Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with an author/illustrator whose gorgeous sophomore book, PETE AND LEONIE: THE GREAT BABY SWAP just released with Dial Books for Young Readers on August 15th! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her new book, process, and road to publication.

So without further ado, please welcome Zoe Tilley Poster!

Where do you live?

In a meadow in the woods, in central Vermont.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book, THE NIGHT WILD, was published in 2022.

How did you first get published?

I worked for a year or two on a rough draft of THE NIGHT WILD, and with that, was very lucky to sign on with my wonderful agent Andrea Morrison. She sold the project to Dial Books, so I got to work with my editor and art director there - Kate Harrison and Lily Malcom - on both THE NIGHT WILD and PETE AND LEONIE.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I have in the past, but not right now. I have a three year old son, so I’m enjoying spending a lot of time with him these days. Making books takes a lot of creative energy that I find hard to maintain if I’m doing it 40 hours a week. 20 hours (or under) is much more sustainable for me.

What inspires you to create picture books?

It used to be my own experiences in nature, and hanging out with animals. That’s still important, but now I read to my kid a lot, and am hugely inspired by the things he laughs at and is delighted by. He likes excavating machines a lot. Bonus points if they get themselves into some hilarious disaster, and are operated by maniac frogs. These are not things I know how to draw, but I’m workin’ on it.

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

It’s surprising how much of a story gets edited out - usually by me, often my favorite parts - because those elements simply aren’t serving the greater good of the story as a whole. It’s the difference between making single pieces of stand-alone art (or poetry or prose) and making a whole story.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Hanging out in my studio, listening to my music, going down the weird and exciting rabbit holes in my head.

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

The isolation. Aside from a small amount of collaboration with agent, editor and art director, it’s pretty solitary and can be lonely.

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

Take a break. Go on a road trip, indulge in the other things I love doing, notice what interests me or incites my emotions, and follow those paths.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Setting limits on my day. I didn’t used to do that - I thought the harder/longer I worked in my studio, the more I’d get done. Now I know there are serious diminishing returns… and if I work too long, I become filled with self doubt and I can not see my work with any clarity. So stopping after X number of minutes/hours (whatever I decide in the morning) is critical to doing good work.

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

I used to be part of a writers group, and everyone was so encouraging and helpful, genuinely wanting to boost each other up.

Recommended reading?

My son Iggy and I love these:

The ¡VAMOS! and EL TORO series by Raúl the Third and Elaine Bay

WONDROUS WONDERS by Camille Jourdy

STORIES OF THE NIGHT by Kitty Crowther

And for adults: BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Fabien Vehlmann and Kerascoët

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Reading my second book, PETE AND LEONIE: THE GREAT BABY SWAP, to my son and hearing him laugh out loud. Best stamp of approval ever.

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

Rules REALLY ARE made to be broken! People tell you a lot about what can and can’t be done (and I think they mean what a publisher will or will not buy). I think it’s way more important to think about what you as a writer/artist do well, and to keep getting better at those things. Break a rule well enough… and someone will buy your book because you broke it (you just have to get it in front of the right eyes). At least that is my hope… because I only like to read wonderfully weird books.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

PETE AND LEONIE is about two babies - a human and a coyote - who trade places for a day. It’s a book for people who like to roll around in mud puddles. Or eat blueberry muffins. Or try out one thing, and then change their mind.

What’s up next for you?

I’m working on a story about fear, a girl and a dog.

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

Dig deep and find the story in you that no one else can tell! Don’t shy away from the hard stuff! I’m talking about aesthetics, writing style, content, theme. If something matters to you, really explore that. I want to live in a world where artistic integrity means something, and where artists make others feel like they are less alone, by shining a light on what is weird but very human.

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

Pearl from William Steig’s THE AMAZING BONE.

Huge thank you to Zoe for stopping by Critter Lit today! Thank you for sharing your latest book with us!

Zoë Tilley Poster is an illustrator who lives in Vermont with her husband and dog. Her debut picture book The Night Wild came out in 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Zoe or her books, visit her online:

Website: https://zoeposter.com/

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

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Zoe’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of PETE AND LEONIE THE GREAT BABY SWAP?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 7th.

Book Review of A Christmas Eve Wish For Santa by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Anne Zimanski

August 24, 2023Book ReviewsLindsay Ward6 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are changing things up a bit and sharing a book review of a new book by an immensly talented author we had the pleasure of speaking with in 2021 and 2022: Deb Adamson! You can read her previous interviews with CritterLit here and here. Today I’m so excited to share with you all her newest book coming out September 1st— A CHRISTMAS EVE WISH FOR SANTA, illustrated by Anne Zimanski, published by McSea Books.

I LOVE a good Christmas book! They are such a big part of the holiday season for our family and I’m always on the lookout for new and fresh takes on the season. Deb Adamson’s newest book, A CHRISTMAS EVE WISH FOR SANTA, illustrated by Anne Zimanski does not disappoint!

*Interior art from A CHRISTMAS EVE WISH FOR SANTA, by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Anne Zimanski, published by McSea Books*

This lovely Christmas book is all about well wishes for Santa on his biggest night of the year. It’s a fresh take, focusing on the journey that Santa undertakes every year to spread Christmas joy to families around the world. As the text moves along, the reader is guided through the idea of sending well wishes— hoping that he stays safe during his flight, that the presents are secure in his sleigh, that the moonlight will guide him, etc. The careful consideration of someone else, Santa in this case, it what I found to be the most charming aspect of this story. It asks children to consider the great adventure that Christmas Eve is for Santa. To ponder all the things that have to go right for the night to be a success. It’s a lovely sentiment.

As the evening continues, the reader gets to see snippets of scenes around the world, watching Santa visit various places throughout the world. We see decorated palm trees, pine trees, and cactuses! City rooftops and remote islands. The perspective increases the emphasis on what a massive journey this is for Santa— completed in one night! It’s magical. And for further reading, Deb has even included back matter sharing various Christmas Eve traditions from around the world.

Anne Zimanski’s art is warm and inviting, filled with charm and lots holiday spirit. I was absolutely delighted by this book, which will definitely be added to our Christmas book collection this year.

Happy Reading everyone!

Huge Thank you to Deb Adamson for sharing a digital version of her book with me to review.

DEB ADAMSON’S books can be silly sweet and often a combination of both.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Deb Adamson or her books visit her online or follow her on social media: Twitter and Instagram @DebAdamsonBooks

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Deb Adamson’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of A CHRISTMAS EVE WISH FOR SANTA?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, August 31st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Ryan Uytdewilligen

July 6, 2023Authors, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward1 Comment

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author, Ryan Uytdewilligen, to celebrate the release of his new book, THIS IS NOT MY STORY, illustrated by David Huyck, published by Kids Can Press in June. I’m a huge fan of meta picture books— especially ones that break the fourth wall, and this one does such a fantastic job! I’m thrilled to have Ryan and his wonderful new book with us today at Critter Lit.

So without further ado, please welcome Ryan Uytdewilligen!

Where do you live?

I live in York, Ontario, Canada – which is technically a part of Toronto! But it sounds fancier.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve wanted to be a writer all my life. When I was six, I wanted to open my own bookstore called Pages and Pages and sell only my books! I had a lengthy journey coming around to the idea, working as a creative writer for a radio station, journalist, screenwriter, and finally novelist. But I always thought that the books that made me the happiest were the ones read to me as a kid. Fond memories. And I wanted to replicate that or provide others with that memory/connection. That would have only been about five or so years ago.

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

I had written and published fiction and non-fiction books beginning in 2015. I tried to write a children’s picture book at that time, but didn’t know the ins and outs. It rhymed and wasn’t very good to tell the truth. I matured and learned over the next three or four years and wrote This is Not My Story in 2018 while working in a bookstore. I sent it to a few publishers and finally KidsCan Press wrote back and said they loved it!

Can you share a bit about your process?

It’s different for every genre and project really, but children’s picture books are quite the challenge because you have to keep it entertaining for a young audience. You have to make every single word count. And above all, you have to be creative. That’s probably the best part is that creativity knows no boundaries when it comes to children’s picture books. So, all of my wackiest ideas sort of gravitate to that type to book.

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

I’m not one to not have ideas. I always have new ideas. Every day. Every hour. Are most good? Nope. But every now and then, I’ll perk up and one of those ideas will really grab me. Or I’ll circle back to it a few months or even years later. If that idea keeps popping up and sounding more and more attractive, I know that’s one I simply must do!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I’m a coffee guy. Coffee in the morning. Coffee at lunch. It feels wrong not to approach a blank page without a cup of warm coffee. Beyond that, I can write just about anywhere with just about anything.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Is it corny and too obvious to say Dr Seuss? I mean, that’s kind of like saying The Beatles is your favorite band. Its pretty much a given! But Seuss is a genius. Plain and simple. Roald Dahl also is a very creative mind that I find myself getting inspiration from. If anything, those two provide me with the drive to be as creative as I can possibly be.

Dream project to work on?

That’s a tough one, but I’m a big Hanna Barbara nerd. To do stories with characters from The Flintstones, The Jetsons, or Scooby Doo would be absolutely incredible. I get a lot of my sense of humor from those cartoons. If they ever brought them back or published books with those characters, I’d love to be a part of that!

Tell us about your debut book.

An author and his hero embark on a genre-bending journey to find the right story. It starts with this captain of a tiny spaceship who is surrounded by flying saucers. He stops the story to inform the author that he belongs in a different story. Not sci-fi. The author considers this. Then he begins again, with a story about the quickest cattle wrangler in the West. It’s still not the protagonist’s story! Is he a dragon-slaying knight? A vampire’s next victim? There is a lot of fourth wall breaks that follow the two as they trying many different stories, ultimately teaching young readers the concept of genre.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve been bitten by the children’s book bug, so I have been writing down lots of ideas. I am a giant classic film fan and have been exploring ideas to introduce tween-age readers to older movies through books.

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

The Cat in the Hat! He’s so sly and slick and wild! It’s every child’s dream to have a giant fancy cat show up and lead you in mischief. Heck! I would love for that to happen right now!

Huge thank you to Ryan for stopping by Critter Lit today all the way from Canada! Congrats on your debut!

Ryan Uytdewilligen is a Canadian screenwriter, historian, author, editor, and journalist.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta and raised on the family farm outside the town of Coaldale, Uytdewilligen studied Communication Arts with a major in Broadcast Journalism at Lethbridge College – leading to work as a radio news anchor, television reporter, and copywriter.

He later studied Writing for Film and Television at Vancouver Film School where he wrote and produced the short films Tea Time and Even the Devil Swiped Right.

His first novel, Tractor, was published in 2016 by Sartoris Literary. Taking inspiration from Jack Kerouac and Larry McMurtry novels, the story follows a teenager in the early 1960s drive a tractor across the American south.

Uytdewilligen’s second novel, Akela, was published in 2019 by BHC Press – earning numerous accolades including a nomination for the Pushcart Prize. It followed the century-spanning life of an adventurous sea turtle that becomes entangled in historical events as he searches for his long-lost love.

He is also the author of numerous non-fiction works including the film history book 101 Most Influential Coming of Age Movies and The History of Lethbridge, a look at the unique story of his hometown.

His latest non-fiction work, Killing John Wayne: The Making of The Conqueror, tells the story of how the worst movie ever made, a 1956 epic starring John Wayne and produced by Howard Hughes, became a deadly disaster. It was published by Rowman and Littlefield.

Ryan’s third fiction novel, He’s No Angel, was released in July of 2022. It is an absurdist comedy book satirizing Hollywood and the afterlife.

His first children’s picture book, This is Not My Story, was published by KidsCan Press in June, 2023.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Ryan or his books, click here or follow him on social media:

Twitter - @R_Uytdewilligen

Facebook – Ryan Uytdewilligen Author

Instagram – RyanUytdewilligen

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THIS IS NOT MY STORY, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THIS IS NOT MY STORY!? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 13th!

Interview with Author Erin Dealey

April 27, 2023Authors, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with the immensely talented author Erin Dealey! She’s here today to chat about her newest book, THE HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK, illustrated by Germán Blanco, publishing with Genius Cat Books this week! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her new book, experience in publishing, and creative process.

So without further ado, please welcome Erin Dealey!

Where do you live?

I live in northern California, halfway between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. And yes, we’ve had quite a bit of snow & rain recently but we’re not complaining!

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, came out when our daughter was in second grade, and now she is a second grade teacher!

How did you first get published?

My path to publication is a slush pile success story. As a high school theater teacher, I wrote skits and plays for my students as well as elementary classes to perform. My first published play was "The Christmas Wrap Rap" in Plays magazine. One day I picked up a YA novel left behind by one of my drama students and thought, I could do this. I always told my students to follow their dreams, so I took my own advice.

I started writing a YA and swapping pages with a fellow teacher, author Anne Martin Bowler. But Annie was having me read a picture book pages while I gave her chapters. This is when Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox popped into my head. To my surprise it was like writing a skit or play, a story to be performed (or read) aloud and keep "audiences" coming back for more.

When Goldie was done, I queried two publishers and received a rejection slip right away from one of them. The other editor asked me to send the full manuscript, which I did. During the summer, I run the Theater Department at Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp, so I truly lost track of how much time had passed. In September, I got a call from a Senior Editor at Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, who eventually offered me a contract. I am forever grateful to Caitlyn Dlouhy for changing my life. (I am proud to say one of my recent books, PETER EASTER FROG, illus. but G.Brian Karas, is a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/ Atheneum/ Simon & Schuster. We have come full circle!)

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, now I do—and I am so very grateful!

What inspires you to create picture books? It feels like all the paths of my crazy life converged when I started writing children’s books. In my opinion, everyone needs to find a way to keep creativity in their lives. I’m so very lucky to have found the world of #kidlit.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I get to play with words, and sometimes they become books; and sometimes those books make children happy; and sometimes I get to meet kids at school visits and on zooms; and sometimes I get to tell them I never thought I would be an author someday; and sometimes there’s a kid who feels the same way.

What do you find difficult working as an author? Waiting, waiting, WAITING. I get that it’s part of the process, but I was that kid who would turn in an assignment and instantly want to know: “What’d I get?” So this is definitely the hard part. The key is to know you’ve sent the best version of your story (so far), and then trust. Remember that editors, agents, critique partners, Beta readers ALL have busy lives. We’re not the only kids in the family who want attention. Focus on how very lucky we are to be doing this crazy #kidlit thing to begin with. And go write something else while you’re waiting.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas? I have an idea notebook where I write these down, and I try to play with every idea that shows up. Even the craziest ones. I firmly believe that the more you honor those ideas, more will come to you.

Can you tell us about your newest book? Thanks for asking! THE HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK (Genius Cat Books, illustrated by Germán Blanco) will release on April 25th! I can’t wait for everyone to meet the half-Birthday buddies, Big, Best, Blinger, and Bright. Let the celebrations begin! The Half Birthday Book is for everyone –any time of the year but especially kids with summer birthdays or birthdays on holidays, who don’t get to celebrate at school. And there are also those who share their birthdays with the BIG holidays…

What’s up next for you?

On July 15th look for CHRISTMAS AHOY! (Illus. Kayla Stark / Sleeping Bear), a counting book about a lighted holiday boat parade, with a different kind of boat on each spread, and possibly a missing Santa. (Oh no!) If that sounds like a very early release date for a holiday book, the goal is to get the buzz going so that bookstores will carry it for the holidays. I’ve seen the illustrations and they’re so much fun!

After that, there’s a hasn’t-been-announced picture book coming in 2024 with Sleeping Bear, as well as more happy book news to come!

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

Thanks so much for having me on your Critter Lit blog, Lindsay.

Another key factor in navigating this crazy #kidlit world of ours is to find your community. Find ways to lift each other up. Share each other’s successes and the not-so-successful times too, and NEVER compare your path to someone else’s. There is no “right way.” Take the time to find your way. You’ve got this!

Huge thank you to Erin for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your newest book!

Erin Dealey's original career goal was Olympic Gold Medal tetherball player. When that didn't pan out, she became a teacher, theater director, actor, mom, screenwriter, and author of over a dozen children’s books (so far), including DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Harper Collins/ Illus. Luisa Uribe), and the upcoming HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK (Genius Cat / Illus. Germán Blanco) & CHRISTMAS AHOY! (Sleeping Bear/ Illus. Kayla Stark). She lives in northern California with her husband, and welcomes any opportunity to visit schools around the world. You can find her online at erindealey.com and on social media as @ErinDealey. (She will follow you back!)

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Erin follow her on online:

You can find #BookBirthday interviews on Erin’s blog. As well as extensions for her books at erindealey.com.

Twitter @ErinDealey

Insta: erindealey

Pinterest Erin Dealey

FB Erin Dealey

Find Erin’s Reading Song and Freebies at Dealey/Links

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK?! 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 Debut Author and Illustrator Becky Gehrisch

February 7, 2023Authors + Illustrators, Debut InterviewsLindsay WardComment

Happy Tuesday Critters! This week we have TWO fabulous interviews. Today we have a debut author and illustrator whose book, ESCAPE TO PLAY, released with Bookling Media in 2021. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her books, creative process, and upcoming projects.

So without further ado, please welcome Becky Gehrisch!

Where do you live?

I live in Delaware, Ohio. It is a picturesque Midwestern small town where I have found an abundance of inspiration for my art!

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

The interest has been stronger at some points in my life than others. When I was thirteen, I participated in a written and illustrated program, creating a picture book for competition. In my book jacket flap about the author, I wrote that I was considering writing and illustrating picture books as a career! It is funny now how it has come full circle!

In high school I focused on marching band and playing the clarinet, but art came back into my life at The Ohio State University. There, I fell in love with fine art and especially illustration and art history. I graduated with an art degree but didn’t quite know what I would do with it. After graduation, and moving to Delaware, Ohio, I began to paint for myself instead of for an assignment. I gave myself permission to create a silly, whimsical illustration of my dogs in the bathtub. That was the beginning of my debut picture book, Escape to Play.

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

After completing that silly painting of my dogs, I made another, then another. I felt this could be a great idea for a picture book. However, I needed to learn how the publishing industry worked to make that dream come true.

I spent years learning from industry experts, authors, and illustrators in the Central and Southern Ohio chapter of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (scbwi.com). In addition, I frequented Twitter writing communities, submitting to critiques, and creating multiple picture book manuscripts. All the while, I continued to prune and polish what would become Escape to Play.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Escape to Play was unique, in that, as my first picture book, I learned a great deal in the process. Ideally, my process is to create a manuscript and then add the illustrations. With my first book, I created some illustrations and then put to words, in poetry, the perspective of three rowdy dogs and their adventure on the farm.

My acrylic paintings began as an idea. From scratch I would lay out a perspective drawing, adding in elements for the scene- a tractor, a truck, a piano, and a lake. I then built the rest of the world. Adding layer upon layer of acrylic, each painting took roughly 40 hours to create. It was a very long project, but I loved almost every minute!

When I was studying Renaissance art history, I found it fascinating how artists used the triangle in their compositions. With three dogs as my subjects, I placed them on the page to mirror this design dynamic. Other objects in the same illustration are used similarly to pattern the triangle shape.

*Interior art from ESCAPE TO PLAY written and illustrated by Becky Gehrisch, published by Bookling Media*

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

I can always rely on nature to bring inspiration! A breath of fresh air, a walk in the woods, or even relaxing on the front porch will rejuvenate my creativity. In addition, music is my immediate go-to for a pick-me-up. I am not sure how I would get through an artwork and the frustration it brings, without music to carry me along.

I love to be nonsensical. I may have watched Disney’s Alice in Wonderland one too many times, but I thrive on the absurd. Most of my story and illustration ideas either come from dreams or silly sessions with my family. I will say whatever comes to mind and play with those ideas. I often don’t feel like the idea is wholly mine, but rather something that just came to me.

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

I require focus, music, and quiet space to create. Recently, I started posting “trust the process” on my worktable or easel. I tend to forget going into a new piece that it will be a mess for a while before it looks good! An upbeat music playlist is a must. Sometimes a podcast or a movie playing in the background are good enough. A good chunk of time is important, too! If the kids or daytime is too chaotic, I will work late into the night for the best focus. Once I’m in the groove with these things, I am lost in my work and time does not exist.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

There are too many to mention, but some of the earliest inspirational author/illustrators are both Chris Van Allsburg and David Wiesner for their realistic and detailed style. Currently, Dan Santat has been a great inspiration in how I plan a picture book layout.

Dream project to work on?

I am excited to work on a picture book draft that I began in 2017. I won’t say too much about it, but I even took myself to Paris, France, to research the Eiffel Tower. The idea has not let me rest and I will stop in the oddest of places, to write down a new scene for it. The characters swim in my mind and it would be good for me to finally work on it!

Tell us about your debut book.

Escape to Play is a tale of three rambunctious dogs who escape to play while the farmer is away for the day. They explore each farmhouse room and exterior space, making a mess everywhere they go. The reader is left to imagine how the farmer will have to clean their disastrous mischief.

I included a little mouse, Norman, for kids to find on each page. In addition, there are twelve real-life, classic artworks on the farmhouse walls.

The back pages of the book share the artworks, questions, and art tidbits for kids to learn about! This has been a great element to have added for parents, teachers, and librarians to use for educational purposes.

What’s up next for you?

My publishing company, Bookling Media, will be choosing an author-illustrator to work with to publish their own work this year. In addition, I will work on my own book ideas and continue to teach and present to young and older audiences!

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

My favorite children’s book character as a child were the Berenstain Bears and the little critters. Amelia Bedelia is also amazing. I completely relate to her misinterpretations of things! More current characters that I love are the Pout-Pout Fish and Llama from the Llama, Llama series. I love a relatable character who isn’t perfect.

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

Becky Gehrisch is an author, illustrator, and entrepreneur. Her debut picture book, Escape to Play, launched in 2021. Between picture book projects, she works as a portrait artist and manages her new publishing company, Bookling Media LLC. When she is not creating art, she speaks at schools, bookstores, and other venues. She is living her childhood dream by creating art and picture books that bring joy to the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Becky and her work, visit her online:

www.gehrisch-arts.com

@GehrischArts (all platforms)

www.booklingmedia.com

@booklingmedia (all platforms)

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of ESCAPE TO PLAY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 16th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Carole Gerber

January 19, 2023Authors, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward11 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! This week we are catching up with author Carole Gerber, who last stopped by CritterLit in December 2019. You can read Carole’s first interview with CritterLit here. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to chat about her writing process, inspiration, and newest picture book, P IS FOR PURR, illustrated by Susanna Covelli, published by Familius this past November.

So without further ado, please welcome back Carole Gerber!

It's great to have you back!

Thanks for interviewing me, Lindsay.

Can you tell us about your latest book, P IS FOR PURR?

I’ve been a writer for decades—I won’t reveal how many! Over the years, I’ve started and set aside many manuscripts. While doing an end-of-year review and clean out of my files, I came across a previous version of a manuscript that became P is for Purr. I can’t remember exactly why I filed this away. Most likely it was because alphabet manuscripts fall in and out of favor and it had not been accepted. I reread it, reworked some verses, and added brief back matter to “extend” the facts in each verse. I then sent it to Familius, which had published two of my previous manuscripts. The editors liked it and accepted it.

*Interior art from P IS FOR PURR by Carole Gerber, Illustrated by Susanna Covelli, published by Familius*

What inspired this story?

For 15+ years, my family had an amazing cat named Winston that we adopted from an animal shelter in Ohio. He was a scrawny little guy who grew into a large, fluffy and beautiful orange striped cat who was known throughout our old neighborhood. Winston was part Maine Coon and was a stealthy and amazing hunter. He didn’t eat his prey – just bit them and brought them home as a gift for our family. After he died, I kept his ashes on my desk for years. When we moved to South Carolina, I buried his ashes in my garden under the catmint plant that he loved. I found Simon through an organization here in South Carolina that finds and cares for strays, then puts them up for adoption. Simon was named by his “foster mother” who fed and housed him until I brought him home. Like Winston, he was scrawny. Now he is big and fluffy. I guess that means I’m a good “cat mom!”

Can you share a bit about your research process for this book?

I wanted to present factual information about cats in an interesting way that would appeal to three groups of readers: children, parents and teachers. Writing a two-line rhyming verse for each letter of the alphabet was a lot of fun. It was also challenging, especially for the letters X, Y and Z. (I did it, but you’ll have to read the book to see how! 😊)

You write about a wide range of topics. How do you decide what you want to write about?

I study the markets! Knowing what various publishers are looking for helps me target which manuscripts to send to various publishers. Also, as with P is for Purr, I rarely throw anything away. When I am out of new ideas, I go through my “oldies” folders and try to find something I’ve written about a topic that is currently in demand.

Then I read it as critically as I believe an editor would, and rework it with fresh eyes.

Do you write daily?

No, but I do check out what is being published and at least think about what I have on hand or might write that could be of interest. It generally takes two years after a manuscript is accepted before it’s published. That means editorial needs may have changed, so I try to keep up on this by reading what various publishers are seeking or currently publishing.

What does your writing process look like?

I’ve had years of experience writing for ad agencies, private companies, universities, and directly for publishers through work for hire contracts. Based on this, I try to psych out the market. Also, I look on Amazon to see what has already been published on a topic that interests me and that I think might interest a publisher.

Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? What do you feel are the challenges of both?

I’ve written a lot of both, but find nonfiction more interesting and challenging than fiction. Because it’s based on facts, nonfiction provides a structure on which to base a picture book. Potentially, fiction provides more freedom for “flights of fancy” than nonfiction. But it must still make sense and appeal to readers.

What do you find inspiring right now?

It’s gratifying to see so many first-time picture book writers being published! I make a point of checking their books out of my local library if they are available.

What do you find challenging with writing right now?

I’m no longer naïve and hopeful about the likelihood of my manuscripts being quickly accepted. Publishing has always been a notoriously slow business and the pandemic slowed it even further.

Are you currently offering school visits?

No, the pandemic shut down school visits for so long that I am out of practice. However, although I haven’t sought school visits, I don’t rule out visiting the nearby school my kindergarten-age granddaughter attends or other local elementary schools in Mt. Pleasant, SC where I live.

Any reading recommendations?

I always read CritterLit, of course! It introduces me to the work of many new and talented writers. I also never miss Kathy Carroll’s “Celebrate Picture Books” blog. Like CritterLit, she gets to the heart of each picture book she reviews, which motivates me to buy or check out the books she recommends. l also love Vivian Kirkfield's "Will Write for Cookies" column which features interviews with authors of some lovely, new children's books.

What's up next for you?

I will have a new picture book out in 2024 from Familius titled A Tree for Me. It’s about a little boy who takes a walk in the woods with his father. The art is gorgeous! It’s told in first person verse from the point of view of the child.

Huge thank you to Carole for stopping by CritterLit today! Congrats on your new book! We can’t wait to see A Tree for Me in 2024!

Carole Gerber has written 18 picture books, three chapter books, and more than one hundred elementary science and reading texts for major publishers. Her picture book, A Band of Babies , was named a Best Book for Children by Amazon editors. She holds a BS in English education and an MA in journalism from Ohio State, and has taught middle school and high school English as well as college news writing and factual writing at OSU. She lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Learn more at www.carolegerber.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Carole, visit her online at carolegerber.com.

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of P IS FOR PURR?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 26th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Monica Acker

January 5, 2023Authors, Interviews, debut interviewLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy New Year Critters! Can you believe it’s 2023?! I’m so excited about this year’s line up of amazing authors and illustrators that we have scheduled for interviews to celebrate so many amazing books in the upcoming year.

To kick off 2023, I’m thrilled to introduce you to author Monica Acker, whose debut book, BRAVE LIKE MOM, illustrated by Paran Kim, was published by Beaming Books this past November. I was lucky enough to meet Monica during a virtual retreat with SCBWI a while back. She’s a wonderful writer and I’m excited to have her as Critter Lit’s first interview to start the new year!

So without further ado, please welcome Monica Acker!

Where do you live?

I currently live North of Boston. I love that our home is a short drive to the ocean, a short drive to the mountains, a short drive to the city, and a lovely place to be snowed in and not drive at all.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve always loved art and books and storytelling and working with children, but it took me some time to realize that I could be the storyteller.

After my youngest daughter was born, I had some health things that needed sorting. It was unfun to say the least, but because of that, I was reminded that I needed to care for me. Self-care can look like many different things for many different people but most importantly it includes feeding the soul. So, when I saw a posting for an event at my local bookstore, Whitelam Books, titled “So You Want to Write a Children’s Book?” and my brain answered back I think I do, I made sure to listen. I attended the panel discussion, and that was it. It was as though a piece of me fell into place that I didn’t know was missing. I’ve been writing for children ever since.

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

BRAVE LIKE MOM was not written with the intention of publication. I wrote it when I heard my sister-in-law was not well enough to go for a chemo treatment. I just opened up the notes app on my phone and started writing. She improved and I didn’t look at it again for over a year. Then the story became something to tool around with while I grieved a really strong woman. Eventually the purpose of working on the story became something bigger than working through my emotions. I started to believe that maybe it could help others as well.

Luckily, Kaitlyn, my now agent felt the same way when she read it. It is the story that got her attention and the first story we sold together. There were some changes along the way. At first the story was specifically about cancer and it was reworked to be broader. The other big change was the title, with 100% credit going to Andrea, the brilliant editor.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I like to juggle a few projects so I can move onto to something else when I get stuck. I dedicate my one day a week when I do not work but the kids are in school to writing and writing related activities. This is not enough time, lol, so I also work in what I call writing in the nooks and crannies of life. I might outline a new idea in the waiting room at gymnastics or run to the library to read mentor texts in between soccer drop off and pick-up.

When I write, I like to do quite a bit of pre-writing time where I let the idea grow into a story in my mind before I set pen to paper. And once I have something that resembles a story, I have a wonderful support group of critique partners that help me as I mold it into what it can be.

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

I am a huge fan of Tara Lazar’s Storystorm which gets me to start off the year with at least 30 possible ideas. Some are winners, some, like “an ode to cheese,” are not. But anytime the well is dry, I can visit that page in my notes app and pull on an idea. I also add to the list throughout the year. It is quite helpful that I am raising children and work with young children as well. They keep me fresh.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Tea. Currently I’m obsessed with vanilla chai tea.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many. Rajani LaRocca is such a power house. Tara Lazar is a gem in the picture book world. Pat Zietlow Miller has taught me so much in her books and through her webinars. Ame Dykeman cracks me up and makes storytelling seem effortless. Jane Yolen for her tenacity. Just to name a few.

Dream project to work on?

I’m living the dream. I think my dream project will always be the next one.

Tell us about your debut book.

BRAVE LIKE MOM, illustrated by Paran Kim, is about a daughter, her mother, and understanding that being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. When the daughter watches her mother be strong, brave, and fierce in everyday life as well as in the ways she battles a chronic illness, the daughter wants to be just as brave, strong. and fierce as mom. In the end, she discovers, she already is.

*Interior Art from BRAVE LIKE MOM by Monica Acker, illustrated by Paran Kim, published by Beaming Books*

What’s up next for you?

Like Dory from Nemo says “just keep swimming,” I just keep writing.

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

I’ll go with Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It was my go-to at the video rental store back in the day and I still love pretty much anything that involves dance.

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

Monica Acker is a writer and educator. She holds a BA in creative arts and a MAT degree in childhood education. Monica is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with her family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Monica or her work, visit her online or follow her on social media:

www.monicaacker.com

Twitter: @MonicaAcker1

Instagram: @MonicaAcker1

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of BRAVE LIKE MOM, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of BRAVE LIKE MOM?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 12th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Karen Henry Clark

September 29, 2022Authors, Vet Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Karen Henry Clark, whose sophomore release, LIBRARY GIRL: How Nancy Pearl Became America's Most Celebrated Librarian, illustrated by Sheryl Murray, released this week with Little Bigfoot. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her newest book, writing process, and road to publication.

So without further ado, please welcome Karen Henry Clark to Critter Lit!

Where do you live?

In rural NE Ohio. I call our village a civic island surrounded by cornfield seas.

How many years have you been in publishing?

12 years, give or take.

How did you first get published?

My highly unlikely story resulted from teaching in Tulsa.

A brilliant boy, Tim (Blake Nelson), landed in my 9th grade English class. He was all quick-energy, so I suggested he audition for the fall play I was directing. He took off like lightning, eventually becoming a successful actor, director, writer.

One day he called to admit something he’d done in high school without getting caught. In the spirit of confession, I admitted to wanting to be an author, not a teacher. He wanted to help and insisted I send something.

Tim discovered children’s publishing is as tough as show business. But we succeeded. My first picture book, Sweet Moon Baby: An Adoption Tale, resulted.

Do you write full-time?

I procrastinate full-time. I write in my head constantly, but sitting down to write happens in fits and starts.

What inspires you to create picture books?

My parents read to me from big fairy tale books. When I started school, I thought even bigger books would happen. Imagine my disappointment over Dick and Jane Readers—just kids shouting verbs.

My mother recognized an educational crisis and took me to the public library. A kind librarian suggested Curious George, an adventurous book I could read myself. A library card changed everything.

I write to inspire another child in search of the world.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Writing never gets any easier. In the beginning, I thought there was secret. Nope. It is, as Anne Lamott, wrote: “bird by bird.”

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Seeing the illustrations for the first time. They’re always 100 times better than anything I imagined. Suddenly I know what my words mean.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The loneliness of writing. It feels more pronounced now because I no longer have our sweet dog under my chair. We lost Maria in May because of a terrible diagnosis with no good options.

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

I wander the aisles of a local fabric outlet because color distracts me. I pretend I’m decorating a room, imagining throw pillows and drapes and trims. The staff understands I’m there for inspiration, so they just wave. Clearing my mind of words lets my imagination loose. Every time.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I stash scrap paper and pens around the house and in the car to capture ideas, dialogue, metaphors, whatever.

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

Although I was nervous, I attended Jane Yolen’s Picture Book Boot Camp in 2015. She overheard me bemoaning my flimsy Nancy Pearl story and interrupted to say, “Karen, that story will sell.” I reeled from her confidence and tried again. No one wants to disappoint Jane.

Recommended reading?

Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books explains all the plates a writer has to spin.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Meeting my Knopf editor for lunch. The Random House lobby is straight out of Oz: massive lighted cases with famous books and a mile-long carpet runner to an imposing man at a counter. I thought to myself, You’re a long way from Oklahoma now, Karen.

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

Picture book standards will change, and there is no crystal ball. When I started, 1000-word stories were the norm. Now it’s 500ish words, a completely different style.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Library Girl: How Nancy Pearl Became America’s Most Celebrated Librarian, illustrated by Sheryl Murray, is the true story of a child who loved reading more than recess, even though kids teased her about this book obsession. Fortunately, encouragement from both real and imaginary characters helped her gain confidence and make a discovery that changed her life.

*Interior art from LIBRARY GIRL: HOW NANCY PEARL BECAME AMERICA’S MOST CELEBRATED LIBRARIAN by Karen Henry Clark, illustrated by Sheryl Murray, published by Little Bigfoot.*

Nancy Pearl is an acclaimed advocate for books and libraries. She has received numerous awards for her valuable contributions and is a popular speaker, author, literary critic, television host of Seattle channel’s Book Lust, and the inspiration for three “Librarian Action Figures.”

What’s up next for you?

I’m taking a new look at old manuscripts. Once upon a time, editors labeled them “almost but not quite.” Those characters call to me still.

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

Don’t be hard on yourself. Your path is unlike anyone else’s. Watch for your own helpers, arrows, landmarks. I promise they exist.

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

The Breakfast Club because I was teaching high school English, speech, and drama at the time and saw the promise in imperfectly perfect teenagers. I had all of those characters in my classes and adored each one.

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

Karen Henry Clark decided to become an author when she was four years old. While figuring out how to do that, she worked as a bookstore clerk, teacher, college administrator, copywriter, and book reviewer. Her first picture book was Sweet Moon Baby, a tale based on adopting her daughter from China. Library Girl is her second book. In "Margin Notes," Karen blogs about the magic in everyday life's small moments at karenhenryclark.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Karen or her books, visit her online at karenhenryclark.com

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of LIBRARY GIRL, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LIBRARY GIRL?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 6th! US addresses only please.

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

April 28, 2022Authors, debut interviewLindsay Ward2 Comments

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*

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.

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

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 Annette Whipple

April 21, 2022Authors, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward7 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a wonderful nonfiction picture book author with us today! I’m such a fan of nonfiction books and my boys are currently consuming lots and lots of them. I’m thrilled to have this author with us today to talk about her fabulous books, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Annette Whipple!

Where do you live?

I live outside of a small town in southeastern Pennsylvania near Maryland and Delaware.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book was published in 2016. But I began writing for some magazines in 2012.

How did you first get published?

I met an editor at my first writing conference who focuses on work-for-hire educational books. I sent her a writing sample, and later she asked if I wanted to write a book about insects. For those curious about the educational market, I wrote about the educational market here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/08/what-are-educational-and-trade.html

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

My writing-related work is full-time for the most part. My days begin early but typically end when my kids arrive home from school. I spend a lot of time preparing presentations, teaching (children and adults), and marketing outside of the writing process.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I think this world is amazing, and I want to share what I learn with curious kids—or make them curious to know more. I also love that picture books are for ALL readers! Here’s how a middle school teacher uses picture books in her class. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/09/teaching-middle-school-with-picture.html

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The biggest surprises for me are how much work I do that isn’t writing for kids and how hard it is to make a living at it.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love connecting with kids! So often I’m also told by adults that they didn’t know they liked nonfiction until they read my books. I love that I can turn readers (of any age) on to nonfiction!

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Finding focus and not allowing myself to get distracted. Also finding the write structure for a book can take years!

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

Sometimes I return to my writing notebook. Other times it’s getting outside, reading a book, or watching a documentary.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I’ve learned to dedicate one day a week to writing projects. On those days I don’t email (much) or marketing or prepare presentations.

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

I’ve learned so much from others’ generosity over the year. I’ve made incredible friendships that I’m thankful for with people so much more published than me as well as new writers.

Recommended reading?

Oh my…there are so many. Here are a few authors to check out for some great nonfiction books. Candace Fleming, Debra Kempf Shumaker, Melissa Stewart, Steve Sheinkin, Tina M. Cho, Amy Ludwig, VanDerwater, Christina Soontronvat, Laura Purdie Salas.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Holding an owl during my research for Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls. He’s a Eurasian Eagle Owl named Quincy. [Add photo]

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

That even nonfiction writers benefit a lot from having an agent. (I sold my first 12 books without an agent.)

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is the fourth book in The Truth About series. Like the others, it’s a question-and-answer book. Each page spread asks and answers a question related to frogs. Bold photographs capture the reader’s attention. Additional illustrations add some humor and more facts about frogs. The hardcover editions of all of The Truth About series even include a full-size poster!

Interior art from *RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs* by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books

What’s up next for you?

Later this year Meow! The Truth About Cats will release with Reycraft Books. I have an offer from a publisher (though no final contract) for a book but can’t share details yet. It’s definitely something different for me.

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

If you’re reading this, you’re taking time to learn and connect with other writers. That’s fabulous! Be sure to also join some writing groups specific to your genre and audience. Keep learning through workshops and conferences. In-person is best for connecting with others, but you’ll still learn a ton from webinars!

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

I had to check the date. But The Princess Bride came out in 1987 though I didn’t see it until the ‘90s. Who can’t love a movie that has ROUS?

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

Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of many fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press), The Story of the Wright Brothers (Rockridge Press), and Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books) in The Truth About series. When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources for teachers and writers at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.

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

https://www.annettewhipple.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteWhippleBooks

https://twitter.com/AnnetteWhipple

https://www.instagram.com/annettewhipplebooks/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 28th! US addresses only please.

Interview 2 with Author Brooke Hartman

March 31, 2022Authors, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a follow-up interview with picture book author Brooke Hartman! I love getting the opportunity to check in with authors and illustrators after their debut has come out to hear all about their experiences in publishing. Brooke stopped by Critter Lit in December 2020. You can read her first interview with us here.

So without further ado, please welcome back Brooke Hartman!

It’s great to have you back on Critter Lit! We can’t wait to hear all about what you’ve been up to since your last visit!

Tell us about your latest book:

The Littlest Airplane, illustrated by John Joseph, is a nonfiction STEM title wrapped in a fun, fictional story about a bush plane who doesn’t feel his own self worth—he isn’t brawny like the cargo plane, fast like the jet plane, or nimble like the turbo prop plane—until he realizes his unique features enable him to complete a very special task.

*Interior art from THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE by Brooke Hartman, Illustrated by John Joseph, published by Alaska Northwest Books*

Last we spoke you had released your debut book. Can you share some of your experiences since your first book came out? How are things different? How are they the same?

The Littlest Airplane is now my third title, with five more books launching over the next year, and can I just say that I never (ever, ever) thought I would get to this point in my writing career! Landing that first publication contract was a dream come true, but since then I’ve learned a LOT, not only about the writing process, but the publishing and marketing aspect too. There’s so much more to a “book making gig” than you can ever imagine until you’re up to your elbows in it!

What do you find inspiring right now?

The vast amounts of fun, educational, and uplifting KidLit releasing into the world. The pandemic brought this industry to a slow crawl, and books launched during the height of COVID, including one of my own books, suffered due to lack of in-person events and promotional opportunities, but I feel like everyone—authors, readers, and publishers alike—are truly making up for that now. Books are flying off the shelves, including The Littlest Airplane (haha)!

What has surprised you the most about working as an author?

How much marketing and publicity an author has to do on their own to enable their book to thrive. In the ‘olden golden days’ of publishing, authors went on extended paid book tours involving stretch limos and champagne receptions (that’s how I imagine it… don’t burst my bubble!), but now even bestselling authors have to rely on themselves to do much of their own promotion, from social media and web design, to arranging blogs and scheduling events. You have to wear a dozen hats and balance them all on your head at once.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

The kids who love my books. Finding out a reader enjoyed your story is simply the best feeling in the world.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Rejection. You’d think at some point a published author wouldn’t feel the sting of rejection anymore (whether from a publisher, a reader, or sometimes your own agent!), but it still hurts all the same. I’ve combated this with trying to stay focused on books I have out or my next project, but it’s still hard to get past those ever-present “No’s.”

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I do love me a good coffee shop to write in. Something about being away from my own house (and the pile of laundry, and kids asking for snacks, and closet that needs organized) helps me focus on the creative process. My neighborhood Starbucks jokes that they’re going to have my name engraved into “my” table one day!

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

There are too many to count! The KidLit community is so supportive of one another. I’m currently in a 2022 picture book marketing group called the PB RockITeers (get it?), and we’re constantly sharing Tweets and Instagram posts or reviewing one another’s books in an effort to lift up each other and our forthcoming projects. But I feel this support extends far beyond KidLit to the writing community, in general.

Recommended reading?

My girls and I love just about anything from Josh Funk, Brian T. Higgins, Deborah Underwood, and Aaron Blabey, but occasionally we’ll pick up a fun nonfiction or nonfiction crossover, like Jocelyn Rish’s Battle of the Butts.

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

Join SCBWI, get a critique group, and go to writing conferences and workshops TODAY! Do not finish your manuscript first or wait until you think it’s perfect, because there are so many facets of your story you won’t even consider until someone else (or lots of someone elses) lay eyes on it.

What’s up next for you?

I have one more title releasing this year, and four more releasing in 2023: Watch Out for the Lion (Page Street Kids), All Aboard the Alaska Train (West Margin Press), Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend (Hazy Dell Press), and Little Narwhal Lost (West Margin Press). I’m a little nervous about launching so many books in one year, but I keep reminding myself this is my dream! Aside from that, I have a few projects out with submission through my agent right now, so fingers crossed that dream will continue in 2024 and beyond.

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

Don’t spend too much time on one project. It’s okay to bounce around a little and let projects simmer for on the backburner. When you pull them out again, you’ll be able to look at them with fresh eyes and maybe even fresh ideas!

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

Seriously you want me to pick ONE? You are cruel. If I was forced to choose just one, it’d result in an epic battle between Gaudior the winged unicorn from A Swiftly Tilting Planet and Penelope the T-Rex from We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. I’m not sure who would win, but I’d pay serious cash for tickets to that fight.

Huge thank you to Brooke for stopping by to visit with us again! Congrats on all your upcoming books!

BROOKE HARTMAN is an Alaskan mom and award winning author of silly, serious, and sometimes strange stories for children and young adults. Forthcoming titles include Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend (2020, Innovation Press), Pega Sisters! (2022, Page Street Kids), and The Littlest Airplane (2022, WestMargin Press). When she isn’t writing, you can find her fishing, flying, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic Alaska life has to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Brooke or her work, visit her online, or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @BrookesBooksAK

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 7th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author + Illustrator David Catrow

November 11, 2021Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with the incredible author and illustrator, David Catrow, whose books I’ve adored since wanting to become an author/illustrator myself. I remember the first time I discovered STAND TALL MOLLY LOU MELON and poured over the illustrations— so much to look at! One of my favorite details in his books are the dogs— they are fantastic and such accurately, hilarious portraits of canine behavior. I’ve always loved David’s books and I’m thrilled to have him with us today to talk about his experience in the industry and his new book, I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS, by David L. Harrison with Holiday House.

So without further ado, please welcome David Catrow!

Where do you live?

I live in Ohio but mostly I live inside my head. Being an artist is a 24/7 existence and there are times when it’s hard to separate what is actually happening around me and what I am imagining or wish was happening around me. Which is probably why I’m not in an occupation like brain surgery or being an airline pilot.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My First Book was published in 1990 which is well... a long time ago (you probably should do the math, I am a picture person)

How did you first get published?

It was completely unexpected actually, I was studying to be a doctor at the time and someone asked me if I could illustrate the procedure for doing an emergency cricothyrotomy on an un-anaesthetized patient in the middle of nowhere. My drawing was published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine and here I am.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, I write and illustrate full-time, but I would happily do it more if I could figure out how to get the earth to rotate a little bit slower thus gaining me a few more hours of daylight.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Oh, anything and everything—you name it, I’ve been inspired by it... (Go ahead, name something, the first thing that comes into your mind and just shout it out!) I heard you! YUP, I’ve been inspired by that too.

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

What surprises me the most is that I’m never done. The minute I’ve finished a book that I think pretty much says it all, I’ll suddenly think of something else to say- (which is surprising because most people who talk to me think I’m a person of few words.)

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

My Favorite thing about being an Illustrator is, that not only do I have something that I love to do, but I am able to keep doing it for as long as I wish. After I’m done being an artist I plan on devoting all of my time to learning how to catch a frisbee in my mouth.

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

For me the most difficult thing is trying to swat away all the pesky other ideas that buzz around my head and interfere with me doing my work that is front of me.

For me the most difficult thing is learning that I can get carried away sometimes and forget what it is that am supposed to be doing.

-which reminds me of a funny story about an elephant, a turnip, and a guy named Ned who all decide to go on a road trip together- Ned didn’t have a driver’s license so the turnip has to drive, because, honestly, whoever heard of an elephant driving a car.

(sorry, what the question again?)

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

I get lots of sleep, I eat right and I take a multi-vitamin.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I eat right, I get lots of sleep, and I take a multi-vitamin.

Recommended reading?

Everything and anything.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Waking up and doing what I love to do—Oh and playing with my dog.

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

I wish someone had told me that you can’t do it all.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Your body is busy, busy, busy! Learn how it works in this funny-but-informative book.

I want an apple. Smart brain, help me find one. Sniffy nose, smell the apple. Bright eyes, help me see it.
Legs, feet, arms, teeth, tongue, tummy . . . and long intestine too . . . all snap into action when a child decides she wants an apple. A clever and humorous introduction to body parts and their function.

*Interior art from I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS by David L. Harrison, illustrated by David Catrow with Holiday House*

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

Keep working hard at what you love to do and eventually you will make it- no matter what it is that you want to do- whether it’s juggling on a tightrope, walking in space, writing poetry, or singing an aria, or anything in between- all the people that are doing those things now, were once like you.

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

Turner and Hooch.

DAVID CATROW is a political cartoonist, artist for animated films, and illustrator of best-selling books for children, including two New York Times Best Illustrated books. His books for Holiday House, which he also wrote, are The Fly Flew In and Fun in the Sun. He lives in Ohio. Learn more about him at Catrow.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about David, visit him online: www.catrow.com

Or follow him on social media:

@DavidCatrow (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

BUY THIS BOOK To order David’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 18th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Karen Greenwald

September 30, 2021Authors, Debut Interviews, debut interviewLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author who found her way to picture books through the law— which I love! It’s always fascinating to me to hear how debut authors and illustrators find their way to kidlit. I’m thrilled to share Karen’s story and road to publication with all of you today in celebration of her debut picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, illustrated by Sian James, with Albert Whitman Books.

So without further ado, please welcome Karen Greenwald!

Where do you live?

Maryland.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I decided in fourth grade that one day I would write a book. Then in law school I took “Literacy and the Law.” We delved into book banning history, civil rights issues, international law issues, et al—but we also had to tutor a child and create our own picture book. It was a gift to my artistic soul! The book I wrote and illustrated (inspired by Rawls’ Theory of Justice and John and Evelyn Dewey) actually won two brand strategy industry international awards and was spoken about by the Majority Leader of Congress to a room full of women leaders a few years ago.

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

I began seriously studying the art of children’s literature around five-ish years ago. One of the things that surprised me the most was how vast the difference is between the average person’s opinion/knowledge of picture book publishing versus the reality.

When I happened on a reference to Susanna Salter, I was hooked immediately. I knew I had to tell her story—especially since Salter’s history has been left to a 1954 article (and the blogs/articles, etc that use the same information). My journey from beginning to sale took about two a half years. After spending several hours over the phone with amazing librarians and genealogists at Kansas State University, I was deeply saddened to hear the next weekend that the library had burned to the ground. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. I did wonder, however, if it was a “sign”…like, don’t do this one!

For over a year and a half, in spite of various hurdles, I kept researching, trying to access anything that would give me that special something the story needed. But little could be found that fit picture book story requirements. As we know, an interesting moment or tale doesn’t necessarily fit this genre.

Then I met (virtually) Susanna Salter’s great granddaughter. She and her brother shared with me beautiful letters, pictures, and the like. When I wrote the final draft two years in, I kept one of her letters open on my laptop desktop. I think I actually teared up when I typed the final words. (Ssh! Don’t tell anyone!)

Can you share a bit about your process?

I never knew this prior, but apparently I am a major researcher—I will not stop until I get that everything I need to make the story my own. I enjoy and am inspired by building relationships with a circle of people surrounding the topic I’m working on. This makes the experience meaningful for me. I write out the idea (I do this for art, too) in my head, moving parts around like magnetic poetry pieces. Once I feel like I have the concept, then I get typing.

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

Good question! I’ll let you know when I figure that one out!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A lack of distraction, my favorite thesaurus, and my dog napping (if you’ve ever been on the phone with me, you know why! Lol!)

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Who doesn’t inspire me?! I cannot go in a book store for this very reason. I have to pull out every book I go near.

Dream project to work on?

I feel like I’m living my dream right now with my debut. What could be better than shining a light on an incredible woman who changed American politics and world history? To be the first and only person to write her story is an honor.

Tell us about your debut book.

As I mentioned, this is a story I am so proud to tell. Susanna Salter made international history in 1887-1888. I am still surprised to the reaction I get when discussing her with everyone from elected officials to educators. Even those who think they know the story mostly have their information from this 1954 article. Her impact has never truly been taught, discussed, or considered. In all of the news coverage that she received, nobody ever asked a very important question. I wanted to tell a deeper story. Thanks to the generosity of two of her great-grandchildren and my own research, I was able to discover her heart.

What’s up next for you?

Hmm…what is next?;)

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

This is actually the hardest one of your questions—lol! Can I give a few? Clearly, When Harry Met Sally, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (the creativity of the post ending-ending), and St. Elmo’s Fire (because I’m a Georgetown alum—though, it was actually filmed at University of MD)…I really could go on…

Huge thank you to Suzanna for stopping by Critter Lit today!

Karen M. Greenwald has a wide range of government, campaign, and branding experience. She’s won international awards for STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. Bylined credits include online, print magazines, and The Washington Post. Karen belongs to SCBWI, 12×12, and co-founded #SunWriteFun—a NF/Info Fic. summer contest that raises money for kidlit charities. Her picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, debuts in October (Albert Whitman). It has held steady since February on two of Amazon’s Hot New Releases lists for kids. A Phi Beta Kappa, she earned undergraduate and JD degrees from Georgetown University. Before turning to branding, Karen worked as an attorney and focused on international environmental compliance issues.

FOR MORE INFO about Karen’s work, visit her online www.karenmgreenwald.com or follow her on social media @karenmgreenwald

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Karen’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 7th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Charlotte Offsay

September 23, 2021Authors, Debut InterviewsLindsay Ward6 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author who has had her first TWO books come out this year, followed by a THIRD which will come out in March of next year! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her work, road to publication, and writing process.

So without further ado, please welcome Charlotte Offsay!

Where do you live?

I was born in England, grew up in Boston and now live in Los Angeles California with my husband and two young children, Eliana (7) and Thomas (5).

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I have always loved creative writing, but I didn’t pursue it for a long time and actually worked in corporate finance for a number of years before leaving to become a stay at home mother after my daughter Eliana was born. After my son Thomas was born, I joined a parenting group where the coordinator encouraged us all to carve out time for ourselves and do something just for us. Everyone chose something different, and I decided to sign up for Writing Picture Books for Children: A Beginning Workshop, via UCLA extension online. My children were tiny, and I didn’t have time to attend an in-person class, but an online class seemed manageable and I knew my instructor was right that I needed something outside of caring for my family that was just for me. I fell head over heels for picture books in that class, kept writing and taking classes and never looked back.

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

I took my first picture book class via UCLA extension’s online program in the summer of 2017 and fell in love with all things picture book. From there I joined numerous groups such as SCBWI, 12x12 and Inked Voices and spent the next couple of years attending conferences, taking webinars, enrolling in online classes (Children’s Book Academy, Lyrical Language Lab etc.), as well as reading every picture book and craft book (Big Magic, Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books etc.) that I could get my hands on.

Through these various groups and classes I connected with my invaluable critique partners and wrote countless manuscripts. In early 2019 I found myself between agents and while waiting to hear back on outstanding queries, I looked around to see how else I could get my work seen. I decided to pitch How to Return a Monster in a twitter pitch contest called #PBPitch to see if I could drum up any agent interest that way.

Screen Shot 2021-09-23 at 5.35.07 AM.png

I didn’t get any agent requests but to my delight I did get one from a publisher! Andrew DeYoung at Beaming Books liked my tweet/pitch and asked me to send him the manuscript. Shortly after I sent the manuscript over to Beaming Books, I signed with the wonderful Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary and we signed a contract with Beaming Books for How to Return a Monster a few months later!

Can you share a bit about your process?

Every manuscript I write seems to follow its own path but usually an idea crawls under my skin and won’t let me rest until I write and rewrite and have a completed crummy first draft. Now that my kids are a bit older, I tend to write in the mornings after dropping them off at school but as anyone with young kids knows, I have to be flexible and often find myself writing in the cracks (school pickup line) or after my kids are asleep. Once I have a draft that isn’t too embarrassing, I share it with my closest critique partners who have become my dearest friends. They help me to see what is and isn’t working and we go back and forth via email and phone until I feel ready to share it with my agent Nicole Geiger of Full Circle Literary. From there, Nicole and I figure out if there are changes that still need making, if there is a market for the story and where in our submission schedule the story should go.

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

Personally, my best stories tend to come from the things that take up the most room in my heart. I tend to mine the emotions and events in my life that I am currently consumed with and try to write about those events or emotions through a child lens. If my well is feeling particularly dry, I like to go back through my old manuscripts to see if I can take a nugget from one of them in a new direction (POV, story structure, different characters etc) as well as reading as many new picture books as I can get my hands on.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I prefer to write when it is quiet, and I have a good few hours all to myself. Coffee and chocolate have been known to make regular appearances during those times. That said, I have learned to make the most of the carpool line so nothing is a must!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

SO many. Julia Donaldson is my hands down favorite picture book author - I think the woman is a rhyming story telling genius. My critique partners continue to inspire me with the incredible projects they keep producing – I won’t list them though for fear of leaving anyone out. I am also continually inspired by the incredible illustrators that I follow on Instagram via accounts such as @theillustrationstation and @illustration_the_best.

Dream project to work on?

A true dream project would be any manuscript that doesn’t fight back in the revision process ☺.

Tell us about your new book.

How to Return a Monster is a humorous how-to story about a girl who can't believe it when her parents bring home a fussy, stinky, attention-stealing monster. She hatches a plan to send it back to where it came from, with hilarious results . . . and along the way, she learns that maybe monsters--and baby siblings--aren't so bad after all.

It is illustrated by Rea Zhai and publishes with Beaming Books on September 7, 2021.

*Interior art from HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Rea Zhai*

What’s up next for you?

I am excited to share that my next picture book, A Grandma’s Magic, illustrated by Asa Gilland publishes on March 1, 2022 from Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House.

Description from my publisher:

"When a child is born, a grandma is born too. Grandmas aren't like regular grown-ups. Grandmas are filled with magic."

In this charming picture book tribute to grandmas, a grandma's magic bursts through the door as soon as she comes to visit and can be seen in every wonderful thing she does: playing, exploring, baking, gardening, and in all the many ways a grandma and grandchild connect.

Filled with adorable scenes featuring a diversity of grandmas and their grandkids, this is a book that will families can enjoy together. Grandmas will love snuggling with their grandchildren as they share their love and "magic" through cuddles, kisses, and many repeat readings.

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

Fun question! The Princess Bride!

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

CHARLOTTE OFFSAY was born in England, grew up in Boston, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two small children. Through her work, Charlotte hopes to make children laugh, to inspire curiosity, and to create a magical world her readers can lose themselves in time and time again.

Charlotte is the author of The Big Beach Cleanup, illustrated by Kate Rewse (Albert Whitman, 2021), How to Return a Monster, illustrated by Rea Zhai (Beaming Books, September 2021), and A Grandma’s Magic, illustrated by Asa Gilland (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, March 2022).

FOR MORE INFO about Charlotte's work at charlotteoffsay.com and follow her on Twitter at @COffsay and on Instagram at @picturebookrecommendations. Charlotte is represented by Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.

BUY THIS BOOK To order copies of Charlotte’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 30th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Tina Athaide

September 16, 2021Authors, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented Tina Athaide! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her experience writing both middle grade novels and picture books, road to publication, and creative process.

So without further ado, please welcome Tina Athaide!

Where do you live

I'm in Southern California right now, but grew up between London and Canada.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

As a child, l loved keeping a journal, so there's always been that part of me that likes storytelling. I was motivated to write stories when I started teaching and noticed that the books in my classroom and in the curriculum didn't represent the students in my classroom.

So, my first books were leveled readers with South Asian characters involved in everyday activities, similar to those experienced by my students.

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

It has been like riding the Colossus roller coaster at Six Flags, full of twists and turns. My debut middle grade book, Orange for the Sunsets, about the expulsion of Asian Indians from Uganda was rejected thirty times before it was accepted for publication. It morphed from a picture book into a middle grade book with at least five different versions in between.

The whole process took me ten years, but during that time, I attended SCBWI conferences, joined critique groups, and kept reading and writing.

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

When I'm working on a new story or in the middle of revisions, here are my top five go to things to keep the momentum flowing.

1. Brew a cup of tea and nibble on something sweet.

2. Yoga (A few stretches and the quiet do wonders to clear the mind)

3. I grab my black lab, Butler, and we go for a walk.

4. Pull a book from my "To be read pile" and read.

5. Draw (I draw the scene or a character or doodle)

Anything you can't live without while you write?

I must have a kettle to boil hot water for tea and a journal for those inspirational ideas that may strike at any time.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

As a child, I loved the Narnia series by C.S.Lewis and Nancy Drew Mysteries. Uma Krishnaswami inspires me because she broke boundaries and published stories with diverse characters. Her book, Book Uncle and Me, is a favorite of mine and I share it with my students.

Dream project to work on?

This is completely a dream project, but I would love to work with a producer/director to bring the story of Asha and Yesofu from Orange for the Sunsets, to the big screen. I even have a few selected directors...yes this is my dream.

Tell us about your debut book?

Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.

What's up next for you?

I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.

My favorite 80s movie.

BIG. It's the story of a boy who wakes up and finds himself in an adult body after wishing to be bigger at a magic wish machine at a fair. As a child, I wondered what it would be like to be in an adult body, but these days, I wish I could live in my nine and ten year old body for a day.

Tell us about your debut picture book?

Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, illustrated by Asa Gilland, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.

*Book Case from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland*

*Interior art from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland published by Page Street Kids*

What's up next for you?

I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.

My favorite 80s movie.

Huge thank you to Tina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut picture book, it’s lovely!

TINA ATHAIDE was born in Uganda and grew up in London and Canada. While her family left Entebbe just prior to the expulsion, she has memories of refugee family and friends staying with them in their London home. The stories and conversations she listened to through the years became the inspiration for her book Orange for the Sunsets. Tina now lives in California with her husband, Ron, and their daughter, Isabella.

FOR MORE INFO about Tina, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Website: tinaathaide.com

Twitter: @tathaide

Instagram: tinaathaide

Facebook: tinaathaide

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Tina’s books, click here.

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

Interview with Debut Author Andrea Hall

September 2, 2021Authors, debut interviewLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! We are kicking off September with an editor/author interview. I met Andrea years back at the Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Since then she’s gone on to become the senior acquisitions editor at Beaming books and publish her debut picture book with Albert Whitman and Co. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to offer insight into her process and tell us about her new book, SHE’S ON THE MONEY, illustrated by Li Zhang.

So without further ado, please welcome Andrea Hall!

Where do you live?

I live in the Chicago area.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I knew I wanted to be a writer from a young age. I participated in writing contests in school growing up, was part of Power of the Pen in middle school, and majored in creative writing in college. I wrote a few picture books in college, but I was more focused on writing novels. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started writing picture books again.

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

It’s been a journey! I joined SCBWI a few years out of college, and it was instrumental in learning more about writing, publishing, and the whole publication process. I attended writing conferences and made a lot of connections with industry professionals and other writers. I had the idea for this book and pitched it to the team at Albert Whitman. Now here we are!

Can you share a bit about your process?

I tend to start with a pad of paper and a pen. I find the blank Word document daunting, and the words seem to flow better for me when I handwrite them. Then as I type up a manuscript, I revise as I ago. With picture books, I try to think of the scene each spread will convey and break the story down that way. I love revising, so I’ll go back and forth on a project and let it sit before I come back and tweak some more. Then I’ll share with critique partners for their feedback before doing more revising!

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

I feel like I always have new ideas! I keep a notebook of them, so I can go back and delve into whatever idea sparks something at that time. When I need to shake the rust off, I’ll sometimes switch projects to refocus, or I’ll delve into a good book and let another author’s words inspire me.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Coffee!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! I’m a huge fan of Madeleine L’Engle, Maurice Sendak, and Anne McCaffrey.

Dream project to work on?

This is a hard question! Honestly, any project I am able to bring to readers is a dream come true.

Tell us about your debut book.

SHE’S ON THE MONEY is a survey picture book, part women’s bio and part history of money. Women have historically been overlooked throughout the ages. I was curious about the women who have been chosen to be immortalized on money, and what accomplishments led to these women being chosen. The research was fascinating, and I learned about a few women I had never heard of! And the incredible Li Zhang illustrated. Her artwork is amazing, and I feel so lucky to have her illustrations bringing these women to life.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve got a few other picture book manuscripts I’m working on, and I also have a couple novels in first draft stage that I want to get back into.

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

Tough question! I’m a fan of John Hughes movies, but another favorite is Dirty Dancing.

Huge thank you to Andrea for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut and it’s wonderful to catch up with you!

ANDREA HALL is an author and children’s book editor. She holds a BA in English/creative writing from Miami University in Ohio. She’s a former book reviewer for the Ohioana Quarterly and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. When not writing, Andrea can be found baking, crafting, and reading.

FOR MORE INFO about Andrea, visit her online: andreahallbooks.com or follow her on social media: Twitter @andreadonall

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Andrea’s new book, SHE’S ON THE MONEY, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of SHE’S ON THE MONEY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 9th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Candy Wellins | Part 2

August 26, 2021Authors, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are revisiting with one of our debut authors who we spoke with a little over a year ago. I’m thrilled to have this author back and chat about what’s new since her debut came out. We will have a few more interviews like this coming up— which I think is so important to feature. One of the trickiest things about being in this business is staying in it. Publishing a book is huge accomplishment, but then what? What comes next? How do authors and illustrators stay relevant with their work? How does one book become a career in publishing? These are some big questions. I’m hoping to explore these and more with our “part 2” interviews with previous debut authors. We hope you find it inspiring and helpful along your own publishing journey.

So without further ado, please welcome Candy Wellins back to Critter Lit!

It’s great to have you back!

Thank you for having me again. I’m always happy to be here.

Tell us about your latest book.

The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space is a biography of the first American to walk in space. It’s a little different from most picture book biographies though. This is a lyrical biography suitable for all ages, but super accessible for the youngest readers. A lot of readers have told me it reads like a lullaby.

*Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books*

Last we spoke you had released your debut book. Can you share some of your experiences since your first book came out? How are things different? How are they the same?

Well, we were in the grips of a pandemic then and we still are now! I wish I could say that I’ve visited a ton of schools, libraries and bookstores in the interim, but the truth is I’m still mostly operating in a virtual world. Still, it’s been fun seeing Saturdays Are for Stella travel the world. I’ve seen it read at the Met, in a bookshop in the Bahamas, and by young readers everywhere. That is definitely fun to see.

What do you find inspiring right now?

I have a two-year-old and I’ve noticed that nursery rhymes and fairy tales have worked their way into my writing lately. Also, I am constantly inspired by nonfiction topics. Real people, things and events make such fascinating stories. I’m working on a few that are just begging to be told.

What has surprised you the most about working as an author?

I still pinch myself that I am an author. Writing books has been a lifelong dream and now that I’m doing it, I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s all real.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love connecting with my readers. I’ve done a couple of school visits and it’s so great connecting with kids. I love hearing their stories and sharing the things I do as a writer. They are often surprised to know they lead similar writing lives to published authors.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

I am not a patient person and there is definitely a lot of waiting in this field. Waiting while on submission can take weeks, months or years. I used to constantly check my inbox, but I’ve learned to let it go and leave the stressing to my agent.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

A lot of people work in coffee shops or with music playing in the background. I don’t know how they do it. I need a fairly quiet environment for writing. I also find a good long walk helps clear my head and sort out my thoughts before I try to put anything on paper.

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

I would struggle to share a negative one! I’m in two debut groups and the other members are always great about snapping photos of my book when they find it out in the wild.

Recommended reading?

I finished George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain this summer. It’s his dissection of several Russian short stories and what makes them successful. I’d recommend the book to any writer because he offers so many great thoughts on storytelling.

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

This goes way back, but as a kid, I was taught that you write a rough draft (double-spaced, of course). Then the teacher corrects it (in red pen), you rewrite it (single-spaced this time) and voila, you’re done. In reality, good writing requires many drafts and usually many edits (from yourself and others). It’s not quite the linear process it was presented as. I wished I learned earlier that you might not get it how you want on the first, second or even fiftieth try, but keep at it, because each draft is a new learning experience for you and your story.

What’s up next for you?

I have two books under contract—a young graphic novel about the world’s largest species of burrowing clams and a picture book about growing up with divorced parents—something I have firsthand experience with.

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

As Winston Churchill said best, “never, never, never give up.” The road is long and hard, but the fight is worth it.

And last, but not least, since I’ve already asked you your favorite 80s movie, and it’s usually my go to last question, this time we want to know who your favorite children's book character is?

Oh Ramona Quimby for sure. Quirky, stubborn and perfectly imperfect, she’s just so relatable. Or maybe that’s just me!

Huge thank you to Candy for stopping by Critter Lit again! We are thrilled to chat with you again and can’t wait to see all your wonderful upcoming books!

CANDY WELLINS is a former elementary school teacher who now spends her days as a full-time mother and author. Her debut picture book, Saturdays Are for Stella, is set to publish in 2020 from Page Street Kids. Candy lives in Central Texas.

FOR MORE INFO about Candy or her books, visit her online: candywellins.com or follow her on social media: Twitter @candy_wellins and on Instagram @candywellins.

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Candy’s new book, THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 2nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Illustrator Rachel Sanson

August 19, 2021Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a fabulous illustrator who released a new book with Sleeping Bear Press in March, THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY, written by Angie Karcher. I’m thrilled to have another illustrator stopping by Critter Lit today to share her experiences in Kidlit, process, and advice for other creatives out there!

So without further ado, please welcome Rachel Sanson!

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Where do you live?

I live in Bristol in the UK. At the moment I’m in a shared house with 3 lovely housemates and a very chaotic Bengal cat.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been in publishing for about 5 years now.

How did you first get published?

I first got published after signing with my first agency, I illustrated a small educational book for a Canadian publisher. It was my first experience illustrating professionally, I think you’d struggle to find it now and I’m ok with that!

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

At the moment I do, I work in a shared studio space with other creatives which is great.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’ve always loved telling stories not had much experience with writing, so instead I told the stories through drawing. It's a lot of fun to flesh out an imaginary world and the characters in it.

What surprised you the most working as an illustrator?

You learn very quickly about things you do on autopilot, for example shortcuts you take in drawing and objects that look nothing like they should! Because working professionally with publishers is a much more collaborative process these things are pointed out to you, and you discover a lot about yourself.

What is your favorite thing about being an illustrator?

I most enjoy being able to draw silly things for a living! It’s great to be given the freedom to explore a subject as you want to, and being trusted to come up with the right results.

What do you find difficult working as an illustrator?

Of course it’s always stressful to be in a career where your income isn’t stable or guaranteed. The most difficult part is probably convincing other people (and yourself) of your worth. Unfortunately, it is still really common to be offered work with unacceptably low fees, and having the confidence to question and say no to that is something I only learned over time.

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

I’ve learned that I personally go through phases of having ideas and feeling inspired and at other points being much more in the mood for organization and problem solving. It’s not always convenient but I think it’s good to try to go with the flow and not fight against whatever mood you’re in. Some days you can sit with the sketchbook in front of you and feel completely stuck and other days you’re filling pages up as fast as you can.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I’m trying to get better at planning out work and putting in a good amount of research before diving straight into line art, which is sensible but difficult for me as I like to work things out as I go. I also try to draw every day even if it’s just a few sketches that don’t go anywhere.

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

The Kid Lit community on social media was really helpful while building my portfolio after graduating from university. I’ve met a really positive group of people who encouraged and inspired me as I was developing my portfolio. It’s been amazing to see so many of these artists go on to be published and bring out gorgeous books. I think it would have been very hard to stay motivated without positive feedback from other people in the illustration world.

Recommended reading?

I’ve been reading a lot of end-of-the-world novels which I don't think anyone needs lately! So I’ll suggest some recommended listening instead. If you’re a creative you can’t go wrong with The Creative Pep Talk and Make it then Tell podcasts.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Probably the first time I received a copy of one of the books I illustrated, it was amazing to have it as a real object!

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

Generally, Know your worth! And on the technical side it’s really important to learn the fundamentals of drawing before you try to develop a style. Styles are something that appear over time whether you notice it happening or not and it’s much harder to work backwards and figure out why your stylized characters look strange. So get out there and sketch from life!

Tell us about your newest book.

My newest picture book is The Lady of the Library, written by Angie Karcher and published by Sleeping Bear Press. It's the story of a ghostly lady haunting a library that is about to be closed. All seems lost until a little girl appears and the two team up, putting together some wild ideas to attract visitors and bring the place back to its prime!

*Interior art from THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY by Angie Karcher, illustrated by Rachel Sanson published by Sleeping Bear Press*

The story focuses on the importance of libraries and community space, and its main character is based on The Grey Lady of Willard Library. The employees of the real library were so happy to be haunted that they set up online webcams for anyone to try and catch a glimpse of their ghost!

Working on this book was a lot of fun, it was a great opportunity to draw some dark spooky scenes and, of course, lots and lots of books.

What’s up next for you?

Right now I’m taking a bit of time to experiment with my work and try new things, as well as trying my hand at writing a few story ideas. I’d love to keep working on picture books in the future.

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

Be nice to people and don't be worried to approach your peers! Most illustrators I’ve met are really lovely friendly people, and it’s great to have people in the know who can support and advise you. Also a lot of us work from home, and are away from office small talk, so we’re pretty up for a chat!

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

My favourite 80s movie has to be Labyrinth. It’s probably also my favourite movie generally!

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

RACHEL SANSON is an illustrator of children’s books and is currently based in Bristol, UK.

Originally from a tiny town in the North of England, she graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in illustration after 3 years in a little studio perched on the top of a very steep hill.

Rachel loves to work on children’s fiction and enjoys illustrating weird and wonderful characters and the worlds they live in.

Rachel’s past work includes the Topsea middle grade novel series and the Tails from History educational book series. Rachel’s first picture book, The Lady of the Library was published in 2021 by Sleeping Bear Press.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Rachel, visit her online: https://www.rachelsanson.co.uk/

or follow her on social media:

Instagram @Rachelsansonillustration

Twitter @rachel_sanson

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, August 26th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Annelouise Mahoney

August 12, 2021Authors + Illustrators, Debut InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today’s interview is a fellow author/illustrator at Two Lions, who shares the same editor with me (shout out to the fabulous Kelsey Skea!). I’m such a fan of the books Two Lions publishes and am thrilled to interview one of their newest author/illustrators and share her fantastic debut picture book!

So without further ado, please welcome Annelouise Mahoney!

Where do you live?

I live in Southern California.

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

I fell in love with picture books as a child but I didn't realize it was something I could do until I was in college. I was studying illustration at UMass Dartmouth and I was lucky enough to have Karen Klingon as an illustration professor, she suggested writing and illustrating for children to me and that is when the seed was planted.

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

I began with SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). That is my number one recommendation to everyone who asks me where to start. When I was ready to dedicate myself to the craft of writing for children I enrolled in, Writing Picture Books For Children, with Sherry Shahan through UCLA Extension. I went on to take Intermediate Picture Book Writing with Terry Pierce. My daughters were very young and the online classes made learning accessible to me. When I was ready to dive deeper, I enrolled in Art Center College of Design, Finding Your Voice evening class. That class was taught by Marla Frazee. She taught me to find the emotion in the story and to dig for the heartbeat and pull that thread through the book to tie it in the end. She taught me that it’s okay to be afraid and to feel vulnerable — and do the work anyway. With her encouragement, I began posting art on social media. While I was actively involved with SCBWI art challenges, such as DrawThis, Anna Olswanger reached out to me through email and asked if I might be interested in writing for children, seeking representation and if I had any work I could show her. Anna and I worked on revising JULIUS AND MACY for about a year until she felt it was ready for submission. I'm very grateful that during that submission process Kelsey Skea at Two Lions took a chance on me. I feel incredibly lucky.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Sure. I'm still learning and growing but I found that waiting on the words and sticking with the pictures first is my way of finding the story. I'm very messy and experimental in the beginning of a story, my sketches are loose and not pretty. I'm very open to feedback and, as hard as revisions can be, I really enjoy them. It's a refocus and revision and reseeing that clarifies the story and I enjoy that digging part.

When the story is forming and I can see it, I start cleaning up the illustrations a bit to focus on composition and expression.

As for the illustration part of the process, I like to make small thumbnail color sketches of the book before painting the final art. The color sketches are there for me to work out my color palette, and to get a sense of light and shadow before I begin the final art. Once I have a sense of the color, I draw everything out in pencil then scan that into the computer. I print out the illustration on watercolor paper, I do this because I get nervous about redrawing the illustration on a light table and it saves me some time too. The next step is painting in watercolor and scanning it back into the computer when it is dry. I can make adjustments in photoshop and make sure each spread is fitting in the template of the book.

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

To get new ideas flowing I need to play, and not be precious. I find that if I get too precious with a story, I freeze up and get stuck. It's like trying to make something perfect before it's had a chance to grow. For myself I find the best kind of "shaking the rust off" is loosely sketching, daydreaming, watching kids play or being out in nature. I find animals endlessly fascinating, spending time with our pets, a walk around town, a hike to see wildlife, all of that gets me inspired.

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

Hmm. My favorite thing is quiet, but during this past year and a half with everyone home...that is hard to come by. I do like to settle in and have coffee, water and snacks nearby.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oh my goodness, so many! Some of my favorites are Lisabeth Zwerger, Stephanie Graegin, Emily Winfield Martin, Holly Hobbie, and Marla Frazee.

Dream project to work on?

I feel JULIUS AND MACY was a dream project for me. Something I wanted to make so very much. I know the next book will be made with all the love and care I can give it and that will make it my next dream project.

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut book, JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT, released on April 1, 2021 with Two Lions publishing. It's a woodland tale about bravery and friendship. My main characters, Julius and Macy, like to play heroes. Julius pretends he’s the defender of the forest, while Macy has a quieter strength. When their snack disappears one night, they decide to track down the only one who could have taken it—the Night Goblin. They both have to be brave in their own ways, and they ultimately discover that the real thief isn’t anything like they imagined.

*Interior Art from JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT by Annelouise Mahoney, Published by Two Lions*

With its endearing characters, this gently told tale reminds us that we each have courage within us and that kindness can make all the difference.

What’s up next for you?

I'm working on another picture book dummy, and continue to jot down ideas as they come. I'm excited to be a Spotlight Speaker at SCBWI CenCal Writer's Day this October and other literary events this fall.

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

Oh my gosh, that's a fun question. I have to say, The Princess Bride. I love that fairytale movie, and how it begins with the reading of the book.

Thank you for having me on Critter Lit today! It's wonderful to spend some time with you.

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

ANNELOUISE MAHONEY was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she spent her childhood playing pretend, making up stories, and drawing pictures. She moved to Los Angeles after college, where she worked in animation and comics. She loves to explore the forest, can’t resist a cave, and has a lot of love for all those named Julius in her life. Annelouise lives in Southern California with her family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Annelouise, visit her online: www.AnnelouiseMahoney.com

or follow her on social media: Twitter: @WoodlandAbbey | Instagram: @Annelouise_Mahoney

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, August 19th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Ellen Leventhal

July 29, 2021Authors, InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with picture book author Ellen Leventhal whose newest book A FLOOD OF KINDNESS, illustrated by Blythe Russo, came out in April with WorthyKids. I’m thrilled to have Ellen with us today to talk about her new book, process, and road to publication.

So without further ado, please welcome Ellen Leventhal!

Where do you live?

Thank you so much for having me on Critterlit today! I appreciate it!

I live in Houston, TX.

How many years have you been in publishing?

That's kind of tricky because there have been starts and stops. However, my first published book was written with a friend, Ellen Rothberg, in 2007. That certainly doesn't mean I've been writing professionally for that long (That particular book is out of print, but an updated version of it was picked up in 2017!) In my mind, 2016 or so is when I stepped out of my comfort zone and really began to submit and get feedback (both good and not so good!)

How did you first get published?

Ellen Rothberg and I won a contest! We entered a picture book writing contest and realized we had a lot to learn! So, we took classes, found critique groups, revised more times than I can count, and surprisingly won! That first book was the original version of Don't Eat the Bluebonnets.

What inspires you to create picture books?

EVERYTHING! I get inspiration from everywhere, but just because I’m inspired, doesn't mean every idea turns into a complete story. But that's ok. It's all part of the process. Observing nature, kids, and life in general always inspires me. I taught for many years, and those kiddos and their experiences give me ideas all the time. And, of course, all the wonderful children's books I read inspire me daily.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

What surprised me the most when I was starting out was how much I didn't know! I'm still learning. A happy surprise was all the support and camaraderie I found in the Kid Lit community.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

School visits and the friends I've made in Kid Lit are high on my list of favorite things. I cannot wait to get back into schools for in-person visits. They keep me going. I also love the flexibility of my work hours. I had zero flexibility when I taught full-time (although I loved what I did). Now, if there is something I want to or must do during the day, I can do it. I just try to arrange my schedule so I can still get work done.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

As much as I love what I do, there are definitely some things that are difficult for me. Working from home is great for the flexibility, but it also offers challenges. After all, there are always other things to do when you're at home (and the pantry full of snacks for my grandkids is just a few steps away), so, unless I have a hard deadline, focusing on a writing task can sometimes be a challenge.

As far as the actual writing and submitting, I have trouble letting go. It's hard for me to get to a point where I feel ready to submit something. I am a serial reviser, and although that can be good sometimes, I know I must hit that "send" button at some point.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I'm trying hard to develop some good habits, but the only one I can think of now is reading, reading, reading. For me, creativity comes in spurts, and I don't always know when something will hit me. So, although I don't have any great habits that help, I have become more open to allowing free-flowing ideas to enter my head and have become a bit less self-editing in the very early stages of a manuscript. I try to let the creativity flow and worry about revision later. (But as a serial reviser, that’s difficult!)

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

That's an easy one because I would not still be writing if it weren't for the Kid Lit community. Meeting friends along the way has been a huge boost! My critique groups are invaluable, and when I had a virtual launch for a book this past April, so many friends from the Kid Lit community were there for support. You, Lindsay, are a case in point. Thank you for supporting so many of us on our journey.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

There have been so many wonderful things, but when my latest book, A Flood of Kindness, was released, the virtual launch with friends from all over the country was a highlight for sure. I was disappointed when I realized that after a year of COVID, my release would still be during the pandemic, and thus, virtual, but it turned out well. Although that was definitely a highlight, I can't put my finger on the highlight of my career. Each time I leave a school with that feeling of "They got it" that's a highlight. Whenever I connect teachers, librarians, and kids, that's a highlight. I'm sorry I didn't answer your question, but I can't choose just one.

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

I wish someone would have shared ways they handled rejection and enlightened me on the importance of support from the Kid Lit community. I knew that rejection would be a big part of this business, but I didn't understand how big a piece. Of course, now that I know it's just part of the process, I've developed ways to handle it, and I am generally able to shrug it off. Of course, that does not mean that I like it or that I don't need chocolate after a rejection, but I know it's just part of the deal, and I don't (usually ) take it personally. I may wallow a bit, but I am able to move on.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My book, A Flood of Kindness was released this past April, and although it's fictional, it was inspired by real events. My house flooded three times in less than three years. After the first flood, I remembered Mr. Rogers's words to "Look for the helpers." It was easy to find them! Having written a few other books by then, a lot of people told me that I should write a kids' book about the flood. I knew if I ever did write one, it would be focused on the kindness that surrounded us, since it flowed as freely as the floodwaters. It wasn't until the third flood, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, that I decided maybe I should try to write something that validates children's feelings as well as empowering them with the knowledge that by small acts of kindness, they can help themselves and others. I felt like it was a thin line to walk, but I'm happy with how it turned out. The illustrations by Blythe Russo told so much of the story.

*Interior art from A FLOOD OF KINDNESS by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Blythe Russo*

What's up next for you?

I'm working on several other picture books now as well as trying my hand at a chapter book which is fun. I do have one of those vague announcements about a book coming out in 2023. It's a picture book biography that I am proud of. I can't wait to officially share the news.

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

I'm sure I don't have anything that they haven't heard before, but I'll repeat the "mantra" of persistence and patience. Also, continue to work on your craft. I consider all the classes I take, webinars I listen to, etc. as professional development. Stay updated with the market, but write YOUR story, as opposed to writing to the trends.

Lastly (and this was and still is hard for me), try to develop a thick skin and understand that rejections or "harsh" words aren't personal. This is from the person who would cry if someone looked at her sideways when she was in school! It's hard, but find a group of like-minded people, and they will be there to cheer you on and be there for you. As I said, I wish I had known how important getting to know people in the kid lit community would be when I first started out. I may have weathered some of the early rejections better. At least I would have had people I could commiserate with.

And remember, there are a lot of ways to pursue your dream. Investigate, evaluate, and take the road best fit for your particular journey.

And last but not least, favorite 80s movie?

I couldn't remember what movies were from the 80s, so I had to look them up. WOW! ! There were so many that I can't pick one. Sorry, that seems like a theme in this interview. Don’t make me pick one!” A few I love are "Field of Dreams", "ET", and Indiana Jones movies. But there are so many more!

Huge thank you to Ellen for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on A FLOOD OF KINDNESS!

ELLEN LEVENTHAL is an educator and writer in Houston, TX. Ellen is the co-author of Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets, a 2017 Mighty Girls pick ( 2017 Clear Fork Publishing), the author of Lola Can’t Leap (2018 Clear Fork Publishing) and A Flood of Kindness, ( 2021 WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group). She has been published in magazines and newspapers, as well as in poetry and short story anthologies. Ellen frequently presents at schools and has been featured on both TV and radio. When visiting schools, she coordinates with and supports literacy programs as well as diversity and anti-bullying programs. Ellen’s best days are when she can interact directly with the students and spread her love of literacy and kindness. To find out more about Ellen’s books and writing projects, please go to www.Ellenleventhal.com

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of A FLOOD OF KINDNESS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of A FLOOD OF KINDNESS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, August 5th! US addresses only please.

H E L L O C R I T T E R S !

My name is Lindsay Ward. I'm a children's book author + illustrator, wife to author Frank Tupta, mama to three wild boys, and an 80s baby who loves to bake. Most days you can find me writing and drawing in my studio at home in Peninsula, Ohio.

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RT @SuperJaneArtist: So excited 2 B chatting up my #hilarious new #funnybunny #picturebook, NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT w/ @lindsaymward on the… https://t.co/mzVTSPK9Kg
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