Keith Harrell
@krharrellnw.bsky.social
Catholic. Family focused. Picture book writer. Cyclist. Retired aeronautical engineer. Lover of language, the outdoors, residential architecture, and wonder.
My #Kidlitchucklechallenge entry is in. Thanks to the organizers. I had fun with this again this year.
September 10, 2026 at 3:31 PM
My #Kidlitchucklechallenge entry is in. Thanks to the organizers. I had fun with this again this year.
I submitted 3 pitches for picture books on #SmallPitch today. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plus, it's always helpful to refine pitches. Thank you to the organizers.
July 13, 2026 at 10:27 PM
I submitted 3 pitches for picture books on #SmallPitch today. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plus, it's always helpful to refine pitches. Thank you to the organizers.
#querying It's kind of a weird process, right? I am a #PB writer, and generally when you query you send one MS. I think my work is similar to what Amy Krouse Rosenthal produced (RIP). Her work was quite varied. But how do I put that in a query for one MS? Thinking out loud...
April 30, 2026 at 3:09 PM
#questpit #Q #PB What is THE BIGGEST PRESENT EVER? It is 280 words exploring what a boy imagines it could be. Could it be a dinosaur egg? A basketball hoop? It seems to be getting bigger with each page turn. Dad’s answers are mysterious until the present is revealed. Full of heart.
April 29, 2026 at 2:16 PM
#questpit #Q #PB MY NEW BEST FRIEND is a 320 word picture book that saves the identities of a boy’s old and new best friends until near the end. He’s a little unsure about his new best friend. He misses his old best friend. No best friend is perfect, but sometimes a friend truly steals your heart.
April 29, 2026 at 2:11 PM
PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison ... plus a giveaway, too! writersrumpus.com/2026/04/21/p...
PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison … plus a giveaway, too!
You’ll be whipping up a delicious batch of pancakes after reading this interview with incredibly talented Carrie Finison – just like you likely ran out to purchase your favorite doughnu…
writersrumpus.com
April 22, 2026 at 2:34 AM
PLENTY OF PANCAKES: Interview with incredibly talented author Carrie Finison ... plus a giveaway, too! writersrumpus.com/2026/04/21/p...
Reposted by Keith Harrell
From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/trash-traps-litter-prevention/
Meet Mr. Trash Wheel and His Trash-Catching Friends
From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans.
reasonstobecheerful.world
April 16, 2026 at 6:45 PM
From simple storm drain traps to swimming robots, “trash traps” are capturing litter before it can wash into streams, rivers and oceans. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/trash-traps-litter-prevention/
#kidlit At my local library I recently came across two picture books by Al Rodin, including "An Adventure for Lia and Lion." It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure, and the illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully we'll see more from him - great stuff.
April 14, 2026 at 7:11 PM
#kidlit At my local library I recently came across two picture books by Al Rodin, including "An Adventure for Lia and Lion." It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure, and the illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully we'll see more from him - great stuff.
I read a lot of picture books, but I still find that I am discovering writers and illustrators that are new to me. I recently came across some delightful books illustrated by Jean Jullien. His illustrations are slightly off kilter, and I mean that in a good way. They just make me smile.
April 12, 2026 at 4:26 PM
I read a lot of picture books, but I still find that I am discovering writers and illustrators that are new to me. I recently came across some delightful books illustrated by Jean Jullien. His illustrations are slightly off kilter, and I mean that in a good way. They just make me smile.
Reposted by Keith Harrell
Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/monarch-butterflies-survival-conservation/
Can We Bring Back the Butterflies?
Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help.
reasonstobecheerful.world
April 7, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Monarch butterflies have long survived the winter through a spectacular feat of cross-continental migration. But they need our help. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/monarch-butterflies-survival-conservation/
I read the PB "Little Echo" by Al Rodin today. The illustrations are beautiful and it is a sweet story. I wasn't familiar with his work until now. It's always a joy to read a talented PB creator that is new to me.
April 1, 2026 at 10:01 PM
I read the PB "Little Echo" by Al Rodin today. The illustrations are beautiful and it is a sweet story. I wasn't familiar with his work until now. It's always a joy to read a talented PB creator that is new to me.
A member of my local critique group has a new NF book out on endangered black-footed ferrets (BFF's). Please help save this endangered species by purchasing her book and spreading the word that this species needs our help. Look for BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets by Elaine Miller Bond.
March 4, 2026 at 2:50 PM
A member of my local critique group has a new NF book out on endangered black-footed ferrets (BFF's). Please help save this endangered species by purchasing her book and spreading the word that this species needs our help. Look for BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets by Elaine Miller Bond.
#pbparty entry date is coming up soon. I have a MS that I'm excited to enter. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I submitted my #50preciouswords entry yesterday.
March 4, 2026 at 1:52 PM
#pbparty entry date is coming up soon. I have a MS that I'm excited to enter. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I submitted my #50preciouswords entry yesterday.
I just submitted my entry for the #KidlitChuckleChallenge. I made myself laugh, so that's a win no matter what the results of the contest.😀 Thanks to the authors that set this up!
September 16, 2025 at 3:02 AM
I just submitted my entry for the #KidlitChuckleChallenge. I made myself laugh, so that's a win no matter what the results of the contest.😀 Thanks to the authors that set this up!
Well, I have to admit to being disappointed that my MS did not make the cut for #PBParty. I reread my MS this morning and found one word change to make. I think my MS is the best I can make it right now. So, I will soldier on. It will be on bookshelves one day. Perseverance!
March 17, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Well, I have to admit to being disappointed that my MS did not make the cut for #PBParty. I reread my MS this morning and found one word change to make. I think my MS is the best I can make it right now. So, I will soldier on. It will be on bookshelves one day. Perseverance!
While I wait (somewhat impatiently) for #PBParty results, I want to say thank you to all of the folks that make this contest happen. I have a small inkling of what it must take to put this on, and I'm really grateful to all of the volunteers.
March 8, 2024 at 4:05 AM
While I wait (somewhat impatiently) for #PBParty results, I want to say thank you to all of the folks that make this contest happen. I have a small inkling of what it must take to put this on, and I'm really grateful to all of the volunteers.
I was chatting last night with someone in a picture book critique group who wasn't familiar with Bill Peet's work. He is one of my all time favorite PB authors (and illustrators). I love reading and creating new picture books, but I think it's important to promote the great work of the past.
March 8, 2024 at 4:02 AM
I was chatting last night with someone in a picture book critique group who wasn't familiar with Bill Peet's work. He is one of my all time favorite PB authors (and illustrators). I love reading and creating new picture books, but I think it's important to promote the great work of the past.
I entered #PBParty yesterday. It's gratifying to know that I have made a great deal of progress since I submitted last year. Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased with the work I entered this year.
February 23, 2024 at 6:01 PM
I entered #PBParty yesterday. It's gratifying to know that I have made a great deal of progress since I submitted last year. Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased with the work I entered this year.