Happy Thursday Critters! I love the title and message of the book we are sharing with you today: ONE HUG written by Katrina Moore, illustrated by Julia Woolf. I reached out to Katrina for an interview a while back, when I first read about her book because I knew I would love it! ONE HUG is one of those books I want to snuggle up with my kiddos and read over and over again. I’m so happy to have her with us today on Critter Lit to share her debut book and tell us about her work.
So without further ado…please welcome Katrina Moore!
Where do you live?
I live in New Jersey just outside of Philadelphia. Though, I grew up in Maryland, and recently lived in Massachusetts and upstate New York.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
I loved picture books as a kid and never stopped loving them! They are lap-sized theaters that anyone can enjoy. When done well, a picture book makes you laugh, or cry, or ponder. And in the best cases, all of the above. It’s a magical art form. I absolutely love being a part of that magic-making! I first dreamed of writing picture books in 2012 but didn’t get serious about learning the craft until 2015.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
It’s been a whirlwind! Full of ups and downs, for sure. Prior to my current agent, who is absolutely amazing, I’ve had the honor of working with two other wonderful agents, but the fit didn’t turn out to be right. And I’ve loved every project I’ve written. But I had to let some go. Both ONE HUG and GRANDPA GRUMPS, my picture book forthcoming in 2020, sold relatively quickly. But I’ve had books go on submission that have gone to acquisitions at multiple houses, yet never found a home. There’s so much that’s out of our control as writers. So I’ve chosen to focus my energy on what I can control—making books of my heart, sending them into the world, and moving forward, always.
I wrote more about the ups and downs of my journey to publication on a blog post here:
https://12x12challenge.com/12-x-12-featured-author-october-2019-katrina-moore/
Can you share a bit about your process?
This is something that’s always evolving for me. Especially as I venture into writing in different genres. I squeeze in writing time everyday. Sometimes it’s hours, but more often than not it’s stolen moments here and there (ideally in my office, but it’s usually writing “on the go”).
When an idea comes to me, it’s just a seed of a story—a character, a title, a concept. I try to grow the seed into a pitch, asking myself, “What is this really going to be about?” and think of what inherent universal theme, or kid-hook this story will have. At this point, I jot it down in my journal, and leave it. The seeds that turn into stories are the ones that I can’t stop thinking about. Usually, by the time I write the first draft, the story is so close to bursting I have to write it. And that first draft almost always needs plenty of sunlight, water, and reworking before it blossoms into something beautiful!
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I’m usually working on a few things at once. I might be drafting one project, actively revising another, and waiting on feedback for another. This helps me to switch gears when I need fresh perspective on something.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
Something sweet! I have secret chocolate stashes in my kitchen, office, and in my purse. So wherever I end up writing, I’m properly prepared!
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
So many. To name a few: Gyo Fujikawa, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Laura Vacarro Seeger, Eric Carle, and Kate DiCamillo.
Dream project to work on?
Every project that becomes a book in the world is a dream come true to me! I’d also love to write a book that gets adapted into a Disney movie. I grew up on Disney movies!
Tell us about your debut book.
At its heart—it’s about one hug connecting us in ways that sometimes words cannot. Like the overwhelming joy that one feels when reunited with their far-away family after a long separation. Or that comforting hug from a sibling that soothes us more than a thousand “it’s okays” ever could.
ONE HUG is a fun, rhythmic, easy read aloud that’s perfect for bedtime—celebrating summer nights, simple pleasures, and the people we love. And yet, when we dig deeper, asking, “Who are these characters? What are they doing? Why are they celebrating?” children, as astute as they are, will notice a cross-cultural family dinner, an immigrant family reunion, and three generations of a family.
I hope it’s a book that all children will cozy up with—anyone who needs some love, and also those who love to hug!
What’s up next for you?
My next picture book, GRANDPA GRUMPS, publishes April 2020 from Little Bee Books! Also, I’ve just turned in revisions for my next book under contract, though it hasn’t been announced yet. Stay tuned :-)
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
Definitely WHEN HARRY MET SALLY! It’s still one of my favorites.
Thank you to Katrina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your wonderful debut! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Katrina Moore writes and teaches in New Jersey. Her mission is to create books that children will hug for ages. Her debut picture book, ONE HUG, is forthcoming from Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Dec. 10, 2019. Her second picture book, GRANDPA GRUMPS, will publish April 7, 2020 from Little Bee Books. More to-be-announced books are on the way! When she is not teaching elementary kids or writing, she is cooking without a recipe, painting outside the lines, or snuggling up with her puppies, one husband, two kids, and of course, many cozy books. Connect with her on twitter @kmoorebooks or at www.katrinamoorebooks.com.
BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of Katrina’s debut book ONE HUG, click here.
BOOK GIVEAWAY!
Want a chance to win a copy of ONE HUG?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, December 19th. US addresses only please.