Veronica Bartles

@vbartles

Author: THE PRINCESS & THE FROGS and TWELVE STEPS, recycle-knitter, graphic designer (web/book design, etc.) #KidLitConfections cookie queen, book-grandma, #ActuallyAutistic. (she/her)

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Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 7d

Celebrating all types of #KidLit on #KidLitChat tonight means we should have an assortment of virtual treats, yes? #KidLitConfections for tonight: Chocolate Walnut Pie, Re-imagined Berger Cookies, "Good Different" Oatmeal Cookies, & Vanilla Olive Oil Mug Cake

close-up photo of a chocolate walnut pie on a wooden tabletop, with the covers of 3 books: FATIMA TATE TAKES THE CAKE by Khadijah VanBrakle, PIE IN THE SKY by Remi Lai, and PORCUPINE'S PIE by Laura Renauld and Jennie Poh in a column along the right edge of the photo

two columns of sugar cookies topped with a thick layer of fudge on parchment paper, with the covers of 5 books surrounding them on the right side - THE PRINCESS AND THE FROGS by Veronica Bartles and Sara Palacios, SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen and Diane Stanley, WE CAN'T KEEP MEETING LIKE THIS by Rachel Lynn Solomon, IT'S NOT HANSEL AND GRETEL by Josh Funk and Edwardian Taylor, and HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS by Janet Sumner Johnson and Courtney Dawson

oatmeal raisin cookies on a white plate with a pink flower border, centered on a brown, tan, and turquoise round placemat book covers for SAME LOVE, DIFFERENT HUG by Sarah Hovorka and Abbey Bryant, GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt, and THE LOTUS FLOWER CHAMPION by Pintip and Love Dunn are shown in a column along the right edge of the photo

KidLitConfections image altered to share a happy 15th birthday wish to #KidLitChat (back in 2024), with the hippo carrying a birthday cake with candles instead of a tray of cookies, and images of the vanilla & olive oil mug cake steps in a column along the right side of the image

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 14d

Happy Birthday #KidLitChat! Birthdays deserve cake, and I had plans to create a brand new #KidLitConfections cake recipe for the occasion, but my day got away from me, so I'm reposting this recipe for a Vanilla Olive Oil mug cake I created for the 15th birthday. Plus bonus chocolate cupcakes!

Allergy-safe Chocolate Cupcakes: Dark Chocolate cupcakes that are gluten free, egg free, & dairy free (also free of nuts, soy... all of the top food allergens)! But don't worry, they are definitely not flavor-free!

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 21d

And since I'm still stuck on last week's topic, and thinking about all the ice cream... I suppose I need to supply some ice cream to go with the book, right? Here's a giant brownie sundae for your virtual tastebuds to enjoy! #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

Giant dark chocolate brownie with 6 scoops of cookies-n-cream ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and nuts, on a large red plate on top of a wooden table

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 21d

Oops! I guess I should have named the book, since this conversation is from last week's #KidLitChat ... My grandson's new obsession (thanks @deborahpaquette.bsky.social) is ALL THE ICE CREAM IN THE WORLD by Masoud Gharehbaghi Such a beautiful book, with such a beautiful, hopeful message!

grandson staring lovingly at ALL THE ICE CREAM IN THE WORLD by Masoud Gharehbaghi (as he tried to convince me to read it to him a 4th time before bedtime, even though I said the 3rd time was the ABSOLUTE LAST TIME ... and of course we read it one more time.)

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 28d

I also think I AM A BON DANCER by @brandiauyemura.bsky.social would make a beautiful short. Animated or live action. I'd watch either. And of course I have a cookie ready to bribe my way onto that one too! Ginger Peach Cookies with Lemon and Peach Curd and Sugar Pearls #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

Peach Ginger cookies with swirls of Lemon Curd and Peach/Ginger curd, garnished with sugar pearls

cover of I AM A BON DANCER by Brandi-Ann Uyemura and Amy Matsushita-Beal - a young girl in a peach-colored kimono with a red flower in her hair dances in front of a yellow background, with the title text in white at the top of the image

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· 28d

I just finished reading A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila, and I would love to see that one as a movie. I think I would bribe my way in by providing my Lemon Basil Cookies for craft services. #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

white bowl on a red tablecloth, filled with bite-sized Lemon Basil Cookies

cover of A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila: a young Hispanic boy peers out through the branches of a lemon tree. There are awards stickers on the cover for the Newberry Honor and Pura Belpre Honor

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 24

And sometimes I'll go cook something that my characters would be eating. Engage all the senses to see the story in a new light! Two recipes that helped me get through my novel, TWELVE STEPS (1 sweet, 1 savory): Giant Brownie Sundae & Chili Cheese Fries #KidLitChat

giant brownie sundae with 6 scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, hot caramel, whipped cream & nuts (not pictured: cherry on top of the whipped cream)

plate full of chili cheese fries with a fork

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 23

My writing notebook has a new accessory

Green spiral notebook with an “I voted” sticker in the upper left corner

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 17

It feels fitting tonight that the #KidLitConfections treats for #KidLitChat should be my Better Than Berger Cookies: a recipe I reinvented from the original MD favorite treat. I've paired it with a handful of fractured fairy tales, including SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen & Diane Stanley

sugar cookie topped with a thick layer of fudge, with the cover of SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen and Diane Stanley on the left side

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 17

If you want a peek at the books and authors that inspire me, you can always look at my list of #KidLitConfections (screenshots below of the books I've highlighted so far on my site: vbartles.com/kidlitconfec...) - But of course, that is just a tiny sliver of the real answer! #KidLitChat

screenshot of the #KidLitConfections page of my website (https://vbartles.com/kidlitconfections.htm), with middle grade and YA books that I've featured and the sweets I've paired them with. Books listed include: THE 14 FIBS OF GREGORY K. by Greg Pincus, FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ELIZA AND THE FLOWER FAIRIES by Megan McDonald & Lenny Wen, GHOST SQUAD by Claribel Ortega, GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt, KWAME CRASHES THE UNDERWORLD and A METHOD OF MAGIC AND MISFORTUNE both by Craig Kofi Farmer, PIE IN THE SKY by Remi Lai, AUTHORITY and TRACKER 220 both by Jamie Krakover, SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen & Diane Stanley, FATIMA TATE TAKES THE CAKE and MY PERFECT FAMILY both by Khadijah VanBrakle, GOING BICOASTAL by Dahlia Adler. I'LL FIND YOU WHERE THE TIMELINE ENDS by Kylie Lee Baker, THE LOTUS FLOWER CHAMPION by Pintip Dunn & Love Dunn, and WE CAN'T KEEP MEETING LIKE THIS by Rachel Lynn Solomon. Each book is paired with a cookie, pie, or other dessert that reflects my impression of the book.

screenshot of the #KidLitConfections page of my website (https://vbartles.com/kidlitconfections.htm), with picture books that I've featured and the sweets I've paired them with. Books listed include:
CATERWAUL by Ann Marie Stephens & Jenn Harney, GILBERT AND THE GHOST by Heather Pierce Stigall & Jess Mason, HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS by Janet Sumner Johnson & Courtney Dawson, IT'S NOT HANSEL AND GRETEL by Josh Funk & Edwardian Taylor, PEG GETS PLUCKY by Jo Renfro, PORCUPINE'S PIE by Laura Renauld & Jennie Poh, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROGS by Veronica Bartles & Sara Palacios (yes, I'm even inspired by my own book. If I can do it once, I can do it again--and also... Have you SEEN the gorgeous illustrations that Sara Palacios did for this book??), PUMPKIN DAY FOR BOO AND BELLE by Laura Sassi & Farah Shah, SAME LOVE, DIFFERENT HUG by Sarah Hovorka & Abbey Bryant, and TODAY by Gabi Snyder & Stephanie Graegin
Each book is paired with a cookie, pie, or other dessert that reflects my impression of the book.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 10

While we chat about great books to read this summer, have some Raspberry Lemonade Cookies, which pair well with GOING BICOASTAL by @missdahlelama.dahliaadler.com #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections recipe & book review link: i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-si...

a pile of bright pink Raspberry Lemonade Cookies on an olive green plate with a ridged, rust-colored sunburst pattern around the rim

Cover of Dahlia Adler's GOING BICOASTAL - The cover is divided into two vertically, with the title Going Bicoastal across the top. A teen brunette stands in the middle. On her right, the New York City skyline rises in the background behind a redheaded punk girl perched on a ledge. On her left, with beachy LA in the background, a dark-haired boy leans against a taco truck called Bros Over Tacos.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 10

So many picture books!!! My grandson's current favorite is ATTACK BUNNIES by @authorlauragehl.bsky.social & @julspatton.bsky.social We're reading that a lot (I had to go buy a copy because the copy I checked out from the public library was overdue.) bookshop.org/a/8835/97815... #KidLitChat

Cover of ATTACK BUNNIES by Laura Gehl and Julia Patton. A yellow background with the title in red and a yellow starburst pattern reminiscent of old comic book "Pow!" imagery filling up the space. 2 bunnies, one bluish-grey and one pink, are in attack poses underneath the title.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Jun 3

Oh!!! And before #KidLitChat is over, I have to share refreshments!! Here is my most recent creation (still looking for the book to pair it with): Gluten-free Italian Rainbow Cookies!

Italian Rainbow Cookies: 3-layer almond sugar cookies in red, white and green, with layers of raspberry jam in between the layers and topped with chocolate

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· May 20

As promised, it's a "Yay, cake!" night here on #KidLitChat <3 This #KidLitConfections cupcake is allergy-friendly: no gluten, milk, eggs, soy, or nuts. But it's perfectly airy and flavorful. Most people don't know they're not eating a "regular" chocolate cupcake when I give it to them. :)

white plate with 2 chocolate cupcakes, dusted with powdered sugar. One cupcake is cut in half, so you can see the detail of the crumb.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· May 13

Best pie to soothe unexpected feedback, you say? I think all pie works! Take your pick! #KidLitConfections 3.14 Ultimate Pi(e), Apple Walnut Pie, Strawberry Cream Pie, or (invented specifically for #KidLitChat) Popcorn Pie (all recipes on my website: vbartles.com/recipes.htm)

3.14 Ultimate Pi(e) - a multi-layer pie that combines cheesecake, caramel and chocolate mousse, and a rich vanilla whipped cream

slice of Apple Walnut pie with a scoop of caramel ice cream on top

bright pink Strawberry Cream Pie, topped with a ring of strawberry slices

Popcorn Pie: a caramel corn "crust" filled with popcorn custard and topped with whipped cream rosettes

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· May 6

Oh! and the recipe for this week's #KidLitConfections post is up on my website: i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2026/04/you-...

close-up of a plate with a colorful, floral border and a pile of Happy Smiles Cookies (sugar cookies, with a smiley face cut into the cookie before baking). To the right of the cookies is a vertical column with the book covers for THIS WAY TO HAPPY by Alison Green Myers, I AM NOT HAPPY by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson, and HAPPY RIGHT NOW by Julie Berry and Holly Hatam.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· May 6

Speaking of trying (& failing) to keep track of things... it's already halfway through #KidLitChat and I haven't brought out the treats! Please enjoy these Happy Smiles Cookies, which I have paired with THREE different books this time around! #KidLitConfections

plate with a colorful, floral border and a pile of Happy Smiles Cookies (sugar cookies, both plain and dusted with cocoa powder, with a happy face smile cut into the cookie before baking)

plate with a colorful, floral border and a close-up of a pile of Happy Smiles Cookies (sugar cookies, both plain and dusted with cocoa powder, with a happy face smile cut into the cookie before baking). On the left is the cover of I AM NOT HAPPY by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Apr 29

Today's #KidLitChat treats: A crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookie for fans of Russian Teacakes, with the flavor profile of a classic lemon bar. These Lemon Snowball Cookies pair well with SNOW by @meeratrehan.bsky.social #KidLitConfections

close-up photo of a pile of Lemon Snowball Cookies: a crisp teacake-style cookie coated in powdered sugar

cover of the book SNOW by Meera Trehan, with a gold Junior Library Guild "Gold Selection" emblem in the lower right corner

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Apr 22

My best tip for revising a delicious dessert is to keep asking "what if?" & refining the recipe until you have something amazing! For example... Cinnamon Rolls ... that can be baked in a crock pot ... that become sugar cookies ... that become gluten free cookies! #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

close-up photo of cinnamon rolls baking in a crock pot

close-up photo of a pile of unfrosted cinnamon roll sugar cookies

split image: to the left are three large gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies stacked on a white plate with a pink and green floral border, to the right are three frosted gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies on a blue plate

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Apr 15

For what's trending in desserts... Well, (not to brag, but...) I am a foremost authority here. In case you were wondering, here are some current dessert trends: Cheesecake Stroopwafel Cookies & 3.14 "Ultimate Pi(e)" #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

cropped photo of a close-up of Cheesecake Stroopwafel Cookies: 2 thin, vanilla waffle cone wafers with caramel and cheesecake filling sandwiched in between. The cookies are sitting close together on top of a sheet of parchment paper, and the caramel and cheesecake fillings are peeking out from between the wafers of each cookie sandwich. The cookie in the top left corner of the image has the top wafer removed, so you can see the concentric circles of cheesecake, caramel, and cookie wafer.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Apr 1

I give you my solemn vow that I will never put "no pie" energy out into the world! And here's a bonus pie to show I'm serious! Lime and Coconut Cream Pie i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2016/03/lime... #KidLitChat

Lime Cream Pie, garnished with green toasted coconut to make a little "nest" in the center for jellybean "eggs"

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Apr 1

Pie is always the 1st step! Enjoy! 3.14 Pie i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2025/10/ulti... Apple Walnut i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2025/11/appl... Chocolate Walnut i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2024/02/easy... Super-Simple Strawberry Cream i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2016/03/supe... #KidLitChat

Full Chocolate Walnut Pie on a wooden tabletop

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 25

#KidLitChat with a Tea? As in these delicious Lavender Chamomile Cookies? (I'm sure that's the kind of T you were missing there, right?) - Here's the recipe, so you don't lose the Tea again. ;) i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2025/08/lave... #KidLitConfections

Lavendar Chamomile Sugar Cookie, topped with a thick layer of Lavendar Fudge, on a white plate

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 25

Speaking of delicious desserts that pair with great books... Last weekend, I made some Croissant Cookies to pair with IT'S YOU EVERY TIME by @cthomasbooks.bsky.social - I promise I'm going to write up the recipe and share it soon!! #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

Cover of IT'S YOU EVERY TIME by Charlene Thomas

6 Croissant Cookies on a green and brown plate, on a countertop

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 18

Not as amazing as yours, Brian, but I made myself a sandwich after #KidLitChat

Corned beef and Swiss sandwich with coleslaw on rye bread

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 18

Oh!!! I apologize for my oversight. Here is the promised pie for tonight. (For Pi Day this year, I had to make a Boston Cream Pie-inspired pie... because it always hurt my brain that the dessert with that name is a very delicious cake.) #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

Boston Cream Pie... as a pie! - 3/4 of the pie in a pie plate on a wooden table. You can see the chocolate and custard layers (which swirled together a bit when the pie was cut.

Boston Cream Pie... as a pie! - top-down view of the pie, with half the slices missing, in a pie plate on a wooden table.

Boston Cream Pie... as a pie! - close-up of the cut pie in a pie plate on a wooden table. You can see the chocolate and custard layers (which swirled together a bit when the pie was cut.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 18

Back when I used to go to in-person conferences more, I had a deadline for perfecting recipes. Because I would show up at the conference with containers of cookies for my friends to try. Like the Mint Chocolate Chip cookies for a conference on a March 17th weekend. #KidLitChat #KidLitConfections

3 Mint Chocolate Chip cookies and 3 regular Chocolate Chip cookies on a white plate with a green rim.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 18

Back when #PitMad was a thing, I wrote my official #EgoClub rules for online pitch contests, and I used to jump into the chat with my intentional obliviousness (& encourage it in others) every time a pitch party rolled around. #KidLitChat Here are the rules, in case anyone needs them!!

header: Illustration of Veronica Bartles on the left and a ghost at a typewriter on the right against a blue background with text that says "Veronica Bartles' #EgoClub Rules for Online Pitch Contests"
Rule #1: ALL Positive Posts from Judges are About You!
Is one of the judges gushing about the most amazing manuscript they’ve ever seen? It was yours. Did one mention that they literally laughed out loud at the last entry they read? Obviously yours. They said they’re reading the best paranormal romance ever written, and you submitted a historical thriller? Still yours!! Every positive post that comes from one of the judges is a secretly-coded love letter written just for you. Because You Are Awesome.

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 11

One of the boldest things I've done in my writing life (not specifically in writing the actual manuscripts)... was joining #KidLitChat and declaring myself the Official Refreshments Chair for the chat until everyone just accepted it and let me share #KidLitConfections every week. :)

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse pie - chocolate crust with peanut butter mousse, chocolate mousse, and whipped cream

Veronica Bartles@vbartles· Mar 4

Currently, I am having fun with the @merriam-webster.com “Reunions” word game. I play a round of the game and then the first 3 words that catch my attention from the solved grid become my story prompt 😊 bonus: I feel like the cute hedgehog & fox are cheering me on! #KidLitChat