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Meet Joye Smith, Author of Meet Lottie and Annie

Meet Lottie and Annie

Written by Joye Smith

Illustrated by Beverly Love Warren

Woman’s Missionary Union, 2025

Welcome, Joye! I’m so happy to have you here today so we can learn more about your newest picture book, Meet Lottie and Annie! This beautiful picture book is about two historical and inspirational women who led women and families to pray for and support missionaries around the world who tell others about Jesus.

Let’s get started!

Where did the idea of this book come from?

Thank you, Angie! I felt so honored to write this book about these two women who have left such an impact on missions. The idea for the book really came from the preschool leaders who are teaching missions in their churches. The state Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) preschool consultants let national WMU know that leaders were asking for a book they could use with their preschoolers to help them learn who Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong were. There was a preschool picture book in the past about Lottie and Annie, but it has long been out of print. A new book was overdue!

I was at that meeting! It’s wonderful to hear a need or idea from preschool leaders and then supply that needed resource.

In case someone is unfamiliar with Lottie and Annie, can you give us a quick description of both women?

Lottie Moon
Lottie Moon

Lottie Moon was a missionary to China for 39 years, from 1873 to 1912. Lottie learned the Chinese language fluently, took on the Chinese way of dressing, and lived among the Chinese people. She traveled from village to village to teach people about Jesus from the Bible. In her time in China, she taught and directed several schools for Chinese children, both girls and boys. She even taught reading to adults. Lottie loved the Chinese people, and wanted them to hear about Christ and His love for them. She wrote to Annie Armstrong and the women in Southern Baptist churches in the United States, urging them to collect an annual offering at Christmas time to send more missionaries so the Chinese people would hear about Jesus’ love. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is named after her, and the offering goes to the work of missionaries with the International Mission Board (IMB).

Annie Armstrong

Annie Armstrong was a woman who could really get things done! As the first corresponding secretary (now known as executive director) of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) from 1888 to 1906, Annie led the women of her time to support missions through praying and giving. She thought it important to develop missions education materials so all ages could learn about missionaries and missions work. Annie is known for the many projects in which she led WMU to be involved. A few of these projects included raising money for more missionaries to be sent out, providing “frontier boxes” with supplies for missionaries here in the United States, and raising money for a church building in Cuba. Now the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is named for her, and supports missionaries with the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

This is fascinating history!

What made you want to write this book? What inspired you?

The stories of Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon have always been an inspiration to me. What amazing women they were! But in teaching preschoolers in the church for many years, I know what a challenge it is to make historical figures of the past relevant to preschoolers today. I wanted to write a book that tells the stories of Lottie and Annie in a way that would capture the attention of preschoolers.

You did an excellent job of writing a compelling book for the preschool audience. Though, I (an adult) enjoy reading and learning from Meet Lottie and Annie, so I guess you could say many age levels will enjoy this book.

How did you research these two historical missions heroes before writing Meet Lottie and Annie?

The two main sources I used are the books, The New Lottie Moon Story, Second Edition, by Catherine B. Allen, and Annie Armstrong: Dreamer in Action, by Bobbie Sorrill. As I read these biographies, I took many notes about the stories and information I thought would be important to include. I went back to those books many times during the writing process.

I also read Lottie Moon and the Silent Bell, by Rosalie Hall Hunt. Rosalie is such a great storyteller! Rosalie was in the process of writing Annie Armstrong’s Amazing Adventures (which is now available), and she even sent me a chapter to preview. Wow! My conversations with Rosalie about both Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong taught me so much. I am so grateful to Rosalie for sharing with me.

It sounds like your research was in depth and very productive. I love knowing about these additional resources for learning more about Lottie and Annie.

While I was writing Meet Lottie and Annie, it so happened that the archivist at national WMU, Cindy Goodwin, was going through some of the journals of Annie Armstrong. What a treasure it was for me when I could head up to the library on the second floor of the WMU building and there was Cindy Goodwin with white gloves on, reading some of the journal entries. Seeing the journals in Annie Armstrong’s own handwriting made her become more personable to me. She sometimes included recipes and even household tips!

That’s so cool! I bet the recipes and household tips were fascinating!

What was your writing process? How long did it take you to write the words for Meet Lottie and Annie?

It took me about 6 months to write the words. I started by reading the biographies and taking many notes. I used the notes to pull out the stories to include for preschoolers. Angie, you were a great editor to work with me. I knew that we wanted half of the book to be about Lottie and half about Annie. That gave me a division of the book, and page count for each of the ladies. Then I had to make decisions about which stories to include.

I knew that Lottie Moon wrote letters to Annie Armstrong, urging the women in WMU to give financially so more missionaries could be sent to China. I felt that would be a good segue between the two parts of the book.

Once the text was written, it was a blessing to work with Angie as editor and Beverly Love Warren as illustrator of the book. What a wonderful job Beverly did with the beautiful illustrations! I am thrilled!

It was an amazing experience to work with both of you on this project. And then I handed it over to Gayle West, the WMU preschool team’s graphic designer. She pulled all the pieces together, and then off to the printer it went! Meet Lottie and Annie was released on June 1, 2025.

What was your favorite part of helping this book come to life?

I wanted to include an interactive element for preschoolers, so it was fun to come up with the word sounds (onomatopoeia) on each page spread.

That is a very fun way to engage preschoolers!

What do you hope preschoolers, families, and preschool leaders take from this book?

I hope the book is a help to families and preschool leaders in helping our young ones learn who Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon were, and why we give today to the offerings in their names. I hope leaders will engage their preschoolers in giving to the two offerings. I hope preschoolers enjoy the book!

Joye, I know you teach Mission Friends, a missions discipleship group for preschoolers. What is your favorite way to use Meet Lottie and Annie with your preschoolers?

I read the Lottie section of the book to our preschoolers at church, and it was fun to have the preschoolers repeat the word sounds on each page spread. I think it made the preschoolers more attentive!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I hope you have fun learning about the missions legacies of these 2 women, and enjoy sharing about them with your preschoolers!

Thank you so much, Joye, for sharing about your part in creating Meet Lottie and Annie! This picture book is a wonderful resource for parents and leaders alike, and is especially great for preschoolers. Thank you for joining us today on the blog.

Joye Smith stands by a life-sized cutout of Annie Armstrong!

Readers, if you would like your own copy of Meet Lottie and Annie, you can find it here.

If you would like to learn more about the creation of Meet Lottie and Annie, read Beverly Love Warren’s blog interview here. Beverly was the illustrator for this beautiful book.

Thank you for stopping by. What is your favorite historical picture book?

Happy Reading!


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Celebrate World Kindness Day Today – November 13! PLUS #Giveaway

Be Kind, Make Friends, wmu.com/be-kind-make-friends/ World Kindness Day November 13

Each year on November 13, we celebrate World Kindness Day, “a day to celebrate and promote positive human interactions.” We focus on showing kindness in ways big and small. Every kindness extended to others spreads goodwill and lightens the load of stress people shoulder as they go about their days.

Need more info and ideas? I found Awareness Days very helpful. I especially like the list of ideas and the #hashtags to use when sharing and talking about World Kindness Day (and kindness in general).

Some things you could do include showing random acts of kindness, volunteering, donating to a charitable cause, and teaching kindness to children and young people.

Not quite two years old, my picture book Be Kind, Make Friends, helps preschoolers and the younger audience learn about showing kindness and making friends. I’m glad to have this resource to encourage us to celebrate kindness every day! Do you know of any other resources to help promote kindness to the younger crowd? Add them to the comment section so we can all hear about them.

What will you do to celebrate World Kindness Day?

To celebrate World Kindness Day, I’m giving away one copy of Be Kind, Make Friends to someone who comments on this blog post (US only). Let us know how you would use Be Kind, Make Friends with someone in your world. Winner chosen in one week on November 20. Check back next Thursday to see who won!

Happy World Kindness Day! Thank you for being a part of this blog world!


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Way Past Shame by Hallee Adelman, SEL Picture Books Author

Way Past Shame

Written by Hallee Adelman

Illustrated by Karen Wall

(Albert Whitman & Co., 2025)

Have you ever said or done something that you felt ashamed of doing? Oh, boy. I sure have. Kids have some of the same experiences but often don’t know what to do about it, what to say, or even what it is that they are feeling.

Enter Hallee Adelman, author of several social emotional learning (SEL) picture books. Hallee’s books are just right for helping young readers (and listeners) identify their feelings, give name to those feelings, talk about the feelings, and consider things they can do about the situations they find themselves in.

Hooper feels so much shame for something he did that he wants to hide. He is not happy with what he did. But he doesn’t know what to do.

With a compelling story and colorful illustrations, Way Past Shame lets readers experience Hooper’s feelings and discover what he does about those feelings as he finds a way past shame.

Hallee has an entire series of Way Past Books (see the sticker above, I’ve Got Great Big Feelings, for a list of all 10). She provides lesson plans for each on her website. Check out the great resources and ideas she sent me with a copy of Way Past Shame. Stickers, magnet words for a magnetic dry erase board, button, stickers, Any Way You Slice It game with actions to do with those feelings, and a lesson plan.

I’ve read several of Hallee’s books, and I wish I had them when I was a teacher. They would make great resources for families, teachers, and counselors. Each topic is an open door to begin discussing different situations and feelings.

Thank you, Hallee, for sending me a copy of this just right book and all the special tools to use with it! I love the personalized notes too!

I have featured Hallee a couple of times on the blog. Read more:

Way Past Worried

The Strongest Thing, When Home Feels Hard

Amazon Blurb:

Hooper and Bax are the final two competitors in the school spelling bee. Bax didn’t spell his word correctly, and now it’s Hooper’s turn. He’s sure he knows how to spell the word he’s given, but the pressure of all those eyes on him makes him second guess his answer. Hooper looks around the room and spots the word on a poster. Now he has a decision to make: will he tell someone about what he’s seen, or take the easy win?


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Book Share and Author Illustrator Interview: Tinker, Where Are You? by Beverly Love Warren

Tinker, Where Are You?

Tinker, Where Are You?

Written and illustrated by Beverly Love Warren

(April 16, 2025)

Welcome to Book Share! Today I’d like to share about one of my critique partner’s new books, Tinker, Where Are You? by Beverly Love Warren. It’s always thrilling to see a new book come out in the world, but when I was a part of reading and critiquing the book along its journey to publication, that makes it much sweeter!

Beverly has stopped by my blog today to share more about her new book. Hi, Beverly! Let’s hear more about Tinker!

What was the inspiration for your book?

My desire was to write a story with a message that I believed in. When I was little, I wanted a pet, but a family member was allergic to cats and dogs, so I bought a hamster and a turtle. Fast forward to now, and I knew the turtle would be featured in the story and the clever escape of my hamster would figure into the plot.

While revising the story I discovered that too many turtle picture books existed on the market, so Tinker became a lizard. Although it was horrible to have lost my hamster, it would have been a disaster if I had lost my friend’s pet while it was under my care. As the main character, what would I do and how would this effect my relationship with my friend? Of course, I wanted the story to have a good ending, so Tinker is found in the end, but what if the main character concluded she must give up her dream of owning a fish to keep from disappointing her friend?

Initially the inspiration for this tale was my pets, but it also came from Luke 6:38 (found in the Bible) which essentially says, “Give and it will be given back to you.” My heart’s message in writing Tinker is to encourage children to think creatively as they try to solve their problems, but even more importantly, it is that they would see the reward in being a good friend.

Being from the Pacific Northwest, I am unfamiliar with anoles other than as pets, so I enjoyed the warm tropical environment in this book. I must say that Tinker is adorable, and I liked reading about the responsibility Hannah shows while she cares for Tinker and performs her other chores.

Hannah

Tell us about your writing and illustrating process.

Generally, the story comes first. It is written and revised until my critique partners and I agree that it is finished. But while I am in the revising process, I will begin the character sketches and will decide what medium and style I would like to use for the final art. Once I’ve made my choices, I will begin the storyboard or dummy book. Sometimes the text may get altered slightly as I am working on the sketches, so it fits the illustrations better. After I finish the final storyboard, I enlarge those sketches, trace and tweak them, and then get them scanned. From there I will add the color using Procreate in my iPad to complete the illustrations.

Tinker, Where Are You? is a part of a collaborative publishing process with one of my critique groups. We each wrote and illustrated our own books and helped one another with both the refining of the stories and the illustrations. Each of us has different strengths to give to the group to help in the creative and publishing process.

That’s a pretty neat way to create a picture book!

What is your favorite part of the creative process and why?

All of it. I am more of an artist by natural abilities, so I might say that illustrating is my favorite part, but honestly, I really enjoy creative writing—both in coming up with the story idea and the revising as well. Telling a tale is fun, but watching a character come to life under my pencil and paint is the icing on a cake.

You do a fantastic job creating both story and illustrations!

What other projects have you illustrated or written?

Back in the dark ages when I began illustrating (LOL), I created a boat load of art for the secular and faith-based educational markets. During that time, and since then, I’ve also illustrated a few books. Tinker is my eighth book. Among the other books are My Child My Princess by Beth Moore, Fishing with Grandpa and Skye by Candace Spizzirri, and Have You Seen Mouse? by me.

I’ve read several of these. Lots of fun!

What is next for you, Beverly?

When I completed the illustrations for Tinker, I immediately began working on the illustrations for Meet Lottie and Annie written by Joye Smith. Meet Lottie and Annie is a picture book for preschoolers. This book tells the story about two women missionaries from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Lottie served in China and Annie served in the US. This was a fun project because I enjoy doing research on historical characters, and I found the lives of these two women to be inspirational. The book is due to be released on June 1, 2025.

As editor for Meet Lottie and Annie, I can say that I cannot wait to hold a copy in my hands. The history and engaging illustrations are wonderful!

Today I am working on marketing Tinker. But I am also thinking about my next book. I have four manuscripts with semi-completed storyboards. It is a matter of deciding which one is the best for me to publish currently. A good thing about being a self-publishing author and illustrator is that I can work at my own pace, which leaves room for me to illustrate other projects as they arrive.

Thanks so much, Angie, for featuring Tinker, Where Are You? on your blog.

You are very welcome, Beverly. It’s always a joy to find out what is going on in your world. Congratulations on Tinker!!

Sad Hannah

Friends, you can learn more about Beverly here and find her books:

Beverly Love Warren Look for the QR code to get $3 off!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop

Walmart or anywhere books can be ordered.


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Book Share: Look by Gabi Snyder

Look

Words by Gabi Snyder

Pictures by Samantha Cotterill

A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024

Oh, this is the one to read today! This picture book is filled with hope and love, beauty and patterns. Beautiful!

Thanks to Kathy Temean and her blog, Writing and Illustrating, I won a copy of Gabi’s gorgeous book. Thank you both!

Each time I’ve read Look, I’ve been filled with the JOY of discovery and delight. There is so much to be found on each page, and the colors and words make the journey effortless and thoroughly engaging. With the detailed cut-paper illustrations, patterns pop from the page.

My Goodreads review:

This book is absolutely gorgeous! Filled with hope and love and a search for patterns, the poetic words by Gabi and the cut-paper illustrations by Samantha combine to make a beautiful journey for a young reader. A day in the life of a young child who goes out and about with his mother. LOOK helps the reader see the wonder of it all and allows them to take a peek at the grander picture of the whole world, but also at the tiniest of details. Ten thumbs up.

Happy reading!


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Happy Book Birthday to Goat’s Boat Won’t Float by Kim A. Larson! + GIVEAWAY!

Happy book birthday, Kim! Goat’s Boat Won’t Float is finally here! I’m so excited for you! Now Goat and Turkey are out in the world and ready for readers to have a blast!

Friends, Kim is one of my fabulous critique partners. I love reading her manuscripts, and she always has wonderful insights for me when she reads my work. Be sure to read to the end to learn about a special giveaway of Kim’s book by The Little Press. LEAVE a message on this blog post for a chance to win a copy of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float!!!

But enough about me. Kim, welcome to the blog! Thanks for celebrating your book birthday with us!

Tell us about your writing journey.

I wrote as a hobby for many years (but I wrote very poorly). Then in 2010, I was laid off after a 23-year career in mortgage lending. It had always been my dream to write full-time, and with our two sons almost grown, my husband gave me his blessing. I took three creative writing classes at the same college my son attended, then I started a critique group that met in my home for many years. I published twelve short stories and poems in regional anthologies and also wrote a few picture books. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled onto a local SCBWI writing group in 2018 that I switched to writing for children exclusively. Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (The Little Press) is my debut picture book. My second is Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing) and it will be released in 2025.

I love learning about your journey of becoming a picture book author!

What was your inspiration for Goat’s Boat Won’t Float?

My grandchildren’s fainting goats inspired the main character.

Having grown up on a farm, I’m drawn to stories with anthropomorphic animals. The story itself was inspired after watching an SCBWI webinar by Ann Ingalls in 2020 on how to write early readers. I learned that most early readers use sight words, which are common words kids recognize without sounding them out. On the kindergarten list was the word “goat,” and I knew I had my main character.

That is awesome! Early readers are so important for young readers. What perfect characters! Our neighbor raises goats (but not the fainting variety). They are such unique funny animals. 😊

What special plans do you have to celebrate the October 1 release of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float?

The day will probably be like any other day, Lol. I have my first bookstore signing on October 5, so that will make it feel more real. I’ll be featured on several blogs throughout the month, so I’m sure I’ll be interacting with friends, family, and readers on social media who will help me celebrate the entire month.

A perfect plan!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my presentation for the schools I will visit this fall. At the same time, I’m also trying to find time to draft a new picture book idea. I highly value receiving feedback on my stories, so I’m determined to share something with my critique group every other week.

Kim also visited the blog in August and shared some of her strategies for promoting Goat’s Boat Won’t Float. You can read more here.

Do you have any tips you would give to a new picture book author or illustrator?

Never stop learning. Never give up. Never lose your joy in writing. These tips are best accomplished by staying connected with other authors—and the KidLit community is the greatest. Everyone shares their knowledge and encourages and supports one another. It’s truly a community that makes a writer’s life more fun.

This is absolutely true!

Surprise us! What else would you like to share?

Here’s a fun fact: goats don’t really faint. Certain breeds of goats have a genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. This makes their muscles seize when startled, causing them to topple over.

Animal facts are amazing!

Congratulations, Kim! I have my own copy to read and reread! Such a fun read!

Kim A. Larson grew up surrounded by every imaginable farm animal—except fainting goats. Her grandchildren introduced her to these skittish creatures, and she knew she had to write about them. Goat’s Boat Won’t Float is her debut picture book, the first in the Goat & Turkey series. Her second book, Doll Trouble, will be released in 2025 (Clavis Publishing). In 2021, Kim won the Ann Whitford Paul Award for most promising picture book manuscript. She was a #PBParty finalist in 2022 and 2023. When she’s not reading or writing, you may find Kim gardening or playing her favorite game Sequence. She and her husband live in Moorhead, Minnesota.

You can reach Kim on her website at KimALarson.com and on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you sign up for her quarterly newsletter, you’ll receive a PDF copy of her first published book of short stories and poems: Love, Laughter, and few Happily Ever Afters.

*GIVEAWAY ALERT

The Little Press is offering a copy of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (US only) to one winner. All you have to do is leave a copy on this blog post! Ta-da!

https://twitter.com/little_press

The Little Press


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And the winner is . . .

Author Kim A. Larson visited the blog a week ago to share her plans leading up to her debut picture book launch on October 1. That’s when Goat’s Boat Won’t Float will be released to the world! You can read that post here. (Hint: it’s chock full of great ideas!)

Kim offered one lucky winner a free critique of a non-rhyming picture book manuscript under 700 words or a 30-minute AMA Zoom meeting! Wow!

And the winner is . . .

Eleanor Ann Peterson!

Come on down, Eleanor! Please reach out to let us know the best way to contact you! Congratulations! I know from personal experience that Kim is a wonderful critique partner and shares insightful comments.

Thank you, Kim, for sharing your pre-release plans and for offering a giveaway here on my blog. Congratulations to you on Goat’s Boat Won’t Float! October is nearly here!


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Preparing for a Picture Book Launch by Guest Author Kim A. Larson (+ giveaway)

It’s pretty amazing to walk into a bookstore and find just the right book. Actually, that’s one of my favorite things! I digress. But did you know how much work an author does BEFORE a book hits the shelves (or virtual cart)?

Today I’ve invited author Kim A. Larson to share what she is doing to prepare for the book launch of her debut picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float. I love learning from authors. This post is chock full of great ideas. Be sure to read to the end to learn about 2 opportunities for a chance to win (one deadline is tomorrow). Let’s go!

Welcome, Kim!

Hi, Angie!

When Angie asked me to talk about what I’ve been doing to prepare for my book launch, I was reminded of the importance of being part of a writing community—and the KidLit community is the best! So it is with gratitude that I acknowledge that most, if not all, of what I’m about to share I learned from others.

When I received my book contract, the first thing I did was update my website. I had self-published a devotional-style Bible study prior, so I wanted my website to look like that of a children’s author.

Next, I tried to find a co-marketing group. The ones I approached wisely told me I couldn’t join until my publisher had hired the illustrator and announced my book in Publisher’s Weekly. The reason was for my benefit. If my book got bumped into the next year, the group may no longer be active.

Once my book was announced, I couldn’t find a co-marketing group with an opening. So, I started one with two other authors (seventeen months before our release dates). As our guide, we used the PDF booklet Starting a Book Co-Marketing Group in 5 Easy(ish) Steps by Kirsten W. Larson. It’s free when you sign up for the Soaring ’20s Flying High Picture Book Debuts newsletter.

My experience with a co-marketing group wasn’t stellar. Not everyone participated and I spent a lot of time organizing it. But I made many new friends. Some groups work out well, like the “Soaring ’20s,” which is still going strong.

Self-promotion is hard for most authors, so after I shared the sale of my book on social media, I didn’t post anything more about my book for another year. By then, the illustrator had finished the book’s cover, and I was within six months of its release date. Some publishers do a cover unveiling post. If yours doesn’t, you’ll want to do one yourself.

Ten months before my release date, I emailed the KidLit bloggers I follow and asked to be on their blogs. They joyfully said, “Yes!” Some even offered an extra post, like Angie. I also subscribe to authors’ newsletters. Here I learned of podcasts and radio opportunities. My spreadsheet of scheduled blog and podcast dates filled up quickly.

I would say that organization is an important part of this process!

Around this time, I applied for a grant through my regional arts council. I proposed that I would read my book and present at area schools, with the grant paying for my mileage and time. The application required confirmation from the schools, and this was much harder to get than expected. Before the deadline, I had seven schools confirmed—and I got the grant!

Kim, can I just say, “Wow!” You really hit this with tons of hard work. I love that you applied for a grant!!

To prepare for school visits, I purchased Kim Norman’s book Sell Books and get PAID doing Author School Visits. I also joined her Facebook group: Kim Norman’s Cool School Visits for authors & illustrators. Many other authors offer wonderful advice on their websites, too.

Thanks, Kim, for the resource suggestions!

From their examples, I created a book order form, a school contract, a sell sheet for librarians and retailers, and an online Google form for teachers to evaluate my performance. In addition, I designed bookmarks and thank-you cards. Some publishers provide book swag, but mine didn’t. They created a teacher’s guide, and I made activity sheets for kids. I also watched several SCBWI webinars on school visits and learned what to include in my PowerPoint presentation.

I also hired DerbyMonsterQuilts on Etsy to make adorable plushies of my book’s characters to bring along on my school visits.

I LOVE the plushies! Perfect!

Once my book was available for pre-order, I changed my name on Twitter/X to include this fact. By then, I had a PDF ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of my book. I contacted other authors who had soon-to-be-released books and asked if they’d like to exchange ARCs and post reviews on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. (Amazon doesn’t allow reviews until a book is released.) You’ll want to set up Goodreads and Amazon author pages if you don’t have them.

A few months before the release date, I scheduled book signings at my local and hometown indie bookstores. I also asked my local library to buy my book—and they did. Later, I contacted newspapers and magazines and shared my press release. As the questions for my blog tour rolled in, I prepared my answers.

Finally, I put together a social media campaign and created social media giveaway posts that would begin two months before the book’s release. This pushed me to tackle MailChimp and finally send a newsletter. Here I shared my first giveaway opportunity: one newsletter subscriber will win a signed copy of my book (US only) on August 21, World Goat Day! (I plan to do future promotions around other holidays, like National Turkey Lovers Day.)

A week before my campaign started, I posted that I was looking for people to join my Launch Team. Many friends and family members signed up, agreeing to review my book and boost my social media posts. (One team member will also win a signed copy of my book.) If you want to hear about the other four giveaways—and for more chances to win—follow me here:

Facebook        Twitter /X        Instagram

Again, I want to express my appreciation to the KidLit community—and especially to Angie! She is a wonderful writer, encourager, and critique partner. Thank you, everyone!

I am blessed to be one of your critique partners, Kim. I learn SO much from you! Thank you for sharing your journey and process. And wow, you’ve given us so much great information!

Goat’s Boat Won’t Float will be released on October 1. 

Kim A. Larson

Friends, you still have one more day (until 8-21, TOMORROW) to subscribe to Kim’s newsletter to get in on her first giveaway.

In addition, Kim is offering a free critique of a non-rhyming picture book manuscript under 700 words or a 30-minute AMA Zoom meeting to one lucky winner.

*To enter, please comment below.

*For extra entries, share this on social media and let me know in the comments.

*Please leave your email so I can contact the winner after the drawing.

Thanks for stopping by friends. Best wishes on the giveaway!


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Who is the winner of Laura Sassi’s My Tender Heart Devotions?

Last week, Laura Sassi visited my blog and shared about her new book, My Tender Heart Devotions. Everyone who commented on that post had their name put in the hat – er, pretty purple bowl – and I closed my eyes, spun them around, and pulled out the winner.

The winner is . . .

KIM A LARSON!

Come on down, Kim! Congratulations! Please message me with your mailing address so Laura can send you a copy when My Tender Heart Devotions comes out on October 1!

Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments and for visiting this blog. If you did not win a copy, you can find it at Paraclete Press, Amazon, and other places where books are sold.

If you missed out on the author interview, you can read it here.

Thank you, everyone! And thank you, Laura, for sharing your new book with us! Congratulations!!


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Happy Book Birthday to Hanukkah Nights by Amalia Hoffman (Author-Illustrator Interview)

Hanukkah Nights

Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman

Kar-Ben Publishing, 2022

Ages 1-4

It’s so lovely when authors I’ve interviewed or featured on my blog swing back by when they have a book birthday for a new book. Congratulations, Amalia, on the October 1 release of your beautiful, very colorful Hanukkah Nights! Thank you for stopping by today.

Welcome, Amalia! Let’s get to it and learn more about your newest book.

What special traditions do you enjoy with your family during Hanukkah?

We always throw a huge party with tons of food and two homemade kinds of latkes: with and without onions. Each guest brings their own menorah and we light all of them. It’s a beautiful sight. We decorate the table with chocolate coins and sing many Hanukkah songs. After the 3-5 drinks, we dance to Klezmer music.

That sounds beautiful! The lights, food, singing, and dancing, what lovely traditions.

I love how readers will learn new ways to paint when they read Hanukkah Nights. How did you get your start as an artist and illustrator?

I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. I used to make fancy greeting cards for my family members on birthdays and anniversaries. And later I sold handmade greeting cards to a shop in Jerusalem where I lived.

My parents encouraged my passion for art and craft.

My mom used to stir shredded newspaper with flour over the stove to make Papier Mache and I made puppets for our family theater. My parents enrolled me in after-school painting classes and when I was a teenager, I spent the summer in an artist village in the Galilee where I experimented with mosaic, ceramic, and stained glass.

After high school I attended the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem. Basically it was a very traditional academic school. I didn’t love it but I learned how to draw from a model, proportions and perspective. When I came to America, I earned my BFA Cum Laude from Pratt Institute and MFA from NYU.

I joined SCBWI so I could meet other illustrators and enrolled in many workshops. Then I got enough courage to work on my stories, accompanied with my own illustrations. I created a story, entitled Purim Goodies and eventually sold it to Gefen Publishing, an Israeli publisher that publishes mainly in English.

As I gained more confidence, I went on to illustrate many other books.

I love how your family supported you as you grew and explored your dream of being an artist.

How did you celebrate the October 1st, 2022 release of your new book?

Actually I participated in a huge book fair that took place on the same day, https://ryebookfestival.com/meet-the-authors  So I rolled in Hanukkah Nights in a baby carriage. As usual, on every book launch, I got roses from my man & toasted with Champagne.

A baby carriage and a book fair! That is awesome! And what a sweetie to give you roses and toast you with champagne! Well done.

What is one tip you could give to new picture book writers and illustrators?

Don’t try to force yourself to work in a particular style that you think is popular. Trends change frequently and you’re better off perfecting your own techniques and styles.

Excellent advice. Thank you.

You have several wonderful books out in the world. What surprises are you working on now?

I have a new picture book coming up in 2024, but at this time I can’t provide details yet, only to say that I’m very excited about it.

I’m also working on a new board book and new picture book.

That’s wonderful, Amalia! We look forward to hearing more details as your new projects come to fruition.

Congratulations, Amalia! Thank you for sharing with us. All the best wishes for you, Hanukkah Nights, and your creative work.

Contact Amalia Hoffman.

Book buddies, be sure to check out Hanukkah Nights. Find a copy at your local indie or favorite bookstore and ask for your library to order a copy. Don’t forget to show some author love by leaving a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon. Thank you!