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Jody Joynes

@jodyjoynes

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I write stories for children. Sharing my reading & writing journey. Rep’d by Lindsay Auld @writershouseagency

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You can’t pour from an empty cup. When I put down my pen and shutdown my laptop, I’m not taking a break, I’m re-filling my cup.

A recharging holiday in Devon, England.

Places referenced:
Bellever Forest, Dartmoor National Park (free-roaming ponies)

The Warren House Inn (breathtaking views of Dartmoor)

The Tarka Trail (traffic-free cycle route)

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway (a water-powered railway, operating since 1890)

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

#writersretreat #Devon #writinginspo #recharge #natureheals taken in Devon, England by @jodyjoynes

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a month ago

Deer Watch: Picture books I’m fawning over.

“Let Nature be your teacher.”
William Wordsworth

#deer #fawn #picturebooks #childrensbooks #naturelove by @jodyjoynes

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4 months ago

NYC Book shopping: Children’s picture books.

Spiral Books, SoHo
Sullaluna, West Village
McNally Jackson, SoHo

#picturebooks #indiebooksellers #childrensbooks #picturebookart #nycshopping by @jodyjoynes

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4 months ago

One of the important things about a short picture book biography is its ability to pack an emotional and informational punch.

Condensed and colorful, these picture books, at their best, are rich in both words and pictures.

Over the last few years there’s been an explosion of nonfiction and informational fiction about change-makers and historically significant figures, making it a rich field to choose from.

Whether you have a child who wants to learn more about a favorite author, you’re a parent hoping to share the story of a beloved musician, or you’re simply looking for a brief but engaging read about someone who interests you, a biographical picture book can be a wonderful choice for curious readers of all ages.

Here’s a :30 seconds highlight reel of some titles that satisfied my own curiosity, some because of my interest in the person or subject matter and others because of my familiarity with the author or my appreciation for the illustrator’s work.

P.s. “Weird” should be followed up with “and wonderful”. (One of my favorite PB biogs about a boy-parrot.)

#picturebookbiography #childrensbooks #biographies by @jodyjoynes

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4 months ago

Who said animals can’t talk?

Anthropomorphism aside, stories featuring animals certainly have an enduring appeal.

This highlight reel rounds up some unforgettable fictional animals in the picture book space.

Did your favorite make a cameo?

(Disclaimer: Winnie lives in a chapter book, so he didn’t make the cut. Wild things, taco-eating dragons, ravenous bugs, and other iconic creatures? Their close-up is coming soon!)

Update: Books I forgot to include in this “Reel of Unforgettable PB Animals”:
The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin.

Henry in Love by Peter McCarty

(Animal lover, but want to see some cats or dogs? Check out my other reels. 🐾)

#picturebooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #animalcharacters by @jodyjoynes

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5 months ago

Canine characters in kidlit. So many winners in the picture book category.

:30 second highlight reel of some of the best. (But who am I to judge?)

Did you spot your favorite?

#picturebooks #dogs #kidlit #booksforkids #doglove by @jodyjoynes

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6 months ago

Cats who jump off the picture book page!

Enjoy this :30 reel featuring some unforgettable cat characters.

Who are your favorite fictional felines?

Edit: I accidentally omitted “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by the brilliant Judith Viorst. How could I forget that memorable story on a reel of “unforgettable” cat tales? The irony.

And on top of that, I accidentally put a dog in the mix! (“Paris-Chien” does have one “chat” cameo, but it’s really a story about an expat dog). 🙄

Another update: “What a Small Cat Needs” by Natalia Shaloshvili would have absolutely made the cut on my reel if it’d been in my radar at the time.

Anyway, dog reel to follow.

#kidlit #cats #catlovers #picturebooks by @jodyjoynes

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7 months ago

Picture book boys. Do you see your favorite?

#picturebooks #picturebookcharacters #kidlit by @jodyjoynes

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8 months ago

30 seconds of fictional PB girls that leave their mark.

#picturebooks #kidlit #childrensbooks #booksforkids #picturebookgirls by @jodyjoynes

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8 months ago

Books on the wild side: I’m always drawn to beautiful picture books with nature themes when choosing what to read next.

The books in this carousel brilliantly show why keeping things wild matters, the magic of rewilding, or the simple joy of connecting with nature.

“The Wildest Thing” by Emily Winfield Martin highlights the joy of an active, wild imagination. Eleanor is a modern-day Max, and I adore her.

“Don’t Eat Me: The Almost True Story of Belladonna” offers the unique POV of a wild flower. Absolutely gorgeous book.

“Wilding” by Isabella Tree chronicles the real-life transformation of a large English estate from farmland to wild. A wonderful non-fiction book that’s both important and joyful. (If you loved the documentary “The Biggest Little Farm,” you’ll adore this inspiring picture book.)

“I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive” offers a brilliant birds-eye view. Beautifully lyrical. Unforgettable. A must-read.

“Blue” by Suzanne Kaufman beautifully captures a child’s encounter, real or imagined, with a “wild” blue heron. A picture book full of wonder.

“Daisy Rewilds” by Margaret McNamara and Kerascoet is a wonderful imagining of a girl literally becoming wild and showing, firsthand, how she rewilds her neighborhood. Such a clever idea and fun read-aloud.

Happy reading! 💚 by @jodyjoynes

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8 months ago

Rhyming Picture Books that work.

Whether it’s musical language, smooth rhyme, or strong rhythm, rhyming books can be the greatest sources of read-aloud joy.

Here’s a sprinkling of favorites that flow with ease.

What rhyming picture book—or books—lives on in your memory?

#picturebooks #rhyme #rhymetime #rhymescheme #booksforkids by @jodyjoynes

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9 months ago

2025: A Great Year for Picture Books!

When I wasn’t writing, I was reading.

Here are some Picture Books I loved from last year.

*More 2025 favorites coming in the comments as I continue reading!

Congratulations to all the creators.

Happy reading!

#picturebooks #booksforchildren #kidlit #bookrecs by @jodyjoynes

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9 months ago