Interview with Author and Illustrator Rachel Isadora

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m honored to be posting an interview with the incredibly talented Rachel Isadora today! She has had an amazing career in publishing, including a Caldecott honor for BEN’S TRUMPET. I’m thrilled she is with us today to share her experiences and TWO new books written with Robie Rogge, published by Holiday House, releasing this month.

So without further ado, please welcome Rachel Isadora!

Where do you live?

New York and France.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Approximately 40 years.

How did you first get published?

I was a ballet dancer and after an injury prevented me from dancing for a few months, I brought some drawings I had done to McMillan Publishers. I met Elizabeth Shub, an editor, and she asked me if I would like to do a book with her. Having had no formal art or writing training, she patiently worked with me and the result was my first book, Max. I returned to dance and continued to illustrate and write books at the same time.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, I have all these years and continue to do so.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I enjoy thinking of new ideas and how to illustrate them. Many times, my visual ideas come first, things I want to draw, and the story follows. I enjoy creating new ways to express the illustrations. I use various mediums; watercolor, pastels, oil paint, collage and have done a few books on the computer.

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

I was very surprised that I could actually write and illustrate a book. As I said, I had no training in neither art nor writing and, from the beginning, learned to do so on the job. I was very proud  when I got my first contract and then was presented with my first book. I remember getting on the bus, in New York, and showing all the riders around me my book, Max.

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

I love working alone. When I was a ballerina, I was always in the presence of others. Being in my studio working by myself, listening to music, is total joy.

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

I am thinking all the time about ideas I’d like to express whether visually or through writing. I read a great deal, observe people around me, visit many museums and go to the theater, etc. All of these stimulate new ideas. I think of ways in which I can interpret them and then express them in a children’s book. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Whether illustrating or writing or painting, I do it everyday. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

It’s all been a high.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I’m doing two books for Holiday House both of which enter a new realm for me, they are “lift-the-flap” books. They involve more than turning the page and require a child’s physical participation. This meant I had to do more complicated layouts and planning. I think both books lend themselves to their themes, one is manners (I Say Please and Thank You: Lift-the-Flap Manners) and the other animal sounds (After the Buzz Comes the Bee: Lift-the-Flap Animal Sounds). When the child opens the flap, there is a surprise finale.

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap Open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

What’s up next for you?

I will soon be working on another flip the flap book for Holiday House, The Nutcracker. I look forward to this book as dance is always my favorite subject to paint.

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

In order for this, or any other career to work, you must go at it continually, all the time. That’s the kind of devotion it takes to succeed….and, of course, only you and you alone can determine what success means to you.

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

Dirty Dancing, boiled down to one. I knew many people involved in this movie…..

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Huge thank you to Rachel for stopping by Critter Lit today! You’ve had such an incredible career and we are big fans!

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Rachel Isadora has written and illustrated more than two hundred children’s books, including Ben’s Trumpet, a Caldecott Honor book. A former ballet dancer, she is also a fine artist with a special interest in dance. Rachel lives in France and New York City.

FOR MORE INFO about Rachel, visit her online:  http://www.rachelisadora.com/ or follow her on social media:

Twitter - @chomsk7

Instagram - @rachelisadoraart

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 21st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Tina Athaide

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

So without further ado, please welcome Tina Athaide!

Where do you live

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

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything you can't live without while you write?

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

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

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

Dream project to work on?

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

Tell us about your debut book?

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

What's up next for you?

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

My favorite 80s movie.

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

Tell us about your debut picture book?

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

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

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

What's up next for you?

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

My favorite 80s movie.

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

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

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

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

Website: tinaathaide.com

Twitter: @tathaide

Instagram: tinaathaide

Facebook: tinaathaide

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

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

Interview with Author Candy Wellins | Part 2

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

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

It’s great to have you back!

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

Tell us about your latest book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you find inspiring right now?

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

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

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Illustrator Rachel Sanson

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

So without further ado, please welcome Rachel Sanson!

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What surprised you the most working as an illustrator?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an illustrator?

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

What do you find difficult working as an illustrator?

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Tell us about your newest book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or follow her on social media:

Instagram @Rachelsansonillustration

Twitter @rachel_sanson

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

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

Interview with Illustrator Nadja Sarell

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with the immensely talented Nadja Sarell! Her newest board book, EAT UP, BEAR!, written by Terry Pierce, came out earlier this month with Yosemite Conservancy. As a longtime freelance illustrator, I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her experiences and advice.

So without further ado, please welcome Nadja Sarell!

Where do you live?

I live in Helsinki, Finland.

How many years have you been in publishing?

About 15 years, on and off.

How did you first get published?

I had shown my portfolio to an editor in a publishing house I knew well during my illustration studies. Soon after my graduation I received my first commission from her—a book with black and white illustrations.

Do you illustrate full-time?

Yes, I work as a full-time freelance illustrator for children's books and educational publishing.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I'm inspired by characters—who they are, how they feel, where they live. For me, illustrating a picture book is like creating a play on stage, maybe because I was a dancer before changing into children's book illustration. I love the stage, but I prefer to be the one hiding behind the scenes!

What surprised you the most working as an illustrator?

How the world is full of excellent authors and illustrators! I feel humbled to be able to fit in among them all. 

What is your favorite thing about being an illustrator?

I love to work with books that the children will read again and again with their families, in schools and so on. It's the child reader that is the most important thing for me. The whole experience of a time spent together reading and looking at pictures, and the child learning to read both text and visual narrative.

What do you find difficult working as an illustrator?

Sometimes it's hard to make the ends meet, if you only work for children's publishing. I think a lot of illustrators need to do other jobs like teaching, running online shop, graphic design, etc.

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

I look for inspiration from outside my studio. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I need to get started in the morning!

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

We have a great association for illustrators in Finland and it's such a big help to be able to get support from fellow children's book illustrators close to home. I'm also a part of a small virtual support group of five designers/illustrators from around the world.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Probably signing up with my illustration agent Astound and being able to receive commissions outside Finland, from clients like Yosemite Conservancy! This board book was really special and one of my highlights, definitely.

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

Don't expect anyone to come and knock on your door. This advice was for the days before social media. It has changed the game completely, especially for visual artists.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

This spring brings several published books for me, always very exciting. "Eat Up, Bear!" by Terry Pierce is a book where I had an opportunity to try a new technique and I really enjoyed it. We don't have black bears in Scandinavia, but you can come across a brown bear in the forest. This is why the children are taught to make some noise, so the bears know to avoid people. I did a lot of research for the board book, because it had to be informative and accurate as well as sweet and colorful. I love the research part!

Interior art from EAT UP, BEAR! written by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Interior art from EAT UP, BEAR! written by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Interior art from EAT UP, BEAR! written by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Interior art from EAT UP, BEAR! written by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell

What’s up next for you?

I'm working on two picture books at the moment, one for an indie publisher in the US, and one for a Finnish publisher. They are both based on real life main characters, so it's a whole new experience again. Then there will be some chapter books and a story book for the educational market. So it is quite a hectic time of the year!

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

You can always ask advice from your colleagues, especially when it comes to contracts, pricing, and other non-illustration things that are an important part of this job. And you're never ready as an illustrator, there is always room to grow! And don't work for exposure only, something that newcomers are often asked to do.

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

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

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Huge thank you to Nadja for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on EAT UP, BEAR! We can’t wait to see what you come out with next!

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NADJA SARELL is an illustrator living in Helsinki, Finland. She graduated with MA in Dance from Theatre Academy Helsinki. Soon after that she moved to a small town in North Wales to study children's book illustration. She graduated from North Wales School of Art and Design with BA in Illustration for Children’s Publishing in 2004. 

Since then, she has worked as a freelance illustrator for children's publishing in Finland and abroad. Her clients include Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Yosemite Conservancy. She loves to teach art, illustration and dance for both children and adults. 

If Nadja was an animal, she would be a cat living in an old mansion with a large fireplace and a comfy sofa. Her favourite things are music, dancing, black coffee, and chocolate. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Nadja or her books, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of EAT UP, BEAR! click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of EAT UP, BEAR!? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 22nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Sherry Shahan

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Sherry Shahan, who has published over 40 books for children, from picture books to young adult novels. Her newest book, PURPLE DAZE: A FAR OUT TRIP, 1965 just released this past December. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her experiences, career, and advice to upcoming authors and illustrators making their way into the industry.

So without further ado, please welcome Sherry Shahan!

Where do you live?

A laid-back beach town in California called Morro Bay. 

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first children’s book, Fifth Grade Crush, appeared in 1986 from a school book fair publisher.

How did you first get published?

I met a presenter at a writer’s conference who agreed to critique my manuscript for a reasonable fee. She liked it so much that she shared it with one of her editors. They published my first six books.

Do you write full-time?

Yes.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Six of my seven picture books are nonfiction and were sparked from interests in the world around me. My grandson inspired my fiction picture book That’s Not How You Play Soccer Daddy. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The community is genuinely caring, encouraging, and supportive. It’s one big, vibrant family.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

A year ago I would’ve said visiting schools and libraries, sharing the love of creating stories with young readers. While I enjoy interactions with children on Zoom, I look forward to returning to in-person meetings.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

As in all aspects of life, things can happen that are beyond my control. I once had a four-book contract cancelled because the publisher changed directions. 

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

I can lose myself searching topics of interest via in Google. I subscribe to AtlasObscura.com podcast and CNN’s online newsletter “The Good Stuff.” I’m enjoying the many webinars about writing available to us right now.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I reach for scissors and paste when I need a ‘screen’ break. I have drawers full of words and pictures snipped from magazines. I find collage a mind-quieting and creative outlet. 

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

A student in my first course at UCLA (“Writing Picture Books”) sold the manuscript she was working on. It was the first of her many publications. 

Recommended reading?

Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication by award-winning author Ann Whitford Paul. I especially appreciate the revision exercises that help identify potential problems.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Making lifelong friendships with others who are passionate about children’s literature. That includes writers, illustrators, editors, teachers, librarians and those I’ve mentored.

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

Give yourself permission to fail, but never give up. I once sold a nonfiction picture book manuscript after 40 rejections. People ask, “Why didn’t you send it to them in the first place?” I respond, “Because they didn’t exist when I began submitting.” 

Can you tell us about your newest book?

A young adult novel in verse PURPLE DAZE: A Far Out Trip, 1965. It was inspired by letters sent to me from a friend who served in Vietnam. I’d kept them nearly 50 years.

What’s up next for you?

I’m playing around with an idea for a picture book about hydroponics, sparked by experiments in my kitchen. I’ve been growing carrot tops and celery bottoms in jars of water on my windowsill.

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

Join SCBWI and attend webinars. Sign up for writing classes. Consider a mentoring program. Seek out a critique group that has experienced writers and/or illustrators. Artists have unique viewpoints when it comes to pacing, page-turns, what should be presented in words, and what should be left to illustrations. Experiment with different genres.

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

That’s easy since I’m an avid dance student: Flashdance and Footloose. 

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Huge thank you to Sherry for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book! We can’t wait to read what you write next!

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SHERRY SHAHAN lives in a laid-back beach town on the Central Coast of California where she grows carrot tops in ice cube trays for pesto. She has forty children’s books to her credit, preschool through young adult, fiction and nonfiction. Her YA novel in free verse and traditional poetry features a tumultuous time in history, PURPLE DAZE: A Far Out Trip, 1965. Her short form writing has appeared in Highlights, Cricket, Cobblestone, Boys Life, and more. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and taught a creative writing course for UCLA for ten years. She enjoys hearing from other book lovers: kidbooks@thegrid.net

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Sherry or her books, visit her online: www.sherryshahan.com

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of PURPLE DAZE: A Far Out Trip, 1965 click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of PURPLE DAZE: A Far Out Trip, 1965?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 15th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Matthew Cordell

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with extremely talented, Caldecott medalist, author and illustrator Matthew Cordell! His newest illustrated book, FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, came out early this year and is the third book in their picture book trilogy featuring Sadie and and her Aunt Josephine. It has received starred reviews from both Booklist and The Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. FOLLOW THAT FROG is a must have for your library. I’m a huge fan of Matthew’s work and I’m thrilled to have him stop by Critter Lit today!

So without further ado, please welcome Matthew Cordell!

Where do you live?

I live in the far northern suburbs of Chicago. A little town called Gurnee.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My very first publishing gig was a middle grade novel called The Gorillas of Gill Park by Amy Gordon. That came out in 2003 from Holiday House so... (takes out calculator) 18 years!

How did you first get published?

My wife, author Julie Halpern, and I were submitting a picture book proposal around to a number of publishers in 2001-2002. One publisher, Holiday House, asked me if I would be interested, instead, in illustrating a middle grade novel. Of course, I jumped at the chance. It was a terrific first project to get my feet wet as an illustrator. Incidentally, the picture book Julie and I were hoping to get published, Toby and the Snowflakes, happily found a home with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (simply called Houghton Mifflin at the time) and was published in 2004.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes. I worked as an illustrator nights and weekends for 7 years until I made the leap to go full-time in 2007.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love the audience. Children are tremendously inspiring to me. They are bursting with hope, potential, beauty, and brilliance. Everything is new to them and they are open to new experiences. And they are open and honest about their feelings. It's exciting to create art in this space. I'm a big picture book fan. I love the storytelling dance between words and pictures. Picture books are immensely challenging to make. To create a book that speaks to both a child and an adult is quite the task. When it works, it's absolute magic!

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

Up until I met Julie and she suggested the idea of making a children's book together, It had never occurred to me. I'd been an artist in different ways all my life, but I hadn't thought about children's books since I, myself, was a child. I didn't have children in my life at the time. Honestly, initially, it didn't sound very appealing. But Julie won me over by showing me lots of lots of picture books. Her childhood favorites as well as contemporary successes. I was blown away by how incredible picture books could be. I'd completely forgotten! Once I started working with publishers, and sharing books with children, it was all so tremendously inspiring. I loved it. I love it. So... what surprised me the most about working as an author/illustrator? All of it.

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

I think it's a tie. Being able to draw everyday for my job. And getting to hang out with kids all the time for my job.

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

Being, essentially, a freelance artist, it can be stressful at times, not having the stability of other jobs. Health insurance, regular paycheck, job security, etc. But there's an invaluable freedom in my situation that I wouldn't trade for anything.

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

I try to get away from my desk--every day if I can--to go for walks out in nature. It helps to break away from what I'm working on, and to get the blood pumping, and to immerse myself in the outdoors. I love animals and I'm really into birding. I sometimes bring my sketchbook and draw. I often get new ideas and jot them down. I have high cholesterol too, so a daily walk is a win-win.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I'm very much a creature of habit. I've been drawing with the same brand of ink for years with the same type of pen nibs on the same brand of paper. If I find something that I like, I'm not usually looking around for something different or better. Sometimes, though, I wouldn't mind breaking out of my shell to try new things and experiment with new media and techniques.

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

When I was first starting out and didn't know very many people at all, Julie and I were at an ALA cocktail reception. I was standing against a wall feeling and looking awkward as can be. Someone came up and introduced himself to me. He recognized my name on my name tag and remembered some mailers or postcards I'd sent his way. We had a nice conversation and he was very kind about my work. I was genuinely surprised and moved by the gesture he made. It was David Gale, longtime editor at Simon and Schuster. In the years that followed, whenever I saw him at conferences, we would say hello and have a nice chat. Sadly, David passed away last year, but I'll always remember that party and his kindness and the warm welcome he showed when I really needed it.

Recommended reading?

My new, favorite new-to-me book is Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr. I've been obsessed with owls and owling this winter, and several folks suggested I look at Owl Moon. I knew of it, of course, being a Caldecott medal-winning book, but I had never seen it. (I'm embarrassed to say!) I bought a copy from my local bookshop and it most definitely lives up to the praise. It is a perfect picture book. Perfect text. Perfect art. It really captures the spirit of birding, owling, sharing a magical experience between father and child. I love it so much.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Without a doubt, when Wolf in the Snow received the Caldecott Medal in 2018. It was a shock, surprise, explosion of emotions, and it still gets me choked up. It's hard to fathom that a book of mine is part of that rich and wonderful legacy.

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

That on top of writing and illustrating, you'll need to work as a public speaker, publicist, amateur educator and mentor, and other unexpected crash course, odd jobs. There are a lot of hats to be worn in this business. Making the books is just one part of it.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I have two new books that just came out. Bear Island is my newest author/illustrator picture book about a girl, Louise, and her family processing and healing over the loss of their pet dog. Much of it plays out on a lake island that Louise visits and encounters a massive grizzly bear. Follow that Frog! is the third book in a picture book trilogy by Philip Stead and me (the first two being Special Delivery and The Only Fish in the Sea). All three of these books are wild, weird, madcap adventures starring headstrong, unflappable Sadie and her eccentric Great Aunt Josephine. These books are so much fun and were so much fun to illustrate!

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

What’s up next for you?

My next book to come out (September 7, 2021) will be What Isabella Wanted, by Candace Fleming, pictures by me. It's a fascinating picture book biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner, late 19th century world traveler and art collector who built and opened her own museum in Boston at the turn of the century. In the 1990's there was a late night heist where several priceless drawings, paintings, and artifacts were stolen, and the mystery has never been solved.

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

Read lots and lots of picture books. Know the past, present, and future--what's coming out next. Having that education of the world of picture books and publishing, and also knowing what you personally like and don't like, is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

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

Definitely the original Star Wars Trilogy. (Even though the first film was a 1977 release) I was a huge Star Wars kid and am now a huge Star Wars grown-up.

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Huge thank you to Matthew for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited about your upcoming books. Congrats on all your success!

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MATTHEW CORDELL is the Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of Wolf in the Snow and Hello Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, recipient of four starred reviews, and the illustrator of numerous highly acclaimed children's books including Philip C. Stead's books Follow That Frog!, The Only Fish in the Sea, and Special Delivery, which was a Washington Post Best Book. He wrote and illustrated Another Brother, Wish, and Hello! Hello!, a New York Times Notable Children's Book. Matthew lives near Chicago with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Matthew, visit him online: http://matthewcordell.com

or follow him on social media:

Twitter: @cordellmatthew

Instagram: @cordell_matthew

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

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of FOLLOW THAT FROG?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, April 8th! 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.

Interview with Author Lisa Katzenberger

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all staying warm wherever you are— here in Ohio it is a whopping 12 degrees today! Sunny and beautiful, but frigid! Today we have an interview with Lisa Katzenberger to celebrate her newest book, IT WILL BE OKAY: A STORY OF EMPATHY, KINDNESS, AND FRIENDSHIP, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. The timing of this book could not be more relevant and I think we all need books that support this message in our lives right now. I’m thrilled to have Lisa with us today to share her journey in publishing and her fantastic new book!

So without further ado, please welcome Lisa Katzenberger!

Where do you live?

I live in La Grange, Illinois—a suburb of Chicago. It’s a suburban with a bit of an urban feel. We live within walking distance of La Grange’s downtown, elementary school, and most importantly library!

How many years have you been in publishing?

I had my first short story published in 2005. I didn’t get paid a thing, but I was super happy!

How did you first get published?

I started my writing career with short stories, and have had a handful published. But my first book was a Work For Hire project for Capstone, published for the school and library market. A friend referred me to her editor, who invited me to send her a couple picture book manuscripts. And while she didn’t pick those up, she did ask me to write Triceratops Would Not Be a Good Ninja. It was a good way to dip my toe into the publishing world.

Do you write full-time?

Oh I wish I could! I do freelance technical writing work from time to time, and am currently working with author Bethany Hegedus as her author assistant and helping run her Courage to Create program. Then I have my mom job to my 10-year-old twins, which requires a lot of time right now to help them through e-learning. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

My kids. They have such a silly way of looking at the world. Maybe they say something funny or ask a question and it will spark an idea for me.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

How long the process takes to get a picture book published. I knew the writing and revising portion itself is long, but I didn’t understand how long the illustration process takes. So after a picture book manuscript is acquired, it can be 18-24 months before it’s published.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

That I get to make things up! I can live in a world where anything goes. It’s very freeing!

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The writing process itself is difficult. So is the revising. And editing. And coming up with new ideas. To use art notes or not, that decision is tough too. It’s all really hard—but I absolutely love it!

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

I like to go for walks (if it’s not a freezing Chicago winter day!) and listen to podcasts or music. The movement and the sounds get the quiet part of my brain moving.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

No, not really. I don’t write every day, or listen to music, or go through any type of routine. Sometimes I write when it hits me and sometimes I make myself get up out of bed early and think of it as work. I’m kind of all over the place!

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

I love the community I’ve built through the SCBWI Illinois region. I’ve made really good friends (who I miss terribly during the pandemic!) who I can talk to about the writing journey. We meet for coffee or dinner and even have a kidlit book club. It’s so great to have friends who understand what you’re going through.

Recommended reading?

I am currently in love with I Am Every Good Thing written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James and Eyes That Kiss in the Corners written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho. I also adore everything Tammi Sauer writes. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I think it’s been showing my kids that if you work hard and stick with it, you can make your dreams come true. They know I wanted to be a writer since I was a kid myself, and inspiring them is more meaningful than any book deal.

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

That my life wouldn’t magically improve when I got an agent, or signed a contract, or saw my book in a store. I don’t know what I expected, but all these felt so regular and not so magical.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship is about an anxious, overwhelmed giraffe and his loyal zebra friend whose patience and presence help him face his greatest fear head-on.

Interior art from IT WILL BE OKAY: A STORY OF EMPATHY, KINDNESS, AND FRIENDSHIP by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

When Giraffe sees a spider, he climbs a tree to hide. His friend Zebra finds him, listens to his feelings, and stands by his side. It is beautifully illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett.

Interior art from IT WILL BE OKAY: A STORY OF EMPATHY, KINDNESS, AND FRIENDSHIP by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

What’s up next for you?

I don’t know! More writing. I have a chapter book out on submission and will be going out on submission with another couple of picture book manuscripts over the next few months. Cross your fingers for me!

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

Keep going and don’t give up. It take A LOT of work to get published, but it is SO worth it. You will have hiccups along the way—and if you’re anything like me—feel like a fraud from time to time and that everything you created is crummy. But at least you created something, and that’s the first step. You can turn the crummy into incredible through hard work, solid critique partners, and passion.

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

The Breakfast Club. I so wanted to be a glamorous Claire, but I was in fact a nerdy Brian.

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

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LISA KATZENBERGER lives in La Grange, IL in a hundred-year-old Victorian house with sloping hardwood floors, glass doorknobs, and the tiniest bathroom you've ever seen. She lives with her husband and amazing boy-girl twins. Lisa’s an active member of SCBWI, where she volunteers as the Social Media Coordinator for the SCBWI-Illinois region. She works part-time as a technical writing consultant to fund her writing conference habit. Lisa is represented by Wendi Gu of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Lisa or her books, visit his website at www.lisakatzenberger.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: FictionCity

Instagram: LisaKatz17

Pinterest: LisaKatzenbergerKidLit

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of IT WILL BE OKAY, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of IT WILL BE OKAY?! 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 and Illustrator Ginnie Hsu

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are joined by an incredibly talented author and illustrator. I’m a huge fan of her work— I love her compositions, details, and color palettes! And she also happens to be professor of illustration at my alma matter, Syracuse University. I can’t wait for all of you to check out all her books.

So without further ado, please welcome Ginnie Hsu!

Where do you live?

Upstate NY.

How many years have you been in publishing?

So far, two happy years. I am learning so much, and I am so grateful for the experiences.

How did you first get published?

My agent, Anne, told me someone was interested in having me illustrate a farm book! I love farms, and it was perfect. The Farm that feeds us was out last July, and it was one of the happiest days last year. 

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

Now I am! I am also teaching Illustration at Syracuse University.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Telling stories in a lovely way, and I love to draw. 

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

The amount of time you have to put in to create, think and experiment. It’s fun and time-consuming at the same time. 

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

I get to tell the story and illustrate the way I want it to be. 

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

Oh, there is never enough time for me. I wish there are 48 hrs a day. I will spend 28 hrs drawing and write stories! I don’t sleep a lot. haha

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

Go out for a drawing adventure in the wild. I love walking and just walk in nature. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I always start writing and play with the materials first if I want to play nowadays. And, I have to have tea, coffee, and some snack around. 

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

Yes. I met so many friendly people. I love all the editors I work with. They are some of the most amazing people I met. So encouraging. 

Recommended reading?

From my reading list this year. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison! I am almost done with it and highly recommend it!

Also, poetry!

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I get to grow as an illustrator and be an illustrator. If you told me I get to draw for a living ten years ago. I would not believe you. Haha, It’s genuinely a dream that comes true. 

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

There are going to be ups and downs, and your drawing will grow as you grow. 

And, don’t focus on a style. Focus on how you draw and what you want to draw. 

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Yes. My newest book is Lady Bird Johnson, That’s Who, written by Tracy Nelson Maurer.

It’s about the former first lady, Claudia Alta Johnson, aka Lady Bird Johnson, who help make America cleaner and greener!  

Interior art from LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO by Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

Interior art from LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO by Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

What’s up next for you?

I am currently working on a couple of books now and am also researching the book I am writing. I am very excited to jump into the other areas, like creating fabrics and products for my shop. It’s a never-ending career that’s full of excitement and surprise. 

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

Yes! Thank you all for creating! The world is so much better with stories you create and share. 

And last but not least, favorite 80s movie?

My neighbor, Totoro!! I grew up watching Miyazaki movies. It’s still one my favorite. 

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Huge thank you to Ginnie for stoping by Critter Lit today! We are such a huge fan of your illustrations and can’t wait to see what you come out with next!

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GINNIE HSU is an Illustrator, a Designer, an Educator, and a Maker living in Upstate New York. Her work is often inspired by my everyday life, human living, and her love for nature. She has received recognition in Creative Quarterly 55, 3x3 International Illustration Show No.15 (Picture Book Bronze, two Professional Merits), AI-AP International Motion Art Awards 6 (winner), and Uppercase Magazine No.38 “Fresh. Her clients and publications have included Macmillan, Henry Holt, Benchmark Education, Old Dungate Press, Breathe Magazine, American Greetings, and Babbel Magazine.

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

Instagram: @ginniehsu

Website: helloginniehsu.com

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 11th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Troy Wilson

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

So without further ado, please welcome Troy Wilson!

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

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

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

Do you write full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What surprised you the most working as an author?

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

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

Knot Cannot by Tiffany Stone and Mike Lowery

Glister by Andi Watson

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

Here's the Goldibooks summary:

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @TroyStoryToo

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

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

Interview with Author Jennifer Grant

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

Do you write full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What surprised you the most working as an author?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

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

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

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

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @jennifercgrant

Instagram: @jennifergrantwriter

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

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

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

Interview with Author Brooke Hartman

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Brooke Hartman, whose second picture book just released this past October. I’m thrilled to have Brooke with us today and I can’t wait for you all to see her new incredibly beautiful book, Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets: The Woman Behind the First Animated Feature Film, illustrated by Kathryn Carr, with Page Street Kids.

As an illustrator working in cut paper, I’m completely head over heels for this book— the art is absolutely stunning and the text is lovely and lyrical. It takes the idea of a picture book biography to a whole new level. When I first came across the book I had no idea that Brooke and I were repped by the same agent— a lovely coincidence! This book is magical— opening it you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into Lotte’s world. It’s truly incredible.

So without further ado, please welcome Brooke Hartman!

Where do you live?

Chugiak, Alaska

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book came out in 2019, but I’ve been writing as a “serious hobby” since 2002!

How did you first get published?

Like so many published books out there, my first picture book had a vastly different path to publication than my others. Though I’ve been working on various manuscripts for over a decade, including YA Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course picture books, my first contract took me by surprise. I was introduced to Alaskan artist Evon Zerbetz (www.EvonZerbetz.com) who works in linocut art and has done a myriad of work throughout Alaska and elsewhere. I thought one of her public art installations reminded me a lot of a poem that I’d written as a “side of a side” project years before, so I showed the poem to her. She did some mock-up sketches of what the illustrations for this poem might look like, I revised some of the stanzas, we submitted them to a publisher… and the rest is history! Dream Flights on Arctic Nights was released in February 2019 through West Margin Press. I have to be careful telling this story to folks looking to have their picture book published, though, because as you probably know, it is NOT typical to collaborate with an illustrator beforehand. This publication was entirely serendipitous.

Do you write full-time?

I mom full time, lol, though I also have a part-time job as the community education director for a behavioral health treatment center (TMS Center of Alaska).

What inspires you to create picture books?

My kids, and my wacky imagination. I was that teenager who was petrified to try drugs because, if my brain could think of stuff this weird when I wasn’t high, I was afraid of what might happen if I ever was!

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Edits. SO. MANY. EDITS. To anyone who thinks that when you sign with an editor your manuscript is done, I have bad news for you. I’ve only worked with an editor on four picture book texts so far, but each of them had at least a dozen edits on top of the already two dozen you’ve done just to get to that point. And these are picture book texts! We’re talking less than 600 words, to begin with.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

There’s something so completely satisfying about seeing your story rewritten and perfected and then paired with amazing illustrations until it becomes this beautiful thing you can’t even believe you helped create.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Back to that whole “edits” thing. 90% of the time, I agree with what an editor is suggesting, or at least the idea they’re suggesting if not the actual execution of it. But occasionally there’s some dichotomy on what you envision vs. what the editor envisions, and that can be frustrating. The biggest advice I try to give myself when this happens is to take a “brush my teeth” moment on it. Let those comments simmer. If I still don’t agree with them a day or two later, formulate an alternate solution that might serve as a compromise, or compose a firm-but-kind way to explain why you think the text is stronger as is.

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

I honestly have never had to look for new ideas. I have so many picture book and novel ideas stacked up at any given moment, it’s all I can do to carve out enough time just to put a handful of them to paper. Are all of those ideas awesome and should be a book? Nope! But at least they’re ideas.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I like alone time without kids to write, which usually means seeking out a coffee shop. Some people can tune out household hustle and bustle while they write, but I’m 100% the default parent for my kids, which makes it hard for me to just ignore everything going on around me. Plus, when I’m home, I’m constantly making someone a meal or snack. I swear my kids have tapeworms.

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

I owe every last bit of me being published to the KidLit community. I went to my first SCBWI Conference (SCBWI Western Washington) in 2011, which was mind-blowing. Then I attended a local conference in 2012, where I met my critique group that’s still going strong to this day. The group has lost a few due members to attrition over the years, but there are still five of us, and we meet every single Monday night!

Recommended reading?

Anything in the genre you’re trying to publish in. For me, that’s picture books and YA Fantasy. Just within those two genres, my recommendations could go for days. But here are just a few:

YA Fantasy: Anything by Maggie Stiefvater, Neal Shusterman, or Melissa Meyer.

Picture Books: Anything by Mo Willems, Josh Funk, or Ryan T. Higgins

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

My first book received a starred review from Kirkus, which was a fun surprise. Since then, the highlights have been stumbling over random mentions of your book on sites or YouTube channels you never knew about. Or hearing from someone that their child / grandchild / friend’s child absolutely LOVES your book and has to have it read to them every single night. Those are the best.

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

Join SCBWI this very second.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book was another surprise for me. I was on Facebook one day and stumbled across a short but lovely YouTube biography on Lotte Reiniger, the woman who pioneered shadow puppet cinematography and created the first full length feature film over a decade before anyone even heard of Walt Disney. I was blown away. Her work was not only groundbreaking, it was gorgeous! I was absolutely smitten with this lesser-known hero of cinema history. My brain drummed up this stanza:

Long before a cartoon mouse,

Or Snow White swept a little house,

There was a girl named Charlotte.

Everyone called her Lotte.

Interior art from LOTTE’S MAGICAL PAPER PUPPETS: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM by Brooke Hartman, illustrated by Kathryn Carr, published by Page Street Kids

That stanza began my picture book biography on Lotte Reiniger. I was agentless at the time, but PitchWars came up, and I pitched it. Editor Courtney Burke of Page Street Kids liked my tweet. She’d been a film major in college, and even she had never heard of Lotte Reiniger! Courtney worked her magic on my text with many more revisions (all the edits!) and found the most perfect illustrator anyone could imagine for this project, Kathryn Carr, who works solely in shadow puppet illustration (www.GoCarrGo.com). The result was Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets, the Woman Behind the First Animated Feature Film, which released this October from Page Street Kids.

Interior art from LOTTE’S MAGICAL PAPER PUPPETS: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM by Brooke Hartman, illustrated by Kathryn Carr, published by Page Street Kids

What’s up next for you?

I have more contracted projects with Page Street Kids, West Margin Press, and Innovation Press, all picture books. My amazing agent, Clelia Gore of Martin Literary Management, has a couple other picture books out on sub right now, with a few others we’re polishing in the meantime.

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

Read a TON in your genre. Get a critique group, find beta readers, and go to conferences—either in person or online! Soak up all that info and feedback, but then force yourself to actually write and submit.

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

Oh man, this is a tough one. But I think it’s a hard tie between Labyrinth and The Last Unicorn.

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Huge thank you to Brooke for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your wonderful books— we can’t wait to see what you come out with next!

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

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

Twitter: @BrookesBooksAK

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of LOTTE’S MAGICAL PAPER PUPPETS: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LOTTE’S MAGICAL PAPER PUPPETS: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, December 17th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kayla Stark

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Kayla Stark whose new book FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE, which released in August with Chronicle Books, is one of the coolest lift-the-flap books I’ve seen in a long time! I’m so excited to share her work with you all today and continue our week of creatives that work with novelty and board books.

So without further ado, please welcome Kayla Stark!

Where do you live?

Nashville, TN USA

How many years have you been in publishing?

This is a rough approximation, but I think it’s been close to 4 years now!

How did you first get published?

Parallax Publishing reached out to me about illustrating a picture book called “Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That”. The author saw my work on the Women Who Draw website and then asked the editor to email me. I think that’s a pretty unusual way for the publisher to reach out, but I’m so happy they did. I did a few tests before I officially landed the job. Since this was my first time working on a picture book, Parallax wanted to make sure I was up to it. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time? 

Yes, I do! I spend more time illustrating than writing at this point, but I’m hearing the siren call of writing and I can’t stay away. It’s intimidating because I’m not as practiced in writing, but I do want to pitch my own stories—and I have so many ideas!

What inspires you to create picture books? 

That’s a good question. The picture book industry seems to be where my work best fits. In the beginning I didn’t set out to make my work fit the picture book industry, but once I became friends with other picture book illustrators and learned more about the industry I felt like I had finally found a place to park my work and settle in. 

In my work I like to ask silly questions and play with ridiculous “what ifs”. Questioning and observing everything always leads me to an idea or story that begs for further exploration. 

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

I was surprised when I saw how much work and energy went into the creation and promotion of a new book. It’s a true team effort! I’m also constantly surprised by how connected the illustration/publishing world is. Everyone knows everyone!

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

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind.
#1 - I love the initial stages of a job. The research phase and open possibilities give me such a rush!
#2 - Once a book/project is finished I look forward to the promotional events. Launch parties, process posts, interviews, readings, signings etc. I’m an extroverted person and getting these opportunities to travel, meet, and speak to new people fills me up!

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

Sometimes the daily monotony and isolation gets to me. It can feel like I’m working in a vacuum and treading water. It’s imperative to keep up my momentum and focus in order to finish projects. Knowing I have to power through on the days I don’t feel creative is difficult. I try to spin it in my brain and think of it as leveling up my self discipline.  

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

Hmmm…I’ll try a few different things. FaceTiming a friend who gets it is the best medicine. I’m so happy (and lucky) to be friends with a number of illustrators and other artists—both local and online! I’m a part of The Warren Studio here in Nashville, TN. When I need a change of pace I’ll go in and see people, get lunch, and just have a fun day.

Some other things I’ll do when I need new ideas is— read; workout; go to a museum*; schedule a trip*; go to my list of ideas and thoughts I keep in my phone; create a new color palette and imagine what type of scene or story would use it. 

*I’m not doing these things currently due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity? 

I used to watch a little bit of TV after waking up, however I realized that when I do that my mind wants to be entertained all day instead of getting into work mode. Now when I wake up, instead of turning on the TV, I do these things in this order to feel like it’s time for work—open the blinds, brush my teeth, wash my face, grab my coffee, and walk upstairs to my desk. 

I also like to be left alone for the first few hours of the work day. My husband has been working from home since March and I had to set up a no talking rule for the first 3 hours of the work day. 

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

Wow, most everything has been positive. Hmm…something that stands out is getting to know others in the Kid Lit community on Instagram. It’s led to friendships, critique groups, collaboration opportunities, agents, meet ups, and a wonderfully fulfilling life/career. 

When I think about it, it’s crazy how many friends I’ve made through Instagram and the close knit connections of the kid lit community. 

Recommended reading?
All of Martin Salisbury’s books on picture books and illustration. 

The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak.

Mac Barnett’s books are always a delight.

I’ll stick to these few for this purpose, but I need to make a whole list separated into categories.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 

I just illustrated the covers for a new release of classic titles (The Jungle Book, Black Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island). It was surreal to see that job land on my desk and I am happy I was trusted to take on these beloved titles. I’ll be sharing those on my Instagram very soon along with some behind the scenes process posts! 

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

This is still a job, sometimes you are going to have to put in extra hours and work when you don’t feel like it. Somedays it will feel like you are going nowhere and somedays you’ll feel on top of the world, but most days you’ll feel somewhere in between. Ask for help when you need it, take care of yourself, take criticism (but not personally), and just keep going. You will never feel like you’ve “arrived”, so stop expecting that. You are doing what you love, celebrate that!

Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Friends at the Firehouse written and illustrated by me is a lift-the-flap journey through a firehouse. The annual parade is about to start and we need to find the missing Dalmatian puppy. There are 35 flaps to inspect and tons of details for kids to pour over. It’s published by Chronicle Books as part of their Double Booked series—which means the book is a unique die cut shape (a firehouse in this case) and opens from both sides as a gate fold! 

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

It’s the most complex book I’ve worked on and it took me a WHILE to wrap my mind around everything as I was laying out the illustrations. I visited 2 local fire stations before starting and took hundreds of photos. The firefighters drove me around in the truck and I got to slide down the pole like a real fire fighter!

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

What’s up next for you?

I have some stories of my own I’m going to pitch! So I’ll be going into writing mode and working on getting a manuscript and book dummy together.

I’m also working on a language learning vocabulary book! —along the lines of Richard Scarry’s Big Book of Words, but with my own world and characters. :)

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

I know this is said over and over again, but I believe it bears repeating. Create the work you want to get hired to do! All the time I see and talk to artists that are just waiting for someone to hire them for their dream job, but there are no clear examples in their portfolio to show they CAN do that job. You have to show you can already do something before someone will hire you do it. 

Draw and write a lot! Start building your social media platform now and engage with other people. It can be annoying to keep up with all the platforms, so pick 1-2 and post consistently!

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

Oooh. I’ll say The Shining. I’m not a horror nut, but there’s just something about that movie.

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Huge thank you to Kayla for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book, we can’t wait to see your upcoming projects!

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After graduating with a BFA from the University of Tennessee at Martin and working for a few years as a graphic designer; KAYLA STARK decided to shift into the world of her first love—illustration! She works both digitally and traditionally, depending on the project, and is most comfortable when settling into the beginning “research” phase of projects. The traditional media she uses most often are: watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils (she is on a constant search for the perfect, scratchy pencil texture) She is naturally very curious and asks a lot of questions—this quality is a constant fuel for inspiration.

She lives in Nashville, TN in a small house with her husband and 2 cats. Most of the time she is working upstairs in her studio, but a few days a week she joins a group of friends and fellow illustrators at a co-working space in East Nashville.

Kayla’s hobbies include playing board games, participating in (almost) any event, learning languages, and planning trips (she loves public transit). Some of Kayla’s favorite topics are birds, traveling, science, animal fun facts, and history.

She has done work for various clients including Highlights Magazine, Sleeping Bear Press and Chronicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kayla online at www.kaylastark.com or on social media:

Instagram: @kayla_stark

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Thursday, October 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Eva Byrne

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to feature an interview with author and illustrator Eva Byrne today! I was first introduced to Eva’s work when she released her debut as an author/illustrator, Along Came Coco: A Story About Coco Chanel, which I adore. If you haven’t read it— go out and pick up a copy. It’s utterly fabulous!

Many of you may be familiar with Eva’s illustration work, as she was the illustrator for Savanah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim’s Princesses Wear Pants, a New York Times bestseller, which will soon be made into a Netflix series. I can’t wait for you all to meet Eva and her wonderful work!

So without further ado, please welcome Eva Byrne:

Where do you live?

I am lucky enough to live in the West of Ireland, right beside the sea in County Sligo. It is a beautiful part of the world.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been a freelance illustrator since I graduated from FIT in 94, I’m old enough to remember running into the editorial offices of newspapers with hand-drawn barely dry illustrations!

How did you first get published?

I was first published in national newspapers here in Ireland and in women’s fashion magazines. It was such a thrill to see my work in print. The very first children’s book I illustrated was for a French educational company, the editor had seen my work in a French fashion magazine and thought my fashion illustrations were a nice match for a book aimed at young teenage girls.

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

I do write and illustrate full-time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’m inspired by people’s stories, as a child I loved being around my grandmother and great grandmother and hearing the stories of their lives, also I worked for years as a fashion illustrator and I adore bringing fashion in the children’s books I illustrate.

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

I’m surprised by how fond you become of the characters you have brought to life, I suppose it makes sense, you spend a lot of time alone in the studio figuring out the characters and drawing their reactions to the situations they find themselves, it’s a pretty personal relationship. 

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

There are so many wonderful things about being an author/illustrator, from the excitement when you sign with an agency, then when you are offered a book deal, to building a relationship with an editor whose work you have admired and then the thrill of seeing your book in print!

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

I find the few days after you have finished a book quite difficult, you have spent quite intense amounts of time alone and then you hit send and its all gone, then you turn around and the laundry room looks like a tornado just hit it and never mind the rest of the house. There is also that weird phase when you have become so used to your own company that you have to remind yourself to make an effort to see your friends and when you do you feel a tiny bit awkward because you need to brush up on your social skills! Luckily I have very understanding friends.

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

I love stories about women and hidden histories particularly when they link into fashion so I tend to reach for my huge stacks of Vogues and Harpers Bazaar and try to find articles about trailblazing women in history/fashion.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I habitually buy new sketchpads for each new project I’m working on however I also habitually end up drawing on envelopes, receipts  and another bits of paper I can find in my car while my brand spanking sketchbooks sit untouched in my studio. I need to work on that!

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

I had the pleasure of visiting the Conte West school in Connecticut last year with Along Came Coco (my first author/illustrated book) and the response of the children  was so joyous and welcoming it just blew me away. 

Recommended reading?

I would recommend reading the new children's books that come into your library, I do get funny looks from the other parents when I am sitting on a tiny chair surrounded by picture books, I would also recommend Show Me A Story by  Leonard S. Marcus for an enjoyable and informative read.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

There are so many highlights in a children’s book career, each time you walk into a bookstore and see a book you have worked on sitting there, it’s such a cool moment, I recently walked into a store and saw Along Came Coco which I wrote and illustrated and Piglette, written by Katelyn Aronson, illustrations by moi, sitting side by side, that was pretty thrilling. (I probably need to get out more).

One definitive highlight was when Princesses Wear Pants made it onto the New York Times bestseller list. That was incredible.

Also, when I got the email that Piglette was getting her very own sequel, Piglette’s Perfect Plan, which comes out next year, that was pretty special and then when Abrams bought my latest book, SuperNana which I wrote and have just finished illustrating a few days ago, that was a real highlight!

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

I wish someone had told me to stop waiting for the perfect story. Agents and editors know if a story appeals to them and if it’s something that they can work with and what I’ve found is that it is a collaboration, and it is all the better for that.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book out in the world at the moment is Piglette by Katelyn Aronson, it is an absolutely gorgeous book about a little pig with big city dreams.

Interior art from PIGLETTE by Katelyn Aronson, illustrated by Eva Byrne

Jacket from PIGLETTE

It is a whimsical and gentle, perfect for cosy reading bedtimes. I loved illustrating this book and found being in the studio with Piglette was the perfect antidote to all the news beyond the studio door.

Art from SuperNana by Eva Byrne to be published by Abrams 2021

What’s up next for you?

Coming up next would be the revisions for SuperNana— tweaking the artwork here and there to get it as close to perfect as I can. I’m really excited about this book! When I started writing SuperNana I had no idea she would turn into such a spandex wearing powerhouse!

Also, I have been itching to get stated on a non-fiction picture book bio about Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s younger sister who was a member of the French Resistance during WW2, the world famous perfume Miss Dior is named in her honor but so few know the story behind this remarkable woman.

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

To younger illustrators/authors I would say keep drawing and writing, really hone your craft so that it is your voice and vision that comes through the work.

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

The 1980s movie that sticks in my head is Flashdance not because I’m such a great dancer more because of all the family vacation photos where I’m wearing a pink headband, in a misguided attempt to look like Jennifer Beale but in reality I’m looking a lot more like the Karate Kid. My mother did try to warn me…

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Huge thank you to Eva for stopping by Critter Lit today! We love your books and are so excited to see Piglette and SuperNana out in the world!

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EVA BYRNE has worked as a professional Illustrator since 1994 in editorial, advertising, package design and children’s book publishing. Recent clients have included Viking, Penguin Random House, Abrams Books for Young Readers, Collins Press, Orion, Simon and Schuster, American Girl, Netflix, Atomic Cartoons, Claire’s Accessories.  

In 2017, Eva illustrated the New York Times bestselling Princesses Wear Pants and her follow up book Along Came Coco was chosen for a Bank Street Book of the Year award.

Eva’s background is in Fashion Illustration, where she has worked with clients such as Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein and Brown Thomas. Her work has been commissioned as gifts for front row guests during London Fashion Week.

This year Eva worked as a wardrobe consultant with Atomic Cartoons and Netflix on the upcoming series based on Princesses Wear Pants. She is currently writing and illustrating a new book, SuperNana, which will be published by Abrams in 2021 and illustrating Piglette’s Perfect Plan to be published by Viking Press 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Eva online.

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of PIGLETTE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 22nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Janet Lawler

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

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

Where do you live? 

Central Connecticut.

How many years have you been in publishing? 

A little over 20 years—time flies!

How did you first get published? 

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

Do you write full-time? 

Yes.

What inspires you to create picture books? 

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

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

What surprised you the most working as an author?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

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

Exercise, enjoy nature, and travel to new places.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

In the days 

when farmers worked with ox and sled

and cut the dark with lantern light,

there lived a boy who loved snow

more than anything else in the world.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: https://janetlawler.com/

Blog:  https://janetlawler.com/blog/

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

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

Interview with Author/Illustrator Jane Smith

Happy TUESDAY Critters! I’m so excited to be featuring an interview with another illustrator this week. As you may have noticed, it’s TUESDAY, not THURSDAY! This week we will be featuring two fantastic interviews with two incredibly talented women. I can’t wait for you to meet them both and learn about their work. So without further ado, let’s kick off the first interview of the week with the immensely talented Jane Smith!

Where do you live?

I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, which is a small city along the Atlantic coast.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been working in publishing for about 18 years now.

How did you first get published?

I’ve spent the majority of my career as a freelancer, and so when I was beginning, long before I had an agent, I just sent out tons of promo postcards, dummy book submissions and answered lots of job ads for freelance illustrators in places like Craigslist. I would do whatever book publishing gigs I could—mostly educational work. I’m not sure exactly what my very first published project was, but I do remember fondly illustrating two nursery rhyme board books for a Hooked-On Phonics box set for babies that was packaged with a CD, DVD and several other board books.

Those early dummy book submissions also yielded my first published book as an author. It was a six-spread novelty pop-up book titled Fairytale Mix-Up, in which the reader could mix and match the split pop-up pages to create different versions of classic fairytale characters. I had originally proposed myself as the illustrator, but my art style at the time wasn’t right for the book. However, the project led to many more freelance book design gigs and later to an in-house position as an art director of children’s novelty books, which was where I learned the publishing business from the inside out.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I do. However, this is a tricky question, because I think that the term “full-time” often means different things to different people! In my case, as a freelance author-illustrator, I show up and work in my studio six days a week. There are times when there’s a lot of paying jobs. There are also times when there’s not. There are also times when I’m putting in crazy hours and other times when it’s more quiet and relaxed. Sometimes I’m working on a book for a paying client. Sometimes I’m working on a book I hope to sell to a publisher. Sometimes I’m working on my portfolio, and sometimes I’m working on self-promotion. It’s a job no one can ever fire me from, because it’s a job I gave to myself!

What inspires you to create picture books?

Growing up, my mom was a school librarian, and so I was always surrounded by books. I fell in love with reading and stories and the endless ways they can inspire, connect and comfort at an early age. I spent the better part of my childhood on our screened in porch reading, writing and making art. Those experiences have carried over into adulthood.

These days, I’m inspired by pretty much everything around me—cartoons, succulents, cupcakes, unicorns, animals, adventures, mysteries, rainstorms and more—but mostly by my own deep feelings of compassion for kid’s emotional lives and experiences. The best picture books combine this with a bit of whimsy and magic is made.

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

Hmmm...probably that when you’re young and everyone tells you the cliché that it’s about the journey, not the destination, they were 100% right! I don’t think you ever do get to a place where you feel like you’ve “arrived.” Beyond each milestone is the continued drive and energy to keep growing, learning, changing and creating.

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

Working at home alone in my studio! And also, the flexibility that comes with it!

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

Also, working at home alone in my studio! Ha! It can be a lonely business at times and often it’s hard to get perspective working in a vacuum. This is why I love traveling to illustration & SCBWI conferences, visiting art friends in cities across the country and chatting with my lovely agent, Nicole Tugeau, on the phone!

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

I get out of the house/studio! Go for a walk. Meet up with a friend. Travel. Read a book. Visit a museum. (I LOVE museums!!!) Hang out with my family. Try a new restaurant. Cook a new recipe. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Every day I meditate for 10 minutes. For me it’s a must to calm my mind and body, so I can focus.

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

Oh, goodness! I’ve honestly had so many! It’s been my experience that the Kid Lit community, especially the SCBWI, is incredibly supportive, willing to share information and eager to champion one another!

For several years a good while back, I had the absolute pleasure of co-coordinating the SCBWI Westside Illustrators “Schmooze” (now called “Mingle”) in Los Angeles with one of my dearest friends. And it was a blast! We hosted monthly meetings and even organized a couple art exhibitions together. I meet so many talented and wonderfully kind kid lit writers and illustrators—many of whom I’m still friends with today!

Recommended reading?

Ooo! I have to admit that even though I adore reading children’s books of all genres, my pleasure reading consists mostly of creepy mysteries, crime and horror stories, which I would only recommend to a fellow lover of the macabre! So, instead, I’ll share the latest professional reading that has helped me with my children’s book work:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Developing, selling and launching children’s picture book projects that I’ve written & illustrated myself: the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, HELLO NEW HOUSE and my forthcoming picture book, MISS MEOW! 

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

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

When I was first starting out, I wish someone had told that illustrating stories and characters is not about drawing everything “correctly” or getting the perspective or lighting “right”; that it’s actually about creating believability. The point of the artwork is not to be in service to an objective idea of what is “good,” but rather about transporting the reader in time, space and emotion. As long as it is believable within the context of the story you are telling, it doesn’t matter if the lighting is off or if the proportions are wonky. As long as you’ve convinced your reader to believe in your story that all that really matters!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Yes, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my new picture book, HELLO NEW HOUSE, is releasing on October 1st. with publisher Albert Whitman & Company! This title is close to my heart, because it is directly inspired by my family’s real life, coast-to-coast move from Hermosa Beach (in the Southbay of Los Angeles), California to Wilmington, North Carolina. It was a dramatic move that was a study in relative contrasts—big city vs. small town, urban vs. rural, west coast vs. east coast, desert vs. lush tropics. And the changes were both exciting and intimidating.

Interior Art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

I wrote HELLO NEW HOUSE as a kind of meditation for myself and my daughter, comparing what was new to what was different to what was still the same, as a way to calm and reassure us when adjusting to the move was hard. Through the use of short, light and direct language, it is my hope that young kids will also experience HELLO NEW HOUSE as a meditation on change and that it will be a happy, welcome tool for families adjusting to their own moves in life.

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

What’s up next for you?

I’m so excited to share that I’m working on final art right now for my next picture books as an author-illustrator: MISS MEOW! This is a super fun story about an unexpected intruder who ruffles the fur of Miss Meow, a little girl who loves pretending to be a very territorial family pet cat. It releases next fall in 2021 with West Margin Press.

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

My best advice for aspiring author and illustrators is to remember that publishing is a long game—endurance, persistence and perseverance are the tools that will get you to where you want to go.

And always keep writing and illustrating NEW stories—don’t get stuck on one singular story and don’t be afraid of letting a story go once you’ve learned whatever it is you needed to learn from it! You are a storyteller and you have LOTS of stories inside you! 

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

Ooo!!! It’s almost too hard to choose—I have LOTS of favorites! Ha! But I think I have to go with Footloose! Followed closely by Pretty in Pink, Flashdance (which totally does not hold up! Ha!) and Quicksilver!

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Huge thank you to Jane for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your wonderful books! We so appreciate your insightful answers and advice.

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JANE SMITH is the author-illustrator of the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, published by Albert Whitman & Co. Her forthcoming picture books, HELLO NEW HOUSE (Albert Whitman & Co.) and MISS MEOW (West Margin Press) will release in fall 2020 and fall 2021 respectively. Jane earned her BFA in Illustration at the Columbus College of Art & Design before beginning her career in publishing as an art director of children’s novelty books. She currently creates artwork for a variety of publishing and art licensing clients in her Wilmington, North Carolina studio, where she lives with her graphic designer husband, super star daughter and lots and lots of bugs.

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

• Personal Website: http://www.superjane.com

• Blog: https://birdmeetsworm.blogspot.com/

 • Instagram: @superjanesmith

• Twitter: @SuperJaneArtist

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperJaneSmith/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/superjanesmith/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of HELLO, NEW HOUSE, click here.

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

Interview with Author and Illustrator Kyle Beckett

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to be sharing today’s post with you all. It’s always lovely to have another illustrator stop by Critter Lit, especially one as talented as Kyle Beckett. I was first introduced to Kyle’s work through my husband, Frank Tupta. When Frank sold his first picture book manuscript, HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE, to Two Lions, I got a sneak peek into another side of the publishing process. Even after ten years in this business, I’d never seen the author-only perspective of making a picture book.

Two Lions shared Kyle’s work with Frank, and immediately both he and I knew it was a perfect fit. We were so impressed with his color palette and knew he’d be able to pull off a book set entirely at night— which I’ll be honest, as an illustrator, intimidated me about Frank’s manuscript. Frank loves all things spooky and Halloween so who ever was going to illustrate his text needed reflect that same enthusiasm in their work, which Kyle totally did!

There are so many wonderful details Kyle added into the art of HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE that don’t exist in the text— that’s the magic of a great match between author and illustrator. They both bring something to the table to really make the whole book sing. Personally, my favorite detail is the shrunken head wind chimes…classic!

So without further ado, please welcome Kyle Beckett!

Where do you live?

I live in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. It’s about 25 minutes away from downtown Atlanta, so I just say that most of the time.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been in publishing for about three years now. After a year and half of applying all around, the Bright Agency took me on as an illustrator!

How did you first get published?

There are actually two answers here! Before I started working with Bright, I self-published a book called A Lovely Day for a Drive on Amazon. It was just something to do so that I could show people I can make a book. 

After that, I got a few books published with Bright.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I do! Or perhaps it’s best to say that I am trying too. Right now, it’s all I do for work. There are some days it seems like a mountain I’ll never be able to climb. But so far I am making it work, in no small part due to my fiancée’s support. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

It all started with an instructor I met in college; his name is Regan Dunnick. The class was called ‘Children’s Book Illustration’ and I figured it would be a fun and easy class. By the time the semester ended, though, I was full-force into picture books. While studying for the class, I remember reading the book Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen and thinking to myself, ‘yep, that’s how it’s supposed to be done.’

Beyond that, I’m inspired daily by other picture book makers. Abner Graboff, Benji Davies and Jon Klassen in particular got me into this form of storytelling. 

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

The most surprising thing for me is definitely how collaborative it can be! Before I graduated from college, I made all of my art quite personally. There were critiques and discussions in class, but for the most part I was drawing into the late hours of the night all alone by the light of a single desk lamp.

Now that I am a working professional, I’ve started working with authors and illustrators and agents and designers. It’s more than just me making these books now, and my work is all the better for it.

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

I love getting lost in research. I think my favorite part of making books is the beginning stages where there are no wrong answers and you’re just throwing everything you can possibly think of down onto the paper. It’s like being an explorer without ever leaving the house.

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

The mental side of being a storyteller is really difficult, even terrifying. There are days you get up, knowing you have to work, but not quite knowing where to start. It’s easy enough to tell yourself you’re going to write a book, but it’s another thing altogether to actually do it.

For me, that’s the most difficult thing; trying not to worry about tomorrow and focus on the task at hand today.

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

New ideas can come from anywhere. The trick, for me, is to keep your creative engine running at all times. Even in the grocery store, I might see something and make a mental note of it for later.

That being said, sometimes you need to distract yourself to ‘hit the reset button’ so to speak. To hit my reset button, I read books and I run a whole lot. Your reset button can be anything at all; meditation, TV, baking, whatever works. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Reading! I think one of the best ways to come up with ideas consistently is to be experiencing other people’s ideas as much as possible. For me, reading books does the trick. Watching a good movie will work too, but you have to be engaging with it, not just watching it to entertain yourself.

I try to think of creativity as a combination of different experiences or stories. The more you experience, the more you have to combine.

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

There are so many. The first one that comes to mind is from back when I was living in my hometown in Illinois. I had just self-published my book A Lovely Day for a Drive when my old grade school asked if I would come in and read for the kindergartners. 

I agreed, somewhat reluctantly, because I get very anxious if people are looking at me. I showed up on the day, and they took me to the gym and gave me a microphone. 

“Will I really be needing this?” I asked. “I think the kindergartners will be able to hear me just fine.”

“We want to make sure everyone can hear you,” they replied.

That was when I realized that I would be reading my book and doing a live drawing in front of the entire 300 person school.

Obviously I was nervous. But when the time came to start talking, it just happened. I read my book, did some drawings and answered a few questions. I wasn’t nervous at all. In the end, I realized that as long as I was talking about something that I truly loved, there was no reason to be scared. That’s when I knew I was on the right path.

Recommended reading?

That’s a good question! There are lots of picture books I would suggest; The Flight of Mister Finch by Thomas Baas, or Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex. If you’re into the oldies like me, I would suggest A Fresh Look at Cats by Abner Graboff.

As far as middle grade or young adult books go, I love The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (anything by Mr. Gaiman, really), and The Doctor Dolittle Series by Hugh Lofting is quite incredible.

And then there are the more adult novels and comics as well; I have been really into H.P. Lovecraft lately, as well as the Barsoom novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Headlopper by Andrew Maclean is a great comic, and so is Tale of Sand by Jim Henson and Ramón K. Pérez.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I have loved every minute of being in this industry so far, but I think the greatest experience has been seeing How to Build a Haunted House all wrapped up and bound together for the first time. It really felt great to have that story in my hands.

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

I wish I was told how much of the experience of making a book really feels strange. Most mornings it takes me an hour or so to settle down and stop asking myself, ‘wait, am I doing this right?’ 

It’s something I’ve come to accept now. If you feel like you’re doing it right, you might not be trying hard enough. It’s easy to slip into a ‘comfort zone’ when you’re working, and I wish someone had told me to keep pushing harder.

Dust Jacket from HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE written by Frank Tupta, Illustrated by Kyle Beckett

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I would love to! My newest book was written by Frank Tupta, and it’s called How to Build a Haunted House. It’s a fun, nighttime tale about some not-so-scary monsters trying to build a house for some displaced vampires. The whole thing is told with incredible rhymes that make you practically want to sing through the whole thing. 

Interior spread from HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE written by Frank Tupta, Illustrated by Kyle Beckett

My goal for this book was to have the illustrations really create a unique mood. I wanted it to feel dark and spooky but super light-hearted at the same time.

Interior spread from HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE written by Frank Tupta, Illustrated by Kyle Beckett

What’s up next for you?

I have another book coming out later this year, called The Knight Who Might by Lou Treleaven, as well as a book I wrote and illustrated called The Dog Ate My Homework that is publishing in simplified Chinese. I’m excited to see those two books in print.

Interior art from THE KNIGHT WHO MIGHT written by Lou Treleaven, illustrated by Kyle Beckett

Jacket from THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK by Kyle Beckett

Besides those books, I am working every day to write and illustrate new stories and get them published! There are loads of picture books I want to get out there, and even a middle grade book I’m trying to write.

Interior art from MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK

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

The only advice I feel qualified to give is to make sure you’re making the stories you want to make. I tell myself everyday that the stories in my head aren’t hiding anywhere else, and only I can get them out. 

Even if they aren’t perfect, keep telling stories.

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

This is Spinal Tap. No question! Without a doubt! (Don’t tell the Ghostbusters I said that)

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Huge thank you to Kyle for stopping by Critter Lit today! Needless to say, Frank and I love the illustrations you did for Frank’s text and we can’t wait to pick up your next book!

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In the third grade, KYLE BECKETT sold a drawing of a bluebird in sunglasses for a chocolate chip cookie at lunch. From that first commission, he was hooked. He knew he wanted to be an illustrator. 

He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and later moved to Sarasota, Florida, to study illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design. He previously published A Lovely Day for a Drive, which he both wrote and illustrated, and he has more books forthcoming. He currently lives in Atlanta with his fiancée, Lauren, and his dog, Goose. They spend most of their time hiding behind doors to scare each other.

Follow him on Instagram @kylebeckett

PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK To pre-order a copy of HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE or THE KNIGHT WHO MIGHT, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HOW TO BUILD A HAUNTED HOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 1st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Marsha Diane Arnold

Happy Thursday Critters! Today is our SECOND interview of the week! I’m thrilled to be sharing today’s interview with the prolific and talented Marsha Diane Arnold because I love her new book, LIGHTS OUT, AND because it happens to be illustrated by my incredibly brilliant friend and critique partner, Susan Reagan. LIGHTS OUT addresses light pollution, which is a topic I didn’t know much about and found fascinating while reading Marsha’s text. The art is stunning and I was lucky enough to see Sue working on this book from the very beginning. It’s always a magical thing to see a book created from start to finish. Marsha has an incredible list of books to her name and I’m so happy she could be with us today to share her creative process and journey in publishing.

So without further ado, please welcome Marsha Diane Arnold!

Where do you live?

Currently, I live in the sweet little “town” of Alva, Florida. My husband and I moved here six years ago from another sweet little town – Sebastopol, California. The move was a big change after living in Sebastopol 35 years, raising my children there and creating a half acre garden with heirloom roses and fruit trees. But I am grateful to be in Alva now, with nature preserves on two sides of our home, my daughter’s family close by, and my son’s family, at least, on the same coast.

I was born and raised in Kansas, lived in Northern California most of my life, and now call southwest Florida my home, so I’ve spanned the USA. My husband and I also had a casita in Costa Rica for years and loved having toucans and monkeys as neighbors.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first picture book, Heart of a Tiger, was published in 1995, but I wrote homegrown treasures, an award-winning newspaper column, for ten years prior to that. Though I always loved reading and majored in English literature in college, I didn’t start writing until I was in my thirties. It’s wonderful that you can come to writing at any time of life. It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are.

How did you first get published?

That was a long time ago to remember! First, I studied up. I joined SCBWI, started a writer’s group in Sebastopol (Luckily, there are many creative people in Sonoma County.), read everything I could find on the business and craft of writing picture books, and read hundreds of classic, current, and award-winning picture books (That was fairly easy as I had two young children during the time I was learning.) After thirteen rejections for the first manuscript I felt was worthy to submit, I found a wonderful editor at Penguin who loved my story as much as I did. 

Do you write full-time?

No. I have too many interests to write 40 to 80 hours a week and I can be terribly unfocused. However, it has been my main profession for most of my life. I was a stay-at-home mom and I loved it. During that time, I began writing my homegrown treasures column, which mainly revolved around home and family. Some said it was a bit like Erma Bombeck. One judge in the Best Local Columnist contest said, “she finds a universe in her back yard.” That’s really what I try to do with my picture books too: find a universe in my back yard.

Of course, things related to writing keep me busy, just as they do other writers. I enjoy school visits (now virtual), doing manuscript consultations https://marshadianearnold.com/manuscript-consultations, and sharing manuscripts with my two online writer’s groups.

What inspires you to create picture books?

So many things – children, nature, funny things I overhear. 

What surprised you the most working as an author? 

I don’t think there were a lot of surprises. I’d done so much homework and reading before I started submitting. I knew it would be a challenging career. But I suppose it’s always surprising how long it takes for a manuscript to find an editor and also that some of my most beloved manuscripts never find the right home.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Getting the author copies of my books in the mail. Publishers usually send ten to twenty “author copies” to an author right before launch date. It’s wonderful to see the book that may have taken you years…or decades… to write, and to start sharing it with others.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Working from home is such a blessing, but it’s also a challenge. There are always things that draw me away from my writing studio.

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

I am rusty most of the time. Ha. I get new ideas often, sometimes too often. I also have files and notebooks full of old ideas, some of them still wanting to be published. The hard part, of course, is to take an idea and craft it, with artistic flair, into a fabulous story that others will want to read, over and over again.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I am one of those people who stop in the middle of something to follow another course. I’m often distracted, always curious about something new. The only thing that is habitual is sitting myself down in a chair and starting to write. That’s the only thing that works. 

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

There have been so many wonderful experiences, at conferences and literature festivals. 

Often the positive experiences happen at school visits – the enthusiasm and interest of the students, the art and writing projects they do before and after my visits. That all happens because the educators have first shown enthusiasm and interest in my books. I’m so grateful to them.

One of the most delightful experiences I’ve had happened at Jane Yolen’s and Heidi Stemple’s very first Picture Book Boot Camp. It was held in Jane’s home and I stayed in the Aerie (the attic) where Jane used to do most of her writing, surrounded by her awards and books. You can read more about it here: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/blogonauts/a-weekend-with-a-legend-by-marsha-diane-arnold

Recommended reading? 

Sheila Turnage’s middle grade books are so well written and such fun. You will fall in love with Miss Moses LoBeau and the other characters in the Mo & Dale Mysteries. I love all or Sheila’s books, but Three Times Lucky is my favorite.

For picture books, Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings is one of my current favorites. I have loved A Sick Day for Amos McGee for a long time; Philip Stead is a treasure.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

So many wonderful things. 

I’ve been extremely lucky to work with some of the best editors and illustrators in the business. My book Lost. Found.’s editor was the famous Neal Porter and the illustrator is Matthew Cordell, who later won the Caldecott Medal.

I’d also had a dream to one day work with the lovely and kind Kate O’Sullivan and have Renata Liwska illustrate one of my books. What a delight to have that dream come true in one book: Waiting for Snow.

Two more highlights have to do with honors, one from early in my career and a more recent one. 

When Heart of a Tiger won the Ridgway award for Best First Book by a New Author, my editor told me it was a “sweet little award,” but it meant the world to me. A ceremony was held in New York City and Penguin paid my expenses to come from California. My husband came along to celebrate. I always say it’s an award you only get one chance at; I was blessed that Heart of a Tiger won.

Recently, my bilingual Galápagos Girl, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, was chosen as the 2020 Little Read Lakeshore book in Michigan. This community read involves over 25 elementary and pre-schools, 13 libraries, and 4 plus non-profit organizations. I’m delighted so many will be enjoying my book. Sadly, I won’t be able to travel to Michigan during these times, but we are going to do some fabulously fun visits virtually.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I’d love to! I’m passionate about the subject of Lights Out - light pollution – and I adore Susan Reagan’s spectacular illustrations, which show the play between light and dark so brilliantly.

In a world filled with 

“House lights 

Car lights 

Truck lights 

Streetlights,” 

Interior art from LIGHTS OUT written by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Susan Reagan

Fox and Firefly begin their search for the Dark of Night. Along their journey, across the wide, wide world, they encounter other distressed animals affected by too many artificial lights. Eventually the group comes to a seashore where baby turtles are hatching. Disoriented by the land lights, they need help to find their way into the ocean. The little group guides them into the water, swimming onward, until…well, you’ll have to see. Because at the end you will see true light in the middle of darkness. 

“Great Bear, Little 

Comet play 

Dancing moonbeams 

Milky Way”

Interior art from LIGHTS OUT written by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Susan Reagan

As a child, I lived surrounded by Kansas farmland, far from city lights. I remember crawling out the second story window of my home and sitting on the roof for hours, enchanted by the constellations. My father also loved the night sky. Years after his farming work was done, he saved his money to buy a telescope and enjoyed sharing the wonders of the night with neighbors.

Today, we see less than 1 percent of the night sky compared with people of the 1600s. As Henry Beston said in Night on the Great Beach, “With lights and ever more lights, we drive the holiness and beauty of night back to the forests and the sea.” I am grateful for those who are working to reveal the night skies to the world. I look forward to finding ways to work with the International Dark Sky Association, that works to protect and restore the night sky for present and future generations.  As the Lights Out book flap says, “In a world marred by light pollution, this quest for true darkness is a clarion call to turn out the lights—so that all may see.”

Interior art from LIGHTS OUT written by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Susan Reagan

What’s up next for you?

I have another book coming out, hopefully in 2022, but it hasn’t been announced yet. So, mum’s the word.

My wonderful agent is always sending out my manuscripts, which we love, but which we can’t always find an editor for. Yes, I still get many rejections. But I keep writing. The stories I’m working on now include one about a lizard, a train, and another about a smiling monster.

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

There is so much available online, much of it free, to help you with your writing craft. So, Google, join Facebook writing groups, and connect with others to find information.

When I talk with children and adults about writing, I often mention the three P’s – Patience, Perseverance, and Practice. All are vital for a writer. Another thing to strive for is to not be envious and jealous of other’s success. I’m still working on this one. But remember, only you can write your stories. Focus on your unique stories and write them the best that you can.

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

You’ve probably noticed I can’t just pick one. Moonstruck, Field of Dreams, E.T.

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Huge thank you to Marsha for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for LIGHTS OUT and can’t wait to see what comes next!

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Called a “born storyteller” by the media, MARSHA DIANE ARNOLD is a multi-award winning picture book author with over one million books sold. Her books have garnered honors such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Roar of a Snore), Smithsonian Notable (The Pumpkin Runner), and the bilingual Galápagos Girl being chosen as Michigan’s Little Read Lakeshore community read for 2020. Marsha shares her love of story through school visits (virtual now), manuscript consultations, her Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-course (https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-character-driven-stories.html), and reading to her grandchildren. Past joys, that she doesn’t do quite as much anymore, include camping at 10,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada and scuba diving to 140 feet in the Blue Hole. Life has its ups and downs! Current joys are family, books, and nature.

WANT TO KNOW MORE about Marsha Diane Arnold and her books, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marshadianearnold

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marshadianearnoldauthor/

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Marsha’s new picture book, LIGHTS OUT, illustrated by Susan Reagan, click here.

TEACHER’S GUIDE Lights Out: Activities for Educators & Readers

Download the Entire Kit: https://bit.ly/LOActivities

-or-

View a Menu of Individual Activity Downloads: https://bit.ly/LOKitIntro

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

Interview with Author Glenys Nellist

Happy Thursday Critters! Here at Critter Lit our goal is to share interviews with authors and illustrators representative of all picture book genres in publishing. Today’s interview is with an author who has published over 20 books in the Christian market in just six years! Originally this interview was supposed to run back in February when today’s author released her newest book, but we rescheduled to June. Her latest book is titled, LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, illustrated by Sally Garland, and I can’t think of a more fitting title with everything that is going on in the world right now.

I’m thrilled to share her work with you today so without further ado, please welcome picture book author Glenys Nellist!

Where do you live?

I was born and raised in England, but for the past 20 years I've been living in Michigan, the Great Lakes State.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Six. My first book was published in 2014.

How did you first get published?

In 2011 I attended a Writers' Conference, where I pitched my first book proposal and manuscript to an editor. I waited a whole year before the publisher offered me a contract, and then another two years before the book was published. But the wait was worth it, because that book turned into a series.

Do you write full-time?

Yes. In addition to writing children's books, I also offer editing services to aspiring children's authors.

What inspires you to create picture books?

As a former elementary school teacher, I have always loved picture books and their ability to transport readers, of any age, to another time and place. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

As an author, I'm constantly surprised by, and enthralled with, the creative process and where it takes me. So often, I find myself reading something I've written and being amazed at where the words came from.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favorite thing has to be holding one of my books in my hands for the first time. It's like examining your brand-new baby from head to toe and marveling at every precious, minute detail.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

For me, edits are always hard. It's not easy to change or erase words you worked hard to create! But I have learned to trust my editors, and now it helps me to view editing as the haircut you never wanted. You don't like it at first, but after a week or so, you realize how much you needed it, and how much better it makes you look and feel.

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

When I get stuck in a rut, I try to go for a long walk! I love the great outdoors and find creative energy there.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

As a Christian writer, it's my habit to pause and pray before beginning any new project, or when I'm stuck in the middle of one.

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

I have found that authors in the Kidlit community really support each other and cheer each other on. I have the privilege of meeting a few times a year with three other Beaming Books authors and I love the creative energy and support that ensues from our conversations.To share publishing joys and frustrations with like-minded colleagues is a truly wonderful thing.

Recommended reading?

Anything by the wonderful Sally Lloyd-Jones, who writes for both the secular and Christian markets. She has a great sense of humor that shines through her writing. Her Jesus Storybook Bible is what inspired me to write. Also, I would recommend anything by the indomitable Roald Dahl. His work is not always politically correct, but as a Brit my family were raised reading his hilarious and fabulously penned tales, such as Fantastic Mr Fox, George's Marvelous Medicine and The Twits; along with perennial favorites like The BFG, The Witches and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The highlight of my career has to be publishing twenty books in the space of six years. That is incredible to me.

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

I wish I had known how wonderful a launch team is! It seems ridiculous, but this is something I only recently discovered. Even though my newest book, Little Mole Finds Hope, is my 20th published title, it was only for this book that I assembled my first, official launch team. For my previous titles, I always had the help of influencers, endorsers and bloggers, but assembling an official 'team' where members have expectations, and where they all work together to create momentum around release day really did help to launch the book. I'll never publish another book without the help of a launch team!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Little Mole Finds Hope, published by Beaming Books, tells the story of a little mole who is feeling sad in his dark, underground home. Mama takes him on a journey to find hope and together, they find it, even when it’s hiding in the darkest place. This new picture book, written for children 3-6, has a spring theme and includes tips for parents to help a child who is feeling sad.

Interior spread from LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, written by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland

What’s up next for you?

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, which has a kindness/Christmas theme. Little Mole's Little Gift will be published in October this year, and in 2021 I'll have three new books published with Zonderkidz, so that's exciting!

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

When I was writing my first book (Love Letters from God) I became discouraged and gave up half-way though. I put the manuscript on the shelf, where it sat for over a year. If it hadn't been for my husband, who encouraged me, I would never have picked it up and finished it. And without that first book, I would never have written twenty more. I often think about all those half-written manuscripts, lying on dusty shelves in hope-robbed rooms. So, my advice to all aspiring authors would be.. don't give up!

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

My four children were all born in the 1980’s! When they were a little older, we had fun watching Ghostbusters, ET, and Back to the Future, with Marty McFly and Doc Brown!

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Thank you Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on all your publishing success!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of multiple 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 any of Glenys Nellist’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 11th! US addresses only please.