Dear Kim, You know her. You love her. Who doesn't love her? P is for Patti Gauch. As former vice president and editor-at-large of Philomel Books , Patti worked with giants like Eric Carle, Patricia Polacco, Judith St. George, Jane Yolen, Andrew Clements, Kathryn Erskine, and Ed Young (to name a few). Since her "retirement" Patti mentors writers and speaks to national audiences about the mischief of picture books, finding voice in fiction, and my favorite, the narrative power of objects. For full text, visit here . Patti is almost aggressive in her hunt for the very best in children's books. I say "almost" but I've seen her poke someone on the shoulder, push an elbow to their ribs, or shake a finger in their face if she doesn't feel she is getting the best work from them. "Children deserve our best," she's said. You'd be more frightened of her if it weren't for the compact package she arrives in: all 4 foot ...