Children’s Book Writer. ✏️ Illustrator 🎨#SCBWI. 2026 #50PreciousWords Winner 📇Ozark Creative Writers Winner 🤩Little Free Library 📚 Educator. 🌎#amquerying
Northwest Arkansas
Joined May 2021
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I’m honored to be part of the 2026 #50PRECIOUSWORDS winners! A big thanks to @viviankirkfield & all of the judges who read & reviewed 677 submissions! I feel closer to my dream—publishing THE FEAST OF THE 7 FISHES, a picture book about my ancestors’ remarkable immigration story!
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Day 138 #365PictureBooks
VAN GOGH’S DOG
Georgia Larson & Grace Helmer
Vincent & a playful pup chase through sites of his famous works creating a fictional art origin story. Colorful & fun with great back matter about the art.
#kidlit
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Day 139 #365PictureBooks
HERE IS A BOOK
Elisha Cooper
Creativity meets logistics! ❤️ this story exploring the people, places & processes involved in creating a book. So much detail to explore in the text & beautiful watercolor/pencil art.
#kidlit
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Incredible opportunity for unagented children’s book writers!
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Day 127 #365PictureBooks
MAKING ART
by Diana Ejaita
From murals to music to messy art in your own room, the joy of creating is celebrated in this visually bold & vibrant book. Struck me as a modern, kid-friendly twist on Henri Matisse paper cut-out masterpieces.
#kidlit
Here are some of the books currently displayed at The Portland Art Museum’s incredible exhibit: “To Gather Your Leaving: Themes of Diasporic Experiences in the Northwest.”
MIDNIGHT MEADOW MURMURS, my new illustration, was inspired by the black-eyed Susans taking over our field.
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Got to be a #PBfangirl today at the NWA Book Fest! Exciting to meet creators like Zeke Pena, Ashley Franklin and Mariana Llanos! Can’t wait to share some of their fun books on #365PictureBooks
#kidlit
#writingcommunity
@SCBWIOKAR
#38 MY LANGUAGE IS A GARDEN by E.G. Alaraj & illustrated by Rachel Wada captures a father sharing his language in hopes the child will learn it, too.
“My language came from somewhere.
Its branches grew and grew.
And now, my dearest child,
I’m giving it to you.” @orcabook
#37 WHEN WE FIND HER by @MGarciaWrites & illustrated by Andre Ceolin takes place in Puerto Rico & captures Lila & Abuelo Carlos remembering & honoring Abuela Ana by trying to reproduce her sancocho, providing an intergenerational journey of healing & happiness. @VikingBooks
#36 THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by @play_greenbook & illustrated by @rgcillustration is a picture book told from a 9-year old boy’s POV, based on the author’s brother Junior & the magical library he experienced in the Jim Crow south during the 1950s & 1960s.
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the chapter book, YOU'RE SO BRAVE, GRACIE WEI by @thatkristen illustrated by Basia Tran (Knopf BFYR).
To enter, L + RP and confirm your entry in our Friday update: kidlit411.com/2026/05/the-we… (+ more ways to win)
#35 MANY THINGS AT ONCE by Vera Hiranandani & illustrated by Nadia Alam is based on the author’s upbringing as a child from 2 cultures, who experiences not feeling enough of either one, & realizes that it’s OK to feel—and be—many things at once. @randomhousekids
Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett retweeted
Day 79 #365PictureBooks
ONE CAN BE
@PatZMiller & Annie Cron
Hooray for library holds! Finally enjoying this beautiful story exploring the value of spending time alone & creating real connections when One is ready. Soothing color palate & story to enjoy many times.
#kidlit
#34 A SPOONFUL OF THE SEA by @HyewonYum highlights the Korean tradition of serving miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) on birthdays, a custom dating back more than 1,000 years when people saw whales eating seaweed right after giving birth.@NYRBooks
