Child’s Grief.” That made this year’s recognition especially...Read More

Why Children's Books Matter

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:26:30 -0800

Why Children's Books Matter

By Kim Childress

Children’s books are important because they do way more than teach kids how to read—and honestly, are the reason Ink-a-Dink exists at all.

They build the brain (and the heart).
Stories grow vocabulary, imagination, attention span, and critical thinking—but they also build empathy. When kids meet characters who are different from them, who struggle, who try and fail and try again, they’re practicing how to understand other people and their own feelings.

They shape identity and confidence.
Seeing yourself in a book says, “You belong in the world.”
Seeing lives different from yours says, “So do other people.”
That’s huge for kids—especially in those early years when they’re figuring out who they are and where they fit.

They create a lifelong relationship with reading.

The books we love as kids often become the reason we keep reading as teens and adults. A joyful, cozy, exciting reading experience early on wires the brain to think: Books = comfort, adventure, answers, fun.

They help kids make sense of big things safely.
Grief, fear, friendship, change, courage, kindness—children’s books let kids explore big emotions and hard topics in a way that feels manageable and reassuring. Stories give language to feelings kids don’t always know how to name.

They connect people.
Reading aloud together builds bonds—parent and child, teacher and class, librarian and community. It’s shared time, shared laughter, shared “what do you think happens next?” moments. Those memories stick.

They plant values without preaching.
Great children’s books don’t lecture. They show. They model kindness, resilience, curiosity, fairness, creativity—through characters kids care about.

In short:
Children’s books don’t just make readers. They help make...Read More

Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:37:56 -0800

❄️ Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections
Winter is the perfect season to slow down, gather close, and share stories that warm both hearts and imaginations. Short and sweet, a few winter reads for little hands, a thank you to Little Lambs Prescehool, plus an invitation to submit questions for an upcoming interview with the authors of Do Not Disturb: How to Say No to Your Phone.
📚 New Releases ~ Cozy Reads for Little Readers
Snow Kid, by Jessie Sima
Simon & Schuster, 9781665966085
Winter Wonder Mini Coloring Book, from the Cute 'n' Cozy series by Gaynor Carradice
Simon & Schuster, 9781507225431
The Gift of Words, by Peter H. Reynolds
Spotlight Review, by Kim Childress
Scholastic, 9781339000343
Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures, by Christine Alemshah, Illustrated by Dream Chen
Read More

Pro Tips for Authors

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:20:04 -0800

Pro Tips for Authors
By Kim Childress
1. Be an Avid Reader in Your Genre:
-Writers should also be avid readers, especially in their chosen genre.
2. Understand Childhood Development (For Children's Book Authors):
-Authors of children's books benefit from understanding childhood development and stages.
-Immersion in children's lives through volunteering or tutoring can provide valuable insights.
3. Plan for a Day Job:
-Expect that writing alone may not provide a stable income; plan for a day job.
4. Passion and Perseverance:
-Authors need passion and perseverance to navigate the publishing journey.
5. Writing Takes Time:
-Understand that getting traditionally published can take years; be prepared for the long haul.
6. Write Your Heart, Find the Market:
-Write the story in your heart first, then seek the market that fits it.
7. Seek Critique and Research:
-Seek feedback from critique groups or professional editors to improve your work.
-Research comparable titles and publishers for a better fit.
8. Connect Through Experience:
-Writing is about sharing experiences, connecting with readers, and putting emotions into words.
-Vulnerability in your writing helps readers across demographics connect.
9. Trust Your Editor:
-Trust your editor's expertise and realize they advocate for your book within the publishing house.
10. Conference Involvement:
- Attend conferences and join professional organizations for networking opportunities.
11. Patience in Publishing:
- Patience is key in the publishing world, especially when facing delays like those caused by COVID-19.
12. Social Media...Read More

What in the World is a Mindfulness Book

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:37:44 -0800

🪶 What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"
By Kim Childress
Mindfulness books for adults help readers slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. At their core, these books teach awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings—without judgment. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simple daily habits, mindfulness guides readers toward less stress, greater clarity, and deeper calm.
So What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"
Focus on the Present
Learn to tune into now—instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Non-Judgmental Awareness
Observe thoughts and emotions without labeling them “good” or “bad.” Compassion starts with awareness.
Practical Application
Most mindfulness books include simple exercises and meditations that fit easily into daily routines.
Stress Reduction and Well-Being
Mindfulness encourages calm, emotional balance, and improved mental health.
Diverse Approaches
You’ll find foundational texts, science-based programs, or niche guides for anxiety, depression, or even mindful eating.
🩵 Highly Recommended Favorites
The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More
by Jefferson Fisher
I simply cannot recommend this book enough! It should be required reading for everyone. I love the author’s...Read More

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:52:42 -0800

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE AT SPECIAL FREE EVENT FOR FANS
Dav Pilkey’s “Power Up with Reading” Book Tour Sold Out,
Global Dog Man Day Events Planned
(New York, NY– October 28, 2025) – A supa epic treat! Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, announced today a special one-night only free event to celebrate Dav Pilkey’s global phenomenon Dog Man, giving fans a rare chance to be a part of Guinness World Record history. Attendees will experience a live performance of the acclaimed Dog Man: The Musical from TWTheatricals, receive a signed copy of the new book Dog Man: Big Jim Believes, and meet Dav Pilkey himself.
On the heels of a landmark year of Dog Man milestones including Dav Pilkey’s completely sold-out “Power Up with Reading” Tour, this family-friendly free event will be held on Tuesday, December 9^th at The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana (Tickets/registration can be obtained via this LINK.
Fans—kids and adults—will be invited to dress up as Dog Man and attempt to break the...Read More

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 11:03:04 -0700

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻
Get Caught Reading The Black Market, by Jed Alexander
~ HAPPY READING! ~
🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻
Check your emails — one lucky reader will be receiving a hardcover edition of The Black Market by Jed Alexander, compliments of (HUGE THANK YOU) Hachette Book Group and Media Masters Publicity. Thank you for making this spooky-season giveaway possible — and for helping us fulfill our mission to get books into the hands of more children. 💛📚
And SURPRISE! An additional lucky reader will receive a hardcover edition of The Black Market compliments of Childress Ink and Ink-a-Dink Children’s Bookstore! Absolutely love sharing the book love, so check your emails.
🎁 What’s Next?
Watch this space for our November book recommendations and new roundups celebrating gratitude, wellness, and holiday reads — for children and adults!
🎀 Free gift wrapping available year-round.
📦 We ship anywhere!
💌 Update: Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink subscribers will be receiving a monthly coupon code every month
💛📚 November Giveaway Preview — “Do Not Disturb…” 💤
Do Not Disturb: How to Say no to Your Phone:
Designed to help young people understand and overcome the toll that phone overuse can take on their mental and physical health. Spotlight review coming.
Written by Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock, illustrated by Lauriane BohemierAbrams Books, Aug. 2025, Ages 8-12 with crossover appeal for younger and older readers (and adults), $18.99, 9781419776984
New Recomendations:
Read More

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:18:48 -0700

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal
Written by bestselling author Leigh Bardugo and illustrated by John Picacio
The Invisible Parade celebrates the annual Día de Muertos through the lens of one family as they prepare the festivities, though the youngest girl still grieves the death of her grandfather. As a person who gravitates towards genre-bending books, I love and appreciate this book on multiple levels. As a lover of thoughtful paranormal and horror, this book is great as a cozy thriller for younger readers ages 8-12, with crossover potential younger or older, depending on the child. I also see this as a collectible for adults who enjoy paranormal, and anyone who wants to learn more about the holiday, or those who celebrate Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead.
During our young heroine's journey, she meets the four horsemen of the apocalypse, each shares a time they met previously in the story, each with a lesson to teach her, beautifully shown through the illustrations. And in the end she comes to understand, though sometimes scary, death need not be feared. The revelations are subtle and beautifully embedded in the illustrations, which invite careful study and multiple readings.
As a lover of books, especially children’s books, and as an author and editor, I love this book because of its powerful message. The illustrations further the story and invite re-reads, especially after the big reveal, (spoiler) they visited previously within the illustrations as ravens. I believe with its cinematic storytelling and truly stunning illustrations, this book has classic potential and also the potential to help...Read More

“What is Your Stance on Banned Books?”

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:46:06 -0700

“What is your stance on banned books?”
Recently, a thoughtful customer named Helen called me with a question that I truly appreciated: “What is your stance on banned books?”

The fact that she called and asked—catching me by phone in the middle of a busy day—was, to me, a little miracle. Being Banned Books Week, and as this fits in with our State of the Industry Series, Helen's important question deserves a thoughtful answer, which I believe is worth sharing.
Issues around book banning were an important subject at the Publishers Weekly US Book Show 2025.
First thing I thanked Helen for calling and asking me this question. I shared that I have previously written about book bans as well as "Responsibility in Children's Publishing" (linked below).
KIM: I am against banning books. Because as a journalist, I am fundamentally in support of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Once you start banning, it’s a slippery slope. And who makes those decisions?
HELEN: Exactly.
KIM: However, that does not mean that I agree with every book out there that is published for children, especially children ages six and under. From a child developmental perspective, there are simply some topics not appropriate at certain ages, but rather than ban or "challenge" a book, I believe it is important to check out the books and see why they’re up for banning. I also believe you have to trust your teachers and your school librarians.
HELEN: But not all teachers and librians feel that way.
KIM: You’re right. And with that, I suggest doing exactly what you are doing right now. Calling and asking this question.
HELEN: Well, then, who is ultimately responsible.
KIM: The...Read More

A Series of (Unfortunate) Events… and a Few Bright Spots

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:53:25 -0700

First things first—thank you.
Your encouragement over this past year fills my soul and keeps me going. Thank you to all, young and old, who have shared your favorite books, past and present. You remind me daily why I do what I do.
Turns out, this phrase fits more situations than I ever expected—including my latest: due to a series of unexpected events, Ink-a-Dink will not be able to attend this year’s Caledonia Harvest Festival. It’s taken me the first fifty years of life to fully understand (and even accept, with grace) that sometimes plans change. While I’m disappointed to miss the festival, I was exactly where I needed to be—helping care for my mom (who is now doing well, thank you!).
I encourage everyone: support local business and attend the 2025 Caledonia Harvest Festival!
🍁 Proudly Supporting the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce
My heartfelt thanks to the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce for all the ways you support local businesses, including my own. And to the local sponsors who make community events like the Harvest Festival possible—you are appreciated.
🍂✨The Bad Beginning, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
One upside to this plot twist in plans is sharing one of my all-time favorite series since its very start, an oldie-but-goodie: The Bad Beginning, first in A Series of Unfortunate Events by the ever-clever Lemony Snicket. Brilliant wit, wildly absurd family adventures, and deliciously dark humor. And perfect timing! A brand-new...Read More

Childress Ink

Celebrating the 2026 Youth Media Awards

2026 Youth Media Awards | An Ode to Judy Blume

📖 New Release Picture Book Spotlight

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great, Written and illustrated by Selina Alko

🌟 Spotlight: 2026 Youth Media Award Winners Featured at Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink

🏅 2026 John Newbery Medal

Why Children's Books Matter

Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections

❄️ Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections

📚 New Releases ~ Cozy Reads for Little Readers

Snow Kid, by Jessie Sima

Winter Wonder Mini Coloring Book, from the Cute 'n' Cozy series by Gaynor Carradice

The Gift of Words, by Peter H. Reynolds

Pro Tips for Authors

Pro Tips for Authors
By Kim Childress

What in the World is a Mindfulness Book

🪶 What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"

By Kim Childress

So What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"

🩵 Highly Recommended Favorites

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE AT SPECIAL FREE EVENT FOR FANS

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

~ HAPPY READING! ~

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal

“What is Your Stance on Banned Books?”

“What is your stance on banned books?”

A Series of (Unfortunate) Events… and a Few Bright Spots

First things first—thank you.

🍁 Proudly Supporting the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce

🍂✨The Bad Beginning, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Childress Ink

Celebrating the 2026 Youth Media Awards

2026 Youth Media Awards | An Ode to Judy Blume

📖 New Release Picture Book Spotlight

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great, Written and illustrated by Selina Alko

🌟 Spotlight: 2026 Youth Media Award Winners Featured at Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink

🏅 2026 John Newbery Medal

Why Children's Books Matter

Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections

❄️ Winter Words, Cozy Reads & Community Connections

📚 New Releases ~ Cozy Reads for Little Readers

Snow Kid, by Jessie Sima

Winter Wonder Mini Coloring Book, from the Cute 'n' Cozy series by Gaynor Carradice

The Gift of Words, by Peter H. Reynolds

Pro Tips for Authors

Pro Tips for AuthorsBy Kim Childress

What in the World is a Mindfulness Book

🪶 What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"

By Kim Childress

So What Makes a Mindfulness Book "Mindful?"

🩵 Highly Recommended Favorites

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

DAV PILKEY’S DOG MAN GOES FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE AT SPECIAL FREE EVENT FOR FANS

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

~ HAPPY READING! ~

🎉 Congratulations to Our October Giveaway Winner! 👻

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal

The Invisible Parade — A Gentle Journey Through Grief, Tradition, and the Paranormal

“What is Your Stance on Banned Books?”

“What is your stance on banned books?”

A Series of (Unfortunate) Events… and a Few Bright Spots

First things first—thank you.

🍁 Proudly Supporting the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce

🍂✨The Bad Beginning, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Pro Tips for Authors
By Kim Childress