Jackie, congratulations on your new editor position at Blue Whale Press! This is such happy news and the beginning of an exciting journey! I am thrilled for you, and honored to have the exclusive interview with you as an editor — thank you for being my guest!
 
Please tell us a bit about your background and how you stepped into the editor position. What led to this new role, how did you get the news, and what was your initial reaction?

JK: I served as the Regional Advisor for my chapter of SCBWI from 2016-2019. During this time I met incredible kitlit creatives including Blue Whale Press editor Alayne Kay Christian. We became fast friends and attended many SCBWI events together. I was nervous to submit my work to a friend as I didn't want our friendship to seem contingent on career advancement. I ultimately chose not to submit.

We were out to lunch one day when she asked, "why haven't you submitted to me?" I confessed my apprehension and she assured me she knew I was not angling for a contract. She also told me one would only be offered if my work was up to par and not because we are friends. I decided she was exactly the type of no-nonsense editor I wanted to work with, so I sent in a project I had been working on for a few years. After a couple of revise and resubmit rounds she offered a contract for my upcoming picture book Mixed-Up Menagerie.

When Alayne decided to retire from BWP she suggested me as her replacement to our parent publisher Clear Fork Publishing. I was honored, elated, speechless, and a million other adjectives! I had a Zoom interview with Callie Metler, whom I had also met during my time as SCBWI Regional Advisor, and now here I am being interviewed as an editor. Life is certainly unpredictable.

Life certainly is unpredictable! And I'm glad that you and I have been friends for many years and I can say I knew you back when... Okay, so what comes next? What are your duties at Blue Whale Press? What does your day-to-day look like?

JK: My responsibilities at BWP is to read and review picture book manuscripts before presenting potential acquisitions to the Clear Fork Publishing advisory board.  I am also a participating member of the advisor board which means I get to review manuscripts and proposals from other imprints. I love this part of my job! I get to read excellent works and discuss marketing strategies for upcoming releases.

Once a manuscript is acquired for BWP it is time to find an illustrator, create a story board, and ensure the final product is polished to perfection.

As far as my day-to-day, I like to read submissions in the morning over a cup of coffee. Once my editor duties are done then I can focus on my personal projects and fun stuff like a blog interview with my good friend Rosie.

Ah, glad to be contributing to the fun stuff of your day, my friend, as I wouldn't want to add more work or chores to it ;)!

On a broader scale, what is the Imprint's mission overall with the books they publish? Do you anticipate any changes now that you've taken over?

JK: My predecessor, Alayne Kay Christian, had a wonderful eye for quality writing and a passion for projects that were informative and timeless. I mirror her vision and will focus on fiction and nonfiction for mass market distribution.

It is my goal to see BWP  books in every library, store, and gift shop as well as featured on blogs, podcasts, and other social media outlets. I want to help jump start careers and smile with pride as our amazing authors and illustrators find success in the literary world.

Are you actively acquiring new books at this time and are you currently open to submissions? Who can submit -- authors, illustrator or both? Do you take agented, unsolicited, or both? Do you reply to all submissions or only if interested, and what is the timeframe for a reply?

I will be open to submission for the month of March (with a few exclusive opportunities...wink wink). I will then be closed for a few months as I ease into my new role, but plan to open again later this year. Follow me on Twitter @JackieKruzie and like Blue Whale Press on Facebook to stay informed.

Wink wink back -- I am honored, Jackie, and thank you for your generous offer to my readers! (See below for details.)

What kinds of books will Blue Whale be publishing? How many per year? What would be the focus of your titles? And more personally, what appeals to you? What types of stories are you looking for? Where can we find the complete submission guidelines?

JK: The BWP imprint acquires picture books with a STEM focus. A few of our current titles include Randall and Randall, Who Will? Will You?, The Weed that Woke Christmas, and An Old Man and His Penguin all which have STEM related storylines. I will continue to search for books that are entertaining and informative. Though picture books will be my focus I would love to see a short chapter book in inbox.

​I personally love books that are fun to read out loud. As a former librarian I understand which books make wonderful storytime reads and which do not. As an author I know that I want my books read to as many young readers as possible, so for me having a book featured in a library storytime is the ultimate compliment. I am looking for books that librarians and teachers will be excited to share with eager young minds. 

What should writers not submit to you?

JK: I am not the right fit for novelty/board books or graphic novels. I am also not looking for middle grade or young adult novels, however our parent publisher, Clear Fork Publishing, has other imprints that focus on these books. You can learn more about them on the Clear Fork website https://www.clearforkpublishing.com/copy-of-our-imprints

What projects are you working on right now for Blue Whale's list? I know that your own book , Mixed-Up Menagerie, was previously acquired by Blue Whale, could you give us an update on that? Where is the book in the process and could you share any behind-the-scene tidbits? What else are you excited about from the upcoming list and why? Any other Blue Whale titles in the pipeline you could share with us?

JK: My book Mixed-Up Menagerie is scheduled for release in Spring 2022. Nicole Allin is an amazing artist and is currently working on illustrations. I am so excited for this book and cannot wait to share it with the world.

As for other projects, Alayne will continue to work on the manuscripts that she has acquired seeing them through to completion. I will be observing every step of the way absorbing all I can from Alayne.
 
Any advice to authors/illustrators who plan to submit to you, beyond following the submission guidelines, of course, and targeting their submissions to your wish list?

JK: I love one sentence tag lines. I am always impressed with authors who can hook me with a few short words. Often the pitch you create will be used on the back cover of the finished book so it must be flawless.  My favorite one-line hooks are from Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levin and Princess in Training by Tammi Sauer.

Author Susanna Hill has a feature on her website called Would You Read it Wednesday where authors submit their pitches for review. This is a wonderful resource to learn the art of creating a seamless pitch.

Also, take advantage of your local library or bookstore and read the back covers of picture books to hone this invaluable skill.
 
Are there any events/workshops/conferences you'd be a part of?
​
JK: Not yet but hopefully soon! 

Thank you, Jackie, for spending time with me and my readers and for giving us the scoop! I wish you all the best on your journey, both as an author and an editor, and I can't wait to celebrate the many exciting milestones with you as we continue to nurture our wonderful friendship! We've been supporting each other over the years and we've grown together as writers, and I am very thankful to have you in my life!

Also, thank you kindly for the generous offers of a picture book critique that you're giving away to one lucky reader of KidLit Oasis, and an exclusive submission opportunity window for all of my readers!!! 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Special offers from Jackie Kruzie to KidLIt Oasis readers:

PB critique giveaway 
>Subscribe to KidLit Oasis (via the pop-up or the upper right corner form)
>Leave a comment for this post
>Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (don't forget to tag me @RosiePOV)

Exclusive Submission Opportunity Window for KidLit Oasis Readers 4/20 to 4/30
 >>>>>This Submission window is now closed<<<<<

Jackie Kruzie is the Acquisitions Editor at Blue Whale Press, an imprint of Clear Fork Publishing, and author of MIXED-UP MENAGERIE, a STEM picture book introducing fascinating animals and their unique traits. It is scheduled for release in Spring 2022.
 
Jackie has master’s degree in Library Science and is a contributing author to a sensitivity and inclusivity training textbook published through the American Library Association. Her contribution educates and informs librarians on how to better serve library users who use AAC devices to communicate. As a parent of an AAC device user this project is near and dear to her heart. 
​
When not sharing stories or writing her own, Jackie enjoys farm life on a 60-acre farm with her husband where they raise a mess of kids, horses, cows, longhorns, sheep, goats, and a cacophony of chickens, roosters, ducks, and turkeys. 
 
Find Jackie’s Storytime Picks and Book Talk videos on her website at jackiekruzie.com and follow her on Twitter @JackieKruzie
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Hello amazing readers! KidLit Oasis is back with a new author interview and a giveaway! I can't wait to dive in and hear my guest's words of wisdom, learn about her publication journey, and get the scoop on her past, present, and future projects. I hope you're curious to learn more, too, and you're cozy, comfy, and ready!

So, without further ado, welcome, Patricia! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: I met my first agent at a conference sponsored by SCBWI, and she sold my first book. After she retired, I attended another SCBWI conference where I met my second agent Deborah Warren at East West Literary, during a face-to-face critique. She said, “If you are ever looking for an agent, please consider me.” I was and I did, and we’re still together after sixteen years! After our first book sale, we had a looong dry spell. One day I opened my calendar to Dec. 31, 2012 and wrote, “Quit if no sales.” But in August of that year, Carol Hinz at Millbrook Press purchased Plastic, Ahoy!, which went on to win several awards. Carol and I have published six books together, including Sea Otter Heroes, which received a Sibert Honor from ALA, and this month’s Planet Ocean. So, it pays to persevere. You never know what’s around the next corner.

Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: The waiting and proposal writing. The waiting induces stress and stress induces self-doubt. But the cure for waiting is to immerse myself in a new writing project—and I seem to have a limitless supply of ideas. Remember, your books might not be published in the order you write them.

Because most of my work is middle-grade nonfiction, I create a proposal to sell the idea to an editor—an overview of the idea, a chapter outline, and marketing information. (Writers, see this article I wrote on proposals.) Proposals are difficult because I create them before I’ve completed my research. I do a lot of reading and searching for sources. Then I have a brief conversation with the scientists. I don’t yet have a sale and don’t want to take up a lot of their time. I have to strike a balance between gathering enough research to find the narrative thread and the hook for a young reader and overdoing it before I have a sale. I’ve managed to survive the proposal process several times, so I know I can do it!

I compare proposals to the Fire Swamp in The Princess Bride. Before I enter the metaphorical swamp, I remind myself that I’ve been here before and know the secrets and have emerged relatively unscathed.

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

​A: Mentor texts are wonderful tools. I find a book I admire – maybe for the language, maybe for the format – and study it to see why it works. I usually type in the text – the complete text for picture books and a selection for longer works – without the images to get a feel for how the words were put together.

As a NF author, I have to think about the format of my book. Will it have sidebars? If so, how long should they be? What should be included in the back matter? Should the text be accompanied by photos or illustrations? Do I have enough photos for a MG title? How much do the photos cost and will the copyright holders extend permission to use them?
I’m much better at revision than rough drafts. I have a sense of where the book is going when I finally begin to revise. I write tighter and I organize my thoughts on a whole different level. Even though I often work from a proposal, I try not to let that outline tie me down. I want the creative process to take over.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: Planet Ocean just released on March 2. Annie Crawley and I teamed up for our third book together. We focused on how we have an unbreakable connection with the sea and how to empower readers to become the voice of the ocean through storytelling. Watch this video to find out why your (home, school, classroom) library needs Planet Ocean. 
​

​In fall 2022, I have a new nonfiction title coming out. Instead of photographs, it will be illustrated by the talented Natasha Donovan. I wish I could tell you the title, but we’re still working on that. I can tell you it’s a happy conservation story.

​Thank you, Patricia -- it was great chatting with you! Thanks again for being on KidLit Oasis, and all the best on your journey! I look forward to all of your future books and projects!

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their books through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — shares are appreciated. Thank you! Check out the giveaway below!

Connect with Patricia Newman:
Website: https://www.patriciamnewman.com/
Twitter: @PatriciaNewman

       Click on the book cover to order a copy of Planet Ocean

Patricia Newman’s books show young readers how their actions can ripple around the world. Using social and environmental injustice as inspiration, she empowers young readers to seek connections to the real world and to use their imaginations to act on behalf of their communities. A Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient, Patricia’s books have received starred reviews, ALA Notable recognition, Green Earth Book Awards, an Outstanding Science Trade Book Award, a Parents’ Choice Award; been honored as Junior Library Guild selections; and been included on Bank Street College’s Best Books lists.
One Texas librarian recently wrote, “Patricia is one of THE BEST nonfiction authors writing for our students in today's market, and one of our MUST HAVE AUTHORS for every collection.”
Patricia frequently speaks at schools and conferences to share how children of any age can affect change. Her presentations are described as “phenomenal,” “fantastic,” “mesmerizing,” “passionate,” and “inspirational.”

G I V E A W A Y !

Comment on the post for a chance to win either a copy of Planet Ocean or a picture book critique from Patricia
​(please indicate your preference).
*US addresses for the book only, winner will be announced next week. 

And the winner is . . . 
Danielle Hammelef!
Congratulations!!!

Welcome to KidLit Oasis!

I am excited to chat with the talented Erin Dealey and find out more about her author journey, books, and her best writing tips! Join me for this inspiring conversation and enter the double giveaway at the end!

Welcome, Erin! Thank you for being my quest on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: First of all, thank you for inviting me to be on your blog, Rosie.

As for my journey, it has come full circle with the recent release of PETER EASTER FROG, Illus. by G.Brian Karas. Caitlyn Dlouhy, my editor, is the same amazing human who pulled my very first manuscript, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, out of the slush pile 22 years ago. LITTLE BO PEEP CAN’T GET TO SLEEP (both Atheneum / Illus. Hanako Wakiyama) followed soon after. I am so thrilled that PETER EASTER FROG has found a home with Caitlyn Dlouhy Books / Atheneum/ Simon & Schuster, where she is now VP/ Publisher of her own imprint. And yes, there were many years in between where I submitted manuscripts to Caitlyn that were not quite right for her list. Fast forward to the moment when Caitlyn said, “Yes!” to PETER EASTER FROG, and we all did a happy dance! I love this book SO MUCH. That thing about writing #kidlit and never giving up? It’s real.
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: For me, the waiting is the hardest part. I always tell students that if they want to know what their grade is the second they turn in their assignment, waiting is 100x harder when you submit a manuscript. That’s not to say that I haven’t had some quick YESes (and NOs…) but for the most part, we wait. A lot. Right? PETER EASTER FROG is my 16th book and the waiting still happens. I try to remind myself that there are many other hoops that little manuscript has to jump through, and in the long run, the YESes are always worth the wait. Having young readers find themselves –or a giggle or a hug or possibly some eco-friendly motivation—in my books is the BEST. Getting to put the stories from my heart on paper and see some of them become books is such an honor.  Seriously, aren’t we lucky?

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like? 

A: My “technique” starts with paper and pencil—or possibly a pen. If my idea book isn’t handy, I write my first drafts out on a legal pad or in a regular old notebook. I feel like this connects more with the crazy world in my brain than typing. I know some who go straight to their computer keyboards, but to me—and I’ve said this before-- that’s like Michelangelo heading to the scaffold in the Sistine Chapel without sketching things first. Your story will change and evolve, but the initial ideas flow much more freely on paper. Writing is our art form. The first draft is your sketch.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: Next? Yikes! PETER EASTER FROG hopped onto shelves on January 19th, barely a month after DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Illus. Luisa Uribe/ Harper Collins / an Indie Next/ Kids’ Pick) so I think next up is some time to catch my breath--haha. No, really, there are certain manuscripts currently out on submission, whose titles shall not be named at present—one which involves a big switch in genres, so send good thoughts, please friends! 

Thank you, Erin -- this was fun and so insightful! Congrats on all your success!

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books. 

                           D O U B L E   G I V E A W A Y!

Comment on this post and share it on social media for a chance to win a PB critique or a copy of PETER EASTER FROG. Two winners will be announced next week. (US address for the book please.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Erin Dealey:
erindealey.com
@ErinDealey

​Erin Dealey's original career goal was Olympic Gold Medal tetherball player. When that didn't pan out, she became a teacher, theater director, actor, mom, and author--and welcomes any opportunity to visit schools (or zoom) around the world. She lives in northern California with her husband and a very energetic Golden Retriever. Now go read (or write!) a book. : )  


.....................................................................................................     Order Peter Easter Frog HERE

Hello and welcome back to KidLit Oasis -- the place to ​refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

We continue the Chitchat series with another awesome creative. It's my pleasure to welcome my friend and wonderful author, Melissa Berger Stoller! I can't wait to hear about Melissa's journey, her new projects, tips on revising and much more. 

Melissa is also generously giving away a picture book critique AND a copy of her new book so be sure to enter the giveaways! We will have two lucky winners with this interview!

Now, without further ado, here's Melissa. . .

Welcome, Melissa! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: First of all, thank you for welcoming me to your blog, Rosie! I’m happy to be here and enjoyed answering these thoughtful questions! :)

My journey to publication has been long and windy. The short version starts with my career as a lawyer and legal writing instructor, moves to my work as a freelance writer and editor, and also early childhood instructor, and lands on my dream job: children’s book writer. I have four books published so far. All my books were inspired by observations in my world, questions I asked, or family connections. SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH stemmed from a question I asked while standing in front of a Monet painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (my favorite museum): What would it be like to paint with a magic paintbrush? READY, SET, GORILLA! was inspired by a billboard I observed in Times Square that said, “Ready, Set, GO!” - I imagined a little GOrilla racing a GOpher! And my chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND, and my latest picture book, SADIE’S SHABBT STORIES, were both inspired by family history. I have many wonderful storytellers in my family including my parents and grandmother, and these books honor the stories I cherished growing up and beyond.
 
SADIE’S SHABBAT STORIES is really the story of my heart. Lisa Goldberg’s gorgeous Chagall-like illustrations brought the characters and scenes alive in such a beautiful and moving way. The book is about Sadie, who loves hearing her Nana tell stories about their family heirlooms, relating to the candlesticks, Kiddush cup, and challah cover they use to celebrate the Jewish Shabbat. Sadie longs to find her unique voice and tell her own special stories, just like Nana. When writing, I also thought about my three girls, and I wanted to depict Sadie as a strong girl growing and using her voice. I’m so thankful to Callie Metler-Smith at Clear Fork Publishing for believing in this book, and to Mira Reisberg for her amazing editing and art direction.

Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?
​
A: I find most challenging the waiting we all do in the publishing world. From sending out queries to agents and editors, to waiting for the finished book to appear in our hands, it’s often a long wait at every turn. But when I share a book with children at school visits, the smiles, head nods, questions, and comments remind me that it’s always worth the wait! Connecting with readers is one of the most rewarding and motivating parts of the publishing world, aside from the moment you hold a finished book in your hands for the first time. That is truly a moment to take a deep breath and celebrate!
 
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: When working on a project, there are many craft techniques that are helpful. I always pay attention to pacing and page turns in picture books. Good pacing ensures that the reader will want to turn the page. I often use sticky notes on blank pages of paper and I move text around to capture the perfect page turn. Also, I write a mission statement/pitch at the top of every manuscript and also list mentor texts. I keep an eye on the mission statement to ensure my manuscript is moving in the correct direction in terms of plot and theme (and sometimes I change the mission statement if the story is moving in a different and better direction!).

When revising, I try to make sure that the story has enough heart, humor, or whatever the voice is. Heart is always at the center of every story. Of course, my critique partners are so vital to the process. They comment on big picture and small picture items, and always spark revision ideas. Sometimes during revision, I may totally change the point of view or add or subtract characters. Anything can happen! 

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I’m so happy that RETURN OF THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH will be releasing in 2021. It’s the sequel to SCARLE’T MAGIC PAINTBRUSH, and it’s all about friendship and second chances. It also includes colors and nature –  both STEAM themes. The illustrations I have seen so far from artist Sandie Sonke are amazing! Also, I’m collaborating on a project with Callie Metler-Smith and Shirin Shamsi – a new picture book series. The first book is PLANTING FRIENDSHIP – PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM. It’s about three girls from different faith traditions who find friendship while cultivating plants at school. Callie, Shirin, and I are from the same faith traditions as the girls, and we have had so much fun sharing ideas as well as our unique heritages while writing the story together. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world as it celebrates kindness, cultures, and kids.
 
Thank you so much for chatting with me, Rosie! I can’t wait to add your latest book, SUNDAY RAIN, to my picture book collection! 

You're very welcome, Melissa! Thank you for your continuous support of my work and thank you for being my guest on KidLit Oasis! I hope you will be back to chitchat about your future releases, too. 

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — social media shares and boosts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

To enter the giveaways, please leave a comment and indicate your preference of critique or a book.
 
Connect with Melissa Berger Stoller:

Website: https://www.MelissaStoller.com
Twitter: @MelissaStoller

*Click on the book cover to order a copy of Sadie's Shabbat Stories

​Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush, Ready, Set, GOrilla!, and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2018 and 2020). Upcoming books include Return of the Magic Paintbrush. Melissa is a Blogger and Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for the Debut Picture Book Study Group, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a founding member of The Book Meshuggenahs. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and long beach walks.

Piles of multi-colored leaves, rainy, chilly days, warm drinks and cozy sweaters. . . Are you enjoying fall? What have you been reading? 

Well, just in time for Halloween, I am pleased to introduce to you a new picture book and interview its author!

So, once again dear readers, welcome to the KidLit Oasis ― the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost! It's great to have you here!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for an awfully fun and sweet chitchat with children's author Sandra Sutter who is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us!

Plus, check out the giveaway at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Sandra! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: Stan’s Frightful Halloween was one of the first stories I wrote when I began my (serious) writing journey in 2017. But after a few critiques with my newly-formed critique group, it sat untouched in my computer while I worked on other projects. Meanwhile, my debut picture book, The Real Farmer in the Dell, was picked up by Mira Reisberg and Callie Metler at Spork, an imprint of Clear Fork Publishing. I got to know Callie through that process, and when I saw she didn’t have a Halloween-themed story on her list, I showed her my manuscript. Callie loved clumsy werewolf Stan as much as I did, and now he and his story can be shared with everyone!
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: There are a lot of challenging aspects of the Kidlit publishing world. The biggest challenge is staying motivated in the face of rejection and long waits. There are a lot of both! But being a part of the community – building friendships, learning, giving back – and sharing stories and information with children are incredibly motivating rewards. And, for me, the creative process isn’t optional. The need to do it IS motivation.
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: My brain generates a lot of ideas, often at random times when I can’t get around to working on them (on a mountain bike, at the grocery store, in the shower, while driving). So, I email myself when an idea takes root and tuck it away in a special computer file. When I’m ready, I revisit the idea. I’ve found it helpful to add details – to note the word, image, or memory that prompted the idea – so when I circle back to it, the spark is still there.

My revision process always begins with sending the work to my critique partners. I need feedback! It doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree, the feedback itself is incredibly valuable and I trust my critique partners always have my best interest at heart. Sometimes I set the work aside for a while to allow things to sink in. Other times, I revise right away because I am too excited about making the story better. I really, really love the feeling that a “missing piece” has been found and my manuscript “puzzle” is almost complete.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I’m incredibly excited about the release of Stan’s Frightful Halloween and sharing this loveable character with the world. Stan has a lot going on for such a young werewolf, so you might get to see more of him in the future.

Due to COVID and remote-schooling two young kids, my time devoted to writing has been … limited. But, I do have some exciting plans in the works which I hope to announce soon. You can follow me on Twitter or visit my website for more information, and please stop by the Wonder of Words blog, which I run with five amazing critique partners. Every three months I host the PITCH IT TO ME CHALLENGE, where an author pitches a story idea and a “celebrity” guest and I craft our own and put it to a vote. It’s always fun and a great way to see multiple pitch ideas.

Thank you, Rosie, for having me here today. It’s been a pleasure to share a bit about my journey and creativity with your readers. 

You're very welcome -- that was wonderful, Sandra, and I can't wait to hear more about the exciting plans you'll be announcing! Wishing you all the best on your journey and many more literary successes! 

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are greatly appreciated. Let's spread the word! Thank you!

Connect with Sandra Sutter:
Website: www.sdsutter.com
Twitter: @sandradsutter
                                                                                    (click on the book cover to order a copy)

​​Sandra is the author of THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019), a modern, gender-bending take on the popular children's song, and STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN, a spookily fun story of a clumsy, but determined young werewolf. She is a member of SCBWI and an assistant with the Children’s Book Academy. When not writing, Sandra is a mountain-biking mom and jewelry-making hobbyist with a knack for finding life's silver linings. Connect with her at www.sdsutter.com, or on Twitter @sandrasdutter. 

Hello, lovely readers!

Thank you for visiting KidLit Oasis! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the Chitchat series... Children's author Keila V. Dawson is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us!

Plus, check out the giveaway at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Keila! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: My road to publication was a sprint. After a friend challenged me to tick “writing a children’s book” off my bucket list, I wrote the first draft of my debut picture book, THE KING CAKE BABY, illustrated by Vernon Smith (Pelican Publishing 2015). I was fortunate to find an active local SCBWI chapter where I live who helped me revise the manuscript, encourage me to submit, and the book published two years later. As a newbie in the industry, I had no idea what I didn’t know. In retrospect, had I known what I know now about networking and book promotion, it may have been better to be the tortoise in the race. While playing catch up on creating a social media presence, taking writing craft classes, and networking with the kidlit community, I wish I would have written more stories. I submitted a companion story that passed acquisitions that is still unpublished so there’s never a guarantee even when you think you’ve jumped the highest hurdle.
 
A highlight of my journey as a writer has been working collaboratively for the past two years with Lindsay Metcalf and Jeanette Bradley on NO VOICE TOO SMALL: FOURTEEN YOUNG AMERICANS MAKING HISTORY. I am so proud of this project, especially since there were so many moving parts. And I think the support from our editor Karen Boss and the team at Charlesbridge deserve credit, too, for believing in this project and dedicating the time and resources to make it shine.
 
Having learned my lesson, I kept writing new drafts while working on NO VOICE TOO SMALL.

​Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?
​
A: The most challenging part of book publication is the juggle. I am constantly trying to balance writing new stories with research, revision work, contributing to the kidlit community, studying the craft, and keeping up with new releases while creating content for marketing. And figuring out where to target my energy and what promotion isn’t worth the investment of time or money. Promotion works, it’s just time-consuming.
​
What keeps me motivated is uncovering stories - especially untold stories – that add to narratives often left out of history books and school curriculum. I love research, and I lean toward nonfiction. And I can easily fall down a rabbit hole because I enjoy learning about other cultures, re-learning history and discovering different perspectives on stories outside of my lived experiences. Sometimes a story grabs onto me and it won’t let go. Those are the stories I feel compelled to dedicate time to research and write. I am working on a manuscript now with the help of others outside of the U.S. and we are all committed to it because it will hopefully inspire children to consider conflict resolution without resorting to violence. 

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: Something I learned in genealogical research is to research widely. After choosing a topic or subject, I search for academic publications and contact experts in the field to help me figure out different perspectives. With perspective, I can start thinking about the story arc and find those gems hidden in history that would resonate with kids.
​
For revision, I rely on trusted critiquers who give me their honest opinions. Again, for me, it’s all about perspective. Who’s story am I telling, why does it matter, and what do I want my readers to know?
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
 
A: I will take part in San Francisco Public Library’s Kidquake 2020 on October 16th. And I’ll be at the virtual Buckeye Book Fair in November. Jeanette, Lindsay and I have one more virtual book launch event planned in Ohio where I live on November 14 at 11 am/EST with Cover to Cover bookstore. And it’s time to start promoting my next book, OPENING THE ROAD: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (Beaming Books, January 26, 2021).

Lindsay, Jeanette and are already engaging with kids and schools with NO VOICE TOO SMALL. We are offering access on-demand (asynchronous) and live (synchronous) visits, suitable for classroom or at-home use. There’s an Activity Guide to use with the book I created using ELA Common Core Standards and other relevant content standards. Here’s a page with links to our collection of resources including “Young Activists Speak” videos, mini writing workshops, art class with Jeanette Bradley, and the No Voice Too Small pledge and more. We’re excited that the No Voice Too Small Book Club is featured in Flipgrid’s Discovery Library.

I’ll have more book news to share soon, and I’m excited about my work in progress.

Thank you, Keila! Wishing you all the best on your journey and I look forward to your future projects.

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on social media, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with Keila V. Dawson

Website: www.keiladawson.com
Twitter: @keila_dawson
Instagram: @keilavdawson
Pinterest: pinterest.com/keiladawson/

            Keila V. Dawson                        Lindsay H. Metcalf                        Jeanette Bradley            

​Welcome to KidLit Oasis the Chitchat series -- a ​place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

We have another amazing author interview with great insight, plus a GIVEAWAY! 

Welcome back, Beth! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest, which tells me you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out 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 the previous one? Is there an interesting behind-the-scene about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out?

A: Thanks so much, Rosie, for inviting me back!

Maybe it was growing up in the country, or maybe it was just normal kid curiosity, but city sidewalk grates always caught my attention. What’s down there?
When I read an article about James “Smelly” Kelly, I had some answers to that childhood wondering.  And he had such quirky experiences—comical, dangerous, bizarre! I was smitten! But with only a few anecdotes about his life, pulling together a story was a huge challenge.

After trying out a few angles, I examined his story through the “hero” lens. I had worked through ideas about heroes with Lizzie Demands a Seat and how we all need to step out of the “silence.” “Smelly” Kelly was a different kind of hero—an everyday hero. As I dug deeper asking myself questions about heroism and considered his “super” senses, I found my “heart” thread. The story became about finding our own specialness and where we fit in our world; about what makes a hero a hero; about the idea that we all have unique talents to offer. Those ideas, which I believe strongly and want to share with every child, make this story near and dear to my heart.
 
Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach to it (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)?Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring it into the world?

A: Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek was the editor for both Lizzie Demands a Seat and “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. While the process is the same and both deal with concepts about heroes, the stories are very different. The biggest contrast in going from manuscript to book was with illustrations. E.B. Lewis and Jenn Harney work very differently, and it was fascinating for me to learn about their processes and see the books come to life. I am so intrigued by how the editor and art director identify the perfect illustrator and proceed to marry text to art. I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch it all!

E.B. Lewis, who works in watercolors, says in his art note in Lizzie Demands a Seat that he used colors he had never used before. Clearly, we both pushed past our comfort zones with that book. Jenn Harney, who works digitally, also taught me about palettes. With her process, changes and tweaks were easy to make. We both had a lot of fun with “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. I relished sneaking in superhero references, and she infused joy into all the action. I learn more with every book!
 
Q: 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?

A: The editor and I shared ideas about illustrators. When she suggested Jenn Harney, I immediately explored her website and found glorious detail, unique characters, and scenes bursting with life. I was an instant fan! Jenn was wonderful to work with—always happy to revise and tweak as we worked through a few challenging pages. It turns out she loved her first adventure into researching for illustrations, too. She surprised me with the two palettes for above and below ground, fascinating detail, and creative ways to show the action that involved drips and leaks hidden behind walls or underground. The first tunnel scene took my breath away. The power of the palette! And the last page was so perfect—better than anything I’d imagined. I enjoy learning about illustration and all the aspects of it beyond the ability to draw.
 
Q: 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?

A: I look forward to sharing my books with kids and sparking curiosity, creative thinking, and opening up their world. Hopefully, I can continue to chance upon stories that beg to be told that will help kids see the humanity in history and connect it to their own lives, as well as explore fun and thought provoking topics. I’m thrilled to stay on this path, and I welcome any opportunities that might come my way.
 
Q: 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?

A: I’m looking forward to the virtual launch of “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses at Second Star to the Right Bookstore in Denver on Oct. 17 at 4pm MDT. Please join in!

The New York Transit Museum is doing a virtual family program on “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses soon (date TBA). I’ll be helping with a couple presentations. If you’re interested in upcoming virtual events like this, please check my website.

And recently I was contacted by the Long Island Museum about a program they’re developing for schools on Elizabeth Jennings using Lizzie Demands a Seat. If you’re in a school and interested in the virtual program, please contact the museum.

I’m very excited about Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle which releases in fall 2021. It’s such a tender father and son story, full of energy and joy! Tad reminds me of all those students I had that couldn’t sit still, whose minds popped with ideas—kids who were challenged as learners for various reasons, and who pushed me to be a better teacher. Another story dear to my heart!

Thank you, Beth. What an interesting insight! I can't wait to read "Smelly" Kelly's story.

Readers, to support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — shares are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

                                    G I V E A W A Y!
For a chance to win a copy of "Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses simply comment on this post and you will be entered. (Continental US only, please.)

Connect with Beth Anderson:
Website: www.bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. Armed with linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, wonders, thinks, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. Author of AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET(S&S 2018), LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! (Calkins Creek, 2020), and “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES (Calkins Creek, Oct. 2020), Beth has more historical gems on the way.

Hello, amazing readers!

Welcome back to KidLit Oasis ― it's always great to have you visit! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the Chitchat series... Children's author Deb Gruelle is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, she's giving away a copy of her new book, Sleepy Time Colors!
 
Welcome, Deb! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication. 

A: I never thought of being a writer. I always thought being a writer was far beyond my grasp, but I’ve always loved reading and loved words. My mom took us to the library often. I was a voracious reader. And when I learned words, they just stuck in my mind.
 
But the seeds of writing may have been planted by reading Raggedy Ann and Andy stories and knowing I was related to Johnny Gruelle, the author of those stories.
 
I grew up in Silicon Valley, and eventually started working as a technical writer there. This helped give me the confidence to write magazine articles and my first book on infertility and miscarriage. My first book was traditionally published way back in the era before social media.
 
When I became a parent, I saw how stories affected my children in such positive ways.
 
When my youngest son was just about to turn one, and my dad died. We flew from Colorado to California to stay at my Mom’s with other extended family for the funeral. As I connected the longings of losing my dad, what I wanted to pass on to my kids, and one small practical way to pass that on, the idea for a picture book came to me. I wrote it, edited it, then tried to sell it to a couple of publishers. It was rejected with some nice comments, but I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. So I put it away in a drawer.
 
Sixteen years later, I went to a writers conference and submitted this children’s book manuscript. A large publisher bought it. Because Ten Little Night Stars did so well, the publisher had room for my second book, Sleepy Time Colors, which just released.
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: I live with chronic health issues, so I find I need to pay for help for many of the business aspects of writing. So, that’s one of my biggest challenges.

What helps me stay motivated are the reader responses. I received an email last week from Grace, a grandma who said, “I babysat my one-year-old granddaughter last week. I read and reread and reread your book to her because she loves it so much. Thanks for investing in the lives of little people.”

I love that my book became a tool that helped strengthen the bond between this grandma and her granddaughter. That’s motivating to me.
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: Reading the words out loud helps me hear uneven rhythms. Having someone else read the story’s words out loud catches even more problems.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: My second children’s book, Sleepy Time Colors, just released!

Thank you, Deb, and all the best on your journey!

If you'd like to support our featured authors/illustrators you can do so by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with ​Deb:
Website: DebGruelle.com
Twitter: @debgruelleauth

Deb Gruelle is a bestselling and award winning, author who loves writing children’s booksto help little ones transition to sleep. As the great-grand-niece of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, she grew up on his whimsical stories and enjoys being a third-generation children’s writer.
 
Children’s Books:
Sleepy Time Colors (Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, 2020)--playful rhymes allow parents to snuggle their little one in their favorite jammies as they lift the flaps to learn their colors.
 
Ten Little Night Stars--follow cuddly animals through their bedtime routine to prepare children to transition to sleep as they learn to count to ten.

Hello, summer readers!

After a series of summertime siestas and soaking in the sun, I am back to welcome you to KidLit Oasis. As you might remember, this is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now once again, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we are kicking off the new season with author Kirsti Call! She will share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, there's a giveaway, too!

Welcome, Kirsti Call! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: My first book,THE RAINDROP WHO COULDN’T FALL, came out in 2013, very soon after I started writing picture books. It was a miracle that I’ve been grateful for ever since---especially because I had a 5 year gap full of submissions and rejections and more rejections. Finally I signed with Emma Sector at Prospect agency 2 years ago and now I have 3 books coming out.  MOOTILDA’S BAD MOOD is releasing almost exactly 7 years after my raindrop book. 

Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: Rejections are the worst.  But rejections are what make the process of actually making a book sooooo special. I love watching how kids react to my book—a laugh from a kid reader is priceless! And because I adore words and creating stories, I stay motivated—it’s all about loving the journey!

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A:I revise my stories a gazillion times.  I write, re-write, send to critique partners, quibble over words, send to other critique partners, re-write, send to my agent, then re-write again.  Mentor texts are super helpful for me as I’m working on a project—when I find a book that conveys the feeling I want to convey, I try to understand how that book accomplished it, and infuse that into my writing.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I have two more books coming out into the world!  COW SAYS MEOW releases with HMH on March 16, 2021, and COLD TURKEY releases with Little Brown in the Fall of 2021.  Also, Kim Chaffee and I have started a podcast called Picture Book Look.  Interviewing authors and illustrators has been an incredible adventure---and each episode is only 15 minutes, so it’s short and sweet.

Thank you, Kirsti!

Dear readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered in the giveaway for a chance to win an ARC of Mootilda's Bad Mood! 

Connect with Kirsti Call:
Website: www.kirsticall.com/
Twitter: @kirsticall

Hello, amazing readers!

It's a pleasure to have you at the Oasis -- thanks for visiting! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

And with this post, I will be wrapping up the series for the season and taking a break for the summer, but the Chitchat will resume at the end of August. So . . .

Get ready to enjoy this interview! Stretch your smiles wide, and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Lindsay Leslie is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the DOUBLE giveaway, and other offers at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Lindsay Leslie ! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: Thank you so much for having me, Rosie! I wasn't one of those folks who dreamed of becoming an author, but I was one of those folks who could write. It was something I did to manage my emotions (lots of diary and journal writing), to stay busy and focused (on my high school newspaper; journalism major), and to secure myself a job (my career as a public relations exec). And we've all heard this before: it took me having my own children to fall back in love with picture books, but as a storyteller and not just a reader. I dove into craft and leaned on all the resources--SCBWI Austin, Julie Hedlund's 12X12, Picture Book Summit, The Writing Barn--and I also chased every avenue to get feedback and exposure to agents and editors--#PBParty, #PBPitch, #PitMad, and so on. I've met so many fantastic and talented authors and illustrators who inspired me to push on and keep at it.

​I never wanted to throw in the towel, but I often wondered if I could ever break through. And then my break came from a pitch during #PitMad for THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS. That's how I connected with Page Street Kids and my editor at the time, Charlotte Wenger. They not only offered on THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS (illustrated by Alice Brereton), but then two subsequent manuscripts of mine, NOVA THE STAR EATER (illustrated by John Taesoo Kim) and the picture book that just released, DUSK EXPLORERS (illustrated by Ellen Rooney). The text for DUSK EXPLORERS came to me from one of the presentations by Julie Hedlund called "The Verse Curse". The story poured out of me and really didn't require much editing. I was so in the moment when I wrote it. I was transported back to my childhood street of Fieldwood Drive in Richardson, Texas. Right now, I'm wishing another story would come to me like DUSK EXPLORERS did. I think a lot of it is being open to the memories, the experiences, and the observations, and being mindful when they cross the transom.

I think my biggest uphill battle with getting into this industry was the very beginning. I was coming out of a depression due to massive panic attacks, and I once again leaned toward writing to give me courage and to pull me out of the pain. What came of that was my debut, THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS. It was very autobiographical. I wasn't ready to share the story about how the book came about until recently. I wrote about it here.

I then had another big health scare in 2017 when I contracted Tick Borne Relapsing Fever, which landed me in the hospital. During my sickness, I had the wherewithal to post my pitches to #PitMad, which led to my first book deal. When I think about these health battles, the trials and tribulations of the creative process and publishing industry don't get to me as much as they would have had I not been knocked down a couple of times. I've built some amazing armor over the years and I'm full-on using it. I've always said, "It's always a 'no' if you don't put yourself out there."
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: Besides the waiting? OK, seriously, I think it is the feeling that you are just one creator among a sea of so many talented people. Your manuscript has got to shine and shine brightly. Often times I write a story and I love it. I'm head over heels, yet other folks read it and don't get what I'm trying to do. I'm often too conceptual, but I love working in that space and leaving parts of the story up for interpretation. What I find rewarding is when I connect. First I have to connect with my agent, then an editor, and then I get to connect to the readers and to the parents, teachers, and librarians. When they all get it and get the feelings I'm trying to express, nothing is greater. That's what keeps me motivated.

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: I feel I'm one of the worst people to ask about process. I'm so willy nilly, but, hey, that's a process, right? I let my manuscript lead me. But in the end, I always ALWAYS put my manuscripts through the ringer with at least a couple of critique groups. I read them aloud to my husband (a novelist) and children (seriously wonderful editors), and, wow, are they honest with their feedback. (Brutal!) I almost always dummy my stories. I would share the dummies for one of my three published books, but I threw them out. Now, why would I do that? Ugh. I won't do that in the future. Sorry folks! My dummies are 8 pieces of 8 1/2 X 11 pieces of paper folded in half. I write each word in with pencil, so that I think about each word. I often read it out loud as I am writing, so I catch words I've doubled up on or those words that just don't lend themselves to the story. I also use the drawer or the file folder and let the story sit for a while. I need space from my story to be able to really see it again for the editing process.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I have the type of exciting news I can't talk about. So, CLIFFHANGER! Also, I'm thrilled that DUSK EXPLORERS earned a starred review from Kirkus, Ellen Rooney and I were interviewed for the June issue of Kirkus (pinchable moment), and Amazon's editors picked it as one of the best books of June 2020 for ages 3-5 (jaw drop). I will be doing a live reading of DUSK EXPLORERS and answering questions over on Books & Books Instagram page (@booksandbooks) on July 4 at 11 a.m. ET. Swing on by! 

Wow, what an amazing journey! Congrats on all your success, Lindsay, and I can't wait to hear more about the exciting news you can't talk about now (what a cliffhanger indeed!). It was a pleasure having you and I hope you'll be back to share your next book with us, too!

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with Lindsay Leslie:
Website: lindsayleslie.com
Twitter: @lleslie