Interview with Author Cindy Williams Schrauben

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Cindy Williams Schrauben! Her debut picture book, THIS COULD BE YOU, illustrated by Julia Seal, publishes this month by Cardinal Rule Press. I’m thrilled to have Cindy with us today to chat about her new book, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Cindy Williams Schrauben!

Where do you live?  

I have always lived in Michigan – I love it from May through October, but the rest of the year, I question my sanity. Winter is not my friend.

 When did you know you wanted to write picture books? 

I have ‘wanted’ to write books for kids since college, but I didn’t take serious steps to make it happen until about 8 years ago. 

 Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

The journey involved a great deal of patience and perseverance – not my biggest strengths. When I became an empty nester, I decided it was time to strive for my own dreams and seriously work toward publication. I attended conferences, took online classes, and lots of workshops. I read, listened to podcasts and above all else, connected with other authors. I can honestly say that without the kidlit community and their generosity I would not have stuck with it. Like many of us, I started submitting my work way too early (before it was ready), continued to hone my stories, and swallow the rejections. I submitted This Could Be You to Cardinal Rule Press in 2021 and secured my second agent shortly after.

 Can you share a bit about your process?

My writing process is a bit chaotic – completely driven by the passion to write. I tend to get excited about an idea and run with it. I have way too many ideas and the next shiny thing that pops into my head often takes precedence. I will say, though, that I think this is why writing is so therapeutic for me; when I’m writing, the rest of the world disappears – that can be a good thing and a bad thing. As far as specifics go, I write on a laptop, in my quiet office surrounded by books (and way too much clutter). 

 What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Ideas are never a problem for me – I have lists coming out my ears. Sticking with a manuscript when I get stuck is the hard part. My biggest struggle is plotting. I want to just write without planning and that often gets me in trouble. When I am really struggling I read other picture books, do critiques for others, read blogs and listen to podcasts to get inspired. But, more often than not, I drop a manuscript for a while and move on to another story until inspiration strikes and I can revisit it.

 Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Coffee and quiet.

 Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oooh, so many. I have so many friends who are published authors and are my true inspirations. I would never have achieved this dream without them, but I wouldn’t dare list them for fear of forgetting someone. This community is amazing and I can’t wait to start giving back. Historically, I have always loved Jack Prelutsky. His humor and rhyme delight me. Maybe that’s why my favorite stories to write are funny, punny, and rhyming. 

 Dream project to work on?

I would love to write a PB biography of an inspiring kid – I’m hunting for ideas. 

 Tell us about your debut book.

My debut picture book, This Could Be You, illustrated by Julia Seal will be released on April 1, 2022. Words for believing in yourself are the stars of this picture book that empowers children of all abilities and backgrounds to not only believe in themselves but to be strong and resilient in the pursuit of their dreams. A teacher, a scientist or an activist - could this be you? Through lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations, This Could Be You says yes, it very well could be. 

Interior Art from THIS COULD BE YOU by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Illustrated by Julia Seal, published by Cardinal Rule Press

 This Could Be You will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other empowering books such as I Promise (by LeBron James) and I Can Do Hard Things (by Gabi Garcia). The full-color jacket is a reversible, 22 x 36 poster perfect for inspiring kids in the classroom and home with positive messages!

A free Reader’s Guide which contains interactive lesson plans that encourage children to adopt a growth mindset over a fixed one is available for free download from the publisher website.

 What’s up next for you?

I have always wanted to illustrate my own picture book. Even if it never happens, I am enjoying the journey. I am also in the process of developing a program I call Partners in Literacy in which local businesses can sponsor school visits by purchasing a book for each child. I’m really excited to kick this off after my release.

 And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Footloose – music, dance, and a rebel!

---

Huge thank you to Cindy for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut!

---

Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in Michigan where she writes books for kids that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. Before embarking on this path, she held positions as a preschool administrator, teacher, and assistant director of a children’s museum -- always striving to empower kids. When not writing, Cindy might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the floor in the bookstore, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Cindy or her work, visit her online.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THIS COULD BE YOU, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THIS COULD BE YOU?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 21st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Ray A. Price

Happy New Year Critters! We are officially back for 2022! We have a ton of fantastic interviews scheduled this year that I’m so excited to share with you all! I actually just filled our last interview slot for 2022 last week so anyone looking to schedule an interview with us for 2023 please feel free to reach out to me at lindsay@critterlit.com.

To kick off the new year we have an interview with self-published author Ray A. Price! I’m thrilled to have him with us today to talk about his new book, MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF, illustrated by Sam Aston, his road to publication, and his creative process.

So without further ado, please welcome Ray A. Price to Critter Lit!

Where do you live?

I live in Washington Pennsylvania. It’s about 25 minutes away from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been in publishing for a year. 

How did you first get published?

I published my first story independently in 2020.

Do you write full-time?

No.

What inspires you to create picture books?

At first, my inspiration came from my daughter. When she was younger, I would guest read for her classroom. I would buy a picture book and cookies for the class. After I did this a few times my daughter looked at me and said, “Dad I know you used to write plays for stage in college, can you write a story for me?” It was a challenge I accepted. I wanted to tell stories that she would be proud of but also relatable. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favorite thing is how my stories resonate with others. The feedback from reviews or the pictures from kids holding my book is just amazing. The hard work is definitely worth it. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

What can be difficult is finding unique voices for the characters I write. It’s challenging for sure but it’s fun creating characters that have different personalities, quirks, abilities, etc. As a writer I enjoy creating fresh characters and my goal is to tell stories that are believable with solid beginnings, middles, and ends. 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I’m definitely not immune to writer’s block. To keep things fresh and creative I will often times read or watch children’s literature or television. It helps me find out what they are interested in. I also have a young niece and she’s like a sponge. She absorbs so much and I like being around her. I think it’s important to be around children and to engage with what they are watching and what they are playing. It helps my writing. Children are a lot smarter than we think. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I always outline. For me, it’s my map of the story. The story can definitely change after my outline but I always start with an outline before writing my first draft. 

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Yes, I had an interaction with a member who read an early copy of My Brother is a Werewolf for her blog. She gave it a really great review. She mentioned that the story was very great and that the overall presentation was amazing. That meant a lot coming from another kid lit author. 

Recommended reading?

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie has always been one of my favorite picture books. I still really enjoy classic stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and The Three Little Pigs. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

One of the highlights has been seeing how my book makes families smile and laugh. Recently a guy on social media shared an image of his kids holding my book. He posted a review about it and that was just really amazing. Anytime kids are enjoying my stories I love it. That pushes me forward to write more and to keep more people to enjoy my books.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?

I wish someone would had told me how fun this is. I’m having a blast doing this. It’s hard work but it never feels like work. I have been fortunate enough to find people on my team that feel the same. We are all so dedicated and devoted to the projects. It’s fun collaborating with individuals from around the world and creating a picture book.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book is My Brother is a Werewolf.  The story is about a young girl named Brie. Brie wanted a puppy. But got a younger brother. Accidentally turning her five year old brother into a werewolf is the biggest mistake of her life. She’ll do anything to fix him because cleaning up werewolf poop is as bad as you think it is. Brie thinks she had caused her parents to divorce because of her mistake. As the reader, we see how divorce looks through the eyes of a child and how Brie will do anything to fix her family.

What’s up next for you?

We just released My Brother is a Werewolf so we are going to continue to promote it. We have a planned audio book version releasing later this year. 

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

Yes, it is important to find a team. Find people who are not just there for a paycheck but want to see your goal and dream come true. Interview people until you’re comfortable and do not settle. 

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Star Wars Return of the Jedi. 

---

Huge thank you to Ray for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your wonderful new book!

---

RAY A. PRICE is the author of My Brother is a Werewolf. He is an author for children’s books, short stories, and comics. Ray started his interest with children’s stories when he used to read to his daughter’s elementary classes as a guest parent speaker. After many visits to her classes and dozens of cookies donated in each visit, his little girl gave him the idea to write his own children’s book. With that in mind, Ray sat down and began writing with his heart to create a story dedicated to her. Build with Bricks was Ray’s first self published children story in 2020.

Ray has many other achievements that he is very proud of. He has a bachelors degree in political science and a master degree in fraud and forensic. He is a full-time fraud investigator. During his studies, he did plenty of playwriting. Ray found his passion for writing when he wrote short stories in middle school.

When Ray is not thinking of new ideas for his next story, he likes to be family oriented. Ray likes to travel and sample new restaurants with his family. He loves playing video games and discovering new television shows. When the weather is nice, he loves taking his English Bulldog on walks. Ray listens to various podcast daily and loves reading comics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Ray online here or follow him on Twitter: @RaymondAPrice

BUY THIS BOOK To order MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Anitra Rowe Schulte

Happy Thursday Critters! Can you believe we’ve made it to December?! Today we have an interview with debut picture book author Anitra Rowe Schulte, who I’m thrilled to be featuring on Critter Lit! Not only is she a fellow Two Lions author who I share an editor with, but her debut picture book has received glowing and starred reviews and was just named a best book of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews. So exciting! Anitra’s book, DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, is a truly spectacular debut and one that is not to be missed!

So without further ado, please welcome Anitra Rowe Schulte!

Where do you live?

I live in Geneva, Illinois, which is 30 miles west of Chicago, where suburbia ends and pumpkin patches begin.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

When I was in kindergarten, I joined my first writer’s group at my local elementary school. At the Young Authors Club, I worked on developing ideas and turning them into picture books. I was hooked! There were lots of clues along the way, leading me back to this first love, but I really started working on my craft seriously about five years ago, in 2016.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

My road to publication was a little windy at first. As I was learning the craft, I played around and experimented a lot. But the stories that always seemed to connect most with others were those inspired by emotions and experiences that I lived through first-hand. I met my agent, Stephanie Hansen, at a live pitch session in 2017. The story that I pitched her that day never sold, but it jumpstarted a wonderful relationship. After a kidlit author friend suggested that I lean into telling my family’s story, I gave that a go and found it to be so natural and powerful! My debut, DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, is very much based on my family life. That story went on submission in 2018 and sold within a couple of months. I cannot say enough good things about my editor, Kelsey Skea, and the Two Lions team! The entire experience has been a total dream come true.

Can you share a bit about your process?

For me, a new idea usually arrives unexpectedly, like a colorful string just outside my door. I pick it up and twirl it around a bit, to see what it wants to be. Then, with an idea in my mind, I start pulling that string. I pull and pull and loop and weave until something starts to take shape. I will not stop until I run out of string or hit a nasty snag. Most of the time, I’m writing at my kitchen table. But if the string is still coming while I’m out driving my daughters to therapy or soccer or piano, I will not hesitate to write in parking garages, parking lots or someone’s driveway. My laptop never leaves my side! 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I am in three critique groups, and one of the things that keeps me from getting stuck is sharing stories with these three groups in separate waves. I send my first polished draft to one group. When the story is a little further along, I’ll send it to the second group. When it’s close to polished and final, I’ll send it to the third group. That way, I’m always inching a story forward, toward becoming the best story it can be, but also getting fresh eyes at every step along the way. 

I get a lot of new ideas from my three daughters and from tuning into the things that I love and make me tick. I also received great advice at a writing conference once: To think of something that you really want to impart or share with someone in your life. I’ve found that concepts conceived in this way have a built-in audience and point of view and an emotional clarity that never wavers – a true north.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Black coffee or green tea and peanut butter spoons topped with mini M&Ms. If you’ve never tried this, I warn you: It’s life changing and dangerously good. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! I love picture books by Margarita Engle, Kelly DiPucchio, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Kelly Starling Lyons. They always choose the perfect and most-poignant words and grab hold of your heart. I also love everything that illustrators Marla Frazee, Cindy Derby, Corinna Luyken, and Sophie Blackall create. 

Dream project to work on?

There is a middle grade story inside me, about small-town life, sister bonds, and magical circumstances that I keep noodling. I’d love to figure that story out. There is so much I want to say about what it’s like growing up with big dreams, hungry for an artistic outlet, all the while wrestling with a love + disdain for the isolating endless rows of corn and soybeans. It keeps swirling in the grain bins of my mind. Someday…  

Tell us about your debut book.

When my husband Dan was about to take our three girls to a father-daughter dance, I started imagining what the night would be like. The story that resulted was DANCING WITH DADDY. The main character of the story is inspired by my oldest daughter, who has a chromosome deletion (4p-), which is called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. After years of checking out library books, and not finding any PBs with characters that reminded me of our family, I decided to write something that I wanted to see on the shelves. Here’s the story summary:

Elsie can’t wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie’s heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and words from a book filled with pictures, she shares her excitement with her family. But when a winter storm comes, she wonders if she’ll get the chance to spin and dance her way to a dream come true.

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

What’s up next for you?

My second picture book, WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, will be released in Fall 2022. I’ve seen sketches and a few pieces of final art, and it is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Christopher captures the mood with such gravity and tenderness. WILLOW AND BUNNY, a story about a small bunny and a protective willow tree, is inspired by the scary moments that thrust people under the same canopy, and how difficult it can be to find light on the other side of devastation. With friendship, love and courage, we can make it through tough times – it’s a message that I really wanted to convey to my children, and I hope other readers feel it in their hearts, as well. 

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

This is a real toss up – it’s gotta be either Muppets Take Manhattan or Footloose. I’ve watched each of them at least 50 times. I’ve always been a real Kermit lover (he was on my 4-year-old birthday cake), and I love all the over-the-top characters and dance numbers. This probably why I also love Footloose. Plus Kevin Bacon.

---

Huge thank you to Anitra for stopping by Critter Lit! Congrats on your fantastic debut! We can’t wait for WILLOW AND BUNNY!

---

Anitra Rowe Schulte is a children’s book writer, whose picture book debut DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen (Two Lions) publishes on Dec. 1, 2021. Her second picture book WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise (Two Lions) is set for Fall 2022. Anitra is a proud member of the 2021 debut group PB Debut Troupe 21 and the upcoming group PB Tales of 2022. Anitra is represented by Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She lives in Geneva, Illinois, with her husband, three daughters, and super-sweet kitty Pancake. Anitra is an active member of SCBWI and 12x12 and a 2021 PBChat mentor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Anitra online at www.anitraroweschulte.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @anitraschulte

Instagram: @anitraroweschulte

BUY THIS BOOK To order Anitra’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of DANCING WITH DADDY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, December 9th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Kristy Everington

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author whose book ISOBEL ADDS IT UP, illustrated by AG Ford, just released this past June with Random House Studio. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her debut, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Kristy Everington!

Where do you live?

I’m from Perth, Australia, and now live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a beautiful area  – I enjoy all of the local wildlife, especially the tiny baby deer right now! And we have a neighborhood owl, Howard. 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I discovered picture books when I was studying for my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I came into the program writing young adult fiction and hadn’t even really read any picture books! In my first semester, I had Kathi Appelt as my advisor, and thought it would be a waste not to try picture books with a picture book master! 

I invested my time in reading and writing picture books, and fell in love! There’s so much to love in the picture book space – the brevity of the stories, the interplay between the text and art, the humor, the heart. I’ve learned a lot of things I didn’t know from reading non-fiction picture books too – I firmly believe picture books aren’t just for children!

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

After I finished studying, I started going to conferences and learning more about the business side of writing. I spent a lot of time researching agents and how to go about querying them. I started querying with other picture books first and then moved onto Isobel Adds It Up. It was one of the very first picture books I had written, but it went through a lot of revisions before I started querying it!

I had just revised it at the Big Sur Writing Workshop when I sent the first query for that manuscript to my now-agent, Jordan Hamessley. It was the first manuscript we put on submission to editors. It went through some more revisions before selling. It sounds simple when you summarize it, but it all took a lot of time and there was definitely a lot of angst involved! 

Can you share a bit about your process?

I write picture books by hand first. I like to write with a pencil rather than a pen – there’s something freeing about the pencil not being permanent and having the ability to erase what I’ve written! I often think of titles first. It usually doesn’t take very long to write a first draft, but then it can take some time to hone the story. 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I go for daily walks around the neighborhood, and there’s always lots of things to see and think about. Ideas come from everywhere, so just paying attention to news stories, pop culture, and regular happenings in life gives me ideas. My cats alone give me lots of inspiration for stories!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I like to light a candle and have a cup of tea. My favorite writing tea is white tea with pomegranate, but it’s been discontinued and my supply is dwindling so I need to find a replacement!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! Some of my favorites are Oliver Jeffers, Carolyn Crimi, Jon Klassen, Sophie Blackall, Sean Ferrell, and Mac Barnett.

Dream project to work on?

One of the very first picture books I wrote was based on my cats when they were kittens called Chicken Face and Lily, and I have dreams of that being made into a picture book series and maybe even a TV show! I would never get sick of writing about their adventures.

Tell us about your debut book.

Isobel Adds It Up, illustrated by the talented A.G. Ford, is about a girl who loves math, but she is interrupted by the ruckus caused by her mysterious new neighbors. The inspiration came from my own noisy neighbors, which is something I think a lot of people can relate to after spending the last year at home!

Interior art from ISOBEL ADDS IT UP by Kristy Everington, illustrated by AG Ford with Random House Studio

Interior art from ISOBEL ADDS IT UP by Kristy Everington, illustrated by AG Ford with Random House Studio

What’s up next for you?

I’m working on a few picture book ideas – mostly funny ones with animals. 

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ooh, it’s a toss up between Dirty Dancing and The Lost Boys, but I will have to say Dirty Dancing. My friends and I were all obsessed with it when it first came out. I even saw Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights at the cinema when it came out. My friend who I saw it with swore me to secrecy because she was embarrassed (sorry, Al)!

---

Huge thank you to Kristy for stopping by Critter Lit! Congrats on your debut!

---

Originally from Perth, Australia, KRISTY EVERINGTON now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and quite a lot of cats. She enjoys exploring the California coastline and visiting as many lighthouses as she can. Kristy holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kristy online: https://www.kristyeverington.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmeverington

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristyeverington/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy ISOBEL ADDS IT UP, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of ISOBEL ADDS IT UP?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 15th. US addresses only please.

---

Interview with Debut Illustrator Erica De Chavez

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so thrilled to be sharing today’s interview, because TODAY we have Erica De Chavez stopping by Critter Lit! She is super talented and one of the best book designers EVER— now I may be a little biased because she also happens to be my book designer. BUT she really is. I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to work with someone as talented as Erica, and there is nothing better than completing a picture or board book and handing it off to a designer who you completely trust to make your work marry seamlessly with the text. I have also probably put her through the ringer lately with the type of books (hello nonfiction!) we’ve been working on together at HarperCollins so I’m so very grateful she had time to be with us today to talk about her debut illustrated book, her experience in the industry, and upcoming projects.

So without further ado, please welcome Erica De Chavez!

Where do you live?

I am a former Brooklyn, NY transplant that now resides in sunny Clermont, FL.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

It was at the end of my junior year in art college. I was already planning for my illustration senior thesis project which was completely un-related to children's books. Fortunately, I took an elective class in my spring semester, Illustrating Children's Books. That class and my professor, Tom Casmer, literally changed my art journey trajectory. I went from not knowing what I was going to do with my passion for art and how I was going to make money or find a job doing art to becoming hyper-focused on the children's publishing industry, the picture book writing and creation process and all things picture books from then on. Though I always had a healthy interest in children's art and media which I voraciously consumed through my love for all animated shows, films, anime, comics, and manga very early in my life. I'm also blessed to have parents and grandparents who read to me often when I was a child and encouraged my appetite for reading and libraries.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I left FL after graduating with my BFA in Illustration and went to live with my brother in Queens, NY who is a graphic designer for men's fashion. I spent much of my early career doing freelance projects for small educational toy companies and picking up illustration commissions here and there. It was after my second attempt applying to HarperCollins Publishers for a design assistant position that I broke into the industry working under Martha Rago, who was already a well-known art director at the time. She taught me everything I needed to learn about children's book design and sharpened my design eye for meshing typography and children's book art. I met many children's book authors and illustrators as her assistant, many of them award-winning and others fledgling creators starting out their publication careers. I became a member of SCBWI, CBIG, and attempted to create many art critique groups until I finally met kindred spirits and formed The YEA Girls artist collective. My small, tight-knit artist community grew to include professors at NYC art colleges, other designers who also wanted to pursue illustration careers on the side and more prolific mentors and teachers who are active authors, illustrators, and editors themselves. It was through an SCBWI conference twitter thread that I met Annie Fox, the author of The Girls' Q&A Book on Friendship and co-founder of Electric Eggplant. A former artist I hired to illustrate a picture book returned the favor and hired me to illustrate for The Future Is Ours sticker book. And it was through my SCBWI.org portfolio page that Kendra and Claire-Voe OCampo found my art and decided to reach out to me to illustrate Mighty May Won't Cry Today. 

You are now a Senior Designer for HarperCollins. Can you tell us about your experience working on both sides of the table in publishing?

It's been an education into the industry, the decision making process, the team collaborations, seeing and working daily with the tons of un-named people who read, edit, market, finance, manage, proof, and sell the books and countless more. It's literally like a curtain being pulled back. I realize how little most book creators know about how the decisions for some of the direction for their books come from. And that's honestly for the better, in my opinion. It helps save the creators' mental fatigue and emotional distress and allowing them to focus on what they do best, writing and illustrating. I find as a book designer, you're the glue to all the bookmaking departments, so that comes with a lot of personality managing, too. You work with and for a WIDE range of personalities inside a publishing house. It's also a day job that I depend on for my daily expenses; it's my livelihood. But it sometimes can feel like a drag, energy-wise. Many may not realize it, but designers are working on anywhere between 30-60 book titles all at the same time, managing books that are publishing on seasons sometimes three years out. It's a bit bonkers. No one told me the job required such heavy multitasking capabilities. Compartmentalizing can help, but it's hard to "turn off" at the end of a work day. I live and breath children's books now. It's literally my life. It can feel overwhelming and burn out is frequent. But it's fulfilling and satisfying work, especially when I flip through and read the books I helped create and guide. My knowledge and experience as a book designer better informs my own personal artwork and stories.

Can you share a bit about your process?

My artwork always starts with a sketch in a tiny sketch book. I love tiny sketchbooks that don't feel too precious or overly expensive. I draw from life and drot down bits of story ideas that come fast and fleeting. I often bounce ideas with my partner for characters and story beats that are half finished and are bookmarked for later days. When I focus in on an idea for a project I look up inspiration and reference photos and experiment with art materials. I try to create a series of images based on a theme or a piece of story I'm inspired by. Nothing is ever fully formed, it's more experimental. Then I sit down to write, which also starts very loose with a plot timeline and character biographies. The story and storyboarding thumbnails happen at the same time with pencil and paper, which is much faster for me than drawing on a tablet. I scan my drawings in along with some paint textures and redraw/edit final illustrations. Sometimes I transfer final drawings with a light pad to heavy watercolor paper and use a mix of watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, crayons, and graphite that I scan in to further edit digitally in Photoshop. I sometimes scan pen and ink hand lettering or line work from my sketchbook or loose drawing paper and incorporate those into my illustrations digitally as well. But my process always begin with pencil to paper. 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I consume a lot of media and art in all forms. I read books, comics, manga, graphic novels, biographies, and motivational texts. I watch movies, mostly animated films and tv shows. I listen to podcasts occasionally until I get tired of it and sometime I enjoy the hum of silence. I go out and enjoy nature. I like to run long distance, hike, throw a frisbee around, and kayak. I also garden and observe nature. I listen to live music and I love traveling to different countries. All of the things I enjoy in life outside of art and design inadvertently inspire my art and design work! Life is very cyclical. So as long as I live fully, I'm never without a good idea.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

A cup of good milk tea, black or green. A good music playlist that lists my mood and makes me smile. And a good snack! I'm a creative muncher.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oliver Jeffers inspired my art and career as soon as I dove back into picture books in college. Erin Entrada Kelly inspires me to write stories about kids that are like me, colored and Filipino-American and just like every other kid with a dream. Simona Ciraolo and Lorena Alvarez Gomez continue to inspire me to make beautiful children's books because their books so gorgeous and the stories all feel like emotional little jewels. Their books feel like precious objects sitting on my book shelves.

Dream project to work on?

I dream of working on my first author-illustrated children's book debut, be it picture book or graphic novel or maybe even an illustrated chapter book. I dream of working on many projects in a long and fruitful children's artist career. I'd love to work with publishers big or small on stories that move readers emotionally and positively. 

Tell us about your debut book.

Mighty May Won't Cry Today, is about an imaginative little girl named May who tries not to shed a tear on her first day of school. She navigates through unexpected challenges with clever positivity and mindful breathing techniques. With the help of her two moms May learns why it's OK to cry and that we all do sometimes. The story really hits home for me because I am a pretty emotional person (aren't all creatives?) and I was an emotionally sensitive kid. I cried through my short stint in daycare and cried through the first week of kindergarten during which my mother had to leave work daily and come eat lunch with me at the school cafeteria. I love that this story tells kids it is totally OK to cry. I wish I had been told that more often when I was young. 

Interior Art from Might May Won’t Cry Today by Kendra & Claire-Voe Ocampo, illustrated by Erica De Chavez

Interior Art from Might May Won’t Cry Today by Kendra & Claire-Voe Ocampo, illustrated by Erica De Chavez

Interior Art from Might May Won’t Cry Today by Kendra & Claire-Voe Ocampo, illustrated by Erica De Chavez

What’s up next for you?

I'm finishing up an illustration series I started last year in the middle of the pandemic creating portraits of some of my friends and family members who are health care workers and Asian-American. I'm also focusing on a series of mini illustrations from a set of rejected sketches that didn't make it into the final The Future Is Ours sticker book, taking the opportunity to experiment with new color palettes and try to evolve my digital illustration style. And I'm also reworking a picture book dummy into a sequential paneled book format—very much a work in progress. 

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

My Neighbor Totoro. It epitomizes everything I love about children's stories and art made for children.

---

Huge thank you to Erica for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see what you do next!

---

ERICA DE CHAVEZ is a Filipino-American children's book designer by day for HarperCollins Publishers and by night transforms into a freelance author-illustrator. She is the illustrator for the indie published middle grade advice book, The Girls' Q&A Book on Friendship by Annie Fox and contributed over 40 fun stickers to The Future Is Ours: Feminist Stickers to Express Yourself by Duopress Labs. Her latest publication is a picture book, Mighty May Won't Cry Today, by Kendra and Claire-Voe Ocampo, is a National Indie Excellence Award finalist.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Erica or her books, visit her online at www.PandaErica.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram: @PandaErica

Twitter: @PandaErica

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PandaErica

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of MIGHTY MAY WON’T CRY click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a signed copy of MIGHTY MAY WON’T CRY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 10th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Amanda Davis

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so excited for today’s interview! This is the very first time I’m sharing a book that I was lucky enough to see early on when it was submitted through Critter Lit as a manuscript critique. How exciting is that??! My hope with Critter Lit has always been to see these projects shaped into books one day. And today we get to celebrate one that made it through! I remember the first time I read this text, I got that feeling. I just knew this had legs, it just had to get in front of the right editor. I’m thrilled I got to be a part of the process of this book coming to fruition and I can’t wait for you all to hear about this incredibly special book in today’s interview.

So without further ado…please welcome Amanda Davis!

Where do you live?

Thanks so much for having me on the blog, Lindsay! I’m excited to chat more about my journey and my debut 30,000 STITCHES! I live in Massachusetts. I grew up in a small coastal town and will always be a sea baby at heart. 

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books? 

I didn’t always know I wanted to be an author but I DID know that I loved writing and art. Whether it was sketching in a sketchbook or writing poetry, it was something I always came back to. When I was twelve, my father passed away and (without knowing it) I began to use art and writing as a tool to process and cope with my feelings. This is when I realized the power of the arts to tell our stories and process the experiences in our lives. This is what led me to want to teach art, so I could help others recognize the power in it, too. Later, in 2012, I took a Continuing Education course on writing and illustrating for children, I realized this was an art form that captured all three of my passions—writing, art, and story-telling. I was hooked and never looked back.  

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

It was a long process! From the moment, I read and taught about the true story of the flag in 2011, I was intrigued and knew it was a special story. It stuck with me and lingered in my head, but needed time to flourish. After visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in 2014, and being overcome with emotion at the artifacts and the stories, it was another reminder of the importance of telling this story. Inspired by my art lesson with students and my visit to the Museum, I decided to try my hand at crafting a manuscript for 30,000 STITCHES (originally called, THE FABRIC OF AMERICA). 

I began querying back in 2017 with other picture book manuscripts and didn’t have much luck. Once I had 30,000 STITCHES polished up, which was many months later, I began to query that story to agents and editors as well. The process of landing an agent and book deal for 30,000 STITCHS was filled with ups and downs. I had many passes along the way but most were positive and many had personalized feedback, so I knew I was on the right track. I even got a few requests to revise and resubmit. I submitted to WorthyKids by snail mail through the slush pile when I was still unagented. After many months of not hearing back, I took that as a pass. I continued to query the story and later, connected with agent, Melissa Richeson who signed me for the project. Seven months later, an assistant editor from WorthyKids contacted me to ask if the story was still available. Of course, I said a big and enthusiastic YES, connected her with Melissa. The rest is history!

Long story short, it took me about nine years to get my first picture book traditionally published! It can be a long and winding road to get there, but if you keep pressing ahead, you are bound to get there.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I tend to write first drafts as the muse strikes. I’m much more intentional with my revisions and schedule time to revise. Most of my ideas for revisions stem from suggestions and brainstorm sessions with my critique groups or paid critiques through services such as Critter Lit with you, Lindsay. With this feedback in mind, I often feel inspired to revise and schedule a time to do so.  For all of my stories, they always start with research. I love doing research and am naturally a very curious person. I love to ask questions and seek to understand. Because of this, I often find myself down rabbit holes that once in a while lead to inspiration for new story ideas. I think staying curious is so important when it comes to creativity. You never know where the next story idea is lurking so we must keep our minds open and in a state of wonder. I also love talking to people and as mentioned before, learning other people’s stories. I have a background in journalism so it’s been wonderful combining my love for interviewing people into my non-fiction children’s work.   

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I find that when my mind is free and clear, ideas flow more freely. Most of my ideas come when I let my mind wander. Most of my mind wandering takes place through meditation, nature walks, sitting near the ocean, in the shower, or when I’m driving, ha! I have oodles of notes and phrases in my Notes app on my iPhone for those moments when ideas strike. I also go in spurts. Sometimes I have lots of ideas for the art, and that is what comes first, and sometimes I have lots of ideas for the writing, and that comes first. Sometimes, too, I may have ideas for one and not the other. You never know how and when the muse will strike!!  

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw? 

Some of my must-haves for creation include: Sunlight, candles, incense, a cracked window for some fresh air (even in the winter), my computer/iPad, a cup of tea, snacks, my sketchbook, and of course my favorite furry rescue pup, Cora by my side. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I’ve often admired Nicola Davies lyrical writing and her ability to tackle tough topics in a way that is accessible to children. Some of my favorites include, THE DAY WAR CAME, KING OF THE SKY, THE POND, and her recent debut as author-illustrator, LAST: THE STORY OF A WHITE RHINO. Most recently, I’m feeling inspired by other lyrical texts such as ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier and THE TREE IN ME by Corinna Luyken. Back in 2018, I actually received funding for a visit with Bryan Collier for a school visit in my high school art room. It was an unforgettable event for not only the students but also for me. He talked about how he went around, door-to-door with his portfolio to the big five publishers in New York for SEVEN YEARS until he finally got his first book deal! That was truly inspiring and reminded me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible! You can learn more about some of my teaching and student art projects here! 

Dream project to work on?

Honestly, this may sound corny, but Sally Wern Comport was on my dream collaborator list. I was a fan of her work and mixed media style ever since I saw it in Ada’s Violin and was ecstatic to be paired with her for my debut, 30,000 STITCHES. Happy I can check that box off!!  Another dream project would be to illustrate my own picture book one day. I have a picture book dummy that I am working on right now that is very close to my heart, and it would be a dream come true to see it come to life. 

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut creative nonfiction picture book is 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG. I love that you had a look at this story early on when I submitted it to Critter Lit for a critique. Your feedback helped solidify that I was on the right path and that there was a place for the story in the market. 

30,000 STITCHES tells the true story of the 30-foot American flag that was put up at Ground Zero in the days after 9/11. The flag became torn, tattered, and covered in dust and ash so it was taken down a few weeks later by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years. The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time. The book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state—including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.

What’s up next for you?

I have lots of new ideas in the works! Many informational fiction stories and a couple of new narrative nonfiction stories, too. As mentioned before, I also have a couple picture book dummies in progress that I hope to debut as author AND illustrator with. I hope to one day explore writing a middle grade novel in verse or even YA. 

Stay tuned for more exciting virtual events for 30,000 STITCHES, too. Next up is Mass Book Bites: Boston Book Festival. You can learn more and register HERE! And with the 20th remembrance of 9/11 approaching, I hope the story can be a great resource to help us discuss the events of that day and honor, remember, and reflect.  

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie? 

Ohh this is a hard one, I think I’d have to go with either Beetlejuice, Little Monsters, or the original Honey I Shrunk the Kids. 

---

Huge thank you to Amanda for stopping by Critter Lit today! CONGRATS on your debut book— we are all cheering for you over here at Critter Lit!

---

AMANDA DAVIS is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. After losing her father at the age of twelve, Amanda turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became her voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell her story. She was thus inspired to teach art and pursue her passion for writing and illustrating children's books. Through her work, Amanda empowers younger generations to tell their own stories and offers children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again. Amanda is the recipient of the 2020 Ann Whitford Paul—Writer’s Digest Most Promising Picture Book Manuscript Grant and teaches art at a public high school in Massachusetts where she was selected as 2020 Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Amanda is the author of 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport, and has poetry and illustrations featured in The Writers’ Loft Anthology, FRIENDS AND ANEMONES: OCEAN POEMS FOR CHILDREN. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her partner and her rescue pup, Cora. You can learn more about Amanda at www.amandadavisart.com and on Twitter @amandadavisart and Instagram @amandadavis_art.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of 30,000 STITCHES click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of 30,000 STITCHES?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Kim Weybrecht

Happy New Year Critters! We made it to 2021! Let’s hope it’s better than last year. I’m thrilled to be back with you all and kicking off the new year of interviews with a local debut author.

So without further ado, please welcome Kim Weybrecht!

Where do you live?

I live in Highland Heights, Ohio

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

Just a few years ago I decided I wanted to put one of my bedtime stories into an actual book.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

At first I was going to try to self-publish the book. That seemed too overwhelming and I wasn't sure that I would get the quality I wanted going that route. A golf buddy of my husband’s, who is in the printing business told me about Brown Books Publishing, a hybrid publisher. At first, when they read through my book, it was not ready for publishing. They told me to take some workshops and work on the manuscript. I worked on the manuscript and thought maybe I'll self-publish. Then I found my Illustrator, Morgan Spicer. She recommended an editor. I worked with the editor and then I decided to present the book again to Brown Books. This time they loved it! Only a few minor edits and my story was ready to publish.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

When I write I really love to have a cup of tea!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Authors that inspire me are Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.

Tell us about your debut book.

Daisy Takes a Ride is my first book. Daisy is a happy beagle who lives with her owners, Sam and Zoe. When the three of them take a sudden trip to the hospital in the middle of the night, Daisy is told to wait in the truck. But Daisy is curious about the camper that has parked nearby. She jumps out of the truck and is soon on her own camping adventure. Daisy makes a new friend, but there is so much more waiting for her when she gets back home .... I would always read books to my kids before bedtime. When they got a little older, they wanted me to make up stories instead of reading from a book. So I had to get my creative juices flowing. This story just came to me one night about 4 years ago. After I finished the story, my daughter told me it was a really good story and I should make it into a book. I started this a couple years ago and I am glad to finally get it to print. My goal is to get the book into as many little hands as I can. I have donated numerous copies and want kids to fall in love with Daisy and her story.

What’s up next for you?

I am going to start writing book #2 about Daisy. It will involve Daisy accidentally joining a neighborhood running race.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

My favorite 80's movie is Return of the Jedi - love all things Star Wars!

---

Huge thanks to Kim stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut!

---

KIM WEYBRECHT grew up in the Midwest, the second eldest of five children. Camping and biking adventures were a huge part of her family's lifestyle. One of her first jobs was as a summer park counselor, where she played games and told stories to children. Throughout her career, Kim has taught, tutored, and coached children. As a volunteer school librarian, she loved reading and encouraging them to get excited about books. Today, when Kim isn't with kids, she enjoys playing tennis, running, and baking muffins. She and her husband share their home in Highland Heights, Ohio with two teenagers and two boisterous beagles.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of DAISY TAKES A RIDE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of DAISY TAKES A RIDE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 14th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Gianna Ruggiero

Happy Thursday Critters! One of my favorite things is picture books that center around food. I love to cook and bake and I always enjoy a good food driven story. Today I’m sharing a new picture book that celebrates the joy of food: EVERY NIGHT IS PIZZA NIGHT, which released in September, written by New York TImes Bestselling chef J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and illustrated by Gianna Ruggiero. I’m thrilled to have Gianna join us today to talk about her debut picture book and road to publication.

So without further ado, please welcome Gianna Ruggiero!

Where do you live?

I currently live in Oakland, California, but originally hail from South Philadelphia. Proud of you, Philly. 

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

I have always liked telling stories, and in college I remember doing a mock children’s book idea for a class. It was really fun and I experimented with photos and digital illustration. I knew then that this would be something I would like to pursue, but didn’t really know how. From that moment my career has mostly been in feature animation and video games. Children’s book illustration has always been on the back burner. In the past few years, I had finally started to pursue illustration more seriously by attending SCBWI events, networking with agents and publishers, and talking to published illustrators about their journey. That hard work seemed to pay off as it helped land me a spot with a literary agency. 

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

Man, I wish I could be a little bit more inspiring and helpful, but it was pure luck and a backlog of portfolio work. I lost my job a couple years ago and tweeted out to the world wide webs sharing that I lost my job and was looking for work. Somehow that tweet landed on Kenji’s timeline and he took interest in me and my work. He later reached out to me asking if I would collaborate on a children’s book with him. I was optimistic, but I wasn’t aware of who Kenji was at the time, so to me he was a random stranger on the internet, thus it led me to be a bit hesitant. A lot of times internet strangers will email you asking for you to help do work on a screenplay they are writing, or their 5,000 page novel, and it goes nowhere. It’s a total crapshoot. But for me, I was lucky. Kenji not only turned out to be a famous chef, but a wonderful, talented, kind-hearted human that valued me and my work. I owe him many thanks. 

Can you share a bit about your process?

My process usually starts out with a large amount of panicking, and what I can only describe as me flailing wildly around in circles, drawing things that somehow amount to an idea. Then I develop those half-baked ideas into a final concept.

Oh, boy. I feel like my process is always evolving. For some reason it is easier for me to conform to a style that is given to me from an art director than to form a style that I need to adhere to myself. For Every Night Is Pizza Night, it started out with a lot of reference gathering. Gathering styles from other illustrators I like, and photos of people I wanted to draw. From there it is a lot of scrappy sketching on paper or in the computer. I try to think a lot about the scope of the project, what kind of style I can commit to in a given time, what makes me happy, what the mood of the project is, things along that line that help inform how the final illustration will look.

 What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Ever since I was a kid, I walked a lot. I walked to school, I walked to friends houses, the bus. Wherever I walked it was usually accompanied by a CD player. I found myself lost in daydreams. Whatever I would listen to would conjure up a mood, a style, characters, scenarios, and stories. I would visualize little snippets between characters or come up with story arcs. Still to this day, I do that mostly walking my dog or commuting to work. The only thing that has changed is the CD player. 

That was a very long-winded way of saying: Music. Music gets me in a creative mood.

Another thing I do is get rid of my shame and turn off the judgemental side of my brain. When I am sketching and trying to enjoy whatever it is I am creating on paper, I try not to judge it or shame it. I just enjoy it and see where my brain takes me in that moment.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

The internet.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many to name. I am a big fan of Emily Carroll and her short story horror comics. Big fan of Emily Hughes, John Bond, Amélie Fléchais, Joe Todd-Stanton, and Christian Robinson. 

Dream project to work on?

I would love to work on a strange silly adventure, or some sort of fantasy book. I really like books that feature animal characters meeting strange characters. I loved “The Phantom Tollbooth” as a kid, and I just loved the strange and creative worlds; ones that have never been explored or thought up before. 

Tell us about your debut book.

Every Night is Pizza Night is about a young girl named Pipo who believes pizza is the best food in the world, that is until her parents tell her to go investigate. Pipo takes that as a scientific challenge, and goes on a journey in her neighborhood tasting different foods from different cultures. Pipo tries a whole range of foods from bibimbap to rice and beans. It is a book that celebrates different cultures, and diversity. It inspires kids and families to be adventurous, and try different foods while understanding that food can hold different traditions and meanings to us. 

The book is light-hearted and funny. It also features pages that are explosive and whimsical whenever Pipo takes a bite of a new food she has never tried. It even features a pizza recipe in the back of the book for parents and kids to make together. 

What’s up next for you?

Kenji and I are taking a much-needed break for right now, but I expect that sometime next year we might begin exploring a new book idea. Currently, I am enjoying just sketching and learning how to get better at roller skating. I am also coming up with a video game idea that I might pitch to my studio. So nothing too exciting, but that is fine for me.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Thing! It is the best!

---

Huge thanks to Gianna for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut!

---

Gianna Ruggiero is a concept artist, video game developer, and illustrator. Every Night Is Pizza Night is her debut children’s book. She lives in Oakland, California.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Gianna or her work, visit her online: www.giannaruggiero.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram/Twitter @immagigi

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of EVERY NIGHT IS PIZZA NIGHT click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a SIGNED copy of EVERY NIGHT IS PIZZA NIGHT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 19th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Joana Pastro

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Joana Pastro, whose debut picture book LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, comes out with Boyds Mills Press next month! I’m thrilled to have Joana with us today and I hope you all check out her wonderful new book!

So without further ado, please welcome Joana Pastro!

Where do you live?

I’m originally from Brazil, but I have been living in South Florida for the past twenty years. Time flies!

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I always loved picture books, but I didn’t understand how someone could write one without being an illustrator or without working side-by-side with one. One day, I wrote a short story, and took it to my critique group. They suggested I make it into a picture book and told me about Carrie Charley Brown and Kirsti Call’s Read for Research Month (ReFoReMo). After participating in ReFoReMo in 2016 I was hooked, and all I wanted to write was picture books.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I had been writing a middle grade novel for a few years, but after doing ReFoReMo in 2016, I slowly started transitioning to picture books. The following year, I joined 12x12, and in June I participated on PBPitch and caught the attention of Natascha Morris from BookEnds Literary Agency. I signed with her in September. Almost exactly a year later she sold my debut, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS to Jes Negron at Boyds Mill & Kane. (At the time it was Kane Press.)

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I step away from the computer and allow my brain to work without pressure. I’ve had some of my best ideas while walking around my neighborhood, watching a movie, looking at old photos and even cleaning the house.   

Tell us about your debut book.

LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, is about a little girl who loves being a damsel, but loathes the idea of ever being in distress. Soon enough, she finds herself in danger and uses her smarts to save herself. It’s about girl power, but not only for girls. I truly hope this book appeals to all children, because it’s also about and friendship, standing up for yourself, and accepting others. And we all need that, right?

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

I always have a hard time picking anything “favorite”. The first 80s movie that came to mind is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Such a fun movie! 

---

Huge thank you to Joana for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your debut! We can’t wait to see what you write next!

---

JOANA PASTRO always wanted to be an artist of some sort. So, she became an architect. But once her first child was born, all the visits to the library, and the countless story times made Joana start dreaming of becoming a children’s book author. After a lot of reading, writing and revising, her dream is coming true. Her debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, will be published by Boyds Mills Press, an imprint of Boyds Mills & Kane, on October 20, 2020. Her second book, BISA’S CARNAVAL, illustrated by Carolina Coroa will be published by Scholastic in Fall/2021. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her husband, her three extremely creative children and a rambunctious Morkie. You can find her on Twitter @jopastro, Instagram on @joanapastro, on her website at www.joanapastro.com.

PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK To pre-order a copy of LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, click here. Follow the instructions below and receive bonus goodies from Joana!

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 24th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Abi Cushman

Happy Thursday Critters! I’ve been so excited to share today’s debut author interview for a while now, as Abi Cushman’s new picture book, SOAKED, is one I’ve been anticipating the release of for quite some time now. SOAKED officially released this past Tuesday with Viking Books for Young Readers and has received glowing reviews all around.

So without further ado, please welcome Abi Cushman to Critter Lit today!

Where do you live? I live in the same town I grew up in -- Niantic, CT. Seventeen-year-old Abi did not see that one coming.

When did you know you wanted to write and illustrate picture books?

I remember trying to draw Huckle Cat and Officer Flossy from the Richard Scarry books when I was in elementary school. But it took me thirty more years to nail down my own voice and get my characters and storylines to fit into the unique format that is a picture book.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

My road to publication, in some ways, has been relatively short. It took me three years to get a book deal after I decided to make a serious effort at becoming a published author-illustrator. In 2015, I was a new mom reading lots and lots of board books and picture books to my daughter. I had an idea for a story, so I created a dummy and joined a local critique group. Nine months later, I landed an agent with that story. In 2017, I won the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award for the second dummy I wrote, as well as the Tassy Walden New Voices Award (for CT unpublished authors). I thought this was IT. That this was the story that would sell, because it had won those awards and got editor interest immediately after my agent sent it on submission. But things never lined up for that story, and I was crushed. Luckily, I used those feelings of dejection in a new story called SOAKED! which featured a very glum bear stuck in the rain, and I ended up selling it in 2018!

I should note too that throughout my publication journey, I’ve found the support of the kidlit community to be absolutely wonderful. The friendships I’ve made online and in-person have bolstered me up when I most needed it. This is something I’ll always treasure.

Can you share a bit about your process?

When I’m creating a story, I do a lot of rough sketches first and then piece everything together like a puzzle. I’ll draw thumbnails and then a rough mini dummy to figure out page turns and pacing.

After getting feedback, I make a larger dummy with more polished sketches. Once everything is approved, I create the final art by first drawing the characters with a mechanical pencil on computer paper. I scan those into Adobe Photoshop and adjust the levels to make the outlines nice and dark.

Then I apply the color with a Wacom Cintiq tablet. I keep most of the characters on their own layer/group in Photoshop so that I can move them around if necessary. And after drawing in the background and building up the colors and details, I arrive at the final art!

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I write ideas or snippets of text down in my ugly sketchbook [https://taralazar.com/2020/01/04/storystorm-2020-day-4/] along with rough drawings of characters and scenes. When I’m in between projects, I go back through my sketchbook and see if anything catches my interest. And if so, I do more sketches to try to develop the idea further and see if it has legs.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

If I’m doing final art, I need a mechanical pencil with a good eraser. I definitely don’t get things right the first time for the most part. I also prefer peace and quiet while I work.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I am inspired by so many authors and illustrators, but to name a few who not only excel on a technical level but also stand out for their perseverance, resilience and drive:

Maral Sassouni (illustrator of The Green Umbrella)

• Maral Sassouni (illustrator of The Green Umbrella)

• Ken Lamug (author-illustrator of the upcoming graphic novel Mischief and Mayhem)

• Arree Chung (author-illustrator of Mixed, founder of StorytellerAcademy.com)

• Rebekah Lowell (author-illustrator of the upcoming MG novel in verse The Road to After]

• The Soaring 20s crew (2020 debut picture book authors and illustrators)

Dream project to work on?

One thing I love about being an author-illustrator is the ability to create my own projects. True these projects have to be pitched by my agent and then accepted by an editor (and the editorial team, and the sales & marketing team, and the publisher), but at least I’m not waiting for something awesome to just land in my lap. I’m out there making something out of nothing. So usually my dream project is the one I’m working on now! That said, if an art director or editor had a manuscript they thought would be a perfect fit, I would love the opportunity to illustrate it.

Tell us about your debut book.

Soaked! is about a bear caught in a rainstorm- his ice cream cone is soggy, his cashmere sweater has shrunk, and he definitely does not want to try hula-hooping with a hula-hooping moose. But his trio of friends help him see that having fun isn't dependent on sunshine and clear skies.

What’s up next for you?

I am wrapping up final art for my second book with Viking, Animals Go Vroom! It challenges readers to guess what goes roar, hiss, or honk and has little peekaboo windows. I think it’s a fun read-aloud, and I’m really excited to share it with everyone next summer.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Princess Bride. But I didn’t watch it until the 90s when a teacher put it on at the end of a field day to pass the time before dismissal. We only watched the beginning and I remember thinking, “WOW. What is this?? It’s absolutely awful. The color and scenery look so fake!” But then slowly but surely, I came to realize it was the greatest movie I’d ever seen.

---

Huge thank you to Abi for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your success! We can’t wait to see ANIMALS GO VROOM! when it comes out next summer!

---

ABI CUSHMAN is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. She has also worked as a web designer for over 15 years, creating websites for libraries, towns, and local businesses. She runs two popular websites of her own: My House Rabbit, a pet rabbit care resource, and Animal Fact Guide , which was named a Great Website for Kids by the American Library Association. In her spare time, Abi enjoys running, playing tennis, and eating nachos. (Yes, at the same time.) She lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her husband and two kids.

For more information about Abi, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Sign-up for Abi’s newsletter here for totally top secret sneak peeks and giveaways!

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Abi’s debut picture book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of SOAKED?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 23rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Sarah Kurpiel

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all staying healthy and safe. Today, we have an interview with author and illustrator Sarah Kurpiel, whose debut picture book, LONE WOLF, comes out on May 19th. Congrats Sarah! I adore Sarah’s illustrations and I can’t wait to share this sweet book about belonging and family with all of you today.

So without further ado, please welcome Sarah Kurpiel!

Where do you live?

A suburb outside of Chicago. I’ve lived in the Midwest all my life.

When did you know you wanted to write and illustrate picture books?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, but it was always just a hobby, a way to relax. Then, in college, one of my English professors included graphic narratives in his course. Those books had a profound effect on me. That was the first time I started thinking seriously about drawing stories. Flash forward a few years to my first library job as a part-time cataloger. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead and illustrated by Erin Stead crossed my desk. I read it on the spot. It had such heart and reminded me how much I loved picture books growing up. I knew that was the kind of story I wanted to make. It wasn’t until a few years later that I started drawing with the goal of publication, but these were the moments that set me on that path.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

In 2018, a popular illustration account on Instagram shared one of my drawings. Thanks to that stroke of luck, I was contacted by Allie Levick and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House, who became my agents later that year. Their guidance and expertise was (and continues to be) invaluable. They helped me get my story, Lone Wolf, submission ready and secure a book deal with a great editor. In the months that followed, I went through several rounds of revision before starting the final art. The publication process is long and fluctuates between rushing and waiting. It’s helpful to have another project to focus on during the downtime.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I mostly use dry media brushes in Photoshop on a Wacom tablet connected to my computer. I started drawing digitally in 2016 and it clicked for me right away. I love the flexibility and possibilities of digital. I do a lot of sketching with pencil and pen on paper too. I always have a sketchbook.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Doodle. I love drawing for no reason at all. I love not knowing what I’m going to make before I begin. Sometimes I doodle a character who sparks a story idea. I also keep a list of things I could draw a thousand times without getting tired of drawing them and then use that to limit the possibilities of stories I might tell. That said, I’m very new to this. I’m still learning my own process.

Anything you can’t live without while you write or draw?

Nothing in particular, but I do enjoy having coffee close at hand! 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many. Erin Stead, Molly Idle, Christian Robinson, Oge Mora, Richard Jones and Rebecca Green, to name a few. I follow artists of all kinds on Instagram, and seeing their work brings me so much joy.

Dream project to work on?

I’d love to make a wordless picture book one day. I admire those who’ve done it well. Some of my favorite picture books are wordless. I’m also fascinated by the wordless woodcut novels of the 1920s and 30s. 

Tell us about your debut book.

Lone Wolf is about a Siberian husky mistaken for a wolf so many times that she starts to believe she is one. The main character, Maple, is inspired by my childhood dog, a husky who was goofy and stubborn in all the best ways. Lone Wolf is about identity, belonging, and family. I’m honored that it received a starred review from The School Library Journal. Lone Wolf will be published by Greenwillow/HarperCollins on May 19, 2020.

What’s up next for you?

I’m currently working on final art for my next picture book which hasn’t been formally announced yet.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Back to the Future. (Part 1. Definitely not Part 2.)

---

Huge thank you to Sarah for dropping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on LONE WOLF, we love it! We can’t wait to see what you create next!

---

SARAH KURPIEL is a librarian and author/illustrator from the Midwest. Her stories are inspired by nature, animals, and everyday life. Sarah has been doodling in the margins of notebooks for as long as she can remember. She started drawing digitally in 2016 and never stopped. Sarah uses a power wheelchair and considers her disability an important part of her identity. Her debut picture book, Lone Wolf, will be published by Greenwillow/HarperCollins in May 2020.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Sarah, visit her online or follow her on Twitter @SarahKurpiel and Instagram @sarah.kurpiel

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of Sarah'’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of Sarah’s debut book, LONE WOLF?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 21st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Kelly Carey and Illustrator Qing Zhuang

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all staying healthy and keeping yourselves busy. I’m so excited to feature a DOUBLE interview today with Kelly Carey and Qing Zhuang, whose debut picture book, HOW LONG IS FOREVER, came out with Charlesbridge this week. Please give Kelly and Qing a warm welcome!

Where do you live?

Kelly: I live in Massachusetts in a rural town with one stoplight. 

Qing: I live in Manhattan but might move soon to some place not too far away. 

Kelly: I’m the country mouse and Qing is the city mouse! 

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

Kelly: When I was in grade school I used to make up bios and backstories for the teddy bears on my bed. Yes, while my friends were learning the dance moves on the latest MTV videos, I was deciding that one of my stuffed bears was a fifty-one year old retired physicist who enjoys salmon fishing and coin collecting. I even typed that up on a typewriter! It’s still embarrassing now and I told no one about it then! But looking back, I think that was me wanting to make up stories and be a storyteller. I got serious about writing picture books about 15 years ago. I took a correspondence class through the Institute of Children’s Literature and I’ve been writing ever since. (Oh my gosh, I just realized that I am now the same age as that retired physicist bear who liked salmon fishing!)

Qing: As a lonely kid with busy parents, I found a lot of comfort and entertainment in drawing, writing and reading. When I was in 6th grade, I won a book writing and illustration contest and got $250 for it. I so enjoyed making the book and the prize made me feel excited and seen. Foolishly or fatefully I started pursuing this career. 

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

Kelly: I took my first real step on this journey when I took the correspondence class through the Institute of Children’s Literature in 2007. That class made me ravenous for more workshops and classes that could help me improve my craft and understand the industry. I was very lucky to have a magazine fiction story published that same year and I’ve had a magazine story published every year since. I funneled the payments for those stories into more conferences and workshops. 

I joined The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), participated in Julie Hedlund’s 12x12, Tara Lazar’s Storystorm, and ReFoReMo. All offered a wonderful way for me to get feedback on my work and to improve my craft. It was through SCBWI that I met my first critique partners and we started a blog for writers, 24 Carrot Writing, that has been offering help and advice to fellow writers for almost 6 years. I think pushing back from the desire to write, alone, and in isolation, and really getting out into the community of fellow writers made a big difference in my success. Going to all those conferences and workshops allowed me to find writing buddies, critique partners and this whole amazing KidLit community. I thought I was going to learn about craft and become a better writer, who knew I was also going to find colleagues and friends! That has been a wonderful bonus. 

I joined The Writers’ Loft in Sherborn, MA and took classes offered by Karen Boss, Editor at Charlesbridge Publishing. Karen is now the editor for How Long Is Forever?.  I could argue that How Long is Forever? would have found its path to publication on its own merits, but I think connecting with Karen and forming a professional relationship through that class, and applying her excellent teaching to my manuscript, certainly helped speed up the process. 

I wrote the first draft of How Long Is Forever? in 2013. It went through major revisions over the course of two years with the help of my critique group. I took two classes at The Writers’ Loft taught by my future editor Karen Boss at Charlesbridge. The MS went through more revisions and was under contract in 2017. This book was four years from first draft to contract and seven years from first draft to published book. But my journey to publication was fourteen years. Persistence is key.  

My advice to other writers, based on my journey, would be to get out into the writing community. Meet fellow writers, take classes and workshops, offer your own help and advice, listen to editors and agents, and become a part of the community. I think the community will reward you for your efforts – it did for me. 

Qing: For many years, I had to grow as a person in more ways than I can list here before I could even build some level of confidence. I worked many odd jobs and saved up to pay for SCBWI conferences. Every year I would hear a little more feedback but no more than that. It was always so mysterious to me how people find their agents and editors, but I did know that I needed to keep getting better and continue to get my work out there so I kept showing up. 

I love working as a teacher and it was essential in my understanding of children and their world. I think many of us who make children’s books are very in tune with our own childhoods, but it is so important to observe all kinds of children today. One year, I decided to venture out of NYC over to the great state of NJ for their summer SCBWI conference for the first time. That turned out to be an excellent decision since the NJ conference was where I got to display my work more intimately and even won a juried show for a piece I had submitted. I also got to meet many editors, including the one I have the fortune of working with at Charlesbridge for my debut book. Kelly saw more of my work online and referred it to the editor. 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Kelly: I find that one of the best ways to shake the rust off is to move on to a new project. Usually, if I can’t find the right way to revise a problematic manuscript or tease the story out of a kernel of inspiration, it’s best to put that manuscript aside for a week or two and pick up a different one. 

Of course this only works if you have some ideas and manuscripts on standby that can jump in during an emergency. That’s why I jot down ideas all the time. I’m always grateful to have those backup stories to work on. I pop ideas into a note on my phone the minute they come to me and then I transfer them over to a computer file titled “story ideas”. I love being able to lean into those files when I feel stuck. 

Another great resource to fight through writer’s block is a critique group. If you really want to bust through a blocked moment with a manuscript and the thought of putting it aside for a few days seems tragic, I reach out to my critique partners for help. Often they offer up just the right piece of advice or ask the perfect question to reset a blocked moment. 

And if none of this works – I call it a day and go grab a good book to read or go do laundry. There is always an abundance of both in my house! 

Qing: A lot of it is to just get started. Get it all out on paper or on the computer and deal with the mess later. Listening to music and doodling until a sketch excites me. It’s always a surprise when you hit your groove or when a creative solution comes, I think the key is to calm down and not be afraid of this messy process. 

Tell us about your debut book.

Kelly: In How Long Is Forever? Mason is waiting for the first blueberry pie of the season and it’s taking forever. At least that’s what Mason thinks, until Grandpa asks him to prove it and sends Mason searching the family farm to find the meaning of forever. 

Every child and adult has been in a situation where something feels like it is taking forever. This story is an invitation to really think about how we throw around that word and what things really deserve to be labeled forever. 

I hope Mason’s search encourages kids to go on their own hunt for their forevers. It’s a wonderful gift when you notice and call out those people, places and things that will forever hold a special place in your heart. It might be a flavor of ice cream, a grandparent, or a favorite slide on a playground. Whatever it may be, I hope kids take a moment to pause and feel good about the forevers in their lives. 

Interior Spread from HOW LONG IS FOREVER, Written by Kelly Carey, Illustrated by Qing Zhuang

Qing: For me, How Long Is Forever? is really about how not forever everything is. The closest thing to forever is the memories and love that gets passed down, in the case of this book, through a scrumptious homemade blueberry pie. When my editor first sent me the manuscript, I read it with my now husband, who was very moved because the relationship between little Mason and Grandpa reminded him of his own grandfather who had passed when he was a teenager. For my husband, his “blueberry pie” is the humble Chinese scallion pancake his grandfather used to make for him whenever the fridge was empty. The memory of his grandfather cooking this treat is simple and mundane, but it held something special just like our sweet story. 

Interior Spread from HOW LONG IS FOREVER, Written by Kelly Carey, Illustrated by Qing Zhuang

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Kelly: Star Wars and Princess Bride. I don’t care if the love story takes place in space or in the days of castles and knights, if the princess is strong and independent and the prince is brave and hunky – I’m happy.  

Qing: The Goonies! Or Beetlejuice!

---

Huge thank you to both Kelly and Qing for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for you and your debut book HOW LONG IS FOREVER! Congrats!

---

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit Kelly Carey at www.kcareywrites.com

Visit Qing Zhuang at www.qingthings.com.

To order an author signed copy, click here.

Interview with Debut Author Mary Wagley Copp

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all hangin’ in there with all this social distancing. Sharing new books and their creators every week definitely helps me feel some sense of normalcy. I’m happy to be with all of you and I hope these posts help a bit.

This week we have an interview with author Mary Wagley Copp. Her debut picture book, WHEREVER I GO, illustrated by Munir D. Mohammed, releases on April 21st. Please join me in welcoming Mary to Critter Lit today!

Where do you live? 

My husband and I live in Westport, Massachusetts - a rural farming community on the Westport River which leads into Buzzards Bay. We moved there a few years ago, once the kids fledged, after 30 years in the fabulous and creative city of Providence, RI. I am still adjusting to rural life! 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

Oh wow – about 10 years ago I got the bright idea! I waited, though, until 2015 before I took my first writing class and I was hooked! I have always loved to write – a poem here or there, journal entries, snippets about my fabulous kids, etc. But, it wasn’t until I was well into producing films that I realized I would probably prefer to share stories with children!  

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

To be honest  - and I think this was what eventually led to publication – I was putting my energy into working on the craft of writing for children much more than I was thinking about the possibility of publication. I knew that my learning curve was steep and that not only did I need one amazing manuscript, I’d need at least 3 more to show to an agent. So I flung myself into the craft and just wrote, took classes and workshops and wrote some more. Focusing on my writing allowed me to be fully receptive to feedback. When an agent at a conference gave me some very insightful and critical feedback on a manuscript, I simply went back and re-wrote it, totally re-visioned it, without really worrying if I was impressing anyone. I truly think that my caring more about that story and getting it ‘right’  allowed me to wholly accept feedback and keep my mind on revising. Eventually, I did sign with an agent and we got a deal in the first round of submissions.

Can you share a bit about your process?

It is different for each manuscript and where I am in the process with each story. It is hard for me to get started with a first draft – even if I think I have a great idea! In this case, I actually set my hour glass and I don’t stop writing  - even if it feels like nonsense – until there is no sand left in the top part of the glass. For revisions, however, whether I have received feedback from my critique group or from my agent, I get right to work – nothing gets in my way of revisions!! I LOVE the challenge of revisions.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I walk. I listen - to sounds in nature, to children and parents, conversations between kids. I eavesdrop at cafés. I get my mind off of writing and into observing and taking in all I can – with all my senses. And I TRY to practice patience with myself when I am not in a creative place. Also, an ice cream cone is an answer to many of my problems in life!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Probably a snack! And a cup of tea.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many. Too many to name. Sorry, I do not mean to evade your great question. But, honestly, all authors and illustrators published or not have my deep respect. This is a journey of heart and soul and it takes great courage. I guess everyone engaged in this work inspires me.

Dream project to work on?

In my continued work in the refugee resettlement world, I dream of compiling stories from young adult refugees - in the form of essays, poems, conversations, drawings, etc. So many of them are eager to share their stories beyond their communities. I have spoken to a few of them and this is a dream for them, too. So, maybe it will happen one day soon! 

Tell us about your debut book.

Wherever I Go is a picture book, illustrated by Munir Mohammed, published by Atheneum/S&S. It comes out April 21st. 

Of all her friends, Abia has been at the Shimelba Refugee Camp the longest—seven years, four months, and sixteen days. Papa says that’s too long and they need a forever home. Until then, though, Abia has something important to do. Be a queen. Sometimes she’s a noisy queen, banging on her drum as she and Mama wait in the long line for rice to cook for dinner. Sometimes she’s a quiet queen, cuddling her baby cousin to sleep while Auntie is away collecting firewood. And sometimes, when Papa talks hopefully of their future, forever home, Abia is a little nervous. Forever homes are in strange and faraway places—will she still be a queen?

I was inspired to write this story after producing a documentary film about the refugee journey (in general and one specifically) and resettlement into a new life. We featured a family who had fled their home in Eritrea, was in a camp in Ethiopia for years and was resettled in  Providence, RI. I was so moved and inspired by their resilience, courage and eagerness to be part of their new community. I was particularly amazed and surprised at the joy, curiosity and spirit the kids in the camp had, amidst such hardship. I hope this is celebrated in Wherever I Go.

What’s up next for you?

Writing wise, I always have a few manuscripts in process – at all stages of development. Other than that, my husband and I are thinking about circumnavigating the US in an RV. I bet that would be a great way to inspire new stories!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

ET, for sure.

---

Thank you Mary for stopping by to chat with us today! Congrats on your debut book! We can’t wait to see what you write next.

---

MARY WAGLEY COPP graduated from Smith College and earned an MPH from UNC - Chapel Hill. Her career has been primarily focused on strengthening non-profit, social justice organizations - both as a management consultant as well as an executive director. She has directed a rural health organization in Appalachia, worked at United Way and consulted with many community-based as well as national non-profits. Mary has also spent several years in the filmmaking world. Her films delve into issues such as refugee resettlement, the emergence of independent radio in West Africa and the importance of stories in the health care system. Her first film was the inspiration for Wherever I Go, her debut picture book (Atheneum/S&S, 2020), illustrated by Munir Mohammed. Mary lives with her husband on a farm in Westport, MA. They have 3 grown children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Mary, visit her website: Marywagleycopp.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram: @Marywcopp

Twitter: @Maryfkwc

Facebook: Mary Wagley Copp

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Mary’s book, click here.

---

Interview with Debut Author Katrina Moore

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.

Interview with Debut Author Amanda Jackson

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are joined by debut author Amanda Jackson, whose new picture book, MY SHAPE IS SAM, comes out September 17th! I’m so thrilled to be sharing this brilliant book with you all today! And bonus— Amanda’s book is illustrated by fellow illustrator, Lydia Nichols, who I studied illustration with at Syracuse. I can’t wait for you to all see this fantastic book these two incredibly talented women created.

So without further ado…please welcome Amanda Jackson!

Where do you live?

I live in Beaverton, Oregon, about 10 minutes from downtown Portland.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

My husband and I moved to California in 2016. We’d gone for his job and quickly realized we wouldn't be staying for as long as we’d planned. In the meantime, I was offered a job working with a child with autism. However, without a commitment to staying in the area, I couldn’t, in good conscience, accept the position. It was that instability that kept me jobless, and presented a gift in disguise. I remember having to make the decision to stop worrying about what to do with myself, and try to make the most of this unstructured, uncertain time.

I’ve always loved writing, but had never tried writing for kids. Because most of my professional life has been spent with picture book readers/listeners, I started there. I wrote my first picture book story (which will of course never see the light of day) and realized this was “my thing.” That realization made me feel like the luckiest person in the world. And it was such a clear realization too. Like stumbling across something I’d been looking for my whole life. It was magic, and I dove in head-first.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

In mid-2017, I participated in a Twitter pitch even called Pit2Pub. That’s where I connected with Charlotte Wenger, then an editor with Page Street Kids. She requested the manuscript for My Shape is Sam, and made an offer a couple months later! So exciting. It’s been a wonderful couple years of working with Charlotte and all the wonderful people at Page Street. They’re so collaborative and honoring of their makers’ hopes for their work.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Sure! I’m not a routine writer. I spend a lot of time at my desk, but it happens whenever I have the time. But I love to write, so there’s rarely a day I don’t do it. I’m always in the midst of a few projects at different stages. My favorite stage is revision. It’s not as overwhelming as a blank page, and it always reminds me of throwing pottery - the calm of having already done the work of getting something on the wheel, and then I just have to keep shaping it until it’s beautiful.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

The best thing I’ve found for new ideas is reading. Lots. Good work is so inspiring, especially if I’m feeling stuck in one of my own stories. Like a palette cleanser, it helps me push “reset” and see my work with fresh eyes.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Hmm the only thing I can think of is quiet. It sounds fun to write with music on (especially to influence the mood of my story), but my brain just doesn’t work that way.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oh my gosh so many. Several picture book authors that come to mind first: Julie Fogliano, Ryan T. Higgins, Anna Walker, Oliver Jeffers... there are so many more. I’m inspired by the ability to pack a punch with a few simple words. That’s one of the reasons I adore this craft. And a few of my favorite illustrators: Lydia Nichols, Fiona Lumbers, and Beatrice Alemagna.

Dream project to work on?

A series. I would LOVE to work on a project that extends beyond one picture book. To create characters that readers get to know (and look forward to!) through multiple books. Ah that sounds like so much fun.

Tell us about your debut book.

MY SHAPE IS SAM is about Sam, a square who lives in a world of shapes. Everyone has a job to do, depending on their shape. But Sam doesn’t like stacking like the squares. He wants to roll like the circles.

My hope is that this story helps readers challenge norms that don't fit them. And that they continue to discover who they are, in spite of prescriptive expectations.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve always got projects in progress, so for now, more writing and revising!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ha! Hmm. Crossing Delancey is way up there. It stars Amy Irving and Peter Riegert, and it’s not super well known. I’m such a sucker for the unlikely lovers trope, plus the music is great (I think it’s the only soundtrack I own!), I’ve seen it a million times.

---

Huge thank you to Amanda Jackson for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see what you do next!

---

AMANDA JACKSON writes stories for kids and their grown-ups. She's pretty sure there's nothing better in the world. She grew up in Pennsylvania, where she discovered her love of making: drawing, crafting, sewing, cooking, storytelling. Anything to give her imagination a voice. When she was six, someone gave her a journal. She instantly felt at home with the magic that happens when words come from inside, pass across the page, and connect with someone else. In her twenties, Amanda moved to Portland, Oregon, and cozied right into the land of gray skies and creative living. She finished her degree in Human Development, worked with lots of awesome kids, and married her love. Of all the happies in her life, writing is one of the happiest. And she’s beyond thrilled to share her words with you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Amanda Jackson visit her online or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @Amanda2Jackson

TO ORDER Amanda’s book, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of MY SHAPE IS SAM?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, September 19th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Cassandra Federman

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so excited to have Cassandra Federman stop by today! Her debut book as an author/illustrator, THIS IS A SEA COW, just came out September 1st and IT IS ADORABLE! I can’t wait for you all to check it out!

So without further ado, please welcome…Cassandra Federman!

Where do you live?

I’m originally from Massachusetts, but I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past 12 years.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

About 5 years ago. I pitched an idea for a picture book to my husband (also a writer) and he encouraged me to go for it. He even got me a membership to SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) for our first anniversary. I think he might know me better than I know myself.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

A lot of hard work! I hadn’t done any sketching since I was a teen, so I had a lot of catching up to do. I taught myself Photoshop, since that seemed to be the way the industry was heading. I went to as many SCBWI events, mingles, and conferences as I could. I started a critique group full of amazing individuals that I’d met at those events. I applied for every contest I could find through Twitter, kidlit blogs, and SCBWI. Finally, in 2017, I won two mentorship contests. The dummy I polished with the help of my mentors landed me my agent, Jenna Pocius. Jenna put two of my dummies out on submission and the second dummy sold in 48 hours!

Can you share a bit about your process?

Sure! The manuscript always comes first for me. I know that a lot of illustrators work the other way around, but I think I’m more of a writer who illustrates than an illustrator who writes. The manuscript goes through several rounds of notes with my critique group before I send it to my agent for her thoughts. After she’s signed off, I create the book dummy. The style of illustration I use really depends on the book. For instance, This Is a Sea Cow, was designed to look like a child’s school report, so I use a lot of photography and found objects. I also hand lettered it so that the writing would look like a child’s. Other dummies of mine include a graphic novel where I use ink and half tones, and an underwater story using watercolor and various other traditional media that I scan into photoshop. Once I complete the dummy, I send it back through my critique group, then to my agent for notes. Finally it goes out on submission and I start working on the next thing. (If I’m not working on something, then waiting on responses is excruciating!)

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I think I’m lucky to be an author-illustrator because I can switch back and forth between writing and sketching, which allows me to keep the creative juices flowing. A tool I’ve found very helpful is Google docs. Whenever I get an idea I just pop it into a google doc with some notes. That way I’ve always got a list (that I can access from a phone or an iPad or a computer) of ideas to go back to.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

A digital tablet of some kind: iPad or Wacom Cintiq.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Kate Beaton, Jon Klassen, Dan Santat, Sophie Blackall, Shannon Hale, Lucy Ruth Cummins, Mo Willems, Ame Dyckman, and the list goes on!

Dream project to work on?

Oof, I don’t know. I guess any project that changes childrens’ lives for the better. Whatever THAT project is, I want to do it.

Tell us about your debut book.

This Is a Sea Cow is a fourth-wall-breaking book designed to look like a second grader’s school report on sea cows. The subject of the report does not like her portrayal, so Sea Cow--or Manatee as she prefers to be called--comes to life to set the record straight.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve got some exciting stuff in the works that I hope to be able to talk about soon!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Princess Bride. I walked down the aisle to the theme song.

---

Huge thank you to Cassandra for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut! We are so excited to see what you do next!

---

CASSANDRA FEDERMAN is a writer and illustrator in Los Angeles, CA. She is originally from Massachusetts, but like manatees, she hates to be cold. She wanted to grow up to be a comic book artist and a marine biologist. She decided this book accomplishes both of those things. In college she studied abroad in Belize, where she rescued an orphaned manatee. She hopes this book will result in the rescue of many more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Cassandra Federman visit her online or follow her on social media:

Twitter/Instagram: @CassFederman

TO ORDER Cassandra’s book, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of THIS IS A SEA COW?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, September 12th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author June Smalls

Happy Thursday Critters! Today’s interview is with June Smalls, whose debut picture book ODD ANIMAL ABC’S, illustrated by Claire Sedovic, released in May. We are so thrilled to have her with us today!

So without further ado…please welcome June Smalls!

Where do you live?

I live just outside of DC in the Shenandoah Valley.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

It’s funny, but when I first started thinking of writing for traditional publication, I thought of romance. But just because I liked to read it didn’t mean I was any good at writing it.

 When my child was little she loved books. I caught myself reading her picture books even after she’d fallen asleep. I loved the full and beautiful stories with short and pithy lines. I remembered the joy of discovering library books as a kid. Then I had one idea…it led to another… and then I couldn’t shake it. I had to write kid lit.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I’m an overnight success. It only took about 5 or 6 years to get there.

Like many writers, I had a lot to learn. My first picture books were way too long, I wasn’t leaving room for the illustrator, and I sent things out before they were ready (*The Horror!*)

Luckily, I love learning. I joined SCBWI. I joined critique groups. I attended conferences and classes. Bit by bit I improved and learned patience.

I’d gone from getting form rejections to personal rejections and finally I had two offers of rep from agents.

I signed with Rebecca Angus at Golden Wheat in 2018, sold two picture books with her and I did my first two work for hire books as well in the same year. I went from nothing for a few years to GOOD GRAVY! Four books with my name on them.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I’m weird and don’t have a single process. Some books come to me like a lightening bolt and I jot down a rough draft quickly. Some ideas need to marinate for a while. I toyed with one idea for months without writing more than the title idea.

When I write, I prefer to get comfy on my couch, noise canceling headphones go on (this also lets my family know it is writing time and not to bug me needlessly), and work on whichever project is speaking to me at the time.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I tend to have a number of projects going at once unless I’m on a deadline. For me this keeps things fresh and interesting. Sometimes I just take a few days off writing and daydream instead. I do not live by the ‘write everyday’ rule. But I tend to write or research most days.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Not really. I love my headphones since they get me in the zone. But I’ll write anywhere and everywhere by any means necessary. On receipts in a restaurant, on my phone in a waiting room, or at my computer with a soda and dogs at my feet. I just have to write!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

All of them! Inspiration can be found in everything. I love the humor of Ame Dykman’s Wolfie the Bunny illustrated by Zachariah OHora.

I love the read-aloud-ability of The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith and illustrated by Katz Cowley.

I love the heart and art of Swan by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Julie Morstad.

I LOVE The Dot by by Peter H. Reynolds.

Just try to read these without feeling inspired. There are many more, but this could be a blog series by itself.

Dream project to work on?

Well, I’m a huge Scooby Doo fan…

Seriously though, my personal dream projects are the ones that make kids want to pick up another book. Whether to continue laughing or to learn something new because I’ve sparked their curiosity. There is no one book that is my dream. This may sound corny, but it’s all I’ve got.

Tell us about your debut book.

Odd Animal ABC’s is illustrated by Claire Sedovic and her amazing watercolors.

Those classic animals have been overworked so the odd animals who have been overlooked take over the alphabet and send the classics packing.

It's time for Aye-Aye, Fossa, Numbat, Xenops and more curious, yet real animals to shine.

Some letters even get more than one odd new animal. (This was not because I liked both animals so much that I couldn't choose just one... really…)

What’s up next for you?

I have a lyrical non-fiction called She Leads: They Elephant Matriarch coming out in spring of 2020 with Familius. I also have several picture books, a chapter book, and novelty books out on submission.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Only one!? The Princess Bride. The cast, the sword fights, the rodents of unusual size! Just a great all-around movie… oh yeah, and the love story too.

---

Huge thank you to June for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut and all your upcoming projects!

---

JUNE SMALLS lives in Northern Virginia with her hubby, the kid, and her own odd assortment of animals. She writes children’s literature for the trade and educational markets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about June visit her online or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @June_Smalls

TO ORDER June’s book, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of ODD ANIMAL ABC’S?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, August 15th! US addresses only please.

Debut Interview with Jenn Harney

Happy Thursday Critters! It’s been a while— but it’s great to be back! I’ve had a crazy few weeks with ALA and deadlines— I’m trying to push through the rest of the summer until baby no. 3 arrives! BUT I’m so excited to be back to our interview schedule with fellow local author and illustrator Jenn Harney! I’m thrilled to be sharing Jenn’s work with you all today. Her debut, UNDERWEAR! just came out this past April with Disney/Hyperion and it is HILARIOUS— I just know you’re all going to love it!

So without further ado…please welcome Jenn Harney!

Where do you live?

Twinsburg, Ohio. I usually say “Clevelandish” because people know where Cleveland is. Twinsburg, not so much.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

I met Tomie dePaola from a far at a Young Author’s Conference when I was, I think, in second grade. It was the first time it ever occurred to me that people could write and illustrate books as a job.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I was VERY VERY lucky. When I signed with my agent, Rachel Orr, she asked if I wrote. So, I started writing. My first story went nowhere. My second story was UNDERWEAR! It was picked up by Stephanie Lurie at Disney Hyperion on its first round of submissions. Right time. Right place. Right Editor. I was very lucky.

Can you share a bit about your process?

My process always starts with drawings. I love character design and that’s where I start. Just doodling characters and seeing if any of them have any merit. Then, I play with the story. I write everything on legal envelopes. Easy to throw out. Usually I thumbnail a dummy as I write. Everything is always visual with me. The words come afterwards.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I’ve learned that if I’m having a bad drawing day to walk away from it. It’ll pass. If I force it, nothing looks good. I’ll get more done in a good drawing day than if I try to force it on a bad one. The Colour Collective weekly drawing challenge is a huge part of the rust shaking, too. Just a great group of illustrators. Just follow the #colour_collective tag on Fridays around 2:30 EST, and you’ll see what I mean.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

Something to listen to. Not music. Usually has to be an audiobook, or episodes of MST3K or RuPaul’s Drag Race. Have to have talking in the background.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! Bill Watterson, Paul Coker Jr., Tomie DePaola, Tom Yohe, Steven Kellogg, P.D.Eastman, Richard Scarry, David McKee, Alan Tiegreen....I could keep going.

Dream project to work on?

Little Golden Books. I’ve always wanted to do a Little Golden Book.

Tell us about your debut book.

UNDERWEAR! Started with a Colour Collective piece I did. The story worked itself out on a walk with my ever stubborn corgi lodged under a bush and my ever loud self yelling “Get out from under there.” And he looked up at me like “Under where?” and it clicked. Steve went on an extra long walk that day as I looked like a crazy person tapping out syllables and talking out loud about underwear.

UNDERWEAR! Is pretty much autobiographical. I am the frazzled parent who just wants to get their kid out of the tub, into PJs and off to bed. My daughter is said kid who finds ENDLESS ways to keep herself out of bed. I think every parent has been on both sides of this story. And, stories about underwear are never not going to be funny. It’s just a fun word to say.

What’s up next for you?

My second book SWIM, SWIM, SINK is slated for launch in early 2020. Fingers crossed I can just keep working along.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Amadeus or Empire Strikes Back or Time Bandits. Don’t make me choose. (Oooo...Sophie’s Choice is good too!)

---

Huge thank you to Jenn for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for you and your fantastically funny debut! Congrats!

---

JENN HARNEY has illustrated several picture books, including Todd Tarpley’s HOW TO BECOME A KNIGHT (Sterling), NEVER CRUMPET WITH A TRUMPET (Boyd Mills Press), SMELLY KELLY (Boyd’s Mills Press). She has
also illustrated the covers and interiors for Jennifer Hamburg’s Hazy Bloom series (FSG), and Susan Lurie’s Wanda Seasongood series (Disney-Hyperion).

Jenn made her author-illustrator debut with UNDERWEAR (Disney-Hyperion) to be followed up by SWIM, SWIM, SINK in 2020 (Disney-Hyperion). She enjoys working at break-neck pace at her desk while binge watching old episodes of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Jenn lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, her daughter, a dog named Steve and the ghost of the oldest living goldfish in North America.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Jenn visit her online at jkharney.blogspot.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram + Twitter: @jennharknee

TO ORDER Jenn’s book, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a SIGNED copy of UNDERWEAR?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, July 18th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for an interview with author/illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi!

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Mikela Prevost

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fabulous interview with debut author and illustrator Mikela Prevost whose book, LET’S HAVE A DOG PARTY! came out in March. I adore this book so much! It’s cute, funny, and oh so charming with a lot of heart— my favorite combination. Here’s a sneak peek for those of you who haven’t read Mikela’s wonderful debut yet…

Kate and Frank are best friends. To celebrate Frank's birthday, Kate throws him a party with all her favorite things: lots of friends, dancing in circles, loud singing, and sparkly confetti everywhere. But best friends don't always have the same taste in parties. Frank prefers quiet, sun-drenched naps on his favorite rug. So he hides. Kate must find a way to bring Frank back to the party--on his own terms.

I’m thrilled to have Mikela with us today, so without further ado…please welcome Mikela Prevost!

Where do you live?

In the Valley of the SUN! Phoenix, Arizona.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

As a kid, I wasn't terribly good at reading but I always had the pictures in books to help guide me through the story in one way or the other. But by 2nd grade, I had started to grow in my reading abilities and at that point, the Harry Potter books of my day were Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Light in the Attic. I devoured these books, for the brevity of the poems and the child-like pen and ink illustrations. 

Silverstein's illustrations seemed so approachable, something that I could do. Drawing came much easier to me than reading, so seeing how a story could be encapsulated in such a brief poem along with an outlandish drawing was so attractive to me. The worlds he created through his poems always had me wondering what else happened beyond that last sentence. 

As a writer and illustrator now, I want to try and give young readers that sense of  "seen" as Shel Silverstein did for me.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

Signing with a literary agent was the best way for my work to evolve. I attended SCBWI's Winter Conference in 2017 where Rebecca Sherman of Writer's House came across my work. She loved my illustration work and knew that my writing had potential. Over the course of several months, I was writing stories and sending sketches to Rebecca but she really wanted to start my career off on the right foot, so she pushed me to produce my best work. I'm so thankful she did, as I look back and see those earlier stories - I would not want them out in public! When the story idea for Let's Have a Dog Party! came, Rebecca made me feel like I had struck gold! We sent the text, dummy and two finished illustrations out, it went to auction and we found a great home for the story with Joanna Cardenas who (at the time) was the editor for Viking/Penguin.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Writing and illustrating is such a balancing act - having just enough of the best words while allowing the illustrations to do some heavy lifting. I  try to write more than I need then weed out what is superfluous to the story. 

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I "squeeze the sponge dry" on a topic until I've exhausted every possible story idea. I write out ideas until I reach the end of the page. 95% is garbage worthy, but I will stumble on a gem that makes me so excited, I won't sleep at night.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

While writing, I listen to a curated instrumental playlist that cues up my brain to stay focused on just that story. While illustrating I binge podcasts and watch/listen to old Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes. And I keep the coffee flowin'.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

My illustration friends Molly Idle, for her graceful, luscious line work and joyful colors and Juana Martinez-Neal, who captures the essence of children so innately. Also, her talent with patterns is second to none! An author I aspire to emulate is Jon Agee - his humor is so wry yet it translates to children in the perfect way. My Rhinoceros was my own personal masterclass in writing.    

Dream project to work on?

Anything that results in a kid loving a book so much, it falls apart. That, to me, is the true mark of a successful book.

Tell us about your debut book.

With Let's Have a Dog Party! I was sitting in my office, wracking my brain for a good story idea, while my kids and a few neighbor kids were running back and forth by my door chasing our little dog Pepper. She's a good-natured dog that will tolerate anything, but I knew eventually the chaos would reach a crescendo and she would take off running. If I wasn't there to stop this fiasco, I imagined a party breaking out. That's where the idea came from - I liked the idea of the kid characters just deciding out of the blue that "today" was Frank's birthday and using whatever they had on hand to celebrate. Like my kids, I knew a point would come that the characters would realize the poor dog had hit his limit and need to de-escalate the situation.

What’s up next for you?

I can't say just yet - but I can say I'm excited!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ghostbusters! And it still is my favorite movie! I saw it in the theater with my Dad, so I'll always have the good memories to associate with the movie.

---

Huge thank you to Mikela for stopping by Critter Lit today! We can’t wait to see your debut book and all that you do!

---

MIKELA PREVOST is an author and illustrator currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and their three kids. Born and raised in Southern California, she received her BFA from the University of Redlands, and an MFA in Illustration from California State University of Fullerton. Writing and illustrating for children has been her life-long pursuit and passion. Her work is driven by the desire to capture the whimsical innocence and unique perspective from which a child sees the world. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Mikela visit her website or follow her on social media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

TO ORDER Mikela’s books, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of LET’S HAVE A DOG PARTY?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, June 6th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Cathy Ballou Mealey

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Cathy Ballou Mealey! Her debut picture book, WHEN A TREE GROWS, illustrated by Kasia Nowowiejska, just released this month with Sterling Children’s Books. I’m so excited to share this brand new book with you all today! Here’s a sneak peek:

When Moose sees the inviting tree where Squirrel has built his nest, he rubs his itchy antlers against the trunk—and sets in motion a chain of comic catastrophes. The tree falls and wakes Bear, who stumbles into Moose, who causes a truck driver to swerve off the road. But then Squirrel jumps onto that truck and ends up in the city, all alone. Who will help him get home? And how will Squirrel thank them? Kids will love this adorable picture book, with its irresistible animal characters and rhythmic text that’s made for reading out loud.

So without further ado…please welcome Cathy Ballou Mealey!

Where do you live?

I have lived in Massachusetts all my life. I grew up just below the Vermont/New Hampshire border, and went to college in Metrowest. After a decade in Cambridge, I’m currently on the fabulous North Shore.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I wrote my first picture book in 2010 to enter the Cheerios “Spoonful of Stories” contest. Even though “Ozzie the Oyster” was definitely not ready for publication, my prize was discovering a passion for the craft of picture book writing. After attending conferences, classes and workshops, I joined SCBWI, the 2012 12X12 Challenge and two critique groups. I have been writing, revising and studying ever since.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

Drafting TREE took roughly 6 weeks before I had a preliminary version to share with critique partners. I used multiple revision tactics to trim text and tighten the storyline. I plastered sticky notes on my door to rearrange the scene sequence. I pasted sentence strips into a book dummy loaded with stick-critter sketches. When friends urged me to send out the revised TREE, I started to query agents. In May 2015 I signed with Liza Fleissig of Liza Royce Agency and by December TREE was putting down roots at Sterling Books for Children.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Scribble my idea into a notebook and mull it over. Develop a pitch. Research some related non-fiction titles from the library about moose, squirrels, bears, etc. Mull some more. Write a long, rambling draft. Chew on word choices. Revise, re-write. Plunk text into a word cloud generator like WordItOut or Wordle, draft a few rhyming lines, make a dummy with stick figures. Revise until it is ready for critique group. Mull over feedback. Revise, rinse, and repeat until ready!

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Go for a long walk outdoors. Visit a museum. Browse the greeting card section of my favorite stationery store. Bring my son to a playground and eavesdrop on the kid chatter!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A window. Natural light. Being able to gaze at the sky or trees. I watched a lot of squirrel activity while writing When A Tree Grows, and kept my camera close at hand.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Every up-and-coming writer yet to be published inspires me. Making book dreams come true is tough, especially when balancing the demands of career, family life, and community responsibilities. Those who consistently carve out time to nurture that writing spark inspire me to work harder, write better, persevere.

I have so little drawing ability that I am floored by almost every illustrator’s work in one fashion or another. Particular favorites to pore over include Catherine Rayner, Hadley Hooper, and Melissa Sweet. I’m so grateful to Kasia Nowowiejska for her dedicated efforts to make WHEN A TREE GROWS the very best book it could be.

Dream project to work on?

This is such an interesting question! I can’t name a specific dream project. However, there are certainly manuscripts that I’ve pored blood, sweat and tears into that I would love to see become real, live books one day.

Interior Spread - WHEN A TREE GROWS

Tell us about your debut book.

WHEN A TREE GROWS is a rollicking read-aloud that follows a zany chain of events triggered by a broken tree, a cranky Bear, a nut-loving Squirrel and his loyal friend Moose. Kirkus gave it a lovely review, saying “Laugh along as a story about a tree in the forest comes full circle, bringing three creatures along for a bumpy but fun ride.”

What’s up next for you?

Next up for me is a still-secret picture book with an amazing publisher in Canada. A sloth and a squirrel team up for a special mission. Look for an announcement soon, and a book sometime in 2021!

And last, but not least, favorite 80’s movie?

An 80’s movie set in 1963 - Dirty Dancing.

RIP Patrick Swayze.

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

---

Huge thank you to Cathy for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see what’s next!

---

CATHY BALLOU MEALEY lives with her family north of Boston, where she delights in watching silly squirrel antics and is waiting patiently for a moose to appear. Her favorite nut is the hazelnut and her favorite cupcake is cardamom crème.

Her debut book, WHEN A TREE GROWS, is a rollicking read-aloud that follows a zany chain of events triggered by a broken tree, a cranky Bear, a nut-loving Squirrel and his loyal friend Moose.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Cathy and her work, visit her online here or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @CatBallouMealey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathy.mealey

Instagram: @catballoumealey

TO ORDER Cathy’s book, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of WHEN A TREE GROWS?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, April 18th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for an interview with debut author Natascha Biebow!