Hey, I’m Travis Jonker. I’m an elementary school librarian with over 20 years of experience. I’m also a blogger, podcaster, New York Times contributor, and picture book author and illustrator. My books have earned starred reviews and “Best of the Year” awards.
I also served on the 2014 Caldecott Medal committee, which means I have some strong opinions about picture books and what makes them work.
This newsletter is for people who take children’s books seriously, but don’t take themselves too seriously: librarians, educators, writers, illustrators, and publishing folks who want to dig deep. If you’ve ever argued about whether a Caldecott committee made the correct call, you’re in the right place.
Twice a month I’ll send something to your inbox. One post goes to everyone. The other is for paid subscribers - that’s where I publish data-driven deep dives and committee room perspective on how award decisions actually get made.
Paid subscribers also get exclusive access to my Ultimate Caldecott Database. It’s the most comprehensive Caldecott resource on the planet. For “Founding Members” (a.k.a. Scope Notes Real Ones) I have something extra: signed and personalized copies of my author/illustrator books, sent to your door.
Who I’m Reading & Recommending
Here are the children’s literature folks I learn from every week.
Looking At Picture Books - If you love digging into the details of how picture books work, you’ll love Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen’s (often hilarious) deep dives.
Am I Doing This Right? - Lian Cho keeps it real (and often, real funny) as she navigates the life of a new-ish author/illustrator.
Sharpread | Colby Sharp - Dispatches from a 5th grade teacher obsessed with turning his students into readers.
Chrissie Writes Newsletter - Chrissie Wright uses her impeccable taste (and school librarian experience) to share must-read children’s books.
Betsy Bird - The children’s lit blogging GOAT always gives children’s lit opinions I trust.
Click here to see my full list of 15+ recommendations →
