2025 Mentee

“Through the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program, I grew so much as a writer, reader, and storyteller. To say this four-month program was GAME-CHANGER would be an understatement!

Not only did I strengthen (and truly level-up) my first picture book manuscript through workshops and one-on-one mentorship with award-winning children’s book author Natasha Tripplett, but I also gained insight into navigating the publishing industry and sustaining a long-term career in children’s literature.

I’m especially grateful for the PBRS Leadership Team — Layla, Kailei, Ebony, and Trenise — whose commitment to sharing honest, often under-discussed truths about being underrepresented in an elusive industry was invaluable.

My gratitude overflows, and my next steps are clear.”

2025 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars Mentorship transformed me from a writer into a storyteller. Now, when I put pen to paper, I write with intention, inviting readers to become fully immersed in the adventure or journey my characters are on. In just a few months, my confidence as an author has grown tremendously. Each workshop and the business intensive was crafted with purpose, not only to strengthen our craft and deepen our understanding of the picture book industry, but also to remind us that we each carry a gift and stories that need to be told and heard.

The PB Rising Stars team was candid and transparent about their unique writing and publishing journeys. I now carry knowledge you cannot Google and wisdom you will not find in any book. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Janay Brown-Wood, and to the entire PB Rising Stars team, Ebony, Kailei, Trenise, and Layla, for their unwavering dedication, time, and energy.”

2025 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars is a game changer. I'd never had a writing experience that leveled up my craft and knowledge of publishing to the degree this program has. The leadership team worked hard to present participants with information and workshops relevant to building the skills we'll need throughout our careers. They were extremely generous with their time and committed to helping each of us move the ball forward in the ways that made the most sense for us individually. PB Rising stars is an incomparably great program and I'm thankful for everything it puts out into the world.”

2025 Mentee

“If you are looking for a sense of belonging and a community that will lift you up and encourage you to be the best version of yourself as a person and a writer, then join the PBRS program. You will learn both the craft and business of writing picture books that are undeniably as unique as you. This was a life transformative experience for me, and I would highly recommend to all picture book authors!”

2025 Mentee

“Being a mentee in the PB Rising Program was a truly meaningful experience. I was paired with a mentor who recognized my potential and understood how deeply my manuscript mattered to me. She helped me find my voice with care and expertise. Although she was not from my culture, she made every effort to understand my story through empathy and research, and that meant so much.

The PB Rising Program is transformational. I encourage every aspiring picture book writer to apply. The Core Team often reminds participants to ask, “Why not me?” That question became my guiding mantra throughout the process. Working one-on-one with a mentor who is genuinely invested in your creative growth for several months is an opportunity that is rare and invaluable.

Beyond mentorship, the program builds lasting confidence. It reminds you that your voice matters and that you belong in this space. The PB Rising team pours thought, care, and heart into creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can connect, learn, and grow. There is structure, but also freedom to choose what serves you best as a creative.

After completing the mentorship, I began querying and received two offers within four weeks, signing with one. I highly recommend PB Rising. It is a life-changing program that stays with you long after it ends.”

2025 Mentee

“As soon as I graduated from art school, I was faced with the expectation to seize every opportunity that came my way as soon as I received my diploma. I cannot think of a better opportunity than being selected to join the PBRS family. Not only did I connect with my cohort, which consisted of individuals from all walks of life, but I also had the privilege of being mentored by someone I had admired for years and who I know I can rely on whenever I need support. I never felt like a small fish in a big pond who was in over her head. I was never given room to doubt myself. If you are someone who is truly willing to listen, absorb feedback, and make use of the information you’re given, then this is the perfect program for you, with incredibly talented people working behind the scenes. Truly, these three months have been amazing and the final piece I needed to begin building my career and pursuing my dreams.”

2025 Mentee

“When I first applied for this program I honestly just hoped to pick up a few tips and tricks about writing picture books. But this mentorship turned out to be so much more than that. It completely exceeded my expectations. I gained a deeper understanding of how to shape ideas into picture books that connect with readers. I’ve also developed new skills in illustration and creative collaboration that I never expected to explore.

Most importantly, my confidence and imagination have both reached new heights. I feel more equipped and inspired than ever to pursue my dreams, and I’m walking away from this experience with a community of incredibly talented, kind, and driven people. PB Rising truly is a one-of-a-kind program, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.”

2025, 2024 Mentee

“Thanks to my amazing mentor and the incredible craft sessions, I’m a better, more confident writer. Yet I can’t find the words to fully convey the experience that is PB Rising Stars. My mentor, my Big, Ebony, Kailei, Trenise, & Layla are all so open about their experiences and generously share their time, knowledge, & talent.They are so encouraging and supportive.

The business intensives prepared me to navigate the business of publishing. Before PBRS, I’d never heard of career mapping. I was not comfortable talking about contracts and finances as they related to my publishing career. I’d never thought about building my brand before getting a book deal. But now, I can confidently have those conversations with my agent.

But the best part of PBRS is the people. With the virtual and in-person meetups, it truly feels like a family. And any experienced kidlit creative will tell you that finding your community, your people, is crucial to succeeding in this industry. PB Rising Stars is not just a mentorship. It’s the adventure of a lifetime!”

2025 Mentee

“PBRS has been life changing for me, not only for my craft, but also providing me the tools to make my wildest writing dreams become a reality.

I am forever grateful for my mentor, Seina Wedlick for seeing potential in my work and helping me infuse more clarity and sensory elements to make my story sing. As someone newer to writing, having a successful author like Seina champion my work has given me the confidence that one day I will see my stories in the hands of kids.

In addition to mentorship, this program offers so many other opportunities to level up your craft and your future career. The five workshops helped me visualize my story on the page, make sure my first lines capture the reader’s attention, taught me how to be strategic in the words I choose to hi-light moments in a story and how illustrations and text work in harmony. The business intensive not only helped me understand contracts and the publishing industry as a whole, but also made me think of what kind of writing career I want and the steps to achieve it.

However, the most valuable thing that I will take away from PBRS is I now have a writing family and meeting many of them at the PBRS Meet-up in ALA was icing on the cake. I know that through my writing journey, I will forever have a group of fellow writers that I will be able to walk alongside with.”

2025 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars was so much more than a writing mentorship — it was my light, my compass, and my ladder. It illuminated what I didn’t know, helped me discover the direction I want to take in my writing career, and gave me the tools to reach higher with my goals. It didn’t just support my growth — it expanded my vision as an author.

I received 1:1 mentorship from the well admired Angela Pham-Krans. We tailored our time together to meet my specific writing needs. With Angela’s guidance, I instantly saw improvement in my manuscripts and gained confidence in my craft.

But beyond the 1:1 mentorship, PB Rising Stars is a lasting community of writers — here to support, cheer, advise, and celebrate your growth. I applied to this program hoping to become a better writer. I graduated from the program with refined craft tools, strong research skills, deeper industry knowledge, a new writing family, and a clearer sense of myself as an author.

From now on, every writing win will be thanks in part to the PB Rising Stars mentorship. And when setbacks come — as they inevitably do — I now have both the tools and the community to keep going.

I am forever changed as a writer thanks to Angela, Ebony, Kailei, Trenise, and Layla.”

2025 Mentee

“What can I say, but this was one of the biggest highlights of my writing career so far. The PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program took my writing to a whole other level. I had honestly felt "stuck" and this mentorship "unstuck" me, and I am filled with forward momentum. It provided me with positive feedback on my next steps and actually brought finetuning and clarity to my vision for my writing journey. My experience with my mentor was wonderfully synergistic. There was no question I posed that didn't receive a thoughtful answer. No critique that wasn't explained thoroughly with encouragement, and definitely, thought-provoking, helping me see POV, story arc, and themes in a whole new light. The craft workshops' information was presented by experts in their field and the publishing business intensives were incredibly helpful. Other than the one-on-one with my mentor, I had especially looked forward to the intensives. I knew I was scant in my knowledge in this area. I'm happy to say I am wiser and more equipped to enter the querying quest as a result.

Ebony, Kailei, Trenise, and Layla, the leadership team of PBRS, are amazing and their up-to-date communications kept us abreast on upcoming events and community opportunities. I can't imagine all that they had to do behind the scenes to make the program as seamless as it was. Most of all, they made it FUN when we had our community get-togethers.

And, community continues with the Discord group where we mentees can stay in touch which we have. It is a valuable source of information and support! Thank you PB Rising Stars! I am beyond thankful to have been chosen as a 2025 PBRS Mentee!”

2025 Mentee

“My experience in the PB Rising Stars program as a mentee was a transformation not just of my creative writing journey in picture books, but also in how I conceived of my future in the publishing industry. My mentor, Rajani, challenged and supported me to take risks in my writing and revising, and approach my work with both confidence and intention. The craft seminars from PBRS founder Ebony, picture book creators, and industry figures helped me identify points of focus for revision in my writing. The business seminars were a unique opportunity to learn some of the nitty-gritty of publishing, as well as empower us to approach the business side with a plan. And last, but maybe most valuable, it was an opportunity to connect with other authors and illustrators to develop not just critique groups and professional networks, but strong, supportive friendships.

I entered this mentorship with confidence in some of my craft skills but major gaps in others. Because of the breadth of the seminars and workshops, and the invaluable feedback and notes from my mentor, I developed my weaker skills and am a better writer. My major takeaway is that I am much more confident and skilled developing, revising, and evaluating my work on my own. I am also empowered to approach a publishing career on my terms.

The dedication that the PBRS directors Layla and Trenise had for the program, and the continued participation of founders Ebony and Kailei, helped motivate me to make the most of this program and commit to improving my craft skills. My time with my mentor was inspiring, work-filled, and productive.

PBRS helped me develop the skills to create, revise, plan, and work with intention in every aspect of my picture book writing. If you have any area you want to improve in, you should apply to the mentors in this program!”

2025 Mentee

“I was selected as a PB Rising Stars mentee during a season where my mind was creatively drained, and my plate was full. I wasn't sure what I would be able to squeeze out of this opportunity, but I'm so glad that I decided to take the leap. No matter what stage you are at in your picture book journey, this mentorship is the perfect place to plant yourself and continue to grow. In working with your mentor and the leadership team, you can craft an experience geared towards your personal goals and gain the confidence needed to take that next step.”

2025 Mentee

“Where exactly am I supposed to start to share one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve ever had? From the phenomenal support and accountability from my 1-on-1 mentorship, to the professionally-led workshops packing a punch of knowledge, all the way to the insightful business intensives that made me want to shout, “WOWZAH!”, I will forever be grateful. My heart’s desire for creating and sharing my stories has increased substantially! Because of the intricate detail and elbow grease the leadership team put into the PB Rising Stars mentorship, the mission of pulling us up the “turbulent publishing ladder” has been achieved. There’s still much to learn, but now I climb with confidence!”

2025 Mentee

“I began PB Rising Stars feeling uncertain, alone, and discouraged. Working with an insightful mentor, meeting fellow creators, and learning from the classes made a huge difference for me! I got my "bounce" back – and connected with a community of future picture book stars who were invested in sharing the ups and downs of the picture book journey. The business intensives were especially helpful, demystifying the business of books for me and giving me concrete steps I can take to find – and pursue – my particular path as a writer. I feel energized, excited, and ready to go, thanks to my amazing experiences as a mentee. I can't recommend this program highly enough!”

2025 Mentee

“I think the only thing I can say is that applying to this program is a no-brainer. It's the most welcoming, nurturing, supportive and inspiring community to be a part of. All the organisers, mentors and volunteers went above and beyond to ensure that we mentees were looked after. My writing, industry knowledge and confidence soared through these four months and I feel so sad that it's over. However, I am very grateful for the experience, and I definitely feel trained and ready for a career in publishing after it.”

2025 Mentee

“The PBRS Mentorship has been an incredible journey of growth and learning over just four months. Beyond the invaluable lessons, the sense of community, one that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates each other, has been truly special. I gained wonderful mentee friends, heaps of knowledge, and an insider’s glimpse into the publishing world, all neatly wrapped in a big, shiny bow.

When I applied, I never imagined the joy that would come from being part of something so thoughtfully created. The leadership team, Layla and Trenise, planned every detail to perfection, while Ebony and Kailei built a strong foundation rooted in love, care, and vision, something that shines through in every aspect of the program.

It was surreal to share Zoom calls with creators whose books I’ve loved and read with my kids. To say this mentorship fulfilled my writing dreams would be an understatement.

I’m truly honored to have been part of this experience. If you’re considering applying, don’t hesitate, it’s one of the most rewarding communities you’ll ever join.”

2025 Mentee

“Participating in PB Rising Stars has been a great experience. Ebony, Layla, Kailei, and Trenise have worked together to graciously share their vast knowledge and experience as children’s writers. Through carefully crafted classes and seminars, they not only taught us about the craft of children’s writing, but they also delved into the business side of writing. In addition, my mentor was very knowledgeable as a writer, illustrator, and agent. He helped me polish my writing and gave me insight about the role of an agent. It opened my eyes to many aspects of the industry and helped me to grow and develop more confidence in my writing. This experience also allowed me to connect with other up-and-coming children's writers and allowed us to share our experience and learn from one another. It has been wonderful being part of the PB Rising Stars Class of 2025.”

2025 Mentee

“When applying for a mentee, I was at a weird time in my own artistic and professional career. I knew children's book was an industry I wanted to be a part of as an artist, but there was a lot of terminology and skills I didn't quite understand despite working in the editorial end of the industry for two years. I was confident but also not confident in myself when applying. The mentorship honestly helped me gain it!

My mentor helped make my portfolio a lot more targeted towards children's book illustration and taught me a lot of the mechanical ends of book design. My portfolio is at such a different level now, and I have so much confidence as an artist now.

In addition, the workshops taught by PB Rising helped me understand what querying and agencies were. I had no clue what they were honestly! Now I know that these agencies and agents are for and how to apply to them confidently.”

2025 Mentee

“I applied three years in a row before finally getting in, and it was absolutely worth the wait and effort. From the very first meeting, I knew this program was something special. The in-person gathering at ALA was such a highlight for me. Meeting everyone face-to-face made everything feel real, and the sense of community that grew out of that weekend still amazes me. So many powerful memories from that weekend!

I had the privilege of working with Livia Blackburne as my mentor, and she went so far above and beyond what I expected. She gave her time and insight so generously, and I still find myself thinking about her feedback and encouragement. It was a real confidence booster. Honestly, I’m now rooting for her career to skyrocket just as much as I am my own.

So many of the other mentees now feel like family. Everyone is so supportive, open, and genuinely happy to see each other succeed. It’s rare to find a group of people who are all this talented and this kind at the same time. I’m proud to be part of this community and can’t wait to see where all of our journeys lead next.”

2025 Mentee

“I'm still waiting to wake up and find out this past summer as a PB Rising Stars mentee was all a dream! How can something so amazing exist in real life?! When I was chosen as a mentee, I literally screamed. But I think if I had know what this summer was going to be, I would have probably passed out instead. It exceeded every one of my expectations by about 10 million lightyears. I'm so thankful to the PBRS team and to my incredible mentor, Julia Mills, for what was truly one of the best experiences of my life.”

2025 Mentee

“Being chosen as a PB Rising Stars mentee was such an amazing opportunity. The workshops helped me grow as a writer, and the business intensive made the publishing side feel a lot less daunting and easier to understand. The mentee community made it even better, everyone was real, supportive, and easy to connect with. I’m leaving with better tools, more confidence, and a strong sense of community.”

2024 Mentee

“PBRS is just what I needed to get out of my writing funk. I will forever be grateful to Ebony, Kailei, and my awesome mentor Anne Wynter for allowing me to participate in such a supportive, skill-enhancing, community-building, brand-honing, industry-understanding, and validating experience. Being a 2024 PBRS mentee exceeded my expectations 10-fold!”

2024 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars for the WIN! I never imagined that I would be lucky enough to be picked as a PB Rising Star and fulfill one of my dreams. To be paired with an incredible mentor, to have my work validated and to now be a lifetime member in a community of rockstars, well, there are no words. This program is the best of the best and Ebony, Kailei, Layla, and Trenise have poured their hearts and souls into this and everything they do. The level of effort, detail and inspiration will last me a lifetime. I cannot thank them enough.”

2024 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars has been a blessing in many ways. My writing skills have improved immensely. I have the confidence to continue on my writing journey. The support from my mentor, Ebony, and Kailei has been incredible. This experience was invaluable and will be etched in my memories for many years. I highly recommend this mentorship to anyone who desires to write children’s books!”

2024 Mentee

“I believe that many years from now, I will remember the summer of 2024 as the summer of PB Rising Stars. It was the first time I had a consistent period dedicated to writing, and I had the privilege of working with my mentor, Tina Cho. Through the PB Rising Star program, I focused on improving my craft, writing, and revising. I also learned about the business side of writing from founders Ebony and Kailei. This summer was tremendously helpful for my growth as a writer.”

2024 Mentee

“Being chosen as a mentee was truly a blessing. Not only did I learn SO much about the craft of writing for children, I made so many new friends and look forward to a lifelong friendship with my mentor. I cannot thank Ebony and Kailei enough for the time, hard work, and love they put into PB Rising Stars.”

2024 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars Mentorship was full of knowledge, well organized, and craft focused. My confidence and skill set grew tremendously with each mentor chat, webinar, and virtual class. I also gained a mentee family and a mentor friend for life—and community is so beneficial in this field. I feel more ready than ever to move forward towards my goals and I owe a lot of that feeling to this program. It truly is a game changer.”

2024 Mentee

“Getting a PB Rising Stars Mentorship is going to be a POWERFUL addition to any writing or illustration career in Publishing. Not only did my craft improve, but I now have an even sharper handle on my brand and my business as a children's book illustrator.

Don't sell yourself short. Make sure you apply!”

2024 Mentee

“Being selected as a mentee in the PB Rising Mentorship Program was a dream come true! Working with Srividhya was a delight. Her feedback has helped me grow as a writer. I will carry all her advice with me as I continue my writing journey. The business-intensive workshops with Ebony and Kailei were transformative, teaching me valuable skills like querying and revising and providing abundance of information about working in publishing industry. This program has boosted my confidence and connected me with a supportive kidlit community. I’m incredibly grateful that I had this opportunity and highly recommend it to anyone considering it!”

2024 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars mentorship likely changed my life. I feel incredibly grateful for everything my mentor, Kailei & Ebony gave me this summer. They each were so generous with their time and genuinely believe in me, which is invaluable. Jordan (who I am still star-struck by, lol) was very encouraging and patient, teaching me about what he liked in my writing specifically, and gently pointing out areas that I should improve. Without telling me exactly how to fix things, he let me talk through things and work collaboratively with him, so I could see what worked and what didn't. His teaching style and mentorship gave me the tools & confidence to learn how to continue improving my work independently, beyond this mentorship. Also, Kailei & Ebony's business incentive month was SO helpful. I feel like I took a business class in an MFA program or something. I learned more about things I didn't even know I didn't know but needed to. Additionally (if I even needed more!), this mentorship gave me a community of fabulous, encouraging picture book creators. I can't wait to stay in touch with everyone and celebrate whatever happens next together! Thank you to PB Rising Stars from the bottom of my happy little heart.”

2024 Mentee

“I can’t say enough good things about this program! If I had to categorize PB Rising Stars in one word, it would be: transformative. My mentor was so knowledgeable, honest, and reassuring; I felt like I was learning from (and with) an old friend. At the start of the mentorship, I made a list of goals but between meetings with my mentor, the craft workshops, and the business intensives, my growth far exceeded what I thought was even possible. The generosity and kindness of everyone involved in this program is really what makes it so special. From the community amongst mentees to the support from the PB Rising Stars team, an environment of intense learning was not only cultivated but nurtured. I’m beyond grateful for this mentorship and honored to be a forever member of the PB Rising Stars family. Anyone looking to improve their craft and build their confidence should apply to be a mentee — it will undoubtedly be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself!”

2024 Mentee

“PB Rising Stars has made a huge difference in my picture book writing and illustrating practice. My mentor, Monica Arnaldo, showed me what an established, sustainable career in publishing could look like. She offered sharp insights, and pushed me to connect with traditional media in a fun and playful way. The workshops throughout the program sparked new ideas and deepened my understanding of the publishing industry.

I started the program after a round of querying agents that got me several warm rejections. I resolved to focus on building my craft, forging connections, and polishing my picture book dummies. But, with the encouragement of my mentor, I queried my top-choice agent. I am delighted to share that agent offered representation, and I accepted! PB Rising Stars and my mentee were critical to getting to this point, and I feel prepared to take the next step on my picture book journey because of everything I’ve learned. I'm so glad I applied, and so glad to be part of PB Rising Stars.”

2024 Mentee

“I've taken workshops and classes before, but the PB Rising Stars Mentorship completely transformed how I write, and how I approach the business of writing. My mentor, Sade Smith (Julie and The Mango Tree and Granny's Kitchen), was beyond amazing. She shared her knowledge, encouraged, and pointed out areas to focus on and thoughts to keep in mind, while ensuring I developed my stories the way I envisioned them, only better. I marvel how I can now look back at my older manuscripts, identify where they were lacking, and more importantly, make improvements based on the skills I've gained from her. The unparalleled bonus of Ebony and Kailei sharing their professional insights, altered how I saw myself as a writer, and gave me the ability to build my career from a much stronger foundation of industry knowledge. I was stunned by their impeccable organizational skills, the care with which they ran the program, and the generous commitment they have to give back to the writing community. The PBRS family has been beautifully welcoming and I will be forever grateful to have been chosen as a 2024 mentee.”

2024 Mentee

“How do I begin to sum up my thank yous to the PB Rising Stars mentorship program? It has been the most transformative experience for me, not only as a writer but as a person of color navigating the publishing space. I am stronger in my words and in my belief of myself because of the mentorship and friendship I have with my mentor Kealani Netani. Her knowledge and kindness has marked me forever and I am eternally grateful I get to walk away from this program with a life long friend along with the strength to tackle the query process on my journey to being published. Infinite thank you PBRS! You're the real deal!”

2024 Mentee

“The PB Rising Stars mentorship helped me find a new direction in my work. The experience has given me a renewed sense of excitement and confidence as I embark upon the next part of my creative journey.”

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

“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

“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

“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 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

“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.”

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

“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

“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.”

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

“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!”

2022 Mentee

“How do I find the words? The PB Rising Stars Mentorship changed my life. This isn’t a quick path to being agented or getting a book deal. This program is the perfect opportunity for both creative and personal development, in whichever ways you need it most. My mentor, Ebony Lynn Mudd, helped me identify all the parts in the writing process where I needed more structure (namely, having an actual writing process instead of creating whenever I’m in the mood), and that has changed my work for the better. Forever.

Aside from having endless support + resources from Kailei, Ebony, and my fellow mentees, PB Rising Stars also gave me a community. And that’s priceless.”