The Poetry and Craft of Picture Book Writing

Join Jen for a candid chat about the creative process, art and craft of writing a ‘deceptively simple’ picture book text; the realities of the Canadian children’s book publishing industry; trends and considerations; pitching editors; and why picture books are for everyone.

Jen McGrath

Jen McGrath is a professional writer and award­-winning children’s author from Hillsborough, New Brunswick. Her book The Snow Knows (illustrated by Josée Bisaillon) was the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Marilyn Baillie Picture Book prize, presented to the year’s best Canadian picture book.  Her latest picture book, Pugs Cause Traffic Jams, published by Kids Can Press and illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Hey, Grandude by Sir Paul McCartney) will be released on May 3^rd. Jennifer’s middle grade chapter books, Chocolate River Rescue and White Cave Escape, are also popular with teachers and students alike, and can be found in elementary and middle school classrooms across the country. Jennifer is known for her enthusiastic storytelling style, her fascination with fairytales, and her fondness for really bad puns. She loves animals (especially dogs and ponies), walking in the winter woods, and curling up in front of the fire with a good book.