Happy Thursday Critters! How are you all doing amidst all this social distancing? I hope you are staying healthy and sane. I know I’m feeling a bit cooped up, but trying to focus on keeping busy and spending time with my kiddos at home. So let’s talk about something inspiring— new books! Today’s author is stopping by Critter Lit all the way from Switzerland! Please welcome Julie Abery!
Where do you live?
I am originally from England. I spent many living in Europe, bringing up my three (now grown) children, experiencing new languages and cultures, but I now call Switzerland home.
How many years have you been in publishing?
I suppose I have been in publishing a relatively short time. Back in 2016, I signed with my stellar agent, Essie White of Storm Literary Agency. I had been lucky enough to win a critique with her thanks to Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words contest, and I was thrilled when she said she would like to offer me representation.
She sent Little Tiger out into the world straight away, and shortly after Yusra Swims. Yusra Swims, illustrated by Sally Deng and published by Creative Editions, launched in February 2020, and was my first signed publishing contract back in 2016, but the first to publish were two board books in the Little Animal Friends series (Amicus Ink), Little Tiger and Little Panda in spring 2019. These little treasures are illustrated by the talented, Suzie Mason, and there are now four on the market, with two more publishing in spring 2021.
What inspires you to create picture books?
As a former early years’ teacher, I have spent many years teaching English to classes in international schools. Picture books were my friends and allies bringing rhyme, rhythm and repetition to the ears of my young students. It is the magic that picture books create for children that inspires my writing.
Can you tell us about your newest book?
Yusra Swims is a biography in rhyming verse relating the story of Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee, Yusra Mardini. It follows her journey from her home in Syria, to a sinking boat on the Aegean Sea and on to Germany where she realizes a dream and swims for the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Refugee Team in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. As the story of Yusra’s incredible journey spread, she became a vocal advocate for the plight of refugees and in 2017, she was appointed a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador. A mighty girl indeed!
What’s up next for you?
There are another two amazing NF stories publishing with Kids Can Press. The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship in October 2020 and Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher LED an Unlikely Team to Olympic Gold coming out in Spring 2021.
And last but not least, your favorite 80’s movie?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. I liked it so much my mother in law bought me a little E.T. to sit on a plant pot. It watched over me for many years! 😊
Thanks so much for having me on Critter Lit today, Lindsay! It’s been a pleasure to chat.
Huge thank you to Julie for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your wonderful books!
JULIE ABERY is a children’s author and former Pre-K teacher. Originally from England, she has spent half of her life living in Europe, bringing up her three (now grown up) children and experiencing new languages and cultures. She now calls Switzerland home.
Julie’s debut board books Little Tiger and Little Panda illustrated by Suzie Mason, published in March 2019 with Amicus Ink. Little Hippo and Little Monkey joined the Little Animal Friends series in February 2020; a nonfiction picture book biography entitled Yusra Swims, Creative Editions, illustrated by Sally Deng in February 2020; a true story THE OLD MAN AND THE PENGUIN: A TRUE STORY OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP, Kids Can Press (Fall 2020) and nonfiction picture book bio SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB: HOW A TEACHER LED AN UNLIKELY TEAM TO OLYMPIC GOLD, Kids Can Press (Spring 2021).
She is represented by Essie White of Storm Literary Agency.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Julie or her books, visit her website or follow her on social media:
Website: https://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @juliedawnabery
Facebook: julieabery
Instagram: juliedawnabery
BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Julie’s books, click here.
BOOK GIVEAWAY!
Want a chance to win a copy of YUSRA SWIMS?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, April 2nd.