2023 Mentee

“Being awarded a PBRisingStars mentorship was the gift I needed at the right time in my growth as a kidlit author-illustrator. And time is key–the mentorship provides a period of time in which to work closely with a mentor with industry experience and craft knowledge. This was unlike anything I experienced before with paid critiques at conferences or intensives that are usually brief and not designed for the critiquer to gain a greater feel for your work overall. Three months is also enough time to deepen your perspective on your own work.

You will see significant progress, even if at the end you achieved some of your original goals versus all. I enjoyed working with my mentor who provided her feedback in a warm and professional manner. The same can be said of Ebony and Kailei. They are wonderful hosts who infuse lots of fun into the program without compromising professionalism.

And now that I’m an alumnus, the mentorship keeps on giving as my circle of kidlit creators now includes my inspiring fellow mentees. When so much of writing and illustrating is done alone, the feeling of community and camaraderie is priceless. I look back on my time in the PBRisingStars mentorship with fond gratitude for all it provided to boost confidence in my skills as a storyteller in pictures and words.”

2023 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars Mentorship program is not what you may be expecting. It's much more than having a mentor. Ebony and Kailei bring the right people together to create a family of kidlit writers, willing to volunteer their time to help their fellow writers so that someday we can do the same.”

2023 Mentee

“Being selected as a 2023 PB Rising Star Mentee was an honor. It was a gateway to invaluable information and experience shared by published authors, and an awesome mentor. I was able to connect with a community of talented, aspiring writers, and built relationships that will extend beyond the mentorship program. The informative workshops and time spent with my mentor helped me to grow as a writer and allowed me to look at my work from a fresh perspective. I now have new writing tools I can use as I continue on my writing journey towards publication.”

2023 Mentee

“I've participated in my share of kidlit courses, webinars, seminars, and other opportunities to connect with kidlit creatives and gatekeepers and nothing has compared to PB Rising Stars. The experience was inspiring, validating, and vastly empowering. Connecting with my brilliant mentor Lisa Varchol Perron marked an exuberant leap forward in my writing career. Through gleaning from her vast insights and talents, I am now armed with sharpened tools, honed skills, and fortified confidence in myself and my stories. I have no doubt that this mentorship propelled my career forward. Ebony and Kailei- through their generosity, innovation, and total dedication to the kidlit community- have created an opportunity unlike any other and I feel I have found my home amongst this community of talented, gracious, and determined picture book writers about to take flight.”

2023 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars Mentorship was an incredible experience. When I had decided to pursue this career, I was seeking a mentor similar to what I had in grad school, and was dismayed to discover that this is not something that’s just out there for anyone to obtain. I learned all I could myself by joining organizations and critique groups, and taking courses and webinars - but what this mentorship provided was something completely different. First of all, the feeling that this person chose ME and MY work provided a validation that, as an unagented/unpublished writer, I couldn't get anywhere else right now--the understanding that I'm worthy, that I'm on the right path. Then there's the fact that this mentor also chose this manuscript because she knew exactly what to do with it - it wasn't me hiring a professional for a paid critique, where they are required to provide feedback no matter what, whether the MS resonates with them and they see your vision, or not. And this particular mentorship is unique because all of the mentors have been in the trenches recently. You're not getting advice and information that's been recycled for years, it's in real time, and my mind was blown more than once with regards to some of the information that was passed along to me. Regarding the actual work we did together, my mentor was able to strategically recognize patterns in my writing and my process and zero in on supporting me with revision techniques that became ingrained within me. By the time I was drafting and revising a new MS during the last month, I had my mentor's voice in my head, and I'll carry it with me always--and that's given me a confidence I didn't know I could have. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and more.”

2023 Mentee

"The PB Rising Stars mentorship program with Ebony and Kailei was such a transformative and affirming summer experience. With Sylvia Chen's guidance, I was able to more fully appreciate the intricacies of the craft from characterization, pacing, and even making room for the illustrator to express their creativity. On top of the very frank mentor conversations and insightful workshops, I left feeling more ready to take on the challenge of the publishing industry and more prepared for whatever lies ahead."

2023 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars mentorship was a fantastic experience, boosting my confidence, giving me a deeper understanding of and trust in my work, and the space to grow and develop with support from a wonderful mentor and wider network.”

2023 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars mentorship program was an invaluable experience in contributing to my growth as a picture book writer. Kailei and Ebony are passionate about helping aspiring kidlit creators grow in their craft on their journey to getting published. I was so fortunate to have been selected as a mentee. I chose to apply to two mentors who I thought would be a good fit for what I write. When my name was announced as a winner, I felt such gratitude and joy! The program not only offered one-on-one mentorship, but five webinars on topics related to children’s book publishing. It was all helpful, but I really gained so much from my relationship with my mentor. She helped me by reading my stories and giving feedback, reviewing my query letters and comp titles, and sharing her own experiences in publishing. What a gift this program is! Thank you, thank you, thank you for this amazing program.“

2023 Mentee

“My PB Rising Stars highlight was the camaraderie, in what can be a lifestyle of soul-searching solitude, that made the whole writing experience about community and sharing and opening yourself up to growth.”

2023 Mentee

“I am a grateful and humble 2023 PB Rising Stars mentee. This program helped me in so many ways—from the nurturing of the founders and my mentor, to the well designed and helpful webinars filled with fantastic panelists. Oh my, and the fun vibes? Powerful enough to float a ship full of hopeful mentees up to the stars.

My mentor was the glove to my shaky hand. Her wisdom and experience bedazzled that glove as she guided me with a thoughtful critique style, attention to detail, and speedy communication. With a mind blowing grasp of my words, she brought me into a realm of understanding what and how I was writing that literally carried me into a part of something bigger. It carries me still.”

2022 Mentee

“As an agented by unpublished writer, being a PB Rising Mentee helped me understand my place in the writing industry. Working with my mentor and participating in the webinars helped me improve my craft substantially and led me to realize what kind of career I want to have. Prior to PB Rising Stars, I knew I wanted to write PBs, but I had no specific direction or vision for my success. As a result of the program, I know exactly what I want and have better tools to get there. I think that's the best part of the program -- having the support, the community, and the resources to define who you want to be as a writer. There are many writing courses and writing mentorships out there -- and I've taken lots of them -- but this Picture Book-specific mentorship one is the cream of the crop. Nowhere else can you develop relationships with established writers and learn the nuances of how to be more successful in this industry. And the community formed with your fellow mentees is special; knowing you're not alone on the path to success and having a group of other developing writers rooting for you and supporting is the best. If you're ready to take the next step in your development and want to level up your craft, gain more industry knowledge and holistically improve as a writer, you NEED to apply for this program. You won't regret it!”

2022 Mentee

“One of the best decisions I made in 2022 was applying to and being accepted into the PBRising Stars Mentorship Program. The knowledge, experience, wisdom, encouragement, and network opportunity that I got from Ebony, Kailei and Maria, my mentor, has been invaluable. These wonderful ladies were there for me every step of the way to help me fulfill my writing goals…. In addition, I made wonderful connections and friendships with the other mentees. Writing can be a lonely and long journey but it’s more fun, rewarding, and joyous when you have other wonderful and talented people on a similar journey.

Ebony and Kailei’s devotion and commitment to creating this successful mentorship is inspiring. Not only did they create a program that has improved our writing skills, they have also created a space that’s diverse and inclusive!”

2022 Mentee

“First - I want to say that the quality of this mentorship is unparalleled. From how well organized -from the application process to the welcome packet (which is phenomenal!) To the wrap party. It's so brilliantly done and all the passion and effort put in shoes in all the details. My mentor experience was so amazing and positive and confidence boosting. My mentor (Jessica) helped me hone my skills and really helped me become a better writer. My first drafts compare to what would've been a 5th or 6th draft.”

2022 Mentee

“From the process of application to the announcement of the mentees I was guided by the most supportive and attentive team. Communications are prompt, clear and professional. The program ensures that the expectations for both the mentee and the mentor are in alignment. I was lucky to be paired with a mentor that helped me develop my stories while staying true to my voice. It was an absolute honor to be a part of the PB Rising Stars mentees. It definitely elevated my submission packet.”

2022 Mentee

“PBRisingStars is what you make of it, and for me, the experience was impactful and illuminating. Mentorship. Community. Workshops. All the good things. My mentor poured her heart into these three months, brought an invaluable perspective, and is now a dear friend and confidant. Our mentee group is still in touch, sharing roadblocks and celebrating successes. Ebony and Kailei care about developing kidlit writers and have created a program that, like wine, can only get better with time.”

2022 Mentee

“I can’t say enough good about PBRisingStars and my mentor Kailei Pew…I’m proud of what we accomplished during the mentorship…and beyond! This opportunity is the one that keeps giving. Even though the mentorship is over, the 2022 Rising Stars still support each other on Slack…Do yourself a favor even if you’ve been turned down for a mentorship before or many times before, put yourself out there and apply!✨”

2022 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars has been a super valuable and fun mentorship! The combination of workshops, working with the mentor, and connecting with other mentees was the perfect mix in this incredible experience. It was so organised and rich especially for a program held for the first time. Almost all of my knowledge about Picture Books has been through PB Rising Stars!”

2022 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars mentorship was exactly what I needed in my PB writing journey. The program helped make me a better writer with its wonderful workshops and the invaluable feedback from my mentor. It was an amazing experience, and I will be forever grateful to Ebony and Kailei for bringing together such a special group of mentees that continues to be a source of joy and inspiration.”

2022 Mentee

“Ebony and Kailei knocked it out of the park their first year and the second year looks like it's going to be even better! If that's even possible. The program was structured yet still allowed flexibility for mentors and mentees to do what worked best for them. I wasn't expecting more than to be paired with a mentor, but PB Rising Stars added in fun group Zoom meetings, craft meetings and a Slack channel that allowed communication between all the mentees. Our "class of '22" group is still keeping in touch with each other!”

2023 Mentor

“Prospective mentees and mentors, are you ready to embark on an incredible voyage that will enhance your creative journey? Then hop on board and apply to PBRisingStars today because this is one opportunity you don't want to miss! What Ebony and Kailei have created is a tightly run ship carefully helmed with kindness, compassion, and clear communication. From the application process to the wrap party, they pour their hearts into every detail so that your experience is as supportive and structured as possible, allowing you to experience maximum artistic growth with minimal stress.”

2023 Mentor

“The PB Rising Stars mentorship is a truly special program that has allowed me to be able to give back to the kidlit community. I grew as a mentor, gained new friends, and forged relationships with an incredible community. Thank you to Ebony and Kailei for this wonderful opportunity and for creating such an empowering program.”

2023 Mentor

“Being a mentor for PB Rising Stars was the highlight of my summer in 2023. Working with my mentee and interacting with the larger PB Rising Stars community were both invigorating and fulfilling experiences filled with the joy of creative collaboration and beautiful breakthrough moments. The support, educational opportunities, and structure that Kailei and Ebony provided in the mentorship were all invaluable necessities that allowed me to be the best mentor I could be.”

2022 Mentor

“Firstly my mentee, Tamara Haq, signed with an agent! That was on the top of my gratitude list for 2022 :) it felt so good to help someone, in my small way, to navigate this big, confusing publishing world. I also learned so much about mentoring and feel more confident teaching now, as compared to before…Last but not least, getting a sneak preview of Ebony’s courses was icing on the cake :)”

2022 Mentor

“The talented and supportive women (Ebony and Kailei) who run the program, mentors cheering each other on, and talented writers and writer-illustrators who were understanding and eager to jump in and do the work, these are things that really made this program such a great first time mentoring experience for me. But what stands out the most is being able to learn and give back to another creative working towards their dream.”

2022 Mentor

“I cannot speak highly enough about the program that Kailei and Ebony have put together. As a first-time mentor, I felt fully supported and set up for success. I am grateful for the opportunity this program gave me to support a tremendous up-and-coming author while also teaching me so much about myself and my own craft.”

2022 Mentor

“5 Stars for the PB Rising Stars mentorship! This is an incredibly well-run program with support for both mentor and mentee every step of the way. The program is designed to offer flexibility to each pair, allowing participants to tailor mentorship based on the needs of the mentee and the strengths of the mentor. It’s an amazing learning experience for everyone involved.”

2022, 2023 Mentor

"Participating as a mentor was an incredibly fulfilling and gratifying experience. I wanted to share my learnings and experiences in the hopes of growing another creator's work and career. I was so delighted with the collaboration, growth, and creative development of my mentees. It helped me become a better mentor, and I learned so much from my mentees too! Kailei and Ebony are so organized and supportive, and the webinars provided throughout were generous and informative. It was a joy to participate!"

2022 Mentor

“PB Rising Stars mentorship was such an amazing opportunity for me to be able to give back and gain even more than I could have ever imagined…. This mentorship was made possible all because of Kailei's tweet and Ebony's push for it. They are both so talented and will guide you every step of the way whenever needed. So grateful for them. This is great mentorship program. Grateful to have been a part of it!”

2022 Mentor

“I absolutely loved giving back to the community and offering my time and experience to aspiring authors. Ebony and Kailei are so organized and are full of gems and awesome information and I highly recommend this mentorship to aspiring authors and/or illustrators, especially BIPOC creators!”

2023, 2024 Mentor

“I've had the most incredible experience as a mentor both in #PBRisingStars' 2022 inaugural year and 2023. Each time, my mentees blew me away with their talent, turbo-charged work on multiple manuscripts, and openness to discussing a wide range of considerations and strategy for their publishing pursuits. I also personally gained invaluable perspective and insight while working closely with my mentees, collaborating with fellow mentors, and joining in on the excellent industry-focused webinars Kailei and Ebony integrate into the mentorship program. #PBRisingStars is a one-of-a-kind, career-changing opportunity for mentors and mentees!”