#IndieLitMagGala 2025 Spotlight: Little Thoughts Press

Children’s literature often gets pushed to the side in the “serious” literary world—dismissed as cute, simple, or somehow less worthy of analysis and celebration. But Little Thoughts Press is the kind of journal that proves how wrong that thinking is.

This magazine isn’t just publishing for children. It’s publishing with children. It’s fostering intergenerational creativity. It’s creating space where wonder and craft meet, where empathy is taught by example, and where adults and young writers alike are encouraged to take imaginative risks.

Nominated with genuine admiration, the words were clear:

“Too many folk in the writing world don’t take kid lit seriously… Little Thoughts Press produces beautiful magazines that foster wonder and provoke thought… They are kind, transparent, and inclusive.”

That’s what matters. Let’s dig in.

What They Do

Little Thoughts Press (LTP) is a thematic literary magazine publishing poetry, stories, and artwork for young readers, as well as by them. Each issue features work from adults and children or teens, side by side—not as a gimmick, but as part of a deep editorial ethos: young voices matter.

The magazine is known for its beautiful illustrations, thanks to a skilled and thoughtful team: Rachael Harbert, Kim Wagner Nolan, and Imogen Hartland. Each issue is visually rich, imaginative, and full of life—designed to not just capture attention, but to build lifelong readers.

And behind it all is Claire M. Taylor, a writer, editor, and creative leader who brings thoughtfulness, warmth, and real integrity to every decision.

Innovation in Action

This isn’t your standard kid lit publication. Little Thoughts Press innovates, regularly finding new ways to spark creativity in contributors.

This year, they launched “An Ekphrasis Adventure”—a fresh reversal of the usual process. Instead of asking illustrators to respond to written submissions, they created an online gallery of art and invited writers to submit poetry and stories in response. The result? A vibrant, collaborative issue that blurred the lines between text and image, adult and child, reader and creator.

They also run seasonal contests, offer clear and compassionate submission guidelines, and, crucially, work hard to pay their contributors.

Who’s Behind It

• Claire M. Taylor (Editor-in-Chief) – Writer, picture book author, and former Highlights poet whose work centres on empathy, wonder, and humanity. Based in Baltimore, she lives in an old stone house filled with creativity and critters.
• Rachael Harbert – Michigan-based artist who finds inspiration in nature, rocks, and all things that grow. She creates intricate, joyful artwork that brings each LTP issue to life.
• Kim Wagner Nolan – Illustrator and museum exhibition designer whose work has been featured in over a hundred children’s museum installations. She’s also a ukulele-playing, doughnut-painting contest winner (seriously).
• Imogen Hartland – Writer, illustrator, and musician based in Sydney, who sees the magic in the everyday and brings that sense of wonder to every piece she touches.

Why This Nomination Matters

This spotlight is a reminder: kid lit is literature. It’s the first literature many of us meet. And Little Thoughts Press treats it with the seriousness, care, and celebration it deserves.

Their commitment to transparency, inclusion, and artistic quality makes them a rare force in the small press space. They’re doing more than making beautiful issues. They’re building a literary culture that respects young minds—and supports adult creatives who value that mission.

To Claire, Rachael, Kim, Imogen, and every contributor (young and old): this one’s for you. You’re not just making a magazine. You’re making magic.