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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Reading everyone!

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

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

Interview with 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 Deb Adamson

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Deb Adamson whose newest board book, I MISS YOUR SUNNY SMILE, illustrated by Anne Zimanski, just released with Blue Manatee Press this week! I’m thrilled to have Deb with us today to talk about her books, process, and journey in publishing.

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?

My first picture book was published around 20 years ago by Millbrook Press. I took an extended pause from querying until a few years ago.

Do you write full-time?

I do write full time but I also teach a memoir writing class for adults weekly.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I never know what is going to inspire me to write— a conversation with my hairstylist, a news article, another book I’ve read. I really have an unending supply of ideas. It’s just a matter of finding one that takes flight and becomes a worthwhile manuscript. So many do not. But sometimes the ones that resist developing just need revisiting at a later date. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I’m most surprised by how much I love seeing and illustrator’s interpretation of my words. When I receive a fully illustrated book with my words coming to life through pictures I am just tickled. The surprise is seeing if an illustrator envisions the work as I do. 

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

The best part about writing kids books is the kids who read them! I really enjoy school (or now Zoom) visits and hearing kids’ reactions to my books. It’s why I write for this age. Their enthusiasm and interest is what fuels me to want to keep writing.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The most difficult part of being an author are the days when the writing just doesn’t flow. And no matter how many years I’ve been at it, I am not always kind to myself when this happens. I should know by know that writing is not always easy.

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

When this happens I sometimes go for a run, stroll my garden, or pull out my sketchbook and watercolors. Switching gears is the best approach to shake off writer’s block.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I try to write every morning. I’m an early riser and part of the #5amwritersclub on Twitter. We check in with each other and then we get down to business putting words to the page. This supportive writing community has boosted my word count more than I can say.

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

I’m part of the kid lit promo group,  21FORTHEBOOKS. We are all children’s book author/illustrators being published in 2021. This amazing group has been the best support for book launching. We cheer each other on and provide one another with moral support. A few of us have especially needed that this year due to Covid, printing delays, bookstores closed and virtual launches. I feel especially lucky to be a part of it.

Recommended reading?

How about Scooper and Dumper by Lindsay Ward? :-) I really enjoyed your newest picture book title and the message of friendship and teamwork. I write in rhyme too, so I know how challenging it can be. You really nailed it!

(Thank you Deb!)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The highlight of my career has been watching my newest title, I Miss Your Sunny Smile, finally make it to publication. It was on its way several years ago by a Big Five publisher but when it made it to a marketing meeting it was rejected. Ever since then, I worked hard to find it a home, so I can’t wait to finally share it with children. Especially now, during a time when I know so many are struggling with isolation due to the pandemic. I think this book may be of some help.

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

That even though you got two books published it was still going to be just as challenging to get the next one accepted for publication. Publishing children’s books is one THE MOST competitive endeavors. I think I read somewhere that getting accepted for publication has odds comparable to winning a lottery!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I Miss Your Sunny Smile is a board book aimed at ages 0-3. It is written in rhyme. This little story will hopefully help parents guide young children through a bad day. We all have them, and the youngest of children have yet to figure out how to navigate them. In this story the small child is aided by his mom who helps him redirect and in the end locate his elusive smile. It’s a timely title for a time when small children are especially struggling through social isolation due to the pandemic. It’s my hope that it helps parents and kids in some small way during this trying time.

Interior art from I MISS YOUR SUNNY SMILE by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Anne Zimanski

What’s up next for you?

I have two picture books being published in 2021 by independent publisher, Blue Manatee Press. Both are written in rhyme. One is a DIY book, following a family around their back yard as they build a swing set. It’s called, Bing, Bang Pling, Now We Swing! The other is A Christmas Eve Wish For Santa, a sweet story to help send off Santa with best wishes for his big night. And then in 2022 Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, a nonfiction picture book biography, will be published by Starbright Books.

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

Don’t go it alone. Find yourself a supportive writing group either locally or online. Join the SCBWI. Also become a part of Twitter and the kidlit conversations that take place on that platform, daily. Writing can be such a solitary exercise so finding a clan helps make the highs higher and the lows lower.

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

The Breakfast Club. What an awesome coming of age film. Those five main characters who became known as the Brat Pack were so believable in their high school clique mentalities. 

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Huge thank you to Deb for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your newest book and we can’t wait to see what you write next!

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DEB ADAMSON writes picture books, board books, chapter books and middle grade novels. She also writes for adults— both fiction and nonfiction. Her books are silly, sweet and often a combination of both. Deb sometimes write in rhyme, mostly because she believes children enjoy how it rolls off the tongue like word-song.

In addition to writing for kids, Deb has also taught them, in “Shel Silverstein” poetry workshops. She teaches an ongoing adult memoir and essay writing class, which, through the years, has helped her grow as a writer more than she can say. Deb is a former broadcast news journalist, freelance essayist and syndicated columnist for Gatehouse News Service. Her column about homeschooling her son was read in over 250 print newspapers nationally, as well as online. For ten years Deb was in Public Relations as a spokesperson for a major U.S. Aquarium where she got to do really cool things like coordinate and accompany national news reporters from CNN and the New York Times to observe wild dolphins in the waterways of Hilton Head, South Carolina. She also organized major news coverage of many rehabilitated and released whales and seals along the coast of New England. Deb has appeared a couple of times with a penguin or two on NBC’s Today Show. She is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. (SCBWI)

Deb lives in Connecticut in the company of three amazing and much loved, guy varieties- My husband, teenage son and orange-cat-extrorindaire, Fatty Lumpkin, AKA Lumpy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Deb follow her on social media @DebAdamsonBooks

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of I MISS YOUR SUNNY SMILE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of I MISS YOUR SUNNY SMILE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 1st! US addresses only please.