 Hello, everyone, and welcome back to KidLit Oasis! This is the last post of the year and I'm so excited to chat with a returning guest about her new book! Welcome back, Lauren! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis! It must mean you liked my hospitality the first time ;) but it also means you have a new book that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations! So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out? LHK: I loved your hospitality and am excited to be back. Thank you for having me! This book is dear to my heart because although I wrote this to help children (and adults) process grief—especially my children—it really helped me process my own grief. From the jewelry box to the cucumber hiccups, pieces of my family are sprinkled throughout the book, which makes it extra special. And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the books into the world? LHK: Honestly, the thing that surprised me the most about the process for this book was how smoothly everything went. Working with Andrea Hall and the whole team at Beaming Books was wonderful. When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction? LHK: I was THRILLED when Nanette Regan accepted the project. Her resonant and lively style felt perfect for this book. I was floored when I saw the art for the first time. And I LOVED how she incorporated butterflies throughout. It truly feels like the butterflies represent our loved ones.    What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us? LHK: I am hoping to grow my ghostwriting and developmental editing work. I LOVE helping creators bring their projects to life. I also hope to finish revisions on my YA. It is an important book to me and I’d love to share it with the world. I’d also love to make sure I’m holding space for my own writing. It is tricky to balance the ghostwriting and developmental editing with my own writing. What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? LHK: I am ECSTATIC to announce my next book, Hope Rode with Union Square Kids. It will be out in Spring 2025 and is, in essence, a love letter to librarians. It highlights the incredible tenacity and kindness of the librarians who rode for the Packhorse Library Project (a program established under the Works Progress Administration and spearheaded by Eleanor Roosevelt) in the 1930s. It is a nonfiction picture book and has been such a passion project for me. I have another soon-to-be-announced picture book coming out in 2025 as well.  About Lauren Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, developmental editor, and ghost writer. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East/West Literary Agency. Her writing goals are simple. Embrace feedback. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. www.LaurenKerstein.net X: @LaurenKerstein IG: @LaurenKerstein Click on the cover to order your copy of Remembering Sundays with Grandpa  G I V E A W A Y! ! !
Comment below for a chance to win one of the two prizes that Lauren is so generously providing for my blog readers. Let us know which prize you prefer. 1. A signed copy of her book plus swag (U.S. only) 
2. A picture book Zoom critique And the winners are... Joyce Uglow wins the book, and Kristin Coco wins the critique! Congratulations to you both!
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About Rosie J. Pova
Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kid lit Writing Coach. She's the creator of Picture Book Mastery System™ that is proven to help emerging children's writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.
Rosie's latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in the spring of 2022 in both China and the USA. Rosie also loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. Teachers and librarians love Rosie for her bubbly, upbeat personality which captures students' attention, encourages them to think creatively, and motivates them to pursue big dreams. She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms’ topics, sharing her journey from a Bulgarian immigrant to a published author. Find out more about Rosie's online courses, mentorships, and her work by visiting her website: RosieJPova.com Check out her Critique Services here, her Workshops here, and her school visits page here. Rosie is represented by Jackie Kruzie of Focused Artists. Twitter: @RosiePOV 
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