Interview with Author Emma Pearl Part 2

Happy Thursdays Critters! I’m thrilled to share another interview with author Emma Pearl today! You can read her first interview with us here. She is back with us today to talk about her new book, SAVING THE SUN, which just released this month with Page Street Kids.

So without further ado, please welcome Emma Pearl!

It’s great to have you back!

 Thank you for having me again!

 Tell us about your latest book.

Saving the Sun features the same characters as my debut Mending the Moon, Luna and Poppa, as they work to avert another natural disaster. This time, while they’re on vacation on a tropical island, the sweltering sun falls into the sea and they must work together with the island animals and sea creatures to get it back into the sky and set it alight again.

Interior art from SAVING THE SUN by Emma Pearl, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, published by Page Street Kids

Interior art from SAVING THE SUN by Emma Pearl, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, published by Page Street Kids

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?

 Releasing my debut was a huge milestone and the achievement of a lifelong dream, but it’s also a time of great stress and anxiety that I’m sure every author is familiar with – will anyone read it? Buy it? Like it? It’s quite terrifying in many ways because you put your heart out there and you have absolutely no control over what happens once you release it into the world. It’s no longer yours.

 I’ve had some wonderful experiences interacting with children and parents online and in person at school and library events. It’s a huge thrill when children connect with the story, when you see their eyes and imagination light up. That’s what it’s all about.

 My day-to-day life hasn’t really changed at all – there are still not enough hours in the day to get all the writing done!

 What do you find inspiring right now?

I’ve always found inspiration in nature, and right now (for the sake of my mental health) I’m trying very hard to focus on the beautiful landscape around me rather than the chaos in the wider world. I love my local, snow-capped mountain, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, trees, flowers – all these help to ground me as well as inspiring my writing.

 What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Being immersed in storytelling, books and my own fictional worlds. And being a part of helping children to discover that magic too – it’s such a privilege.

 What do you find difficult working as an author?

The most difficult thing for me is the torturously slow pace of the whole industry. I’m not patient by nature and each part of the process (Every. Single. Thing!) takes about a thousand times longer than I would like! I’m learning to focus on my own productivity rather than fixate on waiting for responses from other people or stress about things that are outside my control, but it’s not easy!

 Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Not so much habitual as doggedly persevering! I just try to do as much as I can whenever I can, even if it only means squeezing in five minutes here and there. I am definitely more productive if I can get myself into a routine – the ideal would be 2-3 hours every morning and the same again every afternoon and evening. But mostly life gets in the way and doesn’t allow anything like that much time.

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

The Kid Lit community is honestly the best, kindest, most welcoming and supportive community there is. I’ve had so many positive experiences – support, advice and encouragement from other writers at every stage. I’ve been lucky enough to be both a mentee and a mentor through the WriteMentor program, both of which have been highlights. All my critique partners past and present have been a godsend. And now I belong to the promo group Kids Book Crew – 13 authors all releasing books in the next year or so supporting one another, and it’s a delight to be a part of!

Recommended reading?

Ah, don’t get me started! I could go for hours… I’ll try to keep it short(ish). Some adult fiction I’ve read recently and loved – The Ferryman by Justin Cronin, Good Girls Die Last by Natali Simmonds, The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller and Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh.

And picture books –The Last Rainbow Bird by Nora Brech, Sleepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins and Pete Oswald, Floof by Heidi McKinnon, Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez and Devin Elle Kurtz, The Wishing Flower by A.J. Irving and Kip Alizadeh.

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

You can become a published author but you also need to earn a living (they are quite separate things!).

What’s up next for you?

I have a few projects out on submission at the moment so I’m hoping some good news will arrive in the not too distant future! In the meantime, as always, I have about a million works in progress – a variety of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels.

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

Keep on creating – what you do is so important. But take care of yourself too. It’s a brutal industry and it’s okay to step away if you need to. Try to set goals that are within your control (i.e. ‘finish the manuscript’, not ‘sign with an agent’), and find your tribe – support from other writers is invaluable.

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

Matilda (loves books, fearless and triumphant underdog, strong female, can move objects with her mind – what a hero!)

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Huge thank you to Emma for stopping by Critter Lit again! Congrats on your new book!

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EMMA PEARL’S debut picture book Mending the Moon, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, was published by Page Street Kids in 2022. Saving the Sun is her second book. Emma lives in New Zealand and writes fiction for young people of all ages from picture books to young adults. She is represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary.

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

emmapearlauthor.com

Twitter: @emmspearl

Instagram: @emmspearl

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of SAVING THE SUN?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 5th.

Interview with Zoe Tilley Poster

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.

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

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 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.

Interview with Author Ryan Uytdewilligen

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!

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

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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 Terry Pierce Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! We are taking a few weeks off here and there throughout the summer to spend some time resting and relaxing, BUT today we have a fantastic interview with author Terry Pierce, who we were lucky enough to connect with a while back. You can read our first interview with Terry from 2020 here. Terry is back with a new book, HELLO, MEADOW! illustrated by Nadja Sarell, which published with Yosemite Conservancy last month. I’m thrilled to have Terry with us again and can’t wait to catch up and hear about all the fantastic work she’s been doing.

So without further ado, please welcome Terry Pierce!

Where do you live?

I‘m very fortunate to live in the beautiful mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, California, a small town nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. My husband and I moved there in 2019 when he retired. 

How many years have you been in publishing?

I began writing in 1999, after closing my Montessori preschool, so it’s been almost twenty-four years now! I wanted to stay connected to young children and had been thinking of trying my hand at writing children’s books for a while, (like so many teachers!), so it felt natural to give it a try.

How did you first get published?

My first publications came in the form of pet magazines. When I first started writing, I gave myself a 5-year deadline to get a book published or else find a different career (I know, very naive of me!). I also made the mistake of submitting picture book manuscripts too soon, so when I became frustrated with all the rejections and wanted any kind of “win,” I tried writing for pet magazines and succeeded. I also re-strategized and decided to write children’s joke books, which turned out to be my first published children’s books. Three months after my first joke book manuscript, Greatest Goofiest Jokes, was accepted, I received an offer on my first picture book, Two Tales of Hawaii. Both books were published within my 5-year deadline!

Do you write full-time?

At the moment, I’d say I write part-time with a full-time heart. Because my husband retired and we moved to a place that constantly calls to me get outside, I’m not writing quite as much as I used to, but it’s certainly enough to keep me busy! Although I do write outside, in nature, a lot more than I used to, which is inspiring and joyful.

When I was writing full-time, I looked at it as my full-time job. I would “clock in” at 8:30 every weekday morning, take a 30-minute lunch break, and “clock out” around 3:30-4:00. I spent my mornings writing, and the afternoons doing marketing and book promotion. Now, I write when the muse calls, which is a lot of fun.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Inspiration can come from many places, but lately, I draw much inspiration from nature. I’m surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, in a place of wild animals, towering trees, and dynamic waterways, which always stirs up story ideas in my mind.

For example, when I heard about Yosemite Conservancy’s call-out for board books, I thought about what I’ve learned about bear conservation since moving to Mammoth Lakes—important concepts such as proper food storage and trash disposal, locking a dumpster after you use it, and not leaving any food in your vehicle. It occurred to me that this would be a great idea for teaching very small children how to be good stewards of the environment. Yosemite Conservancy loved the idea and Eat Up, Bear! was born.

Eat Up, Bear! has had so much success that Yosemite Conservancy asked me to write a board book about meadow conservation, using a similar structure to our bear book. Now, we’re celebrating the release of Hello, Meadow! on April 11, 2023. I didn’t have to wander too far for this book’s inspiration. I took trips to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park and ventured out into my own backyard, which has many gorgeous meadows to inspire.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Initially, I was most surprised at how long it takes for an idea to become a published book. When I talk with my UCLA writing students about this, they’re always surprised at this, too. I think the longest it took for one of my ideas to get published was Mother Earth’s Lullaby (Tilbury House), which took ten years from idea to publication. I’ve always joked that book publication works in “glacial time” even though I understand why now. A writer and editorial team need time to perfect the text, the illustrator typically needs 6-12 months to create the artwork, and you can add another six months for the printing process. If any unexpected extraneous global or economic factors occur, they can delay the process even further. So, if you want to write children’s books, put on your “patience cap!” 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love having a creative outlet, where I can play with words and language. It took me a while to discover that my “sweet spot” for writing is rhyming picture books, but this is where I thrive. I’ve dabbled in other children’s book formats (chapter books and even a middle-grade novel), but I’m most happy when writing for very young children.

I also enjoy knowing that my books are having a positive effect on children’s lives. I missed that from my Montessori teaching days, but now, I can have an even broader influence on kids, whether it comes in the form of helping them learn to read with my easy readers, or helping get them off to a great start in life by snuggling up on someone’s lap and sharing a board book or picture book. In the case of Hello, Meadow! and Eat Up, Bear!, I love knowing that I’ve had a hand in creating future conservationists who understand that the natural world—while seemingly resilient—can actually be fragile and needs good stewards to care for it. Collaborating with the Yosemite Conservancy publishers and the National Park Service to make sure our message comes through in a kid-friendly way that’s inviting to little ones and their families was a great experience.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Waiting for responses to queries and submissions can be exhausting! And it’s not just about the time. When I first began writing, the wait typically ended with a response of some kind from an editor. I loved it when an editor wrote an encouraging note, even if they passed on the manuscript. Nowadays, as you know, most houses don’t give any kind of reply, unless they're interested in the work. I understand their need to save time and energy, but I find it frustrating because I have no idea if I was close, if the idea has merit and is worth pursuing, or if it needs a fresh perspective. I do miss the human connection with the submission process.

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

I get outside! In the summer, I’ll go on a hike or long walk. In the winter, I’ll strap on my snowshoes and go for a walk where I can be alone and think. The fresh air, the cadence of my steps, and wide-open spaces always gets the creative juices flowing!

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I like it to be quiet when I write. No music, TV, or any background conversation when I’m working. I find it too distracting and can’t focus very well. Once, when my family was visiting and I had a deadline, I drove to a nearby trailhead, parked, and worked in my car! I figured if I needed a break, I was right at a trailhead and could walk in the woods to clear my head.

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

Amongst the many positive experiences I’ve had with the Kid Lit community, one of the most memorable came very early in my writing experience. Let me preface this by saying I’m basically a shy person. The year I started writing, I joined the SCBWI and signed up for a Writers’ Day event in Los Angeles, which was held at a school. I drove three hours to the event and found a seat inside, pretty much keeping to myself but noticing how many people knew each other. It was like a reunion of old friends for many! 

At lunch, I took my boxed lunch and went out onto the football field where many other participants chose to eat. I was sitting on the 50-yard line, all alone, when a woman came over from a nearby group and asked me if I was meeting anyone. I said no, and she invited me to join them. I was so grateful for her kindness, and found that the group was actually from my chapter of the SCBWI! I’m still friends with some of those writers, and many of them went on to become published authors. For a very shy person who found the courage to drive by herself to Los Angeles to attend a writing conference, this was the ultimate reward! It made me realize that joining the SCBWI was more than just learning about children’s writing—it was about networking and finding like-minded friends.

Recommended reading?

I don’t have any specific books to recommend because so many terrific titles come out all the time, but what I do recommend is to pay attention to titles from resources such as the ALA Caldecott Medal nominees, or Betsy Bird’s “Best Books” list she does each December at her Fuse#8 Production blog. (https://afuse8production.slj.com/)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

For me, the highlight of my career was when I received an offer of representation from a reputable agency a few years ago. It was validating, after 68 agent queries, to see that my work had enough merit for an agent to want to represent my work (actually, I had two agencies interested at the same time). I loved networking with other authors from the agency and being so connected with them. Unfortunately, I eventually let my agent go as we just weren’t a good match, but still, the experience was an important part of my writing journey. 

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

Great question! Two things would have been good to know at the beginning. First, I wish someone could have explained how much work it takes to get published—learning the craft, networking, submitting and querying, handling rejections (because we all get passes on our work), and continuing to get published after your first book comes out. 

Second, I would have liked to have had an idea of how much money children’s authors are paid. Books, particularly picture books, are a huge investment for publishers sometimes costing them up to $25-30K. And many picture books are only in print for two or three years, so most authors’ earnings are limited unless they’re fortunate to have a top-selling book. According to Hannah Holt’s author survey (2017), the majority of published picture book writers earn less than $10K annually. That wouldn’t have deterred me from writing, but it would have been good to know before I started!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I’d love to! Hello, Meadow! is my second board book with Yosemite Conservancy, illustrated by the talented Nadja Sarell. In the early summer of 2021, our editor, Nicole Geiger, approached me with an idea from the publisher about writing a book about meadow conservation, in a similar style as our first book, Eat Up, Bear! Of course, I said yes! I dove into researching the importance of meadows as wildlife habitats, water filters, carbon retainers, and places of peace and beauty for humans. 

Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy

After a couple of initial drafts, we landed in a place where everyone liked where the book was going; then, for me, it was a matter of fine-tuning the text. I was thrilled when my editor confirmed that Nadja Sarell was interested in doing the illustrations for the book, as her artwork in Eat Up, Bear! was charming, inviting, and perfect for the project. It was a collaboration between myself, Nicole, Yosemite Conservancy, and the National Park Service to determine specific species of flora and fauna to include in the art, along with a diverse cast of humans. Nadja did an amazing job! Her colorful illustrations will invite young children and their families to pour over the pages finding animals, flowers, and other plants, all while experiencing the message that meadows are fragile yet important places that need our care and respect.

Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy

Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy

Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy

What’s up next for you?

I have another board book, I’m a Baby!, coming out in Fall of 2024 with Familius. I’m also working with Yosemite Conservancy on another possible board book, but it’s too early to give any details on that one. Stay tuned!

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

I always recommend aspiring writers join the SCBWI. It’s a terrific organization and a great place to learn about children’s writing. Their workshops, conferences, and resources such as The Book, are incredibly helpful. And of course, it’s a great way to network and find like-minded writers.

Another suggestion I make to new writers is to take a writing course on the genre they’re interested in writing, as it gives a structured look at the craft. It’s so important to develop your craft before you start submitting your work! Early in my career, I took some courses through UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and now I teach for them. They offer a variety of classes on writing for children and teens, in a variety of formats (online, remote, on-campus). Their website is https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing-journalism/creative-writing/courses#PS0032.

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

Oh gosh, that’s a tough question! As a child, my favorite character was Pippi Longstocking. I saw myself in her because she was such a tomboy! She was also bold and outspoken, two qualities I wish I had, as I was a very shy child. I also loved Wilbur the pig from Charlotte’s Web. He was so sweet and humble. I always thought he had the characteristics of a good friend. As an adult, one of my favorite characters is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Katniss was a brilliant mix of strength, determination, and resilience, combined with compassion and kindness.

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

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TERRY PIERCE is the author of twenty-six children’s books, including Eat Up, Bear! (Yosemite Conservancy), Love Can Come in Many Ways (Chronicle Books), Mama Loves You So (Little Simon) and Soccer Time! (Random House). She has an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, including Picture Book Concentration certification. She's been writing since 1999; with her work appearing in children's and parenting magazines, and the children’s book market. Terry also teaches online children’s writing courses for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She lives in the mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, California where she can be found writing, enjoying the outdoors, or watching wildlife from her living room. To learn more about Terry, please visit her website at https://www.terrypiercebooks.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Terry follow her online:

Facebook: @TerryPierceAuthor

Twitter: @terrycpierce

Instagram: @tlcpierce

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of HELLO, MEADOW! click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HELLO, MEADOW!? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author + Illustrator Jane Smith Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! Author and illustrator Jane Smith is back with us today, and I couldn’t be more excited because her new book, NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT!, is absolutely hilarious, silly, and full of lots of giggles— my favorite kind! (To read our first interview with Jane, click here.) Jane is here to talk to us about her new book, process, and approach to creativity.

So without further ado, please welcome back Jane Smith!

It’s great to have you back!

Thank you so much, Lindsay! I’m thrilled to pieces to be here chatting about my hilarious new children’s book, Naked Butt Busts Out!

 Tell us about your latest book.

Naked Butt Busts Out! is a laugh-out-loud picture book about being true to yourself. The story follows the cheeky little bunny, Naked Butt, who just want to be himself. But for Naked Butt, being yourself, means literally baring it all, and he discovers that everyone wants him to cover up his tail again! Especially his momma. So, he tries this best to keep his true self tucked under shirts and shorts, but when his clothes start feeling itchier and scratchier and tighter and tighter, Naked Butt can’t keep himself under wraps anymore—he BUSTS out! And to everyone’s surprise, Naked Butt’s hilarious city streak shows momma that standing out in the crowd isn’t just a good thing, it’s a lifesaver, and that being yourself can inspire others to uncover a whole new view of the world, too.

Interior art from NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT! by Jane Smith

Interior art from NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT! by Jane Smith

 What inspired you to create this book?

Naked Butt Busts Out! was inspired by the universal experience of kiddos just not wanting to get dressed!! This is such a hilariously familiar developmental stage for the age range that hits the picture book sweet spot that it felt like a solid heart for a story. And when I married it to the metaphorical concept of being yourself equaling being naked, the whole book began to come together.

Interior art from NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT! by Jane Smith

 Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? How do you approach new ideas?

I like to have multiple books projects in-progress at any given time! I generally work on a story as long and as far as I know what to do with it. Then I put it away and pick up another WIP, and then switch back later once I’ve thought thru what comes next. I find that the time away in-between intense bursts of activity on developing a project is actually the secret magic ingredient that brings it altogether and fuels my creative process.

I approach new ideas both playfully and seriously! Seriously in that I always right them down—no matter how ridiculous or off-the-wall. And playfully in that I like to give myself feel reign to explore an idea by doodling—maybe characters or little bits or bobs from the ideas—and by brainstorming word lists—like free word associations, little one liners of text, etc. Usually, it’s thru this exploration that I discover if I have the heart of something true that I can continue to build on.

 How do you shake the rust off when you feel stuck creatively? 

I have lots of little tricks for this—taking a walk, doing a little yoga, mediating, reading, going to the bookstore or library, watching a movie or TV show, baking, cooking a new recipe, visiting a friend who lives close by, calling a friend who lives far away, doodling with no expectations. And if all else fails, take a nap!!

 What do you find inspiring right now?

 Right now, I’m very inspired by the wide world of indie publishing possibilities available to authors and illustrators! I think in an industry where the labors of creative professionals are very undervalued, while also being the bedrock of the whole industry, it is exciting that indie publishing provides affordable, accessible opportunities to take the reins as both creative artists and professional businesspeople.

 Any new books that you are loving right now?

Two books I read recently that I can’t stop thinking about are: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (newly released last fall) and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (classic published in 1959). Both are gorgeously written and stay with you long after you finish the final page.

 What’s up next for you?

 More children’s books!!! I can’t share any details yet, but I’m excited, so stay tuned…

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

Your creative work is meaningful! Your creative effort is meaningful! But it will never matter MORE to anyone else than it does to YOU. So do not ever shy away from being your own best advocate, regardless of whether or not you’re agented, regardless of whether or not you’re traditionally published.

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

This is so hard! I have so many favorites! Ha ha! Ok—today I’m going to say Max and Ruby from Rosemary Well’s beloved series. How can you not adore this hilarious pair?!

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Huge thank you to Jane for stopping by Critter Lit today! It was so great to catch up with you and hear about your hilarious new book! Congrats!

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JANE SMITH is the author-illustrator of nine children’s picture books, including the popular Chloe Zoe series, Hello, New House and Miss Meow. Naked Butt Busts Out! is her first self-published title. Jane enjoys knock-knock jokes, cartoons and making kiddos laugh. She lives in sun-kissed Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband and super star daughter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JANE SMITH follow her on social media:

 • Web Site: www.superjane.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @SuperJaneSmith

• Twitter: @SuperJaneArtist

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6302142.Jane_Smith

• Super Readers Club Newsletter: https://superreadersclub.substack.com/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT!, click here.

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

Interview with Debut Author Ratha Tep

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author, Ratha Tep, whose debut book, WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, published with Princeton Architectural Press last year. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her road to publication, process, and debut book!

So without further ado, please welcome Ratha Tep!

Where do you live?

After spending many years in New York City, and a four-year jaunt in Switzerland, I now live in Dublin, in a 180-year-old house by the sea.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve never wanted to be anything but a writer. My parents only read me a handful of picture books when I was a child, though, so I never thought about the genre until I was pregnant with my first child, and was gifted Where the Wild Things Are. That was my first time reading it, in my 30s, and I was blown away. It really opened up a new world, and showed me the extraordinary possibilities of the picture book. The artwork is, of course, phenomenal, but what I love even more is the layered text and its gorgeous rhythm. The book does so much with so few words, and really gets to the heart of a universal experience in a novel way. I’ve wanted to write my own picture books ever since.

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

While I had dabbled with the thought of writing picture books for a few years, life sort of got in the way. My children were still very young, and I was also contributing to the New York Times, and other newspapers and magazines. I would say I first seriously thought about picture book writing in 2019, when I went to London to take a Guardian Masterclass on the subject. I had written one story at that point. But it wasn’t until a year later that I really hunkered down and went “all-in.” I joined SCBWI, and a critique group, and showed my stories to friends for feedback. I got very lucky in that my wonderful agent, Debbie Bibo, saw promise in Wally. She paired me up with the super talented illustrator, Camilla Pintonato, who really brought the manuscript to life. She infused the book with so much energy and humor. Having Wally poke out from the page? Brilliant! 

Can you share a bit about your process?

I don’t think I have much of a process. But I have come to learn that for every great story, there are probably a dozen if not more stories that have led up to it. In the Guardian Masterclass I took, I think it was the writer, Alex Milway, who said that your first story probably won’t be accepted, but maybe your twelfth might be. What I do now is have several different stories going on at once. And whenever I have a kernel of an idea, say, if I’m out doing something with my kids, I’ll email it to myself as a note. Sometimes a spark is all it takes! 

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

Listen to my kids! Wally literally came from my older daughter’s first experience with playing the piano at age 6. She started claiming—without seeing anyone else play—that she was the world’s greatest piano player. I thought it was both hilarious and exactly the kind of hyperbolic statement only a kid could make.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Make coffee. Emphasis on the making—not drinking. I literally make about five cups of coffee a day because I remember to only drink about a third of each cup before it gets cold.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I run a picture book recommendation site called Max’s Boat where I ask other writers and illustrators this very question, and am always learning about new (and old) books to dig into. There are so many authors that inspire me for different reasons that I don’t even know where to begin! So perhaps I’ll leave it at Maurice Sendak. 

Dream project to work on?

My next book!

Tell us about your debut book.

Wally LOVES playing the piano, and starts claiming—without seeing anyone else play— that he’s the world’s greatest piano-playing wombat. So imagine his surprise when he realizes that there’s another piano-playing wombat who can play better than he can! Wally adds tap-dancing to his routine, then ball-twirling—just to be able to call himself the world’s greatest anything. But this other wombat outdoes him each and every time! Wally deals with the big and complicated feelings of envy and the all too human (or wombat-esque) desire to be the best—in a fun, madcap kind of way.

Interior art from WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT by Ratha Tep, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, published by Princeton Architectural Press

Interior art from WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT by Ratha Tep, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, published by Princeton Architectural Press

Interior art from WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT by Ratha Tep, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, published by Princeton Architectural Press

What’s up next for you?

While Wally came out in North America in October, it’s only coming out in Ireland and the UK in April. I’ve never actually seen it in a bookstore yet, so seeing it on a shelf will be a thrilling sight! I also have a bunch of school and library visits lined up, and I’m really excited to finally get to share Wally in person!

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

Amos McGee. I normally love humorous picture books but A Sick Day for Amos McGee is just quietly perfect. And for their cameo roles, the stick insect in Mina by Matthew Forsythe and the family of beetles in The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld.

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Huge thank you to Ratha for stopping by CritterLit today! Congrats on your debut!

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RATHA TEP was born in Cambodia and grew up in New York City, where her childhood consisted of, among other things, walking her rabbit on a leash on the concrete sidewalks, and weekly visits to the Children’s Reading Room at the Donnell Library. She went on to get degrees in English and in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, and has also taken writing workshops and classes at Brown University and the New School.

 Ratha is a frequent contributor to The New York Times. Her work has also appeared in print and online for publications such as The Wall Street Journal, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Afar, and Food & Wine, where she was an editor for seven years. Ratha has reported from New York, Paris, Milan, London, Zurich and Basel. She is now looking to create new worlds of her own, in which animal characters navigate their foibles and frailties with humor and spirit.

​Ratha is happily settled in a 180-year-old house in Dublin filled with books and creaky floorboards. She loves, in no particular order, Sunday roasts with her family, curling up to read with her girls in the evening (and morning), and weeping willow trees. She recently started Max’s Boat, a picture book recommendation site where writers and illustrators share their favorite titles.
Her first picture book is about a wombat named Wally, who was the World’s Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat, until he realized he wasn’t.

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

https://www.rathatep.com/

https://www.maxsboat.com/

Instagram: 

@rathatepbooks

@maxsboat

Twitter:

@sailingwithmax

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of WALLY THE WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO-PLAYING WOMBAT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 23rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Glenys Nellist Part 3

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to have Glenys Nellist with us again today to talk about her latest book, WHEREVER YOU ARE, illustrated by Sian James, which just published with Beaming books last month. WHEREVER YOU ARE is absolutely stunning and lovely and I can wait for you all to take a peek.

So without further ado, please welcome Glenys Nellist!

It’s great to have you back!

It’s great to BE back, Lindsay! Thanks for having me.

Tell us about your latest book.

Published by Beaming Books and beautifully illustrated by Sian James, Wherever You Are explores the simple, but powerful premise… wherever you are, God is there.

I love that WHEREVER YOU ARE is so universal. It relates to so many situations and moments in life. What inspired you to create this book?

My inspiration came from a little moment I shared with my grandson eight years ago. He stood by the window watching the snow gently fall, and he was so still and quiet that I took a photo. After a moment, he turned to me and asked, in his three-year-old voice, Where’s God? I never imagined that this little moment would one day become the inspiration for a picture book, but it just goes to show that ordinary moments can become extraordinary.

With such an open-ended theme for WHEREVER YOU ARE, how did you organize the text for this book? Did you make a list of situations you wanted to weave together? What was your writing process like?

I knew that I wanted to start by referencing that little moment I shared with my grandson, and so the book begins in this way: God is in the whisper of the gently falling snow.. God is in the daffodil as she begins to grow. As soon as I started writing, the text just seemed to flow organically, without any kind of list. I didn’t really include any specific situations (all the ones you’ll see were created by the wonderful illustrator, Sian James.) Instead, I simply focused on exploring the fact that no matter where we are, or what we’re doing; no matter what time of day or night; no matter how we’re feeling… in happy times or sad times, in good times or bad times, God is with us. In this way, it was my goal to reassure the reader that God is with us in every physical space in which we find ourselves and every emotional space too.

Do you have a favorite spread in WHEREVER YOU ARE? If so, why is it your favorite?

Can I pick two? The first is the one featuring my grandson watching the snowfall. Can you believe that I was able to share the photo I’d taken that day with Sian James, and she used it as the basis for one of the first illustration in the book? 

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

The second is also based on a true incident. One autumn day, I was out raking leaves in the street with my neighbor, and I had such a powerful sense of God’s presence all around that I wanted to include that in the book too. I just knew, that day, that God was in the leaves, in the wind, in the sunshine, and most of all, in my neighbor. Sian used my photographs of our street to faithfully depict that little moment, and she even included the fire hydrant at the bottom of our driveaway! Here’s me and my neighbor raking leaves:

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

As an author, do you get to weigh in on the illustration process with your publisher?

Normally, no! It is my job to write the words, and the illustrator’s job, under the direction of the publisher, to create the illustrations. What a joy, then, to be able to collaborate with Sian James, via my editor, so that those special moments could be included.

What are some of your favorite picture books right now?

I am loving the recently published Sparrow’s Prayer, a title exploring all the different ways to pray, by Roger Hutchison, and Grandpa’s Window, a gentle book on grief, by Laura Gehl. 

What’s up next for you?

I’ll be releasing two more titles this year. Later in the summer, Little Mole is back in the fourth installment of his popular series! Published by Beaming Books. Little Mole Gives Thanks releases in August, and then in October I have a board book publishing with Zonderkidz called Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas. 

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

I’d love to share a word of encouragement about Imposter Syndrome, and the importance of battling it. I never, ever thought that I would one day be the author of over thirty books for children. So convinced was I, that I wasn’t good enough to be an author, that I gave up on my first book halfway through. If I hadn’t finished that book, I wouldn’t now be the author of all those other titles. So…whether you aspire to be an author or an illustrator, don’t quit! Work hard, keep going, improve your craft and chase those dreams—because dreams do come true.  

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Huge thank you to Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Thank you for your wonderful insight and advice. It’s always lovely to have you. Congrats on your beautiful new book and exciting upcoming projects!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of over thirty children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas  and the popular series Love Letters from God  and Snuggle Time. Her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Glenys, visit her online at glenysnellist.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE from Beaming Books?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 16th! US addresses only please.

DOUBLE Interview with Best Friends and Author/Illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a DOUBLE interview with real life besties Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal! I’ve been a long time fan of their individual books— they are STUNNING and you should check them out immediately here and here if you haven’t already. I’m so excited to have them BOTH with us today to talk about their road to publication, creative process, and their newest book, I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, published with Neal Porter Books this past November, which Molly and Juana illustrated together.

So without further ado, please welcome Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Where do you live?

As we are two, we’ll answer in a world-class-ping-pong game style!

Juana: I live in small coastal town in Southeastern Connecticut. Before moving here in February of 2021, I always lived in the city. I love small town living!

Molly: I can see why you do! Your small town is completely and utterly charming! It aaaaalmost makes me want to move there too… but right now the weather here in Arizona is perfect. 70 degrees in February. Ask me again in July :)

How many years have you been in publishing?

J: Let me see… I decided to start making children’s books in October of 2005. That does not mean I was published, but that I was determined to be. So, what? Seventeen and a half years here and counting. Moll?

M: Almost the same! I left animation with the idea that I’d like to start writing and illustrating in 2003. So… 20 years now?! Eek! 

How did you first get published?

J: My work was first published by educational and small publishers. It is not until July of 2016 that I was published by one of the “Big-Five” (four now?) here in the United States. It was “La Madre Goose: A Nursery Rhymes for los Niños”, written by Susan Middleton Elya, published by Putnam/Penguin Random House.

M: We’re on the same page again! After years of juggling small illustration jobs, and caring for small people as a new mom, Penguin Random House gave me my first big break too! Viking Children’s Books published Tea Rex, in 2013. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

J & M: Yes, we do!

What inspires you to create picture books?

M: I love creating and exploring the relationships between characters. In the process I not only get to know and better understand them, I get to know and better understand myself too. 

J: And I make books about finding our own selves, our identities, our places in the world, the reason why we are in this world. That’s a constant personal search and what drives me to make new work.

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

M: Ooooo, there are so many that it’s hard to pick a favorite! One of the things I love most is the feeling when something ineffable falls into place. Like when I’m sketching and sketching, trying to capture the essence of a character and then, suddenly, find them—“There you are! It’s you!”

J: I agree with Molly. That’s an amazing moment! I love being able to create the worlds that we want to see exist.

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

M: Deadlines. They’re my Achilles heel!

J: We are best friends for a reason! My biggest challenge is that we create our own schedules. It can be a trap when you are so easily distracted.

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

M: For rust, I recommend WD40 — it really helps get things moving. For ideas, I recommend work. I used to worry all the time that I’d run out of new ideas. But then I noticed that as soon as I wrapped up one story another idea would present itself! Finishing one seems to get things moving for another. Work is the WD40 of my mind!

J: As I was saying, I can get distracted and bored easily which is the reason why I’m a mixed media artist. If I use different ways of making the art, I have to be present while I’m solving this new puzzle. A new puzzle I just made for myself.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

J: Same answer as above but with a contradictory twist, I need routine. Having my quiet walks outside, listening to my favorite music, making art in a room where natural light floods the space are all a-must. 

M: Same. I love new puzzles, but I love to them with a fresh cuppa coffee in my favorite mug, next to my pencils organized by color, with my work mix playing, next to the sunny window… no wonder we’re besties!

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

J: I have to say meeting Molly Idle. Have you met her? She’s pretty amazing!

M: Jinx! I was going to say meeting YOU!!!

Recommended reading?

Lightning-Ping-pong-round!

M: A Polar Bear In the Snow, by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

J: What is Love?, by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

M: Kafka and the Doll, by Larissa Theule and Rebecca Green (I’m so glad you introduced me to this one, Juana!)

J: I love that book! Give it a second read and then read I Talk Like A River, by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

M:  I mean, we could say winning Caldecotts…that feels like bragging. But it was incredible to have our books honored! 

J:  They were a huge recognition for our work. Hooray for awards!

M: And Hooray for teachers, and librarians, and Readers!

J: Yes!!!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

J & M: Our newest book is “I Don’t Care”, written by Julie Fogliano and published by Neal Porter Books. We co-illustratred the book, a process that was both scary and fantastic at the same time. We have been critique partners for years but not until this story that we had worked on a book together! 

Juana’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

Molly’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

What’s up next for you?

J & M: We’re making more books together, and we’re each making board books too!

J: Alma’s Words, two new bilingual board books, are releasing September 5, 2023: Alma and Her Family and Alma, Head to Toe, with two more books coming in 2024.

M: And I have Flora and Friends ABCs, publishing October 10, 2023, with an entire flock of new bird buddies, and Flora and Friends Colors flying off shelves in 2024!

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

J: Making children’s books requires drive, determination, and a thick skin. It is a matter of when, not if , it will happen. Your time will come!

M: Agreed! That’s one of the nicest things about the publishing industry. There’s no limit on how many stories can be told. If you make good work- there’s a place for it. There’s always room for one more!

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

J: If I have to pick just one, it is The Little Prince from El Principito (The Little Prince). 

M: One?! I’ll pick two: Toot and Puddle. Two best friends who are very different and very similar at the same time. Remind you of anybody?

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HUGE THANK YOU to Molly and Juana for stopping by CritterLit today! It was truly an honor!

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MOLLY IDLE is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Flora and the Flamingo. She is also the creator of Tea Rex, the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral, and Witch Hazel. Molly lives with her fabulous family in Tempe, Arizona—where she can most often be found with a cup of espresso in one hand and a pencil in the other, scribbling away on her next book. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Molly or her work visit IdleIllustration.com or follow her on social media:

@mollyidle on Instagram

@mollyidle on Twitter

JUANA MARTINEZ-NEAL is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Alma and How She Got Her Name. She also illustrated New York Times bestselling picture book Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi; Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, which won a Robert F. Sibert Medal; and La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, for which she won a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. Juana Martinez-Neal lives in Connecticut with her family. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Juana or her work, visit juanamartinezneal.com or follow her on social media:

@juanamartinezn on Instagram

@juanamartinez on Twitter

Check out I DON’T CARE on the Holiday House website here or follow on social media: @holidayhousebks on all platforms.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of I DON’T CARE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of I DON’T CARE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 23rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Becky Gehrisch

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.

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

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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 Emma Pearl

Happy Friday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Emma Pearl who is with us today all the way from New Zealand! I’m thrilled to have Emma with us today to talk about her writing process, start in publishing, and new book, MENDING THE MOON, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, which came out with Page Street Kids this past November.

So without further ado, please welcome Emma Pearl!

Where do you live?

New Zealand – in a tiny rural community in Taranaki (in the west of the North Island), but I grew up in England and have spent most of my adult life either traveling or ping-ponging between the UK and NZ.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve always written stories. Roald Dahl was my great uncle (and dedicated The Twits to me when I was 7 years old!), so I had plenty of inspiration to become an author! I worked in children’s publishing for a while in my twenties and that reinforced my love of children’s literature, but it wasn’t until I had my own kids that I really began to focus on writing it. I also write middle grade and young adult novels – it just happened that a picture book text was the first one to be picked up by a publisher.

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

I began writing seriously in 2017, learning the craft and connecting with a wonderful online writing community. I started out writing a YA novel and then an MG, with a smattering of picture book manuscripts in between. I was selected as a WriteMentor mentee in 2020 for my MG novel and that was a huge confidence boost as well as a great learning experience. In October 2020, I entered #PBPitch and got a like for one of my picture books from Kayla Tostevin at Page Street Kids. We did a few rounds of revisions before I received an official book deal. It was all very exciting and unexpected, and I was so humbled and grateful. But it also felt a bit back-to-front – a book deal before I found an agent? I wasn’t sure how to deal with that and imposter syndrome was very real! But I kept plugging away – I focused on picture books in 2021, wrote many more texts and got a second book deal with the same publisher. I was also a WriteMentor mentor in 2021 and 2022 – a joyous experience where I learnt just as much being on the other end of the process. I wrote another YA novel towards the end of 2021 and signed with my agent in June 22. The novel is about to go out on submission!

 Can you share a bit about your process?

I write as often as I can, and I manage to squeeze in at least a couple of hours most days, although it’s not always writing per se – there’s so much peripheral stuff to do and never enough time! I have many different projects on the go at any one time, but when I’m in novel-writing mode I try to focus on that one thing until the first draft is completed.

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

I already have far too many ideas to turn into stories in one lifetime, thanks to many years of collecting them. I also have many projects that I’ve started but not finished, so if ever I feel rusty or lacking in inspiration I just read through my files until something shouts WRITE ME! If you’re struggling to generate new ideas, I recommend Tara Lazar’s Storystorm – it really helps to tune your mind into seeing story ideas everywhere.

 Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A keyboard. I often write notes by hand but the actual drafting has to be done on a computer of some kind. When I’m ‘in the zone’, the words flow from my fingers almost automatically, but that doesn’t happen when I’m writing by hand.

 Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Pat Zietlow Miller is a masterclass of picture book writing – I’ve learnt so much just by reading her texts. I also love Joanna Ho’s writing, Tom Percival’s books, Deborah Marcero and the O’Hara sisters.

 Tell us about your debut book.

Mending the Moon is the story of a little girl called Luna who sees the moon fall out of the sky one night. She drags her grandfather Poppa out of bed and they go out into the mountain forest where shattered pieces of the moon are glowing in the dark. They try to fix it together, but they need help from the animals before they can repair the moon and get it back into the sky. It’s beautifully illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, who has given it a truly magical setting and atmosphere.

Interior art from MENDING THE MOON by Emma Pearl, Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti published by Page Street Kids

Interior art from MENDING THE MOON by Emma Pearl, Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti published by Page Street Kids

Interior art from MENDING THE MOON by Emma Pearl, Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti published by Page Street Kids

 What’s up next for you?

Another story with the same characters will be published in September. In Saving the Sun, Luna, Poppa and the animals on the tropical island where they’re on vacation have to rescue the sun after it gets too hot and decides to go for a dip in the ocean. Sara’s illustrations are stunning again, with the warm summery vibes perfectly complementing the cold wintery mood of Mending the Moon. I’m so thrilled with how it’s turned out and can’t wait to share it!

 I also have a YA novel about to go out on submission, so will be tightly crossing my fingers and toes for that.

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

I think it has to be Matilda. I’ve always felt a great affinity with her for many reasons (not least that I think my great uncle may have based Miss Trunchbull loosely on one of my teachers!). Matilda is such an inspirational, strong female character – she’s clever, kind and brave. And of course, she’s a bookworm, which may be the reason for her extraordinariness and also makes her very relatable (to me anyway!).

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Huge thank you to Emma for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut! We can’t wait to see SAVING THE SUN!

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EMMA PEARL has written stories for as long as she can remember. She grew up in the UK, traveled the world and now lives with her family in New Zealand. Mending the Moon (illustrated by Sara Ugolotti, published by Page Street Kids) is her debut picture book. The sequel Saving the Sun will be published in September 2023. Emma also writes middle grade and young adult, is a WriteMentor picture book mentor, freelance editorial consultant, and is represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary. 

 FOR MORE INFORMATION follow Emma online:

Website: emmapearlauthor.com

Twitter: @emmspearl

Instagram: emmspearl

Mastodon: @emmspearl@mastodon.nz

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of MENDING THE MOON?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 9th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Deb Adamson

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Deb Adamson to talk about her road to publication, writing process, and TWO new books: THANKFUL THANKSGIVING, illustrated by Benedetta Caprotti, and GOD SENT YOU WITH LOVE, illustrated by Allessia Trunfio, published by Cottage Door Press. I’m thrilled to have Deb with us today!

So without further ado, please welcome Deb Adamson!

Where do you live?

I live on the shoreline of Connecticut.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been in publishing for nearly 30 years but took a long  break from submitting, to homeschool my son. Just stepped back into querying five years ago.

How did you first get published?

I was published by Millbrook Press. My first book, is titled Monkey See Monkey Do and Animal Exercise Book for You! It is a rhyming book that encourages mimicking animal movement. It teaches a little natural history along with getting kids up and active.

Do you write full-time?

I do write full time. I also teach a weekly memoir writing class for adults. I’ve been doing that for ten years and absolutely love it!

What inspires you to create picture books?

Everything! Inspiration is really everywhere. Sometimes I can’t keep up with the ideas that spark a picture book. Of course developing an idea into a picture book is always the biggest challenge—making the idea make sense and come to life.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

How challenging the writing is. I tell my adult writing students that writing for children is even more challenging. Every word counts.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Seeing children enjoy my books. School visits that allow me to see several kids all at once having fun and being inspired. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Continuous rejection. 

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

I sometimes take a respite from writing to paint in watercolor, garden or practice guitar. The switch in creativity seems to reboot my writing. Breaks are necessary.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I do write most days. I feel like if I don’t, then I step out of the mindset or story and it becomes more challenging to see it through to completion.

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

Other kidlit authors! The moral support from others who understand the business is invaluable. We write alone so much of the time that having a support system is crucial. I’ve mostly found it on Twitter and Instagram but also have a small dependable local community too.

Recommended reading?

I just read, the picture book Every Dog In The Neighborhood by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Mathew Cordell. It is an intergenerational/dog story. Two subjects near and dear.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Staying with it long-term feels like a highlight. With so much rejection I feel proud of myself for not throwing in the towel. I enjoy the process, so most days when I can immerse in a story feel like a highlight of my career.

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

That even if an editor buys one book from you or your agent, they are not guaranteed to ever like anything else you write! Getting published doesn’t really make it any easier to get a book deal. It continues to be a competitive endeavor.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I have TWO new board books out!

Thankful Thanksgiving, illustrated by  Benedetta Caprotti is a book that encourages young children to be thankful not only on Thanksgiving day, but all year. It follows a young mouse family as they festively celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

Interior art from THANKFUL THANKSGIVING by Deb Adamson, Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti, published by Cottage Door Press

Interior art from THANKFUL THANKSGIVING by Deb Adamson, Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti, published by Cottage Door Press

God Sent You With Love is a poem of praise from a mother to her child. It’s a keepsake book meant to gift at baby showers, baptisms and births. It is beautifully illustrated by Allessia Trunfio with warm light throughout. I wrote it as someone who suffered through the challenges of infertility and when I finally got my son, felt immensely blessed.

Interior art from GOD SENT YOU WITH LOVE by Deb Adamson, Illustrated by Alessia Trunfio, published by Cottage Door Press

What’s up next for you?

I’ve got several school visits and bookstore signings scheduled this fall to promote these two new books! Stay tuned for new titles on the horizon.

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

Find a writing community. You cannot stay with this if you don’t have support. 

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

The Breakfast Club! A creative cast of characters.

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Huge thank you to Deb for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your two new books!

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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 THANKFUL THANKSGIVING?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 10th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Susanna Leonard Hill and Illustrator Betsy Snyder

Happy TUESDAY Critters! This week we have TWO awesome interviews with THREE amazing creators. Today, we are celebrating the release of ALPHABEDTIME, written by Susanna Leonard Hill, illustrated by my friend and critique partner Betsy Snyder, and published by Nancy Paulsen Books! I’m thrilled to have both of these fabulous ladies with me today on their book birthday!

I was lucky enough to see the art for this book come together so it’s an honor to be featuring this book and interview as a bonus post this week.

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So without further ado, please welcome Susanna Leonard Hill and Betsy Snyder!

Author Susanna Leonard Hill

Illustrator Betsy Snyder

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It’s lovely to have you both here on Critter Lit!

Susanna: Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Lindsay!

 Betsy: It’s great to be here!

Where do you live?

Susanna: I live on Blueberry Hill in Unionvale, NY, a map dot so small it is like a well-kept secret

Betsy: Independence, Ohio

How many years have you been in publishing?

Susanna: My first book was published in November, 2002, so almost exactly twenty years.

Betsy: About 17 years.

How did you first get published?

Susanna: My daughter was starting kindergarten, and we had just moved to the area so she didn’t know anyone.  I asked the school for a couple names of nearby classmates so we could arrange a playdate.  The first person I called wasn’t home.  The second was Liza Voges and she brought her son over to play a few days later.  We talked while the kids played and I asked her if she was a SAHM or if she did something else.  She said she was a children’s literary agent.  I said, I write children’s books!  She asked to see my work, but it took me 6 months to get up the nerve to show her.  I was afraid she wouldn’t like it, and then things would be awkward at school get-togethers.  I could just imagine myself trying to use my power of invisibility to avoid the embarrassment of facing her at the kindergarten Halloween party. But when I finally did show her a handful of manuscripts, she was enthusiastic.  She became my agent, and she sold my first book to Simon & Schuster within the year. She has been my agent and friend for twenty years, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!

Betsy: Publishing a children’s book was on my career bucket list since studying Illustration in college (Go Flyers!), but I knew I needed to get more illustration experience (and benefits!) first. Following graduation with a degree in Visual Communication Design, I worked as a staff designer at a small publisher and later as both a designer and illustrator at American Greetings. Around 2005, just when I decided it was time to get serious about getting published, serendipity struck. Brian Cleary, a coworker, who also happened to be an accomplished children’s book author, approached me about the possibility of illustrating his new manuscript Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book. He connected me with his publisher Lerner Books, I sent them my portfolio, and they offered me my first book contract! That opportunity and a referral from a friend led me to my agent Lori Nowicki at Painted Words, and that soon led me to a 3-book (and later 5-book) contract with Random House writing my own books.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Susanna: I write as full-time as I can manage, between teaching writing, school and library visits, and a lot of time spent on family commitments.

Betsy: The hours I dedicate to work vary depending on my project load and my family’s needs (I have a 5yo, 8yo and crazy 5mo puppy-monster). Right now, I’m more part-time, but I fit work in whenever I can (during school days, puppy naps and in the wee hours after everyone else is asleep). But my mind never stops thinking about book ideas (ask my family!).

What inspires you to create picture books?

Susanna: When you get right down to it, are there any books better than picture books?  I love the interplay of words and art. I love the age group for whom they are written, for whom all the world is new.  I have 5 children and 3 grandchildren (plus, technically, I was a child myself once upon a time in the last millennium) and that is a constant source of inspiration – the funny things they say and do, their wishes and fears, their wonder and curiosity, the milestones they pass, the things they sometimes misunderstand because they’re young and everything is new, the challenges they face, the feelings that seem bigger than they are sometimes – it all inspires ideas for picture books. And there is something wonderful about reading picture books with little ones who are just learning about the world.

Betsy: I love creating characters and stories that spark imaginations. Some of my favorite memories as a young child are of my family reading to me, and getting lost in the pictures (like Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey). It’s such a gift to be able to make books that families can snuggle up with and read together.

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

Susanna: I was most surprised by how many people are involved in the creation of a book.  When I was little, we didn’t have authors come visit our school.  I thought of them as wise old hermit men (or women) – picture Merlin – who lived in isolated places like mountaintops, or hobbit holes in the woods, and wrote amazing books that were perfect straight out of the starting gate.  I had no idea that they might have agents, or how much editors might help them improve their books before publication, or that there were separate art directors, or all the people involved with marketing and publicity.  A traditionally published book isn’t something you do completely on your own.  It really takes a village.

Betsy: When I entered publishing, I didn’t anticipate that I’d need to hone my public speaking skills for author events. I’m not a natural at being in the spotlight, so the idea of putting myself out there was intimidating at first, but I’ve grown to genuinely enjoy and embrace the more social side of being an author and connecting face to face with my audience.

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

Susanna: If I can have a part in helping to entertain, educate, delight, inspire, comfort, reassure, or engage young readers in a way that brightens their day and invites them to love books and reading, I feel like that is the most fulfilling work I can do.  And although it’s hard and requires effort, it doesn’t feel like work the way some things do because it is also such a pleasure. Is there a better job than getting to make up stories all day long?

Betsy: Definitely meeting my readers and sharing my books with others. Holding my published book in my hands for the first time is pretty special too.

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

Susanna: For me, the difficult part of working as an author are all the extras.  If I could only write, that would be great! But there are so many other things to do! Social media and maintaining an online presence. Arranging and doing school, library, festival, conference, and bookstore events.  Doing what you can to publicize your books.  Don’t get me wrong – it’s all important and I’m happy to do it.  But those are not things I’m particularly comfortable with.  I would rather talk up someone else’s books than my own.  Twenty years in, I still get nervous any time I have to speak in public.  And anything I know about marketing/publicity I’ve learned as I go, and I know I could be a lot better at it. 

Betsy: Imposter Syndrome is no joke and self doubt can be paralyzing. When I find myself feeling stuck in a rut with a project and negativity creeps in, it has helped me to have a network of creative friends to reach out to, and in turn, to offer my support when they need it. This creative collaborating always fills my cup and gives me the confidence boost I need to get back at it.

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

Susanna: One of my favorite things to do is write or type out someone else’s book – a book I love.  There’s something about writing or typing it that helps get my creative wheels turning and gets me in the right mindset.  If I haven’t written for a few days, or if ideas are slow to come, this can often be a way to get things rolling.

Betsy: I take a walk, play with words, think up catchy titles, get goofy with my kids, browse at the library or bookstore, start with a fun format, or dig up nuggets of ideas that I’ve set aside.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Susanna: I always write my first drafts longhand – pen on paper. I just think better that way.

Betsy: I’m pretty prolific at collecting my ideas. I’m always typing notes into my phone—during showers, road trips, etc.—and emailing them to myself to tuck away into folders for revisiting later.

Also, at the beginning of every project, I do a brain dump to empty the clutter in my head and get to the good stuff. My problem is always TOO many ideas vs. a lack of ideas.

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

Susanna: I’m not sure I can point to one single instance, but I find the Kid Lit community in general to be wonderfully friendly and supportive – a group of genuinely lovely people I’m deeply glad to be a part of.

Betsy: Having my artwork from Tons of Trucks (by Sue Fliess) accepted into the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and attending the opening in NYC was an experience I’ll always remember. It was such an honor to be in the company of so much talent in one room.

Recommended reading?

Susanna: Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul, The Nuts & Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books, by Linda Ashman, The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children, by Nancy Lamb, picture books, picture books, and more picture books.

Betsy: Some of our family favorites are Swashby and the Sea (Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal), Bob, Not Bob! (Liz Garton Scanlon, Audrey Vernick, Matthew Cordell), The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse (by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen), We Don’t Eat Our Classmates (by Ryan T. Higgins), and Sophie’s Squash (by Pat Zietlow Miller and Anne Wilsdorf)…and there are SO many more.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Susanna: The highlight of my career thus far has been when kids light up when they recognize one of my books and tell me they have it, or they’ve read it, and they love it.  A close second is when I get emails, sometimes including photos or videos, from parents or grandparents telling me one of my books is their little one’s favorite and gets read every night, or drawings or thank you notes from kids.  Also, becoming a New York Times Bestseller was pretty amazing and not something I ever thought would be on my resume! That was an honor I never expected.

Betsy: It’s a 3-way tie between landing my first contract to both write and illustrate my own books with Random House (beginning with Haiku Baby), having my work accepted into the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and publishing a 4-book novelty series with Chronicle Books (I Can Dance, I Can Play, I Can Dream, I Can Explore).

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

Susanna: Writing can be isolating, even for introverts who are pretty happy on their own, and it was hard in the beginning not having anyone to talk to who understood the writing life. So, I wish someone had told me when I first started that the internet was coming, and that communication, critique partners, support, the opportunity to further my writing education through webinars and online classes, and most importantly friendship with other writers was about to become so much more possible.  The internet is a double-edged sword, but it’s worth it for the connection to other writers. I have met so many wonderful people online, and it is a joy when I get to meet them in person at conferences.

Betsy: Just because it feels hard doesn’t mean you aren’t good at it or that you aren’t meant to do it. Making a book is hard work every time, even for experienced authors and illustrators. Every book presents a new challenge to solve that is difficult in its own way and needs its own unique solution. There is no road map, and sometimes you have to go down many paths, and even backtrack, to find the right one. This process is not easy for anyone, but when you see it through to the other side, it’s so worth it.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Susanna: My newest book is ALPHABEDTIME, illustrated by the amazingly talented Betsy Snyder, and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.  In case you couldn’t tell from the title, it’s a book about putting the alphabet to bed ☺ It is written in rhyme, and is (I hope!) lively and fun, while also being an opportunity for young readers to practice the alphabet and feel the safety and security of being part of a large, rambunctious, and happy family. I am proud of the text, but Betsy’s art really takes it to the next level.  She put so much thought and care into creating it.  It is clever, bright, and energetic, and filled with details that make looking at the pictures so much fun! Every single character has multiple things associated with it which begin with his or her letter.  B alone has at least 8!  The dog and the cat appear on every page and are fun to look for.  And after M appears, there are bunnies to find, too. I feel so lucky that Betsy was the one to illustrate this book.  She really brought it to life in the best possible way!

Betsy: Here’s a sneak peek…

Interior Art from ALPHABEDTIME by Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Betsy Snyder, Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

Betsy: The book begins with all the letters plus Mom and Dad at the dinner table (but none of the letters are revealed yet). 

Interior Art from ALPHABEDTIME by Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Betsy Snyder, Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

Betsy: From here, Alpha Mom announces “TIME FOR BED!” and we meet each of the letters in order and follow them through the book as they scramble and ready for bed.

Interior Art from ALPHABEDTIME by Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Betsy Snyder, Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

Betsy: But even once the alphababies are rounded up and put to bed, there are surprises. Can you guess what happens next?!

Interior Art from ALPHABEDTIME by Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Betsy Snyder, Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

Betsy: Fi-nally, the alpha babies are all tucked in again—almost. (This is the part where you have to read the book to find out how it ends!)

What inspired this story/art?

Susanna: This book wasn’t exactly inspired.  I was having a hard time thinking up something to write about one cold winter morning – you know the feeling, where you stare at the wall and consider that doing your taxes would be more fun than facing that blank page – and I just decided to write an alphabet book.  Of course, there are many very good ones out there already, so I had to think of something that hadn’t been done yet.  It took me a fair amount of playing around, experimenting with bad (some very bad ☺) ideas before, in an effort to just feel like I was writing something, anything,  I wrote alphabet alphabet alphabet across my page.  When I read it out loud to myself, it started to sound like “alphabed”, and that made me think of bedtime, and suddenly, EUREKA! I thought, ALPHABEDTIME!  I’ll write a book about putting the alphabet to bed.

Betsy: I’m lucky that I had an already-amazing manuscript to inspire my art (since all Susanna had was a blank page!). It was love at first read for me. My inspiration was part what Susanna put into her writing—the skillful rhyme, bouncy cadence and playful pacing—and part what she left out. The manuscript had an openness that allowed me the freedom to explore a strong visual narrative and weave in fun alphabet references along the way. 

In terms of the characters (26 kids, 2 parents, and 11 pets—PHEW!), I wanted the entire alpha family to be colorful, diverse and quirky with lots of personality and alphabet details. My own kids loved playing “art director” and offering up their ideas and opinions along the way, and my real art director Marikka Tamura with designer Cindy De La Cruz helped me wrangle all those kiddos onto the pages in the very best way.

What’s up next for you?

Susanna: I have a couple other books coming out in December – WHAT LITTLE GIRLS ARE MADE OF and WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF – and one coming out next summer – YOU’RE THE STAR IN MY SKY – all for Sourcebooks. And I’m in the middle of contest season on my blog, where I run the Halloweensie, Holiday, and Valentiny Contests for Children’s Writers.

Betsy: More books! I’m about to jump back to working on some new ideas that I am pretty excited about.

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

Susanna: Try to love what you do.  Try not to get caught up in what’s trendy, or what you think will sell.  Write for yourself.  Write what you love.  If you feel passionate about what you’re writing, that will come through in your work and make it shine. And whether you sell it or not, you will have written something that’s meaningful to you.  It might be something that really doesn’t turn out well but that you learn a lot from writing. Whether it’s good or not so good, every manuscript you write makes you a better writer.

Betsy: There is no one roadmap to get published—every artist’s journey is unique. Seek opportunities, like stepping stones, that get you closer to your goals. Looking forward, you cannot always see how one thing will lead to another, but it inevitably will.

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

Susanna: That’s like asking who your favorite child is!  It’s impossible to pick just one!  But, if I had to pick just one, (er, per age group) I guess I’d say, for picture books, Frances, from Russell Hoban’s series, for middle grade Anne of Green Gables, and for YA, Karou from The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy.  (That was practically only one!)

Betsy: Lola from the Charlie and Lola book series by Lauren Child.

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Huge thank you to you both for stopping by Critter Lit today! Happy Book Birthday to ALPHABEDTIME!

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Susanna L. Hill (susannahill.com) is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, including Moon's First Friends: One Giant Leap for Friendship, and the award-winning author of over twenty-five more books for children, including Punxsutawney Phyllis, Can't Sleep Without Sheep, and the popular When Your Lion Needs a Bath series. Her books have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai. She does frequent school and library visits, teaches picture book writing, and has a popular picture book blog. Susanna lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley where she practices the alphabet with her children and two rescue dogs.

Author-illustrator Betsy Snyder's smile-inducing art can be found on everything from social expressions products, board games, plush, decor, fabric, wallpaper, and of course—books! Since making her publishing debut, Betsy has illustrated and/or authored over twenty books. Betsy lives in northeast Ohio, where she enjoys cozying up to doodle with her art-loving family of four (plus one furball puppy), and venturing out to schools and libraries to encourage kids (and even grown-ups) to share their stories and chase their dreams. Learn more about Betsy and her books at www.betsysnyder.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of ALPHABEDTIME, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of ALPHABEDTIME?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 3rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Cindy Williams Schrauben

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

So without further ado, please welcome Cindy Williams Schrauben!

Where do you live?  

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

 When did you know you wanted to write picture books? 

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

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

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

 Can you share a bit about your process?

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

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

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

 Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Coffee and quiet.

 Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

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

 Dream project to work on?

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

 Tell us about your debut book.

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

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

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

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

 What’s up next for you?

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

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

Footloose – music, dance, and a rebel!

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Author + Illustrator Amalia Hoffman

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a wonderful interview with an author and illustrator with fifteen years of experience in kidlit! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her newest book, MASHA MUNCHING (Yeehoo Press), her road to publication, and experiences in kidlit.

So without further ado, please welcome Amalia Hoffman!

Where do you live?

Larchmont, NY.

How many years have you been in publishing?

15 years.

How did you first get published?

I wrote a story and created a book dummy with a color cover and three finished interior pages. I really didn’t know what to do with it and how or where to send it. Then I met someone who told me about the Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). I joined the society and went to a mini local conference. There I met people who told me about the SCBWI conference in LA. I flew there and took a couple of classes.

I started sending my dummy to agents. I didn’t get an agent but I sent it to those publishers who accepted non-solicited submissions.

It was a lot of work, but I learned how to write a query letter and eventually I got a “Yes!” from a publisher, located in Israel that published children’s books in English. I have a lot of family in Israel so while I was there; I visited the publisher (Gefen Publishing) and signed my first contact.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

At this point, it’s almost full time. I do other things related to publishing, such as promotions, presentations etc. so that takes some time of my day as well.

What inspires you to create picture books?

For me, creating children’s books is almost like going back to my own childhood, remembering what I did and thinking about when I was a child.

Also, for many years I worked as a visual merchandiser. I created fantasy store windows for big stores in NYC. Kids used to stare at the window and I felt like, in a way, I was creating stories for them so I was inspired to write books.

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

I was most surprised when I started presenting my books to kids. I realized how perceptive they are. Kids notice the tiniest details in a book  illustration.  

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

Spending time with kids and feeling like I’m enriching their lives.

I also love sitting on a rock by the sound in my neighborhood and letting my imagination loose. I feel like a kid and that’s a most wonderful feeling.

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

Like most authors and illustrators, I often have to wait months before hearing back from a publisher.

Editors are very busy and they can’t look at every submission right away. But I’m aware of the fact that this is part of the business.

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

I walk a lot and always end up in that wonderful park by the water. Sometimes I actually fall asleep. The Wi-Fi doesn’t work well in that area and that’s a blessing because I am completely detached and my mind opens up to new ideas. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Every time I start a new project I clean up my studio and wipe up my work surface. This habit helps me to charge my creative battery and move on to something new and, hopefully, exciting! 

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

I have had many wonderful experiences in the Kid Lit community. I met incredible talented, amazing and caring folks. I had a great time at the SCBWI conferences where, before the pandemic, everyone showed up one night, dressed up in costumes. Some costumes were so creative and memorable. Everyone at the hotel was dressed in business attire and the SCBWI members showed up in feathers, sequins, beads, you name it. 

Recommended reading?

Stories by Sholem Aliechem.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I can’t think of one highlight. When I receive a box of any of my new books and smell the fresh ink and see my illustrations in a new book, I feel elevated. After working on a book or so long, it’s always a highlight when I see them for the first time.

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

I wish someone had told me to be tough and not to fall apart at every rejection.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Masha the goat is tired of eating the same boring farm food every day. She says goodby to her beloved friends and sets off on her search to find something else to eat.

Along the way, Masha discovers a wonderful restaurant where the waiter welcomes her in.

But Masha’s choices of “delicious foods” and her  behavior doesn’t seem to be appropriate for restaurant dining. Masha realizes that everything is tastier when shared with good friends and the freedom to behave like a goat. She returns to the farm and delights her friends by using her experience at the restaurant to make new dishes for them.

The theme of the book is that sometimes, we need to explore outside of our own limited horizon, only to discover that home is where we feel the most comfortable and safe.

Masha is curious. She needs to leave her beloved friends in order to find out what’s out there. Her journey is one of discoveries and struggles along the way.

At the end, she chooses to go back home but the story makes it clear that the journey was well worth it.

Masha has gained knowledge that she can put to good use. Now, she can enrich her friends’ life by using her experiences at the restaurant and making new dishes from that wonderful basic ingredient—hay!

MASHA MUNCHING, by Amalia Hoffman, Chinese Edition, Yeehoo Press

What’s up next for you?

Besides Masha Munching, I have two other books launching in 2022 and I’m working on another story that was just acquired.

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

Stay true to yourself! Don’t write what you think will sell, because truth is, no one really knows what will sell. If you’re an illustrator, don’t try to mimic someone else’s style. 

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

9-5.

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Thank you to Amalia for stopping by Critter Lit! Congrats on Masha!

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AMALIA HOFFMAN is an author, illustrator and storyteller. She grew up in Jerusalem, Israel. She now resides in Larchmont, NY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit Amalia’s website or follow her on social media:

Facebook: @Amalia.Hoffman.5

Twitter: @AmaliaHoffman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoffman.amalia/?hl=en

BUY THIS BOOK To order MASHA MUNCHING, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MASHA MUNCHING and MY MONSTERPIECE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 10th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author and Illustrator Carolina Farías

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with an author and illustrator, whose newest book, CHAMELEON CAN BE, came out this past fall with Yeehoo Press. I love Chameleon and all his friends and the message of the book is wonderful! The art is brilliant, bright, and charming and I can’t wait to share this fantastic book with you all!

So without further ado, please welcome Carolina Farías!

Where do you live?

I live in La Plata, Argentina, home of the beautiful National University of La Plata, 40 minutes away from Buenos Aires. 

How many years have you been in publishing?
I have been working in children's illustration and editing books for nearly twenty years. 

How did you first get published?

My First book was “En el Principio”, an adaptation of the Bible for kids. The main difference is that the story takes place in the room of Paco, a little kid whose mother is in charge of the Creation of the world that surrounds him. The book took two years of hard work and I had the privilege to work with the amazing art editor Daniel Goldín and be published by the “Fondo de Cultura económica”. 

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

Yes, I do! And I also find the time to give classes both at the faculty and the high school of art in La Plata. I find teaching very inspiring and motivating for my daily illustration work.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Inspiration can strike at any time and anywhere, any moment in everyday life. Perhaps something that is visually interesting lights a spark, so I take a photo to reference later. My love and constant research on illustrated books also drives my work. There is a part of me that still enjoys going into those worlds contained within the pages of those beautiful books I used to read when I was a little girl.

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

The mere notion of working as an illustrator was a novelty to me!

I was fortunate enough to attend one of the best universities in the country and get a degree in fine arts, but I never thought as time went by that children's illustration was going to be the perfect place for me.

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

I love telling good stories, and one way of achieving that is finding interesting characters. I take my time to give my characters some distinctive personality. It is funny because I try to get in their shoes and imagine what they are thinking or feeling, even if they turn out to be a dog or a lion!

As a teacher in illustration it’s great to interact with the kids and explore their imaginations. It’s amazing how unusual and interesting some of their ideas can be. I try to encourage them, especially the ones who think that they can’t draw. They are usually the ones who don’t come up with the obvious stuff.

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

Finding focus! There are so many options and so much work to do that sometimes you just have to force yourself to stop and take things slowly.

I’m very passionate about my work. Sometimes I get so many ideas floating around that I have to take a thousand notes, and filtering them to get the best ones is sometimes a really tedious task.

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

Most ideas start small so the most important thing is to know that we shouldn't rely on an ideal ´eureka´ moment or a rush of sudden inspiration. Instead,  ideas are to be found in our everyday activities and in the most random things we stumble upon in life.

When working on a book I always reflect on my own childhood memories, how I was feeling and reacting to the world around me. As a child, the only place where I felt safe and useful was in front of a blank sheet of paper. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Although inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere, I play my part to create my ideal setting: random local coffee shops where to sip some cappuccino and enjoy chocolate cake. I usually make some notes and tuck them away. Then one day in the future a new story may begin to emerge. All the best ideas need time to brew by themselves.

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

I love being able to share different experiences with colleagues. It’s always great to have another perspective and a different look regarding the same issues we encounter in our everyday work on an illustration. It’s wonderful to get so much help and support! 

Recommended reading?

I have all of my favourite books here on the shelf of my studio. I love Argentinian Cartoonist and Illustrator Carlos Nine and I collect everything published by Quino. His humor and illustrations are amazing. I’m completely obsessed by his work!

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I think interacting with young students is always a joy. Apart from that, I would say that I loved working for the movie Where the Wild Things Are based on the books by Maurice Sendak and collaborating with Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo (Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo), an Argentine human rights organization with the goal of finding the children stolen and illegally adopted during the military dictatorship of the late seventies.

And of course my last book Chameleon can be has also been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had. 

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

Such a big question. I think it’s important sometimes to broaden your influences. It is fine sometimes to put aside picture books and start looking for inspiration in the work of writers, artists and directors who may not have much to do with illustration! 

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Chameleon Can Be came to life in a very small room while having a session with my therapist. I was opening up to her and expressing some concerns I had about one of my kids, when she suddenly said something that has stuck in my head ever since: "Well, she will have to find out who she wants to be"

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

I carried that phrase with me for the next few days. I started working on a short word list. English is not my native language, but some words sounded perfect for what I had in mind: CAN BE… CHAMELEON…BEAUTIFUL …FLOWER… FRIENDS… and with those concepts in mind I started doodling on my iPad. 

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

At some point I sketched this very messy drawing of a Chameleon as a beautiful flower. I really liked it, so I drew it over and over. Then some other characters came up: a ladybug, a bee and a frog. Chameleon and his friends were born!

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from CHAMELEON CAN BE by Carolina Farías, published by Yeehoo Press

I hope that kids and adults reading this book will fully enjoy the journey and take the trip to find out who they want to become.

What’s up next for you?

I have always been intrigued by writing about those romantic concepts that bring us together, such as love, kindness and connection. Currently I’m working on a book about the things that make us different, unique and special.

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

I think the best piece of advice I can give to someone starting out is to work really hard and follow your heart.  And always trust your gut!

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

I can’t pick just one. I love Forrest Gump, E.T. and Back to the future!

If I stumble upon them on TV I can’t resist watching them until the very end.

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Huge thank you to Carolina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your beautiful book!

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Carolina Farías is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 40 books. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in art, she began teaching at the University of Graphic Design and Visual Communication in La Plata. Her artwork is created using a variety of mediums with traditional and digital techniques. Carolina is part of the White Ravens 2008 list for the Bologna Book Fair, where she has also been selected to represent Argentina. She currently lives in La Plata, Argentina.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Carolina online: www.carolinafarias.com/ar

Instagram: instagram.com/fariasillos

BUY THIS BOOK To order CHAMELEON CAN BE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CHAMELEON CAN BE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 24th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Rosie J. Pova and Illustrator Monika Filipina

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have DOUBLE the fun with a DOUBLE interview featuring both the author and illustrator of the same book! I’m so excited to introduce to you both creators of THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY OF SUCCESS, a brand new picture book from Yeehoo Press, releasing May 10, 2022.

As you all know, making a picture book is a unique process when the writing and illustrating is done by two separate people. It’s amazing when it all comes together as one cohesive book, even though, in most cases, the author and illustrator never communicate with one another during the process. Everything is typically handled through the publisher— and yet a beautiful book is created! Like magic! Well, that and a ton of creative energy and hard work. I’m so excited to share two halves of the same book with you today.

So without further ado, please welcome author Rosie J. Pova and illustrator Monika Filipina!

Photos: Left: Rosie J. Pova, Right: Monika Filipina

Where do you live?

ROSIE: I live in Dallas, TX, but I'm originally from Bulgaria.

MONIKA: I live in Torun, Poland.

How many years have you been in publishing?

ROSIE: I've been writing for publication for over 17 years now.

MONIKA: About 10 years.

How did you first get published?

ROSIE: It only took me 12 years to get a yes from a small traditional publisher, but it was actually a triple yes as they offered me contracts on three standalone books--two picture books and one middle grade novel--and that's how I got started with traditional publishing.

MONIKA: I was starting while I was still studying at university. I first worked did small jobs designing books, then I illustrated my first book of good-night poems for a Polish publisher. After finishing my BA degree I found an agent and did small illustrating jobs. During my MA I started working as a junior designer at one of top educational publishers based in London. It was a great experience that gave me insight to the publishing work. I got to see how a book comes to life from scratch. However after a couple of month I got my first big illustration job and had to quit.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

ROSIE: I do, yes--I write full time. But I also coach and mentor emerging and pre-published authors, helping them advance their writing careers and move closer to their publishing goals.

MONIKA: Yes! I am lucky to be working as a full time illustrator.

What inspires you to create picture books?

ROSIE: Anything and everything! I love that kidlit format, and I'm definitely partial to picture books in particular, even though I write for children of all age groups--from board books to young adult. I call picture books "little geniuses" because they are such simple yet profound multi-taskers that accomplish so much, as an art form, in such little time and space.

MONIKA: I guess that my biggest inspiration at the moment are my children. I spend vast amount of time with them and it is natural that I observe how they play, move, talk and get lots of inspiration from them. Having said that, I find inspiration from many other things - I love running in the forest and spending any free time in the outside. It is just when I am lucky to see something interesting that stories and ideas come to me on its own.

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

ROSIE: How much my stories transform when a professional illustrator comes on board, the art is added to the words, and my story becomes a real book. It's such a thrill to see! Also, the amazing questions kids ask me when I visit schools!

MONIKA: Working as an illustrator has been a learning curve all the way. There is many things that nobody tells you before you got ‘out there’. What surprises me at the moment are emails with requests to illustrate an entire book within a month. It makes me wonder who are the people that can illustrate this and I must say, I would love to chat with them! It takes me 3, sometimes 4 days to finish ONE illustration so I would really love to know the trick to work faster!

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

ROSIE: My favorite thing is visiting schools, interacting with kids, and sharing my stories and my journey as a way to inspire them to pursue their own dreams.

MONIKA: I get to do what I always wanted to do! I remember that as a child I dreamt about being a children’s book illustrator. I am an individual and do not feel good working with other people so being independent freelance illustrator is absolutely great. I also manage my own timetable which means I can work when I want (though I have been working days, nights and weekends lately as I have been finishing new books!)

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

ROSIE: Definitely the long waiting at every step of the process--from finding and agent, to waiting for replies while on submission, to anxiously awaiting for the book release--it takes years! This business can be so slow and unpredictable. As a prolific writer, I'm eager to have multiple books releasing each year, so a lot of patience is required.

MONIKA: One of the most difficult things for me is pricing my work! I lack self-confidence to value my work and at times I forget how much work it took to do what I do :) I also find very difficult to manage my schedule. I tend to take on far too much work and end up working crazy hours.

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

ROSIE: I read, brainstorm, write down things my kids say, read kid lit blog posts or simply wait and trust that an idea is coming, knowing that I need to stay open to receiving it.

MONIKA: I love jogging, exercising and yoga. These are great ways to freshen up my mind. Also, taking a break and going to the woods or to the seaside work magic!

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

ROSIE: No, not really. I like being flexible with creativity and open to the unexpected.

MONIKA: I need a good breakfast in the morning before I can start to think. When I work I like to have a movie playing in the background. It is funny because when I look at the illustrations I did I can remember what movie or tv series I watched while working on that particular artwork :) at the moment I have been watching Harry Potter movies, again!

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

ROSIE: I've gotten so much help and support from the kidlit community over the years, in many forms--from critiques, advice and resources to peers helping me spread the word about my books and purchasing them... it's such a great and generous community, and I can't imagine anyone doing this alone. The support has been invaluable and so much appreciated!

MONIKA: Every bit of support, warm comment and advice is positive and helpful during the times we have now.

Recommended reading?

ROSIE: Oh, so many new books that I can recommend, but let me mentions just a few titles:

Home for a While by by Lauren Kerstein, Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Clovis Keeps His Cool by Katelyn Aronson, Illustrated by Eve Farb

A Flood of Kindness by Ellen Leventhal, Illustrated by Blythe Russo

Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen

... and so many more!

MONIKA: Always Harry Potter! I grew up with the series and have been in love with this magical world ever since I read the first book. I also love Jo Nesbo’s books - Harry Hole series is fantastic. I have also read his other work and he is just a brilliant writer I guess. (How can it be that two of my favourite book series are about Harry?)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

ROSIE: Definitely seeing my book, Sunday Rain, featured in The New York Times and Parents magazine, as well as having an incredible, interactive read-aloud video created by Bri Reads on her YouTube channel that now has over 73K views in just nine months! Oh, and one more to mention... when a school in San Diego told me they want to turn my upcoming book, The School of Failure: A Story about Success, into a play!! I cannot wait to see that!

MONIKA: I am proud that the first picture book I illustrated, OH WHAT A TANGLE, won Best World Picture Book at China Shanghai International Bookfair. It also always brightens my day when I receive complimentary copies of my books.

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

ROSIE: I wish someone would've told me to join a critique group right away.

MONIKA: I wish that I actually believed some things that I was told. For example I wish that I focused on developing and improving my own visual language instead of taking on commercial jobs and working the way I was told to working. I wish that I believed more in my talent instead of taking on far too many jobs in the past. I also wish that someone told me not to take on jobs that terms I am not totally happy with.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

ROSIE: Yes, I'm quite excited about it and cannot wait to share it with readers! It's a fractured fairy tale about how the road to success is paved with mistakes.

MONIKA: THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE is a truly wonderful story about success. I did my best to bring the characters to life and to make each of them unique. I really think that children need this story to believe in themselves and never give up :)

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

What’s up next for you?

ROSIE: Next for me is launching a new writing course for emerging picture book writers.

My agent and I are also on submission with a few different stories, so hopefully more new books will be in the pipeline for me soon.

MONIKA: I have been extremely busy and there is a few more books with my illustrations coming up soon. I plan to slow down over the summer months, rest in our caravan by the sea and learn to surf.

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

ROSIE: Read newly published books in the genre you write, find a critique group, but also invest in your craft and get professional feedback, write a lot--don't get stuck on one story--and finally, be open to feedback and don't be afraid to experiment with your work. Sometimes, you can be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

MONIKA: I don’t think I can stress this enough because this is the thing I have the most difficulties with: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Believe in your work and your talent because you have a very unique gift! Even if it does not work out, as in the SCHOOL OF FAILURE, sooner or later, you will find a way to make it work.

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

ROSIE: Dirty Dancing.

MONIKA: INDIANA JONES!

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Huge thank you to both Rosie and Monika for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic new book!

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ROSIE J. POVA is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kid lit Writing Coach. Her latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in spring 2022 in both China and the USA.

Rosie loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. 

She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms topics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Rosie visit her website: RosieJPova.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @RosiePOV [https://twitter.com/RosiePOV]

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosiepova/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RosieWrites

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-j-pova-childrens-author/

As a daughter of two karate masters, MONIKA FILIPINA’s life was very active. From the youngest age she trained sports and was competing all over Europe and in 2000 Monika even won a gold medal at the World Karate Championships in Lisbon, Portugal! Despite such adventurous childhood, drawing was the thing that she was most passionate about. So one day, Monika simply decided to pack her bags and move to the UK to study. In 2011 she completed BA with Hons in Illustration at the University of Wolverhampton and was honored Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Visual Communications and was chosen one of Highly Commended Students at the D&AD New Blood Show. Soon after that, she moved to Cambridge and in 2014 have successfully completed Master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Arts.

In 2013 the book that Monika illustrated, “Oh! What a Tangle”, published by Digital Leaf, was awarded the Golden Pinwheel award for best International children’s book and Shanghai Children’s Book Fair! So far she was very lucky to be working with lovely clients all over the world and keeps making her dream come true every day.

She has recently founded her own baby clothes brand for which she designed all illustrated all the outfits. Monika lives with her two little kids, two not so little cats and one totally grown up husband in her hometown - Toruń, Poland. In her free time she enjoys running, yoga and fitness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Monika, visit her online: https://monikafilipina.art/

https://thebrightagency.com/uk/childrens-illustration/artists/monika-filipina

Or follow her on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/monikafilipina/

https://www.facebook.com/MonikaFilipinaIllustration

BUY THIS BOOK To order THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 17th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Ray A. Price

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

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

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

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been in publishing for a year. 

How did you first get published?

I published my first story independently in 2020.

Do you write full-time?

No.

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

Star Wars Return of the Jedi. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Debut Author Anitra Rowe Schulte

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

So without further ado, please welcome Anitra Rowe Schulte!

Where do you live?

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

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

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

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

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

Can you share a bit about your process?

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

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

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

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

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

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

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

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

Dream project to work on?

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

Tell us about your debut book.

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

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

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @anitraschulte

Instagram: @anitraroweschulte

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

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

Interview with Author + Illustrator David Catrow

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

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

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.

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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 Shaunda Wenger

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author whose new book CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR!, illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, just released this month with Albert Whitman. I LOVE the premise of this book— it’s such a fantastic idea and so well executed!

So without further ado, please welcome Shaunda Wenger!

Where do you live?

I live in Northern Utah in a place called Cache Valley that offers mountain views in all directions.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

In elementary school one of my teachers introduced our class to book-making. She brought us through the creation of our own books. We developed our story ideas, created first and final drafts with illustrations, and then bound the whole book together with stitching between cardboard covers that were decorated with wallpaper. Before that experience I had never thought about how books (which I loved!) were written and created. I became hooked and started making my own books at home. I still have a couple of them.

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

It began about 25 years ago when an author Jim Fergus reached out while I was finishing my MS at Colorado State University. He wanted someone to collaborate with him on a natural history guide of Rocky Mountain National Park, and I had spent 2 years doing research there. Although Jim eventually stepped away from that project to focus on One Thousand White Women, the spark for publication had been reignited by writing for him and receiving his praise and encouragement. I went on to find Utah writing events led by the late Rick Walton and Carol Lynch Williams, as well as SCBWI. Over the years I took classes, attended conferences, and developed an appreciation for the friendships I made along the way. Currently I’m associated with four major groups: SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s PB 12x12, Bethany Hegedus’s The Writing Barn, and WIFYR, which continue to offer education and support. I’ve had articles, poems, and stories published in the educational market, and even ventured into self-publishing when ebooks became popular. In 2019 a submission opportunity through a writing event with my Utah/Idaho chapter of SCBWI captured the interest of an editor at Albert Whitman, and the rest fell into place.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Each day I schedule my writing time based on the list of chores or work that needs to get done. Based on the length of that list, I decide how much time I’ll put toward writing in the morning. Depending on how well the muse is cooperating, the to-do list might get truncated. Aside from my hours dedicated to teaching, my writing time has become the priority. Chores and to-do’s come second. Getting dinner on the table (now that I’m an empty nester), third. As for writing, I often start with a mental image. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! started with a funny image from Jack Horner’s Ted Talk video about the connection between birds and dinosaurs. Once I have an idea, I decide on setting and the type of feeling it evokes. Then I focus on character—what the character wants and what obstacles stand in the way of getting it. Lastly, free-writing allows voice to emerge. Once I have the initial scenes down, I let the story sit for a few days before coming back to finish it. Feedback from critique partners over a several month period refines the story even more until I feel it’s ready to submit. 

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

Any sort of outdoor activity helps: walking, gardening, hiking, floating on a lake in summer…. Because I love the outdoors, getting myself moving outside clears my mind, rejuvenates my spirit, and opens the way for creative ideas to flow.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A notebook and pen. Although I type my manuscripts and their revisions in the computer, nearly all of my drafts begin with initial lines and thoughts written down on paper.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

There are many authors and illustrators whom I admire, but those that come to mind today include: Beth Ferry, Bethany Hegedus, Jackie Azua Kramer, Juana Martinez-Neal, Kathi Appelt, Katherine Applegate, Carol Lynch Williams, Dianne White, Adam Rex, Jon Klassen, Kevin Hawkes, and the late Rick Walton.

Dream project to work on?

I’m not sure! Perhaps one that seamlessly flows from inspirational spark to finding itself in book-form in the hands of readers—and in record time! 

Tell us about your debut book.

Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! is a quirky tale with a STEM foundation in which Chicken Frank tries to convince his barnyard friends that he really is a dinosaur. But no one believes him. When DNA results inspire Frank to have a reunion with alligators, his friends fear he may become a tasty chicken nugget. Surprisingly, Frank’s quest for relatives doesn’t end there. In fact, he’s inspired to connect with others that may be equally fearsome. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! offers a humorous introduction to evolution, extinction, and scientific debate while showing that friendship and family can be found in unexpected places. 

What’s up next for you? 

I’m continuing to write new stories all the time and remain hopeful that one will capture the interest of a publisher. I also look forward to connecting with readers and other writers in both virtual and in-person visits at schools, festivals, and conferences.  

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

Hands down: The Goonies. To this day, it still entertains.

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Huge thank you to Shaunda for stoping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic debut!

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SHAUNDA WENGER, writing as S.K. Wenger, grew up among the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire and then found another beautiful backdrop in Utah to raise three children with her husband. Holding a master’s degree in science and numerous adventures in the outdoors, Shaunda loves weaving STEM and humor into her stories and classroom. She strives to create stories that leave readers wanting to step out into the world knowing who they are and what they like, with a renewed interest in going where their curiosities lead them. She is the winner of the 2020 Fellowship Grant from the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference for a middle grade manuscript, A SONG BY ANY MEASURE, and is excited for the publication of her debut children’s picture book, Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! (Albert Whitman). Illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, which released on October 1, 2021.

FOR MORE INFO about Shaunda’s work, visit her online: www.skwenger.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @SKWenger 

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

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 14th! US addresses only please.