Agent News

by Karen Krossing | Apr 19, 2026 | Book News, On Writing

Today, I’m celebrating my agent for the last six years. Ginger Knowlton of Curtis Brown has offered friendship, guidance, and constant encouragement through both joys and challenges. Together, we’ve launched five books that are precious to me—One Tiny Bubble, Monster vs. Boy, My Street Remembers, One Cosmic Rock, and The Cloud That Stuck. Plus, we have three more in the works—Forever Fries, My Creek Speaks, and one more picture book that hasn’t been announced yet. What a journey it’s been together! I’m grateful for every moment.

This year marks Ginger’s 40th year at Curtis Brown, and she’s decided it’s finally time to join her partner in retirement. I’ll greatly miss working with Ginger, but I’m glad she’ll be exploring new adventures in good company.

Of course, Ginger has left me in excellent hands with Elizabeth Harding as ship’s captain at Curtis Brown and my new agent Jazmia Young—a passionate advocate of books for children and youth, a maker of fancy cakes, a cat lover, and an agent with heart. I’m excited for this new partnership with Jazmia!

A Picture Book Primer

by Karen Krossing | Feb 1, 2026 | Mentoring, On Writing, Presentation News

Want to Revise Your Picture Book Manuscript?

Thanks to writer and editor Jesse Weiner for hosting me on her Inksations blog! Please check out my guest post, “Deconstruction and Reconstruction: A Primer on Picture Book Revision.” Do you have a picture book manuscript you want to revise, but you’re unsure where to begin? My article will help deconstruct what you’ve written so you can reconstruct it with intention. While you’re there, please consider subscribing to Jesse’s newsletter, which is jam-packed with writing calls, gigs, articles, interviews, and more.

Looking for More Insights?

You can also check out my upcoming Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts course through Whale Rock Workshops. I would love to see you there! For more info, go to Whale Rock Workshops or message me to chat.

Latest Reviews

One Cosmic Rock

“This vibrant, engaging book provides the perfect introduction to the last day of the dinosaurs and the resilience of life on Earth.”
Professor Paul M. Barrett, Natural History Museum, London, England

“A joyous, lyrical celebration of planetary life.”
Kirkus Reviews

Coming February 17, 2026!

The Cloud That Stuck

“A gentle, hopeful picture book about mental health and resilience, following Tansy as she learns to live with a cloud that won’t leave her side. With support, creativity, and self-acceptance, she discovers that even stormy days can bring growth, friendship, and beauty.”
MaiStoryBook

“A heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life’s rainclouds.”
Kirkus Reviews

Coming April 14, 2026!

My Street Remembers

“In clear, age-appropriate language, My StreetRemembers acknowledges injustices and harm, and invites us to do better. This is a gorgeous, moving story for readers of all ages.”
Erin Dalton, Huckleberry Books, Quill & Quire Notable Books 2025

“Local history comes alive when we think back to who lived on the land before our houses were built.”
Harriet Zaidman, Winnipeg Free Press, A Best Book of 2025

Available Now!

My Street Remembers: Interviews

by Karen Krossing | Dec 18, 2025 | Book News, On Writing

I’m honoured by this feature article in The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Book News magazine. It was written with sensitivity by a writer I greatly admire—Heather Camlot. Her books are excellent, so please seek them out. In “A Road Less Travelled,” Heather speaks with illustrator Cathie Jamieson and me about how our unconventional teamwork shaped our new book, My Street Remembers.

You can read about how our unusual collaboration added six pages to the book and why that happened, Cathie’s creation process, symbolism in her illustrations, and how we can move beyond our cultural blinders.

Heather writes, “Relationships and connections are at the heart of My Street Remembers, through its marriage of words and illustrations and through the teamwork of the author and illustrator…. My Street Remembers is the result of distinct cultural identities and the sharing of perspectives. The book ends with the line, ‘What does your street remember?’ But the question is really an introduction, an invitation to readers to discover the diverse communities of their neighbourhood—past, present and future.”

You can read the full article by becoming a member of the CCBC—an organization well worth supporting—or by purchasing an individual copy.

Notable Book

In other news, My Street Remembers was a Quill & Quire Notable Book 2025 as well as a Winnipeg Free Press Best Book of 2025.

Radio Interviews

It was also on the radio! You can listen to our radio interviews here:

More Media Interviews

Education Resources

Upcoming Workshop and Mentorships

by Karen Krossing | Dec 8, 2025 | Mentoring, On Writing

Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts

Do you have picture book manuscripts that you’d like to revise with a small, committed group of writers dedicated to helping you produce your best work? Please check out my upcoming picture-book revision class through Whale Rock Workshops.

When

Wednesdays April 22 – June 24
(excluding May 27)
7:30 – 9:10 PM EST | Online

Level

All Levels

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

This in-depth, hands-on, nine-week workshop is limited to eight participants. You’ll use your own manuscripts to explore picture-book craft/revision, you’ll discuss craft elements you can apply to your own manuscripts, and you’ll participate in weekly online discussions that dive into picture book craft topics.

Our nine weeks together include:

An initial session on learning how to participate in a writer-centered critique group—one that centers on each writer’s needs and creates a safe, nurturing feedback experience. (This session is required for participation.)
Eight 80-minute workshop sessions facilitated by me where writers will offer and receive targeted, constructive feedback that inspires revisions and helps you meet your writing goals.
Two manuscript critiques per participant during the workshop sessions, including feedback from me.
Learning about picture book craft from me and one another’s creative efforts and insights.
Eight weekly online conversation prompts about picture book craft in a separate, online digital learning space exclusive to the group.

Build-Your-Own Whale Rock Mentorships

This winter, Whale Rock is introducing a build-your-own mentorship to meet your unique needs. These are immersive, writing experiences designed to offer writers one-on-one attention, feedback, and skill-building from expert, MFA-level faculty members, including me. Please go to Build-Your-Own Mentorships to check out the options, or message me to chat.

For more info and to register, go to:

Whale Rock Workshops

Cover Reveal: The Cloud That Stuck

by Karen Krossing | Oct 17, 2025 | Book News, On Writing

I’m excited to share Dorothy Leung’s cover art for our picture book The Cloud That Stuck, coming from Charlesbridge Publishing in April 2026!

Some clouds just won’t go away. When one hovers above Tansy’s head, she learns to live with it through love, support, and creative thinking. A timely picture book about mental health, resilience, and change.

Whoosh! On a blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, blocking the sun. She yells at the cloud and tries to outrace it on her bike. Her best friend, dad, and teacher try to help get rid of it, but the cloud won’t budge. Then it rains on Tansy, and she forgets what sunshine feels like.

Having a cloud overhead feels like the worst possible thing in the world. Until Tansy gets rain boots and an umbrella. She plays in the puddles with her friends and even plants a garden and waters it with her handy, always present cloud. As Tansy finds ways to live with her cloud, she witnesses that flowers need rain, and so do rainbows.

Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.

Available for Pre-order Now

Bookshop.org

In Canada

In the US

Cover Reveal: My Street Remembers

by Karen Krossing | Jan 20, 2025 | Book News, On Writing

I’m excited to share the cover art by Cathie Jamieson of our picture book My Street Remembers, coming from Groundwood Books in Sept. 2025. This gorgeous book peels back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live.

Here’s what Cathie has to say about her cover illustration:

“Inspired by the turtle that crosses the land every season, knowing where to nest, when to move inland, and when to return to the waters. The path of the turtle shows the natural patterns of moving and living with the land and waters. Years later these pathways would be the indicator for people to move and flow with the seasonal changes to the land and water for survival. Our footpaths and Indigenous trails became the pathways that gave way to the modern roadways. A reflection on nature’s way of showing you how to navigate the space you now call home.”

We can’t wait to share this book with you!

Available for Pre-order Now

Bookshop.org

Groundwood Site

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com