Author Nell Cross Beckerman on Connecting Children with Nature -PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited today because I got to interview an author who writes extraordinary nonfiction books that really speak to children. Also, she’s very friendly! Please welcome Nell Cross Beckerman as she chats about her new picture book, From Park to Playa: The Trails that Connect Us. It’s illustrated by Sophie Diao and published by Abrams/Cameron Kids.
BUT first- YAY! Nell is generously giving away a FREE copy of her book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends May 3, 2024, US only.
Please describe the journey to publication for FROM PARK TO PLAYA: THE TRAILS THAT CONNECT US
I had an idea about a child following a bunny on a hiking path and pitched it to my editor, Amy Novesky, at Cameron Kids, who immediately saw potential in it becoming a companion to our other book, DOWN UNDER THE PIER. We collaborated on the text and called it UP ABOVE THE CITY. She took it to her acquisitions meeting at Abrams where…it was rejected.
BUT the team was interested in a more general urban hiking book. I said to her, “Well, the path I was describing in the book is part of a much longer path called the Park to Playa trail.” Amy said, “I love that! It could be the title!”
I did more research and found out the Park to Playa trail was a 20 year effort to connect smaller trails and a bike path from Crenshaw to Playa del Rey, going through Kenneth Hahn State Park and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. They even built a pedestrian bridge over a busy street to make the connection. I spent a day with my husband and my dad, who is a biologist, exploring each part of the trail for inspiration and research. We had a blast. I also talked to park officials that helped in the project.
For structure, I made it day-to-night, with different kid-friendly scenes in each section, while also including plants and animals for education. We start with an early walk wondering who ate a pinecone where we encounter a dessert cottontail bunny, then move on to a birthday party at a picnic area, then blowing a dandelion wish at a hilltop viewpoint, then biking at sunset along a creek, to a full moon beach bonfire and grunion run.
After a LOT of back-and-forth edits, Amy felt it was ready to try again at acquisitions…thankfully she came back with better news!
I was lucky enough to be asked for illustrator suggestions and was involved in discussions for different artists. As I was writing the story, I always thought about David Hockey’s massive painting, MULHOLLAND DRIVE: THE ROAD TO THE STUDIO, which I have a framed print of in my living room. Although it seemed crazy, I asked Amy if we could pitch the project it to him. She laughed but said go for it. So I did! They sent me a very kind rejection. Hey—at least I tried!
I am a huge fan of I AM THE WIND by Michael Karg and illustrated by Sophie Diao. Sophie’s illustrations really made me swoon, so I had her name tucked away should a project ever seem right for her. Amy also was interested in finding a California based illustrator to keep the feeling authentic to the text. When Sophie said yes, I was ecstatic! I went to the LA Times Book Festival where she was presenting I AM GOLDEN with Eva Chen and sat in line to meet her in person. She was so warm that I invited her to stay at my house to do research and loved that she accepted my invitation! We went all over the trail together. She even borrowed a bike to ride on the bike path.
While the book is very recognizably set on the Park to Playa trail, I think we did a good job in picking experiences that are universal to parks and trails, and we give resources in the back to encourage everyone to enjoy their local nature resources.
Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?
In 2021, I moved to a new house in Culver City where I was able to move from a desk in a closet to having my own office. After I unpacked, I sat down to work and…nothing happened. I felt totally blocked. I started to panic—what if all my “writing magic” was in that cloffice? I went for a hike to clear my head. Luckily, at my new house I can walk to my favorite hike that I used to have to drive to.
As I was hiking, a bunny crossed the path and froze as we made eye contact. I held my breath, caught in the magic of the connection. On the other side of the bunny, another hiker appeared and also froze, looking at the bunny, then making eye contact with me. The silent connection of nature, animal, and stranger, all brought together in this moment, inspired this story. I came home ready to write!
Paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book:
My park to playa
is a bike path,
fast and flat,
at twilight.
Why are the geese honking and squawking?
We pump up the hill,
breathless,
then coast
the concrete creek.
Murals pass in a blurred flash.
Wind roars.
We are free.
Now that I’ve read several of your books (love them all), I appreciate how to write in a very
child-centric way. You somehow manage to relate the information directly to your audience. Does your mind naturally work that way or how do you get yourself into the zone?
Thank you so much for saying this—it really means a lot as it speaks directly to my goals as an author. So much of my call to this type of writing is a fight against the distraction of screens, and the commercialization of our leisure time (I live in the land of theme parks!) So, I’m pretty much always wondering how to “sell” nature to kids and families that wouldn’t otherwise feel compelled to go out and experience it.
My kids needed a lot of cajoling to go on nature excursions and would get bored easily, so it really made me learn how to step up to keep them interested. Look! A bunny! Look! Let’s blow dandelion wishes! I also have a very childlike side, which probably helps. I’m the adult who will awkwardly crawl into a bouncy house because I still think it is fun to jump around. I still get really excited when I see a candy store. A lot of my process is just engaging in life and going out and doing things, and noticing what makes me excited, and then calculating if that would be exciting to a kid as well.
The business side of my brain knows that being able to include an educational layer brings a lot of value to the book, and makes it a more useful tool for teachers and librarians. Plus, it’s just fun to learn new things—that’s what books are for, right? So I really try to hook readers in with something FUN, and then slide in the educational facts once their interest is hooked.
Please share your favorite nonfiction books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
Leslie Barnard Booth ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL is gorgeous. I love all of Maria Gianferrari’s work, like FUNGI GROW. Kirsten W. Larson’s THE FIRE OF STARS is amazing—Katherine Roy’s art is fantastic. And of course Melissa Stewart has so many—THANK YOU, MOON and WHALE FALL are both wonderful.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself—from conferences, freelance editors, classes. I see people who spend easily on enrichment for their kids have a hard time doing the same for themselves or allowing themselves time away from their children. Do it, you’re worth it!
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I had many but one that jumps out is CORDUROY. I loved everything about it!
BIOS
Nell Cross Beckerman writes award-winning books for kids inspired by nature, wonder, and awe. A former documentary and reality TV producer, she lives in Culver City, CA, where she can see a 94-foot high rainbow every day on the Sony Studios lot. Titles include DOWN UNDER THE PIER, CAVES, WHEN THE SKY GLOWS, and VOLCANOES. Visit her at www.nellcrossbeckerman.com to find out about her nature writing classes for adults.
Socials:
IG @NellCrossBeckerman
Purchase signed copies https://www.childrensbookworld.com/author-nell-cross-beckerman-personalized-books
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nell-Cross-Beckerman/author/B084H12YG3?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1711745894&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Heather Lang and Jamie Harper on the Importance of Brainstorming -PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited today because I got to interview two people for this next book, SUPERDADS! It’s a picture book co-written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper and illustrated by Jamie Harper, that reads like a graphic novel. It’s nonfiction in content though it strays into informational fiction through its humorous illustrations. It’s published by Candlewick Press.
BUT first- YAY! Heather and Jamie are generously giving away a FREE copy of their book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends April 26, 2024, US only.
Please describe the journey to publication for SUPERDADS!: Animal Heroes.
SUPERDADS! is the second book in a three-book deal we sold to Candlewick.
We’ve been friends for thirty years and critique partners for almost as long. When we first discussed collaborating on these books, we set out to make an engaging and fascinating picture book about moms in the wild. More than anything, we were interested in trying to incorporate humor into nonfiction, which isn’t done all that much. If you think about it, humor and fact-based information can be considered contrary to each other (unless the topic is inherently funny). So how could we combine humor with nonfiction and maintain the integrity of the book? Let’s just say it took a lot of experimenting to come up with a structure we both liked.
When we submitted the first book, SUPERMOMS!, we included a list of possible follow-up titles. SUPERDADS! didn’t make the cut, since the variety of super animal dads seemed limited. But once we decided to work with Candlewick, it was clear that they were looking forward to a second book about animal dads. So, we dug deep into the research. And we’re so glad we did because the dads we found are incredible.
Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?
While researching and writing SUPERMOMS!, we often noted that people gave moms ALL the credit. Our research uncovered some truly superb dads. Take the seahorse dad, for example: he’s the one who goes through labor and delivery! The Darwin’s frog dad keeps his tadpoles in his throat and “burps” them up when they turn into froglets. Amazing! While it’s true that moms do most of the parenting in the wild, we wanted to celebrate these unsung heroes, who go above and beyond to take care of their young.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
We can do better than that! Here’s a spread from the book:
I love the concept of featuring animal fathers instead of mothers, it makes a great hook. Do you have any advice on how to craft solid hooks?
A solid hook grabs a reader’s attention and sparks their curiosity. A great hook can be many things: a striking title, unique illustration style, or the format of the book. Sometimes the subject of the book itself will attract readers immediately. But usually, as authors, we have to put our special spin on a subject to entice them. Sometimes looking at a topic from a unique angle or point of view can lead to a hook. While searching for that perspective, always keep your reader in mind. Ask yourself: What would connect my reader to the topic?
We decided that tying animals to superheroes would be a fun connection, filled with lots of opportunities for creativity. What kid doesn’t love superheroes? Taking it a step further, we tried to make the topic and concepts relatable for kids. To tap into a child’s own experiences with a parent or caregiver, we added a fictional element to the art, by having the baby animals make (often cheeky) comments.
I enjoyed the comic strip panels and found they add humor to the text. Do you write it like this from the beginning?
We modeled SUPERDADS! after the text structure in SUPERMOMS!, so from that standpoint, this second book was much easier. But developing the structure for the series took a lot of trial and error. Our first attempt at SUPERMOMS! featured animal babies bragging about their moms and trying to one-up each other. We did a lot of brainstorming and experimenting together. Fortunately, over the years we’ve studied thousands of picture books together. Those conversations about how books are structured, what works, and what doesn’t, all fed into our brainstorming sessions.
Having said that, we are always open to adding new and fun elements to each book. For this book we added onomatopoeias. And Jamie really stretched herself with the art. She scanned mostly handmade papers to make SUPERMOMS!, but for SUPERDADS! she scanned plants, a Roll-Up snack, feathers, even her hair!!
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
Our writing process for this book (and the others in the series) is so different from when we work on books alone. We communicated by text, e-mail, and Google Docs, and we met in person regularly. Collaboration has many benefits and we tried to take advantage of every one.
First, we created a shared spreadsheet with all the possible animals and divided them up for more in-depth research. Each of us reached out to experts to confirm our facts. Choosing which dads to include was a complicated puzzle. The facts had to be sufficiently different and show a variety of ecosystems and parenting strategies. We brainstormed which facts could lead to the funniest images and animal speech bubbles. After lots of debate, we selected eighteen animals that fit into five different parenting behavior categories: incubation, making homes, feeding, protecting, and play/teaching.
Next we divided the animals between us and independently worked on the text and then edited each other’s work. From there we had the fun of brainstorming callouts.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
Ohhhhh there are so many gems! Here are a few of our favorite recent humorous nonfiction/informational fiction titles:
–THE TRUTH ABOUT PARROTS (and all books in The Truth About Your Favorite Animals series) written and illustrated by Maxwell Eaton (Roaring Brook Press).
–PLUTO! (and other books from the Our Universe series) by Stacey McNulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis (Henry Holt).
–THE WORLD’S MOST ATROCIOUS ANIMALS (and all books in the Quirky Creatures series) written and illustrated by Philip Bunting (Happy Yak).
–I AM SHARK by Joan Holub, illustrated by Laurie Keller (Crown Books for Young Readers).
–THE GREAT STINK: HOW JOSPEH BAZALGETTE SOLVED LONDON’S POOP POLLUTION PROBLEM by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Margaret K. McElderry Books).
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Heather: Join a critique group! When you are part of a writing community, not only will your writing skills grow and improve, but you’ll make life-long friends and develop a support system, which is essential in this tough business. We celebrate each other’s successes and help each other navigate the ups and downs. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Jamie: Read, read, read whatever genre of children’s books you are interested in developing. Make it a weekly habit. Doing so will give you a feel for what works and what doesn’t and give you new ideas on how to approach your own project. The really good ones you find will generate lots of inspiration.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Heather: I adored SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE by William Steig. It’s a sweet, heartwarming story that’s also filled with suspense. And it reminded me to appreciate what I had.
Jamie: The Amelia Bedelia books, written by Peggy Parish and illustrated by various illustrators, always made me roar laughing. I remember thinking how clever the concept was and I never tired of reading them. I thought the marriage of words and pictures was perfection. I’ve always loved the art in Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline books. The fearless, independent, and kind Madeline will always be my role model.
BIOS
Jamie Harper is the creator of many books for children, including MILES TO GO and MILES TO THE FINISH, the BABY BUNDT board book series, and four books about the indomitable Miss Mingo and her kindergarten class of lovable animals. Among them is MISS MINGO AND THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, about which, in a starred review, Publishers Weekly said: “Young animal enthusiasts won’t soon forget these unique students or Miss Mingo’s enthusiastic celebration of their diversity.” Jamie is also the illustrator of two chapter book series by Sally Warner. She lives outside Boston with her husband and their French bulldog, Louie. Now that her children are all grown up, she plans on filling the house with dogs.
- WEBSITE: http://www.jamieharper.com
- Instagram: jamieharperillustrator
- Twitter: Jharper_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamieharper
Heather Lang writes picture books that celebrate our natural world and biographies about women who overcame extraordinary obstacles to follow their dreams. Her award-winning books include SWIMMING WITH SHARKS: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark and THE LEAF DETECTIVE: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest, an NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book and Green Earth Book Award winner. To research her books, Heather has observed animals in the Serengeti, climbed to the treetops of the Amazon, and gone scuba diving with sharks.
- Website: http://www.heatherlangbooks.com
- Instagram: @heatherlangbooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.b.lang
- Twitter/X: @hblang
Link to purchase: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747036/superdads-animal-heroes-by-heather-lang-and-jamie-harper-illustrated-by-jamie-harper/
Author Jennifer Swanson on Making Connections
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited to introduce my next guest who’s been a mentor of mine when it comes to nonfiction. Turns out she’s also nice and generous with her knowledge! I’m lucky to now call her my friend. Please welcome Jennifer Swanson as she chats about her new nonfiction middle grade novel The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery Beneath the Waves and published by Millbrook Press/Lerner.
Please describe the journey to publication for The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery Beneath the Waves.
So, this book journey is a lesson in making connections with people. I am lucky enough to be good friends with one of the scientists that was an expert on my Astronaut-Aquanaut book. His name is Dr. Brian Helmuth and he works at Northeastern University and Nahant Marine Science Lab. The Astronaut-Aquanaut book came out in 2018, but Brian and I have stayed in touch since then.
When he found out that a team he was on was going to be the only one to dive on this newly discovered underwater forest, he thought, he wondered if I might be interested in telling their story. My response, was, “Would I? Absolutely. I’m in!”
What happened next is that I was invited to go on one of their research trips into the Gulf, but those were postponed due to covid. So, instead, I got to participate in several of the online team meetings they had. They gave me access to all of their reports, the photos, and the videos. It was so exciting to get an inside look at how scientists conduct research in the field. The entire team helped to edit the book and were with me every step of the way. They are SO great to work with! I’m very proud to tell their story.
Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?
I just told the story of the scientists from their point of view. The goal is to allow the reader to be a part of the story as the discoveries are made, just like I did.
Can you give us a short overview of what this mystery forest used to be?
Dive into the unexpected! Have you ever heard of an underwater forest? They are rare, but they exist. Ancient stumps of cypress trees stand tall in a secret location, hidden from view for more than 60,000 years. That’s after the last ice age! Back then, seawaters were 400 feet lower than they are today. Get ready to take a deep dive with the only team of scientists who has seen this secret underwater forest in the Gulf of Mexico and learn about the spectacular treasures they uncover.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
On a chilly day in December 2019, off Dauphin Island, Alabama, the fog rolled in over the Gulf of Mexico. Shivering slightly, a team of marine scientists from the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University (NU) and the Ocean Genome Legacy Center (OGL) climbed aboard a large motorboat, toting their gear. Grant Lockridge stood on the deck of the E. O. Wilson, feeling the mist on his face as the boat was steered out to sea. The fog obscured their vision, but the team hoped that it would clear once they reached their destination—a site marker about an hour and a half offshore.
The boat bounced up and down as it crashed through big waves. The seas were rough enough to unsettle even the sturdiest of stomachs. But despite the choppy seas and heavy fog, excitement pulsed through the team. These scientists were about to get their first real glimpse of something amazing . . . a peek into the ancient past.
You clearly love STEM and are meant to be a writer. Would you have chosen a profession in science in another lifetime?
I was working towards becoming a biochemist, but I decided that working in a laboratory was not what I wanted to do. Honestly, if I could go back to school and change my career, I’d be a systems engineer. I love how that type of engineering ties everything together. I could work on pretty much anything with that degree.
Please share your favorite nonfiction books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your Path by Amy Seto Forrester (Author), Andy Chou Musser (Illustrator)
To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights by Angela Dalton and Lauren Semmer
Stone Age Beasts by Ben Lerwill and Grahame Baker-Smith
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers in regards to revision?
Read it out loud, or better yet have someone else read your piece out loud to you. If they stumble or seem confused that’s a place you need to fix.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I loved Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
BIO
Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the author of 50 nonfiction books for kids. Her passion for science and technology resonates in all of her books but especially, Brain Games, named one of the 50 Best Science Books Ever by ThePlanets.org, Astronaut-Aquanaut, BEASTLY Bionics, and Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner, Save the Crash-test Dummies. Her books have received starred reviews, been on the Booklist ‘Best Tech’ books list, won a Green Earth Book Honor Award, three Florida Book Awards, California Reading Association awards, and multiple National Science Teaching BEST STEM awards. Jennifer’s Outdoor School: Rocks, Fossils, and Shells book was named a 2021 Kirkus Best Books of the Year, and her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received a Parent’s Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer is an accomplished speaker at events and schools around the country, the Highlights Foundation, the National NSTA conferences, the World Science Festival in NYC, and the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. Jennifer is also the creator and cohost of the award-winning Solve It! For Kids podcast which, in its four years won a platinum dotcomm award for excellence in kids and family podcasting, is ranked in the top 5% of all podcasts Worldwide, and is #1 in the Top 10 Best Podcasts for Learning by All Digital School. You can find Jennifer through her website www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com.
Author Karen M. Greenwald on Research Sudoku- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited to introduce my next guest who’s a personal friend of mine. We work together in our promo group PBSpree, but also, this year we share a book birthday!! Please welcome Karen M. Greenwald as she chats about her new nonfiction picture book THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE, illustrated by Olga Lee and published by Albert Whitman
BUT first- YAY! Karen is generously giving away a FREE critique of a picture book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends April 19, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication for THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE. I started working on this during the pandemic. My mom was an absolutely incredible teacher and art/art history lover, so the topic is in her honor. She instilled in me her love of learning and of art at a very young age. I think it took less than a year to research and write it. Albert Whitman purchased it and then, five months into edits, et al, my editor left. I was switched to Sue Tarsky, who I can’t say enough about! Her enthusiasm for the manuscript matched my own and she shared my vision for the book. It was so enjoyable working with her on it. The switch meant that a different artist had to be hired (the book release was moved from 2023 to this April). I admit, I was disappointed at first to have a date change, but Olga Lee did such a beautiful job, how could I not celebrate every step that led us to this specific book?
When did you first learn about how the Arno River flooded the city of Florence back in 1966 and what made you want to write about it? I first learned about the flood three years and two months ago! Lol! Seriously! My college roommate/cp and I were talking. I said I was looking for a topic that included all the things I am passionate about, from environmental issues to art, with a humanitarian bent. (One of my mentors was international human rights activist, Father Robert F. Drinan). She mentioned the Arno flood and from the moment I began reading about it, I was hooked!
I love how the book not only chronicles a historic event but also includes the story of how students from around the world helped save the town’s rare treasures. How did you craft the hook of your book? Writing this book was such a pleasure! I can’t explain it other than the words just came, and I typed them. The hook felt clear to me from the beginning—but I still did try a few other ways of telling the story. However, I kept going back to this version, I think because I connected with it the most. It just felt right.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt.
Mud, mud, mud.
Slimy, sticky, stinky mud.
Everywhere.
Everything covered in mud.
How did you go about researching this topic and what were your primary sources? I have a name for my own research style—Research Sudoku. I am extremely persistent and do not give up when I find a barrier to getting information I feel is necessary to tell the story. I also love using primary resources and connecting with actual human beings, as opposed to just looking in documents and books only. However, I would caution that this doesn’t necessarily work in all cases. I have definitely had to navigate around research hurdles at times!
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you. Like the students in Florence from around the world who exhibited a most admirable diplomatic behavior, I am going to refrain from just one (because I honestly could fill your blog with titles). I think a good place to find inspiration is in the booklist from my marketing group, PB Spree! Such beautiful books!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers? Write about things you believe in and have a passion for because hopefully you will be sharing stories about them for many years! Would you have wanted to read this book as a kid? If so, that is a great place to start!
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child? That’s like asking me what my favorite flavor of ice cream was growing up! Pretty much everything I read!
BIO
KAREN M. GREENWALD is an award-winning children’s author. Her book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (Albert Whitman), was named a Kansas Notable Book in 2022. Kansas chose it to represent their state at the Library of Congress National Book Festival and in the Library of Congress’ Great Reads from Great Places initiative. It also took center stage at several events of the National Women’s History Museum. THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE (Albert Whitman) launches in April of 2024. It is currently available to purchase on pre-order. Karen holds book drives for underserved school libraries and cofounded popular kidlit contest, #SunWriteFun, which also raises money (or book donations) for under-resourced school and public libraries. Professionally, her strategic branding efforts have earned 17 international awards, including a 2023 Platinum MEA. Prior, she practiced international environmental conservation law. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds her JD from Georgetown University Law Center.
LINKS
Website: JenMalia.com
IG/Blueky: @karenmgreenwald
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@karenmgreenwald
It’s my Book Birthday- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!!!
Hello world!!
YAHOO! It’s a big day!! I’m doing my happy dance today because…
My book DANCING THROUGH SPACE comes out today!!!
BUT first- YAY! I’m giving away a FREE copy of my book. To be eligible to win, please comment on this blog post. And if you mention this on social media, you’ll get bonus entries!! Contest ends April 12, 2024, US only.
I’m so excited to celebrate the release of my new STEAM picture book DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights illustrated by Sawyer Cloud and published by Albert Whitman.
The book features two of Dr. Mae Jemison’s passions: science and dance. It’s written as a dual narrative and as the story unfolds, the two worlds merge, illuminating how art and science are both essential parts of our world.
I started writing this book in 2014. Yes, it took TEN years to write, develop and publish. The road to publication was long and bumpy, believe me. Check out my journey below:
It was well worth the wait.
To all your authors, DON’T give up! If you feel strongly about one of your stories, keep at it.
I’d like to thank my rock star agent Miranda Paul, as well as the phenomenal illustrator Sawyer Cloyd and my awesome team at Albert Whitman.
Thank you, too, to Alli!
Here’s her bio in case you need professional editing:
Alli Brydon is a children’s book editor, author, and publisher with two decades of experience in the children’s book industry across the US and UK. She is available to work as an editor and project manager with picture book and middle grade authors and illustrators, especially those who are looking to self-publish or who wish to polish up a manuscript for submission. She is also a picture book coach, and has helped countless authors attain their dream of finishing and publishing a children’s book.
Find out more at https://www.allibrydoncreative.com.
BIO
Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was shortlisted for a Silver Birch Express (Forest of Reading) award, THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST(Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award, and NO BEARS ALLOWED (Clear Fork Media, 2019). A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.
Social Media Links:
Web: http://www.lydialukidis.com/
Purchase links: https://www.albertwhitman.com/book/dancing-through-space/
Blog: https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaLukidis
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaLukidis/
Author Jen Malia on Neurodivergence- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m a big chapter book fan, and I know these are a hard sell. Please welcome Jen Malia as she chats about her new chapter book Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament (This is Book 3 from The Infinity Rainbow Club series), illustrated by Peter Francis and published by Beaming Books.
BUT first- YAY! Jen is generously giving away a FREE copy of her book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends March 22, 2024, US only.
Please describe the journey to publication for Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament.
Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament is the third book in the Infinity Rainbow Club series, a children’s chapter book or lower middle grade series. My agent negotiated the 3-book deal. The first two books are Nick and the Brick Builder Challenge and Violet and the Jurassic Land Exhibit. The series was acquired by the same editor that I worked with for my debut picture book, Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism.
As a neurodivergent author with 3 neurodivergent children, I’m sure you have a personal connection to the struggles of ADHD. How did you experiences inform your story?
I was diagnosed with ASD in my late thirties, and I’m self-diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. My family of five, including my husband and three kids, are all neurodivergent. We have different combinations of ASD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. For the Infinity Rainbow Club series, I draw on my own and my kids’ experiences with neurodivergence. Each book is told from a different point of view and centers the voices of neurodivergent kids. In Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament, I also draw on my experiences as a Taekwondo black belt.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
My writing process is similar for each book project. I often use notecards on a bulletin board to storyboard. It’s an iterative process where I remove, add, or change the notecards depending on how the story comes together. This helps me see the structure of the story in one place. It’s especially useful for novels, but I also use this method with picture books. As a professor of English, I teach storyboarding in my creative writing courses, including courses that focus on writing for children and young adults.
Chapter books are a tough sell. How did you make yours stand out?
I don’t know of any other chapter book series that centers neurodivergent kids. 1 in 5 kids are neurodivergent. And yet very few books have kids with different brains who are the heroes and heroines of stories. I wrote the series I wish I had, but didn’t know I needed, growing up as an undiagnosed autistic girl.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt.
Focus on this match, Connor told himself. Naeryeo-chagi to the head is my best shot. An axe kick to the head was worth three points. And he wanted to go for the win.
The round was almost over. It’s now or never, thought Connor. He sucked in air. Sweat beaded up on his forehead. He was just about to strike Wyatt with an axe kick to the head. But out of the corner of his eye, Connor saw Wyatt’s foot come up toward the side of his head.
Protect your head, Master Park always said. Connor’s fists were already up near his head. His left forearm was right where it needed to be to knock Wyatt’s foot away.
Connor started to throw up his arm in a high block to protect his head.
“KYA!” Wyatt yelled.
But Connor was too late.
Thunk!
Please share your favorite chapter books that inspired you.
The adventures the kids go on in the Magic Treehouse series inspired me. The main comparable series for the Infinity Rainbow Club is the lower middle grade Bat series, which has an autistic boy as the main character. The Questioneers series is also similar to my own in that each book is told from a different point of view character.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
My main character in Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament faces many challenges at school and in the dojang. I think his advice works really well for writing. Perseverance, thought Connor. To not give up even when it is hard to keep going.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I loved Nancy Drew mysteries and the Babysitter Club books.
BIO
Jen is the author of the children’s chapter book series The Infinity Rainbow Club and the picture book Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism. She is a professor of English and the creative writing coordinator at Norfolk State University. She has written for or appeared on the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, Parents, Glamour, Woman’s Day, and others. She has a PhD in English from the University of Southern California and is pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Originally from Pittsburgh, she currently lives in Virginia Beach. Diagnosed with ASD in her late thirties, she has three neurodivergent kids with different combinations of ASD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. You can find her on her website at JenMalia.com.
LINKS
Website: JenMalia.com
Instagram: @jenmaliabooks
Twitter/X: @jenmaliabooks
Facebook: @momwithautism
Linked In: @jenmaliabooks
Beaming Books: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506496528/Connor-and-the-Taekwondo-Tournament
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Connor-Taekwondo-Tournament-Infinity-Rainbow/dp/1506496520/
Author Shruthi Rao on Getting into the Zone- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited because I got to interview one of my STEAM TEAM sisters! Please welcome Shruthi Rao as she chats about her new fictional picture book KADOOBOO! A Silly South Indian Folktale, illustrated by Darshika Varma and published by Page Street Kids.
BUT first- YAY! Shruthi is generously giving away a non-rhyming PB critique – either fiction (<600 words) or nonfiction (<1000 words). To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends March 8, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication for KADOOBOO! A Silly South Indian Folktale.
When I started querying, I was focusing on nonfiction, but I had a couple of fiction stories in my submission package too. This was one of them. We went out on submission with it a couple of months after we signed. Two publishing houses were immediately interested, and asked for an R&R. I loved Page Street’s vision and editor Kayla Tostevin’s editorial notes, and I reworked the story. They liked the revision and acquired it! This was in early 2022. Shortly after, illustrator Darshika Varma signed on. It’s been a lovely journey from signing through publication, and even beyond, with Jane Horovitz of the marketing team doing such a great job.
Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?
It’s based on a folktale I heard growing up. It always made me giggle!
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
I write fiction and nonfiction for various ages, and while the initial preparation varies greatly according to the project and the genre, the actual writing is more or less the same. I love getting into “the zone”, and few things in life are better than when a draft comes together for the first time! Another part of the process I enjoy is revising and editing it until something clicks and I just “know” this is the version that’s going to work.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
Sizzle, hiss, pop! Something’s cooking!
Hot oil and dough. Coconut and cardamom.
“Smells yummy!” says Kabir.
“Appa’s making kadooboo!” says Anya.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
This is a hard one! My answers always vary depending on when I’m asked this question, but I’ll try. And I’ll stick to picture books, to make things easy.
The Desert Queen – Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Svabhu Kohli
The Fire of Stars – Kirsten W.Larson and Katherine Roy
I’m an American – Darshana Khiani and Laura Freeman
That Flag – Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith
A River of Dust – Jilanne Hoffman and Eugenia Mello
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Practice equanimity, especially in your writer life. Just write, edit, submit, promote, market – do everything that is in your control, and do it well. And then let it go. Beyond that, you cease to be in control, and once you recognize that fact, you’ll be more at peace. 😊
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Not one book, but I absolutely adored the Amar Chitra Katha books growing up in India. Also, anything by Enid Blyton. Even though I recognize the problematic aspects of her work, picking up one of her books today gives me the same rush of excitement I got as a kid.
BIO
Shruthi Rao (she/her) got a master’s degree in energy engineering and worked in IT until her daughter lured out the writer lurking inside her. In the Indian market, Shruthi has published 16 books for children, featuring curious and feisty children, libraries, STEM and incredible women. Kadooboo!: A Silly South Indian Folktale is her US debut. Originally from Bangalore, India, Shruthi now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and loves books, trees, benches, desserts, science, and long walks.
LINKS
http://shruthi-rao.com
Twitter/X and Bluesky: @shrurao
Insta: @shrutree
FB: /shruthi.rao.writes
Author Melissa Stewart on Writing from Experience
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. First of all, Happy Valentine’s Day! Today I’m super excited because I get to interview one of my mentors, the Queen of nonfiction herself, Melissa Stewart. As usual, she found a way to make expository scientific information engaging and accessible to kids. Here she is, discussing her new nonfiction picture book, SHAPE SEARCH, published by Reycraft Books.
When did you start writing SHAPE SEARCH and how many drafts were there?
I often spend 5 or more years writing a manuscript, but this one came more quickly. I got the idea in February 2021 and had a solid first draft by mid-April. This is partially because I was writing from experience rather than research. And partially because I knew the structure immediately. The biggest hurdle was finding the right ending.
I took it to my critique group in May, and they helped me see a few things that needed work. I didn’t have an immediate solution, so I set the manuscript aside.
A year later, I felt ready to take a hatchet to the trouble spots and rebuild them. About a month later, I sent the sixth draft to Reycraft as an exclusive submission. I loved the photo selection and design of Footprints Across the Planet by Jennifer Swanson and Whooo Knew?, Woof!, and Scurry! by Annette Whipple, so I thought Reycraft would be the perfect home for Shape Search. They accepted it about 6 weeks later.
I love the hook with associating shapes, a universal children’s concept, with nature. How did you come up with it? I never imagined seeing a circle on a flower or a rectangle in a rock!
This book was inspired by a Twitter conversation with authors Linda Sue Park and the late April Pulley Sayre.
It led me to start thinking about shapes in the natural world, and a couple of weeks later, the basic concept underlying Shape Search popped into my mind. I envisioned it as a lyrical invitation to notice and hunt for shapes in nature. I hoped it would spark the curiosity of young readers and encourage them to see the world in a whole new way.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
Here are two spreads from the book. You can see it’s a very simple text with additional information in the backmatter.
Can tell us about any hands-on field research you do for your nonfiction books?
I’m lucky to have taken many amazing trips throughout my career, to places like East Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the American Southwest, Botanical Beach on Vancouver Island, and more. I record my experiences in nature journals, and then I can refer back to these notes later as I write books. Recollecting my raw experiences in the field brings a richness, a vibrancy to my text, which makes it more engaging.
Right now, I’m working on a manuscript that draws heavily on journal entries recording observations close to my home in Massachusetts. I think we’re even going to include sample pages from my journals in the backmatter.
Please share your favorite top five nonfiction books of all time.
Oh my goodness! I’m not sure that’s even possible. I will say that The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time by Jonathan Wiener is the book that made me believe I could write a book of my own. I read it in the mid-1990s, and my first book, Life Without Light: A Journey to Earth’s Dark Ecosystems was published in 1998.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers about how to make expository texts more engaging?
Oh boy, that’s another tough question! Rich language and text scaffolding are both important, but I think a strong, unique text structure is really the most critical element. So I guess my advice would be to dig deep to find just the right structure. Don’t rush it. Take your time. Be patient and persistent.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child? Was it nonfiction?
I wasn’t much of a reader as a child. I spent most of my time outdoors, romping around in the woods. I like to think that the books I write now would fascinate the child and inspire her to read under the covers late into the night.
BIO
Melissa Stewart has written more than 200 science books for children, including the Sibert Medal Honoree Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. She co-wrote 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-winning Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing. Melissa’s highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction reading and writing resources.
LINKS
Website: https://www.melissa-stewart.com/
Blog: http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @mstewartscience
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.stewart.33865
Instagram: @melissastewartscience
Bluesky: mstewartscience.bsky.social
Author-Illustrator Kim-Hoa Ung on Using Personal Experience – PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited because I got to interview one of my agency sisters and one of the friendliest people in the kidlit community! Please welcome Kim-Hoa Ung as she chats about her new picture book that she both wrote and illustrated, the first being A GIFT FOR NAI NAI published by Macmillan – Feiwel & Friends. It’s also exciting because this is yet another success story from the Fall Writing Frenzy competition I co-host with Kaitlyn Sanchez!
BUT first- YAY! Kim-Hoa is generously giving away a FREE free book, a giant crocheted pencil plushie, OR a non-rhyming PB critique. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends Feb 2, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication for A GIFT FOR NAI NAI.
The Fall Writing Frenzy competition co-hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis in 2021 helped me in getting a book deal for A GIFT FOR NAI NAI. My prize was a critique with an editor at Macmillan who saw potential in my story. After a few revisions, she took my dummy to her acquisition team and they were willing to pick up my story. At the same time, I participated in PBPitch hosted by Debra Shumaker and PJ McIlvaine and was offered representation by Miranda Paul of Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Things just fell into place at the right time for me. I’m grateful for all the love and support I’ve received for A GIFT FOR NAI NAI.
I know you love crochet and I appreciate how you weaved that into your book. It’s also about the love of a grandmother. Is the narrative inspired by your life in any way?
Yes, the story was inspired by my grandma, mom, and daughter. I am grateful to have crocheted hats for my grandma and I loved the bond that my mom and daughter shared. So I combined all those elements into my book. I also had not seen any picture books about crochet at the time so I was motivated to write one.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
Whenever I have a story idea, I would write down a little summary or a pitch for it. Then I would write a first draft or any important lines or dialogue that I’d want to include in the story. I also like to sketch out the scenes. I create a dummy so that it helps me see the text and illustrations together. Then I keep on revising and exchanging it with critique partners. Critique partners have been so helpful because they let me know what they think works and how I can elevate the story or adjust the pacing.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
“Always remember that small things become great when done with love.”
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
There were so many favorite books that inspired me. Here is a list of some:
JACK THE LIBRARY CAT by Marietta Apollonio
REGGIE: KID PENGUIN by Jen de Oliveira
MY STRANGE SHRINKING PARENTS by Zeno Sworder
SPICY SPICY HOT! by Lenny Wen
LOST IN TAIWAN by Mark Crilley
THE BLUR by Minh Le and Dan Santat
ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU and ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER by Benson Shum
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Keep everything you write even if you don’t think it will work. Sometimes an idea from one of these sparks an even better story.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
My favorite book when I was a child was YEH-SHEN by Ai-Ling Louie and Ed Young.
BIO
Kim-Hoa Ungis a Chinese American author-illustrator and amigurumi artist. When she is not creating stories, you can find her crocheting pieces for art shows, sending snail mail, and making arts and crafts with her kids. She lives with her family in Southern California. A GIFT FOR NAI NAI is her debut picture book.
LINKS
Webpage: www.kimhoaung.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AutumnLeaflet
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/AutumnLeaflet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnLeaflet/
Link to purchase: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250871596/agiftfornainai
Author-Illustrator Tara J. Hannon on Creating Graphic Novels – PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. My first Q & A for 2024 sure is special because I got to interview my friend and colleague Tara J. Hannon. We met when she illustrated my picture book NO BEARS ALLOWED years ago and we remained close ever since! Please welcome her as she chats about her new graphic novels that she both wrote and illustrated, the first being BIRTLE AND THE PURPLE TURTLES published by AMP Kids. By the way, she got a two book deal the first time she ever went to acquisitions, so there’s hope out there!
BUT first- YAY! Tara is generously giving away a FREE signed copy of her book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends Jan 19, 20243, US only.
My agent submitted BIRTLE to 16 houses. We received enthusiastic responses right off the bat, which felt great. Erinn Pascal from AMP Kids responded pretty quickly that she loved the story, but was wondering if I would be willing to try a different color palette. (The original BIRTLE palette was not limited and mostly primary colors.) I created three new color pallet samples for them to consider and a few days after sending them over we got the ‘we are taking this to acquisitions’ email. (This was my first time going to acquisitions!)
Please describe the journey to publication for BIRTLE AND THE PURPLE TURTLES.
Before BIRTLE I had been on sub five times with no success. So news of my first acquisitions meeting was tremendously exciting! I held my breath and refreshed my email repeatedly until the news came that AMP Kids wanted to invest in the first two books in the series. It was a good day. A very good day.
Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?
BIRTLE’s title came to me first. I was on a walk with my daughter and my mom and we were having fun with a little wordplay by asking each other things like: ‘What would you call a hippo and a rhinoceros?’ ‘A hippocerus’. We combined all sorts of animals, and when we combined a bird and a turtle, Birtle was born. I started writing Birtle as a picture book but it felt like I wanted more space to tell the story. So I gave myself permission to write it without word count limitation. When I was done, it was long, but kind of lovely. So I tried Birtle as a graphic novel, and it felt great!
Did you start out as an illustrator exclusively and if so, how did you make the jump to writing too? How do you straddle both worlds?
Yes! I knew I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator since elementary school. I didn’t consider the possibility that I could write until much later because I was not a confident writer. But when my daughter was born, I was inspired by her and the books we were reading, so I gave it a try.
I wrote dozens of terrible manuscripts, watched countless webinars, found some good critique partners, and slowly learned the craft. I am still learning.
Straddling both art and text is fun! Although, my manuscripts have an unnerving amount of art notes because I see the story, the humor, and the pacing as it unfolds. Luckily, I can dummy it out before it goes on sub so only my crit partners and agent know my mind’s messing inner workings while I write.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
Teeny: Ugh! I will never get rid of these fuzzy things!
Tootie: So let’s love them instead!
Tootie: Hello, fuzzy things! You are looking perfectly fluffy and fuzzy today!
Teeny: We don’t love the fuzzy things Tootie. Turtles aren’t supposed to have fuzz on their butts!
Tootie: But you could be the first fuzzy-butted turtle EVER! We could call you a Turzzle…or a Fuzzle!
Teeny: The fuzzy things have got to go.
Please share your favorite graphic novels that inspired you.
I used Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox’s book series Fitz and Cleo as a road map while I created Birtle. I really admire the pacing and humor of that series. And the characters are really sweet and lovable.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Find your kidlit people. The act of writing can be a solitary act, but storytelling shouldn’t be. Good critique partners provide honest feedback, new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a sense of community in an otherwise quiet craft.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I loved Shel Silverstein’s Where The Sidewalk Ends series. I thought those poems were hilarious. I memorized so many of his poems and re-drew his illustrations countless times.
BIO
Tara J. Hannon is the author-illustrator of the early graphic novel series, BIRTLE (AMP Kids). Book one of the series, BIRTLE AND THE PURPLE TURTLES released Jan 2024, and book two, BIRTLE AND THE (VERY) UNINVITED GARRY will be released May 2024. Tara is also the author-illustrator of the chapter book series, THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN (Penguin Workshop) coming in 2025. She has also illustrated the board books, PLANES USA! (’20) & GOD IS THERE WHEREVER YOU GO (’21).
Tara enjoys honest books, heavy with heart and humor. When not writing or illustrating she can be found being so uncool it’s almost cool, with her daughters and husband and jogging. She can rarely be found sleeping and she is okay with that.
LINKS
Portfolio/Website: www.tarajhannon.com
INSTAGRAM: Tarajhannonillustration
TWITTER (X): @TaraJHannon Blue Sky: @tarajhannon.bsky.social
Lydia Lukidis 