 Happy National Plant a Flower Day, everyone! Celebrating that, oh, do I have a treat for you today! I can't think of a better day to talk about a brand-new picture book titled JUST FLOWERS, and what a joy to get to chat with both the author and the illustrator! Here's the insight they share with my followers and a special giveaway... My questions for Erin Dealey, the author: R.J.P.: How did the idea for this book come? What inspired the story? E.D.: First of all, thank you for having us on your blog, Rosie, and for helping to spread the word about JUST FLOWERS. As for your question, I get ideas from everywhere, but this one came from an Instagram thread about #ayearinflowers. Not only were the flowers that people posted gorgeous, but many included their Latin names and I found myself very entertained by those. I mean, I can’t say Ranunculus out loud without smiling. Can you? Or Galunthus? All I could think about was how fun these words would be in a read-aloud. Like I said ideas are everywhere. R.J.P.: That's fascinating, I'm glad you took that opportunity to create a wonderful story with such fun-to-pronounce Latin flower names, indeed! Please share the journey from writing your first draft to the polished manuscript going out on submission to getting the offer... Did you do many revisions? Were there any challenges along the way? How long did it take to find a publishing home for this book and how did you get the news? E.D.: This manuscript had at least five revisions, some of which I took to my critique group, The PBJs. Shout out to my CPs Patirica Newman, Bitsy Kemper, and Lori Mortensen. Before they saw it, however, the first challenge was figuring out how to incorporate the Latin names (and which ones to choose) without seeming didactic. Then there’s the fact that I am NOT a Botanist— or close to it. Do not ask me to name all the wildflowers on a hike. But the topic intrigued me, and it was fun to dig in. (Pardon the pun.) R.J.P.: Love the pun! And reading the story, you could've fooled me for sure... I definitely thought you at least had a green thumb if not a full-blown botany passion. So, after the book was acquired, did you go through additional rounds of revisions with your editor? If so, how did the story change? E.D.: Yes, there were definitely revisions once Sleeping Bear acquired it. We narrowed the seasonal focus to almost Spring/early summer, so that meant changing a few plants & flowers to fit the growing season. And the main character had several different names in early drafts before we settled on IZZY. Also, in early drafts a local TV news team showed up. Switching to the Green Thumb Award (no spoilers) was my editor, Sarah Rockett’s suggestion. R.J.P.: What was your reaction when you found that that you’ve been paired with #1 NYT bestselling illustrator Kate Cosgrove? E.D.: Oh, my goodness, I saw Kate’s early illustrations and was blown away by Kate’s style and palette before her book A DAY WITH NO WORDS (written by Tiffany Hammond / Wheat Penny Press) hit the NYT Bestseller list—and deservedly so. Seriously, my jaw dropped when I saw the spread of Izzy and Mom.  R.J.P.: It's beautiful! I learned from your interview with Kate on your blog what her favorite spread to illustrate in the book was and her personal inspiration behind it. I’d love to know what your favorite spread of art is and why? E.D.: I’m serious when I say that each spread is absolutely magical, from the palette to the details she chose. But the one with Izzy’s mom took my breath away. And knowing that her memories of her grandma were the inspiration for that scene really explains why you feel so much love on that page. It’s truly palpable. R.J.P.: Yes, I can see that, too! What do you hope kids get away from your story after reading JUST FLOWERS? E.D.: It would be super cool if Izzy inspires others to share random acts of kindness. I’d also love to hear that Izzy’s love of all things botanical has inspired others, and perhaps there are a few more Monarch migration stations in the world. Last but not least, I hope it’s a fun read-aloud, and receives endless “read-it-again” requests. R.J.P.: And my final question is, what’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects you can share with us? Any upcoming books in the pipeline? What are you looking forward to? I recently signed a new contract that’s one of those can’t-talk-about-it-yet things right now. You know what I mean. This one began during the pandemic and went through so many revisions, it’s barely recognizable from the first drafts. (Never give up, friends!) I’ve worked with the wonderful illustrator on several other books (That’s a clue!) so I’m very thrilled to be moving forward with this. Ooh, how intriguing! I can't wait to find out more. And yes, I totally get both the "can't-talk-about-it-yet" and the "so many revisions" scenario to the point where the manuscript is barely recognizable. Thank you, Erin, for being a returning guest and for giving my readers a behind-the-scenes look at JUST FLOWERS. I wish you all the best with the book, your upcoming project, and all future ones, too! My questions for Kate Cosgrove, the illustrator: R.J.P.: Kate, what made you jump on board to illustrate this story? What did you think when you first read the manuscript? What grabbed you? K.C.: They totally had me hooked at “Sleeping Bear Press wants you to illustrate a book.” I’m from Michigan and have loved Sleeping Bear books since I was a kid. Then I received the manuscript…I had a HUGE immediate crush on the story. Izzy is such a sweet character, and the way they spread love and inclusion through discarded wildflowers is so beautiful. And just so we don’t get too sappy, the big ol’ grump of a neighbor balances everything out in very funny way. R.J.P.: Did you have any communication with Erin during the process of creating the art? K.C.: Erin connected with me a little on social media, but we didn’t discuss our book until after the editors and art directors approved everything. R.J.P.: What is your favorite sentence from the book and why? K.C.: I love the very first sentence and the way it hooks you right in the brain…That very specific sensation of being chilled by winter, bored in a way only a kid can be, and the excitement of suddenly having the monotony broken by a new neighbor to spy on… not that I would EVER be that nosy… “One blustery brr day, in a dreary dull town, a new neighbor moved in next door.” R.J.P.: Would you share your research process, if any, in preparation to illustrate all the flowers? What was your favorite flower to illustrate in the book? K.C.: This story has specific flower breeds by scientific name, so I researched all of them carefully. I did a ton of drawing just flowers (ha!) before I even got to the sketching stage. The roses were so fun to draw… And smash the different colors on top of each other to show their folds and petals. I still find myself doodling roses for fun, even after the completion of the art. R.J.P.: I love that! What do you hope the takeaway from the book is when kids read it? K.C." It would be amazing if it helped nature compete a little with screentime… encouraging kids to go outside, poke around in the dirt, smell the flowers, and notice butterflies in our world. R.J.P.: I totally agree! Please share two things that are on your bucket list, either personally or professionally. K.C.: I dream of being invited to participate in the Bath Children's Literature Festival, but even just to attend would be so cool! I love scary movies… and would love to illustrate a creepy kidlit story. R.J.P.: I hope you get to do that in the near future, Kate! Okay, so what’s next for you? Any projects in the pipeline that you can share about? What are you excited about and looking forward to? I’m working on a couple more nonfiction science books for kids through Holliday House. A Tree Is A Community by David L. Harrison releases this fall. Thank you both, Erin and Kate! It was wonderful to chat about your book and get the scoop on the journey of this story. Wishing you the best of success and looking forward to what's next.  Erin Dealey is a screenwriter, playwright, blogger, and award-winning children’s author of 20+ picture books & board books (so far), including the newest, JUST FLOWERS (Illus. Kate Cosgrove /Sleeping Bear), the award-winning DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Harper Collins/ Illus. Luisa Uribe), SNOW GLOBE WISHES (Illus. Claire Shorrock / Sleeping Bear—an Anna Dewdney Read Together honor book; and silly PETER EASTER FROG (Simon & Schuster, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/ Illus. G. Brian Karas). 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 around the world. She lives in northern California with her husband. You can find her online at erindealey.com and on TwitterX @ErinDealey & Instagram @ErinDealey. Connect with Erin: Web site: http://erindealey.com/ Blog: Book Birthdays, Kidlit Interviews, Classroom Blog Takeovers http://erindealey.com/blog/ Insta: @erindealey https://www.instagram.com/erindealey/ TwitterX: @ErinDealey https://twitter.com/ErinDealey Pinterest: @erindealey https://www.pinterest.com/erindealey/ FB: Erin Dealey https://www.facebook.com/erin.dealey  Kate Cosgrove is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond. This book juried into The Original Art 43rd Annual Exhibition in NYC. Cosgrove’s other notable picture books include And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and a Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honors book. The Dirt Book, Poems About Animals that Live Beneath Our Feet, which juried into The Original Art 41st Annual Exhibition in NYC, and is a 2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee. She’s usually hiding in her probably-haunted studio, with pencil- smudged fingers and a smelly dog named Stanley. Connect with Kate: www.katecosgrove.com Instagram @k8cosgrove Twitter @k8_cosgrove Bluesky @k8cosgrove.bsky.social Order your copy of JUST FLOWERS here.  G I V E A W A Y! ! ! Comment for a chance to win your choice of either a signed copy of the book (U.S. only) or a picture book critique by Erin Dealey. And the winner is . . . Lori Tecler! Congratulations!!!
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 Hello, writers, artists, readers, educators, parents.... and all! Thank you for being here! Remember, this is a place to refresh your mind, recharge your spirit, and get literary inspired! And what a double treat I have for you on KidLit Oasis this week! I am so excited to be talking with a pair of creators, author Beth Anderson and Illustrator Anne Lambelet, and their amazing newly released picture book, CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER. Welcome, Beth and Anne! I can't wait to hear about your collaboration and all the juicy details, the behind-the-scenes in the creation of this book, and the wisdom you have to share with my readers. I know we will all be inspired and enriched by your journey with this book. Beth, please tell us how the idea for this story came about? Walk us through the writing and revising process – how many drafts, how long it took to complete it, when did you share with your agent etc. BA: I had come across Deborah Sampson in the past but wasn’t grabbed by what little I knew about her. Then in 2019, an article appeared about a diary that was found with a reference to Sampson’s failed attempt at enlisting. This caught my attention, because primary source discoveries do that, and suddenly I considered her challenges. It was clearly a story that needed to be told, but I didn’t have any idea of how to tell it… and I wasn’t hooked emotionally. I started researching in the summer of 2019. After only one draft in October 2019, I was totally stuck. I focused on Sampson as a mystery, inviting the reader to imagine with me and question the various aspects of her story—because the research raised so many questions due to a lot of misinformation. But it was distant and really didn’t work. In January 2020 I prepared for the release of LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, a series of school visits, a conference, and a trip to NYC. Then Covid hit. For a while, I couldn’t get words on the page. At the end of April, I picked up the Sampson manuscript and tried again. I needed to work on something. The research became a lesson in historical detective work and required me to search farther and wider. After lots more digging, I began to find the person. And then, I was hooked. After about 15 revisions, I shared it with my agent. (But really, it was still not ready.) Let’s hear about the submission process. How long did it take from submission to offer? How did you get the news? Where were you at that moment? Can you give us the juicy details around that? BA: We did an exclusive submission in July 2020 to Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek. I’d worked with her on five other books. Because it only went to one editor, it played out a bit differently than usual. It was basically an R&R&R&R&R&R. I took it through 8-10 more revisions, sharing a few along the way with the editor, before receiving an offer in October. And then, of course, a few more revisions under contract. I had shifted how I attacked a draft with this story, and I think it resulted in more pre-writing and fewer revisions initially, though it still ended up close to my usual 30. As we all were adjusting to a new normal, this manuscript just happened differently. I was mentally a bit clogged in that first year of the pandemic, and publishing seemed to slow. But the editor’s interest kept me going. So many challenges with this story! When did you find out who the illustrator was and what were your thoughts about the pairing? BA: I always ask my agent, Stephanie Fretwell-Hill about illustrators, and share our thoughts when the editor asks about my vision. Anne is also one of Stephanie’s clients, and her name came up immediately. Her style seemed a great fit, and I loved her work. And so did the editor! Anne, what did you think of the story when you were approached about illustrating it? What attracted you to the book? Why did you decide to get on board? AL: I was immediately excited by the manuscript! I love empowering stories about strong, female characters, and it was even more exciting knowing that Deborah Sampson was a real — but mostly unknown— historical figure. The book felt like an opportunity to shed some light on a woman who deserved more widespread attention and admiration. I also live in Philadelphia, a city bursting with revolutionary war-era history that I’ve developed a lot of pride in, so I was also very excited to create art for that time period. Were there any challenges in the process of telling Deborah’s story in the art? Did you collaborate with Beth while working on the illustrations? AL: I’d say the biggest challenge for me was making sure that everything was completely historically accurate. Illustrating a book can often feel like directing a film. You have the script, but in every image, you need to design costumes, dress sets, furnish props, cast actors. There are so many small details to consider, and, with non-fiction, that takes a lot of research. It’s crucial that each choice be correct for the time period, whether it be as important as the color of a military uniform or as seemingly insignificant as what side dish is sitting out on a dining table. Though our editor served as a go-between for Beth and me, there was a lot of back and forth between us — as well as an additional historical expert — to make sure that I was depicting this era just right.  Beth, when did you first see what Deborah’s character looked like in sketches? What was it like compared to the image that you had in your mind perhaps? BA: I saw the first dummy in April 2021. Amazing! The only historical images of Deborah Sampson are crudely done and not flattering—no photographs exist. Consequently, I didn’t have a detailed image in my mind, just someone likeable and, I guess, average. Anne’s rendering nailed it—a rather plain woman, yet both strong and vulnerable, that lets the reader think she could be anyone and makes her ability to pass as a man believable. Anne, what was your favorite spread to illustrate and why? AL: There were several spreads that I really enjoyed working on, but my favorite was probably the battle scene where Deborah gets shot in the leg. The text on the spread was charged with so much urgency and energy that, even on the first read-through of the manuscript, images for that particular excerpt were already popping into my head. I loved piecing together all the little vignettes so that the reader’s eye flows across the spread through Beth’s words, hopefully evoking the same movement and action. Plus, I love drawing trees, so it also felt fun and spontaneous letting those hints of landscape fill in the background. Beth, what was your favorite spread when you saw the complete dummy and why? BA: The opening spread is my favorite. Initially, it was on one page, when it was expanded to the full spread, and when I saw it in color….WOW!! The depth of the art that I already felt beautifully introduced us to Deborah and the idea that she was sort of “uncontainable” was amazing. The opening text poses a large, complicated question—what makes us who we are? I had to introduce the reader to this child and the context of the time in as few words as possible, but words that would make you want to turn the page. I couldn’t even imagine how an illustrator would support that big, complicated idea. Anne’s art so perfectly brings the idea home, lets us see this child, and immerses us in emotion. There is SO MUCH in that spread! It gives me goosebumps! This question is for both of you, Beth, and Anne. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What do you wish for this story to accomplish in the hands of children? BA: With all the stories I tell, I hope kids will widen their view of the world just a bit and see that everyone is a part of history. This is so much what Sampson’s story is about. How she wanted more than she was handed, saw herself as capable, and pushed past gender roles. And mostly how she turned challenges into chances. I want kids to see possibility in their own lives and know they are capable beings. AL: I hope that readers see the importance of staying strong no matter the obstacles, of believing in yourself even if the rest of society seems against you, and, finally, that gender does not define a person’s capacity for dedication, hard work, bravery and perseverance.  My final question is for both of you again. What’s next for you? What coming up, what are you working on, any new projects we should be on the lookout for, any upcoming events you’d like to share around the launch? BA: Anne and I “met” with Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, CO, for a virtual chat on Facebook Live to celebrate our launch. If you missed it, please look for the link to the recording on my website. It’s truly special for an author and illustrator to get an opportunity to discuss a book and ask all the questions they wondered about in the process of creating it. I’m very excited about THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE which releases in fall 2023. The illustrations by Jeremy Holmes are fabulous! I’m awaiting the final art and just know it will blow me over. There’s nothing I love more than a story with history, humor, AND science! HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE PRESIDENT LINCOLN is currently with illustrator Sally Wern Comport. I can’t wait to see the sketches! And I’m working on final revisions for a story, as yet unannounced, about another amazing young woman. My desk is currently covered with articles and timelines and notes and books on my next WIP as I eke out a first draft, the hardest part for me. AL: I’m currently illustrating a non-fiction picture book by Penny Parker Klostermann about another strong, female, historical figure named Nan Songer. She raised spiders during WWII and harvested their silk which she then sold to the US military for use in gun sights. I am also very excited to announce that I’m currently beginning work on my first graphic novel for which I am both the author and the illustrator. This book is a non-fiction tour of the amazing abilities of cephalopods, and the readers’ guide on the tour is an adorable dumbo octopus named Grimpy. My biggest upcoming project however is that, in November, I’ll become a mom for the first time! With a baby arriving so soon, publication dates for the Nan Songer book and the octopus graphic novel aren’t until 2025. Huge congrats on all fronts, Anne! Doesn't get more exciting than that!! And wow, Beth, you are on fire for sure! I can't wait to see all those books, too! Thank you both for being my guests on KidLit Oasis -- it was such a pleasure chatting with you, and I wish you many more successes, lots of joy in everything you do, and tons of creative bliss! Order your copy of Cloaked in Courage HERE Educator Guide: cloaked-in-courage_educatordiscussion-guide.pdf  About Beth Anderson  Beth Anderson, a former educator, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of CLOAKED IN COURAGE, FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE, REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT, TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE, “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT!, and AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. Beth has more historical picture books on the way.  About Anne Lambelet Anne Lambelet earned her bachelor’s degree in illustration from the University of the Arts in 2014. After graduating she immediately dove into her career as a freelance illustrator working with clients such as HarperCollins, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Owlcrate. Her first author-illustrated picture book, Maria the Matador, was published in 2019, and she’s been both writing and illustrating books for young readers ever since. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, her adorable dog, Eevee, her obese (but also adorable) cat Fitzgerald, and, very soon, a brand new baby. She is currently represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of Red Fox Literary. Connect with Anne: Website: http://www.annelambelet.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annelambelet/ G I V E A W A Y! ! ! Leave a comment on this post to be entered in the drawing for a chance to win a copy of CLOAKED IN COURAGE. Good luck! 
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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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