I have something in common with this lovely picture book by Molly Ruttan. Stage fright!
Thank you, Molly Ruttan, for sending me a copy of your delightful picture book. And thank you, Kathy Temean, for introducing me to Molly and her work. What a great picture book!
Something Wild is the story of a young violin player who loves playing her violin. But she is nervous about her upcoming recital. She desperately wishes for something wild to happen so she won’t have to go. But it doesn’t. She hopes again, but nope, nothing wild. Again. Nothing. When it’s finally her turn to play on the big stage, something does happen! But you’ll have to read the book to find out. Beautiful!
What I Love About This Book:
~ beautiful, emotion-filled illustrations
~ imagination
~ the theme of stage fright
~ the love of playing a musical instrument
~ the common challenge many young performers face when they prepare to share what they’ve learned at a recital
~ overall wonderful book
Thank you, Molly! Best wishes on your future projects!
My Tender Heart Prayer Book is a beautifully illustrated board book. Which means it is sturdy enough to last through repeated readings, accidental food and drink spills, trips in the car, and the myriad of other life experiences of a book living with a child.
This book is filled with easy to read one page prayer prompts. The prayers are all related to things that naturally occur throughout the day of a young child. A title on each page lets the adult reader know the theme of the prayer. Next, the Bible verse(s) is listed. This is followed by a short rhyming prayer, perfect for young children. To finish each page, Laura has included a Heart Moment. This idea is a way for the reader to personally connect with the prayer theme. Some of the Heart Moments include encouraging a child to think of his or her favorite breakfast food and thank Jesus for each one, asking how a child can show love to their family that day, and naming ways God loves them.
It’s time for new book news! Author Illustrator Amalia Hoffman kicked off 2024 with a new picture book! Amalia is joining us today to talk about her newest project. Welcome, Amalia!
Tell us about your brand-new picture book, Afikotective. What is it about?
A family of bears is getting ready for the Passover seder, preparing all the items for the seder plate. When the time comes in the seder for hiding the afikomen, Grandma breaks the middle matzah into two pieces. She hides the bigger piece, the afikomen, that the kids will eagerly search for later in the seder. It’s a good thing one little bear has turned his toy elephant into an Afiko-Sniffer! The invention sniffs out apples in a bowl, eggs in the fridge, and horseradish in the pantry, but can it help find the afikomen?
Amalia, this story sounds super adorable! I love learning about Passover in such a fun way.
Where did you get the idea for Afikotective?
When I grew up in Jerusalem, we used to attend the seder over at a family’s relative. The hosts used to hide the afikomen (the piece of matzah that is hidden during the Passover seder) in the most obscure places. One year, they hid it in a cactus planter that stood on the balcony. Another year, it was hidden wrapped in a towel by the bathtub. It was really challenging to find. But I was determined because finding the afikomen was rewarded with a small amount of money. At one seder, I stood up and announced: “I’m the afikomen detective!” I guess that this is what gave me the idea for the story.
So this picture book springs right from your own childhood! That’s pretty cool.
How did you decide to write and illustrate this book?
I wanted to create a book about Passover but to write a story that is fun and funny and will resonate with little kids’ sense of humor. So I came up with the idea that Afikotective and his “helper,” the Afiko Sniffer, look for the afikomen in all the wrong places, until Afikotective decides to fix his afiko-sniffer and finds the afikomen in the toolbox, that could be something that will put a smile on the face of a 3–7-year-old. I was always in love with anything pop-up, like pop-up books and cards. But producing a pop-up book is very expensive so I decided to illustrate the book by cutting elements so they look like they pop up off the page. I started by cutting elements out of paper and positioning them on boards. Later, I added color to my figuring and the background. I started using lighting to see how the shadow will play a role in the final photograph. Then, I incorporated other elements such as string, yarn, etc. For the cover, I painted a faux matzah.
Your illustrating style is unique, intricate, and captivating! I imagine it takes quite a long time to get all the illustrations just right. Well done!
How have you been celebrating the January 2024 release of Afikotective?
I decided to plan book launch not in January but closer to Passover. But on the day of January 2nd, when the book launched, I held it close to my heart and sniffed it. I love the smell of a freshly printed book. I also sniffed the flowers I got from my family.
Awwww, you are absolutely right! That new book smell is so enticing! Congratulations on your new book!
What’s next for you, Amalia?
I am working on a picture book about peace. I have a board book about the Jewish holiday of Shavuot launching in May. I am working on a picture book about peace and another picture book. I am also experimenting in different illustration style, using paper tissue collage.
Wow, you are busy! We look forward to hearing more about your upcoming book projects!
Thank you, Amalia, for visiting and sharing your new book with us.
You can see Amalia and her puppet helper Elfie in this sample of the presentation she does for Afikotective. Very cute!
See below for more information about Amalia and her new book. Afikotective is available now (the press release says Spring).
Oh, sweet delight! Adorableness and humor! Spreckle’s Snack Surprise by Sandra Salsbury is a funny, engaging picture book. I love it!
Thank you, Sandra, for sending a copy of Spreckle’s to me, along with a sheet of cute stickers and a beautiful postcard! I learned about Sandra and her new book from Jena Benton on her blog. Thank you, Jena, for featuring Sandra!
Spreckle’s Snack Surprise is delightful. The front cover alone had me giggling and predicting that perhaps Spreckle would love to have some nice poppy little chicks for snack. But that would be horrible, right? The front and back cover read like a food container, filled with grocery-style information and ad copy. FUNNY and very clever!
But besides that, the story of Spreckle is adorable. Hatched on a farm, raised with chicky siblings, Spreckle needs a snack. Much to the reader’s dismay, obvious snacks peck around at his feet. But hold on, all will be well. We hope!
Why I Love This Book:
~humor
~clever wordplay
~assumptions
~food!
~dragon, chicks, chickens
~perfect illustrations
Thanks again, Sandra and Jena, for introducing me to Spreckle!
Will you just look at this early reader I Like to Read Comics picture book by Mirka Hokkanen? Fun, adorable, and engaging. Thank you, Jena Benton Lasley and Mirka Hokkanen for sending me this most excellent comic picture book! Our family will enjoy reading it over and over again.
There is double trouble in this installment of Mossy and Tweed, when a new unicorn arrives on the scene, upstaging Wise Old Unicorn. Much fun and adventure follow in Gnome Woods. Two thumbs up for Mossy and Tweed: Double Trouble.
I adore maps that set the scene, and Mossy and Tweed does not disappoint. It makes me want to go exploring.
What I like about this book:
~ graphic novel comic
~ early reader, just right for those who are learning to read
Silent Night, The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol
Written by Brigitte Weninger
Illustrated by Julie Wintz-Litty
NorthSouth Books, 2018 English translation
I adore Christmas music. And Christmas books. When I recently replied to an email from NorthSouth Books, sharing which book I would love to read (from a generous list of choices), I won a copy of Silent Night, The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol. Merry Christmas to me!
Gorgeously illustrated, this lovely picture book has a longer text, but it easily engaged my attention as I read about the history of the beloved song. Seasonal yes, but I’ve been known to listen to Christmas music nearly any time of the year. Music and history lovers will enjoy reading how the song was born. Enchanting, beautiful, and perfect.
How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates
by Danna Smith
Plumbago Press, 2023
I’m jiggling in my seat with joy! How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates by Danna Smith is out in the world! I love snapping photos and writing haiku poems to go with them, so imagine my excitement when Danna invited me to contribute to her haiku project! What an honor!
Danna is swinging by the blog today to tell us a little more about her newest book. She has graciously shared some of the pages in her book. Let’s get to it.
Welcome, Danna! I’m so glad you are stopping by today to visit. Tell us about yourself.
Thank you, Angie, I’m happy to be here. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah but have lived in northern California for the past 22 years. My children are grown, and my husband and I are expecting our first grandchild soon! Writing for children is more than my career—it’s my passion. I am so fortunate to wake up and able to work at my dream job every day. In my spare time I love walking nature trails, reading, gardening, and doing yoga.
A first grandchild, how exciting! Congratulations for the new baby-on-the-way AND your newest book! I’d love to live close enough to walk those nature trails with you and share grandbaby stories.
How long have you been writing poetry? When did you become interested in haiku?
I’ve loved words and wordplay for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first poem when I was eight years old and haven’t stopped since. I was introduced to Haiku in elementary school. The idea of observing nature through poetry appealed to me. And counting syllables felt like a word game! Today, I fill my haiku journal with haibun (haiku with story) and hagia (haiku with art) too!
I love this! Nature is amazing! And you are right, syllable counting is like a game. I LOVE wordplay.
Congratulations on the release of your new book How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates! What inspired you to write this book?
Thank you! I’m very excited for its release! I wanted to write a book that I would have loved to read when I was a child. One that explained how to write haiku in simple steps and gave me ways to celebrate my work. The book is loaded with fun activities like how to write haiku comics, a poetry-on-the-go travel game, and templates to use when sharing poems with others.
This is a great resource for writers! I imagine teachers will be able to use it as well when they are teaching students about writing haiku.
The reading age for How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates is listed at 8-12 years, but as a 60-ish writer, I cannot wait to read and apply the information in this guide. How did you decide on this age range?
I agree! It’s really a book for readers ages 8 & up. Poets of all levels will enjoy it whether they are just starting to write haiku or want to refresh their knowledge. The age range listed for the book is simply a technicality on the publishing side of things.
That’s good to know. Not that a listed age range has ever stopped me from using the books I want to use! LOL.
As the sole creator of your new book, what were some of the tasks you needed to complete?
This book was such a pleasure to write. There were a few must haves for me:
Haiku is one of the oldest poetry forms and the rules can get quite complicated. With that in mind, my main goal was to teach haiku to my readers in its simplest form so it wouldn’t feel overwhelming.
It had to be fun! I wanted to pack this little handbook full of lots of activities and templates that would appeal to a wide range of readers to get them excited about reading and writing poetry.
I wanted to encourage my readers to share their work with others, which can be scary for some.
I also wanted to share a bit of haiku history by including quotes and short biographies of four of the great haiku masters.
It was my goal to make this book part instruction, part pep-talk, and a whole lot of wordplay.
Your book covers all of the haiku bases. I just received my copy and I look forward to reading your haiku poems, reading from the haiku masters, reading haiku by a variety of writers, and then practicing by writing new haiku. What a great resource! It’s the perfect introduction to haiku.
I was honored to contribute two haiku poems and one photo to your book. Why did you decide to include the work of other contributors? How did that choice change how you wrote and compiled the book?
First, I want to thank you and the other poets and children’s book authors for contributing your amazing poetry and photos to the making of this book! I could not have done it without you all!
I chose to include the work of other poets to make the book more interesting and fulfilling. There are many books with the master’s poetry and there are a few books with my poetry, but I imagined combining the three would give my readers a variety of poetry and an experience that they couldn’t get anywhere else.
Since the book included contributing poet’s work, the pressure was on! I wanted contributors to love the book as much as I do. I wanted them to be proud to have their names on the cover and their poetry tucked inside.
Well done! Your plan worked very well. I am thrilled with the book!
I wrote my first picture book in a high school creative writing class and loved the process. It was then that I vowed to work hard at becoming a published picture book author one day. I published my first picture book in 2004 with Disney-Hyperion and have gone on to author many more. Then the board book bug hit me 😊. I wrote my first board book, Wake Up, Freight Train! and it was such fun! I love that I get to be a part of introducing the littlest readers to books for the first time! My fourth and fifth board book will be published in 2025.
You could say I became a novelist by accident. One day I took a DNA test and learned that the man who raised me was not my biological father. The foundation I built my life around had crumbled. As I always do, I started writing poetry for therapy. After I wrote about 12 poems, I showed them to my agent with the idea of writing a novel in verse based on my DNA discovery. She was on board and two years later the book was published. The Complete Book of Aspen is a novel in verse (ages 14 & up), that delves into the emotional journey of a 15-year-old girl named Aspen as she discovers a long-kept family secret that challenges her identity.
Wonderful! I love hearing about your different books.
What are you working on now (if you can tell us)? Any surprises coming up?
I have five new books releasing in 2024-2026 including a couple more Little Golden Books. In the meantime, I am working on a big picture book project that I’m very excited about. It hasn’t been officially announced yet so mums the word for now. I’m also working on a few new board books that I hope my publisher will love.
Congratulations! It’s going to be a couple of exciting years for you!
Thank you so much for stopping by today, Danna. Best wishes to you as you continue to dream up new projects!
Thank you again for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
I’m excited to have Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky visit my blog today. Dianna is the author of the soon-to-be released picture book, Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dianna’s newest book.
Welcome, Dianna! I’m so glad you are stopping by today to visit. Tell us a little about yourself.
Thanks so much for having me, Angie! I have always wanted to write but only in the last few years have I found the time to do so. I’ve always loved picture books. I particularly enjoy and appreciate what illustrations bring to a story. What draws me to these books, other than simple delight, is the endless opportunity to create something wonderful – bringing to life the next story waiting to be told. And, in the process, hopefully creating a book a child will love and remember forever.
I agree with your thoughts regarding picture books. They are truly delightful!
Congratulations on your new picture book Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger (Clavis, September 15, 2023). This is such a beautiful book! I love the message. What inspired this story?
I first read about Braeden and his work on The Hunger Site. I knew immediately that I wanted to write about this amazing 9-year-old! I started writing and researching within days. Once it was written, I reached out to Braeden’s family.
Wow! You jumped right into this story. It is an amazing story!
What writing journey did you follow as you wrote Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger? How long did it take from idea to publication?
I started writing the story in the Fall, 2020 and began submitting to publishers the following Spring. Clavis purchased the story in June, 2021 and the Dutch edition was published Fall 2022. The English version will hit bookshelves this September 15, 2023.
That’s interesting that it was printed in Dutch first. I’m glad that it is being printed in English as well. It’s such an important message and cause.
The text is perfectly enriched by Sara Casilda’s illustrations. How much input did you have as your book went to Sara to be illustrated?
I always say that Sara’s beautiful work is the magic that brings my books to life! We emailed regularly and having websites showed her what Braeden and his mom looked like. I’m not sure if that made it easier or harder! Illustrating a living person must be stressful but Sara did a stellar job. They look true-to-life and simply amazing! It is my sincere hope that we’ll have the chance to work together again.
She did an amazing job, and I imagine it would be harder to illustrate a living person. At least I would be challenged. But then I only draw stick figures. It’s neat that you could email back and forth. I hope you get to work together again too!
And thanks, Dianna, for sharing the website for Braeden. Read more about Braeden here.
What special plans do you have for the book birthday (book release) of Just One Pebble?
Well, it’s a double birthday as the book comes to shelves on September 15, my 65th birthday! I haven’t given it much thought, to be honest, but will certainly celebrate our joint appearance on this beautiful planet.
Happy birthday! What a special release day AND birthday! I hope you have a wonderful birthday (both the book AND you). CONGRATULATIONS on the Kirkus review. Wow!
What tip(s) could you offer to picture book writers who are seeking to get their books published?
I know it’s difficult and we often feel like we are writing in a void. Write the stories of your heart; don’t write to trends; find reliable critique partners – they will be your strongest support; keep learning – take advantage of all the free webinars out there and purchase the ones you are able to that will further your craft and answer your specific questions and needs. The world needs our stories, so please keep writing them.
Excellent advice. Thank you!
Your first picture book, James’ Reading Rescue, came out in 2021. What other projects can you share?
I’m very happy to share that JRR has published in 8 languages, including English. Sara and I are so excited to have our book reaching so many children around the world. We can only hope for the same with Just One Pebble!
I’ve been busy writing and revising this summer. I have a couple of new stories that I’m really happy about, one with an inanimate MC. This was a revision challenge from my critique group and it really threw me, at first, but I’m so pleased with the outcome. I am hoping to submit a few stories in the coming months. I’m also querying agents, as well.
How exciting! Eight languages for James’ Reading Rescue. And at least two languages for Just One Pebble! Best wishes with your querying. I’m so curious about your inanimate object main character. Fascinating.
Surprise us. What else would you like to share?
Well, both Sara and I love cats. I try to have one in almost every story! In addition to picture books, I’m a huge fan of history, mystery and time-travel stories. I am a cookie decorator and love to make gingerbread houses. I also paint but lately that has taken a back seat writing. There are only so many hours in a day!
Thanks so much, Angie!
Having a cat in almost every one of your stories—that’s a fun idea! I love cats too. And sadly, yes, there are only so many hours in each day. I love doing so many things, but one must at least occasionally sleep.
Thanks again, Dianna, for stopping by. All the best wishes to you!
Thanks for joining us today for this special author interview. With that, we’ll jump right in.
I’m pleased to introduce Candace Spizzirri, author of Finley: A Moose on the Caboose, which just celebrated its book birthday in April. I first met Candace (author) through my critique partner, Beverly Love Warren (illustrator), when they had a had a book come out, Fishing with Grandpa and Skye (Spork, 2022).
Welcome, Candace! Let’s get to it and learn more about your newest book, Finley: A Moose on the Caboose. Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Angie, for having me on your blog again! I’m delighted to be here.
It’s always fun when an author makes a return visit to my blog!
Tell us how you came up with your idea for Finley.
The idea for FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE came to me while visiting the gorgeous town of Talkeetna, Alaska. The scenery was spectacular in every direction! During my stay, an enormous moose appeared in the town center, wandered about a bit, then disappeared into the woods next to the railroad tracks. I was delighted to see this big-eyed moose up close (but not too close as they are extremely dangerous) as I’d never seen one before. Later that day, I came across a little shop called Once in a Blue Moose and it sparked an idea for a picture book about a friendly moose who longs to ride the rails.
This is the perfect “where did your story come from” story! I love adventures!
How long did it take you from idea to publication? What happened during the process?
I came up with the idea for FINLEY in June of 2019 and wrote my first draft shortly thereafter. After I write a new story, I like to put it away for a while as was the case with FINLEY. Then, I did a bit of revising and sent it off to my critique partners. (I am a member of several groups and don’t know what I would do without them!) After each person had weighed in, I carefully considered their comments/suggestions while staying true to the vision for my story. FINLEY did require a lot of tightening and cutting of darlings.
After FINLEY was “ready”, I participated in the Twitter Pitch Party in March 2021 and got a like from Sandra Sutter at Gnome Road Publishing. Most of the heavy lifting/editing was done during the “revise and resubmit” process with Sandra and I signed my contract in April 2021. After FINLEY was acquired, Sandra and I tightened the text a bit more and worked on line edits until we both were happy with the story. Then, Chantelle and Burgen worked their magic with the illustrations!
So, from idea to publication was just under three years.
Wow, amazing! It’s so interesting to read about the process from idea to book.
I see that Chantelle and Burgen Thorne illustrated your picture book. The illustrations are fabulous! Did you have any input for the illustrations?
I agree! I couldn’t be more thrilled with Chantelle and Burgen’s illustrations for FINLEY! I saw character sketches and thumbnails of the spreads along the way. I loved it at every step of the way. I must admit that when I saw the final art, I cried tears of joy. It was everything I had hoped for and so much more.
Sandra Sutter, at Gnome Road Publishing, already had Chantelle and Burgen in mind when she acquired FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE. And my input was YAY! How lucky am I?!!
All I can say is wow!
Did anything unexpected happen during your writing of Finley?
While I was still working on some final edits for FINLEY (revising, revising, always revising) I decided to participate in the Twitter Pitch Party I mentioned above.
At that time, Sandra Sutter and the acquisitions team for Gnome Road were considering another one of my stories for publication. After Sandra liked the pitch for FINLEY. I sent in my manuscript, it joined my other story in acquisitions, and came back with a revise and resubmit. The team felt that the ending wasn’t strong enough. Oh no! But I was thankful for the R&R and worked at it until I was happy with the new ending.
I resubmitted, waited, and wondered about both stories. I was thrilled when Sandra contacted me saying the acquisitions team had fallen in love with Finley Moose. She added, “Finley has stolen our hearts, and he won’t let go.” What an unexpected delight!
That’s the best kind of feedback!
How did you celebrate the April release of Finley: A Moose on the Caboose?
I celebrated FINLEY’S book birthday on April 18th with a festive family dinner. I also had a book launch on April 22nd at my local Barnes & Noble with a story time, kids’ craft, (handprint moose with wobbly eyes) and special homemade FINLEY cookies. (Thanks to my bff, Susan, and daughters, Lauren, and Katharine!) Yum! It turned into a party!
So much fun!
What advice would you give to new picture book writers and illustrators?
Never give up!
Take classes, attend conferences, find critique partners, join writing groups, and connect with the kidlit community. What an amazing, supportive group they are!
Try to relax and enjoy the process. Publishing is a slow go. There will be ups and downs along the way. Patience and persistence are the names of the game. I have trouble with the patience part. Persistence comes much more naturally.
You’ve got this!
All true. Thank you for the advice AND encouragement!
What surprises are you working on now?
I always have lots of stories I’m revising and new ideas rumbling around my brain. Right now, I’m excited about several manuscripts I’ve worked on for the past couple of years. I also have something in the works that I can’t talk about just yet but will share as soon as I’m able.
Let me say, what a creative, imaginative picture book! Florescent colors, fun characters, delightful word play, and general amazing-ness. Thank you, Nosy Crow, for sending me a copy of This Is Not A Unicorn! (along with the super red tote)!
This Is Not A Unicorn! was the perfect gift for my 7-year-old granddaughter. She loves books and unicorns. In fact, after I gave her the book, we sat outside and read it together. And then we utilized the featured QR code (see below) and listened to the read aloud! So much fun! Books make perfect gifts.
I love the brilliant colors used in This Is Not A Unicorn!. At first, I was a bit shocked at how vibrant and glow-in-the-dark the illustrations and cover looked to be, but after reading, the colors fit perfectly with the story and the characters.
Word play is something I truly enjoy, and this is spot on for readers of this age. There is plenty of wonderful word play in this picture book.
Imagination! This ranks right up there with word play, characters, and colorful illustrations. Two thumbs up for This Is Not A Unicorn!.
I enjoyed reading This Is Not A Unicorn!. Perfect for readers who love unicorns with creative skills.
Love, Laughter, and Life 