Interview with Author Susan Lendroth

February 24, 2022Authors, InterviewsLindsay Ward11 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Susan Lendroth, whose newest book, PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, illustrated by Olivia Feng, just released this month with Yeehoo Press! I adore the cover of this book— it makes me want to snuggle up and read. I’m thrilled to have Susan with us today to share her road to publication, process, and Piper!

So without further ado, please welcome Susan Lendroth!

Where do you live?

Southern California.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first picture book came out in 2005, so 16 years from that date or 19 years if you count from when I began writing PB in 2002.

How did you first get published?

I sold a book on my own to Tricycle Press, which was an imprint of Tenspeed. It no longer exists because Tenspeed was acquired by Random House, but there are other smaller presses out there who give unagented authors a chance.

Do you write full-time?

No, with a book released every couple of years, I also work full time for the Los Angeles Public Library.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love the final product! I love trying to find the essence of a story and editing away the extraneous bits. Even if it's not in verse (which I have a terrible tendency to write), a PB is very much like a poem, sparing of words, but often rich in feelings. Plus, an artist draws picture for it, which is the icing on the cake for me.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Until you try writing story arcs that conclude in a few hundred words, you do not realize how tough a challenge it can be.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

From my standpoint as an author, one of my favorite aspects is seeing for the first time how the illustrator envisions the story.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

That only a few stories I have written will enter the publishing chrysalis and emerge as that winged wonder we call a book. Many manuscripts never find the right publishing home.

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

Every time I think of an idea -- even if it is only the smallest wisp of one -- I whip out my phone and email it to myself. Those ideas now comprise a very long potential story list. And if I look at that list, and none of those ideas feel ready to germinate, I sometimes just let my mind dance all over the place to see if there is some other idea ready to surface that feels like the right match for the moment.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Editing. And editing again. And again. And again. That may sound counterintuitive, since we associate creativity with the juices flowing and editing as snipping and paring. But editing, really strong editing, burnishes the story so that the imagination and creativity shine through.

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

I have spent half my career submitting on my own and half with an agent. When submitting on my own, some kind editors still read my unagented work even when their publishing house policy stated no unsolicited manuscripts.

Recommended reading?

Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls. Beautiful PB with amazing illustrations by David Litchfield. When I read what they created, I feel more creative myself.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I'm glad you added the words "thus far" as I like to think there are highlights (plural) still to come. But I did find it exciting when my book HEY HO, TO MARS WE'LL GO was read by an astronaut on the International Space Station for Story Time from Space.

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

Enjoy your moments, whatever they are, such as seeing your book in a bookstore for the first time or having someone ask you to sign a copy. Don't compare your success to the greater fanfare you think someone else is receiving. Enjoy YOUR moments!!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, illustrated by Olivia Feng, is about a little girl named Piper whose constant companion for years is her favorite purple sweater. Piper finds it in a box of hand-me-downs at age 2, and simply falls in love, saying "purpa" because she can't yet pronounce the word "purple." Knowing how attached my own kid was to her lovey, I found the humor in Piper's determination to hold fast to a sweater that has become far more than a piece of clothing. But inevitably the day comes when Purpa no longer fits, and Piper must find a way to let go while still holding on to an old friend.

What’s up next for you?

I hope that I will have news to share in the near future about a new project.

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

Study the craft and you will be far ahead of the curve with your submissions. Join the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to read what they have to offer and attend some of their events. Subscribe to Publishers Weekly's free children's newsletter to see what titles editors are buying RIGHT NOW (not 20 years ago) and to read articles about the industry. Study interviews with editors and agents and authors -- like this one! And, of course, read recent picture books. Read them at the library, and buy a few you find inspiring. Not only will you be supporting the children's writing community -- and your local bookstore -- but you will also always have on hand books you admire to spark your own creativity. And, finally, learn what to say and what NOT to say in a cover letter.

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

"Star Trek IV" when Kirk and crew go back in time (coincidentally to the 1980s) to save humpback whales and Earth's future. It is a funny, funny movie, so even if you are not a Star Trek fan -- though how could you not be?! -- it's an enjoyable romp.

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

Susan Lendroth’s picture books range from science to history to children finding their place in the world because she loves science and history and is still finding her own place in the world! She has nine published PB with her most recent, PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER!, inspired by her kid's childhood love of purple. Susan works for the Los Angeles Public Library and devotes her spare time to a needy cat named Kitten.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, follow Susan on social media:

facebook/susanlendroth

Instagram: @susanlendroth

BUY THIS BOOK To order PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, click here.

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

Interview with Author and Illustrator Carolina Farías

February 17, 2022Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

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

So without further ado, please welcome Carolina Farías!

Where do you live?

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

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

How did you first get published?

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

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instagram: instagram.com/fariasillos

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

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

Interview with Author Rosie J. Pova and Illustrator Monika Filipina

February 10, 2022Authors, Illustrators, InterviewsLindsay Ward5 Comments

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

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

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

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

Where do you live?

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

MONIKA: I live in Torun, Poland.

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

MONIKA: About 10 years.

How did you first get published?

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

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

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

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

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

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

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

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

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

... and so many more!

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROSIE: Dirty Dancing.

MONIKA: INDIANA JONES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or follow her on social media:

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

https://www.facebook.com/MonikaFilipinaIllustration

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

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

Interview with Debut Author Anitra Rowe Schulte

December 2, 2021Authors, debut interview, publishing, InterviewsLindsay Ward6 Comments

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

So without further ado, please welcome Anitra Rowe Schulte!

Where do you live?

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

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

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

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

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

Can you share a bit about your process?

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

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

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

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

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

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

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

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

Dream project to work on?

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

Tell us about your debut book.

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @anitraschulte

Instagram: @anitraroweschulte

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

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

Interview with Author + Illustrator David Catrow

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

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

So without further ado, please welcome David Catrow!

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sorry, what the question again?)

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

Recommended reading?

Everything and anything.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turner and Hooch.

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

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

Or follow him on social media:

@DavidCatrow (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

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

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

Interview with Author and Illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger

October 28, 2021Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented, two-time Caldecott honor winning Laura Vaccaro Seeger! I’m such a huge fan of her books and she has had an amazing career in publishing— I’m so thrilled she can be here with us today!

So without further ado, please welcome Laura Vaccaro Seeger!

Where do you live?

My husband and I have a home in Rockville Centre, Long Island, and an apartment in Manhattan, New York.

How many years have you been in publishing?

20.

How did you first get published?

I was extremely fortunate to have met Neal Porter - my editor and publishing soulmate - almost immediately after I began looking for a publisher. He’s been my editor for every one of my books - we're now working on my 21st book together. It’s kind of a long story, actually. You can read more about it here: https://studiolvs.com/educators-kids/2017/7

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Everything! But I am mostly inspired by the human condition. While my books are quite varied, I think they are all, at their core, about empathy, love, and friendship.

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

Hmm. That’s a tough question! I suppose what has surprised me most is the tendency in publishing for people to consider each other family. There is a real sense of sincere friendship that I find totally endearing.

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

Now, that’s an easy one to answer. I love that each book is a completely new blank canvas. I enjoy the process of making picture books and feel lucky that Neal and I work together so organically. I am fortunate to be able to both write and create art, and I love it that I can work at the beach, at home, anywhere! And mostly, it’s so rewarding to know that my books are (hopefully) enjoyed by children of all ages.

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

I find it challenging to adhere to a schedule, which is probably a common problem for most people who work at home. There are so many distractions, so discipline is a must. And even more difficult is the inevitable encounter with writer’s block!

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

I go for a long run at the beach.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Not really. It truly is an organic process.

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

My favorite and repeated experiences are when I get to hang out with other authors at literature conferences and festivals. We always have so much fun together and I’ve made so many wonderful author friends over the years. One memory that really stands out is when Kadir Nelson, Chris Crutcher, and I were in Singapore together. One night after dinner, we decided to go carpet shopping. After an amazing and hilarious haggle session with the shop owner, we got great deals on a couple of carpets and then proceeded to carry them around the city in the rain while we (unsuccessfully) tried to hail a taxi. We laughed so hard that night and we all still talk about it.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Interacting with children is always a joy. It’s such a privilege to be able to create for and present to them. And I must admit that recognition from librarians, teachers, and publishing professionals means so much to me. We artists/writers can be very hard on ourselves, so it’s reassuring when our books win awards and receive starred reviews. But the highlight of all highlights were the two Caldecott Honors, for sure!!

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

I’m not sure what I wish someone had told me, but I’m thankful for the advice an author friend gave me when I was working on my first book - he said the most important thing is to find my voice.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

RED will be released in a few weeks, and I’m very excited about it. It was inspired by all the division in our society, particularly the last few years. The book explores the many shades of the color red, but more importantly, it’s about red in terms of anger, conflict, rage, empathy, and love.

*Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books*

What’s up next for you?

Right now I’m working on a book called I’M NOT LOST.

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

It’s really important, when trying to find a publisher, to find one that publishes books like yours. Many authors spend years getting rejections because they’ve not found the right match for their work.

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

When Harry Met Sally.

Huge thank you to Laura for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so lookiing forward to RED! Congrats on your stunning collection of books!

Laura Vaccaro Seeger is the author and illustrator of nearly two dozen acclaimed picture books, including Why?, the recipient of four starred reviews, and the popular Dog and Bear series, the first of which won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. She has been awarded a Caldecott Honor twice, for First the Egg and again for Green, and a Geisel Honor twice, for First the Egg and One Boy. Blue, her companion to this book and Green, received four starred reviews. Red is the final book in her color trilogy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Laura, visit her online: studiolvs.com

Or follow her on social media:

@lauravseeger (Twitter)

@LauraVaccaroSeeger (Facebook)

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of RED?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 4th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Julie Murphy

October 22, 2021Authors, Vet Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Friday Critters! I know— it’s Friday not Thursday but we are here! And this week has been crazy! So although this post is a day later than our normal posting, today we have a fabulous interview with Julie Murphy, a trained zoologist and zookeeper turned author! I’m such a huge fan of books that focus on fascinating facts about animals and nature— my boys pour over books like Julie’s. I’m so happy Julie is with us today, all the way from Australia, to talk about her books (19 and counting!), road to publication, and experience in the publishing industry.

So without further ado, please welcome Julie Murphy!

Where do you live?

I live in Melbourne, Australia

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book was published in 2008. That’s also when I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

How did you first get published?

I had been writing and submitting picture book manuscripts for a couple of years, and receiving quite positive feedback but no offers to publish. Around 2007, I decided to approach education publishers for prospective work-for-hire, using my science background as a selling point to try and get my foot in the door.

After hearing about a new local packager (a company that makes books to sell on to publishers) during a writing course I was attending, I wrote to them and crossed my fingers. I was fortunate to hear back within the week! By chance, one of their writers had just pulled out of a project at short notice, and they needed someone to step in right away. I was given the task of researching and writing a children’s non-fiction book (about nutrition!) in six weeks. Luckily, my science background trained me in how to effectively research scientific literature, which was very useful in meeting the strict deadline.

For anyone who doesn’t know, work-for-hire involves writing a book according to a specific brief provided by the packager or publisher. So, in this case, although the idea for the book wasn’t mine, the research and writing certainly was, and I was the attributed author.

This first book led to others, which allowed me to build a list of publications that led to finding work-for-hire with other publishers. That led to eventually getting my own manuscripts published.

Do you write full-time?

No. Besides not earning enough from my writing, I learnt through the recent Covid lockdown that writing full-time would drive me crazy. I am happy writing part-time, and working part-time as an Education Officer who leads junior school groups through education programs at an urban farm. I find the mix of solitary writing and in-person teaching the perfect balance.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I am most inspired to write picture books about animals and nature because that’s what I am most passionate about. I am fortunate that the city where I live, Melbourne, has forests and beaches within a few hours’ drive. I love walking in nature, and find it an important way to stay centered in a hectic world.

Working in a big city, I meet many kids who lack a connection to nature. I aim through my books to inspire children to seek out nature for themselves, for their own physical and mental wellbeing.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I think the fact that I never feel like a “real” author. “Imposter syndrome” sets in quite regularly, but in some ways it’s useful because I’m always learning and trying to write the best book I can.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the freedom the lifestyle fosters - that a walk in the park might lead to a new story; that my job is to be curious like a child, to play with words, and to turn a thought into something fun, uplifting, important or even profound that can be shared with children.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

It’s often difficult to work out that special hook that will bring a fresh approach to a well-known topic, to give an edge over existing books in the market about that topic.

Finding the right hook requires patience and persistence. (It needs a new angle, but not too new or publishers will run a mile.)

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

I leave my computer and do something different – walk my dog, visit a friend, do some gardening, watch a movie or documentary, or go out into nature. Once I stop thinking about my writing, that’s often when new ideas or a fresh approach come along.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

That’s an interesting question, which seems a bit paradoxical at first because I believe that creative ideas cannot be planned or forced. But you are right! Once I’ve got the idea or spark, I need to habitually sit at the computer to get the hard work done - writing the manuscript.

My daily routine is to check emails and social media first (for no more than half an hour) before then starting work on a manuscript. This seems to get me into the right frame of mind to do the work.

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

The Kid Lit community is awesome! Your invitation to talk with you on the CritterLit blog is a wonderful example of the support and sharing that goes on. Thank you for having me here!

I must say that it took me a while to establish connections in the Kid Lit community because I’m basically an introvert. It’s easier for me to write a few sentences on Twitter than to talk person to person. However, my local SCBWI meetings were worth the initial awkwardness I felt at not knowing anyone. Through those meetings, I have found a tribe of like-minded, supportive friends and colleagues who attend each other’s’ book launches and help to spread the word of our new releases on social media.

Recommended reading?

For me, lots of picture books - fiction and non-fiction. You never know where the next idea will spring from, and it’s a great way to keep up with what’s being published, by which publishers, and to work out what (I think) works in a book and what doesn’t.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

While every step in my career has been exciting and beyond what I ever expected, the highlight is always the release of my NEXT book.

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

Looking back, I think it may have been useful to have been forewarned how looooooong things take to happen in publishing. Persistence is truly as important as doing the writing.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

ODD BODS: The World’s Unusual Animals is a non-fiction picture book (with photos instead of illustrations) about how animals that look different from the norm are just as great at surviving as familiar-looking animals. ODD BODS was released in March this year through Lerner Publishing Group (Millbrook Press). It’s aimed at children K-3.

Here’s the blurb:

Long snouts, bright-red lips, pointy heads,,,the animal kingdom is full of critters with unique features. Learn about the incredible adaptations that help these creatures – and their odd bods – survive and thrive around the globe.

What’s up next for you?

I’m expecting the release of MOUNTAIN PYGMY-POSSUM: A Tiny Survivor through CSIRO Publishing (Australia) in October 2021, covid permitting. It is a narrative non-fiction picture book about a year-in-the-life of the endangered (and ultra-cute) Mountain Pygmy-possum, which is a native Australian animal that lives in only one tiny region in Australia’s highlands. And this book’s illustrations are beautiful!

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

While it’s important to attend training and information courses to hone your skills, and to get critique feedback on your manuscripts from colleagues, it’s also good to trust in yourself. With the wealth of information out there, you’re bound to discover conflicting information and suggestions that contradict each other, or which don’t suit your way of working. That’s okay. Don’t force these opinions onto yourself – follow your gut. Because if you’re in it for the long haul, you HAVE to enjoy the ride!

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

The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

In 1977, Star Wars rocked my world. (Yes, I was a kid then.) But then the three-year wait for its sequel (Empire) was excruciating. Fortunately, the wait was worth it. Empire was one of those rarities – a sequel that was even better than its predecessor.

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

JULIE MURPHY was trained as a zoologist and zookeeper, and has been writing fiction and non-fiction books for around two decades. Her 19 picture books and information books about animals and nature have been published by Trade and Education publishers in the USA and Australia (where she lives). Several books have won or been short-listed for major awards, including the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Julie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and volunteer as a reviewer for the CBCA’s Reading Time, www.readingtime.com.au.

Julie writes books to inspire young readers to become lifelong readers and conservation stewards. She hopes to encourage kids to be more curious about nature and to become motivated to experience the natural world for themselves - even a park or back yard will do!

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Julie, visit her online: www.juliemurphybooks.com

Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliekidsbooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/157536.Julie_Murphy

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

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of ODD BODS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 28th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author and Illustrator Rachel Isadora

October 14, 2021Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward4 Comments

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*

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…..

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

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

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

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

So without further ado, please welcome Tina Athaide!

Where do you live

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

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything you can't live without while you write?

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

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

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

Dream project to work on?

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

Tell us about your debut book?

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

What's up next for you?

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

My favorite 80s movie.

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

Tell us about your debut picture book?

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

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

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

What's up next for you?

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

My favorite 80s movie.

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.

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

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

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

Website: tinaathaide.com

Twitter: @tathaide

Instagram: tinaathaide

Facebook: tinaathaide

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

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

Interview with Author Candy Wellins | Part 2

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

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

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

It’s great to have you back!

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

Tell us about your latest book.

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

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

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

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

What do you find inspiring right now?

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

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

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Illustrator Rachel Sanson

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

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

So without further ado, please welcome Rachel Sanson!

Screen Shot 2021-08-18 at 8.09.31 PM.png

Where do you live?

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

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What surprised you the most working as an illustrator?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an illustrator?

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

What do you find difficult working as an illustrator?

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

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

Recommended reading?

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Tell us about your newest book.

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

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

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

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

What’s up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or follow her on social media:

Instagram @Rachelsansonillustration

Twitter @rachel_sanson

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

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

Interview with Author Ellen Leventhal

July 29, 2021Authors, InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

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

So without further ado, please welcome Ellen Leventhal!

Where do you live?

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

I live in Houston, TX.

How many years have you been in publishing?

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

How did you first get published?

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

What inspires you to create picture books?

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

What surprised you the most working as an author?

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

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

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

What do you find difficult working as an author?

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

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

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

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

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

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

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

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

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

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

Can you tell us about your newest book?

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

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

What's up next for you?

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

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

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

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

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

And last but not least, favorite 80s movie?

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Emma Reynolds

July 22, 2021Authors + Illustrators, debut interview, InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author and illustrator Emma Reynolds, whose debut picture book, AMARA AND THE BATS just released with Atheneum Books for Young Readers. I’m such a fan of this book, and connected with it immediately. When my now six-year-old was a baby, he loved to watch the bats at the zoo— he would sit in the stroller staring up at them, fascinated. Now we have bats that live around us, and every once and while I catch him staring up just like he used to as a baby. Emma’s book is a wonderful story about activism, climate change, and how kids can make a difference in their own communities. There are also fun bat facts woven throughout the story too! I’m thrilled to have Emma with us today to chat about her new book, road to publication, and advice for up and coming authors and illustrators.

So without further ado, please welcome Emma Reynolds!

Where do you live?

Manchester UK!

How many years have you been in publishing?

I signed with my agent Thao Le in August 2018, and my first illustrated book came out in June 2020. My author-illustrator debut ‘Amara and the Bats’ is out now in July 2021! So about 3 years in total.

How did you first get published?

I got my first book deal as an illustrator shortly after signing with my agent, as Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster had seen the announcement and my illustrations suited a book project.

‘Amara and the Bats’ began as a dummy book that I made when I was applying to agents, and was actually why my agent signed me. We then worked on the book some more, and pitched to publishers, and we announced the book deal with editor Julia McCarthy at Atheneum Simon & Schuster in May 2019!

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, and I currently also teach illustration one day a week at a university.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I absolutely love the format! For me they are the perfect balance of words and images, and I love how powerful picture books are, as humans first experiences of stories. They can change lives.

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

I used to work as a character designer for kid’s TV, and it was a very fast paced job. With publishing, I found the phrase ‘hurry up and wait’ to be true! It was a huge shock to me that a three week plus wait for the next round of feedback was normal, when I had been used to much quicker turnarounds. And then when final art is signed off it’s go go go! I am (almost haha) used to it now, but that was the hardest adjustment for me.

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

I love love love telling my own stories! I am so excited that I get to craft a whole world, it is an amazing experience and job to have and I am so happy I get to do this.

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

Live life! After a big project and a busy period, it’s good to take a break and live life, see friends, absorb some new experiences and remain curious. This is when I naturally find that I’m in a place for new ideas. It’s important to remember to take time off as a freelancer, or you’ll find yourself just working constantly, and that isn’t healthy or conducive to inspiration long term.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I listen to the same music a lot. There are particular mixes I listen to a lot on YouTube, and I have listened to them so much there are no surprises that make me jump, so I can hyper focus and stay in the zone with them on.

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

Yeah for sure – I met some absolutely lovely author-illustrators who are also repped by my agent, and we have become close friends. Having people in the industry to talk to, bounce ideas off and ask questions is so important, and I’m so grateful for this – they are my rocks!

Recommended reading?

Ooo so many! I recently really loved picture book ‘What Will You Be?’ written by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Kate Alizadeh. And for 16+ readers I love graphic novel ‘Woman World’ by Aminder Dhaliwal.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Honestly, being able to make my dream book – ‘Amara and the Bats’, I have dreamed of making my own books since I was 5 years old, so 28 years later it is a reality and I am just so grateful and happy! Amara is my whole heart, and it was selected as a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection which is a huge honour and I am so proud of this.

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

Ooo definitely related to what I’ve said above – that long waits for feedback are normal, and to make sure to take down time, because you’ll need it! And, protect your weekends.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

'Amara and the Bats' is about a little girl who loves bats and is sad when she moves to a new town and finds out that the bats no longer live there due to losing their habitat. She is inspired by real life youth climate activists to take action, and rallies her friends to save the bats! It is all about bat conservation and rewilding, showing how amazing bats are, and giving hope for the next generation struggling with climate anxiety. Bat facts are weaved in throughout, and there are practical steps to take action to help bats and useful links in the back too.

*Interior art from AMARA AND THE BATS by Emma Reynolds, Atheneum Books for Young Readers*

What’s up next for you?

Since the beginning of this year I’ve been working on my next book. We got the offer a year ago but we haven’t announced it yet, and I can’t wait to be able to share more about it soon! Hint – fans of the themes in Amara will enjoy this too.

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

Make the art of your dream project that you want to be hired for, and post it online and send it to clients and agents you want to work with! Manifest :D That is exactly what I did with ‘Amara and the Bats’, and it worked!

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

PREDATOR!

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

EMMA REYNOLDS is an illustrator and author based in Manchester, UK. Amara and the Bats is her author-illustrator debut. Passionate about storytelling and creating unique characters, Emma has been dreaming of making her own books since she was five. Emma started the #KidLit4Climate illustrated campaign, bringing together thousands of children’s illustrators and authors from more than fifty countries in solidarity with the youth climate strikes. She is inspired by nature, animals, adventure, and seeing the magic in the everyday.

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

http://www.twitter.com/emmaillustrate

http://www.instagram.com/emmaillustrate

Amara and the Bats is out now in the US and UK editions, order worldwide here:

emmareynoldsillustration.com/amaraandthebats

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of AMARA AND THE BATS, click here.

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

Interview with Debut Author Kristy Everington

July 8, 2021Authors, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author whose book ISOBEL ADDS IT UP, illustrated by AG Ford, just released this past June with Random House Studio. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her debut, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Kristy Everington!

Where do you live?

I’m from Perth, Australia, and now live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a beautiful area – I enjoy all of the local wildlife, especially the tiny baby deer right now! And we have a neighborhood owl, Howard.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I discovered picture books when I was studying for my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I came into the program writing young adult fiction and hadn’t even really read any picture books! In my first semester, I had Kathi Appelt as my advisor, and thought it would be a waste not to try picture books with a picture book master!

I invested my time in reading and writing picture books, and fell in love! There’s so much to love in the picture book space – the brevity of the stories, the interplay between the text and art, the humor, the heart. I’ve learned a lot of things I didn’t know from reading non-fiction picture books too – I firmly believe picture books aren’t just for children!

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

After I finished studying, I started going to conferences and learning more about the business side of writing. I spent a lot of time researching agents and how to go about querying them. I started querying with other picture books first and then moved onto Isobel Adds It Up. It was one of the very first picture books I had written, but it went through a lot of revisions before I started querying it!

I had just revised it at the Big Sur Writing Workshop when I sent the first query for that manuscript to my now-agent, Jordan Hamessley. It was the first manuscript we put on submission to editors. It went through some more revisions before selling. It sounds simple when you summarize it, but it all took a lot of time and there was definitely a lot of angst involved!

Can you share a bit about your process?

I write picture books by hand first. I like to write with a pencil rather than a pen – there’s something freeing about the pencil not being permanent and having the ability to erase what I’ve written! I often think of titles first. It usually doesn’t take very long to write a first draft, but then it can take some time to hone the story.

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

I go for daily walks around the neighborhood, and there’s always lots of things to see and think about. Ideas come from everywhere, so just paying attention to news stories, pop culture, and regular happenings in life gives me ideas. My cats alone give me lots of inspiration for stories!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I like to light a candle and have a cup of tea. My favorite writing tea is white tea with pomegranate, but it’s been discontinued and my supply is dwindling so I need to find a replacement!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! Some of my favorites are Oliver Jeffers, Carolyn Crimi, Jon Klassen, Sophie Blackall, Sean Ferrell, and Mac Barnett.

Dream project to work on?

One of the very first picture books I wrote was based on my cats when they were kittens called Chicken Face and Lily, and I have dreams of that being made into a picture book series and maybe even a TV show! I would never get sick of writing about their adventures.

Tell us about your debut book.

Isobel Adds It Up, illustrated by the talented A.G. Ford, is about a girl who loves math, but she is interrupted by the ruckus caused by her mysterious new neighbors. The inspiration came from my own noisy neighbors, which is something I think a lot of people can relate to after spending the last year at home!

*Interior art from ISOBEL ADDS IT UP by Kristy Everington, illustrated by AG Ford with Random House Studio*

What’s up next for you?

I’m working on a few picture book ideas – mostly funny ones with animals.

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

Ooh, it’s a toss up between Dirty Dancing and The Lost Boys, but I will have to say Dirty Dancing. My friends and I were all obsessed with it when it first came out. I even saw Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights at the cinema when it came out. My friend who I saw it with swore me to secrecy because she was embarrassed (sorry, Al)!

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

Originally from Perth, Australia, KRISTY EVERINGTON now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and quite a lot of cats. She enjoys exploring the California coastline and visiting as many lighthouses as she can. Kristy holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kristy online: https://www.kristyeverington.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmeverington

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

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy ISOBEL ADDS IT UP, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of ISOBEL ADDS IT UP?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 15th. US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Anna Lazowski

July 1, 2021debut interview, Interviews, AuthorsLindsay Ward5 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Can you believe it’s July already?!! I’m so excited about today’s interview because our author’s debut picture book is one that I’ve been waiting to come out for some time. I love the hook, concept, art, and humor! This book has it all! I’m thrilled to have her with us today and can’t wait for you to hear all about her hilarious new picture book, T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES, illustrated by Steph Laberis.

So without further ado, please welcome Anna Lazowski!

Where do you live?

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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

I think I always knew in the back of my mind I wanted to write, and I've always loved picture books. A well-executed picture book is such an incredible thing, they seem so deceptively simple to write but are actually anything but. They have to be entertaining, and be something kids and adults want to go back to. They have to communicate complex subject matter in simple, elegant ways. Some of my favourite books ever are picture books so I guess it makes sense I began my career as a writer trying to capture that magic.

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

It's one of those fairytale stories that's actually hard to believe. I participated in a Twitter pitch contest, #PBPitch, in June 2019, with a pitch I'd used before with no success. But during that event it got one like. Just one. That like happened to come from Frances Gilbert, an editor at Doubleday. I sent the manuscript off to her and prepared for a long wait. Then an email came back from her an hour later offering to acquire T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES. For me it was a combination of luck, timing, and having a strong enough concept to catch her attention as she scrolled through the feed.

Can you share a bit about your process?

My process is pretty simple, I get an idea - often for a title or concept and things unfold from there. If I'm writing NF, I lean on my background in journalism and do a pile of research before diving into the first draft. If I'm writing fiction I just sit down and start. Sometimes an entire arc will pop into my head and I just have to try to get it down without wrecking it!

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

I have folders full of ideas, that's not the problem. For me there's sometimes a bit of paralysis when the manuscript is almost done but I have to do one final revision before I can consider it complete. Sometimes those drafts wait awhile for me to be inspired to come back and wrap them up. It feels like I have to wait for the right moment or I'll just be sitting there staring at the screen.

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

I'm so used to snatching bits of time here and there I can write pretty much anywhere at any time. It's a useful skill.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many!! I love the work The Fan Brothers do, and I love how Dev Petty's writing seems so effortless (which it obviously isn't). I have a background in fine arts and have been enjoying reading through a bunch of Amy Guglielmo's work and love what Elly MacKay does with her illustration. I also love reading unpublished work by up and coming writers when I do critique giveaways because I get to read something only a handful of people have seen.

Dream project to work on?

That's an interesting question, I think the initial dream was just getting published. But I've always loved books that walk the line between light and darkness, so I'd like to find a way to explore those themes a bit in a way that works. I have a deep fondness for weird kids and strange situations so I'd love to delve into that a bit more.

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut book, T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES, was expertly illustrated by Steph Laberis, and is an ABC book that looks at all the things kids can do that animals can't. The images show animals failing at things like riding a bicycle or flipping a pancake, but it turns all those negative experiences into a reminder that it's okay not to be good at something right away. Which I think is a useful message for kids and their parents.

*Interior art from T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES Shoes by Anna Lazowski, illustrated by Steph Laberis*

What’s up next for you?

I have a pile of stories that are submission or close to submission ready so I'll be pecking away at those over the summer. And my second picture book, DARK CLOUD, was acquired by Kids Can Press and is scheduled for a Spring 2023 release. The illustrator hasn't been announced yet but I am already so excited for that book to be out in the world too!!!

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

This is the hardest question actually. I rewatched a bunch of John Hughes movies recently and was disappointed to see they really hadn't aged well. So today, I'm going to go with a tie between two that actually capture my personality pretty well: Labyrinth and Lost Boys. And can I give Pretty In Pink an honorable mention just for Jon Cryer's character Duckie? So good!

Huge thank you to Anna for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see DARK CLOUD when it releases in 2023!

ANNA LAZOWSKI wrote her first picture book for a class assignment in the sixth grade and has been creating stories ever since. Now an award-winning radio producer, Anna has an MA (Journalism) from the University of Western Ontario and a BFA (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba. Anna’s debut picture book, T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES (Doubleday Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Steph Laberis, is launching in spring of 2021. Her second book, DARK CLOUD, (Kids Can Press) will be published in spring of 2023. Her journalistic work has been published in various newspapers and magazines, and she has been a nationally syndicated radio columnist covering music and health. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband Mike, their kids, and their dog Jackson.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Anna online: https://www.annalazowskibooks.com/

Or follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_lazowski

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 8th. US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author + Illustrator Skylaar Amann

June 24, 2021Authors + Illustrators, debut interview, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author/illustrator whose book is simply stunning. I’m a huge fan of any ocean themed books (maybe it’s the Californian in me) and LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG is absolutely lovely! I can’t wait for you to hear from our author/illustrator and more about this beautiful book.

So without further ado, please welcome Skylaar Amann!

Where do you live?

Portland, Oregon

How many years have you been in publishing?

As a published author, just about a year! Lloyd Finds His Whalesong is my debut and it came out in 2020. But I’ve been writing and illustrating (and revising!) for several years before that.

How did you first get published?

A few years ago, I sent a promotional illustration postcard to Page Street Kids, and Kristen Nobles responded with a very nice email about my work. Although we’re on opposite coasts, we connected over one of my ocean/boat scenes, which was really cool because the ocean is really important to me. Soon after that, I submitted a draft of Lloyd to her. I went through many (many, many, haha) drafts with Kristen and Courtney Burke (who became the acquiring editor). We eventually landed in a place where the story was solid, and I finally got that “yes.” I ran around my house screaming when I got the news!

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

No, while I would love to reach that goal at some point, right now I do a mish-mash of work. My writing and illustrating work takes up a lot of my time, but I also work as a freelance corporate copy editor.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I remember being inspired by picture books as a little kid. I wanted to write and draw them back then when I was first reading them. I was enraptured by the illustrations, which I would stare at for a long time, or I’d look at them repeatedly and always see new details.

As an adult, I’m inspired by a lot of current creators, especially illustrators, who make such magical and beautiful worlds, and images you can fall into. As a writer, I’m inspired by the misfit kids (myself included) who have feelings, stories, and adventures that I want to share. Things that don’t always fit the mold. Right now, I’m working on finding more authenticity in my writing voice, leaning into that weirdness and not worrying so much about what others will think of it or if it’s marketable (that’s future Skylaar’s problem).

Some of my stories are inspired by my real life and some are aspirational -- things I wish I had experienced as a kid. Creating some of that childhood joy is inspiring to me.

I’m also always and forever inspired by nature — especially the ocean. I grew up on the Oregon Coast and that wild and rocky Pacific shoreline was a darn-near religious experience for me. If I can put even a sprinkle of that sublime wonder in my stories, I’ll have succeeded.

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

The waiting! The timelines are slower than what I’m used to coming from a background in tech and marketing where projects often have to turn around the same day, or even the same hour. Now that I know the lay of the land, it’s a little easier to understand the timelines, although I can get anxious wondering what’s happening on the other side sometimes -- even just waiting to hear back from a critique partner! It’s not a lack of patience, it’s more the anxiety that builds up internally that makes waiting hard. Learning to chill and do other things (not be totally consumed by writing) has been helpful but I’m still learning to do that!

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

Probably getting to take the worlds and stories that bounce around my head and put them to use, get them on paper. I spend a lot of time dreaming up worlds and ideas without realizing I’m doing it. Plenty are just random thoughts that aren’t stories, just daydreams or wonderings and so on. But when I’m lucky enough that one of those worlds connects with other people, and I get to then turn it into a book -- there’s nothing better!

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

Even before the pandemic, I was working alone most of the time. I actually like a lot of things about working alone, but sometimes it gets old. Connecting virtually with other writers has helped with that.

The work itself is also hard! Writing, rewriting, sketching, coloring -- it all takes work, continued learning, and practice. I tend to worry people won’t like anything I’m making, so I have to work on quelling that voice. But working on improving my skills also helps with growing my confidence. I feel like an imposter sometimes! I really put myself into my stories and want to create the best possible books I can, so I don’t like the idea of letting anyone down.

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

I don’t really understand where my ideas come from! Sometimes they just pop up out of nowhere as little kernels, a random sketch, or a strange phrase that runs through my mind. And then I develop them from there. When those kernels aren’t popping up, I tend to stress out. If I get stressed like that, sometimes I need to take a break, not try to force it, read other books, do other fun things … maybe even get some sleep!

That said, I don’t believe in waiting around idly for inspiration to strike. If I’m really stuck, I’ll brainstorm ideas, just jot down concepts or lines, or sketch a random character and see if it goes anywhere. I also like to work on other stories or just paint or draw for fun (not with a story in mind) … and see where that goes.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I tend to work at my desk or on my couch (or in coffee shops in the Before Times, sob). Having specific work spaces helps me focus on work. I’m not the type to say you should work every day -- life happens. But I do think consistency and self-discipline is important. So I set deadlines or goals for myself, especially when I’m developing an idea that no one else is yet invested in. Other than that, I try to be pretty flexible so my work doesn’t feel ritualistic. I feel that if you get too precious about it, it becomes a barrier to getting anything done.

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

I’ve had some great support over the last couple of years from the KidLitCollective group. We were formerly called the Perfect2020PBs as a group of debut picture book authors in 2020, and it’s nice having that support system.

I also have to give a shout out to my critique partner Nora Nickum who is a fabulous writer and fellow ocean lover. She’s an incredible editor, and (I don’t know if she realizes this) she helped me believe I could write middle grade. If you’re reading this, Nora — thank you, it means so much to me!

I’ve also been working as a picture book mentor with WriteMentor for the last few years, and I’ve found that community to be really supportive of each other, no matter what stage of the journey anyone is at. It’s really cool to see people (myself included) progress and I enjoy helping others with the knowledge I’ve gained -- and then see them do the same!

Recommended reading?

I just read Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino and illustrated by Maribel Lechunga. Geez, that book is gorgeous!

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Getting the news that I had an offer on Lloyd was such an exciting moment. It felt like a huge turning point after years of struggle. Signing with my incredible agent Jessica Watterson last year was also amazing, and another big milestone. Even though there are still ups and downs to this day, every celebratory moment I have, like selling Smile, Sophia, feels like the newest and best highlight.

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

I don’t know that anyone could have convinced me by telling me (I think I needed to experience it myself) but I’d say: The process takes time and everyone is on their own path. That’s cold comfort when you’re struggling or getting tons of rejections, (or watching others succeed) but if you keep developing your skills and improving bit by bit, you can move forward.

SKYLAAR_AMANN_LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG.jpg

Can you tell us about your debut book?

My current book out right now is Lloyd Finds His Whalesong. It’s the story of a little humpback whale whose voice is too quiet to sing the whalesong. He seems destined for silence until he finds a mysterious ukulele in the kelp forest and must use it and his newfound voice to help his family out of danger.

*Interior art from LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG by Skylaar Amann, Page Street Kids*

Lloyd is fiction, but the story includes some real-life whale things, like the way humpbacks communicate with each other and the effects of noise pollution. The book has some fun back matter too about how real whalesong works and how other noises in the ocean can affect whales.

Growing up on the Oregon Coast, the ocean was a huge part of my life. I was lucky to see whales like Lloyd migrating offshore, as well as orcas that would occasionally come into the bay, plus tons of other marine life. My illustration work has always centered on the ocean, whales, the biodiversity of tidepools, and marine science/conservation. I’ve drawn whales for years. Eventually one of them started to become Lloyd, and that was the start of the idea behind the story. I also learned to play ukulele some years ago, and it was really cool to have this new way to communicate and share stories. I guess that rubbed off on Lloyd, and the rest is history.

What’s up next for you?

My next book is called Smile, Sophia and it’s coming out in 2022 from Feiwel & Friends! It’s about a girl who loves dinosaurs and science -- but she only smiles when she wants to, not when grownups expect her too. It’s filled with lots of fun STEM visuals, and I’m really excited to share it with the world!

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

The journey can be really long, winding, and hard. And it doesn’t have an end point. It’s not like reaching a certain milestone (like getting an agent, selling a book, etc.) is the end. Each is just a new beginning. I’m always trying to improve my illustration skills and my ability to tell stories, and I don’t see that stopping no matter what I achieve. So I’d just say keep learning and be persistent. Find avenues that help your mental health when it gets hard. Be kind too. Kindness is very important.

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

So hard to pick, but probably Beetlejuice (although The Last Unicorn left a lasting impression, lol. The Red Bull really scared me!).

Huge thank you to Skylaar for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your beautiful debut book! We can’t wait to see Smile, Sophia when it comes out!

SKYLAAR AMANN is the author-illustrator of Lloyd Finds His Whalesong, (Page Street Kids, 2020). Her next book, SMILE, SOPHIA, is forthcoming from Feiwel & Friends in 2022. She is an affiliated artist with the Climate Science Alliance, a picture book mentor for WriteMentor, and a member of SCBWI and Women Who Draw. Skylaar specializes in children's and science-themed art, with clients including Surfrider, Pinna, Sitka Sound Science Center, 826 Seattle, Adventure! Children's Museum, Scientific American, and Paxton Gate. She has fifteen years of experience in communications and now works as an author, illustrator, and editor. Skylaar is represented by Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Skylaar online: www.skylaaramann.com.

Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/skylaara

Instagram: www.instagram.com/skylaara

ACTIVITY SHEETS: Lloyd freebies (coloring pages, music, and more info): www.skylaaramann.com/lloyd

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy Skylaar’s books click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 1st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Norene Paulson

June 17, 2021Authors, InterviewsLindsay Ward6 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Norene Paulson, who debuted her first book, BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, illustrated by Anne Passchier, during the pandemic, quickly followed up by her second, WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?, illustrated by Camila Carrossine, which just released this past March! So exciting! I’m thrilled to have Norene with us today to talk about her road to publication, books, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Norene Paulson!

Where do you live?

I live almost in the center of Iowa on a country acreage just north of Lynnville, a small town about 45 miles east of Des Moines.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I fell in love with picture books while reading Berenstain Bears books and Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books to my young sons. I loved the merging of the words and pictures and the cadence of the sparse text as the words tumbled off my tongue. I was the one who most often wanted to “read it again”. I’ve always loved to write and I’ve always loved to read, so at some point, it just clicked and I thought…I want to do THIS.

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

My road to publication was long and bumpy with a lot of detours. When I knew I wanted to write for children I signed up for a couple ICL courses where I received the encouragement I needed to believe maybe I really could do this, and because of those courses, I did. I sold nonfiction articles to multiple children’s magazines. However, once I started teaching full-time my writing lapsed. I lost contact with my magazine editors. When I decided to take start writing again, I thought back to those Berenstain Bear and Little Critter books and my original dream of writing picture books, so I joined SCBWI, found some critique partners, started submitting, and acquired piles and piles of rejections, but I didn’t quit. I took an early retirement from teaching in 2017 and that’s when things took off…literally three decades after I decided I wanted to write picture books. In Feb. 2018, I landed an agent through #PBPitch and in less than 6 weeks, my debut story, BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, sold to Imprint/Macmillan.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Sure, it’s a bit hit ‘n miss. I’m a big-time procrastinator so an idea will spin around in my head for quite a while until I have mentally fleshed out a rough beginning, middle, and end. Then it’s time for the first draft which takes as long as it takes. Some are drafted quickly. Others not so much. Once the first draft is done (huge sigh of relief) the fun begins…revising. After feedback from various critique groups, I revise, rewrite, revise, and rewrite for as long as it takes to shape the idea into a polished story.

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

New ideas usually globber me over the head. Something I see, read, or hear sparks an idea. I never know when it will happen so have to be prepared to jot it down when it does or it’s gone. I envy people who are creative enough to elicit ideas “on demand”. Needless to say, I’m not a good candidate for any story idea-generating challenges.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

My laptop. When I started writing I wrote all my drafts in long-hand but can’t even imagine doing that now. I also enjoy tea…hot or iced depending on the season.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

The kidlit world is filled with so many amazingly talented authors and illustrators I couldn’t list them all. However, my critique partners are the writers who keep me writing. Reading their early drafts and witnessing the process of how they develop those into amazing picture books is what keeps me inspired and motivated. It’s a privilege to be a small part of that process, and their spot-on feedback keeps me moving forward with my own writing.

Dream project to work on?

I’d love to do a sequel to WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? maybe even a series. I’ve developed quite a fondness for Bea, the main character, and would love to see where other adventures take her and her BBF Shaleah.

Screen Shot 2021-06-17 at 6.07.34 AM.png

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut picture book, BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, released in Nov. 2020 and is the story of Benny, a bat, who knows inside he’s really a butterfly. This book highlights friendship, inclusion, empowerment, and living authentically. In simplest term--don’t judge someone by their outward appearance.

My second book, WHAT SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? released March 23 and it, too, is a story of empowerment, friendship, and inclusion. Bea, a girl with alopecia, has to figure out a way to participate in her school’s Silly Hair Day when she doesn’t have any hair.

*Interior art from WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine*

What’s up next for you?

I’m back out on submission with several newer manuscripts. Very excited about several in-person events I have scheduled this summer. Since both books published during the pandemic, I missed out on traditional book promoting opportunities, so really looking forward to being out among people (masked, of course).

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

Ha! Seems like the only 1980s movies I watched were kids’ movies. Ghostbusters is probably the one I watched the most simply because my boys loved everything Ghostbusters My personal favorite movie is a 1999 movie, The Sixth Sense. I was literally dumbfounded by the ending. I didn’t catch any of the foreshadowing.

Thanks so much for featuring me on Critter Lit. It’s been fun!

Huge thank you to Norene for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your back to back releases! We can’t wait to see what you write next!

NORENE PAULSON loves words. As a former language arts teacher, she was fortunate to share that love with middle school students in a rural Iowa school district for almost twenty years. Now, as a picture book author, she writes stories that celebrate friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. She is the author of BENNY’S TRUE COLORS (Macmillan/Imprint, November 2020) and WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? (Albert Whitman, March 2021). Norene lives on an acreage with her husband and rescue pup, Ellie, and when she isn’t reading or writing, you will find her playing—you guessed it! —word games.

Visit Norene online at: www.norenepaulson.com

Or follow her on social media:

Instagram - nrpaulson

Twitter - NorenePaulson

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy Norene’s books click here.

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Interview with Debut Author Corey Finkle

June 10, 2021Authors, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have debut author Corey Finkle with us to talk about his road to publication, debut picture book, and much more! I’m so excited about Corey’s debut, YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT, illustrated by Shelley Couvillion, a rhyming, graduation themed picture book that follows a group of children as they dream about their futures, which just released with Henry Holt. It’s a fantastic new book and perfect for any little one who dreams big, getting ready for their bright futures!

So without further ado, please welcome Corey Finkle!

Corey+Finkle_Children's+Book+Author.jpeg

Where do you live?

I live in Rhode Island, just outside of Providence.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

Not only was I the oldest kid in my house, I was also the oldest in my generation of grandkids, so I grew up taking care of kids. When I was in college, while spending time with my two-year-old cousin, I read him one of his favorite picture books. At one point, the main character looks at the Northern Lights, and he said to me “Is that the Aurora Borealis?” I was blown away. I barely knew what that was, but because of a picture book, this little boy had it cemented into his mind. From that day on, I dreamed of one day writing a book that might inspire other little kids to learn something that they might not otherwise know.

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

That very year, I wrote my first picture book manuscript for college credit, and then basically spent the next twelve years occasionally sending it out to a few agents, and waiting to be discovered.

About ten years ago, I realized that I needed to get serious if I really wanted this dream to come true, so I finally started taking the advice that everyone always tells you, but I had theretofore ignored. I started writing (a LOT) more, joined a critique group, signed up for SCBWI and began attending their events, and really invested my time, energy (and occasionally money) into cultivating this skill.

I got my first lucky break in 2016 when I attended a writer’s retreat, and hit it off with someone who turned out to be a guest speaker, who turned out to be an editor. He invited me to send him some manuscripts (I had dozens by this point), and when he liked what he read, he helped me get an agent. (I had spent five years querying constantly; one week after this interaction, I had three offers!)

My agent (the great Sean McCarthy from McCarthy Lit) basically broke me down as a writer and built me back up again, only sending books out when they were READY. And while the first few didn’t sell, we seemed to get closer each time. After the fourth one, we received feedback that, while that book was a pass, the editor wanted a graduation book and liked how I wrote in rhyme, and so would I like to have a crack at it? I said yes, and about five months later, Your Future is Bright was sold.

Can you share a bit about your process?

In general, when I come up with an idea, the first thing I try to do is come up with an ending. Those are always the hardest part of any story, so if the idea can’t lead to a fun, satisfying, and hopefully surprising ending, I tend to let it go.

If the idea sticks, I then have to decide if it’s a rhyming book or not. To me some concepts benefit from the structure and discipline that comes with a rhyme scheme, while others need more freedom.

From there, I’ll begin writing. This means giving myself permission to write a terrible first draft, so that I can see what flows and works, and what doesn’t.

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

For new ideas, I just try to keep my ears open, and workshop everything. In any given day, I’ll probably hear 3-5 turns of phrase that I think could be potential PB titles. Most of them won’t pan out at all, but I find that thinking them through keeps me in a creative space most of the time.

As for rust, I am pretty forgiving of bad writing days. I was at a book signing years ago with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, and someone asked him about his process. He said that he hated to START to write, but that once he got into it, he got over that initial feeling. This has always meant a great deal to me. If someone as accomplished as him can feel that way about something he is so great at, then it’s surely okay for me to feel the same way on occasion, right? But like him, once I get started, I always feel good, even if I only end up with one or two good lines. It’s a slow business, so there’s never any rush, you know?

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I am VERY strict with myself when I write in rhyme. It is a huge pet peeve of mine, when I’m reading rhyming books to kids, if the author has left a lot of work for the reader to do. In other words, if the meter changes halfway through, or the meter is inconsistent from line to line, verse to verse, or anything else happens to make you stop and have to figure out the right way the line flows, it drives me crazy!

So for me, I want my reader to hear my rhythm from the start and then get carried off into the story like a current on a river. For that reason, I always have a thesaurus and a rhyming dictionary (or a web equivalent) with me while writing, so that I can keep working with a verse or idea until it meets my requirements.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I am honestly and truly inspired by all the writers I meet at conferences, both published and pre-published, who remain dedicated to their craft throughout all the ups and downs of this at times brutal industry.

But in terms of a singular writer or work, the truth is that I think Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is just about the most brilliant piece of fiction I’ve ever read. (Seriously, if you only read it as a child, have another look). It’s not only a cool story, but it’s also clever, witty, and extremely profound. At some level, every book I write is an attempt to try (and fail) to write something even half as good.

Dream project to work on?

While you can’t necessarily tell this from my debut book which is more of an “ode to childhood” than a traditional story, I tend to come up with high-concept plots for my ideas that I fall madly in love with, and then get told they’re too advanced for the PB audience. (I recently pitched a concept as “Indiana Jones meets Ocean’s Eleven, by way of Sliding Doors”). I would love to one day get the green light to prove that even younger kids would love a great story, even if they contain advanced concepts like pirate ghosts, or the Aurora Borealis.

And when I do, I hope Dan Santat gets to illustrate.

Tell us about your debut book.

Your Future is Bright is an ode to childhood and the potential that every kid has within them.

When I was first asked to come up with a graduation book, my first thing I thought of was how scared I was about the prospect of becoming an adult, and how much hard work was coming my way. So my first draft tried to address that fear by saying “Don’t be scared about how you’ll do in the future, because I’VE seen how far you’ve already come, and that journey was MUCH harder!” and then providing all the examples of how they’d developed from a helpless baby into the capable person they are today.

Interior art from YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT by Corey Finkle, Illustrated by Shelley Couvillion

My agent gently pointed out that a graduation book should look to the future and not the past. That’s how the story evolved to what it is today, where we look at various gifts and interests that make kids special and unique today, and sort of speculate about how that MIGHT inform who they become as they grow up.

What’s up next for you?

I just recently signed my second book deal for Pop’s Perfect Present, a story about a girl who sets out to give her dad one perfect memory as a gift for being so great, but ultimately learns that she succeeded in her effort just by spending the day with him. In addition, I’m working on several concepts (I have 4-5 in various stages of development at this point), and we’re waiting to hear about a few others as well.

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

I’m tempted to say The Goonies, or Superman II, or Batman, or any of the movies that I loved when I was young, but I can’t. Field of Dreams is the one. Amazing story with an ending that gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME.

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

COREY FINKLE wrote his first children’s book as a senior project in college. From there he spent ten years tinkering with and pitching it, and finally put it aside after he realized it wasn’t actually very good at all. Corey sold his first book, Your Future is Bright, almost 20 years to the day after completing that senior project. Between those two decades were a lot of manuscripts, and a LOT of revisions. When not working on his next book, Corey spends his time writing business-y words for companies, enjoying life with his wife and two kids, or collecting t-shirts from unusual or lesser-known sports teams.

Visit Corey online at www.CoreyFinkle.com

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT click here.

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Interview with Debut Illustrator Erica De Chavez

June 3, 2021Authors + Illustrators, InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so thrilled to be sharing today’s interview, because TODAY we have Erica De Chavez stopping by Critter Lit! She is super talented and one of the best book designers EVER— now I may be a little biased because she also happens to be my book designer. BUT she really is. I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to work with someone as talented as Erica, and there is nothing better than completing a picture or board book and handing it off to a designer who you completely trust to make your work marry seamlessly with the text. I have also probably put her through the ringer lately with the type of books (hello nonfiction!) we’ve been working on together at HarperCollins so I’m so very grateful she had time to be with us today to talk about her debut illustrated book, her experience in the industry, and upcoming projects.

So without further ado, please welcome Erica De Chavez!

Where do you live?

I am a former Brooklyn, NY transplant that now resides in sunny Clermont, FL.

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

It was at the end of my junior year in art college. I was already planning for my illustration senior thesis project which was completely un-related to children's books. Fortunately, I took an elective class in my spring semester, Illustrating Children's Books. That class and my professor, Tom Casmer, literally changed my art journey trajectory. I went from not knowing what I was going to do with my passion for art and how I was going to make money or find a job doing art to becoming hyper-focused on the children's publishing industry, the picture book writing and creation process and all things picture books from then on. Though I always had a healthy interest in children's art and media which I voraciously consumed through my love for all animated shows, films, anime, comics, and manga very early in my life. I'm also blessed to have parents and grandparents who read to me often when I was a child and encouraged my appetite for reading and libraries.

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

I left FL after graduating with my BFA in Illustration and went to live with my brother in Queens, NY who is a graphic designer for men's fashion. I spent much of my early career doing freelance projects for small educational toy companies and picking up illustration commissions here and there. It was after my second attempt applying to HarperCollins Publishers for a design assistant position that I broke into the industry working under Martha Rago, who was already a well-known art director at the time. She taught me everything I needed to learn about children's book design and sharpened my design eye for meshing typography and children's book art. I met many children's book authors and illustrators as her assistant, many of them award-winning and others fledgling creators starting out their publication careers. I became a member of SCBWI, CBIG, and attempted to create many art critique groups until I finally met kindred spirits and formed The YEA Girls artist collective. My small, tight-knit artist community grew to include professors at NYC art colleges, other designers who also wanted to pursue illustration careers on the side and more prolific mentors and teachers who are active authors, illustrators, and editors themselves. It was through an SCBWI conference twitter thread that I met Annie Fox, the author of The Girls' Q&A Book on Friendship and co-founder of Electric Eggplant. A former artist I hired to illustrate a picture book returned the favor and hired me to illustrate for The Future Is Ours sticker book. And it was through my SCBWI.org portfolio page that Kendra and Claire-Voe OCampo found my art and decided to reach out to me to illustrate Mighty May Won't Cry Today.

You are now a Senior Designer for HarperCollins. Can you tell us about your experience working on both sides of the table in publishing?

It's been an education into the industry, the decision making process, the team collaborations, seeing and working daily with the tons of un-named people who read, edit, market, finance, manage, proof, and sell the books and countless more. It's literally like a curtain being pulled back. I realize how little most book creators know about how the decisions for some of the direction for their books come from. And that's honestly for the better, in my opinion. It helps save the creators' mental fatigue and emotional distress and allowing them to focus on what they do best, writing and illustrating. I find as a book designer, you're the glue to all the bookmaking departments, so that comes with a lot of personality managing, too. You work with and for a WIDE range of personalities inside a publishing house. It's also a day job that I depend on for my daily expenses; it's my livelihood. But it sometimes can feel like a drag, energy-wise. Many may not realize it, but designers are working on anywhere between 30-60 book titles all at the same time, managing books that are publishing on seasons sometimes three years out. It's a bit bonkers. No one told me the job required such heavy multitasking capabilities. Compartmentalizing can help, but it's hard to "turn off" at the end of a work day. I live and breath children's books now. It's literally my life. It can feel overwhelming and burn out is frequent. But it's fulfilling and satisfying work, especially when I flip through and read the books I helped create and guide. My knowledge and experience as a book designer better informs my own personal artwork and stories.

Can you share a bit about your process?

My artwork always starts with a sketch in a tiny sketch book. I love tiny sketchbooks that don't feel too precious or overly expensive. I draw from life and drot down bits of story ideas that come fast and fleeting. I often bounce ideas with my partner for characters and story beats that are half finished and are bookmarked for later days. When I focus in on an idea for a project I look up inspiration and reference photos and experiment with art materials. I try to create a series of images based on a theme or a piece of story I'm inspired by. Nothing is ever fully formed, it's more experimental. Then I sit down to write, which also starts very loose with a plot timeline and character biographies. The story and storyboarding thumbnails happen at the same time with pencil and paper, which is much faster for me than drawing on a tablet. I scan my drawings in along with some paint textures and redraw/edit final illustrations. Sometimes I transfer final drawings with a light pad to heavy watercolor paper and use a mix of watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, crayons, and graphite that I scan in to further edit digitally in Photoshop. I sometimes scan pen and ink hand lettering or line work from my sketchbook or loose drawing paper and incorporate those into my illustrations digitally as well. But my process always begin with pencil to paper.

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

I consume a lot of media and art in all forms. I read books, comics, manga, graphic novels, biographies, and motivational texts. I watch movies, mostly animated films and tv shows. I listen to podcasts occasionally until I get tired of it and sometime I enjoy the hum of silence. I go out and enjoy nature. I like to run long distance, hike, throw a frisbee around, and kayak. I also garden and observe nature. I listen to live music and I love traveling to different countries. All of the things I enjoy in life outside of art and design inadvertently inspire my art and design work! Life is very cyclical. So as long as I live fully, I'm never without a good idea.

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

A cup of good milk tea, black or green. A good music playlist that lists my mood and makes me smile. And a good snack! I'm a creative muncher.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oliver Jeffers inspired my art and career as soon as I dove back into picture books in college. Erin Entrada Kelly inspires me to write stories about kids that are like me, colored and Filipino-American and just like every other kid with a dream. Simona Ciraolo and Lorena Alvarez Gomez continue to inspire me to make beautiful children's books because their books so gorgeous and the stories all feel like emotional little jewels. Their books feel like precious objects sitting on my book shelves.

Dream project to work on?

I dream of working on my first author-illustrated children's book debut, be it picture book or graphic novel or maybe even an illustrated chapter book. I dream of working on many projects in a long and fruitful children's artist career. I'd love to work with publishers big or small on stories that move readers emotionally and positively.

Tell us about your debut book.

Mighty May Won't Cry Today, is about an imaginative little girl named May who tries not to shed a tear on her first day of school. She navigates through unexpected challenges with clever positivity and mindful breathing techniques. With the help of her two moms May learns why it's OK to cry and that we all do sometimes. The story really hits home for me because I am a pretty emotional person (aren't all creatives?) and I was an emotionally sensitive kid. I cried through my short stint in daycare and cried through the first week of kindergarten during which my mother had to leave work daily and come eat lunch with me at the school cafeteria. I love that this story tells kids it is totally OK to cry. I wish I had been told that more often when I was young.

*Interior Art from Might May Won’t Cry Today by Kendra & Claire-Voe Ocampo, illustrated by Erica De Chavez*

What’s up next for you?

I'm finishing up an illustration series I started last year in the middle of the pandemic creating portraits of some of my friends and family members who are health care workers and Asian-American. I'm also focusing on a series of mini illustrations from a set of rejected sketches that didn't make it into the final The Future Is Ours sticker book, taking the opportunity to experiment with new color palettes and try to evolve my digital illustration style. And I'm also reworking a picture book dummy into a sequential paneled book format—very much a work in progress.

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

My Neighbor Totoro. It epitomizes everything I love about children's stories and art made for children.

Huge thank you to Erica for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut and can’t wait to see what you do next!

ERICA DE CHAVEZ is a Filipino-American children's book designer by day for HarperCollins Publishers and by night transforms into a freelance author-illustrator. She is the illustrator for the indie published middle grade advice book, The Girls' Q&A Book on Friendship by Annie Fox and contributed over 40 fun stickers to The Future Is Ours: Feminist Stickers to Express Yourself by Duopress Labs. Her latest publication is a picture book, Mighty May Won't Cry Today, by Kendra and Claire-Voe Ocampo, is a National Indie Excellence Award finalist.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Erica or her books, visit her online at www.PandaErica.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram: @PandaErica

Twitter: @PandaErica

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PandaErica

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of MIGHTY MAY WON’T CRY click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a signed copy of MIGHTY MAY WON’T CRY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 10th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Rebecca Kraft Rector

April 29, 2021Authors, debut interview, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward5 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! This week we have an interview with author Rebecca Kraft Rector! Her newest picture book, SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte just came out with Nancy Paulson Books in February. I’m thrilled to have Rebecca with us today to talk about her new book and her road to publication.

So without further ado, please welcome Rebecca Kraft Rector!

Where do you live?

I live in Tidewater Virginia. I grew up in Maryland and have also lived in Georgia and Florida.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve always been a voracious reader and have been writing stories and poems since I was a child. I delighted (?) my friends with stories about fleas on a dog and a girl who was a strawberry. I love horses and wrote many horse stories. It wasn't until I worked with fellow librarian and author Mary Downing Hahn that I realized that real people could have their stories published.

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

My first publications were in magazines, followed by a slush pile acceptance of my middle grade science fiction novel TRIA AND THE GREAT STAR RESCUE with Delacorte Random House. When my later novels and picture books were rejected, I started writing for educational publishers and had about 25 fiction and nonfiction leveled readers published. Finally, at a Highlights Foundation workshop, SQUISH SQUASH SQUASHED attracted the attention of Cecilia Yung who showed it to Nancy Paulsen who agreed to publish it. Nancy Paulsen Books is an imprint of Penguin Random House. I also acquired an agent as a result of the Highlights workshop and she sold my forthcoming picture book LITTLE RED WRITING HOOD to Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I’m trying to streamline my process, but at the moment it’s write, revise, revise, revise, let it sit, revise, revise, revise, repeat endlessly. My ideal process would be to know up front the best character, goal, and conflict, in order for the story to resonate with emotion, theme or takeaway. But for now, my writing process is also a discovery process.

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

Read, take a walk, listen to people and kids.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Dark chocolate chips.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Almost every author I read is an inspiration. Some for humor, some for heart, some for structure, and most for fun.

Dream project to work on?

It would be wonderful to interest a publisher in one of my picture book or middle grade horse stories.

SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED Rebecca Kraft Rector.jpg

Tell us about your debut picture book.

SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED is about Max and Molly who complain about not having enough room in the back seat of their gracious-spacious automobile. Their mother invites animal friends to ride along until the kids really are squish squash squished. The book is filled with wordplay, refrains, and animal noises. I had a great time writing it and I hope it becomes a popular read-aloud to share with children.

*Interior art from SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED by Rebecca Kraft Rector, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte*

What’s up next for you?

I’m working on companion stories for SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED and LITTLE RED WRITING HOOD, as well as other picture books. I’m also on my five hundredth draft of a middle grade fantasy.

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

Back to the Future.

Huge thank you to Rebecca for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut picture book! We can’t wait to read your next book!

REBECCA KRAFT RECTOR is a retired librarian and the author of more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books for children. Her cats Ollie and Opal keep her company while she writes. When she isn’t writing and eating chocolate, she’s trying to keep deer out of her garden.

SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED is her first picture book. Her second picture book LITTLE RED WRITING HOOD is coming from Aladdin in Spring 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Rebecca or her books, visit her online: RebeccaKraftRector.wordpress.com

Or follow her on social media:

@RebeccaKraftRector on Facebook

@RebeccaKRector on Instagram and Twitter

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED click here.

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

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