​Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you get a brilliant idea for a new picture book, only to do a quick internet search and discover the topic has already been covered? I have. Many times. Does this mean you should toss the idea in the waste basket? Maybe not.

I can't imagine that there's a grown-up in the USA who isn't aware it's election time! But for young children, it all might be a bit bewildering. Books to the rescue!

These two picture books in rhyme are perfect read-alouds for election season.

When writing a picture book, most people choose to either rhyme or not rhyme. But sometimes, combining the two can make for a good mix. 

​ Plink. Plip. Plop.
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Thus begins my newest lyrical picture book, A Place for Rain, illustrated by Blanca Gómez. It’s the story of a classroom that plans and builds a rain garden to “lessen all the rainstorm mess” and create a habitat for wildlife.  

“Poetry collections are a tough sell.”
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If I had a dime for every time I heard that comment during my publishing journey! The market for poetry collections may be slimmer than for other types of picture books, but poetry collections DO sell. (Want proof? Check out Sylvia Vardell’s SNEAK PEEK LISTS, where she unveils the upcoming children’s poetry collections for each year.)

I recently read a delightful picture book, (mostly) in rhyme, about the friendship between a bear and a squirrel. I'M STICKING WITH YOU is written by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Steve Small, and published by Henry Holt and Company in 2020.