Natascha Morris

As requested, an expansion on my picture book #MSWL
bsky.app/profile/socalledyalife.bsky.social/post/3llceganq522d

I have started calling picture books that are fun and entertaining and a bit commercial with a subtle message or theme as "pickles". They're not really vegetables, but they are made out of cucumbers. Kids don't think of them as vegetables (but again, cucumbers). That's the PB I want #MSWL

2025 #MSWL :
-an YA Fantasy that feels fresh
-a sweeping epic YA romance
-a great YA mystery (LOVE Rian Johnson and if you can comp to the vibes there, even better)
-a YA mermaid book
-College set sex advice column book
-hypernormality in Dystopian
-spooky adjacent picture book
-weird and quirky

#MSWL for picture books: picture day books!

I want a book with nature. #MSWl #PB

I want a quirky, humorous picture book. That definitely uses kid logic. #MSWL

But I also want narrative nonfiction that isn't just biographies. I want to learn things about the world. Chemistry is cool! Also biology *while cool* can be gross and cool. #MSWL #PB

For picture books, I tend to lean towards a more commercial edge. And humor, with a heart of gold is 100% where my heart lies. #MSWL

Picture Book #MSWL I want to see in the new year:
-spooky adjacent
-weird but with a heart of gold

After hanging at the indie bookstore this weekend, it is really apparent i need more comedy picture books. Fun stories. High concept. #MSWL

I really want a cozy spooky adjacent picture book when I open in October. #MSWL

I tend not to get super specific on my PB MSWLs since I love to be surprised but what I am looking for is the "heart of gold" in the story. Your book can be weird, sweet, funny, lyrical, commercial, whatever, but I want heart.

First up, I am looking for picture books with heart. If your books comps with GRANDPA GRUMPS, NOT QUITE NARWHAL, SKULLS, or any of these, I want to see.

It is rare that I have a #PB #MSWL but I am thinking about FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS and I would love a picture book that comps to that

But I also want narrative nonfiction that isn't just biographies. I want to learn things about the world. Chemistry is cool! Also biology *while cool* can be gross and cool. #MSWL #PB

For picture books, I tend to lean towards a more commercial edge. And humor, with a heart of gold is 100% where my heart lies. #MSWL

#MSWL if you are looking for some PB ideas, there are some great ones in one of my Pinterest boards: pinterest.com/nataschamorris…

So rather than do a PB #MSWL ahead of reopening today, let's just retweet a thread of great picture books.

I need some picture books, but I want commercial fun things. #MSWL

Consider it DONE #MSWL #PB