Interview with Author, Illustrator, and Publisher Helen H. Wu

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author, illustrator and publisher Helen Wu of Yeehoo Press. I’ve been lucky enough to interview a few of the authors and illustrators that Helen has worked with at Yeehoo Press, and now we are lucky enough to have her too! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her journey into publishing, her process, and share her new book, TOFU TAKES TIME, illustrated by Julie Jarema, with Beaming Books, which just received a starred review from School Library Journal!

So without further ado, please welcome Helen Wu!

Where do you live?

I was born and raised in Hefei, China. Currently I live in San Diego, California.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I illustrated for a self-published picture book in 2012 and that was how I got started in children’s book publishing. So far I’ve been in the publishing industry for over 10 years.

Do you write full-time?

I have a day job as the associate publisher at Yeehoo Press. I write part-time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’ve been passionate about writing and drawing since I was a kid; however, I never thought it would be a career option when I grew up in China. My parents were very supportive, but we didn’t have typical picture books when I grew up. We had black-and-white comic books and only in the last two decades, picture books were introduced into China. The Chinese children’s book market started much later than other markets around the world.

Picture books have the potential to pass on the joy from generation to generation, and it’s one of the channels that children can learn about the world when they snuggle on the laps of parents and grandparents. It’s a magical format that I feel can perfectly encapsulate a feeling, a moment, a subject, a place and time. As an art lover, I also find it’s very entertaining and soothing to simply enjoy the artwork of picture books. Currently I’m most into writing stories grounded in my personal immigrant experiences with Chinese cultural background. 

What inspired your newest book, TOFU TAKES TIME?

The inspiration for this story was born of my tofu-making experience with my own grandma. When I was a kid, I often sat by my grandma and watched her cooking, including making tofu. She washed vegetables, chopped meat, stirred porridge, and cooked all the meals for the whole family. While cooking, my grandma always told me stories, which brought me to faraway places and times. After I moved to the US and had my own family, once I made tofu with my kids, they asked me a lot about the process and all the tools we used. This reminded me of the sweet time I spent with my grandma in the small kitchen across the ocean. A story began to take shape. But I knew to be a story in the true sense, it had to be about something bigger and more relevant to kids. When I cooked with my own kids, they would start their imaginative play and occasionally complain about how long it takes to cook a meal. This inspired me to include the topic of patience. When I took a closer look at the tofu-making process in an imaginative way, I discovered an assortment of elements it contained to connect nature and even the universe. I’m pleased to have found a sweet spot to include food, culture, patience, nature, and intergenerational love in one book.

Interior art from TOFU TAKES TIME by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema, published by Beaming Books

Interior art from TOFU TAKES TIME by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema, published by Beaming Books

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

To see how the illustrator interprets the story in her perspective. The text and the illustrations are equally important to making a picture book. For this book, Julie and I mainly collaborated through our editor Naomi Krueger. During the phase of character design, Naomi asked me to share some photos of my grandma with Julie for inspiration. My parents in China helped me. They went through stacks of family albums and dug out some old photos of me at about 5 years old, which drew me back to sweet memories with my grandma and grandpa. I almost cried tears of joy to see the little girl that Julie drew, with my name on a children’s book representing Chinese culture! I am so incredibly grateful that I got to work with Julie on this book. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The most challenging part of writing is definitely revising. In considering so many different ways to revise my work, I always want to ensure revisions set out to strengthen the story and make it more appealing to a broad audience while staying true to my heart. Sometimes it’s best to shelve the manuscript for a little while to gain a fresh perspective and new ideas before reworking the story. 

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

Read books, watch movies, go to museums, and keep eyes open for daily delights. I believe creativity is the ability of one’s brain to connect common things in an uncommon way. 

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

I’ve had so many positive experiences in the Kid Lit community. It’s a safe place to share your good or or not so good news, ask for advice or help, seek critique and feedback. Kid Lit authors and friends are always there to offer their knowledge and help and lift each other up. 

Recommended reading?

Here are some of my favorite new books, So Not Ghoul by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui, The School of Failure by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum, Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation by Sylvia Liu, and Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I have achieved some milestones along the way. I got nominated by Publishers Weekly as one of the honorees of Publishers Weekly Star Watch as the associate publisher of Yeehoo Press. Recently TOFU TAKES TIME got a starred review from School Library Journal. I’ll keep it up!

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

It takes years of hard work to make your book to be seen, and make yourself to be seen.

What’s up next for you?

My next picture book, LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL, illustrated by Mae Besom, will be published by Yeehoo Press in February 2023. Inspired by my experience as a minority immigrant student, this picture book follows a Chinese dragon who struggles to breathe fire in his new Western dragon school, only to discover he must carve his own path to finding a sense of belonging. Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, self-acceptance, and cultural differences.

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

Read other picture books and learn about what’s out in the market. Take picture book writing classes. Find a critique group and get feedback on your stories. Revise, revise, revise. Most importantly, keep writing and keep going. 

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

My Neighbor Totoro. I’m a huge fan of Studio Ghibli.

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Huge thank you to Helen for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your starred review and wonderful book!

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Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. She is the author of Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the Associate Publisher of Yeehoo Press, a San Diego based children’s book publisher. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that can empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids. Learn more about Helen at helenhwu.com and follow her on Twitter at @HelenHWu and on Instagram at @HelenHWu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Helen, visit her online at helenhwu.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter at @HelenHWu

Instagram at @HelenHWu.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of TOFU TAKES TIME, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of TOFU TAKES TIME?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 4th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Julie Murphy

Happy Friday Critters! I know— it’s Friday not Thursday but we are here! And this week has been crazy! So although this post is a day later than our normal posting, today we have a fabulous interview with Julie Murphy, a trained zoologist and zookeeper turned author! I’m such a huge fan of books that focus on fascinating facts about animals and nature— my boys pour over books like Julie’s. I’m so happy Julie is with us today, all the way from Australia, to talk about her books (19 and counting!), road to publication, and experience in the publishing industry.

So without further ado, please welcome Julie Murphy!

Where do you live?

I live in Melbourne, Australia

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book was published in 2008. That’s also when I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

How did you first get published?

I had been writing and submitting picture book manuscripts for a couple of years, and receiving quite positive feedback but no offers to publish. Around 2007, I decided to approach education publishers for prospective work-for-hire, using my science background as a selling point to try and get my foot in the door. 

After hearing about a new local packager (a company that makes books to sell on to publishers) during a writing course I was attending, I wrote to them and crossed my fingers. I was fortunate to hear back within the week! By chance, one of their writers had just pulled out of a project at short notice, and they needed someone to step in right away. I was given the task of researching and writing a children’s non-fiction book (about nutrition!) in six weeks. Luckily, my science background trained me in how to effectively research scientific literature, which was very useful in meeting the strict deadline.

For anyone who doesn’t know, work-for-hire involves writing a book according to a specific brief provided by the packager or publisher. So, in this case, although the idea for the book wasn’t mine, the research and writing certainly was, and I was the attributed author.

This first book led to others, which allowed me to build a list of publications that led to finding work-for-hire with other publishers. That led to eventually getting my own manuscripts published. 

Do you write full-time?

No. Besides not earning enough from my writing, I learnt through the recent Covid lockdown that writing full-time would drive me crazy. I am happy writing part-time, and working part-time as an Education Officer who leads junior school groups through education programs at an urban farm. I find the mix of solitary writing and in-person teaching the perfect balance.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I am most inspired to write picture books about animals and nature because that’s what I am most passionate about. I am fortunate that the city where I live, Melbourne, has forests and beaches within a few hours’ drive. I love walking in nature, and find it an important way to stay centered in a hectic world.

Working in a big city, I meet many kids who lack a connection to nature. I aim through my books to inspire children to seek out nature for themselves, for their own physical and mental wellbeing.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I think the fact that I never feel like a “real” author. “Imposter syndrome” sets in quite regularly, but in some ways it’s useful because I’m always learning and trying to write the best book I can.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the freedom the lifestyle fosters - that a walk in the park might lead to a new story; that my job is to be curious like a child, to play with words, and to turn a thought into something fun, uplifting, important or even profound that can be shared with children.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

It’s often difficult to work out that special hook that will bring a fresh approach to a well-known topic, to give an edge over existing books in the market about that topic.

Finding the right hook requires patience and persistence. (It needs a new angle, but not too new or publishers will run a mile.)

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

I leave my computer and do something different – walk my dog, visit a friend, do some gardening, watch a movie or documentary, or go out into nature. Once I stop thinking about my writing, that’s often when new ideas or a fresh approach come along.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

That’s an interesting question, which seems a bit paradoxical at first because I believe that creative ideas cannot be planned or forced. But you are right! Once I’ve got the idea or spark, I need to habitually sit at the computer to get the hard work done - writing the manuscript.

My daily routine is to check emails and social media first (for no more than half an hour) before then starting work on a manuscript. This seems to get me into the right frame of mind to do the work.  

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

The Kid Lit community is awesome! Your invitation to talk with you on the CritterLit blog is a wonderful example of the support and sharing that goes on. Thank you for having me here!

I must say that it took me a while to establish connections in the Kid Lit community because I’m basically an introvert. It’s easier for me to write a few sentences on Twitter than to talk person to person. However, my local SCBWI meetings were worth the initial awkwardness I felt at not knowing anyone. Through those meetings, I have found a tribe of like-minded, supportive friends and colleagues who attend each other’s’ book launches and help to spread the word of our new releases on social media.

Recommended reading?

For me, lots of picture books - fiction and non-fiction. You never know where the next idea will spring from, and it’s a great way to keep up with what’s being published, by which publishers, and to work out what (I think) works in a book and what doesn’t.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

While every step in my career has been exciting and beyond what I ever expected, the highlight is always the release of my NEXT book.

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

Looking back, I think it may have been useful to have been forewarned how looooooong things take to happen in publishing. Persistence is truly as important as doing the writing.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

ODD BODS: The World’s Unusual Animals is a non-fiction picture book (with photos instead of illustrations) about how animals that look different from the norm are just as great at surviving as familiar-looking animals. ODD BODS was released in March this year through Lerner Publishing Group (Millbrook Press). It’s aimed at children K-3. 

Here’s the blurb:

Long snouts, bright-red lips, pointy heads,,,the animal kingdom is full of critters with unique features. Learn about the incredible adaptations that help these creatures – and their odd bods – survive and thrive around the globe.

What’s up next for you?

I’m expecting the release of MOUNTAIN PYGMY-POSSUM: A Tiny Survivor through CSIRO Publishing (Australia) in October 2021, covid permitting. It is a narrative non-fiction picture book about a year-in-the-life of the endangered (and ultra-cute) Mountain Pygmy-possum, which is a native Australian animal that lives in only one tiny region in Australia’s highlands. And this book’s illustrations are beautiful!

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

While it’s important to attend training and information courses to hone your skills, and to get critique feedback on your manuscripts from colleagues, it’s also good to trust in yourself. With the wealth of information out there, you’re bound to discover conflicting information and suggestions that contradict each other, or which don’t suit your way of working. That’s okay. Don’t force these opinions onto yourself – follow your gut. Because if you’re in it for the long haul, you HAVE to enjoy the ride!

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

The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

In 1977, Star Wars rocked my world. (Yes, I was a kid then.) But then the three-year wait for its sequel (Empire) was excruciating. Fortunately, the wait was worth it. Empire was one of those rarities – a sequel that was even better than its predecessor.

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Huge thank you to Julie for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your fantastic books!

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JULIE MURPHY was trained as a zoologist and zookeeper, and has been writing fiction and non-fiction books for around two decades. Her 19 picture books and information books about animals and nature have been published by Trade and Education publishers in the USA and Australia (where she lives). Several books have won or been short-listed for major awards, including the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Julie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and volunteer as a reviewer for the CBCA’s Reading Time, www.readingtime.com.au.

Julie writes books to inspire young readers to become lifelong readers and conservation stewards. She hopes to encourage kids to be more curious about nature and to become motivated to experience the natural world for themselves - even a park or back yard will do!

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Julie, visit her online: www.juliemurphybooks.com

Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliekidsbooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/157536.Julie_Murphy

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of ODD BODS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 28th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Anna Lazowski

Happy Thursday Critters! Can you believe it’s July already?!! I’m so excited about today’s interview because our author’s debut picture book is one that I’ve been waiting to come out for some time. I love the hook, concept, art, and humor! This book has it all! I’m thrilled to have her with us today and can’t wait for you to hear all about her hilarious new picture book, T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES, illustrated by Steph Laberis.

So without further ado, please welcome Anna Lazowski!

Where do you live?

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 

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

I think I always knew in the back of my mind I wanted to write, and I've always loved picture books. A well-executed picture book is such an incredible thing, they seem so deceptively simple to write but are actually anything but. They have to be entertaining, and be something kids and adults want to go back to. They have to communicate complex subject matter in simple, elegant ways. Some of my favourite books ever are picture books so I guess it makes sense I began my career as a writer trying to capture that magic. 

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

It's one of those fairytale stories that's actually hard to believe. I participated in a Twitter pitch contest, #PBPitch, in June 2019, with a pitch I'd used before with no success. But during that event it got one like. Just one. That like happened to come from Frances Gilbert, an editor at Doubleday. I sent the manuscript off to her and prepared for a long wait. Then an email came back from her an hour later offering to acquire T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES. For me it was a combination of luck, timing, and having a strong enough concept to catch her attention as she scrolled through the feed.   

Can you share a bit about your process?

My process is pretty simple, I get an idea - often for a title or concept and things unfold from there. If I'm writing NF, I lean on my background in journalism and do a pile of research before diving into the first draft. If I'm writing fiction I just sit down and start. Sometimes an entire arc will pop into my head and I just have to try to get it down without wrecking it!

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

I have folders full of ideas, that's not the problem. For me there's sometimes a bit of paralysis when the manuscript is almost done but I have to do one final revision before I can consider it complete. Sometimes those drafts wait awhile for me to be inspired to come back and wrap them up. It feels like I have to wait for the right moment or I'll just be sitting there staring at the screen. 

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

I'm so used to snatching bits of time here and there I can write pretty much anywhere at any time. It's a useful skill. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many!! I love the work The Fan Brothers do, and I love how Dev Petty's writing seems so effortless (which it obviously isn't). I have a background in fine arts and have been enjoying reading through a bunch of Amy Guglielmo's work and love what Elly MacKay does with her illustration. I also love reading unpublished work by up and coming writers when I do critique giveaways because I get to read something only a handful of people have seen. 

Dream project to work on?

That's an interesting question, I think the initial dream was just getting published. But I've always loved books that walk the line between light and darkness, so I'd like to find a way to explore those themes a bit in a way that works. I have a deep fondness for weird kids and strange situations so I'd love to delve into that a bit more. 

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut book, T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES, was expertly illustrated by Steph Laberis, and is an ABC book that looks at all the things kids can do that animals can't. The images show animals failing at things like riding a bicycle or flipping a pancake, but it turns all those negative experiences into a reminder that it's okay not to be good at something right away. Which I think is a useful message for kids and their parents. 

Interior art from T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES Shoes by Anna Lazowski, illustrated by Steph Laberis

Interior art from T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES Shoes by Anna Lazowski, illustrated by Steph Laberis

What’s up next for you?

I have a pile of stories that are submission or close to submission ready so I'll be pecking away at those over the summer. And my second picture book, DARK CLOUD, was acquired by Kids Can Press and is scheduled for a Spring 2023 release. The illustrator hasn't been announced yet but I am already so excited for that book to be out in the world too!!!

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

This is the hardest question actually. I rewatched a bunch of John Hughes movies recently and was disappointed to see they really hadn't aged well. So today, I'm going to go with a tie between two that actually capture my personality pretty well: Labyrinth and Lost Boys. And can I give Pretty In Pink an honorable mention just for Jon Cryer's character Duckie? So good!

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Huge thank you to Anna for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see DARK CLOUD when it releases in 2023!

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ANNA LAZOWSKI wrote her first picture book for a class assignment in the sixth grade and has been creating stories ever since. Now an award-winning radio producer, Anna has an MA (Journalism) from the University of Western Ontario and a BFA (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba. Anna’s debut picture book, T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES (Doubleday Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Steph Laberis, is launching in spring of 2021. Her second book, DARK CLOUD, (Kids Can Press) will be published in spring of 2023. Her journalistic work has been published in various newspapers and magazines, and she has been a nationally syndicated radio columnist covering music and health. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband Mike, their kids, and their dog Jackson.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Anna online: https://www.annalazowskibooks.com/

Or follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_lazowski

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 8th. US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Troy Wilson

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with author Troy Wilson. I’m thrilled to share his work with all of you as I’m a huge fan of fractured fairy tales and retellings. His newest book, GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR, illustrated by Edwardian Taylor, just came out this month with Running Kids Press.

So without further ado, please welcome Troy Wilson!

Where do you live?

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. As the crow (or plane) flies, it's about 75 miles from Seattle.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first picture book came out in 2004. So, by that measure, I've been in publishing for 17 years (though I did get paid for some opinion pieces starting in 2001).

How did you first get published?

I had dreamt of being either a writer or cartoonist since about second grade, but I never put in the hard work necessary to make that dream a reality. Then in October of 2000, at the ripe old age of 30, I finally buckled down and started putting my nose to the writing grindstone. Since I was starting at ground zero and was in a hurry, I focused entirely on short pieces. And in a year's time, I had gotten an opinion piece published in a local alternative weekly, won third place in a local Postcard Fiction competition, and signed the contract for my first picture book (titled Perfect Man). 

I had certainly received all kinds of rejections for all kinds of work during that initial year, and would go on to receive countless more. But as for Perfect Man in particular? Never received a single rejection for it. I sent Perfect Man to exactly two publishers: Orca Books and a small start-up that I no longer remember the name of (I don't think they're around anymore). Orca said yes, and I jumped at their offer, withdrawing it from the other publisher. I had no agent and no contacts at Orca. Just a decent manuscript and a whole lot of luck. 

I wrote all kinds of short material initially. Opinion pieces, book reviews, news stories, human resource reports for government. But over the years, my interest in the other stuff has diminished, and only the kids’ stuff has remained. 

Do you write full-time?

Nope. I might do it full-time at some point, but right now I'm also working part-time as a stock clerk at a local supplement store. Picture books aren't super-lucrative, and neither are books in general. Sure, substantial payments can roll in sometimes, but it's very much feast or famine. I'm happy that my day job is an active one, to offset the sedentary nature of writing. Plus, my co-workers are top-notch.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Other creators' amazing picture books inspire me to create picture books.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Everyone talks about how hard it is to break in, and it certainly can be. But for me, staying in was even harder. I thought that after my first picture book saw print, I'd have a picture book come out every year or two thereafter. Not so. My first picture book came out in 2004. My second picture book came out in 2005. My third picture book didn't come out until ... drumroll ... 2015! And believe me, that wasn't for lack of trying. I was writing and submitting the whole time, but to no avail. Rejection, rejection, and more rejection. Thankfully, I had a ton of fiction published in kids' magazines during the long book drought. Those published stories helped keep my spirits up, and the feedback from the magazine editors helped me continue to improve my craft. 

And here's the funny thing about that drought-breaking third book: it was a rhyming book - and rhyming books are notoriously hard to place. Anyway, things have been going great since then. I signed on with my agent Hilary McMahon just in time for her to negotiate the contract for my sixth picture book. This year, books 8 and 9 are being released. Even so, I know full well that another book drought could hit me at any time. Can't take anything for granted. Just have to keep keeping on.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Creating picture books is my favorite thing about being an author. I love the collaboration with so many talented, dedicated, and insightful people. The artists, the editors, the designers, my agent, and everyone in between.

Inspiring, entertaining, and educating kids is great, too, of course. But for me, the creation part is super-duper-great.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The waiting is the hardest part. Publishing moves at a glacial pace. You just have to accept that as a given.

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

I honestly haven't had a problem with rust or new ideas in a long time. But I certainly do have problems figuring out what to do with ideas once I have them. Sometimes when I'm having trouble writing the thing, I write *about* the thing instead. For instance, I knew I wanted to do a fractured version of Jack and the Beanstalk, but even with a specific angle that I won't yet reveal, there were still a million different ways that angle could go. So I refrained from jumping into a draft. Instead, I wrote about the various options in a thinking-out-loud kind of way. After a couple years of periodically jotting down Beanstalk thoughts while I did other things, a fully-formed Beanstalk manuscript sprang up practically overnight (well, more like over a few weeks - but still, it came together relatively quickly when I was finally ready for the draft stage). And just so I don't totally scare everyone away from this technique, I want to assure you that my writing-about-the-thing practice doesn't always – or even often – take two whole years (!) to break a log jam. This just happens to be the only example that comes to my mind right now.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I tend to work in silence. Not total silence, of course. The ambient sounds of the world always seep in. I just mean that I don't play any audio when I sit down at my computer to write. Same whenever I'm out walking alone. No podcasts, no music. It's just me, the ambient sounds, and whatever writing breakthroughs pop into my head. 

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

Goofing around with writer Ame Dyckman on Twitter is always a joy. She puts out lots of fun stuff, and genuinely seems to appreciate getting fun responses back. She has a generous, give-and-take, improv sensibility.

In general, I find Kid Lit Twitter to be invaluable. So much support and knowledge and humor. So much lovely artwork. So many great book recommendations. To be sure, Twitter has plenty of toxic zones, but Kid Lit Twitter is a rejuvenating oasis.

Recommended reading?

I recommend you read loads and loads of contemporary award winners and bestsellers (along, of course, with whatever happens to catch your eye and strike your fancy). But you don't need my help to find those. So instead I'm going to point out two under-appreciated gems:

Knot Cannot by Tiffany Stone and Mike Lowery

Glister by Andi Watson

And if you follow me on Twitter, you can check out my “Books I Enjoyed This Week” tweets. I just post the covers, with no further review or explanation, but people still seem to like them. And believe me, not everything I read makes the cut.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

This is hard to narrow down, so I'll pick two.

The first highlight was when Stan "The Man" Lee heaped praise upon my first book, a superhero tale called Perfect Man. I'd been eagerly devouring all sorts of comics, including Marvel Comics, from a very young age. So having Mr. Marvel himself applaud my and illustrator Dean Griffihs's work was quite a thrill.

The second involved the launch of a picture book titled The Sinking of Captain Otter. It was inspired by a little book I wrote and drew way back in Grade One called Captain Otter. Because of its origins, the publisher and I launched the book at the elementary school where I created the original. It was pretty amazing to come full-circle like that. I dedicated it to my first grade teacher and my six-year-old self.

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

Same answer as my biggest surprise. I wish someone had told me that staying in is as hard as getting in.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Goldibooks and the Wee Bear is published by Running Press Kids and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor. It is the second book/reading-themed fairy tale I've done with Running Press Kids. The first was Little Red Reading Hood and the Misread Wolf, illustrated by Ilaria Campana. You don't have to read one to make sense of the other. They do go great together, though.

Interior Art from GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR by Troy Wilson, Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

Here's the Goldibooks summary:

"In this adorable reimagining of the beloved classic, Wee Bear is on the hunt for something new to read. As he sets off through the woods, he stumbles upon Goldibooks's house. While she and her parents are out for a walk, Wee Bear makes himself at home. But Mom's books are too hard (hardcovers) and Dad's are too soft (paperbacks). Thankfully, Goldibooks's book collection is juuuust right! With a pile of books in-hand, Wee Bear sits down to read. But Mom's chair is too hard, and Dad's chair is too soft. Thankfully, Goldibook's chair is juuuuust right!

Exhausted from hauling around so many books, Wee Bear tucks himself into bed. But Mom's bed is too hard, and Dad's bed is too soft. Thankfully, Goldibooks's bed is juuuust right! And that's where Goldibooks and her parents find him when they return home. As the story unfolds from there, readers are reminded that the best books are those we share with friends".

Interior Art from GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR by Troy Wilson, Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

What’s up next for you?

My first picture book with Candlewick hits shelves in the fall. It's illustrated by Eve Coy, and it's different than anything I've done. More heart, and less humor. It'll be interesting to see how it's received.

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

To be successful, you need at least these three things: persistence, luck, and talent. Of the three, persistence is by far the most important. Persistence gives you more chances to be lucky, and persistence gives you more chances to grow your talent. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

And bear in mind that the day before a big breakthrough usually feels exactly the same as any other day. You don’t know what is around the next corner. You don’t know how close you might be.

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

I don't really have favorites. Not a favorite food or a favorite color or a favorite season or a favorite anything else. A Fish Called Wanda is pretty fun, though.

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Huge thanks to Troy for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on all your fantastic books!

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TROY WILSON is the author of nine picture books and 15 stories for kids’ magazines. Troy has no kids – except for his inner kid. He lives in Victoria, BC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Troy or his books, visit him online: www.troystory.ca or follow him on social media:

Twitter: @TroyStoryToo

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of any of Troy’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR and LITTLE RED READING HOOD AND THE MISREAD WOLF?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 4th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Jennifer Grant

Where do you live?

I live in Chicago. I grew up here, have lived in Dallas, TX; Holland, MI; Taos, NM; Grants Pass, OR; and Brooklyn, NY. 

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book, Love You More (for adults), was published in 2011, but prior, to that, I published many newspaper columns, blog posts, and articles. 

How did you first get published?

My first book for children was published in 2016. The opportunity to write it came after I did some consulting work for the publisher. (I'd submitted work to an anthology and then did some editing and cleaning up of a translated manuscript.) The editor asked me to write a picture book for them; I'd wanted to write for kids for a long time, so I was delighted for the chance! 

Do you write full-time?

Yes, I do. I also work as an editor/editorial consultant. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I always have about a dozen stories percolating in my mind. Sometimes a snippet of conversation gives me an idea. Sometimes my dog (or another dog at the park) does something funny, and I get an idea. Sometimes, in conversation with a little kid, they'll say something hilarious or insightful and I go write that down.  

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I'm always surprised at how hard it is to get a story right and how many times I need to read it out loud before calling it "done." 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love almost everything about it. I love the creative process, getting into flow, seeing the story come alive with visual art, and I love getting to know other children's authors. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The promotion piece (when a book is about to launch or has just launched) is my least favorite part. I'm an introvert and having to post, Tweet, make noise about the new book on various social media platforms goes against my nature...but I know it's important as I do actually want to help people find my books.

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

Reading books like Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way or other creativity books can be helpful. Honestly, though, I have a few file folders, thick with slips of paper with little germs of ideas on them. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

This might sound funny, but the only thing that comes to mind is that I have a big, backyard bird feeder and I spend a lot of time watching birds. That kind of time lets me daydream (and I have written about birds on a feeder in a new board book series that comes out in a year or so) and unclutter my mind. I try to have at least 20-30 minutes of daydreamy time every day. 

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

Having worked for newspapers, with many writers and editors in "grown up" publishing, I can honestly say that kid lit people are the best! They're silly, inventive, and very supportive of one another. When, for instance, A Little Blue Bottle first launched, my kid lit friends came out in force, Tweeting about it, posting reviews, and generally helping spread the word about it. 

Recommended reading?

• Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul (self-explanatory!)

• How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo (wonderful book about reading to kids at various ages, but helpful for writers, too)

• Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz (one of my favorite picture books)

• What's Cooking at 10 Garden Street by Felicita Sala (I discovered this online recently; such a delightful book about all the people in an apartment building making dinner; richly diverse, includes recipes, and I love the illustrations. I wish I had written it!)

• Little Mole Finds Hope by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland (Full disclosure: Glenys, a prolific kid lit author, is a friend of mine, but honestly this is one of the best books for children I've ever read.)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

My books for kids have won a few awards, which was really special. But I would have to say, the highlight of writing for kids is hearing how they connect with the books. I recently heard from my niece, who's a young mom, and she lives in Chicago and her 2 year-old loves my book Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too. She told me that, before bed, he likes her to take him outside and he shouts, "Goodnight My Neighbors" over the fence! I love that!

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

Perhaps to get really involved ASAP with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Go to local or national conferences. Go to online or in-person meet-ups. It's so great to have a supportive community--I'd have gotten involved sooner if someone had told me how helpful it can be. 

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My most recently published picture book, A Little Blue Bottle, is about a friendship between a little girl and her elderly neighbor. When the neighbor dies, the girl begins to process her grief with her mother. It's a very quiet book, and I hope it will be a comfort to children who are grieving. 

Interior art from A LITTLE BLUE BOTTLE written by Jennifer Grant, Illustrated by Gillian Whiting

What’s up next for you?

In fall 2021, I have a new picture book coming out. I'm working with the artist who illustrated A Little Blue Bottle, but she has created a very different look for the book. It's a book about the pandemic, telling the story of what happened in a way that I hope will acknowledge children's experiences of this time and also bring them hope. I have a board book series (about counting, colors, and the night sky) coming out after that. 

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

Sometimes people assume that, because they are short, picture books are easy to write. 

I encourage anyone who would like to write this category of kid lit to get really serious about the craft, and:

a) join the SCBWI (you don't have to have published a book yet)

b) do your homework (if you were writing a work of fiction for adults, you'd spend time plotting out the arc of the story, doing research on and creating a rich back story for the characters, and so on. Do the same for your picture book.)

c) follow your favorite picture book writers online (I recommend, for instance, the writer Josh Funk's website, and he has a lot of "writer resources" on his site, https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/)

d) remember to have fun, be playful, and let your imagination take you into wonderful places.

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

Oh wow -- I graduated from high school in 1985, so I'm all about the 80s movies! Die Hard is my favorite 80s Christmas movie, I'm quite fond of the "Bill and Ted" movies (including the new, third one!), but as a Chicagoan, I have to say Ferris Bueller's Day Off is my all-time favorite with The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink as a close second and third. 

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Huge thank you to Jennifer for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on all your books! We can’t wait to see what you come out with next.

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JENNIFER GRANT is the author of five books for adults and several for children, including the award-winning picture book Maybe God is Like That Too. A former newspaper columnist, she lives with her husband and rescue dog Scarlett in Chicago.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Jennifer or her books, visit her online at www.jennifergrant.com. Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @jennifercgrant

Instagram: @jennifergrantwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterJenniferGrant

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of any of Jennifer’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of A LITTLE BLUE BOTTLE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 21st! 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!

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

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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 Terry Pierce

Happy Tuesday Critters! Today, I’m thrilled to feature an interview with author Terry Pierce, whose new board book, LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS, illustrated by Suzy Ultman, just came out with Chronicle Books this month. It’s the sweetest novelty board book, with lovely text, charming illustrations, and soft, fuzzy, felt lift-a-flaps! It’s quickly become my go-to new baby gift!

So without further ado, please welcome Terry Pierce!

Where do you live?

I lived in the California high desert for thirty-nine years but now spend most of my time in the beautiful high Sierra town of Mammoth Lakes.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I started writing for children in 1999, after 22 years of being a preprimary Montessori teacher.

How did you first get published?

This could take a while! When I decided to try my hand at writing for children, I gave myself a five-year time limit to get a book published (I know, crazy, right?). I dove into the SCBWI and all they could teach me. After I started submitting my work, all I received were form rejections, so I re-evaluated my strategy—still looking at my self-imposed five-year deadline—and decided to try my hand a joke writing (because I LOVED joke books as a kid). I wrote a sample of 25 jokes and sent them to Sterling Publishing. Within a month, I got a call with an offer to publish (although they wanted another 600 jokes!). Greatest Goofiest Jokes was my first book. It came after 160 rejection letters and three years into my writing journey.

Do you write full-time?

My husband retired two year ago, so I’m not writing quite as full-time as I used to at 35-40 hours a week. Life is too short not to take time enjoying life together with our hikes, climbs and walks. But the upside is that I draw inspiration from nature so I’m always thinking about writing even if I’m not physically doing it.

What inspires you to create picture books?

So many things! In addition to nature, my Montessori teaching experiences have inspired me, as do other children’s books. I love reading other picture books and getting an “Aha!” moment of inspiration. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Great question! Initially, I was surprised at how hard it is to write a picture book. I just thought you’d just write it, but then I learned about plotting, characterization, page turns, allowing room for the illustrator to help tell the story, etc. The best picture books are flawless, so they look like they’d be easy to write. But they’re not. I’m always talking about this with my UCLA students. It’s probably the biggest myth about writing for children. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the creativity of it all! It’s so fun to get a spark of a story idea and play with it. I really do love playing with words. My tendency is to write in verse, with a light, lyrical approach. I can spend hours tinkering with a text and engaging in wordplay before I realize how much time has passed. I have all sorts of resources I use—books, websites, apps—that give me lots of treasures to dig through. It’s pure joy for me!

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Like many writers, the rejections are a challenge (I prefer to call them “declines”). You must have a tough skin to stick with this business, but even with that, sometimes the rejections can get to me. When that happens, I give myself a little “pity party” (always with chocolate and my co-author cat). I might step back for a day or two, but then I always put it in perspective and keep moving forward. Getting back to it sometimes means setting aside a particular manuscript (letting me get some distance) or diving back in with a new focus on how to improve. 

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

I love taking long walks or hikes by myself. I have a favorite “secret spot” I often visit in the nearby mountains where I can just think. Another great way to find inspiration is to participate in an online event such as Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm or Paula Yoo’s NaPiBoWritWee (National Picture Book Writing Week). These are fun online blog events that help inspire children’s writers. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I usually have a cup of tea and my co-author cat within arm’s reach (I have two cats, but only one is always nearby while I write). Oh, and I need quiet. I’m not one who could write a novel in a coffeehouse!

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

Just one? If it weren’t for the SCBWI and my Kid Lit connections with other authors, illustrators, editors, etc., I wouldn’t have a single book published. It’s so important to network and make friends in this business! Not only for connections to help you get published or promote a book, but most importantly, when this business gets you down (and it will due to all the rejections), you need other writers who understand what you’re going through. I’ve had high and low moments in this business where my first call wasn’t to my husband, it was to my writing partners. Because they get it.

Recommended reading?

Rather than recommend specific books, I recommend that other writers develop a canon of authors whose work you admire and study those texts (read, reread, type them out). For me, the top of the list includes Eve Bunting, Lisa Wheeler, Phyllis Root, Tammi Sauer, and Kathi Appelt.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

This is a tough question! On a personal level, graduating from Vermont College of Fine Arts was a huge accomplishment and milestone for me. This opened the door for me to teach for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, which I love. Book-wise, I’d say the huge success of my first board book, Mama Loves You So, has been a highlight. I never expected such strong sales and all the tremendous feedback I’ve received. Just knowing that parents and their babies are bonding over my book warms my heart. I’m hoping parents will have a similar response to Love Can Come in Many Ways.

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

I wish someone would have told me: 1) the level of commitment it takes to get published (the dedication to learning the craft, time, expense), and 2) that on the average, picture book writers (picture books, easy reader, board books) don’t earn nearly as much compared to other writers. Neither probably wouldn’t have changed my mind about writing but it would have been nice to know those things before I started.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Love Can Come in Many Ways is my first novelty board book. It’s all about ways in which animals, and humans, show affection toward one another. When I wrote the book, I just wanted to bring a little more love into the lives of young children, but Chronicle envisioned so much more. They wanted to create an interactive novelty board book full of cuddles, snuggles, hugs and love, by using felt lift-a-flaps. The illustrator, Suzy Ultman has a fun, whimsical artistic style that I know young children will enjoy. I’m really excited for readers who loved my first board book, Mama Loves You So, because this book is also a great book for bonding with little ones.

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

What’s up next for you?

My next board book, Eat Up, Bear! (Yosemite Conservancy) comes out on April 13, 2021, so I’m already looking forward to that. It’s another book that’s near and dear to my heart, about how to be good stewards of wild bears (but in a super cute fun way). I’m also currently working on some other picture book manuscripts and a chapter book series.

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

If you’re just starting, I’d recommend reading Ann Whitford Paul’s marvelous craft book, Writing Picture Books. And if you can, take a writing course on the genre you’re most interested in pursuing. I teach online courses for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and have had many students go on to publication. Writing courses are a great way to do a deep dive into the craft.

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

So many choices but I’d have to say the Back to the Future trilogy. My favorite is the third one (something about the wild west tickles my fancy) but I most recently watched the second one. They’re all great!

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Huge thank you to Terry for stopping by Critter Lit today! We absolutely LOVE your new book and can’t wait to see what comes next!

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TERRY PIERCE is the author of twenty-five children’s books, including MAMA LOVES YOU SO (Little Simon, ill. Simone Shin), SOCCER TIME! (Random House, ill. Bob McMahon), and TAE KWON DO! (Random House, ill. Todd Bonita, 2007 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books). Her upcoming books include LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS (Chronicle, ill. Suzy Ultman) and EAT UP, BEAR! (Yosemite Conservancy, ill. Nadja Sarell).

Terry holds a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Development and an International A.M.I. Montessori teaching diploma.  She was a Montessori teacher for twenty-two years before following her dream of writing for children. Terry has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, including the Picture Book Concentration certification. She’s also an online instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. 

She lives in eastern California, dividing her time between the high desert and the high Sierra. She lives with her husband and is a servant to two crazy cats.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Terry online at https://www.terrypiercebooks.com or on social media:

Twitter: @terrycpierce

Facebook: @TerryPierceAuthor

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Janet Lawler

Happy Thursday Critters! Today, we have our second interview of the week. I’m thrilled to feature another fantastic interview with someone as talented and knowledgable about the industry as Janet Lawler. She has spent the last twenty years writing wonderful picture books, including pop-ups, non-fiction, fiction, board books and more. Mirabel’s Missing Valentines is one of my favorites! Her newest book, KINDERGARTEN HAT, illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez, received a fantastic starred review from Kirkus earlier this year.

So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Janet Lawler to Critter Lit today!

Where do you live? 

Central Connecticut.

How many years have you been in publishing? 

A little over 20 years—time flies!

How did you first get published? 

In 1999 I submitted my first picture book, If Kisses Were Colors, to “Submissions Editor” at Dial Books for Young Readers. I got a call, just a few weeks later, that they wanted to publish it!

Do you write full-time? 

Yes.

What inspires you to create picture books? 

I see inspiration all around me, every day. For example, I recently gazed out at our backyard shed and started wondering about all the critters I’ve seen take refuge under there—rabbits, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks. So I scribbled notes for Critter Condo, a humorous story about diverse animals cooperating while sharing close living space. Now I just have to write it! 

I am also inspired by memories of my own childhood and those of my son and daughter. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

How long it takes for each step in the process of getting a picture book published. The artist for If Kisses Were Colors had another book to illustrate before mine, and so it was four long years between contract signing and publication. (It was worth the wait for Alison Jay’s wonderful art, however. Luckily, most of my other books have not taken quite as long.)

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

As an author, I have two favorite things. The first is seeing preliminary sketches that add illustration layers to my story. I am almost always surprised and delighted! The second is actually holding a copy of the published book for the first time.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

How little control I have over the many steps and stages of acquisition and publication. It helps to accept that everything takes time. I remind myself that all I can control is my own creative process.

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

Exercise, enjoy nature, and travel to new places.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I try to cultivate awareness and presence every day. Creativity seems to flow best when I am open to whatever the moment brings. This also seems to heighten my ability to notice details that spark ideas for stories.

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

My 20-year-long membership in a critique group has been incredibly meaningful and helpful on a professional and personal level. These colleagues are always there for me, providing encouragement to become a better writer and person. They are my writing family.

Recommended reading?

For aspiring picture book writers, I recommend taking a browse through current and past Caldecott Medal winners. While this honor is awarded for the illustrations, the text is usually of equally high caliber. One of my all-time favorites is Jacqueline Briggs Martin’s nonfiction picture book, Snowflake Bentley (illustrated in stunning woodcuts by Mary Azarian), about a Vermonter with a lifelong obsession for photographing snowflakes. The first sentence of the book is so beautifully constructed and evocative: 

In the days 

when farmers worked with ox and sled

and cut the dark with lantern light,

there lived a boy who loved snow

more than anything else in the world.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

This is a hard question. I always have a current “highlight” to give me hope and satisfaction. That might be an external accolade, such the starred review KINDERGARTEN HAT received from Kirkus Reviews this spring, or having a top publisher acquire a new project. But some highlights come quietly, like fan letters or e-mails that say my stories have moved a parent to tears, or made a child an eager reader, or provided a connection.

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

To never send out a manuscript the morning after you revise it! What seems “perfect” at night never is in the morning. I now force myself to take breaks that afford fresh looks, so I can polish a project to the point where it has the best chance of being acquired.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

KINDERGARTEN HAT was published by Little Bee Books in June of this year, and it is beautifully and colorfully illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez. 

Carlos is new to town and nervous about starting kindergarten. He brings a requested flower for his teacher’s hat on the first day, and things don’t go well on the bus ride to school. But Carlos comes up with a clever solution to his destroyed-daisy dilemma and gains courage to start his first day with a great big kindergarten smile. KINDERGARTEN HAT was inspired by a wonderful teacher who greeted my son and daughter, 9 years apart, on their first days of school. She wore a huge flowered hat so students could find her.

Interior art from KINDERGARTEN HAT written by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez.

What’s up next for you?

I am super excited about my upcoming nonfiction picture book WALRUS SONG that is being published by Candlewick in 2021. I just saw the fabulous final color illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering. I can’t wait to share this book with readers young and old. And in 2022, OCEANS OF LOVE (Philomel) and CELEBRATE! (Feiwel & Friends) will release.

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

One last bit of advice—look for silver linings on the meandering journey that is a career in children’s publishing. Almost every time I have had a moment of defeat or rejection, something good has come of that event. 

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

There are SO many great 80’s movies that it is hard to pick one. But I loved TOOTSIE. Great casting, humor, heart, plot twists—and social commentary on sexism, decades before the MeToo movement! 

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Huge thank you to Janet for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your latest book— we can’t wait to see your next projects in 2021 and 2022!

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Award-winning children’s author JANET LAWLER has more than twenty-five fiction and nonfiction picture books, pop-ups, and early readers published. Her books have appeared in Scholastic Book Clubs and Children's Book of the Month Clubs and in translation editions in several languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Hebrew. Janet is fascinated by the natural world, and she loves finding humor, heart, and hope in everyday life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JANET LAWLER follow her on social media:

Website: https://janetlawler.com/

Blog:  https://janetlawler.com/blog/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of KINDERGARTEN HAT, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of KINDERGARTEN HAT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 8th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Elisa Boxer

Happy Thursday Critters! Well…since we last shared an interview in late February, the whole pandemic thing hadn’t really blown up yet, so needless to say things have changed quite a bit in the last few weeks. I hope you are all safe and well! Our household has become a little more chaotic now that we’ve got three kiddos at home and no school. Yet, even amidst all the crazy right now, if feels really good to sit down and do something positive, like sharing another fantastic debut author and their new book. So let’s keep it going, maintain our social distancing, and celebrate this week’s Critter Lit author…

…please welcome Elisa Boxer!

Where do you live?

I live in the southern Maine town of Scarborough. We have a foot of snow on the ground right now and just got our power back after an ice storm. Is it spring yet?

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

As soon as I could hold a magic marker! Here are a few books from my younger years:

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

Even though I've loved writing children's book manuscripts for as long as I can remember, I never really considered making a career of it. I was always busy in the trenches of newspapers and then tv stations, churning out stories on daily deadline. After that, I became a journalism instructor at the University of Southern Maine. And then, a couple of years ago, I got sidelined with Lyme disease, which left me short of breath and energy. Some days it hurt to move. Most days I couldn't leave the house.

So I decided I would re-visit my childhood passion, and began querying agents with a picture book manuscript. A couple months later, I signed with the amazing Steven Chudney. And while that first manuscript was out on submission, he emailed me about the upcoming 2020 suffrage centennial, asking if I might like to write a book about it. I've always been drawn to stories about little-known figures in history, so I started researching unsung heroes in the women's suffrage movement. When I came across the story of Febb Burn, I knew hers was a story I wanted to tell.

It was going to be a tight turnaround to get this manuscript ready for submission and hopefully publication in time for the suffrage centennial. So I dove into the research, stayed up late and got up early to write, and a few weeks later we sent out the manuscript. It couldn't have found a more perfect editor than Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press. From the editing process, to seeing the initial sketches, to holding the book in my hand, to connecting with teachers, parents, bookstores and librarians, the process has been more delightful than I can even convey. It still seems surreal. With newspaper articles and tv stories, the work is kind of a one-and-done. But books last. They convey messages and feelings that children can hold in their hands and absorb again and again. It's a sacred process, and I am beyond grateful that I get to participate in it.

Can you share a bit about your process?

As a nonfiction writer and a journalist, I spend a lot of time researching. During this phase, I hole up and dig deep into my subject matter, mining for facts and threads to weave into a story. I write everything down in notebooks, on index cards, and on pieces of paper that I spread out over the floor and tack up on bulletin boards. During this phase, it's often hard to find an empty surface in the house. But while this process is going on, I am also thinking deeply about the heart of the story, and the emotional pull that drew me to it in the first place. I try to identify early on the messages and themes I want readers to take away from the book, and I keep those at the forefront throughout the writing process. In THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE, for example, the message is: Your voice matters. Important themes include courage and, more specifically, standing up for what you believe in even when it's unpopular.

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

Whenever I hit a writing wall, I give my brain a rest and a treat by reading, doodling, or just sitting in stillness. Or eating chocolate. As for new ideas, the more I try to think of them, the less they come to me. Instead, they pop up while I'm driving, at the grocery store, or other times when I am least likely to be able to jot them down. And they generally first come up in terms of feelings, sensations and emotions, from which a research angle or a narrative arc will emerge.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

My crystals. And dark chocolate. And apparently lots of clutter, because every time I try to clear it away, it comes back.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oh, so many. I've always been inspired by Ruth Krauss' classic The Carrot Seed. My parents read it to me when I was young, and it was one of my favorites to read to my son when he was little. The message is ageless: Never give up on what you know to be true, regardless of what others are telling you. As for more contemporary books, I love anything by Kate Messner, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Jess Keating, Jacqueline Woodson, Gary Schmidt and Susan Hood. I'm inspired by all of the pre-published creators I see on social media, putting themselves out there and taking risks. I'm inspired by my fellow picture book creators in the Soaring 20s debut group, who have such a diverse range of talents and give their time and energy every day to help the collective.

Dream project to work on?

I'm working on it right now! So unfortunately I can't say what it is. Ack! Sorry. But it involves attempted silence and voices being heard against the odds...

Tell us about your debut book.

THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: How One Woman's Words Made History, is published by Sleeping Bear Press, and tells the little-known story of the mother who saved suffrage. She did that by writing a letter to her son, who happened to be the swing vote in Tennessee, the battleground state that was deciding whether to give women the right to vote. Illustrator Vivien Mildenberger has done a phenomenal job bringing the characters and setting to life in a way that truly makes you feel like you're back in 1920! Since we're in the suffrage centennial this year, and also given the upcoming election, it's an exciting time to be releasing this book!

What’s up next for you?

I'm in the process of writing four more picture books and a middle grade.

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

I love this question. And it's always fun to read how my colleagues answer it. For me, Molly Ringwald all the way! Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink... I remember feeling so much teenage angst in the 80s, and Molly's characters always seemed to validate it and reflect it back.

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

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ELISA BOXER is an Emmy-winning journalist and columnist whose work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Inc. and Fast Company. She has been a newspaper, magazine and television reporter, and has been writing children's stories for as long as she can remember. Elisa is especially drawn to unsung heroes, like the ones in her first book: The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Elisa, follow her on social media:

website: http://elisaboxer.com/

twitter: https://twitter.com/eboxer

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxerelisa/

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

TEACHER’S GUIDE To download a teacher’s guide for THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: HOW ONE WOMAN’S WORDS MADE HISTORY, click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: HOW ONE WOMAN’S WORDS MADE HISTORY?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, March 26th. US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Amber Hendricks

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to introduce you to this week’s Critter Lit author, Amber Hendricks! Amber has four books out in 2020— two picture books and two board books! How exciting is that?! Her first picture book this year, EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA, illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell, comes February 25th.

So without further ado, please welcome Amber Hendricks!

Where do you live?

I live in a small rural farming town in Missouri near Kansas City.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

Books have always been a big part of my life. I was blessed with parents who were readers and books were plentiful in our home. And if I ran out of books at home, I could just stop by my Grandma’s used bookstore where I spent countless hours sharing my latest story ideas with her. But when I started pursuing publishing, I wasn’t writing picture books. After researching the industry, I realized that picture books were deceptively complex and I challenged myself to learn the craft. I hoped that if I could succeed in writing a picture book, I could succeed in any area of publishing. The joke was on me though, because I quickly fell in love with picture books and I haven’t looked back since! 

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

My journey has been a whirlwind of an adventure! I’ve had the privilege of working with two agents over the years and, although painful, breaking from those agents was a necessary step for me to grow as a writer. It forced me to look inward, reassess my goals and desires, and dig deeper than I ever thought I could. I didn’t give up, and thankfully, my stories landed with some amazing publishers.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I don’t follow the conventional advice of writing every day. But I do spend a lot of time in my head, imagining characters, or thinking over plots. In fact, most of my ideas are fairly fleshed out before a word goes on the page. Usually, it all starts with a title or character streaking across my mind and I build upon the idea, snipping here, rearranging there, until I think the story is strong enough to send to my critique partners. Once I get their feedback, I’ll cut, rewrite, and piece back together the manuscript until it sings. 

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

Read. Spending time in other people’s stories is a great way to find inspiration and refill your creative well. Reading is also an invaluable tool as it can open a window to another writer’s process, especially if you’re stuck. If I’m still puzzling over a plot hole, or haven’t found the right inspiration, I love to go for walks, allowing my mind to wander while I enjoy nature.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I’ve always needed some sort of background noise, so I usually turn on a few episodes of The Office.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! When I started, I adored Jane Yolen and Anna Dewdney. I still do, but now I’ve had the joy of getting to know so many amazing authors and illustrators who never stop pushing for their dreams. 

Dream project to work on?

I’m a big comic book nerd and would love to do a tie-in book or series based on my favorite superheroes. 

Tell us about your newest book.

My newest picture book, EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA, publishes in just a few days from Amicus Ink! My main character, Ella, struggles with feeling ordinary and is determined to find what makes her special in time for her school’s talent show. But when ordinary acts of kindness steal the show, Ella discovers just how extraordinary ordinary can be! 

I’m so proud of this little book and couldn’t have asked for a better partner in the illustrator, Luciana Navarro Powell. Her wonderful illustrations bring Ella and her friends right off the page and into your heart. 

What’s up next for you?

2020 is going to be a wonderful year! Not only is my next picture book, SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT, illustrated by Kyle Reed, publishing on June 2nd, from Beaming Books, the first two board books of my LITTLE NATURE EXPLORERS series, illustrated by Gavin Scott, will publish in August from Amicus Ink.  

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

The Goonies, always and forever. My motto in publishing (and life) is, Goonies Never Say Die!

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Huge thanks to Amber Hendricks for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats such a fantastic 2020!

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Born and raised in the Midwest, AMBER HENDRICKS grew up reading everything she could get her hands on- including the morning cereal boxes. That passion melded into writing as well, and by the age of 11 she was writing and binding her own “books”. Amber has worn many hats in her life, but she has always circled back to her first love of telling stories. Amber currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Amber, follow her online:

Twitter: @ashayhen

Facebook: @AmberHendricksAuthor 

Instagram: @henamber

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase any of Amber’s books, click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, February 27th. 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.

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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!

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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 Debut Author Ashley Franklin

Happy Thursday Critters! Today, I’m thrilled to feature debut author Ashley Franklin! Her new picture book, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE, illustrated by Ebony Glenn, released this past July with HarperCollins. I love the story, message, and charming illustrations in this book, which I think Kirkus Reviews sums up perfectly:

“A feel-good picture book and a great reminder that classic princess roles can be reimagined to embrace inclusion, diversity, and body positivity.”

So without further ado…please welcome Ashley Franklin!

Where do you live?

I currently live in northwest Arkansas. 

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

I didn’t know I wanted to seriously write children’s books until I had kids of my own. I wanted to write books that had characters that looked like them and their family members. I also wanted to write books that I felt I needed as a kid.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I’m a work from home mom, so my process is probably a bit unorthodox for most. For example, I don’t write every day. I spend a lot of time thinking things over in my head and taking notes on my phone.

I’m still trying to get the hang of waking up early to write, but I do find that I am most productive once the kids are in bed and I’ve chugged some coffee.

I’m a quick writer and a slow reviser when it comes to picture books because those early drafts are really me compiling those mental and phone notes and seeing what comes of them.

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

Honestly, I do two things: watch cartoons and consult with my kids. I watch cartoons to check out popular themes and see how they’re tackled and why they worked. My kids are in elementary school, so their perception of things is still pretty spectacular.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A good pen! I prefer to draft using pen and paper, but I cannot stand a pen that doesn’t write smoothly!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Tara Lazar—I admire people who can be funny on purpose. That’s not my gift at all!

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow—I love her way with imagery. She’s very detail oriented and can really paint a picture. Reading her work challenges me to slow down and really be more deliberate with imagery in my own work.

Vashti Harrison—Everything she does is ridiculously gorgeous. She’s just amazing. That’s not much more you can say.

Dream project to work on?

That’s a tough call. I don’t really have an answer for that because right now I feel like any project I’m working on passionately is a dream project.

Tell us about your debut book.

NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE features a talented young girl named Tameika who is great at singing, dancing, and acting. Tameika auditions for the lead role of Princess Snow White in her school’s musical because it’s one of the few roles she hasn’t played and Snow White is her favorite princess. Unfortunately, Tameika’s confidence is shaken when her peers question if she is right for the part because of her appearance. Tameika has to decide if she will let what others say keep her from pursuing her dream role.

What’s up next for you?

I’m continuing to write picture books, but I’m expanding into middle grade. The middle grade bug bit me thanks to a middle grade short story I wrote as a contributor to an upcoming middle grade anthology. It’s called Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices and is scheduled to be released May 5, 2020.

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

Umm...I was born in the 80s, so I’d have to go with a movie I remember most vividly, and that’s Oliver & Company.

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Huge thank you to Ashley for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut book— we can’t wait to see what comes next for you!

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ASHLEY FRANKLIN is a writer, mother, and adjunct college professor. Ashley received her M.A. from the University of Delaware in English Literature, where she reaffirmed her love of writing but realized she had NO IDEA what she wanted to do about it. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. Her debut picture book, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE, was released July 9, 2019 by Harper Collins.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION about Ashley visit her online: www.ashleyfranklinwrites.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @differentashley

Instagram: @ashleyfranklinwrites

Facebook: Ashley Franklin

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

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, August 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Philip Stead and Illustrator Erin Stead

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so thrilled about today’s interview— it’s somewhat of a fangirl moment for me, as I love their books so much. Each time I read one, I discover a new detail to fall in love with. Their newest book, MUSIC FOR MISTER MOON is stunning. We’ve been reading it at bedtime almost every night over here. I don’t think there is an intro I could write that would do them justice…so let’s just jump in, shall we?

Please welcome Erin and Philip Stead!

Where do you live? 

We live in an old farmhouse in Northern Michigan, not too far from the Lake Michigan beach.

How many years have you been in publishing? 

13 years.

How did you first get published?

PHIL: We moved to New York City when we were just out of college with the idea of getting into children's books. I worked briefly for the Brooklyn Children's Museum as a designer/illustrator and spent my free time hitting the pavement, talking my way into publishing offices. Meanwhile Erin worked in a children's bookstore, Books of Wonder, and then later took a job in design at HarperCollins. In the end it was a friend that helped us get a foot all the way in the door. Our friend, fellow bookmaker George O'Connor, passed some of my work along to Neal Porter, an editor at Roaring Brook Press. George had worked with Erin at Books of Wonder. Interestingly enough, Erin also worked with other future authors Nick Bruel, Jason Chin, and Julie Fogliano at the same store. All of those names ended up getting their break with Neal Porter as well. After George had linked me up with Neal he also suggested to Neal that Erin might be interested in illustration work. Up till then Erin had never done illustration work. In fact, she'd barely done any drawing at all in almost three years. In the few days between George's suggestion and Erin's first meeting with Neal I wrote a draft of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, then basically pitched it to both Erin and Neal at the same time over dinner. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yep, we've been doing this full-time since the beginning, even before it made any financial sense to do so. We're just not good at multi-tasking. But we are pretty good at being broke.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Dusty, old, forgotten books, mostly. And animals.

What surprised you the most working as an author, illustrator, or author/illustrator?

We would read books (i.e. Dear Genius, by Leonard Marcus) that made it seem like all the illustrators and authors that we grew up reading were all actually friends in real life. This seemed cool, but unlikely to us. But even just a few years in it became clear to us that we all really DO know each other. We love knowing so many other bookmakers. It's one of our favorite things about the job.

What do you find difficult working as an author, illustrator, or author/illustrator?

Literally everything. We're both really hard on ourselves and we both contemplate quitting on an almost daily basis. By now though (and we say this often to each other) we basically have no marketable skills for the real world. We could be professional dog walkers maybe. That's about it.

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

PHIL: Erin is always cooking when she's stuck on a problem. Sometimes she avoids her desk for weeks and just cooks, cooks, cooks. It used to stress me out, the longer she'd go without setting pencil to paper. But now I know it's all just part of the process. Neither of us are prolific sketchers. We often go straight to final art from the idea in our head. So I guess cooking is akin to sketching for Erin. I find a lot of my inspiration outside of the children's book world. Aside from my love of used book stores I don't really stay too up to date on what's new, other than what my friends are making. I love movies, especially weird ones. And I love music. All music. I'm currently in love with an album by an Ethiopian jazz pianist named Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou. It's unlike anything I've ever heard and I'm sure it's trying to tell me something if I just listen to it long enough.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Procrastination. And the making of coffee to do so.

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

We've done several school events through an organization called An Open Book in Washington DC. Their goal is to get books into the hands of kids who might not have access to book ownership otherwise. School events can be exhausting but we always leave our Open Book events feeling energized and in love with books again. When you see how much a book, just a single book, can mean to a kid it really puts a lot of the other troubles of bookmaking into perspective. It also helps you realize that your books don't really belong to you after they're finished. They go out and live their own interesting lives outside the studio.

Recommended reading?

Who Needs Donuts? by Mark Stamaty. A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears, by Jules Feiffer, and Bambert's Book of Missing Stories, by Reinhardt Jung. We recommend these books to pretty much anyone who will listen.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 

Making a book about our dog (Ideas Are All Around) and then getting her picture published in the New York Times thereafter. 

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

That there will be a lot of public speaking. Neither one of us really considered that getting up and talking to grown-ups would be a big part of being a children's book illustrator. For two bonafide introverts it's kind of a bummer sometimes.

Can you tell us about your newest book? 

We've been thinking a lot lately about what it would be like to grow up right now in a world that is all about over sharing and over stimulation. Quiet, alone time was essential to both of us as kids. It's still essential to us. I don't think kids are often allowed these days to do things alone—truly alone. Everything is always documented and shared. Music for Mister Moon is book about an introvert, made by two introverts. We hate to ever say what a books means, but at its core the book is meant to ask a question which is: can a thing have value if it isn't shared? 

What’s up next for you?

Our next book is actually the 10 year anniversary edition of A Sick Day for Amos McGee. It'll come in a nice, cloth slipcase and have some bonus content inside. After that I've (Phil) got a book called In My Garden. It's the first ever book that I've illustrated but not written. It was written by Charlotte Zolotow and originally published in the 1960s with illustrations by Roger Duvoisin. 

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

Always be curious.

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

PHIL: The Princess Bride

ERIN: Yes, definitely, The Princess Bride

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Huge thank you to Phil and Erin for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited to see what you make next!

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PHILIP AND ERIN STEAD are the author and illustrator of the 2011 Caldecott Medal Book, A Sick Day for Amos McGee. They have collaborated on many books together including Bear Has a Story to Tell, Lenny & Lucy, and most recently The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, a New York Times bestselling reimagining of an unfinished Mark Twain fairy tale. Philip and Erin live in northern Michigan. Someday Erin hopes to learn how to play the cello.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Erin and Philip, visit them online:

Erin Stead’s Website

Philip Stead’s Website

TO ORDER Philip and Erin’s books, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of MUSIC FOR MISTER MOON?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, May 9th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for an interview with author Sheri Dillard!

Interview with Author Natascha Biebow

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with Natascha Biebow, author of THE CRAYON MAN: THE TRUE STORY OF THE INVENTION OF CRAYOLA CRAYONS, illustrated by Steven Salerno, which just released last month. How cool does this book sound?! I’m so excited about this biography and I can’t wait to share it and Natascha’s work with all of you!

So without further ado…please welcome Natascha Biebow!

Where do you live?

I live in London, England.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I published my first book in 1995, and have worked as a children’s book editor since 1993.

How did you first get published?

I wrote my first book, Eleonora, a true story about how elephants mourn each other, as part of a children’s literature course at Smith College. It was kicking about for a couple of years before I decided to show it to the publisher of a small children’s picture book imprint, ABC. I was surprised and delighted when she said she’d like to publish it. The publishing industry was very different then – no social media (!) or easy way to get the word out – so, though it sold reasonably well, it is sadly now out of print.

Do you write full-time?

I wish! But I’m lucky that I have a day job that I love – I edit children’s books freelance for big and small publishers, and coach and mentor authors and illustrators to fine-tune their work pre-submission through my literacy consultancy Blue Elephant Storyshaping.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Picture books are my passion. I have an affinity with this young age group and love the synergy of words and pictures working together.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons is my first non-fiction picture book, so I was surprised by the amount of research and fact-checking that was involved, even in late stages of book production, and how much time this took. But I enjoyed doing it!

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love that you get a printed book at the end of your creative journey that you can share with young readers so that you can enthuse them with the story too. I love connecting with young readers (and grown-ups’ inner child).

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Possibly the most challenging aspect is that picture books evolve in the course of their editorial journey and sometimes you have to reconcile aspects of your original vision with the final version. This is part of the creative, collaborative approach, though, and leads to a better book ultimately.

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

I look for ideas all around me – from people, pets, the news and experiences . . . I try to learn at least one new fact a day. A walk is often great for getting unstuck and figuring out stuff too. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I don’t keep extensive notes – most of my work is done in my head! I love stationery though – so doodling with colored crayons is a great way to brainstorm ideas and tap into my inner child.

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

I have volunteered for over 20 years as the Regional Advisor for the SCBWI British Isles region. It has led to so many great opportunities to help learn new skills and make connections with people in the industry. I learned how to make a book trailer from fellow volunteers. I met my agent at the SCBWI conference in LA. I took a non-fiction writing course recommended by another writer that got me connected to the non-fiction Kid Lit community. And so much more! People are really very giving and supportive.

Recommended reading?

Yes, read read read every new picture book you can get your hands on. In terms of craft-based reading, I love Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass– though it’s about novel-writing, all the elements and thinking logic are the same for picture books.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love that you get a printed book at the end of your creative journey that you can share with young readers so that you can enthuse them with the story too. I love connecting with young readers (and grown-ups’ inner child).

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I was awarded a SCBWI Marketing Grant to fund a mini-book tour this May, and so I’m excited to be able to connect with young readers in person!

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

That I’d have to teach myself all about marketing and then implement it!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons is a non-fiction picture book biography: the true story of Edwin Binney, a man who had a knack for listening and making what people needed, whose love for color led to the invention of one of America’s most iconic toys – Crayola crayons. In a world where we take crayons for granted, what must it have been like to only have slate and chalk? It’s a fabulous journey of color and creativity, an inspiring story for the next generation of inventors who will be our future.

What’s up next for you?

Hopefully more non-fiction picture books. I am also writing a series of chapter books, which is a new venture for me.

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

I’ve realized that if you’re serious about writing for children and getting your work published, you need to make a real effort to carve out the focus and time and just do it. There is no greater writing tip than butt on seat.

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

E.T. heart-warming, flying bicycles, “E.T. phone home!” – all part of my childhood.

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Huge thanks to Natascha for stopping by Critter Lit today! We love your new book and can’t wait to see all your upcoming projects!

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NATASCHA BIEBOW’S favourite crayon color is periwinkle blue because it makes her heart sing. She loves to draw and make stuff, just like the inventor of the Crayola crayons. She lives in London, where she writes, edits, coaches and mentors children’s book authors and illustrators at Blue Elephant Storyshaping, and is the long-time Regional Advisor of SCBWI British Isles. In 2018, she was awarded an MBE for her services to children's writers and illustrators.

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

Facebook

LinkedIn

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

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of THE CRAYON MAN: THE TRUE STORY OF THE INVENTION OF CRAYOLA CRAYONS ?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, 25th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for an interview with author Julie Falatko!

Interview with Debut Author Jamie L. B. Deenihan

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with debut picture book author Jamie L. B. Deenihan! Her debut book, WHEN GRANDMA GIVES YOU A LEMON TREE, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha, just released with Sterling Publishing earlier this month AND received a starred review from Kirkus!!! So exciting! I’m thrilled to have her visit us today and share her wonderful work with you all.

So without further ado…please welcome Jamie L. B. Deenihan!

Where do you live?

I live in Suffield, Connecticut very near the family farm I grew up on. I live with my husband, two children, and our dog, Max, in a house filled with books and a growing collection of lemon trees.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

Although I’ve always loved to read and write stories, I don’t remember setting goals to become a published author when I was a kid. I do remember wanting to be a veterinarian, until the day I observed a cow’s stomach surgery and quickly decided teaching would be a better fit. I grew up and became a first-grade teacher and a mom who was immersed in picture books for most of the day and I absolutely loved it! It was in those years of teaching full-time and raising two young children that I decided I wanted to publish a book someday. In 2014, my husband and I went to a free library workshop where I received tips about how to become an author. That’s the day I officially set a goal of getting published and I’ve been working at it ever since!

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

Here’s the abbreviated version of my journey to my first picture book deal:

January 2014 – attended a free workshop at my town library and decided I wanted to publish a book someday

March 2015 – wrote the first draft of When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree

*Between March 2015 and February 2016, I was submitting multiple manuscripts to agents and editors and received several rejections.

February 2016 – submitted the manuscript to Sterling Publishing through the slush pile.

Early March 2016 – Sterling Editor, Christina Pulles, asked for a R&R (revise and resubmit)

Late March 2016 – revised and resubmitted to Sterling and while waiting for their response, received more rejections from agents and editors

April 2016 – continued waiting and received more rejections from agents and editors

June 2016 – received an offer from Sterling and signed with my agent, Linda Camacho

March 5, 2019 – release date for my debut picture book, When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree

Can you share a bit about your process for your debut picture book?

In 2015, I started writing down some thoughts for this story in one of my journals. Then, I wrote a terrible first draft (yay!) and started the revision process with my amazing critique partners. Although this manuscript didn’t go through major revisions, it took about 30 drafts to play around with the POV and carefully choose each word. After I had a solid draft complete, I wrote the sentences on post-it notes and used them to create a book dummy to test the page turns. That’s pretty much the same process that I’ve gone through with each of the five manuscripts that I’ve sold so far.

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

I have two young children and I work part-time at a preschool, so I am constantly surrounded with inspiration and I love fleshing out new story ideas with my husband and children. My critique partners played a huge role in helping me polish my manuscripts. I am grateful to have critique partners who care about my stories as much as I do, and I look forward to celebrating their books when they hit the shelves.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Comfy clothes, a cozy chair, post it notes, mechanical pencils, dark chocolate, tea, and cheese popcorn are a few of the things that make me happy when writing. My favorite time to write is with my kids, but my most productive time to write is very late at night when everyone is asleep, and the house is quiet.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple are two of the most hard-working, kind, knowledgeable, and inspiring authors I know. In 2017, I had the privilege of attending their Picture Book Boot Camp at Jane Yolen’s home which has been one of the highlights of my writing career. 

Dream project to work on?

Working on my projects with Sterling, Penguin, and Avenue A Books have all been dreams come true. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the talented editors at each house as well as the illustrators who brought each manuscript to life. I don’t really have my sights set on a specific publishing house or editor because I believe, with the help of my agent, Linda Camacho, my manuscripts will end up with the right person, at the right place, at the right time.  

Tell us about your debut book.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, was recently honored with a starred review from Kirkus. I think Kirkus did a wonderful job describing my debut picture book, so here it is:

“Gardening tips abound in this delightful guide to caring for a lemon tree. The unnamed protagonist has a carefully drawn-out list of acceptable electronics she wants for her birthday. But Grandma instead brings…gasp…a lemon tree. The second-person text covers appropriate and inappropriate reactions and then advises readers to accept the potted present politely and wait for Grandma to leave or take a nap. Then you definitely shouldn’t: drop it from a bridge, send it aloft with balloons, or ‘play ding dong ditch’ with it (all illustrated with wry understatement). Instead, the narrator offers some incredibly important do’s: put the fruit tree ‘in a sunny spot’ (the grassy verge between sidewalk and street), don’t overwater it, and ‘battle against intruders’ who seem to come from all directions. After nearly a year of caring for her reluctantly received sapling, the protagonist joyously picks her lush lemons, and Grandma even returns to help make some fresh lemonade, the sale of which leads to more plants for her burgeoning garden. Rocha’s colors and characters leap right off the page, encouraging readers to get out into the world and create life, beauty, and some great-tasting lemonade (recipe included). The community is diverse and urban, with no lack of personality and detail. The protagonist and Grandma are both black, she with black pigtail puffs and Grandma with a white poof of hair. Charms from cover to cover.” —Kirkus (Starred review)

What’s up next for you?

As of this June, I am resigning from my part-time preschool teaching position to pursue writing full-time. I would like to have several more manuscripts out on submission by the fall and I’m also looking forward to booking more author’s visits at schools, libraries, bookshops, and other venues. My upcoming picture books include:

The New Bird in Town, illustrated by Carrie Hartman (Avenue A Books June 2019)

The Tooth Fairy VS. Santa, illustrated by Erin Hunting (Penguin Workshop fall 2019) *available for preorder now!

The Tooth Fairy VS. The Easter Bunny, illustrated by Erin Hunting (Penguin Workshop spring 2020)

When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha (Sterling spring 2020)

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

Footloose!

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Huge thanks to Jamie for stopping by Critter Lit today! We can’t wait to check out all your wonderful books!

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Jamie L. B. Deenihan is a teacher and picture book author who lives in Suffield, Connecticut with her husband and two children. Her debut picture book, When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha, is now available for purchase everywhere.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Jamie and her work visit her website or follow her on Twitter @jlbdeenihan or Instagram @jlbdeenihan.

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

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of WHEN GRANDMA GIVES YOU A LEMON TREE?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, March 21st! US addresses only please.