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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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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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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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Author Interview with Laura Sassi + Giveaway!

Today I’m blessed to have author Laura Sassi stopping by for a visit! She’s going to share about her new book, My Tender Heart Devotions, which is coming out on October 1 from Paraclete Press. Be sure to read to the bottom to learn about your opportunity to win a copy of My Tender Heart Devotions!

Now, let’s get right to it!

Welcome, Laura! I’m so excited to have you visit today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a former teacher and children’s ministry director who is now blessed to be able to spend my days writing books, poems, and other pieces that offer messages of hope, faith and joy for little ones and the grown-ups who love them. My books include Goodnight, Ark, Love is Kind, Little Ewe, Bunny Finds Easter, Happy Birthday Christmas Child and the My Tender Heart series. I live in New Jersey with my husband, two young adult kids and a sweet little cockapoo named Sophie. And, every day, rain or shine, in my living room or on my porch, I write! I also love visiting schools, churches and more with a variety of book-themed programs.

It’s so nice to meet you and learn more about your life.

I did a Book Share on my blog about your last book, My Tender Heart Prayer Book, back in January. Tell us about your newest book, My Tender Heart Devotions. It is gorgeous!

Thank you, Angie. My Tender Heart Devotions is the third in the My Tender Heart series. Clocking in at 112 pages (my longest book yet!), it’s a collection of 52 age-appropriate devotions for little ones. Each fully illustrated devotion includes an opening poem about a fun, kid-friendly topic followed by a short message that includes a Bible passage, a “Heart Moment” activity, and a prayer. It’s the kind of devotional I wish I’d had to read with my own kids when they were small — so I decided to write one!

So amazing! I’m saving My Tender Heart Prayer Book for my new grandbaby, and I think he/she will need My Tender Heart Devotions as well!

My Tender Heart Devotions is published by Paraclete Press. Tell us more about your book series with them and how you connected with Paraclete Press.

The My Tender Heart Series consists of three books. The first to release was My Tender Heart Bible, a collection of 12 rhyming Bible stories that all point to God’s redemptive love. Each is paired with a Scripture citation and a Heart Moment of response. My Tender Heart Prayer Book serves as a companion but with a focus on prayer. It contains 23 prayers to take a young child through the day and foster conversations with God. Like the Bible each prayer concludes with a Heart Moment of connection and response. That Heart Moment carries through to the Devotions as well because when we encounter God’s love and God’s truth we can’t help but respond with our whole heart!

As for Paraclete Press, I had seen and admired their books for children. And when I read their mission statement, I knew that we shared the same heart for God. It reads:

“In all times, in different branches of the Christian family, there are people who have written or sung or spoken things that encouraged us to give our lives to God and to listen to His voice. At Paraclete Press, we gather and share these treasures.”

I LOVE this! What a beautiful connection!

Laura, I love how My Tender Heart Devotions is going to be the perfect gift for little ones! I have a new grandbaby coming in December, and I know this baby and the parents need a copy! (I’m trying really hard not to say he or she, since the reveal party is AFTER this blog post!) The 52-week schedule is exactly right. Share more about how you decided on this format and what you include in each devotional spread.

Actually, when I started the project, it was for forty devotions, but then as I got rolling, I realized I had enough for fifty. But, then I thought, don’t stop there! Make it fifty-two so that there can be one for each week of the year. But even though there are fifty-two, they are not dated and they can be read and enjoyed in any order. In fact, the book includes a handy topical index at the end so the devotions can be paired with a particular theme or situation in a child’s life.

As for the format for each spread, I thought about what I, as a parent of young children, would want the components to be and went from there. Thus, each devotional spread includes a title, a Bible citation (so children can practice digging directly into Scripture), a fun poem that serves as the spark for the devotion, an anchor verse (so tired parents don’t necessarily have to look up the verse right then and there), a short kid-friendly message that links it all together with God’s Word in an applicable way, and a Heart Moment of response.

Here are two examples from the book:

I really like all you have included with each devotion. Every family should be able to choose and adjust to what their young ones need and can handle at any given time.

Your author voice is just right for this book. And Sandra’s illustrations are a perfect match. How did the two of you hook up? How much feedback do you give Sandra? Did you send art notes? I must say, you make a great team!

Thank you so much. I totally agree about Sandra’s darling illustrations and think they are a lovely match to the text. She is amazing! The team at Paraclete Press paired us together.

In terms of art notes, editors really discourage including art notes in a manuscript unless absolutely necessary. That being said, for the Devotions I did send my editor a couple of photos in the hopes that Sandra might use them for inspiration as she illustrated. The first, to pair with the devotion “Toy Sailboat”, was a photo of me and my sister as children pushing toy sail boats in a city fountain. The second to go with “Clock Trust” was a picture of the lovely nineteenth century steeple clock we have on the mantel in our living room. And she did!

More great connections! You work well together!

My Tender Heart Devotions will be released on October 1. Happy book birthday! Do you have any special plans for your book release day?

I don’t have anything planned yet for the exact release day, but here’s an event that’s almost on release day! If any of y’all live in the Oklahoma City area, please join me for a pajama story time with the Devotions on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 6pm at Best of Books in Edmond, OK.

And please do check my website in the next few weeks for other fall events because I’m building a little book tour as we speak. It will include visits to bookstores, schools and churches.

Check out Laura’s events here.

A pajama party! How fun! If only Oklahoma was not so far from Washington state, I would be there with my jammies on!

What’s next for you, Laura? Any new projects in the works or anything else you want to share?

I’m delighted to share that I have a new picture book releasing in early January. It’s called FAITHFUL FEET. Learn all about it here.

And if you’re curious about the My Tender Heart series, or want to download the free printables that go with each book, head on over to mytenderheartbooks.com.

I’m also on the web here and I’d love to connect:

https://www.facebook.com/LauraSassiTales

http://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/

twitter.com/laurasassitales

https://www.instagram.com/laurasassitales/

Congratulations on all of your books and upcoming books! Wow! Thank you, Laura, for stopping by today!

Friends, Laura and Paraclete Press have offered to give a copy of My Tender Heart Devotions to one reader once it is released on October 1. To put your name in the hat, please comment below and give Laura some love! Please make sure to leave your email so I can contact the winner after the drawing.

A winner will be drawn Monday, August 12 (US only).


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My Author Interview over at Darlene Beck-Jacobson’s Blog

Hello, friends. I have exciting news this morning! Darlene Beck-Jacobson invited me to visit her blog and talk about my new picture book, Be Kind, Make Friends. Such an honor!

I hope you can hop over to visit Darlene’s blog and read more about how Be Kind, Make Friends came to life. Make sure to leave a comment on Darlene’s blog to get your name in the hat for a chance to win a copy of Be Kind, Make Friends!

And as always, have a lovely, blessed day.

Be Kind and Make Friends With Debut Author Angie Quantrell + A Chance To Win a Copy of Her Book


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Author Interview: Be Kind, Make Friends by Angie Quantrell

Be Kind, Make Friends

Written by Angie Quantrell

Illustrated by Gayle West

Woman’s Missionary Union, 2024

I’m excited to have my friend and fellow critique partner, Kim Larson, interview me today. Her debut picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float, will be released Oct. 1 (The Little Press). You can learn more about her at KimALarson.com.

And here’s my guest host, Kim!

Congratulations on your beautiful book, Angie! It has such an important message. I’m thrilled to interview you today so your blog readers can learn more about this amazing book. Please tell me where you got the idea for it?

In January 2023, I was at a WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union) preschool affinity group meeting—a group of leaders who love and teach preschoolers. We discussed what resources the leaders wanted or needed, what they would like to have for their classrooms. The idea of a picture book about friends and kindness came up. The topic of kindness and friendship is evergreen for everyone, especially preschoolers who focus on practicing kindness and skills for making friends every single day. Be Kind, Make Friends came out of that discussion and sharing of ideas.

I should back up a bit and share that the name of the WMU preschool-aged missions discipleship program is called Mission Friends. More on that later.

That is such a fun backstory! I love that you found a need and filled it. Was this always the title for the project?

Be Kind, Make Friends has been the title from early on in the process, with a few tiny variations. I LOVE how Gayle West, our illustrator, turned the comma into a paper heart!

I agree! Gayle did an amazing job on the illustrations. I bet you were thrilled when you saw them. Tell me more about the writing process. Did you go through many revisions of the text?

So. Many. Revisions. From large picture down to tiny word changes. I think as authors, we are pretty hard on ourselves, aiming for the very best manuscript we can write, but also we are so close to the work, we need fresh eyes that haven’t spent nearly every waking minute writing, revising, thinking, and rearranging our manuscripts. It was an important part of my process to involve feedback from others. I had feedback from the preschool team at WMU, critiques from my critique partners, critiques from the 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge community—and all of that was to get it as close to perfect as possible.

And THEN we sent the Be Kind, Make Friends manuscript out to preschool leaders (who would potentially be using the book with preschoolers) and others in the WMU audience, a group of readers who regularly read preschool materials for feedback, preschool writers, and even higher education experts.

Getting fresh eyes on my manuscript was so important and helped me see words and ideas that might not be as clear to others as they were in my mind. Be Kind, Make Friends is nonfiction, so accuracy is vital. I am so thankful to ALL the readers. Writing something like Be Kind, Make Friends really is a team effort. Thank you, team!

For new (or any) writers, sending out our work can make us feel nervous. EEK! But when we have others read and critique our manuscripts and then we carefully choose how to implement the comments, this only makes our work better. But we need to remember that we are the creators of the work, so we do not have to use all of the suggestions, only those that fit with our vision for the work. I did find that if several readers mentioned the same section of the manuscript, then I knew that there was a problem I needed to work on, something to fix so the idea was clear.

I couldn’t agree with you more about the importance of feedback. As one of your critique partners, I’ve appreciated your honest, helpful suggestions and the encouragement you always provide. When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?

I knew Be Kind, Make Friends was ready after I went through all of the above steps. Revisions. Critiques. Addressing comments. Rereading. Allowing time for the manuscript to rest. And then a final round of reading by our preschool team. I did not have to submit at that point since the project was already approved. In the kidlit world, Be Kind, Make Friends is called a work-for-hire project, so the process was a bit different. Gayle West was working on the illustrations right along with me as I worked on revisions. After I paginated (this is SO helpful) and made a thumbprint board of what text went on which page, she was ready to go. We came roaring down the finish line together! Ready to go to the printer.

You laid out the steps beautifully, whether it’s a work-for-hire project or otherwise, it takes a team to get a book into print. It sounds like one of your first steps was to find a publisher. How did you connect with the publisher of Be Kind, Make Friends?

About 30 years ago, my husband and I were attending First Baptist Church in Wapato, the church my husband grew up in and we were married in. Our family had grown by two babies, both preschoolers at the time. Wednesday night meetings were great for youth and adults, but there was nothing offered for preschoolers. Our pastor at the time suggested I try Mission Friends, a preschool missions discipleship curriculum. From the get-go I was in love with Mission Friends and the curriculum! Missionaries around the world, international excitement, fun activities, engaging stories, loads of hands-on learning. It was exactly right for us.

I loved the curriculum so much, I cold-queried them! LOL That’s what I’d call it now. Back then, in the dark ages of technology, I sent a typewriter-typed letter introducing myself and asking if I could write for them. I was soon invited to a writer’s conference in Birmingham, Alabama, and I was on my way. I’ve been writing preschool curriculum (stories, activities, session plans), picture books, articles, and other resources since then. I’ve been blessed to have a connection with WMU for many years. When this project came up, I was still (and still am) writing and editing preschool resources for WMU. I was very excited to write Be Kind, Make Friends!

I loved learning about your connection with the Mission Friends organization! I hope that continues. Tell me, what’s next for you?

I will continue writing and editing for WMU. I also write picture books and submit them to publishers and editors. I enjoy penning haiku poems and sharing them on my blog. There are always ideas swirling around in my head. I will have to see what happens next!

You are very creative, Angie, and I look forward to reading your future work. Please let your readers know where they can buy a copy of this beautiful book!

I would love to share where to find Be Kind, Make Friends!

To get a copy of Be Kind, Make Friends, visit wmustore.com.

Kim, thank you so much for hosting me today on my blog! You are a truly gifted writer and a special friend and critique partner! I appreciate you. I look forward to interviewing YOU soon about your upcoming debut picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float!


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Author Interview: Janet Lawler and Her New Picture Book THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE

Today I’d like to welcome Janet Lawler, author of the new picture book THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE (FSG, 2024). With Janet’s beautiful words and Tamisha Anthony’s adorable illustrations, this picture book is delightful!

Congratulations, Janet and Tamisha. Welcome!

Janet, tell us about your brand-new picture book.

Thank you for asking, Angie!

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE is a kid-friendly exploration of how hope makes us courageous, kind, and connected to one another. Tamisha Anthony’s diverse characters, shown caring and sharing in childhood/community scenes, beautifully complement my text.

My words are intentionally universal; I wanted to leave a lot of leeway for an illustrator to interpret them and add depth to this picture book. And I love what Tamisha did with my poem! For each couplet she developed a story vignette that helps children understand the concept of hope. For example, I wrote:

Hope helps you fix things

when plans have gone wrong

and offers you comfort

when nights are too long.

The illustration shows a child in pajamas, tossing and turning in multiple poses. The reader then sees that child snuggled with an older sibling under a blanket tent, reading a book.

I believe that THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE will provide comfort and hope for young readers and their families during difficult times. The book also will be a good addition to classroom, school library, and school counselor collections focusing on community and kindness.

I totally agree, Janet. We all need more hope, community, and kindness in our lives.

Where did you get the idea for THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE?

The recent pandemic severely challenged my usually optimistic outlook, both professionally and personally. My darkest days were those in early 2021, when it seemed as if there would never be a vaccine approved to change the course of Covid’s deadly advance. But sometime in January of that year I began writing about hope, sparked by a suggestion from my agent. That creative effort (and spring news of a vaccine!) sustained me over the next few months. I wrote, revised, and polished a picture book text that could be illustrated in a way that would make the positive pull of hope relatable for young readers.

From a place and time that seemed without hope, you discovered hope—and a brand-new picture book to inspire others. Excellent.

How did you decide to write this picture book in rhyme?

Honestly, I am not sure it was a conscious decision. I often write in rhyme, and my early scribbles came out that way. Maybe subconsciously I knew it was the right choice for writing about hope—a fluid, connecting, healing concept. And rhyming text, especially when read out loud, sounds musical in a very uplifting way, don’t you think? So verse seems to further my theme; at least, I hope so!

Give hope as a gift,

like the song of a bird.

Your words will have wings.

Your voice will be heard.

I think rhyme is the perfect choice for this picture book!

How are you celebrating the release of THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE?

I am very excited to be launching this book with an appearance at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, CT on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. CCMC has recently created an in-house TV studio, where guests can “visit” into the patients’ rooms via closed circuit broadcast, allowing for more entertainment for children in need of isolation for health reasons. I will read the book during an afternoon virtual story time and donate autographed copies of THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOPE for each child hospitalized there on Valentine’s Day.

What a perfect way to celebrate hope! And Valentine’s Day!

What’s next for you, Janet?

I have a couple of early nonfiction projects and a fiction picture book under consideration for possible acquisition. Those will require further development and revision if they move forward. In the meantime, I have new ideas percolating, as well as plans to revise a couple of stories I wrote a while back that might benefit from a fresh look.

We can’t wait to hear more in the future. Best wishes to you with all of your books, new and old! Thank you for stopping by!

Connect with Janet:

Janet Lawler

Instagram

Facebook


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Author Interview: How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates by Danna Smith

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. I wanted to encourage my readers to share their work with others, which can be scary for some.
  4. 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!

Peek-A-Boo Haiku: A Lift-the-Flap Book (Simon & Schuster), came out in February, and you have several other titles available, such as One Blue Gnu, The Thank You Book, and The Complete Book of Aspen. You write for different age levels and genres. Tell us a little more about that.

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.

Here are some ways you can connect with Danna.

Website: https://dannasmithbooks.com/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1719048.Danna_Smith

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChU0YjFV6VcB7Xn8HG3a-YA

Poetry Blog: https://poetrypop.com/


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Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger by Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky: Author Interview

Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger

Written by Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky

Illustrated by Sara Casilda

(Clavis; September 15, 2023)

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!

Connect with Dianna.

Facebook

Twitter


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Author Interview: FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE written by Candace Spizzirri, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne (Gnome Road Publishing)

Finley: A Moose on the Caboose

Story by Candace Spizzirri

Art by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

Gnome Road Publishing (April, 2023)

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.

Congratulations on the “something in the works!”

www.candacespizzirri.com

Twitter @CCSpizzirri1

Instagram @CCSpizzirri

Facebook @CandaceSpizzirri

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you check out Candace’s books! Enjoy!