book-reviews
Author Baptiste Paul on Speaking from the Heart
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. Woot, woot!! It’s my last blog post before my summer break. I”ll continue working on my writing but I’ll take a break from blogging until September. My guest today is actually married to my agent, Miranda Paul!! Please welcome Baptiste Paul, here to chat about his new fictional picture book, Dear You, Dream Big! illustrated by Toni D. Chambers and published by Charlesbridge.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for Dear You, Dream Big!
The publication journey for this book, Dear You, Dream Big feels to me like, I was having a long overdue conversation with the younger me. I wish book like this was available to me when I was younger for many reasons. When I was younger, there were people who believed that my life would amount to nothing. Although their words hurt, I kept on dreaming.
This an important message for Black and Brown children, can you share any time you felt silence or rejected?
To me, the important message here feels like a call to action, because although we, Black and Brown people have seen a small shift in opportunities and advancements the gap still remains too wide. And our faces still remains scarce in many areas of society. At a young age, I was called stupid and dumb by a teacher and that experienced crushed me. Later on in life as a young Black professional, I witnessed promotion opportunities being give to people with less skills and experience than I had.
Do you have any words of wisdom for other authors who would like to write a concept book?
My advice is that you write the story that speaks to your heart. Those are the stories that can affect change for the better.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
My process varies depending on what I’m working on. Sometimes it’s a character, a concept or an idea? I’m a big fan of outlines before drafting. I like jotting down thoughts as soon as they comes to mind. After I have the idea documented, I ask questions: who, what, why where, when, how—and I repeat the whole process a lot. I have conversations with myself very often as I write. There’s no shame in that.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
One of my favorite stanza in the book is:
So as you rise …
Stand tall
Stand proud
Extend a hand
Reach for the heavens
Anything and everything is possible.
Dear You, Dream Big!
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
One of the books published in 2023 that inspired me is Fungi Grow, written by Maria Gainferrari and illustrated by Diana Sudyka because one day, I see myself out in nature foraging mushrooms.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Apart for reading lots of books, try not to compare yourself to others.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
My favorite books when I was a child were the Nancy Drew series. I liked to see if I was able to solve the mystery before finishing the book.
BIO
Baptiste Paul is the Author of several books for children. Born and raised in the Caribbean Island of (Saint Lucia), Baptiste is a native Creole/Patois speaker and enjoys reading his books and sharing about his experiences with anyone who would listen. Baptiste holds Degrees in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Bucknell University. When he’s not writing or hiking, he up-cycles wood pallets into planters and wooden floors to name a few. More at baptistepaul.net
Author Srividhya Venkat on Telling Difficult Stories- plus a GIVEWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. Please welcome Srividhya Venkat, here to chat about her new nonfiction picture book, SEEKER OF TRUTH: KAILASH SATYARTHI’S FIGHT TO END CHILD LABOR illustrated by Danica Da Silva Pereira and published by Little Bee Books.
BUT first- YAY! Srividhya is generously giving away a FREE copy of her book (US only) or a 30-minute AMA on Zoom! To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends June 21, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for SEEKER OF TRUTH: KAILASH SATYARTHI’S FIGHT TO END CHILD LABOR.
When I first learned about Kailash Satyarthi’s work as a child rights activist, it brought back childhood memories from India where I had seen children working in households and small shops. At that time, although I did not question what I saw, I realized how privileged I was.
As I delved deeper into my research on Kailash, it was disturbing to learn that some children were forced to work in unsafe places like quarries, mines, and factories, while others endured abuse and other forms of exploitation. But here was a man risking his own life to rescue these children. Kailash’s curiosity, courage, and compassion touched my heart. I knew his story had to be told. And when I saw that there were no picture books about him, I embarked on the journey to write the first one.
However, writing this book was not easy. This being my first nonfiction book, I tried to be as thorough as possible with my research. In the process, I learned about the heartrending stories of children working to support their families, their unsafe working conditions, the risky jobs they are forced to perform, and their other horrifying experiences. At one point, I stepped away from this project due to self-doubt about my own strength and ability to tell the story. But then I reminded myself that Kailash’s story had to be told, and his message needed to reach readers everywhere.
I knew this book had to be child-friendly and yet not hold back the harsh realities of life for enslaved children. My critique group kept pushing me to get the story right. They inspired countless rounds of revisions and edits till the manuscript was ready. My agent and, at a later stage, my editor also helped refine the text and back matter.
How did you research this topic and did you get to speak to Kailash Satyarthi?
For my research, I primarily relied on interviews, write-ups, and a documentary film on Kailash. I also read books written by Kailash. I tried to focus on key life events that needed to be reflected in the book. In addition, I studied other picture book biographies related to the theme of child labor, or social justice in general.
I have not spoken to Kailash Satyarthi, but hope to meet or speak to him some day soon.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
I am hopeful that ‘Seeker of Truth’ will inspire readers to be curious, compassionate, and courageous, like Kailash himself. I hope that children will learn to question inequities and injustices in society, and speak up against them. Through this book, I would like readers to know that every person, young or old, has the power to make change happen.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
I usually begin with a theme/idea, then begin writing the story as it comes to me. This is usually me telling myself the story. I try not to think about story arc, character arc, message, etc. at this stage since that takes away the natural flow of thoughts. Once I have finished the rough draft, I put it away for a few days before getting back to revising or rewriting it. When I have a satisfying draft ready, I take it to my critique group. What follows is several rounds of revisions and editing with feedback from my critique group. When I eventually have a draft I’m excited about, I send it to my agent for her comments.
My process is nearly the same for every book, except when extensive research is needed as in a nonfiction project like Seeker of Truth.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
Here are a couple of books (from 2021 and before) that inspired me while I was working on ‘Seeker of Truth’:
- ‘For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story’ (by Rebecca Langston-George and Janna Bock),
- ‘The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy’ (by Kekla Magoon and Laura Freeman),
- ‘The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and the Fight to End Child Labor’ (by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs and Michael Garland).
Here are more titles from 2022-23:
- ‘Lola Out Loud: Inspired by the Childhood of Activist Dolores Huerta’ (by Jennifer Torres and Sara Palacios),
- ‘I’ll Go and Come Back’ (by Rajani LaRocca and Sara Palacios),
- ‘The Three Little Mittens’ (by Linda Bailey and Natalia Shaloshvili).
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Three things to remember:
- Keep writing the stories you need to tell.
- Find a writing community.
- Do not compare yourself with others.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I cannot think of one favorite book. As a child growing up in India, I loved the Adventure series and Mystery series by Enid Blyton, a British author. They transported me to a different world that filled me with excitement, and paved the way to making me an avid reader.
BIO
Srividhya Venkat enjoys writing stories that reflect nuances of her love for her roots in India. Her picture book, GIRLS ON WHEELS, is on the 2024 RISE: A Feminist Book Project List, while DANCING IN THATHA’S FOOTSTEPS won the South Asia Book Award 2022, and THE CLEVER TAILOR was one of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2019. When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window.
LINKS
Website: www.srividhyavenkat.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/srividhyavenkat/
X – https://twitter.com/VenkatSrividhya
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/srividhyavenkatauthor
Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/srividhyavenkat.bsky.social
Author-Illustrator Abi Cushman on Crafting Voice- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I love reading nonfiction and my next guest has already carved out her own unique style of funny nonfiction. Please welcome Abi Cushman, here to chat about her nonfiction picture book, FLAMINGOS ARE PRETTY FUNKY: A [Not So] Serious Guide, that she both wrote and illustrated. It’s published by Greenwillow / HarperCollins.
BUT first- YAY! Abi 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 June 14, 2024, US only.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for FLAMINGOS ARE PRETTY FUNKY: A [Not So] Serious Guide.
When WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD was acquired, I got a two-book deal. I always knew I wanted the second book to be in the same vein as WOMBATS, but I had lots of ideas for other animals to feature, and I wasn’t sure which one to pick.
After reading a National Geographic Kids article about how flamingos can live in very extreme environments, I realized there was more to flamingos than meets the eye. I had already known about them getting their pink coloring from their food, but I learned about their tough scaly legs and their ability to drink salt water from the article. I brainstormed some funny scenarios between the flamingos and Joey the snake (who first appeared in WOMBATS), and then I felt confident I could make a sequel that could stand on its own.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
I hope this book sends the message that flamingos–and nature in general–are super cool. I hope kids feel inspired not only to learn more about flamingos, but to go outside and observe the birds around them. How do their beaks compare to flamingo beaks? Do other birds stand on one leg?
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
The joint midway up a flamingo’s leg is an ankle, not a knee. Flamingo knees are located inside their bodies and bend just like human knees do.
Flamingo: Bet you thought my knee was bending backward, but it’s really my ankle!
Joey the snake: What’s a knee?
What is your writing process, and does it vary depending on the project?
For the “[Not So] Serious Guide” series, my first step is to research and gather as many fun facts as I can. After that, I doodle characters and scenes in my sketchbook and try to figure out the best jokes and visual humor to go with each fact. Then I make a dummy and sketch everything out and make sure the page turns are working well. For fiction projects, I start with my sketchbook and doodle for a long time until I feel like I have enough to shape a story. Then I make a dummy.
I love your books because they’re loaded with humor and kid appeal. What advice would you have for other authors or illustrators to tap into their “child self”?
I like to focus on voice in my books. I think the interplay of personalities between the characters and/or narrator can be really fun, and it helps me create humorous moments. I then “listen” to the characters and jot down little snippets in my sketchbook. I’ll write everything down, and I try not to worry if it’s bad. Then I take the best bits for my story. This way of doing things has been helpful to me so that I’m not being held back by fear.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
I recently read the picture book, I’m Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley and Skylar Hogan, and it’s hilarious. I also love Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest by Nora Nickum, which is an incredibly inspiring nonfiction MG.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
It’s definitely helpful to read a ton of books within your genre and figure out what you like and don’t like. But when it comes down to writing the first draft your story, you need to push all those other books way to the back of your mind. The best story you can write is the one that only you can write—the story that’s most reflective of your tastes, passions, and sensibilities. Don’t be afraid to be a little out there with the early drafts. You can always reign things in during the revision stage.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I have a lot of favorites from when I was a kid, but I’ll give a shoutout here to The Fire Cat by Esther Averill, which is about a yellow cat with big paws named Pickles, who lives in a barrel and just chases other cats up trees. He eventually finds his purpose at a fire station where he can put his big paws to good use.
BIO
Abi Cushman is the author-illustrator of funny picture books, including Animals Go Vroom! (Viking), Soaked! (Viking), and Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A [Not So] Serious Guide (Greenwillow). She has also worked as a web designer for over 15 years, and runs two popular websites of her own:MyHouseRabbit.com and AnimalFactGuide.com, which was named a Great Website for Kids by the American Library Association. In her spare time, Abi enjoys running, playing tennis, and eating nachos. (Yes, at the same time.) She lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her husband and two kids.
For exclusive sneak peeks, wombats, and special giveaways, subscribe to Abi’s newsletter.
Social Media
Website: https://abicushman.com
Newsletter: https://www.abicushman.com/join-my-email-list/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/abi.cushman
Buy Book: https://abicushman.com/books/flamingos-are-pretty-funky/
Author Jessica Stremer on Making a Difference- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited because I get to introduce a friend and colleague of mine. We co-lead the PB Spree group together and she writes awesome nonfiction! Please welcome Jessica Stremer, here to chat about her nonfiction picture book, LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds. It’s illustrated by Bonnie Yang and published by Simon & Schuster.
BUT first- YAY! Jessica is generously giving away a FREE picture book critique to one lucky winner! To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends June 8, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds.
I originally set out to write a book about the challenges birds face during migration. My agent felt the topic as a little too broad, and suggested I instead focus on just one of those challenges. She lives in Texas where the Lights Out Movement is well-known, and suggested I do some research to see if that narrative thread would be something I’d be interested in. It didn’t take too long before I found my way into this new story.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
I hope that people feel empowered and hopeful after reading this book. I’d like children to realize that small actions – their small actions – can make a big difference in the world around them. They don’t have to rely on adults for change.
What is your research process and does it vary depending on the project?
I often begin by looking to see if there are any other books recently published on the subject I’m interested in. If yes, I’ll look to see how they approached that subject. I consider what their angle is and determine if what I want to write is different enough.
Next, I’ll research using books and scientific journals. I try to find at least 3 sources to backup whatever fact I’d like to include. Websites can also be helpful, but I try to stick to official sites vs. personal blogs.
I use OneNote to help me stay organized, and also like to print articles so that I can highlight and make comments about how I’d like to incorporate a fact into the story.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
There are so many portions of this book that I love, but these three scenes carry a lot of weight. The first spread shows the migrating birds encountering trouble along their journey. In the story, one of the sparrows becomes injured and left behind. The girls brings it to a rehabilitation center, where she learns about the Lights Out movement.
This is the point in the story where we feel the momentum shift as the girl steps up to help bring change to her community.
You write a lot of nature-based nonfiction, when did your connection with nature begin?
I’ve always loved being outdoors, going for hikes, and exploring our natural world. That love for science and nature has only grown with time. There are so many interesting stories still waiting to be explored, and I hope that my books inspire kids to pursue their own curiosities.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
FEW by Kate Allen Fox
RIVER OF DUST by Jilanne Hoffman
FINDING FAMILY by Laurie Purdie Salas
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Be open and flexible. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want.
BIO
Jessica Stremer is an award-winning children’s author who combines her love of science and writing to create books that inspire kids to explore and think critically about the world around them. Her titles include GREAT CARRIER REEF (a Cook Prize Silver Medalist and NY Public Library Best Book of the Year), LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds, FIRE ESCAPE: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (a JLG Gold Standard selection), PLIGHT OF THE PELICAN: How Science Saved a Species, TRAPPED IN THE TAR PIT, and WONDERFULLY WILD. Jessica obtained a B.S. in Biology, with an emphasis in Ecology, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She was a recipient of the 2023 Stephen Fraser Encouragement Award and 2023 finalist for the Russel Freedman award. When not writing you can find Jessica cheering from the sideline of her kids’ soccer games, spending time outdoors, and planning her next family adventure.
https://www.jessicastremer.com/
Melissa Trempe and Dr. Natalia Ojeda Collaborate- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. Today is a special day because I get to interview two authors who collaborated on a book; Melissa Trempe along with Dr. Natalia Ojeda. They’re here to chat about her their nonfiction picture book, LADYBUG LAUNCH: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY OF CHINITAS IN SPACE. It’s illustrated by Manuela Montoya and published by Margaret K. McElderry (S&S).
BUT first- YAY! Melissa is generously giving away a FREE picture book critique or copy of LADYBUG LAUNCH to one lucky winner! To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends May 24, 2024, USA only for the book, critiques for anywhere.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for this LADYBUG LAUNCH: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY OF CHINITAS IN SPACE.
This book started out as a completely different manuscript. It was not co-written with Natalia, and it was not based on her experience working with NASA. While doing a personal retreat at The Highlight’s Foundation in 2020, I read that NASA had sent ladybugs to space. I knew that was a great idea for a picture book, and I wrote a humorous STEM story about a ladybug engineer building a rocket for space travel.
I wanted to include back matter about the real ladybugs in space, and I learned that the scientists behind the experiment were kids! Girls, no less, from a modest school in Chile. A gentle breeze could have knocked me over!
A Chilean newspaper had just featured the 20th anniversary of the project and interviewed the women involved to see where life had taken them after high school. Thanks to Google translate, I discovered one thing was clear—the ladybug project changed their lives.
Many of the girls grew up with few resources, including Natalia Ojeda, my eventual co-author. Her father was a waiter, her mother cleaned homes, and Natalia helped look after her brothers. She dreamed of becoming a doctor but doubted she could. After working with NASA, Natalia realized she was capable of anything. She and her classmates became determined women who wanted more for their lives. (The word ‘more’—más—became a word Natalia and I wanted to repeat through the story for this reason.)
After reading the 20th anniversary article, I scoured Facebook searching for the names and faces of any of the women. A bit of ladybug luck led me to Natalia. We started working together, and only two months later, I had a critique with an agent who felt she could sell our manuscript. Deep down I worried that the story wasn’t quite “there” yet. It was still so new! But I was excited someone had faith in it and we moved forward. For eight months the rejections from round one trickled in. For eight months, I kept writing and sending revisions to Natalia for feedback. My poor critique partners read versions of LADYBUG LAUNCH every month that year!
At the end of round one, we had a new, stronger version of our story. Our agent sent it out and within 24 hours we had interest, and within a week we had two offers! It sold to Margaret K. McElderry, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and we couldn’t be happier!
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
The message Natalia and I would like to send to children is that they are capable of anything they put their minds to! We also want children to know that if they don’t see people that look like them doing what they want to do, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. YOU could be the first. And anything is possible if you try.
What is your research process and does it vary depending on the project?
My research started on-line, reading all the news articles I could find. NASA’s website didn’t have any information about the girls, which was surprising. Honestly, I couldn’t find much information in English at all! Connecting with Natalia was critical in telling this story. Being able to co-author the book with her and have her firsthand experience has been amazing. Plus, she was able to send me numerous on-line resources that I could easily translate into English.
The book is coauthored with Dr. Natalia Ojeda, how does that type of collaboration work?
Thanks to email, Zoom, and What’s App, Natalia and I have been able to easily meet and share ideas. Natalia is a busy mom of four and has a demanding job as a doctor in a large Santiago hospital. However, she always made time to give feedback on story revisions.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
This is a text heavy spread, but it does a lot of heavy lifting! 1) It shows the dual narrative we had to use in the beginning when Luna and Natalia have yet to meet. 2) It sets up each of their goals and leads to the idea that it’s difficult to pursue your dreams when you don’t see anyone like you in that role… though you can still do it! 3) It explains that aphids can destroy a garden and that ladybugs have the important job of eating these pests. It took a lot of revision to get it as brief as possible!
Excerpt:
Yet as Luna grew older, she never saw a chinita astronauta.
“I could be the first!” she told the others.
“Unlikely,” said an amigo. “Stop dreaming and eat your dinner.”
Luna eyed the swarm of tiny aphids. The pests could destroy a garden. Eating them was importante and delicioso—but in her heart, Luna wanted más.
Natalia grew older, never knowing anyone who attended a university.
Could I be the first in my familia? she wondered. While Papá and Mamá worked, she watched her little brothers. They were happy, but in her heart, Natalia wanted más.
Please share your favorite books that inspired you.
Both of these books are incredibly different from LADYBUG LAUNCH, but I’d like to give a shout out to each… I really love THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY by Hannah Holt and Jay Fleck. Analyzing this story’s structure and dual narrative was helpful. I also love FINDING WINNIE: THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BEAR by Lindsay Mattick and Sophie Blackall.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Craft Advice: Read picture books that have been published in the last five years and read them often. And please, please, please type out your favorite picture books word for word. You’ll get a better sense of pacing, tension, character development, dialogue, heart, word count, etc.
Industry Advice: Write because it brings you joy, not because you want to get published. It’s a hard industry to break into, but it is possible! Remember, you miss every shot you don’t take. Put yourself out there. Be brave and write for the FUN of it!
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
As a kid I loved the LITTLE CRITTER series by Mercer Mayer and AMELIA BEDELIA by Peggy Parish.
BIOS
Melissa Trempe is a picture book author of fiction and nonfiction in the Philadelphia area. As a former educator, she loves connecting with readers during school visits. Melissa provides a critique service for fellow authors and is represented by Amy Nielsen at The Purcell Agency. When she isn’t working, she loves camping, skiing, playing with her dog, and eating just about any flavor of ice cream. Learn more about her and connect by going to her website at http://www.melissatrempe.com. BONUS! Anyone who orders LADYBUG LAUNCH by May 27, 2024 can send a pic of their order confirmation or a pic of the book when it’s delivered to attend Melissa’s Zoom revision workshop for FREE happening May 29 at 8pm EST with a recording to follow. Send proof of purchase to melissatrempebooks@gmail.com.
Natalia Ojeda grew up in a simple home in the southernmost country of the world: Chile. Her family had few resources, yet her faith, determination, and experience in the ladybug project helped her to overcome the odds and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. She is a doctor in the Palliative Care Unit of San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santiago, Chile. As a mother of four girls, she wants to share her story of strength and hope with children around the world.
Author Amanda West Lewis on Making it Personal -PLUS A GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited today because I got to interview an author I met in the flesh at a SCBWI conference many years ago, and I always loved her work. Please welcome Amanda West Lewis as she chats about her new nonfiction picture book, A Planet is a Poem. It’s illustrated by Oliver Averill and published by Kids Can Press.
BUT first- YAY! Amanda 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 17, 2024, Canada only.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for A PLANET IS A POEM.
There were several different elements that inspired this book. They all happened at about the same time, although they percolated for a while before manifesting into an actual manuscript.
When I was at Vermont College of Fine Arts, I was encouraged to read Steven Fry’s delightful and irreverent book The Ode Less Traveled which dives into structural elements of poetry. Poetry has been an important part of my life since I was a moody teenager. I did a lot of performance poetry and had a job as a professional calligrapher in which I created a lot of poetry art on the page. But I was staying as far away from writing poetry as possible. I mean, there are so many bad poems in the world!
Fry’s book changed that. He helped me see poetry as a kind of puzzle. Suddenly I was finding delight in playing with villanelles and sestinas, tankas and odes. Fry pushed me to play.
Around about that time, I was introduced to the work of the amazing American children’s book writer, Joyce Sidman. Sidman writes non-fiction books about nature, in verse. Her book, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night, cracked my writing open. I fell in love with the idea of combining the natural world with poetic forms.
The other element was the great CBC Radio program, Quirks and Quarks. I’m a pretty avid listener and at the same time that I was discovering Fry and Sidman, Quirks and Quarks was reporting on the images that the New Horizon space probe was sending back from Pluto. I was completely captivated by what I was hearing and seeing. Before I realized it, I wrote a Pantoum for Pluto, like a little love poem, and suddenly everything started coming together.
The road to publication was longer than I might have hoped. There were a few bumps along the way. But the manuscript eventually got settled in with my wonderful editor Kathleen Keenan at Kids Can Press and we got down to work. It was much harder than I had originally envisioned! Many poems had to be rewritten, some discarded completely. I spent months living inside my Thesaurus! But when Kids Can hired Oliver Averill to do the illustrations, things took off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Oliver’s artwork is breathtaking! I was delighted that Kids Can decided to make fold out pages so we could incorporate all of the different elements. The result is a spaciousness that seems to represent the spirit of our solar system.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
I’m not great on imparting messages. But I’d love it if people were influenced by my passion for language and our astonishing solar system. At the start of the book, I talk about how Astronomers and Planetary Scientists are some of the most amazingly poetic people on the planet. They have to be –– they are trying to help us imagine the unimaginable, to understand the un-understandable. They resort to metaphor and imaginative language. Poets do the same thing. The world is not divided into two boxes, one for art, one for science. Curiosity and expression come from inquisitive human beings wanting to communicate with each other.
What is your research process and does it vary depending on the project?
I’m not a scientist, but I am overwhelmed by the beauty, mystery, terror, and surprises we can discover in our solar system. For me, research is first and foremost based in passion for the subject. I tend to gravitate toward research in libraries because I love hunkering down with books and archival materials. But writing an historical fiction is very different from writing a science-based book. Both require equal amounts of intense research time and as much accuracy as possible. But scientific discoveries move quickly. They are harder to keep up with.
For this book, I needed to drill down on up-to-the-minute information. I mean, there was the New Horizons probe and the James Webb telescope sending us all of these great new images! Suddenly, much of what we had known before was being challenged. So, I made sure I stayed tuned to Quirks and Quarks and refreshed my online science feed daily. For me, the best source online was the NASA website. The site was, literally, changing as I researched. Obviously, I used other sources as well, but I knew that NASA would be reliable. Then once I was finished the initial research phase, I vetted it with a science writer.
I love that each poem is composed in a different poetic form to honor that particular subject, can you give us an example?
It was such fun to think about these pairings. It seemed natural to me that I would write an Ode to the Sun, since it is an ode is a poem of praise. If we didn’t have the sun, we wouldn’t be here. Plain and simple. Earth, too, deserves praise, but in a more “folksy” way, so I chose a Ballad. A ballad is something that comes from the people, something that tells an old story that everyone wants to remember.
I think my favourite example of a pairing is for Pluto and Charon. Pluto spins with Charon. We haven’t decided if Charon is a moon or another planet. They spin together, always. They share a gravitational centre and gasses flow between the two of them. So as much as I loved my original poem A Pantoum for Pluto, I ended up discarding that in favour of writing a Companion poem, where there is one poem of rhyming couplets for Pluto, and another separate poem for Charon. When you put them together, you get a poem of rhyming triplets. They make sense apart, but they are even stronger together.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
This is an excerpt from Our Family: A Sonnet for the Solar System
We’re awed by things that circle ‘round our sun.
We marvel, study, watch and find much more,
As ast’roids, planets, comets, rocks and rings ––
All move, like Earth, around the sun, our core.
A swirling sky of countless moving things!
A family made of many complex parts,
Our solar system’s great adventure starts.
Please share your favorite books from 2023-24 that inspired you.
As I mentioned, I am not a scientist. But I’ve been discovering books by the theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli. His writing is passionate, poetic, imaginative, and inspiring. I certainly don’t understand everything he writes, but I love the journey. I love his humility in the face of the impossibility of understanding the universe. His Seven Brief Lessons on Physics makes you feel like you are standing at the edge of a cliff. There is a kind of vertigo when you are confronted with these ideas. I literally felt queasy, as though I’d been on a giant roller coaster. I’ve just finished his new book White Holes. I’m an intense amateur at trying to comprehend this stuff, but like any true amateur, I try to follow along for the love of it.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Make it matter. Make it personal. The world is full of books, and there are hundreds of thousands of children’s book writers out there clamouring for attention. But there is no one else like you, with your interests and vision. The best thing you can do is write because you are passionate about discovering new things. That passion will come out in everything you do, and is, I think, the best gift you can give to the next generation.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
My favourite book was (and probably still is) The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster. It’s a fun adventure/rescue story, but at its heart, it is about trying to make sense of the world through communication, using words and math. And for me, everything comes back to trying to make sense of the world…
BIO
Amanda West Lewis combines careers as a writer, theatre artist, and calligrapher. She is the author of ten books for youth and young readers, including A Planet is a Poem (Kids Can Press),a picture book combining science and poetry, Focus Click Wind (Groundwood Books), a novel about youth activism in 1968, and These Are Not the Words (Groundwood Books), a semi-autobiographical novel about the jazz era and growing up in New York City. Her books have been nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award and the Violet Downey IODE Award. Amanda has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has acted, directed, produced, and written for theatre, as well as founded the Ottawa Children’s Theatre, a school dedicated to theatre education for young people. Her calligraphic artwork has been exhibited in numerous shows and she has written books on calligraphy and the development of writing. She teaches writing, drama, and calligraphy to young people and adults, often combining these disciplines together.
Socials:
BLOG: https://a-lewis.net/
WEBSITE: https://www.amandawestlewis.com/
https://www.facebook.com/amandawest.lewis/
https://www.instagram.com/amandawestlewis/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawestlewis/
https://twitter.com/AmandaWestLewis
@amandawestlewis@threads.net
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPa7HxD4xQMcSTmqoYVGjEg
PURCHASING BOOKS:
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-planet-is-a-poem-amanda-west-lewis/20584082?ean=9781525304422
Booklink: https://mybook.to/PlanetPoems
Shop Local: https://shoplocal.bookmanager.com/isbn/9781525304422
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
Lydia Lukidis 